Polypill Strategy in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention.

BACKGROUND: A polypill that includes key medications associated with improved outcomes (aspirin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme [ACE] inhibitor, and statin) has been proposed as a simple approach to the secondary prevention of cardiovascular death and complications after myocardial infarction. METHODS: In this phase 3, randomized, controlled clinical trial, we assigned patients with myocardial infarction within the previous 6 months to a polypill-based strategy or usual care. The polypill treatment consisted of aspirin (100 mg), ramipril (2.5, 5, or 10 mg), and atorvastatin (20 or 40 mg). The primary composite outcome was cardiovascular death, nonfatal type 1 myocardial infarction, nonfatal ischemic stroke, or urgent revascularization. The key secondary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal type 1 myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke. RESULTS: A total of 2499 patients underwent randomization and were followed for a median of 36 months. A primary-outcome event occurred in 118 of 1237 patients (9.5%) in the polypill group and in 156 of 1229 (12.7%) in the usual-care group (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.96; P = 0.02). A key secondary-outcome event occurred in 101 patients (8.2%) in the polypill group and in 144 (11.7%) in the usual-care group (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.90; P = 0.005). The results were consistent across prespecified subgroups. Medication adherence as reported by the patients was higher in the polypill group than in the usual-care group. Adverse events were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a polypill containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin within 6 months after myocardial infarction resulted in a significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events than usual care. (Funded by the European Union Horizon 2020; SECURE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02596126; EudraCT number, 2015-002868-17.).

Effects of intravenous lysine acetylsalicylate versus oral aspirin on platelet responsiveness in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the ECCLIPSE-STEMI trial.

Prasugrel and ticagrelor, new P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists, are associated with greater pharmacodynamic inhibition and reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with an acute coronary syndrome. However, evidence is lacked about the effects of achieving faster and stronger cyclooxygenase inhibition with intravenous lysine acetylsalicylate (LA) compared to oral aspirin. Recently, we demonstrated in healthy volunteers that the administration of intravenous LA resulted in a significantly reduction of platelet reactivity compared to oral aspirin. Loading dose of LA achieves platelet inhibition faster, and with less variability than aspirin. However, there are no data of this issue in patients with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open platelet function study conducted in STEMI patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a loading dose (LD) of intravenous LA 450 mg plus oral ticagrelor 180 mg, or LD of aspirin 300 mg plus ticagrelor 180 mg orally. Platelet function was evaluated at baseline, 30 min, 1 h, 4 h and 24 h using multiple electrode aggregometry and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP). The primary endpoint of the study is the inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) after arachidonic acid (AA) 0.5 mM at 30 min. Secondary endpoints were the IPA at 1, 4, and 24 h after AA, and non-AA pathways through the sequence (ADP and TRAP). A total of 32 STEMI patients were randomized (16 LA, 16 aspirin). The inhibition of platelet aggregation after AA 0.5 mM at 30 min was greater in subjects treated with LA compared with aspirin: 166 vs. 412 respectively (p = 0.001). This differential effect was observed at 1 h (p = 0.01), but not at 4 and 24 h. Subjects treated with LA presented less variability and faster inhibition of platelet aggregation wit AA compared with aspirin. The administration of intravenous LA resulted in a significantly reduction of platelet reactivity compared to oral aspirin on ticagrelor inhibited platelets in patients with STEMI. Loading dose of LA achieves an earlier platelet inhibition, and with less variability than aspirin.Trial Registration: Unique identifier: NCT02929888; URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Clinical profile and prognosis in patients on oral anticoagulation before admission for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shows high morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Some of these patients are under oral anticoagulation (OAC) at admission, but to date, there are no data on the clinical profile, prognosis and risk factors of such patients during hospitalization for COVID-19. DESIGN: Subanalysis of the international 'real-world' HOPE COVID-19 registry. All patients with prior OAC at hospital admission for COVID-19 were suitable for the study. All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: From 1002 patients included, 110 (60.9% male, median age of 81.5 [IQR 75-87] years, median Short-Form Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] of 1 [IQR 1-3]) were on OAC at admission, mainly for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. After propensity score matching, 67.9% of these patients died during hospitalization, which translated into a significantly higher mortality risk compared to patients without prior OAC (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.08-2.16). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, respiratory insufficiency during hospitalization (HR 6.02, 95% CI 2.18-16.62), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during hospitalization (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.34-3.91) and the Short-Form CCI (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.49) were the main risk factors for mortality in patients on prior OAC. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to patients without prior OAC, COVID-19 patients on OAC therapy at hospital admission showed lower survival and higher mortality risk. In these patients on OAC therapy, the prevalence of several comorbidities is high. Respiratory insufficiency and SIRS during hospitalization, as well as higher comorbidity, pointed out those anticoagulated patients with increased mortality risk.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip device in hemodynamically unstable patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Very few data exist on percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVr) in unstable patients with concomitant moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate baseline characteristics, management and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients undergoing PMVr with MitraClip. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the published data on MitraClip from its first use in 2003 to December 2020. Studies referring to critically ill patients in cardiogenic shock or acute refractory pulmonary edema were included. A total of 40 publications including 254 patients with significant MR (Grade 4 in 91%) were included. RESULTS: Mean age was 70 ± 12 years with mean Euroscore II and STS of 21 ± 13 and 20.5 ± 16, respectively. Clinical presentation was with cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction in 72.8 and 60.0% of patients, respectively. Device success was achieved in 238 (93.7%) patients with a significant reduction in MR (Grade ≤ 2 in 91.8%, p < .001). The median weaning time from the procedure, to discontinuation of mechanical circulatory or respiratory support, was 2 days (IQR 1-4), with an in-hospital mortality and non-fatal complication rate of 12.6 and 9.1%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated an overall mortality rate of 39.1% at 12-month follow-up, with persistent reduction in MR severity for survivors (Grade ≤ 2 in 81.3%) and one case of mitral valve reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip device is a technically feasible and potentially viable management option in high-risk patients with cardiogenic shock or refractory pulmonary edema and concomitant moderate-severe MR. Prospective trials are required to confirm these findings, and definitively determine the value of MitraClip in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Comparing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy laser lithotripsy for treatment of urinary stones smaller than 2 cm: a cost-utility analysis in the Spanish clinical setting.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficiency and cost-utility profile of ureteroscopy versus shock wave lithotripsy for treatment of reno-ureteral stones smaller than 2 cm. METHODS: Patients treated for urinary stones smaller than 2 cm were included in this study (n = 750) and divided into two groups based on technique of treatment. To assess the cost-utility profile a sample of 48 patients (50% of each group) was evaluated. Quality of life survey (Euroqol 5QD-3L) before-after treatment was applied, Markov model was designed to calculate quality of life in each status of the patients (stone or stone-free with and without double-J stent) and to estimate the incremental cost-utility. Monte carlo simulation was conducted for a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Chi-square was used for comparing qualitative variables and T student's for continuous variables. RESULTS: Shock wave lithotripsy group had 408 (54.4%) and ureteroscopy group had 342 (45.6%) patients. Of them, 56.3% were treated for renal stones and 43.7% for ureteral stones. Ureteroscopy produced slightly higher overall quality of patients' life, but produced a significant higher overall cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) than shock wave lithotripsy, exceeding the cost-utility threshold (20,000€/QALY). Sensitivity analysis confirmed results in 93.65% of cases. Difference was maintained in subgroup analysis (ureteral vs renal stones). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that in our clinical setting shock wave lithotripsy has better cost-utility profile than ureteroscopy for treatment of reno-ureteral stones less than 2 cm, but excluding waiting times, in ideal clinical setting, ureteroscopy would have better cost-utility profile than shock wave lithotripsy.

Performance of the heart team approach in daily clinical practice in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: The heart team (HT) approach plays a key role in selecting the optimal treatment strategy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, little is known about the HT decision process and its impact on outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the HT decision and evaluate clinical outcomes according to the treatment choice. METHODS: The study included a total of 286 consecutive patients with AS referred for discussion in the weekly HT meeting in a cardiovascular institute over 2 years. Patients were stratified according to the selected therapeutic approach: medical treatment (MT), surgical (SAVR), or transcatheter (TAVR) aortic valve replacement. Baseline characteristics involved in making a therapeutic choice were identified and a decision-making tree was built using classification and regression tree methodology. RESULTS: Based on HT discussion, 53 patients were assigned to SAVR, 210 to TAVR, and 23 to MT. Older patients (≥88 years old) were mainly assigned to TAVR or MT according to the logistic EuroSCORE (

Elevation of ST-segment in aVR is predictive of cardiogenic shock but not of multivessel disease in inferior myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies suggest that ST elevation in aVR (aVR-STE) can predict the presence of left main or multivessel disease (MVD) and relates to prognosis. Our purpose was to analyze the relationship of aVR-STE to MVD disease or cardiogenic shock (CS) in patients with inferior myocardial infarction (inferior STEMI). METHODS: We analyzed two cohorts of consecutive patients admitted for inferior STEMI in the Coronary Unit of two university hospitals. ST elevation and ST depression in each derivation were compared between patients with and without MVD and with and without CS. RESULTS: We included 342 patients-19.6% women and 80.4% men-with a median age of 60 (52, 70); 18 patients (5.2%) had MVD, and 25 (7.3%) patients presented CS. There was no relationship between ST elevation or ST depression in either derivation and MVD. In contrast, CS was associated with aVR-STE, ST-segment depression in lead aVL, and the sum of ST-segment depression. aVR-STE of 0.25 mm had a sensitivity of 24.0% and a specificity of 95.9% for CS. After multivariate analysis including clinical variables, aVR-STE was independently associated with CS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with inferior STEMI, ST-segment analysis was not useful in predicting multivessel disease. aVR-STE was an independent predictor of CS, with high specificity but low sensitivity.

ADHD is associated with migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

An association between primary headaches and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been suggested. Moreover, headache is regarded as a common side effect of stimulants, the most effective treatment for ADHD. So far, no systematic review has evaluated the potential association between ADHD and headache. We performed a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of all reported studies on ADHD and primary headaches. Our analysis showed a positive association between ADHD and migraine (OR 1.322, 95% CI 1.018-1717, p value 0.036), but not with tension-type headache. There is a significant association between migraine and ADHD. The mechanisms underlying this association remain to be elucidated, warranting further studies.

Streptococcus bovis endocarditis: Update from a multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) due to Streptococcus bovis has been classically associated with elderly patients, frequently involving >1 valve, with large vegetations and high embolic risk, which make it a high-risk group. Our aim is to analyze the current clinical profile and prognosis of S bovis IE episodes, in comparison to those episodes caused by viridans group streptococci and enterococci. METHODS: We analyzed 1242 consecutive episodes of IE prospectively recruited on an ongoing multipurpose database, of which 294 were streptococcal left-sided IE and comprised our study group. They were classified into 3 groups: group I (n = 47), episodes of IE due to S bovis; group II (n = 134), episodes due to viridans group streptococci; and group III (n = 113), those episodes due to enterococci. RESULTS: The incidence of enterococci IE has significantly increased in the last 2 decades (6.4% [1996-2004] vs 11.1% [2005-2013]; P = .005), whereas the incidence of IE due to S bovis and viridans streptococci have remained stable (4% and 10%, respectively). Gender distribution was similar in the 3 groups. Patients with S bovis and enterococci IE were older than those from group II. Nosocomial acquisition was more frequent in group III. Concerning comorbidity, diabetes mellitus (36.7% vs 9.2% vs 26.8%; P < .001) was more common in groups I and III. Chronic renal failure was more prevalent in patients from group III (4.2% vs 1.5% vs 19%; P < .001). Prosthetic valve IE was more frequent in enterococcal IE. Infection upon normal native valves was more frequent in S bovis IE. Colorectal tumors were found in 69% of patients from this group. Vegetation detection was similar in the 3 groups. However, vegetation size was smaller in S bovis IE. During hospitalization, in-hospital complications and in-hospital mortality were higher in enterococci episodes. CONCLUSIONS: S bovis IE accounts for 3.8% of all IE episodes in our cohort; it is associated with a high prevalence of colonic tumors, with predominance of benign lesions, and affects patients without preexisting valve disease. It is related to small vegetations and a low rate of in-hospital complications, including systemic embolisms. In-hospital mortality is similar to that of viridans group streptococci.

Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in prosthetic infective endocarditis and cardiac implantable electronic device infection: comparison of different interpretation criteria.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of prosthetic valve (PV) infective endocarditis (IE) and infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/CT in these patients and analyse the interpretation criteria. METHODS: We included 41 patients suspected of having IE by the Duke criteria who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT. The criteria applied for classifying the findings as positive/negative for IE were: (a) visual analysis of only PET images with attenuation-correction (AC PET images); (b) visual analysis of both AC PET images and PET images without AC (NAC PET images); (c) qualitative analysis of NAC PET images; and (d) semiquantitative analysis of AC PET images. 18F-FDG PET/CT was considered positive for IE independently of the intensity and distribution of FDG uptake. The gold standard was the Duke pathological criteria (if tissue was available) or the decision of an endocarditis expert team after a minimum 4 months follow-up. RESULTS: We studied 62 areas with suspicion of IE, 28 areas (45 %) showing definite IE and 34 (55 %) showing possible IE. Visual analysis of only AC PET images showed poor diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 20 %, specificity 57 %). Visual analysis of both AC PET and NAC PET images showed excellent sensitivity (100 %) and intermediate specificity (73 %), focal uptake being more frequently associated with IE. The accuracy of qualitative analysis of NAC PET images depended on the threshold: the maximum sensitivity, specificity and accuracy achieved were 88 %, 80 %, 84 %, respectively. In the semiquantitative analysis of AC PET images, SUVmax was higher in areas of confirmed IE than in those without IE (∆SUVmax 2.2, p < 0.001). When FDG uptake was twice that in the liver, IE was always confirmed, and SUVmax 5.5 was the optimal threshold for IE diagnosis using ROC curve analysis (area under the curve 0.71). CONCLUSION: The value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of suspected IE of PVs and CIEDs is highly dependent on patient preparation and the method used for image interpretation. Based on our results, the best method is to consider a study positive for IE when FDG uptake is present in both AC PET and NAC PET images.

Platelet function in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TK) includes a transient left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary disease, sometimes after stressful situations with elevated cathecolamines. Since catecholamines activate platelets we aimed to study the platelet influence in a TK setting. We included 32 patients with a TK diagnosis, 13 with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 18 healthy volunteers. Once consent informed was obtained, blood samples were extracted and processed (at admission and after 3 months follow-up). Clinical, ecg, echocardiographic and angiographic features were thoroughly recorded.Previous treatment before admission was similar between groups. No differences were observed in clinical features or any of the acute markers studied regarding platelet reactivity between TK compared to ACS. After follow-up, aggregation levels and platelet reactivity showed differences, mainly due to the antithrombotic therapy prescribed at discharge, but similar to volunteers. Circulating epinephrine during the acute phase was significantly higher in TK (p < 0.001). Patients with higher levels of epinephrine had elevated platelet activation and aggregation after 3 months. No differences were observed in Takotsubo acute platelet aggregation compared to patients with ACS, in spite of higher blood levels of adrenaline. Takotsubo patients had elevated platelet aggregation and activation compared with ACS patients at 3 months follow-up because they were less frequently on chronic clopidogrel and ASA. However, they had similar platelet aggregation and activation levels to healthy volunteers despite treatment with low-dose ASA. Takotsubo patients who had higher levels of adrenaline in the acute phase displayed increased platelet reactivity during follow-up.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a giant vegetation successfully treated with antibiotics: insights into a new group of patients with endocarditis.

During recent years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an alternative therapeutic option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at high surgical risk. Although infective endocarditis (IE) is a potential and serious complication in this group of patients, the best therapeutic approach for IE in patients with TAVI has not been well established. Here, the case is reported of a patient with a giant vegetation after TAVI infection that was successfully treated without surgery. The hope is to provide some clinical insight into this new group of patients with IE.

Contemporary epidemiology and prognosis of septic shock in infective endocarditis.

AIMS: The prognosis of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) remains poor despite the great advances in the last decades. One of the factors closely related to mortality is the development of septic shock (SS). The aim of our study was to describe the profile of patients with IE complicated with SS, and to identify prognostic factors of new-onset SS during hospitalization. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a prospective study including 894 episodes of IE diagnosed at three tertiary centres. A backward logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine prognostic factors associated with SS development. Multivariable analysis identified the following as predictive of SS development: diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR) 2.06; confidence interval (CI) 1.16-3.68], Staphylococcus aureus infection (OR: 2.97; CI: 1.72-5.15), acute renal insufficiency (OR: 3.22; CI: 1.28-8.07), supraventricular tachycardia (OR: 3.29; CI: 1.14-9.44), vegetation size ≥15 mm (OR: 1.21; CI: 0.65-2.25), and signs of persistent infection (OR: 9.8; CI: 5.48-17.52). Risk of SS development could be stratified when combining the first five variables: one variable present: 3.8% (CI: 2-7%); two variables present: 6.3% (CI: 3.2-12.1%); three variables present: 14.6% (CI: 6.8-27.6%); four variables present: 29.1% (CI: 11.7-56.1%); and five variables present: 45.4% (95% CI: 17.5-76.6%). When adding signs of persistent infection, the risk dramatically increased, reaching 85.7% (95% CI: 61.2-95.9%) of risk. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IE, the presence of diabetes, acute renal insufficiency, Staphylococcus aureus infection, supraventricular tachycardia, vegetation size ≥15 mm, and signs of persistent infection are associated with the development of SS.

Practical approach for atrial cardiomyopathy characterization in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes progressive structural and electrical changes in the atria that can be summarized within the general concept of atrial remodeling. In parallel, other clinical characteristics and comorbidities may also affect atrial tissue properties and make the atria susceptible to AF initiation and its long-term persistence. Overall, pathological atrial changes lead to atrial cardiomyopathy with important implications for rhythm control. Although there is general agreement on the role of the atrial substrate for successful rhythm control in AF, the current classification oversimplifies clinical management. The classification uses temporal criteria and does not establish a well-defined strategy to characterize the individual-specific degree of atrial cardiomyopathy. Better characterization of atrial cardiomyopathy may improve the decision-making process on the most appropriate therapeutic option. We review current scientific evidence and propose a practical characterization of the atrial substrate based on 3 evaluation steps starting with a clinical evaluation (step 1), then assess outpatient complementary data (step 2), and finally include information from advanced diagnostic tools (step 3). The information from each of the steps or a combination thereof can be used to classify AF patients in 4 stages of atrial cardiomyopathy, which we also use to estimate the success on effective rhythm control.

Incidence and clinical impact of inappropriate periprocedural and perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is little evidence on the impact of current recommendations on the use of antiplatelet therapy during the perioperative and periprocedural period in our setting. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and clinical impact of inappropriate use of antiplatelet therapy in a population of patients undergoing surgery or a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure in "real life" in Spain. METHODS: A prospective multicenter observational study of patients treated with antiplatelet agents requiring intervention was conducted. The incidence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events at 30 days was analyzed according to peri-intervention management of antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: We included 643 patients (31.9% women, 39.0% over 75 years of age), most of them (87.7%) receiving aspirin as antiplatelet therapy at a dose of 100mg/day. Indications for antiplatelet therapy were ischemic heart disease (44.9%), cerebrovascular disease (21.7%), and peripheral vascular disease (23.0%). Ischemic risk was low in 74.3%, while 51.6% had a low bleeding risk of the intervention. Periprocedural management was considered appropriate in 61.7% of cases. 30-day incidence of the combined primary endpoint of thrombotic events and major bleeding (12.1% versus 5.0%; p=0.002) and 30-day mortality (5.2% versus 1.5%; p=0.008) were significantly higher in patients with inappropriate periprocedural management of antiplatelet agents. CONCLUSIONS: Despite current recommendations for the use of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative/periprocedural period, their implementation in the "real world" remains low. Inappropriate use is associated with an increased incidence of adverse events, both thrombotic and hemorrhagic.

Influence of HbA1c levels on platelet function profiles associated with tight glycemic control in patients presenting with hyperglycemia and an acute coronary syndrome. A subanalysis of the CHIPS Study ("Control de HIperglucemia y Actividad Plaquetaria en Pacientes con Síndrome Coronario Agudo").

Patients with hyperglycemia, an acute coronary syndrome and poor glycemic control have increased platelet reactivity and poor prognosis. However, it is unclear the influence of a tight glycemic control on platelet reactivity in these patients. This is a subanalysis of the CHIPS study. This trial randomized patients with hyperglycemia to undergo an intensive glucose control (target blood glucose 80-120 mg/dL), or conventional glucose control (target blood glucose <180 mg/dL). We analyzed platelet function at discharge on the subgroup of patients with poor glycemic control, defined with admission levels of HbA1c higher than 6.5%. The primary endpoint was maximal platelet aggregation following stimuli with 20 µM ADP. We also measured aggregation following collagen, epinephrine, and thrombin receptor-activated peptide, as well as P2Y12 reactivity index and surface expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin. A total of 67 patients presented HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (37 intensive, 30 conventional), while 42 had HbA1c < 6.5% (20 intensive, 22 conventional). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups. At discharge, patients with HbA1c ≥6.5% had significantly reduced MPA with intensive glucose control compared with conventional control (46.1 ± 22.3 vs. 60.4 ± 20.0%; p = 0.004). Similar findings were shown with other measures of platelet function. However, glucose control strategy did not affect platelet function parameters in patients with HbA1c < 6.5%. Intensive glucose control in patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome and hyperglycemia results in a reduction of platelet reactivity only in the presence of elevated HbA1c levels.

Bivalirudin for prevention of prosthetic valve thrombosis in heparin allergy.

A 68-year-old male was admitted for implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). He had a prosthetic mechanical valve for which he was receiving anticoagulation with warfarin, but had developed an allergy to heparin. Therefore, we decided to use bivalirudin for anticoagulation, which permitted him to undergo the procedure without complications.

Should atrial fibrillation be considered a vascular disease? The need for a comprehensive vascular approach.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) cannot be considered an isolated disease. Patients with AF should be managed using a comprehensive approach that is not limited to stroke prevention. AREAS COVERED: In this manuscript, the potential role of AF as a vascular disease that is managed as part of a holistic approach was reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: The residual risk of stroke in patients with AF reaches 1-2% annually, despite appropriate anticoagulation therapy. Additionally, patients with AF may develop cognitive impairment through stroke-independent pathways. Furthermore, patients with AF may have a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular disease in various vascular beds and chronic kidney disease; conversely, patients with atherosclerotic disease may have an increased risk of developing AF. AF should be considered a truly systemic vascular disease, since it brings together several hemodynamic and systemic changes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic systems, as well as a prothrombotic state and endothelial dysfunction. In this regard, patients with AF should be treated based on a holistic approach that is not limited to oral anticoagulation but includes complete vascular protection.

Prospective observational registry of perioperative and periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in "real world": the REQXAA study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is scarce real-world evidence on the management of perioperative antithrombotic treatment according to current recommendations. The aim of this study was to analyze the management of antithrombotic treatment in patients undergoing surgery or another invasive intervention and to assess the consequences of this management on the occurrence thrombotic or bleeding events. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter and multispecialty study analyzed patients receiving antithrombotic therapy who underwent surgery or another invasive intervention. The primary endpoint was defined as the incidence of adverse (thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic) events after 30 days of follow-up with respect to management of perioperative antithrombotic drugs. RESULTS: We included 1266 patients (male: 63.5%; mean age 72.6 years). Nearly half of the patients (48.6%) were under chronic anticoagulation therapy (mainly for atrial fibrillation; CHA2DS2-VASC: 3.7), while 53.3% of the patients were under chronic antiplatelet therapy (mainly for coronary artery disease). Low ischemic and hemorrhagic risk was found in 66.7% and 51.9%, respectively. Antithrombotic therapy management was in line with current recommendations in only 57.3% of the patients. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic therapy was an independent risk factor for both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of recommendations on the perioperative/periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in real-world patients is poor. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic treatment is associated with an increase in both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events.