Characteristics and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation in Chronic Heart Failure Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Colombian Heart Failure Registry.

Background: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) represent conditions that commonly coexist. The impact of AF in HF has yet to be well studied in Latin America. This study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic and clinical features, along with patients' outcomes with AF and HF from the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). Methods: Patients with ambulatory HF and AF were included in RECOLFACA, mainly with persistent or permanent AF. A 6-month follow-up was performed. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. To assess the impact of AF on mortality, we used a logistic regression model. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. All statistical tests were two-tailed. Results: Of 2,528 patients with HF in the registry, 2,514 records included information regarding AF diagnosis. Five hundred sixty (22.3%) were in AF (mean age 73 ± 11, 56% men), while 1,954 had no AF (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 58% men). Patients with AF were significantly older and had a different profile of comorbidities and implanted devices compared to non-AF patients. Moreover, AF diagnosis was associated with lower quality of life score (EuroQol-5D), mainly in mobility, personal care, and daily activity. AF was prevalent in patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF), while no significant differences in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were observed. Although higher mortality was observed in the AF group compared to individuals without AF (8.9% vs. 6.1%, respectively; P = 0.016), this association lost statistical significance after adjusting by age in a multivariate regression model (odds ratio (OR): 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95 - 1.92). Conclusions: AF is more prevalent in HF patients with higher EF, lower quality of life and different clinical profiles. Similar HF severity and non-independent association with mortality were observed in our cohort. These results emphasize the need for an improved understanding of the AF and HF coexistence phenomenon.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Heart Failure of Hypertensive Etiology: Analysis of Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA).

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension represents one of the main comorbidities observed in patients with heart failure (HF) and one of the main risk factors for its development. Despite this, studies assessing this hypertensive etiology are scarce in Latin America. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of HF of hypertensive etiology and evaluate its prognosis in patients enrolled in the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA by its Spanish acronym). METHODS: RECOLFACA recruited adult patients diagnosed with HF in 60 centers in Colombia between 2017 and 2019. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess factors associated with primary outcomes in patients with hypertensive HF. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. All statistical tests were two-tailed. RESULTS: Out of the total number of patients evaluated in RECOLFACA (n = 2,514), 804 had a diagnosis of HF with hypertensive etiology (31.9%). These patients were less frequently males and had a significantly older age and lower prevalence of comorbidities than those with HF of other etiologies. Additionally, patients with hypertensive HF had a higher prevalence of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (34.1% vs. 28.3%; p = 0.004). Finally, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis, and NYHA class IV were classified as independent mortality risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertensive HF represents about one-third of the total number of patients with HF in RECOLFACA. Compared with HF of other etiologies, it presents a differential clinical profile - older age and a higher prevalence of HFpEF. RECOLFACA has become a useful tool to characterize patients with HF in Colombia, with which it has been possible to carry out a more specific search and reach the diagnosis of this pathology in our population, and it has served as an example to stimulate registries of patients with HF in other countries in the region.

Adherence to treatment guidelines in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Latin-American Country: Observational Study of the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA).

INTRODUCTION: Although several guidelines recommend that patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) be treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) or angiotensin receptor - neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium-glucose cocotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), there are still several gaps in their prescription and dosage in Colombia. This study aims to describe the use patterns of HFrEF treatments in the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). METHODS: Patients with HFrEF enrolled in RECOLFACA during 2017-2019 were included. Heart Failure (HF) medications prescription and daily dose were assessed using absolute numbers and proportions. Therapeutic schemes of patients treated by internal medicine specialists were compared with those treated by cardiologists. RESULTS: Out of 2528 patients in the registry, 1384 (54.7%) had HFrEF. Among those individuals, 88.9% were prescribed beta-blockers, 72.3% with ACEI/ARBs, 67.9% with MRAs, and 13.1% with ARNIs. Moreover, less than a third of the total patients reached the target doses recommended by the European HF guidelines. No significant differences in the therapeutic schemes or target doses were observed between patients treated by internal medicine specialists or cardiologists. CONCLUSION: Prescription rates and target dose achievement is sub-optimal in Colombia. Nevertheless, RECOLFACA had one of the highest prescription rates of beta-blockers and MRAs compared to some of the most recent HF registries. However, ARNIs remain underprescribed. Continuous registry updates can improve the identification of patients suitable for ARNI and SGLT2i therapy to promote their use in clinical practice.

[Position statement for improvement in reperfusion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Latin America]. / Documento de posición para la mejora en la reperfusión del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST en Latinoamérica.

The treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction has barriers depending on the geographic region. Primary coronary angioplasty is the treatment of choice, if it is performed on time and by experienced operators. However, when it is not available, the administration of fibrinolysis and referral for rescue angioplasty, in case of negative reperfusion, is the best strategy. In the same way, coronary angioplasty, as part of a pharmacoinvasive strategy, is the best alternative when there is positive reperfusion. The development of infarct treatment networks increases the number of patients reperfused within the recommended times and improves outcomes. In Latin America, national myocardial infarction treatment programs should focus on improving outcomes, and long-term success depends on working toward defined goals and enhancing functionality, therefore programs should develop capacity to measure their performance. The following document discusses all of these alternatives and suggests opportunities for improvement.

El tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST tiene barreras dependiendo de la región geográfica. La angioplastia coronaria primaria es el tratamiento de elección, siempre y cuando sea realizada dentro de tiempo y por operadores experimentados. Sin embargo, cuando no está disponible, la administración de fibrinólisis y el envío para angioplastia de rescate, en caso de reperfusión negativa, es la mejor estrategia. De la misma manera, la angioplastia coronaria, como parte de una estrategia farmacoinvasiva, es la mejor alternativa cuando hay reperfusión positiva. El desarrollo de redes de tratamiento del infarto aumenta el número de pacientes reperfundidos dentro de los tiempos recomendados y mejora los desenlaces. En América Latina, los programas nacionales para el tratamiento del infarto deben centrarse en mejorar los resultados y el éxito a largo plazo depende de trabajar hacia objetivos definidos y obtener métricas de rendimiento, por lo tanto, estos deben desarrollar métricas para cuantificar su desempeño. El siguiente documento discute todas estas alternativas y sugiere oportunidades de mejora.

Characterization of Patients With Heart Failure of Chagas Etiology in Colombia: An Analysis Based on the Colombian Registry of Heart Failure (RECOLFACA).

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) represents a relevant origin of Heart Failure (HF) in countries where the disease is endemic. CCM exhibits distinct myocardial involvement and is associated with a poorer prognosis compared to different HF etiologies. The aim is to explain the features and prognosis of individuals with HF resultant to CCM registered in the Colombian Registry of Heart Failure (RECOLFACA). RECOLFACA registry enrolled 2528 adult patients with HF. A comparison was made between patients diagnosed with CCM and those diagnosed with other etiologies of HF. Eighty-eight patients (3.5%) present CCM diagnosis. The individuals diagnosed with both HF and CCM were notably younger in age, had less comorbidities, poorer functional class, and significantly inferior ejection fraction. Finally, the presence of CCM diagnosis was linked to a substantially elevated mortality risk throughout the follow-up period (HR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.01-4.00) according to a multivariate model adjusted. CCM represents an important etiology of HF in Colombia, drawing attention to a distinct clinical profile and a higher risk of mortality compared to other HF etiologies.

Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Impact of Kidney Disease on Heart Failure Patients: An Observational Study of the Colombian Heart Failure Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents one of the most frequent comorbidities observed in heart failure (HF) patients and has been observed to increase this population's risk of adverse outcomes. Nevertheless, evidence analyzing kidney dysfunction in HF is scarce in Latin American populations. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of kidney dysfunction and assess its association with mortality in patients diagnosed with HF enrolled in the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). METHODS: RECOLFACA enrolled adult patients with HF diagnosis from 60 centers in Colombia during the period 2017-2019. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of the different categories of eGFR in mortality risk. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. All statistical tests were two-tailed. RESULTS: From the total 2,514 evaluated patients, 1,501 (59.7%) patients had moderate kidney dysfunction (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), while 221 (8.8%) patients were classified as having a severe kidney dysfunction (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Patients with lower kidney function were most commonly males, had higher median age, and reported a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities. Moreover, different patterns of medications prescription were observed when comparing CKD versus non-CKD patients. Finally, eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk compared to eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 status (HR: 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10-3.18), even after an extensive adjustment by relevant covariates. CONCLUSION: CKD represents a prevalent condition in the setting of HF. Patients with CKD and HF present with multiple sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory differences compared with those only diagnosed with HF and present a significantly higher risk of mortality. A timely diagnosis and optimal treatment and follow-up of CKD in the setting of HF may improve the prognosis of these patients and prevent adverse outcomes.

Comorbidity profile and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure in a Latin American country: Insights from the Colombian heart failure registry (RECOLFACA).

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is usually accompanied by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular comorbidities, which may significantly impact its prognosis. In this study we aimed to characterize the comorbidity profile and its impact in mortality in patients with HF diagnosis from the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). METHODS: RECOLFACA enrolled adult patients with HF diagnosis from 60 centers in Colombia during the period 2017-2019. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of the comorbidities in mortality. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: From the total 2528 patients included in the registry, 2514 patients (58% males, mean age 68 years) had information regarding comorbidity diagnoses. 2321 patients (92.3%) reported at least one comorbidity. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent individual diagnosis (72%; n = 1811), followed by anemia (30.1%, n = 726). The most frequently observed coexisting comorbidities were coronary disease (CHD) with dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Different patterns of comorbidity coexistence were observed when comparing HF patients by sex and left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) classification. The only comorbidities that were significantly associated with mortality after multivariate adjustment were T2DM (HR 1.45. 95% CI 1.01-2.12), anemia (HR 1.48. 95% CI 1.02-2.16), and CHD (HR 1.59. 95% CI 1.09-2.33). CONCLUSION: Multiple comorbidities were frequently observed in the patients from the RECOLFACA. T2DM, anemia and CHD were significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality, highlighting the importance of promoting an optimal follow-up and control of these conditions.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Heart Failure Patients from a Middle-Income Country: The RECOLFACA Registry.

Background: There is a lack of epidemiological data around heart failure (HF) in Latin America; the potential impact description of this disease in middle-income countries is relevant. Objective: This study aimed to describe the characteristics and healthcare resource utilization patterns of HF patients at baseline and six-month follow-up. Methods: This retrospective observational study used data from the RECOLFACA (Registro Colombiano de Falla Cardíaca) registry, which includes data obtained from the examination of clinical records from 2,528 patients in 60 Colombian healthcare institutions. Baseline and six-month follow-up data were evaluated from patients with previous hospital admissions due to HF during the 12 months prior to enrollment. Results: This study analyzed 2,045 patients (42.8% female) with a mean age of 67.71 ± 13.64 years. The most common etiologies were ischemic (44.4%) and hypertensive heart disease (38.5%). At baseline, 53.4% of patients were classified with NYHA class II, and 73.6% had a reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). A year prior to entering the registry, patients were hospitalized an average of 1.4 ± 1.1 times due to HF. Prescription of evidence-based treatment at baseline included sacubitril/valsartan (10%), ACEI (33%), ARB (41%), beta-blocker (79%), diuretics (68%), and MRA (56%). The average quality of life score measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire was 78.7 ± 20.8 at baseline and 82.3 ± 20.1 at the six-month follow-up. The mortality rate was 6.7%. Conclusions: The use of information from the RECOLFACA registry allowed characterization as well as analyses of healthcare resource utilization of patients with heart failure in Colombia. The results of this study show that multiple evidence-based treatments for HF are being widely used in Colombia, but there seems to be room for improvement regarding some interventions for the treatment of patients with HF.

Terapia de resincronización cardíaca con o sin cardiodesfibrilador versus terapia con desfibrilador automático, Pereira (Colombia): un estudio de cohorte / Terapia de ressincronização cardíaca com ou sem cardiodesfibrilador versus terapia desfibrilador automático, Pereira (Colômbia): Um estudo de coorte / Cardiac resyncronization therapy with or without cardioverter-defibrillator versus defibrillator therapy alone, Pereira (Colombia): a cohort study

Comparar la supervivencia de pacientes con resincronizador cardíaco con o sin desfibrilador con la de pacientes con cardiodesfibrilador. Materiales y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva cuyo desenlace primario fue la mortalidad de origen cardíaco; la exposición fueron las terapias electrofisiológicas y la información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas y de otros registros médicos. Resultados: se estudiaron 70 pacientes de edad avanzada con dispositivos funcionales. El 82 % recibieron tratamiento farmacológico optimizado. No se encontró asociación significativa entre la probabilidad de supervivencia y la terapia de resincronización cardíaca con o sin cardiodesfibrilador versus la terapia con cardiodesfibrilador (log rank test p = 0,54), pero sí un mayor tiempo de supervivencia en los primeros (ANOVA p = 0,0012). La tasa de peligro fue 0,017 para el día 371 y del 0,15 para el día 2169. Durante el período de observación se presentaron 14 muertes, tres de ellas atribuibles a etiología no cardíaca. Conclusión: se observó que la terapia con resincronizador cardíaco se asoció de forma significativa con un mayor tiempo supervivencia...

To evaluate survival in patients with cardiac resynchronization with or without cardioverterdefibrillatorversus patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator alone. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort, the primary end point was death from cardiac causes, the exposure was electrophysiological therapies, and the information sources were medical files and other records. Results: 70 elderly patients with functional devices; 82 % of them received optimized medical therapy. Nosignificant association was found between survival of patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy withor without defibrillator and cardioverter-defibrillator therapy alone (log rank test, p = 0.54), but the formerhad a longer survival time (ANOVA p = 0.0012). The hazard ratio was 0.017 for day 371 and 0.15 for day 169. Fourteen deaths occurred during the observation period, three of them from non-cardiac causes. Conclusion: Cardiac resynchronization therapy was associated with significantly longer survival time...

Comparar a sobrevivência de pacientes com ressincronizador cardíaco com ou sem desfibrilador em pacientes com desfibriladores. Materiais e métodos: corte retrospectivo de cujo principal resultado primário foi a mortalidade de origem cardíaca; a exposição foram as terapias e eletrofisiológicos e a informação foi obtida a partir da história clínica e outros registros médicos. Resultados: Foram estudados 70 pacientes idosos com dispositivos funcionais. 82 % receberam tratamento farmacológico otimizado. Não foi encontrado associação significativa entre a probabilidade de sobrevivencia e terapia de ressincronização cardíaca com ou sem cardiodesfibrilador versus a terapia cardiodesfibrilador (log rank test, p = 0,54 ), mas há um maior tempo de sobrevivência no primeiro (ANOVA, p = 0,0012 ). A taxa de risco foi 0,017 para o dia 371 e 0,15 para o dia 2169. Durante o período de observação, apresentaram 14 mortes, três deles atribuíveis a etiologia não cardíaca. Conclusão: constatou-se que a terapia com ressincronizador cardíaco foi significativamente asociado com um maior tempo de sobrevivência...

Comportamiento de hemoglobina glicosilada y frecuencia de hipoglicemias en diabéticos tipo 2 tratados con insulina glargina o NPH / Glycosylated hemoglobin behavior and frequency of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetics treated with insulin glargine or NPH

Objetivo: Evaluar comportamiento de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) y frecuencia de hipoglicemias sintomáticas con esquema basal con insulina NPH comparado con insulina glargina en diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2), atendidos en un programa de riesgo cardiovascular. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectivo. Se revisaron 613 historias clínicas de pacientes con DM2 manejados con esquema basal con insulina NPH o glargina, de los cuales 76 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se revisó historia clínica al momento de inclusión (consulta No. 1), a los seis (consulta No. 2) y a los doce meses (consulta No. 3). Resultados: Se analizaron 13 pacientes del grupo glargina y 63 del grupo NPH (edad 64,9 [± 10,9 años], 54 porciento mujeres). En la consulta No. 1 el promedio de HbA1c fue 7.8 porciento en grupo con NPH y 7.5 porciento en grupo glargina. Al final del seguimiento los niveles de HbA1c fueron 7.5 porciento en grupo NPH y 7.9 porciento en grupo glargina (p= 0.4). Los eventos de hipoglucemia fueron 3 en la primera consulta y 4 en la tercera, todos recibían NPH. En la segunda consulta se presentaron 5 eventos en pacientes con NPH y 1 caso con glargina (p=0.9). Las variables más fuertemente asociadas con niveles bajos de HbA1c fueron enfermedad renal crónica y sexo femenino. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con DM2 de este estudio no presentaron diferencia estadísticamente significativa en valores de HbA1c de acuerdo al tipo de insulina recibida.Se observó menor frecuencia de hipoglucemias en pacientes que utilizaban insulina glargina sin encontrarse diferencia estadísticamente significativa.

To evaluate performance of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and frequencyof symptomatic hypoglycemia scheme with basal insulin glargine compared toNPH insulin in type 2 diabetics (DM2), served in a program of cardiovascularrisk. Materials and methods: Observational retrospective cohort. 613 medicalrecords of patients with DM2 managed scheme with basal insulin NPHor glargine, of which 76 met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. medicalrecords were reviewed at the time of inclusion (see No. 1), six (see No. 2)and twelve months (see No. 3). Results: 13 patients in the glargine group and63 in the NPH group (age 64.9 [± 10.9 years], 54% female) were analyzed.The consultation No. 1 mean HbA1c was 7.8% with NPH group and 7.5% inglargine group. At follow-up HbA1c levels were 7.5% in NPH group and 7.9%in glargine group (p = 0.4). Hypoglycemic events were 3 in the first visit and 4in the third, all received NPH. In the second consultation five events occurredin patients with NPH and 1 case with glargine (p = 0.9). The variables moststrongly associated with low levels of HbA1c were chronic kidney disease andwomen. Conclusions: Patients with DM2 of this study showed no statisticallysignificant difference in HbA1c values according to the type of insulinreceived. Lower frequency of hypoglycemia in patients using insulin glargineno statistically significant difference was observed.

Falla cardíaca avanzada en pacientestratados con dispositivos electrofisiológicos en una unidad de electrofisología, Pereira (Colombia) / Patients with advanced heart failure treated with electrophysiological devices in an electrophysiology center, Pereira(Colombia)

Resumen: la falla cardíaca avanzada es una enfermedad prevalente, con una tasaalta de mortalidad y hospitalización con relación a su estadio y perfil clínico, quecuesta en Norteamérica hasta el 20 por ciento de los recursos destinados para el manejo de la enfermedad cardiovascular. Se realizó un análisis transversal a una cohorte de 70 pacientes en tratamiento farmacológico y cardioresincronizador con o sin cardiodesfibirlador, o solo cardiodesfibrilador automático (ICD) implantado entre los años 2010 y 2012.Métodos: el presente es un estudio transversal. Resultados: 71 por ciento presentaron hipertensión arterial HTA; 65,75 por ciento cardiopatía isquémica, siendo el 58.3 por ciento portadores de resincronizador con o sin cardiodesfibrilador. El 90 por ciento de los pacientes tiene 2 o más medicamentos, 77 por ciento betabloqueador, 90 por ciento iECA o ARA II, 85.7 por ciento algún diurético.Conclusión: se caracterizaron los pacientes que recibieron terapia electrofisiológica para manejo avanzado de falla cardíaca.