Changes in temperature in preheated crystalloids at ambient temperatures relevant to a prehospital setting: an experimental simulation study with the application of prehospital treatment of trauma patients suffering from accidental hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia is common in all trauma patients and contributes to the lethal diamond, increasing both morbidity and mortality. In hypotensive shock, fluid resuscitation is recommended using fluids with a temperature of 37-42°, as fluid temperature can decrease the patient's body temperature. In Sweden, virtually all prehospital services use preheated fluids. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the temperature of preheated infusion fluids is affected by the ambient temperatures and flow rates relevant for prehospital emergency care. METHODS: In this experimental simulation study, temperature changes in crystalloids preheated to 39 °C were evaluated. The fluid temperature changes were measured both in the infusion bag and at the patient end of the infusion system. Measurements were conducted in conditions relevant to prehospital emergency care, with ambient temperatures varying between - 4 and 28 °C and flow rates of 1000 ml/h and 6000 ml/h, through an uninsulated infusion set at a length of 175 cm. RESULTS: The flow rate and ambient temperature affected the temperature in the infusion fluid both in the infusion bag and at the patient end of the system. A lower ambient temperature and lower flow rate were both associated with a greater temperature loss in the infusion fluid. CONCLUSION: This study shows that both a high infusion rate and a high ambient temperature are needed if an infusion fluid preheated to 39 °C is to remain above 37 °C when it reaches the patient using a 175-cm-long uninsulated infusion set. It is apparent that the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the flow rate needs to be to limit temperature loss of the fluid.

Prehospital assessment of patients with abdominal pain triaged to self-care at home: an observation study.

BACKGROUND: Patients who call for emergency medical services (EMS) due to abdominal pain suffer from a broad spectrum of diseases, some of which are time sensitive. As a result of the introduction of the concept of 'optimal level of care', some patients with abdominal pain are triaged to other levels of care than in an emergency department (ED). We hypothesised that it could be challenging in a patient safety perspective. AIM: This study aims to describe consecutive patients who call for EMS due to abdominal pain and are triaged to self-care by EMS clinicians. METHODS: This was an observational study performed in an EMS organisation in Western Sweden during 2020. The triage tool Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS), which included Emergency Signs and Symptom (ESS) codes, was used to find medical records where patients with abdominal pain have been triaged to self-care and 194 patients was included in the study. RESULTS: Of total 48,311 ambulance missions, A total of 1747 patients were labelled with ESS code six (abdominal pain), including 223 (12.8%) who were given the code for self-care and 194 who were further assessed by the research group. Of these patients, 32 (16.3%) had a return visit within 96 hours due to the same symptoms and 11 (5.6%) were hospitalised. In six of these patients, the EMS triage was evaluated retrospectively and assessed as inappropriate. These patients had a final diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aneurysm (n = 1), acute appendicitis with peritonitis (n = 2) and acute pancreatitis (n = 3). All these patients required extensive evaluation and different treatments, including acute surgery, antibiotics and fluid therapy. CONCLUSION: Amongst the 1747 patients assessed by EMS due to abdominal pain, 223 (12.8%) were triaged to self-care. Of the 194 patients who were further assessed, 16.3% required a return visit to the ED within 96 hours and 5.6% were hospitalised. Six patients had obvious time-sensitive conditions. Our study highlights the difficulties in the early assessment of abdominal pain and the requirement for an accurate decision support tool.

Cardiorenal function and survival in in-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide study of 22,819 cases.

BACKGROUND: We studied the association between cardiorenal function and survival, neurological outcome and trends in survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). METHODS: We included cases aged ≥ 18 years in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry during 2008 to 2020. The CKD-EPI equation was used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A history of heart failure was defined according to contemporary guideline criteria. Logistic regression was used to study survival. Neurological outcome was assessed using cerebral performance category (CPC). RESULTS: We studied 22,819 patients with IHCA. The 30-day survival was 19.3%, 16.6%, 22.5%, 28.8%, 39.3%, 44.8% and 38.4% in cases with eGFR < 15, 15-29, 30-44, 45-59, 60-89, 90-130 and 130-150 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. All eGFR levels below and above 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 were associated with increased mortality. Probability of survival at 30 days was 62% lower in cases with eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, compared with normal kidney function. At every level of eGFR, presence of heart failure increased mortality markedly; patients without heart failure displayed higher mortality only at eGFR below 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Among survivors with eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, good neurological outcome was noted in 87.2%. Survival increased in most groups over time, but most for those with eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, and least for those with normal eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: All eGFR levels below and above normal range are associated with increased mortality and this association is modified by the presence of heart failure. Neurological outcome is good in the majority of cases, across kidney function levels and survival is increasing.

Low adherence to legislation regarding Do-Not-Attempt-Cardiopulmonary-Resuscitation orders in a Swedish University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The ethical principles of resuscitation have been incorporated into Swedish legislation so that a decision to not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) entails (1) consultation with patient or relatives if consultation with patient was not possible and documentation of their attitudes; (2) consultation with other licensed caregivers; (3) documentation of the grounds for the DNACPR. Our aim was to evaluate adherence to this legislation, explore the grounds for the decision and the attitudes of patients and relatives towards DNACPR orders. METHODS: We included DNACPR forms issued after admission through the emergency department at Karolinska University Hospital between 1st January and 31st October, 2015. Quantitative analysis evaluated adherence to legislation and qualitative analysis of a random sample of 20% evaluated the grounds for the decision and the attitudes. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 3583 DNACPR forms. In 40% of these it was impossible to consult the patient, and relatives were consulted in 46% of these cases. For competent patients, consultation occurred in 28% and the most common attitude was to wish to refrain from resuscitation. Relatives were consulted in 26% and they mainly agreed with the decision. Grounds for the DNAR decision was most commonly severe chronic comorbidity, malignancy or multimorbidity with or without an acute condition. All requirements of the legislation were fulfilled in 10% of the cases. CONCLUSION: In 90% of the cases physicians failed to fulfil all requirements in the Swedish legislation regarding DNAR orders. The decision was mostly based on chronic, severe comorbidity or multimorbidity.

Incidence and Predictors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Within 90 Days After Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is high early after myocardial infarction (MI). Current knowledge and guidelines mainly rely on results from older clinical trials and registry studies. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) alone has not been proven a reliable predictor of SCD. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify the incidence and additional predictors of SCD early after MI in a contemporary nationwide setting. METHODS: The authors used data from SWEDEHEART, the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry, and the Swedish Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Registry. Cases of MI, which had undergone coronary angiography and were discharged alive between 2009 to 2017 without a prior ICD, were followed up to 90 days. Cox regression models were used to assess associations between clinical parameters and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). RESULTS: Among 121,379 cases, OHCA occurred in 349 (0.29%) and non-OHCA death in 2,194 (1.8%). A total of 6 variables (male sex, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, Killip class ≥II, new-onset atrial fibrillation/flutter, and impaired LVEF [reference ≥50%] categorized as 40% to 49%, 30% to 39%, and <30%) were identified as independent predictors, were assigned points, and were grouped into 3 categories, where the incidence of OHCA ranged from 0.12% to 2.0% and non-OHCA death from 0.76% to 11.7%. Stratified by LVEF <40% alone, the incidence of OHCA was 0.20% and 0.76% and for non-OHCA death 1.1% and 4.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study, the incidence of OHCA within 90 days after MI was <0.3%. A total of 5 clinical parameters in addition to LVEF predicted OHCA and non-OHCA death better than LVEF alone.

Pre-hospital predictors of an adverse outcome among patients with dyspnoea as the main symptom assessed by pre-hospital emergency nurses - a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnoea is one of the most common reasons for patients contacting emergency medical services (EMS). Pre-hospital Emergency Nurses (PENs) are independently responsible for advanced care and to meet these patients individual needs. Patients with dyspnoea constitute a complex group, with multiple different final diagnoses and with a high risk of death. This study aimed to describe on-scene factors associated with an increased risk of a time-sensitive final diagnosis and the risk of death. METHODS: A retrospective observational study including patients aged ≥16 years, presenting mainly with dyspnoea was conducted. Patients were identified thorough an EMS database, and were assessed by PENs in the south-western part of Sweden during January to December 2017. Of 7260 missions (9% of all primary missions), 6354 were included. Among those, 4587 patients were randomly selected in conjunction with adjusting for unique patients with single occasions. Data were manually collected through both EMS- and hospital records and final diagnoses were determined through the final diagnoses verified in hospital records. Analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression and multiple imputations. RESULTS: Among all unique patients with dyspnoea as the main symptom, 13% had a time-sensitive final diagnosis. The three most frequent final time-sensitive diagnoses were cardiac diseases (4.1% of all diagnoses), infectious/inflammatory diseases (2.6%), and vascular diseases (2.4%). A history of hypertension, renal disease, symptoms of pain, abnormal respiratory rate, impaired consciousness, a pathologic ECG and a short delay until call for EMS were associated with an increased risk of a time-sensitive final diagnosis. Among patients with time-sensitive diagnoses, approximately 27% died within 30 days. Increasing age, a history of renal disease, cancer, low systolic blood pressures, impaired consciousness and abnormal body temperature were associated with an increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with dyspnoea as the main symptom, age, previous medical history, deviating vital signs, ECG pattern, symptoms of pain, and a short delay until call for EMS are important factors to consider in the prehospital assessment of the combined risk of either having a time-sensitive diagnosis or death.

Cardiac arrest after pulmonary aspiration in hospitalised patients: a national observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To study characteristics and outcomes among patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) due to pulmonary aspiration. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR). SETTING: The SRCR is a nationwide quality registry that covers 96% of all Swedish hospitals. Participating hospitals vary in size from secondary hospitals to university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: The study included patients registered in the SRCR in the period 2008 to 2017. We compared patients with IHCA caused by pulmonary aspiration (n=127), to those with IHCA caused by respiratory failure of other causes (n=2197). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was 30-day survival. Secondary outcome was sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) defined as ROSC at the scene and admitted alive to the intensive care unit. RESULTS: In the aspiration group 80% of IHCA occurred on general wards, as compared with 63.6% in the respiratory failure group (p<0.001). Patients in the aspiration group were less likely to be monitored at the time of the arrest (18.5% vs 38%, p<0.001) and had a significantly lower rate of sustained ROSC (36.5% vs 51.6%, p=0.001). The unadjusted 30-day survival rate compared with the respiratory failure group was 7.9% versus 18.0%, p=0.024. In a propensity score analysis (including variables; year, age, gender, location of arrest, initial heart rhythm, ECG monitoring, witnessed collapse and a previous medical history of; cancer, myocardial infarction or heart failure) the OR for 30-day survival was 0.46 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital cardiac arrest preceded by pulmonary aspiration occurred more often on general wards among unmonitored patients. These patients had a lower 30-day survival rate compared with IHCA caused by respiratory failure of other causes.

Adverse events in prehospital emergency care: a trigger tool study.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital emergency care has developed rapidly during the past decades. The care is given in a complex context which makes prehospital care a potential high-risk activity when it comes to patient safety. Patient safety in the prehospital setting has been only sparsely investigated. The aims of the present study were 1) To investigate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) in prehospital care and 2) To investigate the factors contributing to AEs in prehospital care. METHODS: We used a retrospective study design where 30 randomly selected prehospital medical records were screened for AEs each month in three prehospital organizations in Sweden during a period of one year. A total of 1080 prehospital medical records were included. The record review was based on the use of 11 screening criteria. RESULTS: The reviewers identified 46 AEs in 46 of 1080 (4.3%) prehospital medical records. Of the 46 AEs, 43 were classified as potential for harm (AE1) (4.0, 95% CI = 2.9-5.4) and three as harm identified (AE2) (0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-0.9). However, among patients with a life-threatening condition (priority 1), the risk of AE was higher (16.5%). The most common factors contributing to AEs were deviations from standard of care and missing, incomplete, or unclear documentation. The most common cause of AEs was the result of action(s) or inaction(s) by the emergency medical service (EMS) crew. CONCLUSIONS: There were 4.3 AEs per 100 ambulance missions in Swedish prehospital care. The majority of AEs originated from deviations from standard of care and incomplete documentation. There was an increase in the risk of AE among patients who the EMS team assessed as having a life-threatening condition. Most AEs were possible to avoid.

Association between the reported intensity of an acute symptom at first prehospital assessment and the subsequent outcome: a study on patients with acute chest pain and presumed acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To decrease the morbidity burden of cardiovascular disease and to avoid the development of potentially preventable complications, early assessment and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are important. The aim of this study has therefore been to explore the possible association between patients' estimated intensity of chest pain when first seen by the ambulance crew in suspected ACS, and the subsequent outcome before and after arrival in hospital. METHODS: Data was collected both prospectively and retrospectively. The inclusion criteria were chest pain raising suspicion of ACS and a reported intensity of pain ≥4 on the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: All in all, 1603 patients were included in the study. Increased intensity of chest pain was related to: 1) more heart-related complications before hospital admission; 2) a higher proportion of heart failure, anxiety and chest pain after hospital admission; 3) a higher proportion of acute myocardial infarction and 4) a prolonged hospitalisation. However, there was no significant association with mortality neither in 30 days nor in three years. Adjustment for possible confounders including age, a history of smoking and heart failure showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The estimated intensity of chest pain reported by the patients on admission by the ambulance team was associated with the risk of complications prior to hospital admission, heart failure, anxiety and chest pain after hospital admission, the final diagnosis and the number of days in hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov 151:2008/4564 Identifier: NCT00792181. Registred 17 November 2008 'retrospectively registered'.

Comorbidity and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have a poor prognosis but survival among subgroups differs greatly. Previous studies have shown conflicting results on whether patient comorbidity affects outcome. The aim of this national study was to investigate the effect of comorbidity on outcome after OHCA in Sweden. METHODS: We included all patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA from 2011 to 2015 in the national Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. In order to assess comorbidity, the database was merged with the comprehensive National Patient Registry, which includes all out-patient and in-patient care in Sweden. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the specific comorbidity conditions constituting the CCI was used to identify whether comorbidity was associated with outcome. RESULTS: A total of 12,012 patients were included in the study. Of these, 1598 patients survived to 30 days (13%). The most common comorbidities were a history of congestive heart failure (29%), myocardial infarction (24%), and diabetes without complications (23%). Renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 0.53; 95% CI 0.53‒0.72), diabetes with complications (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49‒0.84), diabetes without complications (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.52‒0.75), congestive heart failure (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71‒0.99), and metastatic carcinoma (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40‒0.93) were significantly associated with a reduced chance of 30-day survival when adjusted for demographic characteristics and also resuscitation-associated factors such as shockable initial rhythm, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and place of arrest. With increasing comorbidity, the chance of 30-day survival decreased: adjusted OR was 0.82 (59% CI 0.68-0.99) for CCI 3-4, 0.62 (95% CI 0.47-0.83) for CCI 5-6, and 0.51 (95% CI 0.36-0.72) for CCI > 6, respectively, all in relation to those with CCI 0-2. Additionally, increasing morbidity was associated with reduced odds of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and ROSC at hospital admission. CONCLUSION: This large national study showed that increasing comorbidity decreased the chance of survival to 30 days in OHCA. This association remained after covariate adjustment.

Prehospital factors associated with an acute life-threatening condition in non-traumatic chest pain patients - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a common symptom among patients contacting the emergency medical services (EMS). Risk stratification of these patients is warranted before arrival in hospital, regarding likelihood of an acute life-threatening condition (LTC). AIM: To identify factors associated with an increased risk of acute LTC among patients who call the EMS due to non-traumatic chest pain. METHODS: Several databases were searched for relevant articles. Identified articles were quality-assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklists. Extracted data was analysed using a semi-quantitative synthesis evaluating the level of evidence of each identified factor. RESULTS: In total, 10 of 1245 identified studies were included. These studies provided strong evidence for an increased risk of an acute LTC with increasing age, male gender, elevated heart rate, low systolic blood pressure and ST elevation or ST depression on a 12-lead ECG. The level of evidence regarding the history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or presence of a Q wave or a Left Bundle Branch Block on the ECG was moderate. The evidence was inconclusive regarding dyspnoea, cold sweat/paleness, nausea/vomiting, history of chronic heart failure, smoking, Right Bundle Branch Block or T-inversions on the ECG. CONCLUSIONS: Factors reflecting age, gender, myocardial ischemia and a compromised cardiovascular system predicted an increased risk of an acute life-threatening condition in the prehospital setting in cases of acute chest pain. These factors may form the basis for prehospital risk stratification in acute chest pain.

Elderly patients with myocardial infarction selected for conservative or invasive treatment strategy.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on patients aged >75 years with myocardial infarction (MI), especially those who are treated conservatively. HYPOTHESIS: There are important differences in the clinical characteristics and outcome between elderly MI patients selected for invasive or conservative treatment strategy. METHODS: A total of 1,413 elderly patients (>75 years old) admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden with a final diagnosis of acute MI in 2001 or 2007, were divided into two groups, those who underwent a conservative treatment strategy (conservative group [CG], n=1,169) and those who underwent coronary angiography and were revascularized if indicated (invasive group [IG], n=244). RESULTS: Other than higher age in the CG, there were no significant differences in traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking in the two groups. A higher proportion of patients in the CG had a history of heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. The hazard ratio (with 95% confidence interval), adjusted for potential confounders, for 5 year mortality in the IG in relation to the CG was 0.49 (0.39, 0.62), P<0.0001. Overall, in the elderly with MI, the proportion who underwent an invasive treatment strategy doubled from 12% in 2001 to 24% in 2007, despite a slightly higher mean age. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with MI in the CG (no coronary angiography), were generally older and a higher proportion had chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease than those in the IG. Our data suggest that the invasive treatment strategy is associated with better outcome. However, randomized trials will be needed to determine whether revascularization procedures are beneficial in elderly patients with MI, in terms of less symptoms, better outcome, and improved quality of life.

Occurrence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in a revascularized coronary artery disease cohort.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in coronary artery disease (CAD) is insufficient. The aim of the current report was to evaluate the occurrence and predictors of OSA among revascularized patients with CAD within the framework of a randomized controlled trial (Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea [RICCADSA]), evaluating the impact of continuous positive airway pressure on cardiovascular outcomes in CAD patients with OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting between September 2005 and November 2010 (n = 1,291) were invited to participate. Anthropometrics and medical history were obtained, ambulatory sleep recording was performed, and all subjects completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 662 patients participated in the sleep study. OSA, defined as an apnea-hypopnea index equal to or greater than 15/hour, was found among 422 (63.7%). The prevalence of hypertension was 55.9%; obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²), 25.2%; diabetes mellitus, 22.1%; and current smoking, 18.9%. The patients with CAD who did not participate in the study demonstrated an almost similar anthropometric and clinical profile compared with the studied group. The majority (61.8%) of the patients with OSA were nonsleepy (ESS score < 10). Patients with OSA had a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of atrial fibrillation, whereas current smoking was more common in the non-OSA group. Age, male sex, body mass index, and ESS score, but not comorbidities, were independent predictors of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of unrecognized OSA in this revascularized CAD cohort was higher than previously reported. We suggest that OSA should be considered in the secondary prevention protocols in CAD.

Prevalence and severity of abnormal glucose regulation and its relation to long-term prognosis after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a strong predictor of a poor outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The prevalence of prediabetes and its impact on the prognosis after CABG is not well described. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and prognostic impact of the different states of abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) after CABG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we included 244 patients undergoing CABG. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to stratify patients into three groups: normoglycaemia, prediabetes and diabetes. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for a nonfatal cardiovascular event. RESULTS: Among the patients, 86 (35%) were normoglycaemic and 58 (24%) had prediabetes; 100 (41%) patients had diabetes, of whom 28 (28%) had newly diagnosed diabetes on the basis of oral glucose tolerance test. During a mean follow-up period of 5.3 years, 25% of the study population suffered the primary outcome. There was a successive increase in the primary outcome rate from normoglycaemia through prediabetes to diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.40; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.96; P=0.045). CONCLUSION: With increasing severity of AGR, there is an increasing risk of new cardiovascular events after CABG. AGR is prevalent and predicts a poor outcome after CABG. Systematic screening for AGR seems reasonable to identify these high-risk patients.

Prehospital ECG signs of acute coronary occlusion are associated with reduced one-year mortality.

BACKGROUND: We wanted to evaluate predictors of direct admittance to a coronary care unit (CCU) and predictors of death in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: During 2004-2007, all consecutive prehospitally triaged patients with suspected ACS were prospectively included. Prehospital and emergency data were collected at point of care. Data from medical records, ECG-, echocardiography- and laboratory databases was collected retrospectively. RESULTS: In all, 2757 patients were included. Out of these 858 were directly admitted to the CCU or cath/lab. Predictors for direct admittance to the CCU were ST-segment elevation on the initial ECG; odds ratio (OR) 46.11, left bundle branch block; OR 3.30, ongoing symptoms; OR 2.90, current smoking; OR 2.18 and ST-segment depression; OR 2.05. Independent predictors for 1-year mortality were cardiogenic shock; OR 14.40, increasing age OR (per year) 1.08, diabetes; OR 2.09 and chronic heart failure; OR 1.67. ST-segment elevation was associated with a lower 1-year mortality rate; OR 0.52. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a suspected ACS, prehospital ECG-signs indicating an acute coronary occlusion were not only a predictor for direct admission to acute coronary care but also a predictor for increased survival. To improve future outcome in acute ischemic heart diseases we must find and treat not only the STEMI's but also the high-risk NSTEMIs that otherwise would have a poor prognosis.

Patients admitted to hospital with chest pain--changes in a 20-year perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the differences in characteristics and outcome between two consecutive series of patients admitted to hospital with chest pain in a 20-year perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on changes in outcome in relation to the initial electrocardiogram (ECG). SUBJECTS: In the two periods, 1986-1987 and 2008, all patients with chest pain admitted to the study hospitals in Gothenburg, Sweden, were included. RESULTS: Five thousand and sixteen patients were registered in a period of 21 months in 1986-1987 and 2287 patients were registered during 3 months in 2008. In a comparison of the two time periods, the age of chest pain patients was not significantly different (mean age 60.1 ± 17.8 years in 1986-1987 and 59.8 ± 19.1 years in 2008, p=0.50). There was a lower prevalence of previous angina pectoris, congestive heart failure and current smoking in the second period, whereas a history of acute myocardial infarction, hypertension and diabetes mellitus had become more prevalent. The use of cardio-protective drugs increased and ECG changes indicating acute myocardial ischemia on admission to hospital decreased. Length of hospitalisation was reduced from a median of 5 days to 3 days (p<0.0001). A significant decrease in 30-day and 1-year mortality was found (3.8% in 1986-1987 vs 2.0% in 2008 and 9.9% vs 6.3% respectively, p<0.0001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: During a period of 20 years, the characteristics and outcome of patients admitted to hospital with chest pain changed. The most important changes were a lower prevalence of ECG signs indicating acute myocardial ischemia on admission, shorter hospitalisation time and a lower 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Physical activity in relation to cardiac risk markers in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical activity and cardiac risk markers in secondary prevention for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is uncertain. The aims of the study were therefore to examine the level of physical activity in patients with CAD, and to investigate the association between physical activity and cardiac risk markers. METHODS: In total, 332 patients, mean age, 65 ± 9.1 years, diagnosed with CAD at a university hospital were included in the study 6 months after their cardiac event. Physical activity was measured with a pedometer (steps/day) and two questionnaires. Investigation of cardiac risk markers included serum lipids, oral glucose-tolerance test, twenty-four hour blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, smoking, body-mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, and muscle endurance. The study had a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: The patients performed a median of 7,027 steps/day. After adjustment for confounders, statistically significant correlations between steps/day and risk markers were found with regard to; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=0.19, p<0.001), muscle endurance measures (r ranging from 0.19 to 0.25, p=0.001 or less) triglycerides (r=-0.19, p<0.001), glucose-tolerance (r=-0.23, p<0.001), BMI (r=-0.21, p<0.001), 24-h heart rate recording during night (r=-0.17, p=0.004), and average 24-h heart rate (r=-0.13, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high level of physical activity was found among patients with CAD. There was a weak, but significant, association between pedometer steps/day and HDL-C, muscle endurance, triglycerides, glucose-tolerance, BMI and 24-h heart rate, indicating potential positive effects of physical activity on these parameters. However, before clinical implications can be formed, more confirmatory data are needed.

Multimarker risk assessment including osteoprotegerin and CXCL16 in acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: CXCL16 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) both predict mortality in acute coronary syndromes. We hypothesized that a combination of CXCL16 and OPG concentrations would add prognostic information to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the associations between circulating OPG and soluble CXCL16 levels, obtained within 24 hours of admission (day 1) and after 3 months, and mortality, heart failure and reinfarction in 1322 patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes. After adjustment for the GRACE score, medication, diabetes mellitus and sex, the combination of high values (fourth quartile) for OPG and CXCL16 at baseline was associated with increased short-term (3 months) cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.84-5.82; P<0.0001). The combined high values were also significantly associated with the long-term (median 91 months) prognosis after adjustment, with hazard ratios 2.18 for cardiovascular mortality (95% CI, 1.62-2.92; P<0.0001), and 2.22 for heart failure (95% CI, 1.67-2.96; P<0.0001). These long-term associations remained significant after further adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, C-reactive protein, and pro B-type natriuretic peptide. For 635 patients with blood samples within 24 hours and at 3 months, the combination of high CXCL16 and OPG values (fourth quartile) in the early or stable phase was of a similar order associated with mortality and morbidity beyond 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating CXCL16 and OPG are independent predictors of long-term mortality and heart failure development in acute coronary syndromes patients, even after extensive adjustments. Their combination gives more information than either marker alone.

Secondary prevention in coronary artery disease. Achieved goals and possibilities for improvements.

AIM: To describe presence of risk indicators of recurrence 6 months after hospitalisation due to coronary artery disease at a university clinic. METHODS: The presence of risk indicators, including tobacco use, lipid levels, blood pressure and glucometabolic status, including 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and an oral glucose-tolerance test, was analysed. RESULTS: Of 1465 patients who were screened, 402 took part in the survey (50% previous myocardial infarction and 50% angina pectoris). Mean age was 64 years (range 40-85 years) and 23% were women. Present medications were: lipid lowering drugs (statins; 94%), beta-blockers (85%), aspirin or warfarin (100%) and ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin II blockers (66%). Values above target levels recommended in guidelines were: a) low density lipoprotein (LDL) in 40%; b) mean blood pressure (day or night) in 38% and c) smoking in 13%. Of all patients, 66% had at least one risk factor (LDL or blood pressure above target levels or current smoking). An abnormal glucose-tolerance test was found in 59% of patients without known diabetes. If no history of diabetes, 85% had either LDL or blood pressure above target levels, current smoking or an abnormal glucose-tolerance test. However, with treatment intensification to patients with elevated risk factors 56% reached target levels for blood pressure and 79% reached target levels for LDL. CONCLUSION: Six months after hospitalisation due to coronary artery disease, despite the high use of medication aimed at prophylaxis against recurrence, the majority were either above target levels for LDL or blood pressure or continued to smoke.