[Characteristics of cardiologist training in Latin America: a survey of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology]. / Características de la formación de los cardiólogos en América Latina: una encuesta de la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología.

Objectives: Describe the characteristics of the different cardiology medical residencies in Latin America. Method: Cross-sectional study that aims to evaluate the characteristics of cardiology residencies in Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, through self-administered electronic surveys. Results: Three hundred seven residents of 147 residences were surveyed. Mean age was 31 years and 63% were male. Ninety eight percent carry out their training in the capital city. The average total training time is 4.8 years. Forty four percent complete their residency in internal medicine prior to starting cardiology, and 10% have no prior training. In cardiology training is 3 years in most countries. Fifty four percent present academic activities every day and 16% only once or less, consisting of theoretical classes (93%), clinical cases (85%), bibliographic workshops (69%), and writing scientific papers (68%). Supervision is carried out by the chief resident (45%), resident coordinator (44%), resident instructor (27%) or the department head (54%), while 2.6% do not present supervision. The main rotations were echocardiography (99%), hemodynamics (96%), coronary unit (93%), and electrophysiology (92%). Residents highlighted the need to improve academic activities (23%) and scientific production (12%). Conclusions: There are important differences in the academic and practical training between the residences of the different countries of America.

Objetivos: Describir las características de las diferentes residencias médicas de cardiología de Latinoamérica. Método: Estudio de corte transversal que tiene como objetivo evaluar las características de las residencias de cardiología en países hispanohablantes de América Latina, mediante encuestas electrónicas autoadministradas. Resultados: Se encuestó a 307 residentes de 147 residencias. La mediana de edad fue 31 años y el 63% era de sexo masculino. El 98% realiza su formación en la ciudad capital. El tiempo de formación total promedio es de 4.8 años. El 44% realiza la residencia completa en medicina interna previo al inicio de cardiología, y el 10% no tiene formación previa. En cardiología la formación es de tres años en la mayoría de los países. El 54% presenta actividades académicas todos los días y el 16% solo una vez o menos, consistente en clases teóricas (93%), casos clínicos (85%), ateneos bibliográficos (69%) y redacción de trabajos científicos (68%). La supervisión es realizada por el jefe de residentes (45%), coordinador de residentes (44%), instructor de residentes (27%) o el jefe de servicio (54%), mientras que el 2.6% no presenta supervisión. Las rotaciones principales fueron ecocardiografía (99%), hemodinamia (96%), unidad coronaria (93%) y electrofisiología (92%). El 23% resaltó la necesidad de mejorar las actividades académicas y 12% la producción científica. Conclusiones: Existen importantes diferencias en la formación académica y práctica entre las residencias de los diferentes países de América.

Clinical predictors of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients hospitalized for Non-ST acute coronary syndrome - Buenos Aires I and ReSCAR22 registries.

Objectives: To identify predictors of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) requirement as a revascularization method in in real-world non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. Materials and methods: . An individual pre-specified analysis of patients with NSTE-ACS was performed from two prospective Argentine registries between 2017 and 2022. We analyzed the difference in baseline characteristics between patients who required CABG and those who did not require this intervention. Then, a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors in patients who received CABG as a method of revascularization. Results: A total of 1848 patients with a median age of 54.8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 53.7-56) years and an ejection fraction of 42.1% (IQR: 41.2-43.1) were included. A total of 233 patients required CABG (12.6%). Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar, except in patients requiring CABG, who were younger (51.5 vs. 55.7 years; p=0.010), more frequently diabetic (38.2% vs. 25.7%; p=0.001) and male (90.1% vs. 73.7%; p=0.001). In addition, they had, to a lesser extent, previous cardiac surgery (2.1% vs. 11.2%; p=0.011). After multivariable analysis, the following were independently associated with CABG: age (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99; p=0.008), male sex (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.87-5.1; p=0.001), history of previous CABG (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.30; p=0.001) and diabetes (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.31- 2.57; p=0.001). Conclusions: In this analysis of two NSTEACS registries, younger age, male sex, a diagnosis of diabetes and the absence of previous surgery were independent predictors of the requirement for inpatient CABG.

Impact of an online course on enhancing the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Latin America.

Objective: Chagas disease poses a public health problem in Latin America, and the electrocardiogram is a crucial tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of this pathology. In this context, the aim of this study was to quantify the change in the ability to detect electrocardiographic patterns among healthcare professionals after completing a virtual course. Materials and Methods: An asynchronous virtual course with seven pre-recorded classes was conducted. Participants answered the same questionnaire at the beginning and end of the training. Based on these responses, pre and post-test results for each participant were compared. Results: The study included 1656 participants from 21 countries; 87.9% were physicians, 5.2% nurses, 4.1% technicians, and 2.8% medical students. Initially, 3.1% answered at least 50% of the pre-test questions correctly, a proportion that increased to 50.4% after the course (p=0.001). Regardless of their baseline characteristics, 82.1% of course attendees improved their answers after completing the course. Conclusions: The implementation of an asynchronous online course on electrocardiography in Chagas disease enhanced the skills of both medical and non-medical personnel to recognize this condition.

Treatment adherence in patients without ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress during the last decades, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain with a high residual risk due to multiple reasons. Optimal medical treatment (OMT) provides a decrease of recurrent ischemic events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, treatment adherence results crucial to reduce further outcomes after the index event. No recent data are available in Argentinian population; the main objective of our study was to evaluate the adherence at 6 and 15 months in post non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) consecutive patients. Secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship of adherence with 15-month events. METHODS: A prespecified sub-analysis in the prospective registry Buenos Aires I was performed. The adherence was evaluated using the modified Morisky-Green Scale. RESULTS: A number of 872 patients had information about adherence profile. Of them 76.4% were classified as adherents at month 6 and 83.6% at 15 (P=0.06). We did not find any difference in baseline characteristic between the adherent and non-adherent patients at 6 months. The adjusted analysis showed that non-adherent patients had a rate of ischemic events at 15th month of 20% (27/135) vs. 11.5% (52/452) in adherent patients (P=0.001). The bleeding events defined were of 3.6% in the non-adherent group vs. 5% in the adherent group without a statistical difference (P=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to treatment is still a major issue as almost 25% of patients should be considered as non-adherent to OMT. No clinical predictor of this phenomenon was identified but our criteria were not exhaustive. Good adherence to treatment was highly associated to a reduction of ischemic events, whereas no impact on bleeding events was found. These data support a better network and collaboration with shared decision between healthcare professionals with patients and family members to improve acceptance and adherence to optimal medical strategies.

WHF Recommendations for the Use of Echocardiography in Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease (ChD) represents a significant health burden in endemic regions of Latin America and is increasingly being recognized as a global health issue. The cardiac involvement in ChD, known as Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM), is the most severe manifestation and a leading cause of heart failure and mortality in affected individuals. Echocardiography, a non-invasive imaging modality, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and risk stratification of ChCM. This consensus recommendation aims to provide guidance on the appropriate use of echocardiography in ChD. An international panel of experts, including cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and echocardiography specialists, convened to review the available evidence and provide practical recommendations based on their collective expertise. The consensus addresses key aspects related to echocardiography in ChD, including its role in the initial evaluation, serial monitoring, and risk assessment of patients. It emphasizes the importance of standardized echocardiographic protocols, including the assessment of left ventricular function, chamber dimensions, wall motion abnormalities, valvular involvement, and the presence of ventricular aneurysm. Additionally, the consensus discusses the utility of advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as strain imaging and 3D echocardiography, in assessing myocardial mechanics and ventricular remodeling.

Comparación de la violencia y agresiones sufridas por el personal de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Argentina y el resto de Latinoamérica / Comparison of violence and aggressions suffered by health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina and the rest of Latin America

RESUMEN Objetivos. Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados. Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). Conclusiones. Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

Efecto de la vacunación contra la influenza en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular: un metaanálisis actualizado de ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados / Effect of Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

RESUMEN Introducción : La influenza es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV). El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática actualizada y metaanálisis fue evaluar los efectos de la vacunación contra la influenza (VI) sobre la mortalidad y morbilidad en pacientes adultos con ECV. Métodos : Se realizó una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis (PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, y búsqueda manual en presentaciones en congresos de la especialidad), de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados hasta abril de 2022 que investigaron si la VI reduce la mortalidad por todas las causas en pacientes adultos con ECV, incluyendo insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) y enfermedad de las arterias coronarias (EAC), en comparación con pacientes que no fueron vacunados. Resultados : Se analizaron un total de seis ensayos clínicos, que incluyeron 9316 pacientes. Cinco ensayos incluyeron pacientes con EAC, y uno con IC. El seguimiento medio fue de 16 ± 9,7 meses. La VI se asoció con una reducción de la mortalidad en comparación con el control, cociente de riesgos (RR) 0,67, intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%) 0,47-0,95; p = 0,03; I2 = 53%; y con una reducción de la mortalidad cardiovascular en comparación con el control, RR 0,64, IC95% 0,44-0,94; p = 0,02; I2 = 54%. El uso de la VI se asoció con una reducción no estadísticamente significativa de infarto de miocardio en comparación con el control, RR 0,82, IC95% 0,60-1,12; p = 0,57; I2 = 0%. Conclusión : En este metaanálisis de seis ensayos controlados aleatorizados, la VI se asoció con una reducción del riesgo relativo del 33% y del 36% de la mortalidad por todas las causas y cardiovascular, respectivamente, en pacientes con ECV. Intentamos promover un consenso con respecto a los beneficios persistentes de la vacuna contra la influenza en pacientes con ECV, incluyendo dos nuevos ensayos clínicos en EAC e IC, donde se confirma la asociación de la vacunación con la reducción de riesgo en sujetos con ECV.

ABSTRACT Background : Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this updated systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of influenza vaccination (IV) on morbidity and morbidity in adult patients with CVD. Methods : We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and manual search of conference presentations) of randomized clinical trials published up to April 2022 analyzing whether IV reduced all-cause mortality in adult patients with CVD, including heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD), compared with patients who were not vaccinated. Results : A total of six clinical trials comprising 9316 patients were analyzed. Five trials included CAD patients, and one trial included HF patients. Mean follow-up was 16 ± 9.7 months. Influenza vaccine was associated with a reduction of mortality compared to controls: relative risk (RR) 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47-0.95), p = 0.03; I2 = 53%, and with reduction of cardiovascular mortality compared to controls: RR 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44-0.94), p = 0.02; I2 = 54%. There was a non-statistically significant reduction in myocardial infarction compared to control: RR 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60-1.12), p = 0.57; I2 = 0%. Conclusion : In this meta-analysis of six randomized controlled clinical trials, IV was associated with a 33% and 36% relative risk reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, in patients with CVD. We sought to promote consensus about the persistent benefits of influenza vaccination in patients with CVD by including two new clinical trials in CAD and HF, confirming the association of vaccination with risk reduction in subjects with CVD.

A recent experience on the role of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular events.

The purpose of this review is to update the recent information regarding the role of influenza vaccination (IV) as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events. During the last 2 years, new meta-analysis, guidelines, and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were published. The IAMI trial added information regarding the safety and efficacy of IV right after an acute myocardial infarction hospitalization. A significant reduction in the primary endpoint-including mortality-was observed. More recently, the influenza vaccine to prevent vascular events trial (IVVE) trial did not meet the primary CV endpoint in patients with heart failure (HF). However, a significant reduction was observed during the seasonal peaks of Influenza circulation. COVID-19 pandemic provoked recruitment difficulties in these trials, as well as an altered influenza seasonality and incidence. Further analysis of IVVE trial is needed to clarify the precise role of IV in patients with HF. A recent meta-analysis of RCTs and observational studies indicated that IV was safe and effective to reduce CV events, and it was included in the most updated guideline. Despite these benefits, and the recommendations for its prescription by scientific societies and health regulatory agencies, the vaccination rate remains below than expected globally. The correct understanding of implementation barriers, which involve doctors, patients, and their context, is essential when continuous improvement strategies are planned, in order to improve the IV rate in at-risk subjects.

Impact of a Telemedicine Program After a Heart Failure Hospitalization on 12 Months Follow-Up Events.

The aim of this study was to describe the safety, effectiveness, and usability of a mobile-app based follow up platform after a heart failure (HF) hospitalization. It was a pilot, prospective implementation study. 55 consecutive patients were included. Over 12 months, a significant increase in the use of renin angiotensin system inhibitors was observed (91% vs 76%, P < 0.04). Medication adherence, assessed by daily patient validation in the app was 96%. No relevant changes were found in biochemical evaluations. The parameters of app usability showed a high value. At 12 months follow-up one patient was hospitalized for HF (1/55 [1,8%]), there was no cardiovascular death, and 5 patients had non-cardiovascular deaths (5/55 [9.1%]). In patients recently discharged from HF hospitalization, the implementation of non-invasive telemedicine follow-up was feasible, safe and an effective strategy to increase the adherence to medical therapy. A high degree of clinical stability and a low rate of events were observed over 1-year.

Infections and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 1/4.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases is sharply rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Along with the increasing rates of cardiovascular risk factors in these regions, there is a growing recognition of the contribution of neglected tropical diseases and other infections. Several cardiac implications of these infections have been reported but have not yet been validated by robust population data. This is in part due to limited access to health care and insufficient data collection infrastructure in many LMICs. Therefore, the true impact of these infections on the cardiovascular system may be underestimated, because of both underdiagnosis and underreporting bias. There is an urgent need to thoroughly delineate the cardiac impact of these conditions with elevated prevalence in LMICs and to propose strategies to reduce the negative consequences of these diseases in health systems with limited resources.

A systematic review of electrocardiographic changes in healthy high-altitude populations.

High-altitude environments are characterized by decreased atmospheric pressures at which individuals exhibit a reduced volume of maximal oxygen uptake and arterial partial pressure of oxygen, both of which lead to hypobaric hypoxia. While acute exposure may temporarily offset cardiovascular homeostasis in sea-level residents, native highlanders have become accustomed to these high-altitude conditions and often exhibit variations in normal ECG parameters. As part of the "Altitude Non-differentiated ECG Study" (ANDES) project, this paper aims to systematically review the available literature regarding ECG changes in healthy highlander populations. After searching the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases, 286 abstracts were screened, of which 13 full-texts were ultimately included. This process was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Major ECG deviations in native healthy highlanders include right QRS axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy signs, and more prevalent T-wave inversion in the right precordial leads. Notably, they exhibit a prolonged QTc compared to sea-level residents, although within normal limits. Evidence about increased P-wave amplitude or duration, variations in PR interval, or greater prevalence of complete right bundle branch block is not conclusive. This review provides ECG reference standards that can be used by clinicians, who should be aware of the effects of high-altitude residence on cardiovascular health and how these may change according to age, ethnicity, and other factors.

Comparison of violence and aggressions suffered by health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina and the rest of Latin America. / Comparación de la violencia y agresiones sufridas por el personal de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Argentina y el resto de Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound repercussions at different socio-environmental levels. Its impact on violence against healthcare team workers in Argentina has not been well documented. Main findings. The present study evidenced high rates of aggression, particularly verbal aggression. In addition, almost half of the participants reported having suffered these events on a weekly basis. All participants who experienced violence reported having experienced post-event symptoms, and up to one-third reported having considered changing their profession after these acts. Implications. It is imperative to take action to prevent acts of violence against health personnel, or to mitigate its impact on the victims. . To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS.: A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS.: There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

OBJETIVOS.: Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS.: Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES.: Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

Impacto da técnica de dissecção/ reentrada anterógrada nas intervenções coronárias percutâneas para oclusão crônica: registro LATAM Chronic Total Occlusion / Impact of antegrade dissection and re-entry technique on coronary percutaneous interventions for chronic total occlusion: the LATAM Chronic Total Occlusion registry

Introdução: As mais novas técnicas de intervenção coronária percutânea em oclusões crônicas podem melhorar o sucesso técnico. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a segurança e a eficácia da técnica de dissecção/reentrada anterógrada como estratégia inicial de revascularização. Métodos: Registro multicêntrico de países latino-americanos (LATAM Chronic Total Occlusion). Analisamos as características iniciais e os desfechos dos casos em que foi empregada dissecção/ reentrada anterógrada como estratégia primária ou de resgate após escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada. Foram excluídos os casos de abordagem retrógrada. Os médicos usaram dissecção anterógrada convencional e técnica de reentrada. Resultados: Dos 1.875 pacientes analisados, em 50 foi planejada a dissecção/reentrada anterógrada, e, em 1.825, foi planejado o escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada primário. Deu-se preferência à dissecção/reentrada anterógrada em pacientes mais idosos e com história de revascularização (revascularização do miocárdio: dissecção/ reentrada anterógrada em 33,3% e escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada primário em 13,4%, com p<0,001; intervenções coronárias percutâneas em 66,6 e 48,8%, respectivamente, com p=0,012). Oclusões crônicas mais longas (30mm [22-41] e 21mm [15-30], p<0,001) e calcificações moderadas ou graves (62 e 42,6%, com p=0,008) foram associadas à seleção da dissecção/reentrada anterógrada primária, ao invés do escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada primário. Houve correlação significativa entre o aumento do escore J-CTO (X2=37, df=5; p<0,001) e o uso da dissecção/ reentrada anterógrada. O escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada primário teve taxa de sucesso de 88,4%, e a dissecção/reentrada anterógrada, de 76,7%. Para o escalonamento de fios por via anterógrada primário e dissecção/reentrada anterógrada de resgate, o uso do dispositivo CrossBoss® foi relacionado às maiores taxas de sucesso (92,3 e 82,7%, respectivamente). Os desfechos a curto prazo foram semelhantes nos grupos. Conclusão: Na América Latina, a técnica de dissecção/ reentrada anterógrada foi segura e efetiva, tanto como estratégia primária quanto de resgate, mesmo quando utilizada em lesões de maior complexidade. O uso de dispositivos específicos foi relacionado a uma maior taxa de sucesso.

Background: The newest techniques of percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion may improve technical success. The objectives were to describe safety and efficacy of antegrade dissection and reentry technique as initial revascularization strategy. Methods: A multicenter registry from Latin American countries (LATAM Chronic Total Occlusion). Baseline characteristics and outcomes of cases using antegrade dissection and reentry as primary strategy or bailout of antegrade wire escalation were analyzed. Retrograde approach cases were excluded. Physicians used conventional antegrade dissection and reentry technique. Results: Out of 1,875 patients analyzed, 50 were planned primary antegrade dissection and reentry and 1,825 planned primary antegrade wire escalation. Primary antegrade dissection and reentry was preferred in older patients, with a history of revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft: primary antegrade dissection and reentry in 33.3% and primary antegrade wire escalation in 13.4%; p<0.001; percutaneous coronary interventions in 66.6% and 48.8%, respectively; p=0.012). Longer chronic total occlusions (30mm [22-41] and 21mm [15-30]; p<0.001), moderate or severe calcification (62% and 42.6%; p=0.008) were associated with the selection of primary antegrade dissection and reentry, instead of primary antegrade wire escalation. There was a significant correlation between increasing J-CTO score (X2=37, df=5; p<0.001), and use of primary antegrade dissection and reentry. Primary antegrade wire escalation had a success rate of 88.4%, and primary antegrade dissection and reentry of 76.7%. For primary antegrade wire escalation and bailout antegrade dissection and reentry, the use of the CrossBoss® device was related to the highest rates of success (92.3 and 82.7%, respectively). Short-term outcomes were similar in both groups. Conclusion: In Latin America, antegrade dissection and reentry was safe and effective, both as primary or bailout strategy, even when used for higher complexity lesions. The use of dedicated devices was related to a higher success rate.

Predictores de uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en tromboembolia pulmonar aguda / Predictors of use of direct oral anticoagulants in acute pulmonary embolism

Resumen Introducción: En la última década los anticoagulantes orales directos (ACOD) se incorporaron como herramienta para la anticoagulación en pacientes con tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) aguda. Aunque tienen un mejor perfil farmacológico que los antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK), el uso de estos fármacos no es masivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el uso de ACOD en pacientes con TEP aguda y detectar determinantes de su indicación. Metodología: Análisis preespecificado del registro CONAREC XX que incorporó pacientes con TEP aguda en 64 centros de Argentina. Se realizó un análisis para detectar predictores de prescripción de ACOD al alta. Resultados: Se analizaron 579 pacientes que recibieron anticoagulación al alta hospitalaria: el 60% recibió AVK, el 21% heparinas y el 19% ACOD (de ellos, un 49% rivaroxabán, un 34% apixabán y un 17% dabigatrán). Los pacientes que recibieron ACOD tenían TEP de menor gravedad, menor riesgo de hemorragia y menos complicaciones intrahospitalarias. En el seguimiento a 30 días no hubo diferencias en mortalidad por todas las causas o sangrados. La cobertura de salud por un seguro social (odds ratio [OR] 7.45; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 1.74-31.9; p < 0.01) o por cobertura privada (OR 10.5; IC 95%: 2.4-45.9; p < 0.01) fueron predictores independientes de la prescripción de ACOD al alta, y el antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca (OR 0.19; IC 95%: 0.04-0.84; p = 0.028) y de enfermedad oncológica (OR 0.49; IC 95%: 0.27-0.89; p = 0.02) fueron predictores de no prescribirlos. Conclusiones: Uno de cada cinco supervivientes de TEP aguda recibió ACOD al egreso hospitalario en Argentina, y esto fue determinado por variables clínicas y económicas

Abstract Introduction: In the last decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been incorporated as an anticoagulation tool in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Although they have a better pharmacological profile than vitamin K antagonists (VKA), the use of these drugs is not massive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of DOACs in patients with acute PE and to detect determinants of its use. Methodology: Prespecified analysis of the CONAREC XX registry that included patients with acute PE in 64 centers in Argentina. An analysis was performed to detect predictors of DOAC prescription at discharge. Results: 579 patients who received anticoagulation at hospital discharge were analyzed: 60% received VKA, 21% heparin and 19% DOAC (of them, 49% Rivaroxaban, 34% Apixaban, and 17% Dabigatran). Patients receiving DOACs had less severe PE, lower risk of bleeding, and fewer in-hospital complications. At 30-day follow-up, there were no differences in all-cause mortality or bleeding. Health coverage by social insurance (OR 7.45, CI 95% 1.74-31.9, p < 0.01) or by private coverage (OR 10.5, CI 95% 2.4-45.9, p < 0.01) were independent predictors of DOAC prescription at discharge, and history of heart failure (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.84, p = 0.028) and oncological disease (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.89; p = 0.02) were predictors not prescribe them. Conclusions: One in five survivors of acute PE received DOACs at hospital discharge in Argentina, and this was determined by clinical and economic variables.

Predictors of use of direct oral anticoagulants in acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been incorporated as an anticoagulation tool in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Although they have a better pharmacological profile than vitamin K antagonists (VKA), the use of these drugs is not massive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of DOACs in patients with acute PE and to detect determinants of its use. METHODOLOGY: Prespecified analysis of the CONAREC XX registry that included patients with acute PE in 64 centers in Argentina. An analysis was performed to detect predictors of DOAC prescription at discharge. RESULTS: 579 patients who received anticoagulation at hospital discharge were analyzed: 60% received VKA, 21% heparin and 19% DOAC (of them, 49% Rivaroxaban, 34% Apixaban, and 17% Dabigatran). Patients receiving DOACs had less severe PE, lower risk of bleeding, and fewer in-hospital complications. At 30-day follow-up, there were no differences in all-cause mortality or bleeding. Health coverage by social insurance (OR 7.45, CI 95% 1.74-31.9, p < 0.01) or by private coverage (OR 10.5, CI 95% 2.4-45.9, p < 0.01) were independent predictors of DOAC prescription at discharge, and history of heart failure (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.84, p = 0.028) and oncological disease (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.89; p = 0.02) were predictors not prescribe them. CONCLUSIONS: One in five survivors of acute PE received DOACs at hospital discharge in Argentina, and this was determined by clinical and economic variables.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la última década los anticoagulantes orales directos (ACOD) se incorporaron como herramienta para la anticoagulación en pacientes con tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) aguda. Aunque tienen un mejor perfil farmacológico que los antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK), el uso de estos fármacos no es masivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el uso de ACOD en pacientes con TEP aguda y detectar determinantes de su indicación. METODOLOGÍA: Análisis preespecificado del registro CONAREC XX que incorporó pacientes con TEP aguda en 64 centros de Argentina. Se realizó un análisis para detectar predictores de prescripción de ACOD al alta. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 579 pacientes que recibieron anticoagulación al alta hospitalaria: el 60% recibió AVK, el 21% heparinas y el 19% ACOD (de ellos, un 49% rivaroxabán, un 34% apixabán y un 17% dabigatrán). Los pacientes que recibieron ACOD tenían TEP de menor gravedad, menor riesgo de hemorragia y menos complicaciones intrahospitalarias. En el seguimiento a 30 días no hubo diferencias en mortalidad por todas las causas o sangrados. La cobertura de salud por un seguro social (odds ratio [OR] 7.45; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 1.74-31.9; p < 0.01) o por cobertura privada (OR 10.5; IC 95%: 2.4-45.9; p < 0.01) fueron predictores independientes de la prescripción de ACOD al alta, y el antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca (OR 0.19; IC 95%: 0.04-0.84; p = 0.028) y de enfermedad oncológica (OR 0.49; IC 95%: 0.27-0.89; p = 0.02) fueron predictores de no prescribirlos. CONCLUSIONES: Uno de cada cinco supervivientes de TEP aguda recibió ACOD al egreso hospitalario en Argentina, y esto fue determinado por variables clínicas y económicas.

Correction: Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: Findings from the World Heart Federation COVID-19 Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.5334/gh.1128.].

Primer choque apropiado del desfibrilador automático implantable en pacientes con cardiopatía chagásica / First appropriate implantable defibrillator shocks in patients with Chagasic heart disease

Resumen Objetivos: Determinar si los pacientes con cardiopatía chagásica (CCh) presentaron choques apropiados del desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI) de manera más precoz que los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica (CI). Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó los pacientes con CCh y CI en quienes se implantó un DAI entre los años 2009 y 2018 en un hospital de alta complejidad. El seguimiento se realizó hasta los 36 meses, evaluándose el momento del primer choque apropiado del dispositivo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 64 pacientes, 20 con CCh y 44 con CI. Se observó que una mayor proporción de pacientes con CCh presentaron choques apropiados durante el primer año (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.4; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 2.09-34.02; p = 0.0027) y a 3 años (HR: 4.61; IC95%: 1.51-14.07; p = 0.0072). El 100% de la población con CCh e implante del DAI como prevención secundaria de muerte súbita presentaron choques apropiados durante los primeros 26 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con CCh presentaron choques apropiados del DAI de manera más precoz que los pacientes con CI. Todos los pacientes con CCh y DAI como prevención secundaria presentaron choques apropiados, representando una población de mayor riesgo. Esta información apoya la indicación del DAI en estos pacientes a pesar de la escasa evidencia en ensayos aleatorizados.

Abstract Objetives: To assess if patients with Chagasic heart disease (CHD) received effective automatic implantable defibrillator (AID) shocks earlier than patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with CHD and IHD who received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) between 2009 and 2018, in a tertiary hospital. We evaluated the time between the implant of ICD and the first effective shock in patients with CHD and compared it with the IHD control population. Results: We included a total of 64 patients, 20 with CHD and 44 with IHD. CHD patients presented earlier an effective shock than patients with IHD during the first year (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.09-34.02; p = 0.0027), and at three years (HR: 4.61; 95% CI: 1.51-14.07; p = 0.0072). 100% of CHD patients who received the ICD as secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death presented an effective shock during the first 26 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with CHD received effective ICD shocks earlier than the IHD patients. All patients with CHD and ICD as secondary prevention had an appropriate ICD shock at short term, representing the highest risk population, and supporting the indication of the device in a setting where randomized clinical trials are lacking.

Aggression, Micro-aggression, and Abuse Against Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Latin American Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous consequences globally. Notably, increasing complaints of verbal and physical violence against health care providers have been reported. A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted between January 11 and February 28, 2022 to delineate the violent behavior against front-line health professionals in Latin America. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries were included. There were 58.5% women, 70.8% were physicians, 16% were nurses, and 13.2% were other health team members. About 54.8% reported acts of abuse: 95.6% verbal abuse, 11.1% physical abuse, and 19.9% other types. Nearly half of those who reported abuse experienced psychosomatic symptoms after the event, 56.2% considered changing their care tasks, and 33.6% considered quitting their profession. In a logistic regression model, nurses (odds ratio (OR) 1.90, P < 0.001), doctors (OR 2.11, P < 0.001), and administrative staff (OR 3.53, P = 0.005) experienced more abuse than other health workers. Women more frequently reported abuse (OR 1.56, P < 0.001), as well as those who worked directly with COVID-19 patients (OR 3.66, P < 0.001). A lower probability of abuse was observed at older ages (OR 0.95, P < 0.001). There has been a high prevalence of abuse against health personnel in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those caring for COVID-19 patients, younger staff, and women were found to be at elevated risk. It is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate these acts and their repercussions on the patient-provider relationship and outcomes.

Impact of Reperfusion on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

The prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) depends on its correct stratification, and reperfusion in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism is controversial yet. Our aim is to explore variables associated with the decision of reperfusion in patients with intermediate-high risk PE and its impact on clinical outcomes. An analysis of a multicenter PE registry was performed. Patients with intermediate-high risk (classification of the European Society of Cardiology) were selected, and factors associated with the reperfusion decision and its impact on clinical outcomes were explored. From 684 consecutive patients of acute PE, 178 (26%) were intermediate-high risk cases and constituted the study population. Sixteen percent (n = 28) of this cohort received reperfusion treatment, either systemic thrombolysis (89%) or endovascular treatments. Differences were observed between the patients who received reperfusion or not, mainly in terms of age (57±17 years vs 68±14; P <0.001) and location of thrombi in both pulmonary arteries (78% vs 43.7%, respectively; OR 4.72; 95% CI 1.8-12.3; P <0.001). No significant differences were observed in total bleeding and major bleeding. Total mortality was 3.6% in the reperfusion group and 14% in the non-reperfusion group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.02-1.76; P = 0.1). Among patients with intermediate-high risk PE from Argentina, the decision of reperfusion has been influenced by age and the location of thrombi. The difference of 10 absolute points in mortality, with a similar rate of bleeding, favors the indication of reperfusion.