Association between troponin and outcome in patients with chest pain and rapid atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study of a single-center 10-year cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of myocardial infarction in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (RAF) is poorly known. We sought to ascertain if troponin concentrations are associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with RAF and chest discomfort suggestive of coronary origin. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients attending an emergency department of a single-center (2008-2017) with chest pain suggestive of coronary origin who had RAF and at least one troponin determination. Patients were classified as having normal/increased troponin. They were followed until December 2019 to detect MACE (primary outcome), which included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularization, stroke, or all-cause death. In addition to cardiovascular death and type I myocardial infarction, these were considered secondary outcomes. The adjusted risk was determined by Cox regression, and sensitivity analysis were run. Relationship between troponin as a continuous variable and outcomes was also evaluated, as well as interaction by sex. RESULTS: We included 574 patients (median = 76.5 years, IQR = 14, women 56.8%, increased troponin 34.1%) followed by a median of 3.8 years (IQR = 4.8). MACE occurred in 200 patients (34.8%). Increased troponin was independently associated with MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.502, 95% CI, 1.130-1.998), ACS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.488, 95% CI, 1.256-4.928), type I myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.771, 95% CI, 1.212-6.333) and stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.580, 95% CI, 1.888-6.787) but not with death, cardiovascular death or revascularization. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with these results. There was no interaction by sex. When assessed continuously, an increase in troponin concentrations was lineally associated with a steady increase in the risk of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RAF who complain of chest pain, increased troponin levels are related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Influence of the length of hospitalisation in post-discharge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure: Results of the LOHRCA study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between length of hospitalisation (LOH) and post-discharge outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) patients and to ascertain whether there are different patterns according to department of initial hospitalisation. METHODS: Consecutive AHF patients hospitalised in 41 Spanish centres were grouped based on the LOH (<6/6-10/11-15/>15 days). Outcomes were defined as 90-day post-discharge all-cause mortality, AHF readmissions, and the combination of both. Hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted by chronic conditions and severity of decompensation, were calculated for groups with LOH >6 days vs. LOH <6 days (reference), and stratified by hospitalisation in cardiology, internal medicine, geriatrics, or short-stay units. RESULTS: We included 8563 patients (mean age: 80 (SD = 10) years, 55.5% women), with a median LOH of 7 days (IQR 4-11): 2934 (34.3%) had a LOH <6 days, 3184 (37.2%) 6-10 days, 1287 (15.0%) 11-15 days, and 1158 (13.5%) >15 days. The 90-day post-discharge mortality was 11.4%, readmission 32.2%, and combined endpoint 37.4%. Mortality was increased by 36.5% (95%CI = 13.0-64.9) when LOH was 11-15 days, and by 72.0% (95%CI = 42.6-107.5) when >15 days. Conversely, no differences were found in readmission risk, and the combined endpoint only increased 21.6% (95%CI = 8.4-36.4) for LOH >15 days. Stratified analysis by hospitalisation departments rendered similar post-discharge outcomes, with all exhibiting increased mortality for LOH >15 days and no significant increments in readmission risk. CONCLUSIONS: Short hospitalisations are not associated with worse outcomes. While post-discharge readmissions are not affected by LOH, mortality risk increases as the LOH lengthens. These findings were similar across hospitalisation departments.

Effect of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality among older patients with acute heart failure in Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence and impact of risk of malnutrition on short-term mortality among seniors presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency setting. The objective was to determine the impact of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality risk among older patients who attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for AHF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the OAK-3 Registry including all consecutive patients ≥65 years attending in 16 Spanish EDs for AHF. Risk of malnutrition was defined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) < 12 points. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between risk of malnutrition and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We included 749 patients (mean age: 85 (SD 6); 55.8% females). Risk of malnutrition was observed in 594 (79.3%) patients. The rate of 30-day mortality was 8.8%. After adjusting for MEESSI-AHF risk score clinical categories (model 1) and after adding all variables showing a significantly different distribution among groups (model 2), the risk of malnutrition was an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted OR by model 1 = 3.4; 95%CI 1.2-9.7; p = .020 and adjusted OR by model 2 = 3.1; 95%CI 1.1-9.0; p = .033) compared to normal nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of malnutrition assessed by the MNA-SF is associated with 30-day mortality in older patients with AHF who were attended in EDs. Routine screening of risk of malnutrition may help emergency physicians in decision-making and establishing a care plan.

Tasas de reconsulta, hospitalización y muerte a corto plazo tras el alta directa desde Urgencias de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y análisis de los factores asociados. Estudio ALTUR-ICA / Short-term reconsultation, hospitalisation, and death rates after discharge from the emergency department in patients with acute heart failure and analysis of the associated factors. The ALTUR-ICA Study

Fundamento y objetivos: Definir en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) dados de alta directamente desde Urgencias: las tasas de reconsulta a Urgencias y hospitalización por ICA y de muerte por cualquier causa a 30 días; la tasa de estos 3 episodios combinados a 7 días; y los factores asociados con tales episodios. Pacientes y método: Incluimos pacientes diagnosticados consecutivamente de ICA durante 2 meses en 27 servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) dados de alta sin hospitalización. Recogimos 43 variables independientes, con seguimiento a 30 días, e investigamos los factores predictivos para episodios adversos mediante regresión de Cox. Resultados: Evaluamos 785 pacientes (78±9 años, 54,7% mujeres). Las tasas de reconsulta, hospitalización y mortalidad a 30 días, y de episodio combinado a 7 días fueron de 26,1, 15,7, 1,7 y 10,6%, respectivamente. Los factores independientes asociados a reconsulta fueron no administrar diuréticos intravenosos en urgencias (HR 2,86; IC 95% 2,01-4,04), tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG)<60ml/min/m2 (1,94; 1,37-2,76) y episodios previos de ICA (1,48; 1,02-2,13); los asociados a hospitalización fueron no administrar diuréticos intravenosos (2,97; 1,96-4,48), tener cardiopatía valvular (1,61; 1,04-2,48) y saturación arterial de oxígeno a la llegada al SUH<95% (1,60; 1,06-2,42); y los asociados a episodio combinado, no administrar diurético intravenoso (3,65; 2,19-6,10), TFG<60ml/min/m2 (2,22; 1,31-3,25), episodios previos de ICA (1,95; 1,04-3,25) y uso de nitratos intravenosos (0,13; 0,02-0,99). Conclusión: Presentamos por primera vez en España las tasas de episodios adversos en pacientes con ICA dados de alta directamente desde los SUH y definimos los factores asociados, lo cual debería ayudar a determinar acciones para mejorar la selección de los pacientes candidatos al alta directa desde Urgencias (AU)

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to define the following in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) discharged directly from accident and emergency (A&E): rates of reconsultation to A&E and hospitalisation for AHF, and all-cause death at 30 days, rate of combined event at 7 days and the factors associated with these rates. Patients and method: The study included patients consecutively diagnosed with AHF during 2 months in 27 Spanish A&E departments who were discharged from A&E without hospitalisation. We collected 43 independent variables, monitored patients for 30 days and evaluated predictive factors for adverse events using Cox regression analysis. Results: We evaluated 785 patients (78±9) years, 54.7% women). The rates of reconsultation, hospitalisation, and death at 30 days and the combined event at 7 days were: 26.1, 15.7, 1.7 and 10.6%, respectively. The independent factors associated with reconsultation were no endovenous diuretics administered in A&E (HR 2.86; 95% CI 2.01-4.04), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<60ml/min/m2 (1.94; 1.37-2.76) and previous AHF episodes (1.48; 1.02-2.13); for hospitalisation these factors were no endovenous diuretics in A&E (2.97; 1.96-4.48), having heart valve disease (1.61; 1.04-2.48), blood oxygen saturation at arrival to A&E<95% (1.60; 1.06-2.42); and for the combined event no endovenous diuretics in A&E (3.65; 2.19-6.10), GFR<60ml/min/m2 (2.22; 1.31-3.25), previous AHF episodes (1.95; 1.04-3.25), and use of endovenous nitrates (0.13; 0.02-0.99). Conclusion: This is the first study in Spain to describe the rates of adverse events in patients with AHF discharged directly from A&E and define the associated factors. These data should help establish the most adequate approaches to managing these patients (AU)

Short-term reconsultation, hospitalisation, and death rates after discharge from the emergency department in patients with acute heart failure and analysis of the associated factors. The ALTUR-ICA Study. / Tasas de reconsulta, hospitalización y muerte a corto plazo tras el alta directa desde Urgencias de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y análisis de los factores asociados. Estudio ALTUR-ICA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the following in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) discharged directly from accident and emergency (A&E): rates of reconsultation to A&E and hospitalisation for AHF, and all-cause death at 30 days, rate of combined event at 7 days and the factors associated with these rates. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study included patients consecutively diagnosed with AHF during 2 months in 27 Spanish A&E departments who were discharged from A&E without hospitalisation. We collected 43 independent variables, monitored patients for 30 days and evaluated predictive factors for adverse events using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: We evaluated 785 patients (78±9) years, 54.7% women). The rates of reconsultation, hospitalisation, and death at 30 days and the combined event at 7 days were: 26.1, 15.7, 1.7 and 10.6%, respectively. The independent factors associated with reconsultation were no endovenous diuretics administered in A&E (HR 2.86; 95% CI 2.01-4.04), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<60ml/min/m2 (1.94; 1.37-2.76) and previous AHF episodes (1.48; 1.02-2.13); for hospitalisation these factors were no endovenous diuretics in A&E (2.97; 1.96-4.48), having heart valve disease (1.61; 1.04-2.48), blood oxygen saturation at arrival to A&E<95% (1.60; 1.06-2.42); and for the combined event no endovenous diuretics in A&E (3.65; 2.19-6.10), GFR<60ml/min/m2 (2.22; 1.31-3.25), previous AHF episodes (1.95; 1.04-3.25), and use of endovenous nitrates (0.13; 0.02-0.99). CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Spain to describe the rates of adverse events in patients with AHF discharged directly from A&E and define the associated factors. These data should help establish the most adequate approaches to managing these patients.

[Prehospital emergency care of patients with acute heart failure in Spain: the SEMICA study (Emergency Medical Response Systems for Patients with Acute Heart Failure)]. / Atención prehospitalaria a los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en España: estudio SEMICA.

OBJECTIVES: To study the means of emergency transport used to bring patients with acute heart failure (AHF) to hospital emergency departments (EDs) and explore associations between factors, type of transport, and prehospital care received. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We gathered the following information on patients treated for AHF at 34 Spanish hospital EDs: means of transport used (medicalized ambulance [MA], nonmedicalized ambulance [NMA], or private vehicle) and treatments administered before arrival at the hospital. Twenty-seven independent variables potentially related to type of transport used were also studied. Indicators of AHF severity were triage level assigned in the ED, need for admission, need for intensive care, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 6106 patients with a mean (SD) age of 80 years were included; 56.5% were women, 47.2% arrived in PVs, 37.8% in NMAs, and 15.0% in MAs. Use of an ambulance was associated with female sex, age over 80 years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a history of AHF, functional dependency, New York Heart Association class III-IV, sphincteral incontinence, labored breathing, orthopnea, cold skin, and sensory depression or restlessness. Assignment of a MA was directly associated with living alone, a history of ischemic heart disease, cold skin, sensory depression or restlessness, and high temperature; it was inversely associated with a history of falls. The rates of receipt of prehospital treatments and AHF severity level increased with use of MAs vs. NMAs vs. PV. Seventy-three percent of patients transported in MAs received oxygen, 29% received a diuretic, 13.5% a vasodilator, and 4.7% noninvasive ventilation. CONCLUSION: Characteristics of the patient with AHF are associated with the assignment of type of transport to a hospital ED. Assignment appears to be related to severity. Treatment given during MA transport could be increased.

OBJETIVO: Investigar, en los pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), su forma de llegada, los factores asociados al tipo de transporte usado y el tratamiento prehospitalario administrado. METODO: En pacientes diagnosticados consecutivamente de ICA en 34 SUH españoles se recogió: forma de llegada (transporte sanitario medicalizado ­TSM­, no medicalizado ­TSNM­ o propio ­TP­) y tratamiento prehospitalario administrado. Se estudiaron 27 variables independientes potencialmente relacionadas con el tipo de transporte utilizado. Como indicadores de gravedad se registraron nivel de triaje en urgencias, necesidad de ingreso y de cuidados intensivos, mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a 30 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 6.106 pacientes [edad: 80 años (DE:10), 56,5% mujeres]; 47,2% llegaron en TP, 37,8% en TSNM y 15,0% en TSM. El uso de transporte sanitario se asoció a ser mujer, edad > 80 años, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, antecedentes de ICA, dependencia funcional, NYHA III-IV, incontinencia esfínteres y presentar disnea, ortopnea, piel fría y depresión del sensorio/inquietud. La asignación de TSM se asoció directamente a vivir solo, antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica, presentar piel fría, depresión del sensorio o inquietud y temperatura elevada e inversamente al antecedente de caídas. Los traslados en TP, TSNM y TSM registraron porcentajes crecientes de tratamiento prehospitalario, y su gravedad también fue progresivamente creciente. El 73% de pacientes trasladados con TSM recibió oxígeno, el 29% diurético, el 13,5% vasodilatador y el 4,7% ventilación no invasiva. CONCLUSIONES: Existen características del paciente con ICA relacionadas con el tipo de recurso asignado para su traslado al SUH, y dicha asignación parece corresponderse con la gravedad del episodio. El tratamiento durante el TSM podría incrementarse.

Atención prehospitalaria a los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en España: estudio SEMICA / Prehospital emergency care of patients with acute heart failure in Spain: the SEMICA study (Emergency Medical Response Systems for Patients with Acute Heart Failure)

Objetivo. Investigar, en los pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), su forma de llegada, los factores asociados al tipo de transporte usado y el tratamiento prehospitalario administrado. Método. En pacientes diagnosticados consecutivamente de ICA en 34 SUH españoles se recogió: forma de llegada (transporte sanitario medicalizado -TSM-, no medicalizado -TSNM- o propio -TP-) y tratamiento prehospitalario administrado. Se estudiaron 27 variables independientes potencialmente relacionadas con el tipo de transporte utilizado. Como indicadores de gravedad se registraron nivel de triaje en urgencias, necesidad de ingreso y de cuidados intensivos, mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a 30 días. Resultados. Se incluyeron 6.106 pacientes [edad: 80 años (DE:10), 56,5% mujeres]; 47,2% llegaron en TP, 37,8% en TSNM y 15,0% en TSM. El uso de transporte sanitario se asoció a ser mujer, edad > 80 años, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, antecedentes de ICA, dependencia funcional, NYHA III-IV, incontinencia esfínteres y presentar disnea, ortopnea, piel fría y depresión del sensorio/inquietud. La asignación de TSM se asoció directamente a vivir solo, antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica, presentar piel fría, depresión del sensorio o inquietud y temperatura elevada e inversamente al antecedente de caídas. Los traslados en TP, TSNM y TSM registraron porcentajes crecientes de tratamiento prehospitalario, y su gravedad también fue progresivamente creciente. El 73% de pacientes trasladados con TSM recibió oxígeno, el 29% diurético, el 13,5% vasodilatador y el 4,7% ventilación no invasiva. Conclusiones. Existen características del paciente con ICA relacionadas con el tipo de recurso asignado para su traslado al SUH, y dicha asignación parece corresponderse con la gravedad del episodio. El tratamiento durante el TSM podría incrementarse (AU)

Objectives. To study the means of emergency transport used to bring patients with acute heart failure (AHF) to hospital emergency departments (EDs) and explore associations between factors, type of transport, and prehospital care received. Methods. We gathered the following information on patients treated for AHF at 34 Spanish hospital EDs: means of transport used (medicalized ambulance [MA], nonmedicalized ambulance [NMA], or private vehicle) and treatments administered before arrival at the hospital. Twenty-seven independent variables potentially related to type of transport used were also studied. Indicators of AHF severity were triage level assigned in the ED, need for admission, need for intensive care, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality. Results. A total of 6106 patients with a mean (SD) age of 80 years were included; 56.5% were women, 47.2% arrived in PVs, 37.8% in NMAs, and 15.0% in MAs. Use of an ambulance was associated with female sex, age over 80 years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a history of AHF, functional dependency, New York Heart Association class III-IV, sphincteral incontinence, labored breathing, orthopnea, cold skin, and sensory depression or restlessness. Assignment of a MA was directly associated with living alone, a history of ischemic heart disease, cold skin, sensory depression or restlessness, and high temperature; it was inversely associated with a history of falls. The rates of receipt of prehospital treatments and AHF severity level increased with use of MAs vs. NMAs vs. PV. Seventy-three percent of patients transported in MAs received oxygen, 29% received a diuretic, 13.5% a vasodilator, and 4.7% noninvasive ventilation. Conclusions. Characteristics of the patient with AHF are associated with the assignment of type of transport to a hospital ED. Assignment appears to be related to severity. Treatment given during MA transport could be increased (AU)

IMPROV-ED study: outcomes after discharge for an episode of acute-decompensated heart failure and comparison between patients discharged from the emergency department and hospital wards.

OBJECTIVE: To define the short- and mid-term outcomes of patients discharged after an episode of acute-decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and evaluate the differences between patients discharged directly from the emergency department (ED) and those discharged after hospitalization. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicenter, cohort-designed study, including consecutive patients diagnosed with ADHF in 27 Spanish EDs. Thirty-four variables on epidemiology, comorbidity, baseline status, vital signs, signs of congestion, laboratory tests, and treatment were collected in every patient. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of ED revisit (without hospitalization) or hospitalization due to ADHF, or all-cause death. Secondary outcomes were each of these three events individually. Outcomes were obtained by survival analysis at different timepoints in the entire cohort, and crude and adjusted comparisons were carried out between patients discharged directly from the ED and after hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 3233 patients diagnosed with ADHF during a 2-month period, we analyzed 2986 patients discharged alive: 787 (26.4%) discharged from the ED and 2199 (73.6%) after hospitalization. The cumulative percentages of events for the whole cohort (at 7/30/180 days) for the combined endpoint were 7.8/24.7/57.8; for ED revisit 2.5/9.4/25.5; for hospitalization 4.6/15.3/40.7; and for death 0.9/4.3/16.8. After adjustment for patient profile and center, significant increases were found in the hazard ratios for ED- compared to hospital-discharged patients in the combined endpoint, ED revisit and hospitalization, being higher at short-term [at 7 days, 2.373 (1.678-3.355), 2.069 (1.188-3.602), and 3.071 (1.915-4.922), respectively] than at mid-term [at 180 days, 1.368 (1.160-1.614), 1.642 (1.265-2.132), and 1.302 (1.044-1.623), respectively]. No significant differences were found in death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ADHF discharged from the ED have worse outcomes, especially at short term, than those discharged after hospitalization. The definition and implementation of effective strategies to improve patient selection for direct ED discharge are needed.