Overlapping versus single long stents in long chronic total occlusions: insights of the Iberian CTO Registry.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether the availability of long drug-eluting stents modify the PCI strategy of long CTO. To describe the contemporary PCI strategy of long chronic total occlusions (CTO) using overlapping (OS) or single long stents (SS) and to analyze its results. METHODS: 2842 consecutive CTO PCIs were included. Those with an occlusion length ≥20 mm in which ≥1 drug eluting stent (DES) was implanted were analyzed. We compared procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of CTO treated with OS or SS. RESULTS: 1088 CTO PCIs were analyzed (79.9% males; 64.7±10.6 years). Mean J-score was 2.8±0.9. A SS was used in 38.5% of cases and OS in 61.5%. Total stent length was 64.1±29.9 mm; it was higher in the OS group (OS: 79.9±25.5 mm vs. SS: 38.3±14.7 mm; P<0.0001). Mean number of stents in the OS group was 2.3±1. Very long stents (≥40 mm) were used in 27.4% of cases, more frequently in the OS group (OS:32.4% vs. SS:19.3%; P<0.0001). After a mean follow-up of 19±15.9 months, the rate of adverse events (MACE) was 2% (cardiac death: 1.6%, myocardial infarction: 1.6%, target lesion revascularization: 1.9% and stent thrombosis: 0.18%) with no significant differences between both groups. Overlapping was not an independent predictor of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In long CTO PCIs, OS is more frequently used than single stenting, especially in more complex procedures. Clinical outcomes at a mid-term follow-up are favorable. Using newer generation DES, overlapping was not an independent predictor of MACE; however, a trend toward a higher event rate was observed in the OS group.

Data set on mortality of national basketball association (NBA) players.

In this work, we present a data set on the survival times and mortality rates of all 4374 professional basketball players who participated in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from its inception in 1946 until July 2019 [1]. It contains the data of 412 active and 3962 former players. The data were recorded from different internet sources and include information on each player's position, ethnicity, handedness, ages at NBA debut and career end, height, weight, or number of NBA games. The results of the analysis of a previous data set with the same variables of all NBA players from 1946 to 2015 were recently published by Martinez et al. in 2019 [2]. The information provided in the data set can be useful to better understand the mortality risk among NBA players.

Improvement in risk stratification with the combination of the tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure.

AIM: Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) levels have shown to be associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Nevertheless, no attempt has been made to explore the utility of combining these two biomarkers. We sought to assess whether CA125 adds prognostic value to BNP in predicting 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 1111 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (U/mL) and BNP (pg/mL) were measured at a median of 72 +/- 12 h after instauration of treatment. Antigen carbohydrate 125 and BNP were dichotomized based on proposed prognostic cutpoints, and a variable with four categories was formed (BNP-CA125): C1 = BNP < 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 394); C2 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 165); C3 = BNP < 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 331); and C4 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 221). The independent association between BNP-CA125 and mortality was assessed with the Cox regression analysis, and their added predictive ability tested by the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index. At 6 months, 181 deaths (16.3%) were identified. The cumulative rate of mortality was lower for patients in C1 (7.8%), intermediate for C2 and C3 (17.8% and 16.9%, respectively), and higher for C4 (37.2%), and P-value for trend <0.001. After adjusting for established risk factors, the highest risk was observed when both biomarkers were elevated (C4 vs. C1: HR = 4.05, 95% CI = 2.54-6.45; P < 0.001) and intermediate when only one of them was elevated: (C2 vs. C1: HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.00-2.93; P = 0.050) and (C3 vs. C1: HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.30-3.39; P = 0.002). Moreover, when CA125 was added to the clinical model + BNP, a 10.4% (P < 0.0001) improvement in the IDI (on the relative scale) was found. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with AHF, CA125 added prognostic value beyond the information provided by BNP, and thus, their combination enables better 6-month risk stratification.

Recommendations on antithrombotic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Position statement of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology.

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which gives rise to the highly contagious COVID-19 disease, has caused a pandemic that is overwhelming health care systems worldwide. Affected patients have been reported to have a heightened inflammatory state that increases their thrombotic risk. However, there is very scarce information on the management of thrombotic risk, coagulation disorders, and anticoagulant therapy. In addition, the situation has also greatly influenced usual care in patients not infected with COVID-19. This article by the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology aims to summarize the available information and to provide a practical approach to the management of antithrombotic therapy.

[Recommendations on antithrombotic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Position statement of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology]. / Recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento antitrombótico durante la pandemia COVID-19. Posicionamiento del Grupo de Trabajo de Trombosis Cardiovascular de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología.

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which gives rise to the highly contagious COVID-19 disease, has caused a pandemic that is overwhelming health care systems worldwide. Affected patients have been reported to have a heightened inflammatory state that increases their thrombotic risk. However, there is very scarce information on the management of thrombotic risk, coagulation disorders, and anticoagulant therapy. In addition, the situation has also greatly influenced usual care in patients not infected with COVID-19. This article by the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology aims to summarize the available information and to provide a practical approach to the management of antithrombotic therapy.

A practical approach with outcome for the prognostic assessment of non-ST-segment elevation chest pain and normal troponin.

Patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain constitute a heterogeneous population. Our aim is to compare the outcome of patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation, and normal troponin, categorized using a risk score, with that of patients with ST depression or troponin increase. A total of 1,449 patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain were evaluated. A validated risk score (using pain characteristics and risk factors) was applied to patients without ST depression or troponin increase. Accordingly, 4 risk categories were defined: group 1, no troponin increase, no ST depression, and risk score <3 points (n = 633); group 2, no troponin increase, no ST depression, but risk score > or = 3 points (n = 158); group 3, no troponin increase, ST depression (n = 106); and group 4, troponin increase (n = 552). Median follow-up was 26 months, and the end point was death or myocardial infarction. Group 1 experienced fewer events at 30 days (1.7%, p = 0.0001) and long-term follow-up (9.4%, p = 0.0001) than groups 2 (10.8% and 26%), 3 (6.6% and 30%), and 4 (9.5% and 25%). Kaplan-Meier curves overlapped among groups 2, 3, and 4, whereas group 1 showed a flatter curve (p = 0.0001). Using multivariate analysis, risk group (group 1 vs remaining groups) predicted 30-day (p = 0.0003) and long-term (p = 0.0001) outcome. There were no differences among groups 2, 3, and 4. In conclusion, application of a risk score to patients without troponin increase or ST deviation identified a high-risk group with prognosis similar to that of patients with troponin increase or ST depression and affords a practical classification for the full spectrum of non-ST-elevation chest pain.

Prognostic differences between routine invasive and conservative strategies for the management of high-risk, non-ST segment acute coronary syndromes: Experience from two consecutive periods in a single center.

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularization strategy for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial, especially in a real world context. The objective of this work was to assess differences at 1 year in all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of mortality or acute myocardial infarction (MI) between two management strategies for NSTE-ACS: a conservative strategy (CS) versus a routine invasive strategy (RIS). METHODS: Of 799 consecutive patients admitted to our institution, 369 were treated with CS (from January 2001 to October 2002); 430 patients admitted with the same diagnosis were treated with RIS (from November 2002 to November 2004). A propensity score (PS) matched sample was created and included 694 patients (87% of the original population). The event rate was compared between each paired member of the PS-matched sample, one receiving RIS and the other CS, and their differences were tested by Cox proportional analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between the two management cohorts. By design, the rate of in-hospital catheterization and revascularization procedures increased in RIS compared with CS. The mortality rate was lower, but not significant, in RIS (HR: 0.76, 95% CI=0.51-1.11; p=0.155). For the composite of death or MI, RIS showed a relative risk reduction of 29% (HR: 0.71, 95% CI=0.53-0.94); p=0.018) compared with CS, differences that become non-significant (p=0.680) if we adjust for differences in rate of revascularization procedures and changes in medication prescription. CONCLUSIONS: RIS was associated with a 1-year lower risk of the combined endpoint of all-cause death and MI in patients with NSTE-ACS, attributable to changes in frequency of revascularization procedures and in medical treatment.

New risk score for patients with acute chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation, and normal troponin concentrations: a comparison with the TIMI risk score.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to develop a risk score for patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation electrocardiogram (ECG), and normal troponin levels. BACKGROUND: Prognosis assessment in this population remains a challenge. METHODS: A total of 646 consecutive patients were evaluated by clinical history (risk factors and chest pain score according to pain characteristics), ECG, and early exercise testing. ST-segment deviation and troponin elevation were exclusion criteria. The primary end point was mortality or myocardial infarction at one year. The secondary end point was mortality, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization at 14 days (similar to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] risk score). RESULTS: Primary and secondary end point rates were 6.7% and 5.4%. A risk score was constructed using the variables related to the primary end point: chest pain score > or =10 points (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5; 1 point), > or =2 pain episodes in last 24 h (HR = 2.2; 1 point), age > or =67 years (HR = 2.3; 1 point), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (HR = 4.2; 2 points), and prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (HR = 2.2; 1 point). Patients were classified into five categories of risk (p = 0.0001): 0 points, 0% event rate; 1 point, 3.1%; 2 points, 5.4%; 3 points, 17.6%; > or =4 points, 29.6%. The accuracy of the score was greater than that of the TIMI risk score for the primary (C index of 0.78 vs. 0.66, p = 0.0002) and secondary (C index of 0.70 vs. 0.66, p = 0.1) end points. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with chest pain despite no ST-segment deviation or troponin elevation show a non-negligible rate of events at one year. A risk score derived from this specific population allows more accurate stratification than when using the TIMI risk score.

Prognostic usefulness of white blood cell count on admission and one-year outcome in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain.

Little is known about the prognostic value of leukocyte count on admission for patients with chest pain. In total, 1,461 patients who presented to the emergency department with non-ST-segment elevation chest pain were studied by clinical history, electrocardiography, serial troponin I determination, and leukocyte count on admission. End points were 1-year mortality and major events (mortality or infarction). Overall patient distribution by quartiles of leukocyte count showed increased mortality (6%, 7%, 6%, and 17%, p = 0.0001) and major events (13%, 13%, 15%, and 24%, p = 0.0001) in the fourth quartile. After adjustment for other risk factors, the fourth quartile cut-off value (>10,000 cells/ml) predicted mortality (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 2.8, p = 0.0001) but not major events (p = 0.07). When analysis was performed to assess troponin status, in the subgroup with increased troponin (n = 634, 16% mortality), a leukocyte count >10,000 cells/ml was related to mortality (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 3.4, p = 0.0001). However, in the subgroup with normal troponin levels (n = 827, 4.2% mortality), there were no differences in mortality between patients with or without a leukocyte count >10,000 cells/ml (4.4% vs 4.2%, p = 0.8), with survival curves showing a tight overlap (p = 0.9). Further, in the subgroup with normal troponin levels, leukocyte count was not significantly different between patients with or without ST depression (7,969 +/- 2,171 vs 8,108 +/- 2,356 cells/ml, p = 0.6) and was not associated with mortality in patients with ST depression (p = 0.7). In conclusion, leukocyte count on admission is predictive of mortality in patients with chest pain and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, in the absence of myocardial necrosis, leukocyte count lacks prognostic value.

Usefulness of early exercise testing and clinical risk score for prognostic evaluation in chest pain units without preexisting evidence of myocardial ischemia.

We investigated whether the result of early exercise testing yields prognostic information in addition to that afforded by a clinical risk score in patients who present with chest pain in the emergency department. The study group consisted of 340 patients without preexisting evidence of myocardial ischemia. A clinical risk score was calculated. Primary (mortality or myocardial infarction) and secondary (mortality, myocardial infarction, or rehospitalization due to unstable angina) end points at 1 year were defined. Patients with a positive exercise test result underwent invasive management. Frequencies of primary (7.4% vs 2.1%, p = 0.06) and secondary (9.3% vs 2.8%, p = 0.04) end points and risk score (1.6 +/- 1.0 vs 1.0 +/- 0.9 points, p = 0.0001) were higher in patients with a positive exercise test result. However, in multivariate analysis, clinical risk score was the only independent predictor for the primary (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.2, p = 0.004) and secondary (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 2.9, p = 0.003) end points. In conclusion, if a policy of invasive management is implemented for patients with positive exercise test results, the clinical risk score constitutes the main prognostic predictor of 1-year outcome.

[Prognostic value of serum creatinine in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome]. / Valor pronóstico de la creatinina sérica en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in patients with kidney failure. Moreover, the presence of impaired renal function is an important prognostic factor in patients with heart disease, and is a determinant of outcome during follow-up. The main aim was to investigate the relationship between kidney failure at admission and one-year mortality in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 1029 consecutive patients admitted to our institution. The serum creatinine level and glomerular filtration rate were determined at admission, and classical risk factors and biochemical markers were assessed. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at one year. RESULTS: Patients who died were older, more frequently had a history of diabetes or coronary artery disease, were more likely to have heart failure at admission, had higher troponin-I, myoglobin and creatinine levels, and were less likely to have dyslipidemia or to be a smoker. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictors of all-cause mortality at one year were age, diabetes, troponin-I level, Killip class > 1, male gender, creatinine level, and glomerular filtration rate. There was a linear correlation between increased risk and creatinine level. CONCLUSIONS: Creatinine level at admission is one of the most important covariates in early prognostic stratification in these patients. A high serum creatinine level (or a low glomerular filtration rate) increases the probability of death due to all causes. The serum creatinine level is, moreover, an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and widely available prognostic marker.

[Influence of antecedent of hypertension in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation]. / Influencia del antecedente de hipertensión arterial en los pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are few studies evaluating the effect of a previous history of hypertension on long term prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome, using the new definitions and incorporating new risk markers in the analysis. The aim of our study was to determinate if hypertensive patients differ from non-hypertensives in the epidemiological profile, clinical presentation, treatment prescribed at discharge and prognosis after admission with non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 1,029 consecutive patients admitted with high suspicion of non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome were evaluated. Prognostic variables were determined during admission (epidemiological and biochemical), as it was the discharge treatment. The primary endpoint was defined as all cause mortality at one year follow up. RESULTS: 65.8% (n = 677) of patients had hypertension. Hypertensive patients displayed a worst epidemiological and biochemical profile, and different discharge treatment. There were 139 (13.5%) deaths at one year follow up. The all cause mortality for non-hypertensive patients was 12.5% and for hypertensives 14.6% (p = NS). In the multivariate analysis (Cox regression) there were no differences in mortality between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: A previous history of hypertension is an important factor to explain differences in the presence of other risk factors or the treatment, but is not a mortality predictor.

[Prognostic value of white blood cell count in acute myocardial infarction: long-term mortality]. / Valor pronóstico del recuento leucocitario en el infarto agudo de miocardio: mortalidad a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although traditionally an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), an indicator of systemic inflammation, has been accepted as part of the healing response following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it has frequently been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The present study was designed to assess the association between WBC and long-term mortality in AMI patients either with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) or without ST-segment elevation (non-STEMI). Patients and method. The study included 1118 consecutive patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of AMI: 569 non-STEMI and 549 STEMI. The WBC was measured in the 24 hours following admission. Patients were divided into 3 groups: WBC1 (count, <10 x 103 cells/mL), WBC2 (count, 10-14.9 x 10(3) cells/mL), and WBC3 (count, > or =15x10(3) cells/mL). All-cause mortality was recorded during a median follow-up period of 10+/-2 months. The relationship between WBC and mortality was assessed by Cox regression analysis for both types of AMI. RESULTS: Long-term mortality during follow-up was 18.5% in non-STEMI patients and 19.9% in STEMI patients. In non-STEMI patients, the adjusted hazard ratios for those in the WBC3 and WBC2 groups compared with those in the WBC1 group were 2.07 (1.08-3.94; P=.027) and 1.61 (1.03-2.51; P=.036), respectively. The corresponding figures in STEMI patients were 2.07 (1.13-3.76; P=.017) and 2.22 (1.35-3.63; P=.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: WBC on admission was an independent predictor of long-term mortality in both non-STEMI and STEMI patients.

Recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento antitrombótico durante la pandemia COVID-19. Posicionamiento del Grupo de Trabajo de Trombosis Cardiovascular de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología / Recommendations on antithrombotic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Position statement of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology

La pandemia producida por la infección del nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, que da lugar a una enfermedad altamente contagiosa (COVID-19), ha producido un colapso de los sistemas sanitarios de todo el mundo. Se ha descrito que estos pacientes sufren un estado inflamatorio que condiciona un alto riesgo trombótico. Sin embargo, apenas hay información sobre cómo abordar el riesgo trombótico, la coagulopatía y el tratamiento anticoagulante de estos pacientes. Por otra parte, incluso los pacientes no infectados por COVID-19 sufren una tremenda influencia en su abordaje habitual por la situación sanitaria actual. El objetivo del presente documento, elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de Trombosis Cardiovascular de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología, es presentar la información disponible y dar unas pautas sencillas de tratamiento con fármacos antitrombóticos

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which gives rise to the highly contagious COVID-19 disease, has caused a pandemic that is overwhelming health care systems worldwide. Affected patients have been reported to have a heightened inflammatory state that increases their thrombotic risk. However, there is very scarce information on the management of thrombotic risk, coagulation disorders, and anticoagulant therapy. In addition, the situation has also greatly influenced usual care in patients not infected with COVID-19. This article by the Working Group on Cardiovascular Thrombosis of the Spanish Society of Cardiology aims to summarize the available information and to provide a practical approach to the management of antithrombotic therapy

[An invasive strategy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. From large trials to the real world]. / Estrategia invasiva en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. De los grandes estudios al mundo real.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We report the impact on prognosis of an invasive strategy used at our center for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 504 consecutive patients with typical chest pain, electrocardiographic changes or increased troponin I serum values, who were divided into 2 cohorts: a) conservative group, 272 patients admitted between October 2001 and September 2002 and managed with a conservative strategy, and b) invasive group, 232 patients admitted between October 2002 and September 2003 for whom an invasive strategy was recommended. We recorded major events (death or reinfarction) and minor events (readmission or need for postdischarge revascularization) within a 12-week follow-up period. RESULTS: In the invasive group in-hospital angioplasty (21% vs 35%, P<.0001) and in-hospital revascularization (33% vs 48%, P=.001) increased. There were no significant differences between the conservative and the invasive group regarding major events (17% vs 15%). The invasive group was associated with a reduction in minor events (17% vs 9%, P=.01). The incidence of any event was reduced (28% vs 20%, P=.04). In the multivariate analysis for the whole group (n=504) the invasive strategy significantly reduced minor events (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3-0.8], P=.008) and any event (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3-0.8], P=.005), but not major events (hazard ratio 0.6 [0.4-1.1], P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: The results observed in recent randomized clinical trials regarding the use of an invasive strategy were confirmed in the real world. In the short term, the benefits seem to be confined to a reduction in minor events, i.e., fewer readmissions and less need for postdischarge revascularization.

[Prognostic value of Charlson comorbidity index at 30 days and 1 year after acute myocardial infarction]. / Papel del índice de Charlson en el pronóstico a 30 días y 1 año tras un infarto agudo de miocardio.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), an indicator of comorbidity, has been used as an adjusting variable in multivariate models. Because of its prognostic value per se for cardiovascular complications after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we sought to determine the predictive value of the CCI for all-cause mortality and recurrent AMI 30 days and 1 year after the index event. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 1035 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of AMI (ST elevation=508 and non-ST elevation=527). The composite endpoint was determined after 30 days (13.9%) and 1 year (26.3%) of follow-up. The CCI was calculated on admission, and other variables with prognostic value were also recorded. CCI was stratified in 4 categories: 1: CCI=0 (control), 2: CCI=1, 3: CCI=2,4: CCI> or =3. Cox proportional risks analysis was used for the multivariate analysis, and the C-statistic was calculated to assess the discriminative power of the models. RESULTS: Hazard ratios (95% CI) estimated for each category of CCI were: 2=1.69 (1.10-2.59), 3=1.78 (1.08-2.92) and 4=1.57 (0.87-2.83) at 30 days; 2=1.62 (1.18-2.23), 3=2.00 (1.39-2.89) and 4=2.24 (1.50-3.36) at 1 year. Comparisons with the C-statistic between the nested multivariate models (with and without CCI) yielded values of 0.765 vs 0.750 after 30 days, and 0.751 vs 0.735 after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that CCI is an independent predictor of mortality or recurrent AMI 30 days and 1 year after the index AMI.

Carbohydrate antigen 125: an emerging prognostic risk factor in acute heart failure?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether circulating levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predict subsequent 6-month all-cause mortality in patients after the index hospitalisation for acute heart failure (HF). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study at a single teaching centre in Spain. METHODS: 529 consecutive patients with acute HF admitted in a single university centre were analysed. In addition to the traditional clinical information, CA125 (U/ml) was measured during the early course of hospitalisation. The independent association between baseline CA125 and mortality was assessed with Cox regression analysis. The follow-up was limited to 6 months. RESULTS: 349 (66%) patients showed serum levels of CA125 >35 U/ml (established cut-off point value). At a 6-month follow-up, 89 (16.8%) deaths were identified. A positive trend between mortality and CA125 quartiles was observed; 3.8%, 15.2%, 22% and 26.5% of deaths occurred from quartile 1 to 4 of CA125 (p<0.001). Likewise, a monotonic, ascending trend in the risk ratios was estimated from the multivariable Cox model. Compared with the first quartile of CA125, the HRs (95% CI) for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 3.25 (1.20 to 8.79), 4.91 (1.88 to 12.85) and 8.41 (3.24 to 21.79), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of CA125 obtained in patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute HF was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality up to the 6-month follow-up.

Angiografía del día siguiente tras fibrinólisis exitosa frente al tratamiento convencional, en el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST, fibrinolisado / Angiography performed the next day after successful thrombolysis versus conventional treatment in acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation

Introducción y objetivos: la incorporación de las nuevas guías de actuación de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología en el síndrome coronario agudo, con coronariografía precoz (24 horas) tras trombólisis, incluso si es efectiva y sin necesidad de demostrar signos de isquemia residual, en los casos en los que no se realiza angioplastia primaria, ha supuesto un reto respecto a la forma tradicional de actuar en los Servicios de Cardiología. Métodos: durante 2007, 2008 y la primera mitad de 2009 se atendieron 266 pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio con ST elevado tratados con trombólisis. De ellos, y tras excluir los rescates (41), en 94 (42%) se realizó cateterismo dentro de las primeras 24 horas (angiografía del día siguiente) y en los 131 (58%) restantes se siguió una estrategia convencional con test de provocación de isquemia (tratamiento convencional). Resultados: en el primer grupo, la estancia media fue de 7,3 ± 3 días [mediana, rango intercuantílico: 7 (5-8)]. La incidencia de eventos mortales al año fue de 3 (4%). No hubo ningún sangrado mayor; sólo 20 de ellos (22%) presentaron hematomas inguinales mayores de 2 cm. En el segundo, la estancia media fue de 10,2 ± 6,3 días [9 (6-13)], significativamente mayor (p<0,001). El número de eventos mortales al año fue de 7 (11%), sin que se observaran diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,52). Conclusiones: la angiografía del día siguiente se asocia con una reducción de la estancia media respecto al tratamiento convencional. Además, parece mostrar una tendencia (no significativa) de reducción de mortalidad al año, sin que aumente el número de complicaciones hemorrágicas.

Introduction and objectives: The introduction of new practice guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology in acute coronary syndrome with early coronary angiography (24 hours) after thrombolysis, even if it is effective without showing signs of residual ischemia in the cases where primary angioplasty is not performed, has been a challenge over the traditional approach in the Departments of Cardiology. Methods: During 2007, 2008 and the first half of 2009, 266 patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation were treated with thrombolysis. After excluding the bailouts (41), in 94 (42%) of them, a catheterization was peformed within the first 24 hours (next day angiography) and the remaining 131 (58%) underwent a conventional strategy with a provocation test to elicit ischemia (conventional treatment). Results: In the first group, the average stay was 7.3 ± 3 days [median interquartile range: 7 (5-8)]. The incidence of fatal events per year was 3 (4%). There were no major bleeding, only 20 of them (22%) had groin hematomas larger than 2 cm. In the second group, the average stay was 10.2 ± 6.3 days [9 (6-13)], significantly higher (p <0.001). The number of fatal events per year was 7 (11%) and no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.52). Conclusions: Angiography performed the next day is associated with reduced length of stay compared to conventional treatment. It also seems to show a trend (not significant) of reduction in year mortality without increasing the number of bleeding complications.

Histología virtual de una lesión oclusiva trombótica aguda / No disponible

No disponible