Letter to the Editor Ross procedure valve function, clinical outcomes and predictors after 25 years follow up.

The following letter presents an answer of a comment of our work titled "Ross procedure: valve function, clinical outcomes and predictors after 25 years' follow-up," recently published in your journal by Rangwala et al.1 As our colleagues point out, the Ross procedure has excellent survival rates but a significant risk of valve dysfunction and therefore reintervention at follow-up. Although the survival advantage with the Ross procedure appears to be consistent compared with mechanical valve substitutes, this benefit is not as clear compared with biological valve substitutes. However, biological valve substitutes also have significant reintervention rates during follow-up. The different surgical modifications of the Ross procedure have not clearly demonstrated better results in follow-up in terms of autograft reintervention. This procedure can be performed in a medium-volume center with good results as long as adequate patient selection and adequate surgical training are carried out.

Ross procedure: valve function, clinical outcomes and predictors after 25 years' follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To describe long-term outcomes of the Ross procedure in a single center and retrospective series after 25 years follow-up. METHODS: From 1997-2019 we included all consecutive patients who underwent Ross procedure at our center. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed at least yearly. Echocardiographic valvular impairment was defined as at least moderate autograft or homograft dysfunction. Reintervention outcomes included surgical and percutaneous approach. RESULTS: 151 Ross procedures were performed (mean age 28±12years, 21 %<16years, 70 %male). After 25 years follow-up (median 18 years, interquartile range 9-21, only 3 patients lost) 12 patients died (8 %); Autograft, homograft or any valve dysfunction were present in 38(26 %), 48(32 %) and 75(51 %), respectively; and reintervention in 22(15%), 17(11%) and 38(26 %) respectively. At 20 years of follow-up, probabilities of survival free from autograft, homograft or any valve dysfunction were 63 %, 60 % and 35 %; and from reintervention, 80 %, 85 % and 67 %, respectively. The learning curve period (first 12 cases) was independently associated to autograft dysfunction (HR 2.78, 95 %CI:1.18-6.53, p = 0.02) and reintervention (HR 3.76, 95 %CI: 1.46-9.70, p = 0.006). Larger native pulmonary diameter was also an independent predictor of autograft reintervention (HR 1.22, 95 %CI:1.03-1.45, p = 0.03). Homograft dysfunction was associated with younger age (HR 5.35, 95 %CI: 2.13-13.47, p<0.001) and homograft reintervention, with higher left ventricle ejection fraction (HR 1,10, 95 %CI:1.02-1.19, p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this 25 years' experience after the Ross procedure, global survival was high, although autograft and homograft dysfunction and reintervention rates were not negligible. Clinical and echocardiographic variables can identify patients with higher risk of events in follow up.

Clinical outcomes and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and recently diagnosed lung cancer in oncology outpatient settings.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and recently diagnosed lung cancer in the outpatient oncology clinic and to describe the clinical profile, management and outcomes of this population. METHODS: Among 6984 patients visited at the outpatient oncology clinics attending lung cancer patients in five university hospitals from 2017 to 2019, all consecutive subjects with recently diagnosed (<1 year) disease and AF were retrospectively selected and events in follow up were registered. RESULTS: A total of 269 patients (3.9 % of all attended, 71 ± 8 years, 91 % male) were included. Charlson, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED indexes were 6.7 ± 2.9, 2.9 ± 1.5 y 2.5 ± 1.2, respectively. Tumour stage was I, II, III and IV in 11 %, 11 %, 33 % and 45 % of them, respectively. Anticoagulants were prescribed to 226 patients (84 %): direct anticoagulants (n = 99;44 %), low molecular weight heparins (n = 69;30 %) and vitamin K antagonists (n = 58;26 %). After 46 months of maximum follow-up, 186 patients died (69 %). Cumulative incidences of events at 3 years were 3.3 ± 1.3 % for stroke/systemic embolism (n = 7); 8.9 ± 2.2 % for thrombotic events (n = 18); 9.9 ± 2.6 % for major bleeding (n = 16), and 15.9 ± 3,0 % for cardiovascular events (n = 33). In patients with early stages of cancer (I-II), 2-year mortality was significantly higher in those with cardiovascular events or major bleeding (85 % vs 25 %, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Nearly 4 % or all outpatients in the oncology clinic attending lung cancer present recently diagnosed disease and AF. Major bleeding and cardiovascular event rates are high in this population, with an impact on mortality in early stages of cancer.

Automated Global Longitudinal Strain Assessment in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

There is limited evidence that supports the use of the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in long-term cardiac monitoring of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors (CLSs). Our aim was to assess the utility of automated GLS to detect left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in long-term CLSs. Asymptomatic and subclinical LVSD were defined as LVEF < 50% and GLS < 18.5%, respectively. Echocardiographic measurements and biomarkers were compared with a control group. Inverse probability weighting was used to reduce confounding. Regression models were used to identify factors associated with LVEF and GLS in the survivors. Ninety survivors with a median follow-up of 18 (11−26) years were included. The prevalence of LVSD was higher using GLS than with LVEF (26.6% vs. 12.2%). The measurements were both reduced as compared with the controls (p < 0.001). There were no differences in diastolic parameters and NT-ProBNP. Survivors were more likely to have Hs-cTnI levels above the detection limit (40% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.006). The dose of anthracycline was associated with LVEF but not with GLS in the survivors. Biomarkers were not associated with GLS or LVEF. In conclusion, LVSD detection using automated GLS was higher than with LVEF in long-term CLSs. Its incorporation into clinical routine practice may improve the surveillance of these patients.

Electrocardiographic features and need for pacemaker in cardiac amyloidosis: Analysis of 58 cases. / Alteraciones electrocardiográficas y necesidad de marcapasos en amiloidosis cardiaca: análisis de 58 casos.

AIM: Amyloidosis is a disease in which amyloid fibrils can be deposited in different cardiac structures, and several electrocardiographic abnormalities can be produced by this phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe the most common basal electrocardiographic alterations in patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and to determine if these abnormalities have an impact on the need of pacemaker. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who had an established diagnosis of CA [light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (LA-CA) or transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA)] between January 2013 and March 2021. The baseline heart rate, the percentage of patients with a pseudo-infarct pattern, low-voltage pattern or cardiac conductions disturbances, and the impact of these factors on the need of pacemaker were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with CA (20 with LA-CA and 38 with TTR-CA) were included, and the majority were male (69.0%). Twenty-one patients had atrial fibrillation (AF) at diagnosis. Thirty-five patients had a pseudo-infarct pattern, 35% had a low-voltage pattern, and 22% had criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. Two hirds had a conduction disorder: 18 patients with first degree atrioventricular block, 12 right bundle branch block, 3 left bundle branch block and 25 with a branch hemiblock. There were no differences between LA-CA and TTR-CA. Patients with TTR-CA had a greater need for pacemakers in the folow-up (39±40 meses). Bundle branch block was a predictor of the need for a permanent pacemaker (HR: 23.43; CI 95%: 4.09.134.09; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients diagnosed wich CA are heterogeneus. Most frecuent is the presence of conduction disorders, the pseudoinfarction pattern, followed by the low voltage pattern. Patients with any bundle branch block at the baseline electrocardiogram need more frecuent to require a pacemaker during follow-up, especially in TTR-CA.

Validation of the usefulness of 2-dimensional strain parameters to exclude acute rejection after heart transplantation: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as a promising alternative to endomyocardial biopsy to rule out acute cellular rejection after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) in single center studies. In an original cohort, 15.5% and 17% of cutoff points for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and free-wall right ventricular longitudinal strain, respectively, achieved 100% negative predictive value to exclude moderate or severe acute cellular rejection (ACR ≥ 2R). Our objective was to demonstrate the usefulness of speckle-tracking and validate these cutoff points in an external cohort. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study that included patients who were monitored during their first year after OHT was conducted. Echocardiographic studies analyzed by local investigators were compared with simultaneous paired endomyocardial biopsies samples. RESULTS: A total of 501 endomyocardial biopsy-echocardiographic studies were included in 99 patients. ACR≥2R was present in 7.4% of samples. LVGLS and free-wall right ventricular longitudinal strain were significantly reduced during ACR≥2R on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, LVGLS was independently associated with the presence of ACR≥2R. The original cutoff points demonstrated a negative predictive value of 94.3% to exclude ACR≥2R. CONCLUSIONS: This study maintained a strong negative predictive value to exclude ACR≥2R after OHT and LVGLS was independently associated with the presence of ACR≥2R. We propose the use of speckle-tracking, especially LVGLS, as part of the noninvasive diagnosis and management of ACR.

Myocardial deformation and acute cellular rejection after heart transplantation: Impact of inter-vendor variability in diagnostic effectiveness.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to investigate the impact of inter-vendor variability in the ability of myocardial strain analysis to detect acute cellular rejection (ACR) in heart transplant recipients. METHODS: We performed serial echocardiographic examinations in 18 consecutive adult heart transplanted patients, in their first year post-transplantation, within 3 hours of the routine surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) in a single center. Myocardial strain was analyzed using two software in two different institutions, and inter-vendor variability of strain values and its association with ACR (any grade or grade ≥2R) was investigated. The parameter of comparison was the peak value of the average curve of strain during the entire cardiac cycle. RESULTS: A total of 147 pairs of EMB-echocardiogram were performed, 65 with no ACR, 63 with ACR grade 1R, and 19 with ACR grade ≥2R. Intra-class correlation coefficients for left ventricle longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain were 0.38, 0.39, and 0.77, respectively, and 0.32 for right ventricular longitudinal strain. Neither software found significant association of left ventricular longitudinal strain with rejection. Grade ≥2R ACR was associated with left ventricular circumferential strain measured with the first software and with left ventricular radial strain with the other; and ACR of any grade was only significantly associated with right ventricle longitudinal strain measured with the first software. CONCLUSIONS: Inter-vendor reproducibility of strain values was low in this study. Some strain parameters were associated to ACR, although these results were inconsistent between two commercially available software. Specific validation of each software is warranted for this clinical indication.

Long-term Survival in a Spanish Population With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. The CICCOR Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Data are lacking on the long-term prognosis of stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Our aim was to analyze long-term survival in patients with SIHD and to identify predictors of mortality. METHODS: A total of 1268 outpatients with SIHD were recruited in this single-center prospective cohort study from January 2000 to February 2004. Cardiovascular and all-cause death during follow-up were registered. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were compared with those in the Spanish population adjusted by age, sex, and year. Predictors of these events were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age was 68±10 years and 73% of the patients were male. After a follow-up lasting up to 17 years (median 11 years), 629 (50%) patients died. Independent predictors of all-cause mortality were age (HR, 1.08; 95%CI, 1.07-1.11; P <.001), diabetes (HR, 1.36; 95%CI, 1.14-1.63; P <.001), resting heart rate (HR, 1.01; 95%CI, 1.00-1.02; P <.001), atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.22-2.14; P=.001), electrocardiographic changes (HR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.02-1.49; P=.02) and active smoking (HR, 1.85; 95%CI, 1.31-2.80; P=.001). All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality rates were significantly higher in the sample than in the general Spanish population (47.81/1000 patients/y vs 36.29/1000 patients/y (standardized mortality rate, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.21-1.41) and 15.25/1000 patients/y vs 6.94/1000 patients/y (standardized mortality rate, 2.19; 95%CI, 1.88-2.50, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate was higher in this sample of patients with SIHD than in the general population. Several clinical variables can identify patients at higher risk of death during follow-up.

Relation of quality of anticoagulation control with different management systems among patients with atrial fibrillation: Data from FANTASIIA Registry.

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has a multidisciplinary approach although is usually managed by general practitioners (GP) or haematologists. The aim of our study was to assess the quality of anticoagulation control with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in relation to the responsible specialist in a "real-world" AF population. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled VKA anticoagulated patients included in the FANTASIIA Registry from 2013 to 2015. We analysed demographical, clinical characteristics and the quality of anticoagulation control according to the specialist responsible (ie GPs or haematologists). RESULTS: Data on 1584 patients were included (42.5% females, mean age 74.0 ± 9.4 years): 977 (61.7%) patients were controlled by GPs and 607 (38.3%) by haematologists. Patients managed by GPs had higher previous heart disease (53.2% vs 43.3%, P < .001), heart failure (32.9% vs 26.5%, P < .008) and dilated cardiomyopathy (15.2% vs 8.7%, P < .001) with better renal function (69.3 ± 24.7 vs 63.1 ± 21.4 mL/min, P < .001) compared to patients managed by haematologists. There was no difference between groups in the type of AF, CHA2 DS2 -VASc or HAS-BLED scores, but patients with electrical cardioversion were more prevalent in GP group. The overall mean time in therapeutic range (TTR) assessed by Rosendaal method was 61.5 ± 24.9%; 52.6% of patients had TTR<65% and 60% of patients had TTR<70%. TTR was significantly lower in patients controlled by haematologists than by GPs (63 ± 24.4 vs 59.2 ± 25.6, P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: About 60% of AF patients anticoagulated with VKAs had poor anticoagulation control (ie TTR<70%), and their management was only slightly better than when it is managed by general practitioners.

[Left-sided native valve infective endocarditis: Influence of age and the presence of underlying heart disease]. / Endocarditis infecciosa sobre válvula nativa del lado izquierdo: influencia de la edad y de cardiopatía previa.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Left-sided native valve infective endocarditis (LNVIE) epidemiology has been modified as a result of the increase in average age. The aim of our study is to analyze the influence of age and the presence of predisposing heart disease in the prognosis of these patients. METHODS: We analyzed a series of 257 cases of LNVIE depending on their age (greater than or equal to 70 years old), both in the overall series and in the subgroup of patients without predisposing heart disease. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.6 (18.6) years. There was an increase in the percentage of cases of older patients between 1987-2000 and 2001-2014 (9.8 vs. 34.8%, P<.001). These patients present higher prevalence of degenerative valves (50 vs. 22.8%) or not predisposing heart disease (50 vs. 39.9%), P<.001, health-care associated episodes (41.8 vs. 23.6%, P=.016), lower rate of surgery (43.7 vs. 63.8%, P=.005) and higher in-hospital mortality (39.1 vs. 20.7%, P=.003), with no differences in comorbidities. Older patients who did not have predisposing heart disease also suffered higher in-hospital mortality (47 vs. 22%, P=.01). Age greater than or equal to 70 years old is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with LNVIE (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24-5.15, P=.011), as in those without previous heart disease (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.49-10.62, P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: Patients of age greater than or equal to 70 years old and who suffer an LNVIE are becoming more frequent and have a worse prognosis with a lower rate of surgery and higher rates of in-hospital mortality.

Mitral regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the same complication with a different mechanism.

AIMS: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complication that may occur during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in a certain percentage of cases and may require different treatments depending on the mechanism. Our purpose was to describe the occurrence rate of this complication during TAVI with the CoreValve prosthesis, as well as to assess the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in the detection of the mechanism of MR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 129 cases of severe aortic stenosis treated with CoreValve prosthesis from June 2008 to October 2011. We defined a significant MR after TAVI as grade III MR or higher, considering either the new appearance of MR or the worsening of a preexisting MR, as assessed by both TEE and angiography. In our series, there was a total of 11 cases of significant MR after TAVI (8.5%). Angiography detected 100% of the MR cases, but was unable to determine the mechanism of MR in any case. TEE, on the other hand, determined 100% of the MR cases, and determined that 1 case was caused by mechanical asynchrony due to a new left bundle branch block, 3 cases were due to an aortic prosthesis impingement on the anterior mitral leaflet, 2 cases were due to the appearance of a systolic anterior movement of the anterior mitral leaflet with dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, 1 case was caused by a commissural tearing of the valve, and 4 cases were explained by a "functional" mechanism, probably due to transient damage of the subvalvular mitral apparatus by the delivery system. All cases had an MR grade II or less as evidenced by transthoracic echocardiography at discharge. Surgery was not required in any case. Knowledge of the mechanism of MR made it possible to provide the best treatment option in each case. CONCLUSION: There is a certain percentage of patients treated with CoreValve prosthesis who develop significant MR during the procedure. TEE, unlike angiography, can define the very diverse mechanisms of MR in 100% of cases, and elucidates the best approach to this complication. Surgery was not required in any case.

Long-term survival in elderly patients with stable coronary disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess long-term prognosis of stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) in patients aged ≥ 75 years and to identify clinical predictors of cardiovascular and overall mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2000 to January 2007, 391 outpatients aged ≥ 75 years (median 78 years, interquartile range [IQR] 76-81 years, 66% male) with sCAD were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Associations of baseline variables with long-term cardiovascular and all-cause death were investigated. RESULTS: After up to 11 years of follow-up (median 4 years, IQR 2-6 years), 89 patients died (23%, 5·45%/year), 35 from cardiovascular causes (9%, 2·14%/year). Multivariate analysis identified family history of coronary disease (HR 4·28, 95% CI 1·22-15·02, P = 0·02), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 3·18, 95% CI 1·37-7·39, P = 0·007), age (HR 1·61 per 5 year increase, 95% CI 1·04-2·50, P = 0·03), resting heart rate (HR 1·26 per 5 bpm increase, 95% CI 1·09-1·47, P = 0·003) and previous revascularization (HR 0·17, 95% CI 0·04-0·77, P = 0·02) as independent predictors of cardiovascular death, and previous acute coronary syndrome (HR 4·93, 95% CI 1·49-16·30, P = 0·009), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 1·96, 95% CI 1·12-3·43, P = 0·02), tobacco use (HR 1·69, 95% CI 1·00-2·84, P = 0·049 for ex-smoking and HR 6·78, 95% CI 0·89-51·47, P = 0·06 for active smoking), age (HR 1·58 per 5 year increase, 95% CI 1·18-2·11, P = 0·002), resting heart rate (HR 1·10 per 5 bpm increase, 95% CI 1·00-1·22, P = 0·05) and diastolic blood pressure (HR 0·97, 95% CI 0·94-0·99, P = 0·01) as independent predictors of overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 4-years overall mortality was 23% among elderly patients with sCAD. Simple clinical variables can identify patients at higher risk of mortality.

Monitoring complex secundum atrial septal defects percutaneous closure with real time three-dimensional echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases. Nowadays, percutaneous closure is considered the treatment of choice in most of secundum ASDs. Assessment of the defect and procedure monitoring have been usually performed by angiographic balloon-sizing and/or two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography. However, in complex ASDs these techniques might be inaccurate. METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2011 all adult patients with complex ASDs submitted for percutaneous closure were selected. Those defects, where shunts were present through a device previously implanted on the atrial septum or through multiperforated septums, were considered complex ASDs. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and real time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography were performed simultaneously during the percutaneous closure procedure. Number of orifices, relationships between the defect, catheter, and device, as well as residual shunt were assessed. RESULTS: Seven patients were included. Five patients had a multiperforated septum and in two cases the defect in the septum was through a previously implanted device. In all cases, 3D echocardiography was superior to 2D echocardiography in relation to the assessment of the relationship between the defect and the catheter or the device. Mechanisms responsible for residual shunts through a device were also better assessed by 3D echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional echocardiography is a safe and useful technique when monitoring percutaneous closure of ASDs, showing relevant advantages over 2D echocardiography.

Autograft failure during follow-up after the Ross procedure: predictive factors in a prospective series.

To determine the incidence of, and predictive factors for, aortic autograft failure during follow-up after the Ross procedure. Of 102 consecutive patients who underwent surgery at our centre between 1997 and 2009, we selected 83 (age 32+/-11 years), all of whom had been discharged without significant autograft regurgitation and for whom at least one follow-up echocardiogram was available. Autograft failure was defined as the presence of at least moderate regurgitation on echocardiography. After a median follow-up period of 4.2 years (range 0.2-10.9 years), eight patients (9.6%) developed this complication, three of whom required valve replacement. The probability of survival without autograft failure at 5 years was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83%-98%). Multivariate analysis showed that undergoing surgery during the first 6 months of the learning curve (hazard ratio = 9.1; 95% CI, 1.4-59.4; P=.021) and a large pulmonary annulus size, normalized by body surface area, (hazard ratio = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.016-1.924; P=.04) were independent predictors of this complication.

Anticoagulación en pacientes menores de 75 años con fibrilación auricular / Anticoagulation in patients aged less than 75 years with atrial fibrillation

Para estudiar la efectividad y seguridad de la anticoagulación en la fibrilación auricular no valvular crónica en pacientes menores de 75 años de la práctica clínica diaria incluimos en un estudio prospectivo 345 pacientes consecutivos atendidos entre el 1 de febrero de 2000 y el 1 de febrero de 2002 en dos consultas de cardiología. Se les indicó tratamiento anticoagulante de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas y fueron seguidos para evaluar eventos mayores (muerte, ictus, accidente isquémico transitorio, embolismos periféricos o hemorragia grave) por grupo de tratamiento. Los pacientes con terapia anticoagulante (n = 262,76%) presentaron una mayor frecuencia de hipertensión y embolismo previo y un mayor número de factores de riesgo cardioembólicos (p < 0.001); el 92% de los pacientes tratados sin anticoagulantes recibieron antiagregantes. Tras 23 ± 13 meses de seguimiento, la tasa (por 100 pacientes-año) de eventos embólicos (0.82 versus3.42, p = 0.022) fue menor en los pacientes que recibieron anticoagulantes, sin diferencias significativas en las tasas de sangrado grave (0.61 frente a 1.37, p = 0.39), ni en la mortalidad total (1.23 frente a 1.37, p = 0.96). La anticoagulación oral en la fibrilación auricular no valvular de aucerdo con las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas es efectiva y segura en pacientes menores de 75 años en la práctica clínica diaria.

Our objective was to study the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation for permanent non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients younger than 75 years seen in dailyclinical practice. In a prospective study, we included 345 consecutive patients seen since February, 1st 2000 toFebruary 1st 2002 in two outpatient cardiology clinics. Anticoagulant treatment was indicated following scientific societies recommendations; and patients were divided intreatment groups and followed for major events (death,stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral embolism orsevere haemorrhage). Anticoagulated patients (n = 262,76%) presented hypertension and previous embolism more frequently; as well as a greater number of cardioembolicrisk factors (p < 0.001). Ninety-two percent ofnon-anticoagulated patients received platelet aggregation inhibitors. After 23 ± 13 months of follow-up, the rateof embolic events (per 100 patients-year) was lower inanticoagulated patients (0.82 versus 3.42, p = 0.022). Rates of severe bleeding (0.61 versus 1.37, p = 0.39) andall-cause mortality (1.23 versus 1.37, p = 0.96) showed no significant differences. Oral anticoagulation in nonvalvularatrial fibrillation following the recommendationsof scientific societies is effective and safe in patients younger than 75 years in daily clinical practice.

[Short- and long-term prognosis of infective endocarditis in non-injection drug users: improved results over 15 years (1987-2001)]. / Pronóstico a corto y largo plazo de la endocarditis infecciosa en pacientes no usuarios de drogas por vía parenteral. Resultados durante un período de 15 años (1987-2001).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The treatment of infective endocarditis has undergone significant change within the last few years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of infective endocarditis over both the short and long term in patients who are not intravenous drug users. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We carried out a prospective study of 222 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with infective endocarditis between 1987 and June 2001 at two centers. RESULTS: Their mean age was 48 (19) years, with 145 (65%) being male. Overall, 154 (69%) had native valve endocarditis and 68 (31%) had prosthetic valve endocarditis. In 61 patients (27%), no predisposing heart disease was found. Staphylococci were the causal microorganisms in 37% of cases (81 patients), and streptococci, in 35% (78 patients). Some 48% of patients underwent surgery during the active disease phase. Overall, inpatient mortality was 17% (39 cases); a significant decrease had occurred in recent years, from 25% in 1989-1995 to 12% in 1996-2001 (P<.01). In addition, the percentage undergoing early elective surgery had increased between the two periods, from 22% to 32% (P<.05). During a follow-up of 60 (48) months, 15 patients (8%) needed late cardiac surgery and 18 (10% of the whole series) died. The 6-year survival rate was 72% overall, and 80% in those who survived the active disease phase. CONCLUSIONS: Short- and long-term prognoses for patients with infective endocarditis appear to have improved over recent years at our hospitals.