Consensus on improving the comprehensive care of patients with acute heart failure.

The latest acute heart failure (AHF) consensus document from the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC, for its initials in Spanish), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) was published in 2015, which made an update covering the main novelties regarding AHF from the last few years necessary. These include publication of updated European guidelines on HF in 2016, new studies on the pharmacological treatment of patients during hospitalization, and other recent developments regarding AHF such as early treatment, intermittent treatment, advanced HF, and refractory congestion. This consensus document was drafted with the aim of updating all aspects related to AHF and to create a document that comprehensively describes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this disease.

Manejo con control de temperatura en los cuidados posparada cardiaca: documento de expertos / Management of temperature control in post-cardiac arrest care: an expert report

Actualmente, el control estricto de temperatura mediante hipotermia inducida (entre 32 y 36 oC) se considera un tratamiento de primera línea en el manejo de pacientes con parada cardiaca recuperada que ingresan en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Su objetivo es disminuir el daño neurológico secundario a anoxia cerebral. Aunque existen múltiples evidencias sobre sus beneficios, el empleo de esta técnica en nuestro país es pobre y todavía existen temas controvertidos como temperatura óptima, velocidad de instauración, duración y proceso de calentamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo es desarrollar la evidencia científica actual y las recomendaciones de las principales guías internacionales. El enfoque de este documento se centra también en aplicación práctica del control estricto de la temperatura en la parada cardiaca recuperada en nuestras Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Generales o Cardiológicas, principalmente en los métodos de aplicación, protocolos, manejo de las complicaciones y elaboración del pronóstico neurológico. (AU)

Targeted temperature management (TTM) through induced hypothermia (between 32-36 oC) is currently regarded as a first-line treatment during the management of post-cardiac arrest patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of TTM is to afford neuroprotection and reduce secondary neurological damage caused by anoxia. Despite the large body of evidence on its benefits, the TTM is still little used in Spain. There are controversial issues referred to its implementation, such as the optimal target body temperature, timing, duration and the rewarming process. The present study reviews the best available scientific evidence and the current recommendations contained in the international guidelines. In addition, the study focuses on the practical implementation of TTM in post-cardiac arrest patients in general and cardiological ICUs, with a discussion of the implementation strategies, protocols, management of complications and assessment of the neurological prognosis. (AU)

Consenso para la mejora de la atención integral de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda / Consensus on improving the comprehensive care of patients with acute heart failure

El último consenso sobre insuficiencia cardíaca aguda de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología, la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias se elaboró en 2015, por lo que era necesaria una actualización para revisar las diversas novedades relacionadas con la temática de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda que han ido apareciendo los últimos años. Entre ellas están la publicación de las nuevas guías europeas sobre insuficiencia cardíaca en el 2016, nuevos estudios sobre el manejo farmacológico de los pacientes durante la hospitalización y novedades sobre diversos aspectos relacionados con la insuficiencia cardíaca aguda, tales como el abordaje precoz, terapia intermitente, insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada y congestión refractaria. Por ello, este consenso se elaboró con la intención de actualizar todos los aspectos relacionados con la insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y proporcionar un documento que detallase de manera completa el diagnóstico, tratamiento y manejo de esta enfermedad (AU)

The latest acute heart failure consensus document from the Spanish Society of Cardiology, Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine was published in 2015, which made an update covering the main novelties regarding acute heart failure from the last few years necessary. These include publication of updated European guidelines on heart failure in 2016, new studies on the pharmacological treatment of patients during hospitalization, and other recent developments regarding acute heart failure such as early treatment, intermittent treatment, advanced heart failure, and refractory congestion. This consensus document was drafted with the aim of updating all aspects related to acute heart failure and to create a document that comprehensively describes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this disease (AU)

Management of temperature control in post-cardiac arrest care: an expert report. / Manejo con control de temperatura en los cuidados posparada cardiaca: documento de expertos.

Targeted temperature management (TTM) through induced hypothermia (between 32-36 oC) is currently regarded as a first-line treatment during the management of post-cardiac arrest patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of TTM is to afford neuroprotection and reduce secondary neurological damage caused by anoxia. Despite the large body of evidence on its benefits, the TTM is still little used in Spain. There are controversial issues referred to its implementation, such as the optimal target body temperature, timing, duration and the rewarming process. The present study reviews the best available scientific evidence and the current recommendations contained in the international guidelines. In addition, the study focuses on the practical implementation of TTM in post-cardiac arrest patients in general and cardiological ICUs, with a discussion of the implementation strategies, protocols, management of complications and assessment of the neurological prognosis.

Consensus on improving the comprehensive care of patients with acute heart failure. / Consenso para la mejora de la atención integral de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda.

The latest acute heart failure consensus document from the Spanish Society of Cardiology, Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine was published in 2015, which made an update covering the main novelties regarding acute heart failure from the last few years necessary. These include publication of updated European guidelines on heart failure in 2016, new studies on the pharmacological treatment of patients during hospitalization, and other recent developments regarding acute heart failure such as early treatment, intermittent treatment, advanced heart failure, and refractory congestion. This consensus document was drafted with the aim of updating all aspects related to acute heart failure and to create a document that comprehensively describes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this disease.

Para predecir una buena respuesta a la terapia de desincronización cardiaca ¿qué es lo más importante, la duración del QRS o su morfología? / What is most important to predict a good response of cardiac resynchronization therapy, the QRS duration or its morphology?

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Anticoagulantes orales directos en la fibrilación auricular no valvular: cómo mejorar su uso en España / Novel oral anticoagulants in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: How to improve its management in Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Recientes estudios con datos en vida real sobre el uso de anticoagulantes de acción directa (ACOD) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular, aportan datos del empleo de los diferentes ACOD según las características de los pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar un documento sobre las sugerencias de uso de los ACOD en función de la evidencia existente en la literatura y de la experiencia clínica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Un panel multidisciplinar de 8 expertos consensuó y desarrolló el contenido. El documento elaborado fue completado en 10 reuniones regionales con expertos de distintas especialidades. El panel valoró las aportaciones de los expertos regionales y elaboró las sugerencias definitivas. RESULTADOS: El documento final recoge las aportaciones generadas a lo largo de todo el proceso en 3 apartados. Se detallan las conclusiones/sugerencias generales sobre el empleo de los ACOD. Se proponen sugerencias concretas de empleo de cada ACOD en función de características clínicas específicas de los pacientes. Por último, se definen las limitaciones al empleo de los ACOD y se proponen acciones para mejorar el manejo de la anticoagulación. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario superar las barreras clínicas y administrativas que dificultan el óptimo empleo de los ACOD con el fin de mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular que precisan anticoagulación

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recent real-world data studies on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, provide data on the use of different DOAC according to patient characteristics. The objective of this work was to elaborate on the suggestions on the use of DOAC based on evidence and clinical experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of 8 experts developed the agreed content. The document was completed in 10 regional meetings with experts from different specialties. According to these contributions, the panel prepared the final suggestions. RESULTS: The final document includes the contributions generated throughout the entire process in 3 sections. The general conclusions / suggestions on the use of DOAC are detailed. Specific tips on the use of each DOAC are proposed, based on the specific clinical profiles of the patients. Finally, the limitations on the use of DOAC are defined, and a group of actions are proposed to improve the management of anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to overcome the clinical and administrative barriers that hinder the optimal use of DOAC, in order to improve the treatment of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulation

[Novel oral anticoagulants in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: How to improve its management in Spain]. / Anticoagulantes orales directos en la fibrilación auricular no valvular: cómo mejorar su uso en España.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recent real-world data studies on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, provide data on the use of different DOAC according to patient characteristics. The objective of this work was to elaborate on the suggestions on the use of DOAC based on evidence and clinical experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of 8 experts developed the agreed content. The document was completed in 10 regional meetings with experts from different specialties. According to these contributions, the panel prepared the final suggestions. RESULTS: The final document includes the contributions generated throughout the entire process in 3 sections. The general conclusions / suggestions on the use of DOAC are detailed. Specific tips on the use of each DOAC are proposed, based on the specific clinical profiles of the patients. Finally, the limitations on the use of DOAC are defined, and a group of actions are proposed to improve the management of anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to overcome the clinical and administrative barriers that hinder the optimal use of DOAC, in order to improve the treatment of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulation.

[Quality of care and safety indicators in anticoagulated patients with non-valvular auricular fibrillation and deep venous thromboembolic disease]. / Indicadores de calidad y seguridad en el paciente anticoagulado con fibrilación auricular no valvular y enfermedad tromboembólica venosa profunda.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and prioritise indicators to assess the quality of care and safety of patients with non-valvular auricular fibrillation (NVAF) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treated with anticoagulants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the consensus conference technique, a group of professionals and clinical experts, the determining factors of the NVAF and DVT care process were identified, in order to define the quality and safety criteria. A proposal was made for indicators of quality and safety that were prioritised, taking into account a series of pre-established attributes. The selected indicators were classified into indicators of context, safety, action, and outcomes of the intervention in the patient. RESULTS: A set of 114 health care and safety quality indicators were identified, of which 35 were prioritised: 15 for NVAF and 20 for DVT. About half (49%) of the indicators (40% for NVAF and 55% for DVT) applied to patient safety, and 26% (33% for NVAF and 20% for DVT) to the outcomes of interventions in the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The present work presents a set of agreed indicators by a group of expert professionals that can contribute to the improvement of the quality of care of patients with NVAF and DVT treated with anticoagulants.

Exercise-related severe cardiac events.

Physical activity has benefits on health. However, there is a small risk of effort-related adverse events. The aim of this study is to describe exercise-related severe cardiovascular events and to relate them with the type of sport performed. We performed a ten-year retrospective study in eight Spanish cardiac intensive care units. Adverse cardiac events were defined as acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest or syncope related to physical activity. From 117 patients included, 109 were male (93.2%), and mean age was 51.6 ± 12.3 years; 56 presented acute myocardial infarction without cardiac arrest (47.9%), 55 sudden cardiac death (47.0%) and six syncope (5.1%). The sports with higher number of events were cycling (33%-28.2%), marathon or similar running competitions (19%-16.2%), gymnastics (18%-15.3%) and soccer (17%-14.5%). Myocardial infarction was observed more frequently in cyclists compared to other sports (69.7% vs 39.3%, P = .001). The most common cause of sudden cardiac death was myocardial infarction in those >35 years (23%-63.9%) and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in younger patients (5%-62.5%). Significant coronary artery disease was present in 85 (79.4%). Only one patient with cardiac arrest presented with a non-shockable rhythm (asystole). Eleven patients (9.4%) died during hospitalization; in all cases, they had presented cardiac arrest. All discharged patients were alive at the end of follow-up. Exercise-related severe cardiac events are mainly seen in men. Coronary heart disease is very frequent; about half present acute myocardial infarction and the other half cardiac arrest. In our cohort, prognosis was good in patients without cardiac arrest.

Safety of intravenous ivabradine in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot study.

AIMS: Rapid heart rate lowering may be attractive in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Accordingly we studied the effect of intravenous ivabradine on heart rate in this setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial: patients aged 40-80 years were randomized after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed within 6 h of STEMI symptom onset. Patients were in sinus rhythm and with heart rate >80 bpm and systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg. They were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to intravenous ivabradine (n=82) (5 mg bolus over 30 s, followed by 5 mg infusion over 8 h) or matching placebo (n=42). The primary outcome measure was heart rate and blood pressure. In both groups, heart rate was reduced over 8 h, with a faster and more marked decrease on ivabradine than placebo (22.2 ± 1.3 vs 8.9 ± 1.8 bpm, p<0.0001). After treatment discontinuation, heart rate was similar in both groups. Throughout the study, there was no difference in blood pressure between groups. There was no difference in cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase (CK-MB), troponin T and troponin I). On echocardiography performed at baseline and post treatment (median 1.16 days), final left ventricular volumes were lower in the ivabradine group both for left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (87.1 ± 28.2 vs 117.8 ± 21.4 ml, p=0.01) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) (42.5 ± 19.0 versus 59.1 ± 11.3 ml, p=0.03) without differences in volume change or left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows that intravenous ivabradine may be used safely to slow the heart rate in STEMI. Further studies are needed to characterize its effect on infarct size, left ventricular function and clinical outcomes in this population.

Estenosis aórtica grave en situación crítica / Severe aortic stenosis in a critical condition

Existen pocos datos sobre los pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave (EAG) que requieren ingreso en unidades de cuidados intensivos cardiológicos (UCIC). Se estudió a 27 pacientes con EAG ingresados en la UCIC de un hospital terciario. Los motivos de ingreso más frecuentes fueron insuficiencia cardiaca grave (42%), síndrome coronario agudo (39%) y parada cardiorrespiratoria (8%). Tras un seguimiento medio de 6,5 meses, 11 pacientes fallecieron y la supervivencia fue del 74±8, el 70±9 y el 62±10% a los 7, 30 y 60 días, respectivamente. De los 27 pacientes, a 13 (48%) se los intervino quirúrgicamente, estos pacientes presentaron un menor índice EuroSCORE (el 13±11 versus el 34±18%; p=0,002) y una mayor supervivencia (el 92±7% a los 7, 30 y 60 días versus el 50±13, el 40±14 y el 30±14%; p=0,002). Por tanto, los pacientes con EAG que requieren ingreso en las UCIC presentan muy alto riesgo, con una elevada mortalidad que se concentra especialmente en la primera semana de hospitalizacion y en los pacientes no intervenidos quirúrgicamente (AU)

There is little information about patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS) who require admission to acute care units. We studied 27 patients with SAS admitted in a tertiary hospital coronary care unit. The most frequent reasons for admission were severe heart failure (42%), acute coronary syndrome (39%) and cardiac arrest (8%). At a mean follow-up of 6.5 months, 11 patients died. Cumulative survival was 74±8%, 70±9%, and 62±10% at 7, 30 and 60 days, respectively. Out of the 27 patients, 13 (48%) underwent surgical intervention, these patients having lower Euroscore (13±11 vs. 34±18%, p=0.002) and higher survival (92±7% at 7, 30 and 60 days vs. 50±13%, 40±14% and 30±14%; p=0.002). Thus, patients with SAS who require hospitalization in the intensive care units constitute a very high risk population, with very high mortality, especially during the first week after admission and in patients who have not undergone surgery (AU)

La aplicación de hipotermia moderada tras la reanimación cardiaca iniciada en el medio extrahospitalario puede incrementar la supervivencia sin deterioro neurológico. Estudio de casos y controles / Prehospital induction of moderate hypothermia after cardiac resuscitation can increase survival without increasing neurologic impairment: a case-control study

Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto que tiene la aplicación por un servicio de emergencias de una hipotermia moderada precoz en el medio extrahospitalario sobre la evolución neurológica de los pacientes recuperados de una parada cardiaca. Método: Estudio comparativo caso-control. Se incluyeron como casos los 40 primeros pacientes en parada cardiorrespiratoria (PCR) que fueron reanimados por el SAMUR Protección Civil y tratados con hipotermia en la propia ambulancia, continuada posteriormente en el medio hospitalario. En el grupo control, se incluyeron los últimos 40 pacientes que habiendo sufrido una PCR de origen médico, fueron reanimados por el SAMUR Protección Civil antes de la implantación del protocolo de hipotermia postresucitación, y fueron sometidos, también, al procedimiento de hipotermia tras el ingreso en el hospital. Se descartaron las PCR de origen neurológico, dado que se pretende conocer la influencia de la técnica en ese órgano diana. Para valorar el deterioro neurológico de de los pacientes, se utilizó la escala CPC (Cerebral Perfomance Category). Se consideró en el estudio los grados I y II como "buena evolución neurológica". Resultados: El 50% de los casos presentaron una buena recuperación neurológica frente al 27,5% de los controles (p = 0,039). Esas diferencias se mantuvieron tanto si el ritmo inicial era desfibrilable (58,3% frente a 37,5% de los controles) como no desfibrilable(42,8% frente a 14,2% respectivamente).Conclusiones: Los datos demuestran que existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la aplicación de hipotermia moderada prehospitalaria y una mayor probabilidad de recuperación neurológica (CPC I y II). Así, existe una probabilidad de 2,6 veces mayor de que el paciente que ha sufrido una parada cardiorrespiratoria tenga una buena recuperación neurológica si el inicio de la hipotermia moderada se realiza antes de llegar al hospital (AU)

Objectives: To assess the effect of early prehospital emergency responder implementation of moderate hypothermia on neurologic outcome in patients recovering from cardiac arrest. Methods: Case-control comparative study. The cases were the first 40 patients in cardiorespiratory arrest in who mhypothermia was induced in the ambulance after resuscitation by responders from the Citizen Protection Emergency Service of Madrid (SAMUR); hypothermia was also later used in the hospital. The controls were the last 40 patients in cardiorespiratory arrest who were resuscitated by the SAMUR responders before the prehospital hypothermia protocol had been established; hypothermia was later induced after the control patients’ arrival at the hospital. Patients whose cardiorespiratory arrest had neurologic causes were excluded given that the effect on neurologic outcome was underevaluation. The Cerebral Performance Category scale was used to assess impairment. A grade 1 or 2 assessment was considered to indicate a good neurologic outcome. Results: Neurologic outcome was good for 50% of the patients in whom hypothermia was induced early; outcome was good for 27.5% of the control patients (P=.039). The significant difference between cases and controls was maintained regardless of whether the initial heart rhythm was shockable (58.3% of such cases had good neurologic outcomes with early hypothermia vs 37.5% of the controls with shockable rhythm) or not (42.8% of such cases had good outcomes vs14.2% of the controls with non shockable rhythm).Conclusions: Our findings show a significant relationship between prehospital induction of moderate hypothermia and a higher probability of neurologic recovery (performance categories 1 and 2). If moderate hypothermia is initiated before arrival at the hospital, the likelihood of good neurologic recovery is 2.6-times greater (AU)

[Severe aortic stenosis in a critical condition]. / Estenosis aórtica grave en situación crítica.

There is little information about patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS) who require admission to acute care units. We studied 27 patients with SAS admitted in a tertiary hospital coronary care unit. The most frequent reasons for admission were severe heart failure (42%), acute coronary syndrome (39%) and cardiac arrest (8%). At a mean follow-up of 6.5 months, 11 patients died. Cumulative survival was 74±8%, 70±9%, and 62±10% at 7, 30 and 60 days, respectively. Out of the 27 patients, 13 (48%) underwent surgical intervention, these patients having lower Euroscore (13±11 vs. 34±18%, p=0.002) and higher survival (92±7% at 7, 30 and 60 days vs. 50±13%, 40±14% and 30±14%; p=0.002). Thus, patients with SAS who require hospitalization in the intensive care units constitute a very high risk population, with very high mortality, especially during the first week after admission and in patients who have not undergone surgery.

Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with haemofiltration in high-risk patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasing. The aim of the study is to assess the benefits of prophylactic haemofiltration (PHF) in patients with high risk of developing CIN after PCI. METHODS: 20 patients who underwent PHF after PCI in the context of acute coronary syndrome were selected retrospectively and compared with 20 matched controls with similar risk characteristics. The main variable analysed was the appearance of CIN and the secondary variables were the development of acute clinical kidney failure, heart failure, therapeutic HF and mortality. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, with reference creatinine of 2.4 ± 1.3 mg/dl, contrast used 392 ± 213 cc and Mehran score of 21.9 ± 5.2 in the PHF group, as opposed to values of 2.0 ± 0.6 mg/dl, 368 ± 126 cc and 20.2 ± 6.9 respectively in controls. The incidence of CIN was of 6 patients (30%) in the PHF group and 13 patients (65%) in the control group (P=0.03). There were no significant differences in the rest of the variables studied. CONCLUSION: Haemofiltration after PCI may be an effective strategy for the prevention of CIN in patients at high risk of developing it.

Current pharmacological approach to restore endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by an impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. It has been linked to each of the known atherogenic risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cigarette smoking, menopause, etc. A number of recent studies have shown that the severity of endothelial dysfunction correlates with the development of coronary artery disease and predicts future cardiovascular events. Therefore, these findings strengthen the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction may be an early stage of coronary atherosclerosis. This phenomenon primarily reflects an imbalance between the vasodilating (nitric oxide) and vasoconstrictor agents (endothelin-1). Several invasive (intracoronary or intrabrachial infusions of vasoacting agents) and non-invasive techniques (assessment of flow mediated vasodilatation in the brachial artery by ultrasound) have been developed during the last few years to evaluate endothelial function in the coronary and peripheral circulation. This new methodology has allowed assessing the severity of the abnormalities in vascular function and their regression by several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. It is likely that restoration of endothelial function can regress the atherosclerotic disease process and prevent future cardiovascular events. Most pharmacological interventions attempting to improve endothelial dysfunction targeted the risk factors linked to endothelial dysfunction: hypertension (ACE-inhibitors, calcium antagonists), dyslipidaemia (lipid-lowering agents) and menopause (estrogens). Nevertheless, several pharmacological agents have been suggested to achieve vascular protection through different mechanisms beyond their primary therapeutic actions: ACE-inhibitors, statins, third generation of beta-blockers (nebivolol), endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis (tetrahydrobiopterin, BH4) and antioxidants agents. In this review we will focus on the current pharmacological management of the endothelial dysfunction.