Interamerican Society of Cardiology (CIFACAH - ELECTROSIAC)/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS): multidisciplinary review on the appropriate use of cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure.

Epidemiological studies suggest that approximately half of the patients with heart failure (HF) have reduced ejection fraction, while the other half have normal ejection fraction (EF). Currently, international guidelines consider QRS duration greater than 130 ms, in the presence of ventricular dysfunction (EF < 35%), as a criterion for selecting patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). CRT helps restore intraventricular and auriculoventricular synchrony, improving left ventricular (LV) performance, reducing functional mitral regurgitation, and inducing reverse LV remodeling. This is evidenced by increased LV filling time and left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, mitral regurgitation, and septal dyskinesia. Because the mechanisms of dyssynchrony may be heterogeneous, no single measure may accurately predict response to CRT. Finally, CRT has been progressively shown to be safe and feasible, improves functional status and quality of life, reversely remodels the LV, decreases the number of hospitalizations, total mortality in patients with refractory HF, LV dysfunction, and intraventricular conduction disorders; is a pacemaker-based therapy for HF and thanks to current technology, safe remote monitoring of almost all types of cardiac devices is possible and provides useful alerts in clinical practice.

Los estudios epidemiológicos sugieren que aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) tiene fracción de eyección reducida, mientras que la otra mitad, fracción de eyección (FE) normal. Actualmente, las guías internacionales consideran la duración de QRS mayor a 130 ms, en presencia de disfunción ventricular (FE < 35%), como criterio para selección de pacientes a terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC). La TRC ayuda a restaurar la sincronía intraventricular y auriculoventricular, mejorando el rendimiento del ventrículo izquierdo (VI), reduciendo la regurgitación mitral funcional e induciendo la remodelación inversa del VI. Esto se evidencia en el aumento del tiempo de llenado del VI y la fracción de eyección del VI, la disminución de los volúmenes telediastólico y telesistólico del VI, y la regurgitación mitral y discinesia septal. Como los mecanismos de la disincronía pueden ser heterogéneos, es posible que ninguna medida prediga con exactitud la respuesta a la TRC. Finalmente, la TRC cardiaca ha demostrado progresivamente ser segura y factible, mejora el estado funcional y la calidad de vida, remodela inversamente el VI, disminuye el número de hospitalizaciones, la mortalidad total en pacientes con IC refractaria, la disfunción ventricular izquierda y los trastornos de conducción intraventricular; es una terapia basada en marcapasos para la IC y gracias a la tecnología actual es posible realizar una supervisión remota y segura de casi todos los tipos de dispositivos cardiacos y obtener alertas útiles en la práctica clínica.

[Interamerican Society of Cardiology (CIFACAH - ELECTROSIAC)/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS): multidisciplinary review on the appropriate use of cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure]. / Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología (CIFACAH-ELECTROSIAC)/Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ritmo Cardiaco (LAHRS): revisión multidisciplinaria sobre el uso apropiado de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca en la insuficiencia cardiaca.

Epidemiological studies suggest that approximately half of the patients with heart failure (HF) have reduced ejection fraction, while the other half have normal ejection fraction (EF). Currently, international guidelines consider QRS duration greater than 130 ms, in the presence of ventricular dysfunction (EF < 35%), as a criterion for selecting patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). CRT helps restore intraventricular and auriculoventricular synchrony, improving left ventricular (LV) performance, reducing functional mitral regurgitation, and inducing reverse LV remodeling. This is evidenced by increased LV filling time and left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, mitral regurgitation, and septal dyskinesia. Because the mechanisms of dyssynchrony may be heterogeneous, no single measure may accurately predict response to CRT. Finally, CRT has been progressively shown to be safe and feasible, improves functional status and quality of life, reversely remodels the LV, decreases the number of hospitalizations, total mortality in patients with refractory HF, LV dysfunction, and intraventricular conduction disorders; is a pacemaker-based therapy for HF and thanks to current technology, safe remote monitoring of almost all types of cardiac devices is possible and provides useful alerts in clinical practice.

Los estudios epidemiológicos sugieren que aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) tiene fracción de eyección reducida, mientras que la otra mitad, fracción de eyección (FE) normal. Actualmente, las guías internacionales consideran la duración de QRS mayor a 130 ms, en presencia de disfunción ventricular (FE < 35%), como criterio para selección de pacientes a terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC). La TRC ayuda a restaurar la sincronía intraventricular y auriculoventricular, mejorando el rendimiento del ventrículo izquierdo (VI), reduciendo la regurgitación mitral funcional e induciendo la remodelación inversa del VI. Esto se evidencia en el aumento del tiempo de llenado del VI y la fracción de eyección del VI, la disminución de los volúmenes telediastólico y telesistólico del VI, y la regurgitación mitral y discinesia septal. Como los mecanismos de la disincronía pueden ser heterogéneos, es posible que ninguna medida prediga con exactitud la respuesta a la TRC. Finalmente, la TRC cardiaca ha demostrado progresivamente ser segura y factible, mejora el estado funcional y la calidad de vida, remodela inversamente el VI, disminuye el número de hospitalizaciones, la mortalidad total en pacientes con IC refractaria, la disfunción ventricular izquierda y los trastornos de conducción intraventricular; es una terapia basada en marcapasos para la IC y gracias a la tecnología actual es posible realizar una supervisión remota y segura de casi todos los tipos de dispositivos cardiacos y obtener alertas útiles en la práctica clínica.

Inter-American Society of Cardiology (CIFACAH-ELECTROSIAC) and Latin-American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS): multidisciplinary review on the appropriate use of implantable cardiodefibrillator in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Our main objective was to present a multidisciplinary review on the epidemiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and the tools that could be used to identify malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and to perform risk stratification. In addition, indications and contraindications for the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in general and in special populations including the elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also given. METHODS: An expert group from the Inter American Society of Cardiology (IASC), through their HF Council (CIFACAH) and Electrocardiology Council (ElectroSIAC), together with the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), reviewed and discussed the literature regarding the appropriate use of an ICD in people with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF). Indications and contraindications for the use of ICD are presented in this multidisciplinary review. RESULTS: Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the usefulness of ICD in both primary and secondary prevention of SCD in HFpEF. There are currently precise indications and contraindications for the use of these devices. CONCLUSIONS: In some Latin American countries, a low rate of implantation is correlated with low incomes, but this is not the case for all Latin America. Determinants of the low rates of ICD implantation in many Latin American countries are still a matter of research. VA remains one of the most common causes of cardiovascular death associated with HFrEF and different tools are available for stratifying the risk of SCD in this population.

Utilización de un dispositivo móvil de tecnología electrónica para tamizaje de fibrilación auricular: estudio piloto / Use of a mobile electronic technology device for atrial fibrillation screening: pilot study / Uso de dispositivo de tecnologia eletrônica móvel para rastreamento de fibrilação atrial: estudo piloto

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es un problema de salud pública que genera mortalidad y morbilidad, con su mayor impacto en mayores de 65 años. Su detección es especialmente relevante para la población de riesgo. Este estudio piloto propone valorar la utilidad de un dispositivo móvil de tecnología electrónica (DMTE) para el tamizaje de FA. Objetivo primario: evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de un DMTE para identificar FA. Objetivo secundario: validar los procesos de recolección, transmisión, almacenamiento, procesamiento e interpretación de los datos obtenidos. Método: los asistentes a 5 talleres del Plan Ibirapitá (entre el 15 de octubre y el 30 de noviembre de 2018) fueron invitados a participar del estudio. Se utilizó un DMTE (sensor KardiaMobile de AliveCor®) cuyo registro se contrastó con el trazado del ECG de 12 derivaciones realizado en forma casi simultánea. Se compararon los diagnósticos automáticos con los realizados por dos cardiólogos expertos de forma independiente, a partir de la lectura del registro realizado con el DMTE y de un ECG de 12 derivaciones. Resultados: participaron del estudio 114 beneficiarios del Plan Ibirapitá, 78 del sexo femenino. La edad fue de 72,5 ± 5,36 años (rango: 53-87 años). La sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de FA del DMTE fue de 100%, con una especificidad de 96,6%. (VPP = 57,1% VPN = 100%) y una proporción de diagnóstico correcto de 96,8%. El DMTE catalogó como "sin clasificar" al 18,4% de los trazados. Considerando esto, la proporción de diagnóstico correcto disminuyó a 78,9%, sin presentar falsos negativos. Conclusiones: el cribado de FA con la utilización de un DMTE en una población de adultos mayores es factible y confiable. El hallazgo de un 18,4% de trazados con diagnóstico automático "sin clasificar" hace necesario contar con recursos humanos calificados para realizar la confirmación diagnóstica en esos registros.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a public health problem generating important morbidity and mortality mainly in > 65 years old population. Detection is key in the population at risk. This pilot study was designed to assess a mobile electronic technology device (METD) usefulness in AF screening. Objective: evaluate validity and reliability of a METD in AF identification. Secondary objective: to validate the process of collection, transmission, storage, method and interpretation of obtained data. Method: participants in 5 Ibirapitá Plan workshops (October 15-November 30, 2018) were invited to participate in the study. A KardiaMobile Alive Cor® METD was used, whose ECG recording was compared with a 12L ECG taken almost at the same time. Automatic METD report was compared with 2 independent cardiologists report considering the METD recording and the 12L ECG. Results: 114 participants (78 female), mean age 72,5 y.o. (SD 5,36; range 53-87) were included. METD sensitivity for AF diagnosis was 100% with a 96.6% specificity (PPV=57,1% NPV=100%), and a 96.8% number of correct diagnosis. A 18.4% of recordings were catalogued as "unclassified" by the METD. Considering this, the proportion of correct diagnosis decreased to 78.9%; there were not false negatives. Conclusions: AF screening with a METD in an older population is feasible and reliable. The finding of 18.4% METD recordings as "unclassified" raises the needs for experts review during diagnosis confirmation.

A fibrilação atrial (FA) é um problema de saúde pública que gera mortalidade e morbidade, com maior impacto em pessoas com mais de 65 anos. Sua detecção é especialmente relevante para a população de risco. Este estudo piloto teve como objetivo avaliar a utilidade de um dispositivo móvel de tecnologia eletrônica (DMTE) para o monitoramento da FA. Objetivo principal: avaliar a validade e confiabilidade de um DMTE para identificar FA. Objetivo secundário: validar os processos de coleta, transmissão, armazenamento, processamento e interpretação dos dados obtidos. Método: participantes de 5 oficinas do Plano Ibirapitá (entre 15 de outubro e 30 de novembro de 2018) foram convidados a participar do estudo. Foi utilizado um DMTE (sensor AliveCor® KardiaMobile), cujo registro foi contrastado com o traçado do ECG de 12 derivações realizado quase simultaneamente. Os diagnósticos automatizados foram comparados com aqueles realizados por dois cardiologistas especialistas independentes, com base na leitura gráfica do DMTE e no ECG de 12 derivações. Resultados: participaram do estudo 114 beneficiários do Plano Ibirapitá, sendo 78 mulheres. A média de idade foi de 72,5 anos (DP 5,36; variação de 53-87 anos). A sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de FA no DMTE foi de 100% com especificidade de 96,6%. (VPP = 57,1% VPN = 100%) e proporção de diagnóstico correto de 96,8%. O DMTE definiu 18,4% dos registros como "não classificados". Portanto, a proporção de diagnósticos corretos diminuiu para 78,9% e não houve falsos negativos. Conclusões: a triagem para FA por meio de DMTE em uma população idosa é viável e confiável. A constatação de 18,4% dos registros com diagnóstico automático "não classificado" torna necessária a existência de recursos humanos qualificados para a realização da confirmação diagnóstica.

Cardiología digital (e-Cardiología): herramientas de utilidad para el diagnóstico y el manejo del paciente con fibrilación auricular / Digital Cardiology (e-Cardiology): useful tools for diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation / Cardiologia digital (e-Cardiologia): ferramentas úteis para o diagnóstico e tratamiento de pacientes com fibrilação atrial

La tecnología digital móvil (mSalud), recurso aún subutilizado, tiene el potencial para transformarse en un auxiliar imprescindible en la práctica clínica, en particular en Cardiología. La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente, cuya prevalencia aumenta con la edad y tiene como complicación más temida el accidente cerebrovascular. Su prevención depende de un diagnóstico oportuno, una adecuada estratificación de riesgo y el uso de anticoagulantes orales. Sin embargo, es con frecuencia paroxística y asintomática, lo que dificulta su diagnóstico. El aporte de la tecnología mediante el desarrollo de aplicaciones para celulares, relojes, dispositivos portátiles o implantables que registran el ritmo cardíaco y permiten el monitoreo prolongado, ambulatorio y a distancia facilitan su detección. Se repasan las principales evidencias que justifican la aplicación de estas estrategias de tamizaje, cuando está indicado realizarlo, cómo y a quiénes hacerlo. Por último, se plantea también la utilidad de estas estrategias de monitoreo prolongado en el manejo y la prevención de la fibrilación auricular.

The mobile digital technology (mHealth), a tool still underutilized, has the potential to become an essential aid in clinical practice, particularly in Cardiology. Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia whose prevalence increases with age and its most feared complication is cerebrovascular accident. Its prevention depends on a timely diagnosis, an adequate risk stratification and the use of oral anticoagulants. However, it is frequently paroxysmal and asymptomatic, which makes its diagnosis difficult. The contribution of technology through the development of applications for cell phones, watches, portable or implantable devices that record the heart rhythm and allow prolonged, outpatient and remote monitoring, facilitate its detection. The main evidences that justify the application of these screening strategies are reviewed, when it is indicated to perform it, how and to whom to do it. Finally, the usefulness of these prolonged monitoring strategies in the management and prevention of atrial fibrillation is also considered.

A utilização da tecnologia digital móvel (m-Saúde), ainda pouco utilizada, tem potencial para se tornar um auxílio essencial na prática clínica, principalmente na Cardiologia. A fibrilação atrial é a arritmia mais frequente, cuja prevalência aumenta com a idade e sua complicação mais temida é o acidente vascular cerebral. Sua prevenção depende de um diagnóstico oportuno, de uma estratificação de risco adequada e do uso de anticoagulantes orais. Porém, freqüentemente é paroxística e assintomática, o que dificulta seu diagnóstico. A contribuição da tecnologia por meio do desenvolvimento de aplicativos para telefones celulares, relógios, dispositivos portáteis ou implantáveis ​​que registram o ritmo cardíaco e permitem monitoramento prolongado, ambulatorial e remoto, facilitam sua detecção. São revisadas as principais evidências que justificam a aplicação dessas estratégias de rastreamento, quando é indicado fazê-lo, como e para quem fazê-lo. Finalmente, a utilidade dessas estratégias de monitoramento prolongado no manejo e prevenção da fibrilação atrial também é considerada.

Implante de marcapasos en un centro de Uruguay (2010-2019). Seguimiento y análisis / Pacemaker implant in a center in Uruguay (2010-2019). Monitoring and analysis / Implante de marcapasso em um centro no Uruguai (2010-2019). Monitoramento e análise

Resumen: Descripción y análisis de los procedimientos de implante de marcapasos en el servicio de electrofisiología institucional en un período de nueve años. Se analiza en forma retrospectiva un total de 1.265 procedimientos. La mediana de edad al momento del implante fue de 77 años, con predominio del sexo masculino. El bloqueo auriculoventricular y la enfermedad del nódulo sinusal fueron las indicaciones más frecuentes. El modo de estimulación predominante fue el bicameral secuencial en menores de 80 años. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 45 meses y hubo seguimiento completo en 90,7% de los pacientes. Se observó una baja tasa de complicaciones (0,8%).

Summary: Description and analysis of permanent pacemakers implantation procedures at the institutional electrophysiology laboratory in a 9-year period. A total of 1265 procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Median age of implantation was 77 years, with men being the majority. Atrioventricular block and sinus node disease were the most frequent indications. Sequential dual chamber pacing was the most common programming mode in patients under 80 years old. The average follow-up was 45 months and there was a complete follow-up in 90.7% of the patients. A low complication rate was observed (0.8% of procedures).

Resumo: Descrição e análise dos procedimentos de marcapassos implantados no serviço de eletrofisiológia institucional, em um período de 9 anos. Um total de 1.265 procedimentos foram revisados retrospectivamente. A mediana de idade do implante foi de 77 anos com predominância de sexo masculino. El bloqueio atrioventricular e doença do nó sinusal são as indicações mais freqüentes. O modo predominante de estimulação foi o bicameral secuencial em los menores de 80 anos. O seguimento médio foi de 45 meses e houve acompanhamento completo em 90,7% dos pacientes. Uma baixa taxa de complicações foi observada (0,8% dos procedimentos).

Fibrilación auricular e insuficiencia cardíaca / Atrial fibrillation and heart failure

La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia clínica más frecuente y la que más comúnmente se asocia a la insuficiencia cardíaca, independientemente de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. Su aparición en pacientes con falla cardíaca y viceversa agrava la evolución clínica y aumenta la mortalidad. Ambas patologías comparten factores de riesgo y mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Esta revisión se concentra en la fibrilación auricular en la insuficiencia cardíaca con fracción de eyección reducida. Se analizan sus mecanismos y la interacción entre ambas patologías. Se presenta el manejo clínico actual de esta arritmia en este contexto, haciendo especial énfasis en la anticoagulación, pero considerando también las diferentes estrategias farmacológicas y no farmacológicas para el control de la frecuencia y el control del ritmo.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinical arrhythmia, and independently of left ventricular ejection fraction is commonly associated with heart failure. It appearance in patients with heart failure or vice versa worsen the clinical evolution and increases mortality. Both diseases share risk factors and physiopathologic mechanisms. This review concentrates in atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Mechanisms and its interaction between both pathologies are analysed. Current clinical treatment of this arrhythmia in heart failure is presented, with emphasis in oral anticoagulation but also discussing the different pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to rate and rhythm control.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors´ Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors´ Network of the European Society of Cardiology. Resumo O Comitê Internacional de Editores de Revistas Médicas (ICMJE) fornece recomendações para aprimorar o padrão editorial e a qualidade científica das revistas biomédicas. Tais recomendações variam desde requisitos técnicos de uniformização até assuntos editoriais mais complexos e elusivos, como os aspectos éticos do processo científico. Recentemente, foram propostos registro de ensaios clínicos, divulgação de conflitos de interesse e novos critérios de autoria, enfatizando a importância da responsabilidade e da responsabilização. No último ano, lançou-se uma nova iniciativa editorial para fomentar o compartilhamento dos dados de ensaios clínicos. Esta revisão discute essa nova iniciativa visando a aumentar a conscientização de leitores, investigadores, autores e editores filiados à Rede de Editores da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship- emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors´ Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship -emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors´ Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network / Compartir los datos de los estudios: Una nueva iniciativa editorial del Comité Internacional de Editores de Revistas Médicas. Implicaciones para la red europea de editores cardiovasculares

Abstract: The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability -, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Resumen: El Comite internacional de editores de revistas medicas (CIERM) propone recomendaciones para mejorar los standares editoriales y la calidad científica de las revistas biomédicas. Estas recomendaciones abarcan desde requerimeintos ténicos uniformados a temas editoriales mas complejos y evasivos, como los aspectos bioéticos relacionados con el proceso científico. Recientemente se han propuesto algunas iniciativas editoriales, como el registro de los ensayos clinicos, la declaración de los conflictos de interés y los nuevos criterios para autoría (que destacan la responsabilidad de los autores sobre el estudio). El año pasado se presentó una nueva iniciativa editorial para resaltar la importancia de compartir los datos generados en los estudios clinicos. En este artículo se discute esta nueva iniciativa editorial, con la idea de difundir su conocimiento entre los lectores, investigadores, autores y editores de la red de editores de revistas cardiovasculares nacionales de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability -, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability - have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship -emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology.