Prognostic value of cardiopulmonary exercise test after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The clinical utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has not been extensively studied yet in heart transplantation (HTX) patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of the CPET on hospitalizations and mortality in HTX recipients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was performed from a secondary database. Patients > 18 years with HTX who underwent a CPET between 3 and 12 months after transplantation were included. Time to the first primary endpoint (HTX-related hospitalization) was analyzed and adjusted using Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients (mean age 50.1 years, 77.0% men) were included. Fifty-seven patients (46.7%) had the primary endpoint. Peak VO2 (HR .95; CI 95% .90-.99, P = .03), oxygen pulse (HR .57; CI 95% .34-.96, P = .03) and predicted VO2 (HR .97; CI 95% .96-.99, P = .002) were associated with the endpoint. We did not find a significant association between the other variables and the outcome. CONCLUSION: In HTX recipients, peak VO2 , oxygen pulse, and predicted VO2 were independently associated with hospitalizations at follow up.

The MIDA Mortality Risk Score: development and external validation of a prognostic model for early and late death in degenerative mitral regurgitation.

Aims: In degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), lack of mortality scores predicting death favours misperception of individual patients' risk and inappropriate decision-making. Methods and results: The Mitral Regurgitation International Database (MIDA) registries include 3666 patients (age 66 ± 14 years; 70% males; follow-up 7.8 ± 5.0 years) with pure, isolated, DMR consecutively diagnosed by echocardiography at tertiary (European/North/South-American) centres. The MIDA Score was derived from the MIDA-Flail-Registry (2472 patients with DMR and flail leaflet-Derivation Cohort) by weighting all guideline-provided prognostic markers, and externally validated in the MIDA-BNP-Registry (1194 patients with DMR and flail leaflet/prolapse-Validation Cohort). The MIDA Score ranged from 0 to 12 depending on accumulating risk factors. In predicting total mortality post-diagnosis, the MIDA Score showed excellent concordance both in Derivation Cohort (c = 0.78) and Validation Cohort (c = 0.81). In the whole MIDA population (n = 3666 patients), 1-year mortality with Scores 0, 7-8, and 11-12 was 0.4, 17, and 48% under medical management and 1, 7, and 14% after surgery, respectively (P < 0.001). Five-year survival with Scores 0, 7-8, and 11-12 was 98 ± 1, 57 ± 4, and 21 ± 10% under medical management and 99 ± 1, 82 ± 2, and 57 ± 9% after surgery (P < 0.001). In models including all guideline-provided prognostic markers and the EuroScoreII, the MIDA Score provided incremental prognostic information (P ≤ 0.002). Conclusion: The MIDA Score may represent an innovative tool for DMR management, being able to position a given patient within a continuous spectrum of short- and long-term mortality risk, either under medical or surgical management. This innovative prognostic indicator may provide a specific framework for future clinical trials aiming to compare new technologies for DMR treatment in homogeneous risk categories of patients.

[Heart transplantation in an HIV-infected patient]. / Trasplante cardíaco en paciente infectado con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

Because of its own unfavourable evolution, HIV infection was until recently considered a contraindication for organ transplantation. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy prolonged the life expectancy of these patients and allowed the manifestation of disorders directly or indirectly related to HIV infection, mainly liver, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. We present a case of cardiac transplantation due to dilated cardiomyopathy that was performed in a patient with a recently detected HIV infection. At 24 month follow-up, the patient is in very good health status, his CD4 are increasing and the viral load is undetectable. He did not present transplant rejection or any other complication. To our knowledge, there is no previous publication on heart transplantation in patients with HIV in South America. In view of the successful outcome of our case and of the few cases reported in the international literature, we consider that heart transplantation is a therapeutic option in correctly selected HIV patients.

Assessment of fractional excretion of urea for early diagnosis of cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery (CS). Recently, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to predict AKI development earlier than serum creatinine, but it is not widely used in clinical practice. Fractional excretion of urea (FeU) has been referred to as a useful tool to discriminate between prerenal and established AKI. The aim of our study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FeU, in the early diagnosis of AKI in patients undergoing CS. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on adults undergoing CS. AKI was defined by AKIN criteria. Individuals suffering from CKD, were excluded. Sensitivity and specificity of FeU, fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) and urine NGAL, measured at 1, 6 and 24 h following CS, were assessed. RESULTS: We included 66 patients (26% female) aging 68 ± 11 years. AKI prevalence was 24% and mortality was 3.28%. Patients with AKI had a significantly lower FeU compared to those without AKI (23.89 ± 0.67% vs. 34.22 ± 0.58%; p < 0.05) 6 h after CS, but not at the 1- and 24-h time points. NGAL was also statistically significant between both groups. FeU showed a 75% sensitivity and 79.5% specificity; the AUC was 0.786. ROC analysis of FeU and NGAL yielded similar values (p = NS). CONCLUSION: FeU is useful as an early biomarker to predict AKI after CS and it is comparable to the new biomarker NGAL.

[Fulminant myocarditis in a patient with a history of autoimmune hepatitis]. / Miocarditis fulminante en paciente con antecedente de hepatitis autoinmune.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the cardiac tissue of variable etiology, both infectious and non-infectious. Its presentation can range from asymptomatic to fulminant forms. We present the case of a 24-year-old male patient with a history of autoimmune hepatitis in compensated cirrhotic phase. He consulted for dyspnea of 15 days evolution. He had presented gastrointestinal symptoms one month prior to the consultation. Physical examination revealed signs of heart failure. Laboratory examination showed elevated cardiac biomarkers and acute on chronic hepatic insufficiency. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe global biventricular dysfunction. The diagnostic hypotheses were cardiac involvement due to reactivation of autoimmune disease versus viral myocarditis. An MRI was performed which confirmed very severe ventricular dysfunction and late gadolinium enhancement suggestive of myocarditis. It was indicated treatment with methylprednisolone pulses. On the first day of hospitalization he evolved with clear signs of cardiogenic shock and ventricular arrhythmia refractory to medical treatment. After an exhaustive multidisciplinary evaluation, which was difficult due to his clinical condition, the possibility of a heart transplant was considered. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was established as a bridge to transplantation. On the seventh day after ECMO, and after great improvement of the hepatogram parameters, the patient received a heart transplant. He had good postoperative evolution. However, he died two months after the transplant due to an opportunistic infection. The results of the biopsy of the explanted organ confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic myocarditis.

La miocarditis es una enfermedad inflamatoria del tejido cardíaco de etiología variable, infecciosa o no infecciosa. Su presentación va desde formas asintomáticas hasta fulminantes. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 24 años, con antecedente de hepatitis autoinmune, en fase cirrótica compensada. Consultó por disnea de 15 días de evolución. Presentó cuadro gastrointestinal un mes previo a la consulta. El examen físico reveló signos de sobrecarga hídrica. El laboratorio informó elevación de biomarcadores cardiacos, insuficiencia hepática aguda sobre crónica y graves trastornos de coagulación. Se realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico que evidenció disfunción biventricular grave global, con adelgazamiento de las paredes. Las hipótesis diagnósticas fueron compromiso cardíaco por reactivación de enfermedad autoinmune versus miocarditis viral. Se realizó una resonancia magnética que confirmó la disfunción ventricular grave en la que se observó realce tardío de gadolinio sugestivo de miocarditis. Se indicó tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona. El primer día de la internación evolucionó con signos de shock cardiogénico y arritmia ventricular refractaria al tratamiento. Posteriormente a una evaluación multidisciplinaria exhaustiva y dificultosa por el estado clínico, se planteó la posibilidad de un trasplante cardiaco. Se instauró soporte con membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea (ECMO) como puente al trasplante. Al séptimo día de colocado el ECMO, y luego de gran mejoría de los parámetros del hepatograma, recibió un trasplante cardíaco. Tuvo buena evolución postoperatoria, sin embargo, a los dos meses falleció por una infección oportunista. Los resultados de la biopsia del órgano explantado confirmaron el diagnóstico de miocarditis linfocítica.

[Etiology and evolution of anemia in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery]. / Etiología y evolución de la anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular.

Introduction: Anemia is associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing major surgeries. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, its postoperative incidence and its evolution during the first month in our setting. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out in which all patients undergoing central cardiovascular surgery operated during the period 09/01/2021-09/01/2022 in a university hospital were included. Clinical and laboratory follow-up was carried out prior to surgery, on the fifth and on the 30th postoperative day. Groups with and without preoperative anemia were compared. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period was 32.1%. The incidence of anemia in the postoperative period was 96% in the group of patients without previous anemia. One month after surgery, 73 and 90% of the patients, with and without preoperative anemia, respectively, remained anemic. Patients with preoperative anemia had less recovery of their hemoglobin values at one month. A trend towards higher mortality and a greater need for referral to post-hospital discharge rehabilitation centers was observed in those with preoperative anemia. Conclusions: In this work, a high prevalence and incidence of anemia in the perioperative period of cardiovascular surgeries was evidenced. As well as its subtreatment and high persistence during the month after surgery.

Introducción: La anemia se asocia a un aumento de la mortalidad en pacientes sometidos a cirugías mayores. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar en nuestro medio la prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio de la cirugía cardiovascular, su incidencia postoperatoria y su evolución durante el primer mes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular central intervenidos durante el periodo del 01/09/2021 al 01/09/2022 en un hospital universitario. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y de laboratorio previo a la cirugía, al quinto y al día treinta del postoperatorio. Se comparó a los grupos con y sin anemia preoperatoria. Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio fue del 32.1%. La incidencia de anemia en el postoperatorio fue del 96% en el grupo de pacientes sin anemia previa. Al mes de la cirugía un 73 y un 90% de los pacientes, con y sin anemia preoperatoria respectivamente, persistían anémicos. Los pacientes con anemia preoperatoria tuvieron una menor recuperación de sus valores de hemoglobina al mes. Se observó una tendencia a mayor mortalidad y una mayor necesidad de derivación a centros de rehabilitación postegreso hospitalario en aquellos con anemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: En este trabajo se evidenció una alta prevalencia e incidencia de anemia en el perioperatorio de las cirugías cardiovasculares. Así como su subtratamiento y elevada persistencia durante el mes posterior a la cirugía.

Prevalence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis in a referral center.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) is currently the most common valvular disease, with an estimated prevalence of over 4% in octogenarians. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with wild type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt). Also, describe the clinical features, echocardiographic characteristics and clinical evolution. METHOD: Retrospective cohort of patients with diagnosis of ATTRwt, belonging to Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Institutional Amyloidosis Registry, from 30/11/2007 to 31/05/2021. Patients follow up was carried out through the institution clinical history. The prevalence of moderate-severe AE was estimated and presented as a percentage with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The characteristics were compared by groups according to whether or not they had moderate-severe AS. RESULTS: 104 patients with ATTRwt were included. Median follow up was 476 days [interquartile range: 192-749]. Moderate-severe AS prevalence at the ATTRwt time of diagnosis was 10.5% (n = 11; 95% CI: 5-18%). The median age of patients with AS moderate-severe at the time of diagnosis of ATTRwt was 86 years [78-91] and the male sex predominated (82%). Most of the patients had a history of heart failure (n = 8) and atrial fibrillation (n = 8) prior to the diagnosis of ATTRwt. Most of the patients were subclassified as low flow low gradient severe AS group (n = 7). Four patients underwent some intervention on the aortic valve. During follow-up, 5 patients (46%) were hospitalized for decompensated heart failure and 4 (36%) died. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the coexistence of both pathologies had a similar prevalence as reported in the international literature. It was an elderly population with a high percentage of atrial fibrillation and history of heart failure. Most of the patients presented with severe AS with low flow low gradient.

ANTECEDENTES: La estenosis aórtica (EA) es actualmente la enfermedad valvular más frecuente, con una prevalencia estimada de más del 4 % en octogenarios. OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de estenosis aórtica (EA) moderada-grave en pacientes con amiloidosis por transtiretina wild type (ATTRwt). Además, describir las características clínicas, ecocardiográficas y la evolución en este grupo de pacientes. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt, pertenecientes al Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, en el periodo del 30/11/2007 al 31/05/2021. El seguimiento de los pacientes se realizó a través de la historia clínica electrónica de la institución. Se estimó la prevalencia de EA moderada-grave, que se presenta como porcentaje con su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Se compararon las características por grupos según tuvieran o no EA moderada-grave. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 476 días [rango intercuartílico: 192-749]. La prevalencia de EA moderada-grave al momento del diagnóstico de ATTRwt fue del 10.5% (n = 11; IC95%: 5-18%). La mediana de edad de los pacientes con EA fue de 86 años [78-91] y predominó el sexo masculino (81.8%). La mayoría de los pacientes tenían el antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca (n = 8) y fibrilación auricular (n = 8). Predominaron los pacientes con EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente (n = 7). Cuatro pacientes fueron sometidos a alguna intervención en la válvula aórtica. Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes (46%) tuvieron internaciones por insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada y 4 (36%) fallecieron. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte, la coexistencia de ambas patologías tuvo una prevalencia similar a la reportada en la literatura internacional. Se trató de una población añosa con alto porcentaje de fibrilación auricular y antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca. La mayoría presentaron EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente.

Surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with reduced ejection fraction. Prevalence and follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Limited information exists on the prevalence and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study aims to describe the number of AS patients undergoing SAVR with LVEF less than 55 % and quantify LVEF improvement at follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed patients undergoing SAVR with LVEF less than 55 % and the number of patients that improved the LVEF at 6 months. We defined 'improved LVEF' as a 10 % increase of LVEF compared to baseline. RESULTS: Out of 685 patients, 11.4 % (n = 78) had SAVR with LVEF <55 %. The median pre-surgery LVEF was 45 % [IQR 37-51]. In-hospital mortality was 5.1 % (n = 4). Follow-up data for 69 patients showed 50.7 % (n = 35) had improved LVEF. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, 10 % of severe AS patients underwent SAVR with LVEF <55 %, with half showing LVEF improvement at follow-up.

[Barlow syndrome: A rare etiology of sudden death]. / Síndrome de Barlow: causa olvidada de miocardiopatía dilatada y muerte súbita.

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman, with a history of mitral valve prolapse, who consulted for dyspnea and palpitations of 2 weeks of evolution up to functional class IV. The admission electrocardiogram showed a moderately responsive atrial fibrillation rhythm with frequent ventricular extra systoles. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed which showed mitral valve prolapse with severe impairment of ventricular function. Barlow syndrome was diagnosed. During hospitalization, the patient presented three episodes of cardiorespiratory arrest that were reversed with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. During admission, a negative balance was performed, sinus rhythm was reverted and an implantable automatic defibrillator was placed in secondary prevention. During follow-up, severe deterioration of ventricular function persisted. We highlight Barlow syndrome as a rare cause of sudden death and its association with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 60 años, con antecedente de prolapso de la válvula mitral, que consultó por disnea y palpitaciones de 2 semanas de evolución hasta clase funcional IV. En el electrocardiograma de ingreso se evidenció ritmo de fibrilación auricular de moderada respuesta con extrasístoles ventriculares frecuentes. Se realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico donde se observó prolapso de la válvula mitral con deterioro grave de la función ventricular. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Barlow. La paciente intercurrió durante la internación con tres episodios de paro cardiorrespiratorio que revirtieron con maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar avanzada. Durante la internación se realizó balance negativo, se revirtió a ritmo sinusal y se colocó cardiodesfibrilador implantable en prevención secundaria. En el seguimiento persiste con deterioro grave de la función ventricular. Destacamos el síndrome de Barlow como una causa poco frecuente de muerte súbita y su asociación con miocardiopatía dilatada.

[Outcomes of pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients younger than and older than 70 years]. / Resultados del aislamiento eléctrico de las venas pulmonares en pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años.

Introduction and Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of contemporary cohorts of patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), stratified by age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent catheter ablation for refractory AF. The minimum follow-up duration per patient was 12 months. Results: A total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 171 (71.5%) in the < 70 years group and 68 (28.5%) in the ≥ 70 years group. The mean age of the study population was 62.4 years (SD 10.87). The < 70 years group had a mean age of 58.03 years (SD 9.71), while the ≥ 70 years group had a mean age of 73.4 years (SD 3.05). Furthermore, a higher proportion of paroxysmal AF was observed in patients < 70 years, whereas a higher proportion of persistent AF was found in patients ≥ 70 years. These differences were statistically significant. The recurrence rates after the initial ablation procedure were similar between the two groups (21.43% in the < 7 0 years group vs. 23.53% in the ≥ 70 years group, p = 0.79). Additionally, there were no significant differences in terms of complications. The < 70 years group experienced 18 complications, while the ≥ 70 years group had 5 complications (p = 0.472). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that patients aged 70 years and older who undergo their first catheter ablation procedure for AF demonstrate similar clinical outcomes compared to patients younger than 70 years.

Introducción y objetivos: Comparar las características clínicas y los resultados de cohortes contemporáneas de pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años que han sido sometidos a ablación de fibrilación auricular (FA) mediante catéter. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a ablación con catéter debido a la presencia de FA refractaria. Se realizó un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses por paciente. Resultados: En el estudio se incluyeron un total de 239 pacientes sometidos a ablación de FA, de los cuales 171 (71,5%) pertenecían al grupo de edad <70 años y 68 (28,5%) al grupo de edad >70 años. La edad promedio de la población estudiada fue de 62,4 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 10,87). El grupo <70 años presentó una edad promedio de 58,03 años (DE = 9,71), mientras que el grupo >70 años tuvo una edad promedio de 73,4 años (DE = 3,05). Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de FA paroxística en el grupo de pacientes menores de 70 años, mientras que en el grupo de pacientes mayores de 70 años se encontró una mayor prevalencia de FA persistente. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas en ambos casos. Las tasas de recurrencia después del primer procedimiento de ablación fueron similares entre los dos grupos (21,43% en el grupo menor de 70 años frente a 23,53% en el grupo mayor de 70 años, p = 0,79). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a complicaciones. El grupo menor de 70 años experimentó 18 complicaciones, mientras que el grupo mayor de 70 años tuvo 5 complicaciones, con un valor de p de 0,472. Conclusión: Los pacientes mayores de 70 años sometidos al primer procedimiento de ablación de FA por catéter presentan resultados clínicos similares a los pacientes menores de 70 años.

Heart transplantation in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics and the evolution of heart transplantation patients due to anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of ACM who received a heart transplantation in our institution in the period of November 2009-April 2021 were included. Clinical characteristics, pre-transplant studies, and clinical outcomes after transplantation were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included in the study. The median age at the time of cancer diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 10-37 years), while the median age at the time of heart transplant was 56 years (IQR 39-62 years). Regarding post-transplant outcomes, three patients died in the post-operative period. One died 4 years after the intervention due to chronic rejection, while the other seven had a favorable evolution. No oncological relapse was observed with a median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR 1.86-3.85 years). CONCLUSION: End-stage anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy can occur many years after chemotherapy treatment, so close cardiovascular follow-up is extremely important. Heart transplantation is a treatment option after an exhaustive multidisciplinary evaluation, to minimize the risk of oncological relapse.

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas, imagenológicas y la evolución de los pacientes trasplantados cardiacos por cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos descriptiva de pacientes consecutivos trasplantados cardiacos debido a cardiotoxicidad mediada por antraciclinas en el periodo de Noviembre de 2009 a Abril de 2021.Las características clínicas, los estudios complementarios pretrasplante y la información sobre la evolución posterior al trasplante fue recolectada de la historia clínica electrónica de forma retrospectiva. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 11 pacientes. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la patología oncológica fue de 15 años (RIC 10-37 años), mientras que la mediana de edad en la que recibieron el trasplante cardiaco fue de 56 años (RIC 39-62 años). Con respecto a la evolución posterior al trasplante, 3 pacientes murieron en el periodo del post operatorio inmediato. 1 paciente falleció a los 4 años del trasplante y los otros 7 pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable. No se observó recaída oncológica en ningún paciente durante una mediana de seguimiento o de 2,5 años (RIC 1.86-3.85 años). CONCLUSIÓN: La etapa final de la miocardiopatía inducida por antraciclinas puede ocurrir muchos años después del tratamiento con quimioterapia, por lo que es extremadamente importante un seguimiento cardiológico estricto. El trasplante cardiaco es una opción en este grupo de pacientes luego de una exhaustiva evaluación multidisciplinaria, con el fin de minimizar el riesgo de recaída oncológica.

[Mortality predictors in patients with native valve infective endocarditis]. / Endocarditis infecciosa de válvula nativa: factores asociados a resultados adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) in Argentina continues to be high. The aim objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with native valve IE. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including adult patients with diagnosis of native valve IE, hospitalized during 2011-2021. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients with a mean age of 66±17 years were included. The most frequent responsible organism was Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (38.8%). Surgical indication criteria were present in 63.6% of the patients. Mortality during hospitalization was 22.5% .In the multivariate analysis that included Charlson comorbidity index, SA infection and the presence of surgical indication criteria, an adjusted OR of mortality of 1.32 (95%CI 1.10-1.57; p = 0.003), 2.75 (95%CI 1.11-6.8; p = 0.028) and 4.14 (95%CI 1.34-12; p = 0.013), respectively, was observed. In the multivariate analysis for long term mortality, that added surgical indication criteria and the performance of surgery during hospitalization, an adjusted OR of 1.62 (CI95% 1.31-2.00; p<001), 0.77 (95%CI 0.31-1.93; p = 0.58), 7.49 (95%CI 2.07-27.07; p = 0.002) and 0.21 (95%CI 0.06-0.70; p = 0.01), respectively, was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in IE was associated with the degree of previous comorbidity, with the presence of surgical indication criteria and, inversely, with the timely completion of surgical treatment.

Introducción: La mortalidad de la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) en Argentina continúa siendo elevada. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir las características clínicas e identificar factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes con EI de válvula nativa. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de EI de válvula nativa internados durante 2011-2021. Resultados: Se incluyeron 129 pacientes con una edad promedio de 66±17 años. El organismo responsable más frecuente (38.8%, n = 50) fue el Staphylococcus aureus (SA). El 63.6% presentó criterios de indicación quirúrgica. La mortalidad durante la internación fue del 22.5%. En el análisis multivariado que incluyó índice de comorbilidad Charlson, infección por SA y la presencia de criterios de indicación quirúrgica, se observó un OR ajustado de mortalidad de 1.32 (IC95% 1.10-1.57; p = 0.003), 2.75 (IC95% 1.11-6.8; p = 0.028) y 4.14 (IC95% 1.34-12; p = 0.013), respectivamente. En el análisis multivariado para mortalidad alejada que agregó el criterio quirúrgico y la realización de cirugía durante la internación, se observó un OR ajustado de 1.62 (IC95% 1.31- 2.00; p < 001), 0.77 (IC95% 0.31-1.93; p = 0.58), 7.49 (IC95% 2.07-27.07; p = 0.002) y 0.21 (IC95% 0.06-0.70; p = 0.01), respectivamente. Conclusiones: La mortalidad de la EI se asoció al grado de comorbilidad previa, a la forma de presentación y, en relación inversa, a la realización oportuna del tratamiento quirúrgico.

[Wellens syndrome: A high-risk electrocardiographic pattern]. / Síndrome de Wellens: un patrón electrocardiográfico de alto riesgo.

We present the case of a 40-year-old male without cardiovascular risk factors, who was admitted to our hospital due to chest pain. The electrocardiogram showed a typical pattern, already described, known as Wellens syndrome type 1 or A, characterized by ST segment elevation <1 mm and biphasic T wave in lead V3. Was diagnosed of acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation, TIMI 3 and GRACE score 66 points. This electrocardiographic pattern is of high risk, beyond the stratifying scores, since it correlates with severe injury to the anterior descending artery at the proximal level and requires percutaneous intervention without delay. The coronary angiography revealed 3 severe lesions: the proximal and middle thirds of the left anterior descending artery and the first diagonal. We highlight the validity of this electrocardiographic pattern, described more than 40 years ago, to identify and stratify patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Se presenta el caso de un varón de 40 años sin antecedentes cardiovasculares, que ingresó a nuestro centro por dolor precordial. En el electrocardiograma se evidenció un patrón típico, ya descrito, conocido como síndrome de Wellens tipo 1 o A, caracterizado por supradesnivel del ST < 1 mm y onda T bifásica en la derivación V3. Se diagnosticó infarto agudo de miocardio sin elevación del ST, TIMI 3 y GRACE score 66 puntos. Este patrón electrocardiográfico es de alto riesgo, más allá de los puntajes estratificadores, dado que se correlaciona con lesión grave en la arteria descendente anterior a nivel proximal y requiere intervención percutánea sin demoras. En la coronariografía se evidenciaron 3 lesiones graves: tercio proximal y medio de la arteria descendente anterior y primera diagonal. Destacamos la vigencia de este patrón electrocardiográfico, descrito hace más de 40 años, para identificar y estratificar a pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo.

Cardiovascular Risk Stratification and Appropriate Use of Statins in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease According to Different Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Different strategies were proposed to stratify cardiovascular risk and assess the appropriate use of statins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). AIM: (1) To apply two strategies on the management of lipids in patients with CKD, analyzing what proportion of patients received lipid-lowering treatment and how many patients without statin therapy would be candidates for receiving them; (2) to identify how many patients achieve the lipid goals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients aged between 18 to 70 years and CKD with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (without hemodialysis) were included. The indications for statin therapy according to 2019 ESC/EAS and 2013 KDIGO guidelines were analyzed as well as the achievement of LDL-C goals. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were included. According to ESC/EAS guidelines, 62.3 and 37.7% of the population was classified at high or very high cardiovascular risk. In total, 52% of patients received statins. Applying the 2013 KDIGO and the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, 92.4 and 95.8% of the population without lipid-lowering treatment were eligible for statin therapy, respectively. Globally, only 9.1 and 10.6% of the patients with high or very high risk achieved the suggested lipid goals. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients with CKD showed considerable cardiovascular risk and were eligible for statin therapy according to the two strategies evaluated. However, observed statin use was deficient and current lipid goals were not achieved in most cases.

Five-year outcomes of elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at a university hospital in Argentina / Resultados a cinco años de la reparación electiva del aneurisma de aorta abdominal infrarrenal en un hospital universitario de Argentina.

Objective: Few data about outcomes of elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in Latin America have been published. The objective of the present study is to address this aspect in our population. Method: Retrospective cohort, in which patients with infrarenal AAA undergoing elective surgical or endovascular repair from January 2011 to May 2017 at a university hospital in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were consecutively included. The primary endpoints were perioperative mortality and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Among the secondary endpoints, the requeriment of reinterventions was assessed. Results: 195 patients were included. Open surgery was performed in 72 patients (36.9%) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in 123 (63.1%). Perioperative mortality in the surgery group was 2.8%, while no deaths were recorded in the endovascular group (p = 0.06). The median follow-up was 38 months. No statistically significant difference was found in long-term mortality incidence rate between patients who underwent EVAR and those who underwent open surgery (7% per year vs. 6.7% per year, p = 0.8). The requirement of reinterventions was significantly higher in the endovascular group (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Survival analyses demonstrated no statistically significant differences in perioperative and long-term mortality for patients who underwent EVAR compared with those who underwent open surgery, while the former had a higher rate of reinterventions. The results observed in our population do not differ from those published in the United State or Europe.

Ojetivo: La evidencia surgida en Latinoamérica acerca de los resultados de la reparación electiva del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) es escasa, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio es abordar este aspecto en la población nacional. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva en la cual se incluyó de forma consecutiva a pacientes con AAA infrarrenal sometidos a reparación quirúrgica o endovascular en forma electiva desde enero de 2011 hasta mayo de 2017 en un hospital universitario de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Los puntos finales primarios fueron la mortalidad perioperatoria y la mortalidad por todas las causas durante el seguimiento. Entre los puntos finales secundarios se evaluó el requerimiento de reintervenciones. Resultados: Se incluyó a 195 pacientes. La operación abierta se llevó a cabo en 72 pacientes (36.9%), mientras que el procedimiento endovascular se practicó en 123 (63.1%). La mortalidad perioperatoria en el grupo quirúrgico fue de 2.8%, sin registro de muertes en el grupo endovascular (p = 0.06). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 38 meses. La incidencia de mortalidad tardía fue de 7%/año en pacientes con reparación endovascular y de 6.7%/año en los quirúrgicos (p = 0.8). El requerimiento de reintervenciones fue significativamente mayor en el grupo endovascular (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Conclusiones: La mortalidad perioperatoria y la mortalidad tardía de los pacientes tratados de manera electiva por AAA en forma quirúrgica o endovascular fueron similares, en tanto que los pacientes sometidos a reparación endovascular requirieron mayor cantidad de reintervenciones. Los resultados observados en la población no difieren de los publicados en Estados Unidos o Europa.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predict in-hospital mortality in symptomatic but unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm patients.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic but unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal disease since its etiopathogenesis, involving acute changes in the aortic wall, including inflammation, increasing the probability of impending rupture. The objective of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients undergoing urgent symptomatic AAA repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 29 patients with symptomatic AAA repaired between 2011 and 2020. Both NLR and PLR were calculated on hospital admission prior to the intervention. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary end point included length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality rate was 10.3%. The discriminatory performance to predict the primary end point was very good both for PLR (area under the ROC curve [AUC]: 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-1.00; P=0.02) and NLR (AUC: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.75-1.00]; P=0.04). The best cutoff point to predict in-hospital mortality was 185 for PLR (100% sensitivity and 85% specificity) and 6.4 for NLR (100% sensitivity and 77% specificity). The most frequent postoperative complication was acute kidney failure (37.9%). Both elevated PLR as NLR were significantly associated with acute kidney failure and multiorgan failure in the immediate postoperative period (P<0.01). None of the two ratios was associated with length of hospital stay (P=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Both PLR and NLR are low-cost inflammatory markers widely available in every emergency department, with excellent performance to predict in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing symptomatic AAA repair. Patients with a PLR≥185 and/or an NLR≥6.4 could benefit from a "surveyed waiting conduct" improving the preoperative clinical condition prior to the intervention, or even considering endovascular repair.

Population attitude and access to the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic elicited important changes in community habits and behaviors, including a distancing of people from the healthcare system. The objective of this work was to understand the causes that gave rise to changes in behavior from an individual perspective in the Argentine Republic. We performed a cross-sectional, web-based survey using an online questionnaire. The survey was distributed via the WhatsApp application for smartphones among subjects across the Argentine territory using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. We received 6176 responses. Almost 70% of respondents manifested fear of visiting a physician. One third of respondents manifested having a desire or need in at least one occasion of visiting a physician but, of these, 48% avoided it. The main reasons for avoiding visits were: 1) a recommendation of staying home (40%); 2) lack of access to the physician (35%); and 3) fear of contagion (26%). The most common form of consultation was through unconventional means (e-mail, telephone, or WhatsApp). One of 5 respondents had difficulties to obtain a medication prescription and 5% stopped the use of at least one medication. Regarding healthy habits, almost 2/3 of those surveyed stated that they became more sedentary; 11% of hypertensive patients increased their consumption of salt and 15% saw their blood pressure values increase, while 16% of dyslipidemic patients showed increased consumption of fats.

La pandemia de COVID-19 determinó un importante cambio de los hábitos y comportamientos comunitarios, entre ellos se observó un distanciamiento de la gente del sistema de salud y el abandono de hábitos saludables. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprender las causas que dieron lugar a dichos cambios de comportamiento desde una perspectiva individual y evaluar el impacto en el control de los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares. Realizamos una encuesta utilizando un cuestionario en línea y distribuida mediante la aplicación WhatsApp entre personas de la Argentina utilizando una combinación de muestreo por conveniencia y en "bola de nieve". Recibimos 6176 respuestas, casi el 70% de los encuestados manifestaron temor de realizar una consulta médica. Un tercio de los encuestados manifestó haber tenido necesidad de ir al médico en al menos una oportunidad desde el inicio de la pandemia, pero de éstos, el 48% evitó la visita. Las principales razones para evitarla: 1) la recomendación de quedarse en casa (40%); 2) difi cultad para acceder al sistema de salud (35%); y 3) miedo al contagio (26%). La forma de consulta más común fue a través de medios no convencionales (correo electrónico, teléfono o WhatsApp). Uno de cada 5 encuestados tuvo dificultades para obtener una receta y el 5% dejó de tomar al menos un medicamento. En cuanto a los hábitos saludables, casi 2/3 de los encuestados afirmaron volverse más sedentarios, el 11% de los hipertensos aumentó su consumo de sal y el 15% aumentó sus valores de presión arterial, mientras que el 16% de los dislipidémicos mostró un mayor consumo de grasas.

Acute pulmonary embolism in a patient with mild COVID-19 symptoms: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent condition, which may worsen the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, the incidence of this complication is unknown in patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms. CASE SUMMARY: A 26-year-old female nurse, who had been taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) treatment for the last 2 years, developed mild COVID-19 symptoms (rhinitis and anosmia). She underwent isolation at home and was subsequently followed up with telehealth visits. Fifteen days after her initial presentation, she developed acute onset sudden dyspnoea. On physical examination, she was found to be tachycardic with normal pulse oximetry. The initial risk score for VTE was moderate and laboratory results showed increased D-dimer level without other relevant findings. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography was performed, which confirmed low-risk subsegmental pulmonary embolism. DISCUSSION: Venous thromboembolism in patients who present with severe COVID-19 symptoms has already been described in the literature; its incidence is greater in patients hospitalized in intensive care units. Efforts to prevent VTE based on risk scores are widely recognized. However, the relationship in patients who present with mild COVID-19 symptoms and VTE is still unknown. Recently, experts on this field have introduced thromboprophylaxis guidelines including ambulatory patients based on the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and pro-thrombotic risk. Our patient showed no major risk for developing VTE; therefore, the VTE could be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or the eventual pro-thrombotic association with the concomitant use of OCPs.

Distribution and prognostic value of high-sensitive troponin T measurement in patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease.

AIM: The objective of this work was to define a value for the 99th percentile of high-sensitive troponin T and to evaluate the prognostic value of this biomarker in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes without a history of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In this prospective, observational and analytic study, 482 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. The patients were asymptomatic, with no history of cardiovascular events, renal insufficiency, or inflammatory or systemic disease. As events we considered a combined end point of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: 94.9% of the patients had detectable troponin values, 20.7% of the patients had troponin values above the healthy population reference upper threshold (14pg/mL). The 99th percentile value for this patient population was 48pg/mL. Age, sex, the glomerular filtration rate and hypertension were associated with troponin values>14pg/mL. The incidence of MACE was 3.96 per 100 patients/year (p/y) between those with hs-TnT>14pg/mL and 1.07 per 100 p/y between those with hs-TnT≤14pg/mL (HR=3.78 CI95 1.49-9.58; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The 99th percentile value of troponin T in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes is 3-fold higher than the value proposed by the manufacturer for a healthy population. We also observed a significant difference in the distribution of troponin T values between men and women. This biomarker may be a valuable prognostic factor, since troponin T values above the reference upper threshold were associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.

Prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism and discordant right ventricle strain serum biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricle strain serum biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), are prognostic in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Prognosis accuracy in patients with discordancy between serum biomarkers remains, however, unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis in patients with intermediate or high risk PE and discordant serum biomarkers of RV strain as follows: high hs-cTnT and low NT-proBNP ('high troponin discordance'), compared to patients with low hs-cTnT and high NT-proBNP ('high NT-proBNP discordance'). Cut-off values for high hs-cTnT were ≥14 pg/mL in patients <75 years and ≥45 pg/mL in patients >75-year. Cut-off values for high NT-proBNP were ≥600 pg/mL. The primary end-point was a composite of death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, mechanical ventilation, and inotrope use at one month. 'High troponin discordance', age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were included in a logistic regression model. Time to event analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier curves and Log-rank test. RESULTS: 73 patients were included. 'High troponin discordance' patients (n=41) were younger, presented with a higher heart rate, more frequent bilateral PE, and received more thrombolytics as treatment compared with 'high NT-proBNP discordance' patients (n = 32). Primary end-point was significantly higher in the 'high troponin discordance' patients (29.3% vs 9.4%, p=0.045). 'High troponin discordance' was independently associated with the primary end-point after adjusting for age, sex and BMI. Log rank test confirmed worse outcome in the high troponin discordance group (p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: High troponin discordance' patients with intermediate/high risk PE, had worse outcomes than patients with high BNP discordance.