Risk stratification, prognosis, and survival in a pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort in Latin America. A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) guidelines suggest that achieving a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal. Our aim was to assess a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables from the ESC/ERS 2015 guidelines in a Latin American cohort. METHODS: 92 incident patients (mean [SD] age 47, 77% female, 53% idiopathic PAH) were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. Patients were stratified at baseline and at early follow-up, within the first year, using three non-invasive variables (WHO functional class, 6-minute walking distance, BNP/NT-proBNP) from the ESC/ERS 2015 risk assessment instrument. Median (IQR) follow-up was 3.11 years (3.01 years). RESULTS: At baseline assessment, 25% of patients were at low risk, 61.9% at intermediate-risk, and 13% at high-risk. At early follow-up (median 9.5 months), 56.5% of patients were at low-risk, 40.2% at intermediate-risk, and 3.2% at high-risk (p<0.001 vs. baseline). According to risk stratification at early follow-up, one, three and five-year overall survival was 100% in the low-risk group (no deaths at five-year follow-up), and 100%, 84% (95% CI: 72-98%), and 66% (95% CI: 48-90%) respectively in the intermediate-risk group, p = 0.0003. Mortality in the high-risk patients at early follow-up was 1/3 (33.3%). One, three, and five-year event-free survival (death or transplant or first hospitalization due to worsening PAH) based on early follow-up risk assessment was higher in the low-risk group, p = 0.0003. CONCLUSION: Our study validates a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables and confirms that early achievement of a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal.

Ventilación no invasiva en sala de hospitalización general / Non-Invasive Ventilation in a Regular Hospital Ward

Introducción: La experiencia clínica ha permitido la ventilación no invasiva fuera de unidades críticas. Describimos el perfil clínico y evolución de pacientes que recibieron ventilación no invasiva en sala general. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes con soporte ventilatorio du rante un año en un hospital general. Resultados: Se utilizó ventilación no invasiva en 43 pacientes, 67,4% con hipercap nia. La relación hombre/mujer fue 1:1. La edad y el IMC fueron 68,3 ± 12,4 años y 30,1 ± 12,3 kg/m2 y los diagnósticos principales, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad neuromuscular y obesidad-hipoventilación. Un tercio inició la ventilación no invasiva en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, y dos tercios usaban ventilación no invasiva en domicilio antes del ingreso por exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (39,5%) o progresión de la enfermedad (14%). La estancia hospi talaria fue 12,1 ± 7 d (14 ± 9 en supervivientes y 5,7 ± 3 en pacientes fallecidos). La gasometría arterial al ingreso reveló PaCO2: 52,7 ± 13,7 mmHg; PaO2: 72,2 ± 16,2 mmHg y pH de 7,36 ± 0,08. Se halló pH < 7,35 en el 18,6% y PaCO2 > 45 en el 57,4%. La PaCO2 al alta fue menor (46,1 ± 4,6; p > 0,05). El modo ST se utilizó en 34 (79%) pacientes. El período de ventilación fue 12,7 ± 10,2 días con uso de 6,9 ± 3,1 h/d. Un tercio recibió cuidados paliativos (13,9% de mortalidad). Tres pacientes (7%) fueron transferidos a la unidad de cuidados intensivos por deterioro clínico y treinta y cinco egresaron con ventilación crónica (94,6%). Conclusiones: Hubo escasas transferencias a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue baja y los que fallecieron tenían instrucciones anticipadas.

Introduction: Clinical experience has allowed the use of non-invasive ventilation out side the acute-care setting. We describe the clinical profile and evolution of patients who received non-invasive ventilation in a regular ward. Materials and methods: Retrospective study in patients with ventilatory support for one year in a general hospital. Results: Non-invasive ventilation was delivered to 43 patients, 67.4% of which had hy percapnia. The male/female ratio was 1:1. Age and BMI (Body Mass Index) were 68.3 ± 12.4 years and 30.1 ± 12.3 kg/m2, and the main diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease and obesity-hypoventilation. One third of patients began non-invasive ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit, and two thirds had been using non-invasive ventilation at their homes before being admitted with exacerba tion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (39.5%) or disease progression (14%). Hospital length of stay was 12.1 ± 7 d (14 ± 9 in survivors and 5.7 ± 3 in deceased patients). Arterial blood gas analysis on admission showed: PaCO2 (partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide), 52.7 ± 13.7 mmHg; PaO2 (partial pressure of arterial oxygen), 72.2 ± 16.2 mmHg, and pH, 7.36 ± 0.08. A pH level < 7.35 was found in 18.6%, and PaCO2 > 45 in 57.4%. PaCO2 values upon discharge were lower (46.1 ± 4.6; p > 0.05). The ST (spontaneous-timed) mode was used in 34 patients (79%). The ventilation period was 12.7 ± 10.2 days, using 6.9 ± 3.1 h/d. One third of patients received palliative care (13.9% of mortality). Three patients (7%) were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit due to clinical decline, and thirty-five were discharged with chronic ventilation (94.6%). Conclusions: there were few referrals to the Intensive Care Unit. Hospital mortality was low, and patients who died had advance directives.

Recomendaciones de manejo de los anticoagulantes orales directos (DOACs) anti Xa y anti IIa / Recommendations for the practical management of the direct oral anticoagulants anti Xa and anti IIa

Resumen Los anticoagulantes orales directos han surgido como una de las herramientas que ha cambiado el manejo de la enfermedad trombótica en los últimos 15 años. Sus ventajas, desde el punto de vista de la facilidad de uso y menor riesgo de sangrado, especialmente de sangrado cerebral, han posicionado a estos nuevos anticoagulantes como la primera alternativa de tratamiento en las dos indicaciones más frecuentes en que necesitamos estas drogas, la fibrilación auricular y la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Sin embargo, no todos los pacientes pueden recibir estos agentes, no todos los anticoagulantes directos tienen las mismas pro piedades y fundamentalmente, no todas las enfermedades con indicación de un anticoagulante pueden tratarse con ellos;con lo cual es necesario que todos los profesionales que están involucrados en el manejo de estos medicamentos estén obligados a conocerlos en profundidad, para poder decidir el mejor tratamiento en cada caso particular. Este documento de posición de expertos de diferentes especialidades de Argentina, presenta lineamientos para el uso correcto de los anticoagulantes directos en base a nueva evidencia y a la experiencia de uso de un amplio grupo de profesionales. La forma de relacionarnos con el tratamiento anticoagulante ha cambiado. Los médicos que trabajamos con ellos también debemos hacerlo.

Abstract Direct oral anticoagulants have emerged as the drugs that have changed the man agement of the antithrombotic treatment in the last 15 years. Their advantages, like a more friendly way of anticoagulation and their lower risk of bleeding, especially in the brain, have positioned these new anticoagu lants as the first drug of choice in the two most frequent indications of anticoagulation, atrial fibrillation, and the venous thromboembolic disease. However, not all the patients can receive these agents, not all the direct oral anticoagulants have the same characteristics, and most importantly, not all the diseases with an indication of an anticoagulant drug can be treated with them. Therefore, it is mandatory that all the faculties involved in the management of these drugs must know them in depth, to decide the best treatment for the patient. This position paper, from a group of experts in anticoagulation in Argentina, can help the general practitioner in the daily use of direct oral anticoagulants based on the new evidence and the experience of a wide group of professionals. The way we relate to the anticoagulant treatment has changed in the last years. The doctors who work with them must also do so.

[MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS (DOACs) ANTI Xa AND ANTI IIa]. / RECOMENDACIONES DE MANEJO DE LOS ANTICOAGULANTES ORALES DIRECTOS (DOACS) ANTI Xa Y ANTI IIa.

Direct oral anticoagulants have emerged as the drugs that have changed the management of the antithrombotic treatment in the last 15 years. Their advantages, like a more friendly way of anticoagulation and their lower risk of bleeding, especially in the brain, have positioned these new anticoagulants as the first drug of choice in the two most frequent indications of anticoagulation, atrial fibrillation, and the venous thromboembolic disease. However, not all the patients can receive these agents, not all the direct oral anticoagulants have the same characteristics, and most importantly, not all the diseases with an indication of an anticoagulant drug can be treated with them. Therefore, it is mandatory that all the faculties involved in the management of these drugs must know them in depth, to decide the best treatment for the patient. This position paper, from a group of experts in anticoagulation in Argentina, can help the general practitioner in the daily use of direct oral anticoagulants based on the new evidence and the experience of a wide group of professionals. The way we relate to the anticoagulant treatment has changed in the last years. The doctors who work with them must also do so.

Los anticoagulantes orales directos han surgido como una de las herramientas que ha cambiado el manejo de la enfermedad trombótica en los últimos 15 años. Sus ventajas, desde el punto de vista de la facilidad de uso y menor riesgo de sangrado, especialmente de sangrado cerebral, han posicionado a estos nuevos anticoagulantes como la primera alternativa de tratamiento en las dos indicaciones más frecuentes en que necesitamos estas drogas, la fibrilación auricular y la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Sin embargo, no todos los pacientes pueden recibir estos agentes, no todos los anticoagulantes directos tienen las mismas propiedades y fundamentalmente, no todas las enfermedades con indicación de un anticoagulante pueden tratarse con ellos;con lo cual es necesario que todos los profesionales que están involucrados en el manejo de estos medicamentos estén obligados a conocerlos en profundidad, para poder decidir el mejor tratamiento en cada caso particular. Este documento de posición de expertos de diferentes especialidades de Argentina, presenta lineamientos para el uso correcto de los anticoagulantes directos en base a nueva evidencia y a la experiencia de uso de un amplio grupo de profesionales. La forma de relacionarnos con el tratamiento anticoagulante ha cambiado. Los médicos que trabajamos con ellos también debemos hacerlo.

Asma grave y de difícil control

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo de este artículo es describir características, comorbilidades y fenotipos de pacientes con asma grave (AG) y asma de difícil control (ADC). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo trasversal de pacientes evaluados en el Consultorio de Asma de Difícil Control en el Hospital Británico en el período de un año. Se registró la edad, género y datos antropométricos, edad de diagnóstico, VEF1 al comienzo del seguimiento y exacerbaciones previas. Se evaluó control de síntomas con cuestionarios de Asthma Control Test y Asthma Control Quiestionnarie. Se registraron comorbilidades y se evaluó el perfil inflamatorio de los pacientes según biomarcadores medidos en sangre y muestra de esputo inducido. Resultados: 40 pacientes 20 ADC y 20 AG, no hubo diferencias significativas entre la edad, IMC, edad de comienzo de síntomas, control de los síntomas ni VEF1 al comienzo del seguimiento. En los pacientes con AG eran más frecuentes las crisis. Las comorbi lidades más comúnmente halladas fueron la obesidad, SAHOS y enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, los trastornos psiquiátricos fueron más frecuentes en AG. El fenotipo más frecuente hallado fuel el TH2 alérgico. Discusiones y conclusión: no resulta fácil la clasificación en ambos grupos y muchas veces se encuentran con características solapadas. Las comorbilidades son frecuentes en ambos grupos siendo la obesidad, el SAHOS y la enfermedad por reflujo las más frecuentes. Lograr identificar el fenotipo de asma para dirigir el tratamiento.

Difficult-to-Treat and Severe Asthma

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this article is to describe the characteristics, comorbidities and phenotypes of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma (DTA) and severe asthma (SA). Materials and Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of patients evaluated at the Difficult-to-Treat Asthma Clinic of the Hospital Británico within the period of one year. We registered the age, gender and anthropometric data, age of diagnosis, FEV1 at the beginning of follow-up and previous exacerbations. We evaluated symptom control with the Asthma Control Test and the Asthma Control Questionnaire. We registered the comorbidities and evaluated the inflammatory profile of patients according to blood biomarker measurements and induced sputum sample. Results: Forty patients, 20 DTA and 20 SA. There weren't any significant differences regarding age, BMI, age of onset of symptoms, symptom control or FEV1 at the beginning of follow-up. Crises were more common in SA patients. The most commonly found co morbidities were obesity, OSAHS and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Psychiatric disorders were more common in SA patients. The most commonly found phenotype was allergen-reactive TH2. Discussion and Conclusion: it is not easy to classify both groups, and many times there are overlapping characteristics. Comor bidities are frequent in both groups: obesity, OSAHS and reflux disease are the most common conditions. Being able to identify the asthma phenotype in order to target the treatment.

Enfermedad de whipple e hipertensión pulmonar reversible / Whipple's disease and reversible pulmonary hypertension

Resumen La enfermedad de Whipple es una enfermedad multisistémica crónica, causada por la bacteria Tropherima whipplei. Se han descripto aproximadamente 1200 casos en la literatura. La incidencia mundial se estima en 9.8 casos por millón de personas. Los datos provenientes de Sudamérica y Europa muestran que afecta a varones de mediana edad. Se cree que los factores inmunológicos del huésped son los que influyen en el curso de la infección y no el genotipo del agente. Dado que las características clínicas no suelen ser específicas y el espectro de manifestaciones en órganos individuales puede ser subestimado, el diagnóstico sigue siendo muy difícil. Presentamos un caso confirmado por histopatología con compromiso multisistémico. Consideramos importante su difusión dados los escasos casos documentados en Sudamérica y la relevancia de tener presente la sospecha diagnóstica para el abordaje terapéutico precoz que mejora el pronóstico de esta rara enfermedad.

Abstract Whipple's disease is a chronic mutisystem disease caused by the bacteria Tropherima whipplei. Approximately 1200 cases have been described in the literature. The worldwide incidence is estimated at 9.8 cases per million people. Data from South America and Europe show that it affects middle-aged males. It is believed that host immunological factors rather than agent genotypic traits influence the course of the infection. Since the clinical characteristics are usually nonspecific and the wide spectrum of manifestations in individual organs may be underestimated, the diagnosis remains challenging. We present a case with multisystem compromise confirmed by histopathology. We consider its publication important given the few cases documented in South America and the relevance of bearing in mind the importance of an early diagnosis for a prompt treatment that improves the prognosis of this rare disease.

[Whipple's disease and reversible pulmonary hypertension]. / Enfermedad de Whipple e hipertensión pulmonar reversible.

Whipple's disease is a chronic mutisystem disease caused by the bacteria Tropherima whipplei. Approximately 1200 cases have been described in the literature. The worldwide incidence is estimated at 9.8 cases per million people. Data from South America and Europe show that it affects middle-aged males. It is believed that host immunological factors rather than agent genotypic traits influence the course of the infection. Since the clinical characteristics are usually nonspecific and the wide spectrum of manifestations in individual organs may be underestimated, the diagnosis remains challenging. We present a case with multisystem compromise confirmed by histopathology. We consider its publication important given the few cases documented in South America and the relevance of bearing in mind the importance of an early diagnosis for a prompt treatment that improves the prognosis of this rare disease.

La enfermedad de Whipple es una enfermedad multisistémica crónica, causada por la bacteria Tropherima whipplei. Se han descripto aproximadamente 1200 casos en la literatura. La incidencia mundial se estima en 9.8 casos por millón de personas. Los datos provenientes de Sudamérica y Europa muestran que afecta a varones de mediana edad. Se cree que los factores inmunológicos del huésped son los que influyen en el curso de la infección y no el genotipo del agente. Dado que las características clínicas no suelen ser específicas y el espectro de manifestaciones en órganos individuales puede ser subestimado, el diagnóstico sigue siendo muy difícil. Presentamos un caso confirmado por histopatología con compromiso multisistémico. Consideramos importante su difusión dados los escasos casos documentados en Sudamérica y la relevancia de tener presente la sospecha diagnóstica para el abordaje terapéutico precoz que mejora el pronóstico de esta rara enfermedad.

Sarcoidosis: análisis de 24 casos

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad inflamatoria granulomatosa sistémica de etiología desconocida y con incidencia variable. Con el objetivo de describir la presentación clínica de un grupo de pacientes con diagnóstico de sarcoidosis en un hospital de comunidad, se realizó la revisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico compatible con sarcoidosis desde 2007 hasta 2017. En este período se incluyeron 24 pacientes, al momento de la presentación se encontraban de acuerdo a la radiología en estadio I el 75% de los casos, en el II el 5%, estadio III el 10% y 10% en estadio IV. Recibieron tratamiento el 60% de los pacientes. En este estudio se describen las características de los pacientes con la finalidad de contribuir a identificar esta entidad y optimizar su diagnóstico y manejo temprano.

Sarcoidosis: Analysis of 24 cases

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and variable incidence. For the purpose of de­scribing the clinical presentation of a group of patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis in a community hospital, we reviewed the medical records of patients whose diagnosis was consistent with sarcoidosis between 2007 and 2017. In this period, 24 patients were included and staged at presentation according to radiological data, showing that 75% were Stage I, 5% stage II, 10% stage III, and 10% stage IV. 60% of patients were treated. This study describes the patients' characteristics with the aim of helping to identify this entity and optimize early diagnosis and treatment.

[Pulmonary hypertension as presentation in multiple myeloma]. / Hipertensión pulmonar como presentación en mieloma múltiple.

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic disease, which accounts for 15% of hematologic malignancies. The average age of onset is between 65-70 years and is very rare in young patients, as 2% are under 40 years old. We present a case of 36-year-old women with history of 20 pack years (p/y) smoking, who complaints of dyspnea associated with signs of right cardiac overload, anemia, proteinuria, elevated acute phase reactants and spirometry pattern suggestive of moderately-severe restriction and severe drop in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Echocardiogram evidence dilated right heart cavities and signs of pulmonary hypertension which is confirmed by right heart catheterization. In search of the etiology we arrive to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Hipertensión pulmonar como presentación en mieloma múltiple / Pulmonary hypertension as presentation in multiple myeloma

El mieloma múltiple es una enfermedad oncohematológica, que representa el 15% de las enfermedades hematológicas malignas. La edad media de aparición es entre los 65-70 años, siendo muy poco frecuente en pacientes jóvenes; 2% son menores de 40 años. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 36 años con antecedente de tabaquismo de 20 paquetes año. Consultó por disnea asociada a signos de insuficiencia cardíaca derecha, anemia, proteinuria, elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y patrón sugestivo de restricción moderadamente grave en la espirometría y caída de la capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLco). El ecocardiograma doppler evidenció dilatación de cavidades derechas y signos de hipertensión pulmonar que se confirmó con cateterismo cardiaco derecho. En busca de la etiología se arribó al diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple.

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic disease, which accounts for 15% of hematologic malignancies. The average age of onset is between 65-70 years and is very rare in young patients, as 2% are under 40 years old. We present a case of 36-year-old women with history of 20 pack years (p/y) smoking, who complaints of dyspnea associated with signs of right cardiac overload, anemia, proteinuria, elevated acute phase reactants and spirometry pattern suggestive of moderately-severe restriction and severe drop in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Echocardiogram evidence dilated right heart cavities and signs of pulmonary hypertension which is confirmed by right heart catheterization. In search of the etiology we arrive to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Monitoring of Chronic Home Ventilation: Experience based on a Day Hospital Model

Introduction: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) represents a standard of care for ventilatory pump failure. The standard of care could be a determinant of deficiencies in the quality control of the treatment. Materials and Methods: In order to monitor compliance during home mechanical ventilation and optimize its effectiveness, we proposed a program through a day hospital conducted by pulmonologists and respiratory physiotherapists. A descriptive study was designed basing on a systematic collection database. Participants were consecutive patients with noninvasive ventilation or invasive mechanical respiratory assistance treated in the Pulmonology Service between July 2014 and December 2016. Results: 94 patients were included: 52 men (55%), age 64.4 ± 15.9 years, where 50% were obese or overweight (body mass index of 28.6 ± 8.46 kg / m²). 80 patients (84%) received home mechanical ventilation: noninvasive in 77 cases and invasive in three cases (4%). 14 patients (14.8%) were admitted to evaluate the indication of home mechanical ventilation. The following noninvasive ventilation modes were used: Bilevel S/T, 59 (62.7%); average volume-assured pressure support ventilation (AVAPS), 4 (4.2%); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), 6 (6.4%); servo-ventilation, 1 (1%). Three patients received volumetric ventilation. Mean compliance was 8.1 hours. Four patients did not use the device. 42.5% of patients remained hypercapnic. The setting was changed in 37 patients (46.2%), ventilatory mode was set in 2 (2.5%) and ventilation was suspended in two (2.5%). Adjustments in individual patients were clinically significant. Conclusion: This program let us improve training and identify a high percentage of patients with ineffective home mechanical ventilation, allowing for adjustments in the modality of treatment.

Ambulatory positional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of positional (PP) OSA patients using self-administered home-based respiratory polygraphy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 52 month retrospective study based on RP records. RESULTS: 200 PR records: 70.5% men 29.5% women. 76% were diagnosed with OSA and 54.6% with PP OSA. There were no significant differences in Epworth Sleepiness Scale, apnea hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index. PP OSA patients were younger, had a lower BMI (30.3±0.9 vs. 35.3±1.2) (p<0.0001), and the time they spent with oxygen saturation <90% (T<90) was lower (8.8 vs. 28.7±6.7, p=0.0038). The PP OSA group spent 43% of total recording time in the supine position. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PP OSA patients studied with RP is similar to the one described by sleep laboratories. They have lower BMI, present mostly mild OSA with less desaturation, and are less likely to receive CPAP therapy.

Prevalence of sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hypertension in a day hospital model.

INTRODUCTION: To identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome at a specialized hypertension center, we administered questionnaires and used respiratory polygraphy (RP). RESULTS: We studied 168 patients (64.8% men and 35.2% women). Patients' body mass index (BMI) was 34.7 ± 6.79 and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were 8.01 for male and 8.92 for women (p = 0.69). RP recordings revealed AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of 18.03 ± 15.7, an ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index) of 18.6 ± 15.2, and a time oxygen saturation <90% (%) of 20.8 ± 24.3. Around 44% of patients had an AHI of >15 events/h, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was recommended to 69 patients (41.07%). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) showed high values in AHI > 15/h (p = 0.050), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) did not correlate with AHI > 15; right IMT: 0.83 ± 1.3 versus 0.78 ± 0.13 mm (p = 0.41) and 0.82 ± 0.16 versus 0.78 ± 0.19 mm (p = 0.40). However, we find correlation with carotid plaque (p = 0.046). The ACC/AHA calculator revealed a gradual increase in the risk of cardiovascular events: 8.7% with AHI < 5/h, and 30.3% in severe OSA. CONCLUSIONS: In hypertension (HT) patients, RP revealed a high prevalence of OSA associated with carotid artery disease, high PWV, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Respiratory polygraphy monitoring of intensive care patients receiving non-invasive ventilation.

INTRODUCTION: Patients that started on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) need to define several parameters selected on the basis of diurnal arterial blood gas and underlying disease. We hypothesize that respiratory polygraphy (RP) could be useful to monitor NIV. This retrospective work describes RP findings and their impact on the setting of continuous flow ventilators from patients on NIV of Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient's data on NIV from at the ICU of Hospital Británico were included in this study. RP recordings were performed in all of them. Respiratory events, such as ventilatory pattern changes, impact on oximetry or tidal volume, were observed to modify the ventilatory mode after RP. RESULTS: The RP findings have contributes to change the ventilatory mode for one third of the patients. The mean values of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) and inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) were not significantly different across all the population before or after RP: 8.7±0.3 vs. 8.6±0.4; p<0.88 and 18.6±0.6 vs. 17.7±0.7; p<0.26 respectively, however, half the patients presented > 2 cmH2O pressure value changes after RP. CONCLUSIONS: RP recordings could contribute to broad range of data useful to make decisions about changes in programming and allowed to identify adverse events related to positive pressure.

Titulaciones de CPAP autoajustable domiciliarias y correlación entre un algoritmo automático y la fórmula de Hoffstein / Auto-adjusting CPAP Titrations at Home and Correlation between an Automatic Algorithm and the Hoffstein Formula

Introducción: La presión positiva en la vía aérea (CPAP) ha demostrado ser eficaz en el síndrome de apneas e hipopneas obstructivas durante el sueño (SAHOS). La presión efectiva se adquiere tradicionalmente con polisomnografía (PSG). El desempeño de estrategias no convencionales, como la CPAP autoajustable (APAP) y fórmulas de titulación (Ft) varía según la población donde se aplican. Objetivo: Describir la titulación con APAP y correlacionar la presión media en la vía aérea (Pmed), la Pef y la presión por Ft de Hoffstein y Mateikas (Fhoff). Resultados: Incluimos 192 pacientes; 52 mujeres (27%) y 140 hombres, edad; 60.2 años ± 11.7 e IMC de 33.8 ± 6.7 kg/m². El índice de apneas e hipopneas (IAH) fue: 33.1 ± 16.6 en mujeres y 36.5 ± 16 en varones (p > 0.24) y 190 casos (98.9%) presentaron IAH > 15 ev/hora. El cumplimiento medio con APAP fue: 380 minutos ± 101 mujeres y 370 ± 91.2 en hombres (p > 0.54). Menos del 10% de la población tuvo criterios de inaceptabilidad del registro. Hallamos correlación entre Pmed y la Pef; rho: 0.73 (IC95% 0.57-0.84) p < 0.001. Sin embargo entre Pef y Fhoff; β: 0.519 y r²: 0.269 (p < 0.001) existió subestimación por Fhoff: - 1.98 cm H2O (IC95% 1.48-2.49) e índice de correlación intraclase: 0.60 (IC95%: 0.47-0.80) p < 0.0001. Conclusiones: Una elevada proporción de pacientes titulan en domicilio con APAP sin vigilancia y con criterios de aceptabilidad. No hallamos adecuada correlación entre Fhoff y Pef en nuestra población.

Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has proven to be effective in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Effective pressure is traditionally acquired with a polysomnography (PSG). The performance of unconventional strategies, such as auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) and titration formulas (Tf) varies according to the population where they are applied. Objective: To describe the APAP titration and correlate the mean airway pressure (Mean p), the Eff p and the Hoffstein and Mateika Tf pressure (Hoff f). Results: We included 192 patients, 52 female (27%) and 140 male; age, 60.2 years old ± 11.7 and BMI (body mass index) of 33.8 ± 6.7 kg/m². The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was: 33.1 ± 16.6 in females and 36.5 ± 16 in males (p > 0.24); and 190 cases (98.9%) had an AHI > 15 ev/hour. Mean compliance with APAP was: 380 minutes ± 101 in females and 370 ± 91.2 in males (p > 0.54). Less than 10% of the population presented unacceptability criteria. We found a correlation between the Mean p and the Eff p; rho: 0.73 (95% CI [confidence interval] 0.57-0.84) p < 0.001. However, between the Eff p and the Hoff f β: 0.519 and r²: 0.269 (p < 0.001) there was an underestimation by Hoff f: - 1.98 cm H2O (95% CI, 1.48-2.49) and intraclass correlation index: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.47-0.80) p < 0.0001. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients titrate at home with APAP without supervision and with acceptability criteria. We did not find a suitable correlation between the Hoff f and the Eff p in our population.

Auto-adjusting CPAP Titrations at Home and Correlation between an Automatic Algorithm and the Hoffstein Formula

Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has proven to be effective in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Effective pressure is traditionally acquired with a polysomnography (PSG). The performance of unconventional strategies, such as auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) and titration formulas (Tf) varies according to the population where they are applied. Objective: To describe the APAP titration and correlate the mean airway pressure (Meanp), the Effp and the Hoffstein and Mateika Tf pressure (Hofff). Results: We included 192 patients, 52 female (27%) and 140 male; age, 60.2 years old ± 11.7 and BMI (body mass index) of 33.8 ± 6.7 kg/m2. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was: 33.1 ± 16.6 in females and 36.5 ± 16 in males (p > 0.24); and 190 cases (98.9%) had an AHI > 15 ev/hour. Mean compliance with APAP was: 380 minutes ± 101 in females and 370 ± 91.2 in males (p > 0.54). Less than 10% of the population presented unacceptability criteria. We found a correlation between the Meanp and the Effp; rho: 0.73 (95% CI [confidence interval] 0.57-0.84) p < 0.001. However, between the Effp and the Hofff ß: 0.519 and r2: 0.269 (p < 0.001) there was an underestimation by Hofff: - 1.98 cm H2O (95% CI, 1.48-2.49) and intraclass correlation index: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.47-0.80) p < 0.0001. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients titrate at home with APAP without supervision and with acceptability criteria. We did not find a suitable correlation between the Hofff and the Effp in our population

Hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica / Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

A partir del 4to simposio mundial de hipertensión pulmonar (HP) se asignó un grupo propio a la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) en la clasificación de HP, el grupo 4. La HP es un estado hemodinámico definido por una presión media de arteria pulmonar (PAPm) igual o mayor a 25 mm Hg en reposo medida por cateterismo cardiaco derecho (CCD). La HPTEC se desarrolla como consecuencia de una obstrucción en las arterias pulmonares debida a la resolución incompleta de una tromboembolia pulmonar que conduce al remodelado de los vasos pulmonares luego de tres meses de anticoagulación efectiva. En el 5to simposio mundial de HP a la HPTEC se asignó un grupo independiente de trabajo. El presente trabajo busca actualizar los datos epidemiológicos, fisiopatología, características clínicas y tratamiento de este grupo de HP.

Since the 4th world symposium on pulmonary hypertension (PH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) was assigned an own group in the classification of HP, the group 4. PH is a hemodynamic state defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) equal to or greater than 25 mmHg at rest, measured by right heart catheterization (CCD). CTEPH is developped by the presence of an obstruction in the pulmonary arteries due to incomplete resolution of pulmonary thromboembolic event leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling after three months of effective anticoagulation. Since the 5th World Symposium HP, CTEPH was assigned an independent working group. The objective of this paper is to update the epidemiological data, pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment of this group of pulmonary hypertension.