Validation of multiparametric approaches for the prediction of sudden cardiac death in patients with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Multiparametric scores have been designed for better risk stratification in Brugada syndrome (BrS). We aimed to validate 3 multiparametric approaches (the Delise score, Sieira score and the Shanghai BrS Score) in a cohort with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study (EPS). METHODS: We included patients diagnosed with BrS and previous EPS between 1998 and 2019 in 23 hospitals. C-statistic analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. RESULTS: A total of 831 patients were included (mean age, 42.8±13.1; 623 [75%] men; 386 [46.5%] had a type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern, 677 [81.5%] were asymptomatic, and 319 [38.4%] had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator). During a follow-up of 10.2±4.7 years, 47 (5.7%) experienced a cardiovascular event. In the global cohort, a type 1 ECG and syncope were predictive of arrhythmic events. All risk scores were significantly associated with events. The discriminatory abilities of the 3 scores were modest (particularly when these scores were evaluated in asymptomatic patients). Evaluation of the Delise and Sieira scores with different numbers of extra stimuli (1 or 2 vs 3) did not substantially improve the event prediction c-index. CONCLUSIONS: In BrS, classic risk factors such as ECG pattern and previous syncope predict arrhythmic events. The predictive capabilities of the EPS are affected by the number of extra stimuli required to induce ventricular arrhythmias. Scores combining clinical risk factors with EPS help to identify the populations at highest risk, although their predictive abilities remain modest in the general BrS population and in asymptomatic patients.

Cáncer y desfibrilador automático implantable ¿causalidad, confusión o casualidad? / Cancer and implantable cardiac defibrillator. Causality, confusion or chance?

Introducción y objetivos: El desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI) se ha establecido como terapia en pacientes con elevado riesgo de sufrir arritmias ventriculares malignas.Algunos estudios plantean un posible efecto oncogénico de materiales protésicos utilizados. Igualmente, existen trabajos que describen mayor incidencia de cáncer en portadores de DAI y plantean una potencial relación causal entre ambos.El objetivo principal del estudio es describir la incidencia de cáncer en nuestra muestra de pacientes portadores de DAI y compararla con resultados de otras bases de datos.MétodosEstudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes con DAI que se incluyeron en el Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra entre los años 2000 y 2016 y se siguieron hasta junio de 2018.Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, comorbilidades y datos sobre patología oncológica.Se estimaron tasas de incidencia acumulada (TIA) de cáncer durante el seguimiento que se compararon con datos poblacionales y con datos de otra cohorte de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca con FEVI reducida. Se ajustaron modelos de riesgos competitivos para cáncer en el seguimiento.ResultadosSe incluyeron 497 pacientes, mayoritariamente hombres (89,1%) con una edad media de 59,98 (14,98) años, con una proporción de fumadores del 67,6% y de cardiopatía isquémica del 51,6%. La TIA de cáncer fue 1.230,9 por 100.000 personas-año. Las variables que se asociaron significativamente con cáncer fueron mayor edad, mayor consumo de tabaco y cardiopatía isquémica.ConclusionesLa incidencia de cáncer es elevada en pacientes con DAI. Este hallazgo parece relacionado principalmente con el tabaco y la mayor edad. (AU)

Introduction and Objectives: implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) has been established as a therapy for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients at high risk of suffering them.Some studies suggest a possible relationship between the development of cancer and some prosthetic materials. Likewise, some investigations describe a higher incidence of cancer in patients with an ICD that suggest a potential relationship.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of patients that underwent implantation of an ICD in the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra between 2000 and 2016. The follow-up finished in June 2018.Sociodemographic, comorbidities and oncological data was analysed. Cancer incidence rates were estimated and compared with the general population data and with data of a cohort of patients with reduced LVEF heart failure. Risk of cancer models were adjusted by competitive risk models.Results497 patients were included, mostly male (89.1%), with a mean age of 59.98 (14.98) years and a proportion of smokers of 67.6% and of ischaemic heart disease of 51.6%. The cancer incidence rate in the sample was 1230.9 per 100.000 person-year. In our study, features associated with cancer were older age, higher tobacco use and ischaemic cardiopathy.ConclusionsIn our sample of ICD carriers the incidence of cancer is high. This finding mainly seems to be related to tobacco usage and higher age. (AU)

[Cancer and implantable cardiac defibrillator. Causality, confusion or chance?] / Cáncer y desfibrilador automático implantable ¿causalidad, confusión o casualidad?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) has been established as a therapy for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients at high risk of suffering them. Some studies suggest a possible relationship between the development of cancer and some prosthetic materials. Likewise, some investigations describe a higher incidence of cancer in patients with an ICD that suggest a potential relationship. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent implantation of an ICD in the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra between 2000 and 2016. The follow-up finished in June 2018. Sociodemographic, comorbidities and oncological data was analysed. Cancer incidence rates were estimated and compared with the general population data and with data of a cohort of patients with reduced LVEF heart failure. Risk of cancer models were adjusted by competitive risk models. RESULTS: 497 patients were included, mostly male (89.1%), with a mean age of 59.98 (14.98) years and a proportion of smokers of 67.6% and of ischaemic heart disease of 51.6%. The cancer incidence rate in the sample was 1230.9 per 100.000 person-year. In our study, features associated with cancer were older age, higher tobacco use and ischaemic cardiopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample of ICD carriers the incidence of cancer is high. This finding mainly seems to be related to tobacco usage and higher age.

The clinical impact of untreated slow ventricular tachycardia in patients carrying implantable cardiac defibrillators.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical impact of slow ventricular tachycardia (VT), occurring in patients carrying implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD), is still under debate. METHODS AND RESULTS: From the UMBRELLA registry (multicenter, observational, and prospective study on patients with ICD), 659 episodes of slow VT were observed in 97 patients. Untreated slow VT (n = 93) had longer duration (23.7 min, CI95%: 10-39), compared with episodes treated effectively by anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP; n = 527; 0.32 min, IC95%: 0.22-0, 48) or shock (n = 39; 1 min, CI95%: 0.8-1.2). Despite of longer duration, the time to the first contact with the medical services was similar to those episodes treated by ATP (50 days [CI95%: 45-55] vs. 41 days [CI95%: 39-44]). However, both were significantly longer than the time observed in episodes treated with shock (10 days, CI95%: 6-15). This tendency was maintained with successive interrogations of the device (2nd and 3rd). There were no significant differences in mortality during follow-up (48 ± 16 months), neither other adverse outcomes, between patients who presented untreated slow TV and those who did not (log-rank p = 0.28). In a Cox regression analysis, the variable "presenting untreated episodes of slow VT" was not able to predict mortality. However, being in sinus rhythm (vs. atrial fibrillation, OR: 0.31, p = 0.009), narrower QRS (OR: 1.036, p = 0.037) and diabetes (OR 4.673, p = 0.049) appropriately predict survival. CONCLUSIONS: Untreated slow VT does not significantly worsen patient prognosis. Our results support the limitation of therapies to ATP only, thus avoiding therapies that have been associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

Long-term prognosis of women with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: A male predominance in Brugada syndrome (BrS) has been widely reported, but scarce information on female patients with BrS is available. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of women with BrS. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study of patients diagnosed with BrS and previous electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed. RESULTS: Among 770 patients, 177 (23%) were female. At presentation, 150 (84.7%) were asymptomatic. Females presented less frequently with a type 1 electrocardiographic pattern (30.5% vs 55.0%; P <.001), had a higher rate of family history of sudden cardiac death (49.7% vs 29.8%; P <.001), and had less sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) on EPS (8.5% vs 15.1%; P = .009). Genetic testing was performed in 79 females (45% of the sample) and was positive in 34 (19%). An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was inserted in 48 females (27.1%). During mean (± SD) follow-up of 122.17 ± 57.28 months, 5 females (2.8%) experienced a cardiovascular event compared to 42 males (7.1%; P = .04). On multivariable analysis, a positive genetic test (18.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-192.53; P = .01) and atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 21.12; 95% CI 1.27-350.85; P = .03) were predictive of arrhythmic events, whereas VAs on EPS (neither with 1 or 2 extrastimuli nor 3 extrastimuli) were not. CONCLUSION: Women with BrS represent a minor fraction among patients with BrS, and although their rate of events is low, they do not constitute a risk-free group. Neither clinical risk factors nor EPS predicts future arrhythmic events. Only atrial fibrillation and positive genetic test were identified as risk factors for future arrhythmic events.

Antitachycardia pacing for shock prevention in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) carries an increased risk of sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a well-established therapy for treatment of VA. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (MVTs) are frequent in HCM patients and suitable for antitachycardia pacing (ATP) termination. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics in a population of HCM patients with ICD and to study the effectiveness and safety of ATP for MVT. METHODS: Data were obtained from the multicenter prospective observational UMBRELLA trial, which included all patients with HCM and ICD followed by the CareLink Monitoring System. All episodes of VA were collected and analyzed. ATP effectiveness and safety were described, and factors related to ATP effectiveness were studied with generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. RESULTS: Among 251 patients followed for 47 months, 67 (26.7%) were implanted as secondary prevention. Fifty-six patients presented 326 episodes of VA (286 [87%] MVT). Mean cycle length was 312 ± 64 ms. Among 264 MVTs that received ICD therapy, 202 (76.5%) were ATP terminated. The first ATP burst was effective in 169 episodes (68.4%), and overall effectiveness of the first or second ATP burst was 73.8%. Multivariate GEE-adjusted analysis showed 2 variables related to ATP effectiveness: programming fast VT zone On vs Off (odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-5.2; P = .03) and programming ≥2 ATP bursts vs 1 burst only (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-3.4; P = .04; and OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.8-6.3; P = .02; respectively). CONCLUSION: MVT is the predominant VA in HCM patients with ICD. ATP is highly effective in terminating the majority of MVTs, and its proved effectiveness should guide device selection and programming in order to avoid unnecessary high-energy shocks.

Single-brand dual-chamber discriminators to prevent inappropriate shocks in patients implanted with prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a propensity-weighted comparison of single- and dual-chamber devices.

PURPOSE: Comparisons of the efficacy of dual- vs. single-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in preventing inappropriate shocks have had contradictory results. We investigated whether dual-chamber devices have a lower risk of inappropriate shocks and the specific role of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) discriminators. METHODS: All heart failure (HF) patients without an indication for pacing and implanted with a prophylactic ICD were recruited from the nationwide multicenter UMBRELLA registry. Arrhythmic events were collected by remote monitoring and reviewed by a committee of experts. RESULTS: Among 782 patients, single-chamber ICDs were implanted in 537 (68.7%) and dual-chamber devices in 245 (31.3%). During a mean follow-up of 52.2 ± 24.5 months, 109 inappropriate shocks were delivered in 49 patients (6.2%). In the propensity-score-matched analysis, dual-chamber ICDs were related to lower rates of inappropriate shocks as compared to single-chamber devices (0.9% vs. 11.8%, p = < 0.001, log-rank test). In multivariable Cox proportional analysis, independent predictors of inappropriate shock were history of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.78, CI 1.37-5.64, p = 0.004), chronic kidney disease (HR = 6.15, CI 2.82-13.53, p < 0.001), and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR = 2.84, CI 1.54-5.23, p = 0.001). Among ICD settings, PR logic was the only discriminator independently related to a reduced risk of inappropriate shocks (HR = 0.18, CI 0.06-0.48, p = 0.001), along with an SVT limit enabled over 200 bpm (HR = 0.24, CI 0.11-0.51, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide cohort of primary prevention ICD-only patients, dual-chamber devices were related to lower risk of inappropriate shocks compared to single-chamber ICDs. Besides, PR logic and SVT limit > 200 bpm emerged as protective factors.

Survival and arrhythmic risk among ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure patients with prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator only therapy: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concerns about the efficacy of prophylactic ICD in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) heart failure (HF) patients are still present. We aimed to assess whether survival and arrhythmic risk were different among ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and NICM ICD-only patients, along with specific predictors for mortality. METHODS: HF patients undergoing ICD-only implant were extracted from the nationwide multicenter UMBRELLA registry. Arrhythmic events were collected by remote monitoring and reviewed by a committee of experts. RESULTS: 782 patients (556 ICM; 226 NICM) were recruited: mean ejection fraction of 26.6%; 83.4% in NYHA class II-III; mean QRS duration of 108.9 ms (only 14.9% with QRS > 130 ms). After 4.35 years of mean follow-up, all-cause mortality rate was 4.2%/year. In propensity-score (PS) analysis no survival differences between ICM and NICM subgroups appeared (mortality rates: 19.4% vs. 20%, p = 0.375). Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02, p = 0.009), diabetes (HR = 2.61, p ≤ 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 2.13, p = 0.002), and previous HF (HR = 2.28, p = 0.027) correlated with increased mortality for the entire population, however atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR = 2.68, p = 0.002) and chronic kidney disease (HR = 3.74, p ≤ 0.001) emerged as specific predictors in NICM patients. At follow-up, 134 patients (17.1%) were delivered a first appropriate ICD therapy (5.1%/year) without significant differences between ICM and NICM patients in the PS analysis (17.6% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.968). ICD shocks were associated with a higher mortality (HR = 2.88, p < 0.001) but longer detection windows (HR = 0.57, p = 0.042) correlated with fewer appropriate therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality and arrhythmia free survival is similar among ICM and NICM HF patients undergoing ICD-only implant for primary prevention strategy.

Taquicardias ventriculares rápidas en pacientes con desfibrilador implantable: reducción de choques mediante terapia antitaquicárdica antes y durante la carga / Shock reduction with antitachycardia pacing before and during charging for fast ventricular tachycardias in patients with implantable defibrillators

Introducción y objetivos: Las taquicardias ventriculares rápidas en zona de fibrilación ventricular en pacientes con desfibriladores implantables son susceptibles de terminación mediante estimulación antitaquicárdica (EA). Algunos fabricantes permiten la programación de 2 ráfagas de EA: antes de la carga (AC) y durante la carga (DC). Nuestro objetivo es describir la efectividad y la seguridad de la EA AC y DC en las taquicardias ventriculares rápidas en zona de fibrilación ventricular en pacientes con desfibriladores implantables en la práctica clínica diaria. Métodos: Los datos proceden del ensayo multicéntrico UMBRELLA, y se incluyó a los pacientes portadores de desfibriladores implantables seguidos por el sistema de monitorización a distancia CareLink. Se incluyeron las taquicardias ventriculares rápidas en la zona de fibrilación ventricular hasta una longitud de ciclo de 200 ms y tratadas con EA AC y/o DC. Resultados: Se revisaron 542 episodios en 240 pacientes. Dos ráfagas de EA (AC/DC) se programaron en 291 episodios (el 53,7%, 87 pacientes) mientras que 251 (el 46,3%, 153 pacientes) tuvieron 1 sola EA DC. Los episodios terminados por 1 EA DC fueron 139: el 55,4% de eficacia (ajustado por las ecuaciones de estimación generalizada, el 60,4%). Los episodios terminados por 1 o 2 EA (AC/DC) fueron 256, el 88% de efectividad (ajustado por las ecuaciones de estimación generalizada, el 79,3%). La OR para la eficacia de la EA AC/DC frente a DC fue 2,5 (IC95%, 1,5-4,1; p < 0,001). Los episodios con descarga de alta energía fueron 112 (45%) con EA DC frente a 35 (12%) con EA AC/DC (reducción absoluta del 73%). La media de duración de los episodios con descarga fue de 16 s con EA DC frente a 19 s con EA AC/DC (p = 0,07). Conclusiones: La EA DC en la zona de fibrilación ventricular en taquicardias ventriculares rápidas es moderadamente eficaz. La adición de una ráfaga de EA AC aumenta la efectividad general, reduce la necesidad de descargas y no prolonga el episodio

Introduction and objectives: Fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator are susceptible to antitachycardia pacing (ATP) termination. Some manufacturers allow programming 2 ATP bursts: before charging (BC) and during (DC) charging. The aim of this study was to describe the safety and effectiveness of ATP BC and DC for fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in daily clinical practice. Methods: Data proceeded from the multicenter UMBRELLA trial, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients followed up by the CareLink monitoring system. Fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone until a cycle length of 200 ms with ATP BC and/or ATP DC were included. Results: We reviewed 542 episodes in 240 patients. Two ATP bursts (BC/DC) were programmed in 291 episodes (53.7%, 87 patients), while 251 episodes (46.3%, 153 patients) had 1 ATP burst only DC. The number of episodes terminated by 1 ATP DC was 139, representing 55.4% effectiveness (generalized estimating equation-adjusted 60.4%). There were 256 episodes terminated by 1 or 2 ATP (BC/DC), representing 88% effectiveness (generalized estimating equation-adjusted 79.3%); the OR for ATP effectiveness BC/DC vs DC was 2.5, 95%CI, 1.5-4.1; P < .001. Shocked episodes were 112 (45%) for ATP DC vs 35 (12%) for ATP BC/DC, representing an absolute reduction of 73%. The mean shocked episode duration was 16 seconds for ATP DC vs 19 seconds for ATP BC/DC (P = .07). Conclusions: The ATP DC in the ventricular fibrillation zone for fast ventricular tachycardia is moderately effective. Adding an ATP burst BC increases the overall effectiveness, reduces the need for shocks, and does not prolong episode duration

Long-term prognosis of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery spasm.

Aims: Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Much controversy remains regarding the best therapeutic interventions for this specific patient subset. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with a history of life-threatening VA due to CAS with various medical interventions, as well as the need for ICD placement in the setting of optimal medical therapy. Methods and results: A multicentre European retrospective survey of patients with VA in the setting of CAS was aggregated and relevant clinical and demographic data was analysed. Forty-nine appropriate patients were identified: 43 (87.8%) presented with VF and 6 (12.2%) with rapid VT. ICD implantation was performed in 44 (89.8%). During follow-up [59 (17-117) months], appropriate ICD shocks were documented in 12. In 8/12 (66.6%) no more ICD therapies were recorded after optimizing calcium channel blocker (CCB) therapy. SCD occurred in one patient without ICD. Treatment with beta-blockers was predictive of appropriate device discharge. Conversely, non-dihydropyridine CCB therapy was significantly protective against VAs. Conclusion: Patients with life-threatening VAs secondary to CAS are at particularly high-risk for recurrence, especially when insufficient medical therapy is administered. Non-dihydropyridine CCBs are capable of suppressing episodes, whereas beta-blocker treatment is predictive of VAs. Ultimately, in spite of medical intervention, some patients exhibited arrhythmogenic events in the long-term, suggesting that ICD implantation may still be indicated for all.

Shock Reduction With Antitachycardia Pacing Before and During Charging for Fast Ventricular Tachycardias in Patients With Implantable Defibrillators.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator are susceptible to antitachycardia pacing (ATP) termination. Some manufacturers allow programming 2 ATP bursts: before charging (BC) and during (DC) charging. The aim of this study was to describe the safety and effectiveness of ATP BC and DC for fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in daily clinical practice. METHODS: Data proceeded from the multicenter UMBRELLA trial, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients followed up by the CareLink monitoring system. Fast ventricular tachycardias in the ventricular fibrillation zone until a cycle length of 200ms with ATP BC and/or ATP DC were included. RESULTS: We reviewed 542 episodes in 240 patients. Two ATP bursts (BC/DC) were programmed in 291 episodes (53.7%, 87 patients), while 251 episodes (46.3%, 153 patients) had 1 ATP burst only DC. The number of episodes terminated by 1 ATP DC was 139, representing 55.4% effectiveness (generalized estimating equation-adjusted 60.4%). There were 256 episodes terminated by 1 or 2 ATP (BC/DC), representing 88% effectiveness (generalized estimating equation-adjusted 79.3%); the OR for ATP effectiveness BC/DC vs DC was 2.5, 95%CI, 1.5-4.1; P <.001. Shocked episodes were 112 (45%) for ATP DC vs 35 (12%) for ATP BC/DC, representing an absolute reduction of 73%. The mean shocked episode duration was 16seconds for ATP DC vs 19seconds for ATP BC/DC (P=.07). CONCLUSIONS: The ATP DC in the ventricular fibrillation zone for fast ventricular tachycardia is moderately effective. Adding an ATP burst BC increases the overall effectiveness, reduces the need for shocks, and does not prolong episode duration.

Association of cardiac resynchronization therapy with the incidence of appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapies in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces the incidence of sudden cardiac death and the use of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies (AICDTs); however, this antiarrhythmic effect is only observed in certain groups of patients. To gain insight into the effects of CRT on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) burden, we compared the incidence of AICDT use in four groups of patients: patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy vs. non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDC) and patients implanted with an ICD vs. CRT-ICD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 689 consecutive patients (mean follow-up 37 ± 16 months) included in the Umbrella registry, a multicentre prospective registry including patients implanted with ICD or CRT-ICD devices with remote monitoring capabilities in 48 Spanish Hospitals. The primary outcome was the time to first AICDT. Despite a worse clinical risk profile, NIDC patients receiving a CRT-ICD had a lower cumulative probability of first AICDT use at 2 years compared with patients implanted with an ICD [24.7 vs. 41.6%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.49, P = 0.003]; on the other hand, there were no significant differences in the incidence of first AICDT use at 2 years in ischaemic patients (22.6 vs. 21.9%, P = NS). Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of CRT with lower AICDT rates amongst NIDC patients (Adjusted HR: 0.55, CI 95% 0.35-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that CRT is associated with significantly lower rates of first AICDT use in NIDC patients, but not in ischaemic patients. This study suggests that ICD patients with NIDC and left bundle branch block experiencing VAs may benefit from an upgrade to CRT-ICD despite being in a good functional class.

Atrial Rate-Responsive Pacing and Incidence of Sustained Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Atrial rate-responsive pacing (RRP) has proved to be safe in pacemaker recipients with chronotropic incompetence. Although RRP is available in all current implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), the outcomes of this pacing mode in ICD patients are unknown. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between atrial RRP and atrial arrhythmias in ICD recipients. METHODS: Dual-chamber and triple-chamber ICD patients were included in this multicenter cohort study. Patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) or VVI pacing mode were excluded. The number and duration of atrial tachycardia (AT)/AF episodes were assessed. RESULTS: Data from 415 patients and 80,707 AT/AF episodes (median duration: 0.4 hours) were collected after a 21.3 ± 14.1-month follow-up. Atrial RRP was programmed in 90 (21.7%) patients and was associated with a higher atrial pacing percentage in the overall study population (51.2 ± 33.8% vs 18.4 ± 25.7%, P < 0.001) and to a higher ventricular pacing percentage among dual-chamber devices (22.3 ± 37.6% vs 9.3 ± 25%, P < 0.001). Independent factors associated with sustained AT/AF episodes (>23 hours) were previous AF (odds ratio [OR]: 7.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11-15.47; P < 0.001) and atrial RRP (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.82-7.03; P < 0.001). RRP was related to a lower sustained AT/AF episodes-free survival both in patients with a history of AF (43% vs 70%, P = 0.035) and without a history of AF (82% vs 97%, P = 0.004) at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial RRP in ICD patients was related to a higher incidence of sustained atrial arrhythmias. This pacing mode may have an atrial proarrhythmic effect on ICD patients, especially among those with a history of AF.

Prognosis and management of acute coronary syndrome in Spain in 2012: the DIOCLES study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the current mortality and management of patients admitted for suspected acute coronary syndrome in Spain. The last available registry (2004-2005) reported an in-hospital mortality of 5.7%. METHODS: The study included patients consecutively admitted between January and June 2012 at 44 hospitals selected at random. Information was collected on clinical course at admission and on events at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 2557 patients admitted with suspected acute coronary syndrome were included: 788 (30.8%) with ST-segment elevation, 1602 (62.7%) without ST-segment elevation, and 167 (6.5%) with unclassified acute coronary syndrome. In-hospital mortality was 4.1% (6.6%, 2.4%, and 7.8% respectively), significantly lower than that observed for 2004-2005. Reperfusion treatment (most commonly, primary percutaneous coronary intervention) was administered to 85.7% of patients with ST-segment elevation attended within 12h. The median time from first medical contact to thrombolysis was 40 min and to balloon inflation, 120 min. Among patients without ST-segment elevation, coronary angiography was performed in 80.6%, percutaneous intervention in 52.0%, and surgery was indicated in 6.4%. Secondary prevention treatments at discharge was prescribed more often than in earlier registries. In patients alive at discharge (follow-up available for 97.1%), 6-month mortality was 3.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality among patients with acute coronary syndrome in Spain was lower than that reported in the most recent published studies, in parallel with a more frequent use of the main treatments recommended.

Modelo de intervención coronaria percutánea primaria en la Comunidad de Navarra / The primary percutaneous coronary intervention program in Navarre

El tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio ha evolucionado notablemente en las últimas tres décadas. Actualmente están establecidas con total nitidez las ventajas del tratamiento de reperfusión en cuanto a reducción de la morbimortalidad en una enfermedad tan prevalente en los países desarrollados. Si las diferentes opciones de reperfusión, farmacológica o mecánica, se aplican y especialmente si es precozmente desde el inicio de los síntomas, la mortalidad del infarto de miocardio puede ser inferior al 5%, cifra impensable hace tan sólo unos años. La intervención coronaria percutánea primaria es el método de reperfusión ideal. Sin embargo, desde una visión comunitaria y a la vista de la extensión del territorio y los tiempos de acceso desde el inicio de los síntomas al contacto con el sistema sanitario, así como al centro intervencionista, la reperfusión farmacológica y el traslado simultáneo para realizar intervención coronaria percutánea de rescate, si procediera, pueden ser una opción complementaria, con resultados no inferiores a los de la intervención coronaria percutánea primaria, en caso de que se la considerara como única opción. Navarra es una comunidad relativamente extensa (10.391 km2 ), con tres centros hospitalarios públicos: un centro con unidad coronaria y cardiología intervencionista, en el Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra en Pamplona, y dos hospitales comarcales, Estella y Tudela, ubicados a 50 y 90 km del centro intervencionista. Estratégicamente, el objetivo es reperfundir al mayor número de pacientes que presenten un infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST. Si es en el área de Pamplona-Pamplona Norte, siempre intervención coronaria percutánea primaria; si es en los dependientes de los hospitales comarcales de Estella y Tudela, estrategia invasiva o farmacoinvasiva en función de la suma de tiempos desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta el contacto con el sistema sanitario, más el tiempo teórico de traslado al centro intervencionista de Pamplona. Este tipo de estrategia combinada, con protocolos bien definidos, en una comunidad como la de Navarra, con peculiaridades urbanas y rurales, se muestra muy eficiente y su modelo, dentro de las dificultades, es de aplicación sencilla (AU)

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction has advanced considerably over the last three decades. Today, the benefits of reperfusion therapy are abundantly clear: it can reduce morbidity and mortality in a disease that has a very high prevalence in developed countries. If the various reperfusion treatments are used early after symptom onset, mortality due to myocardial infarction may be less than 5%, a level that was unthinkable just a few years ago. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the ideal reperfusion method. However, for the community as a whole in a region where distances are large and there may be a lengthy delay between symptom onset and hospital admission, pharmacological reperfusion with simultaneous transport for rescue percutaneous coronary intervention, if warranted, may be an alternative, and outcomes are not inferior to those of primary percutaneous coronary intervention when this is the only option. In the region of Navarre in Spain, a relatively extensive area (i.e. 10391 km2 ) is covered by three public hospitals: the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra in Pamplona and two district hospitals in Estella and Tudela, located 50 km and 90 km, respectively, from the interventional cardiology service in Pamplona. Strategically, the goal is to provide reperfusion therapy for the maximum possible number of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is always performed in patients from the area around Pamplona and North Pamplona. In areas served by the district hospitals in Estella and Tudela, either invasive treatment or the combination of pharmacological and invasive therapy may be used depending on the sum total of the time between symptom onset and first contact with the health system plus the theoretical transfer time to the interventional cardiology service in Pamplona. The use of this combination treatment strategy, based on well-defined protocols, in a region like Navarre, which is characterized a mixture of urban and rural communities, appears to be very effective and, within its limitations, the program was simple to implement (AU)