Cardiac Interventions in Patients With Active, Advanced Solid and Hematologic Malignancies: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review.

Invasive cardiac interventions are recommended to treat ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, multivessel coronary disease, severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, and cardiomyopathy. These recommendations are based on randomized controlled trials that historically included few individuals with active, advanced malignancies. Advanced malignancies represent a significant competing risk for mortality, and there is limited evidence to inform the risks and benefits of invasive cardiac interventions in affected patients. We review the benefit conferred by invasive cardiac interventions; the periprocedural considerations; the contemporary survival expectations of patients across several types of active, advanced malignancy; and the literature on cardiovascular interventions in these populations. Our objective is to develop a rational framework to guide clinical recommendations on the use of invasive cardiac interventions in patients with active, advanced cancer.

Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Effects of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) have changed the treatment and prognosis of several B-cell malignancies. However, since the approval of the first BTKi, ibrutinib, reports of cardiovascular adverse events especially atrial fibrillation have arisen. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular side effects of BTKis and the management of these toxicities in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: BTKIs increase the risks of atrial fibrillation, bleeding, hypertension, heart failure, and potentially ventricular arrhythmia. Newer second and third-generation BTKis appear to have a lower risk of cardiovascular adverse events; however, long-term follow-up data are not available for these new BTKis. BTKis are an effective treatment for some B-cell malignancies; however, they can cause cardiovascular side effects. The best preventive strategies to minimize cardiovascular complications remain undefined. Currently, a practical approach for managing patients receiving BTKis includes the management of cardiovascular risk factors and side effects of BTKis to prevent interruption of cancer treatment.

Asociación entre niveles de empatía en médicos y satisfacción del paciente / Association between empathy levels in physicians and patient satisfaction

Resumen Introducción: Una buena relación médico-paciente es crucial para la práctica médica. Un elemento fundamen tal de la misma es la empatía del médico tratante, y esta puede ser cuantificada mediante una escala validada llamada Escala de Empatía de Jefferson. Métodos: En este estudio buscamos correlacionar los valores de empatía de los médicos del servicio con los resultados de las encuestas de satisfacción del pa ciente ambulatorio, medido mediante una herramienta llamada HCAPS. Resultados: Encontramos que los pacientes percibían un mayor trato respetuoso y que se les explicaba mejor sus opciones de tratamiento por parte de los médicos con mayores niveles de empatía. No hubo diferencias en los niveles de empatía de los médicos según su edad, sexo, o tiempo desde la obtención del título de especialista. Discusión: Los resultados validan a la empatía como una habilidad clave dentro de la relación médico-paciente.

Abstract Introduction: A good doctor-patient relationship is crucial to medical practice. A fundamental element of it is the empathy of the treating physician, and it can be quantified by means of a validated scale called the Jefferson Empathy Scale. Methods: In this study we sought to correlate the empathy values of our physicians with the results of outpatient satisfaction surveys, measured using a tool called HCAPS. Results: We found that patients perceived greater respectful treatment and had their treatment options better explained to them by physicians with higher lev els of empathy. There were no differences in physicians' empathy levels according to their age, gender, or time since qualifying as a specialist. Discussion: These results validate empathy as a key skill in the doctor-patient relationship.

[Association between empathy levels in physicians and patient satisfaction]. / Asociación entre niveles de empatía en médicos y satisfacción del paciente.

INTRODUCTION: A good doctor-patient relationship is crucial to medical practice. A fundamental element of it is the empathy of the treating physician, and it can be quantified by means of a validated scale called the Jefferson Empathy Scale. METHODS: In this study we sought to correlate the empathy values of our physicians with the results of outpatient satisfaction surveys, measured using a tool called HCAPS. RESULTS: We found that patients perceived greater respectful treatment and had their treatment options better explained to them by physicians with higher levels of empathy. There were no differences in physicians' empathy levels according to their age, gender, or time since qualifying as a specialist. DISCUSSION: These results validate empathy as a key skill in the doctor-patient relationship.

Introducción: Una buena relación médico-paciente es crucial para la práctica médica. Un elemento fundamental de la misma es la empatía del médico tratante, y esta puede ser cuantificada mediante una escala validada llamada Escala de Empatía de Jefferson. Métodos: En este estudio buscamos correlacionar los valores de empatía de los médicos del servicio con los resultados de las encuestas de satisfacción del paciente ambulatorio, medido mediante una herramienta llamada HCAPS. Resultados: Encontramos que los pacientes percibían un mayor trato respetuoso y que se les explicaba mejor sus opciones de tratamiento por parte de los médicos con mayores niveles de empatía. No hubo diferencias en los niveles de empatía de los médicos según su edad, sexo, o tiempo desde la obtención del título de especialista. Discusión: Los resultados validan a la empatía como una habilidad clave dentro de la relación médico-paciente.

Telemonitoreo y sistema de alerta en tiempo real en insuficiencia cardiaca: estudio piloto de factibilidad, aceptabilidad y eficacia / Telemonitoring and a real-time alert system in heart failure: a preliminary pilot study of feasibility, acceptability and efficacy

Resumen Introducción: Existe creciente evidencia que el telemonitoreo (TM) de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) parece mejorar su evolución. No se han diseñado y evaluado plataformas de TM en Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad, aceptabilidad, usabilidad y eficacia preliminar de una plataforma de TM de IC. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo piloto apareado abierto, con un modelo de intervención de un solo grupo. Los pacientes con IC fueron incluidos en una consulta ambulatoria en enero de 2021. Se diseñó una pla taforma de TM las 24 h y 7 días de la semana. El punto final primario a 30 días fue la factibilidad, aceptabilidad y usabilidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con una media de edad 62 ± 10 años. Se analizaron 542 cargas de parámetros. La autopercepción relacionada al estado de salud en comparación al inicio fue "levemente" o "marcadamente mejor" en el 60% de los pacientes, y en 75% "de acuerdo" o "totalmente de acuerdo" que el TM mejora el cuidado de la IC. En el 80% la carga diaria de parámetros no interfirió en su vida cotidiana. La media total de adherencia farmacológica previa a la intervención de TM fue de 6.8 ± 1.3 y posterior 7.7 ± 0,4 (p = 0.019), sin encontrar diferencias en las escalas de autocuidado. Conclusión: El TM de pacientes con IC parece ser factible, con un adecuado grado de aceptabilidad. Se observó un aumento significativo en la tasa de total adherencia, plantea una hipótesis de potencial beneficio a evaluar en una muestra mayor.

Abstract Introduction: There is growing evidence that telemonitoring (TM) in heart failure (HF) seems to improve their outcome. TM platforms have not been designed and evaluated in Argentina. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of a HF TM platform. Methods: An open-label, paired pilot trial was conducted with a single-group intervention model. HF patients were included in an outpatient clinic in January 2021. A 24-hour*7-day TM platform was designed. The primary endpoint at 30 days was feasibility, acceptability, and usability. Results: Twenty patients were included, mean age 62 ± 10 years; 542 parameter loads were analyzed. Self-perception related to health status compared to baseline was "slightly" or "markedly better" in 60% of patients, and in 75% "agree" or "totally agree" that TM improves patient care. In 80%, the load ing of parameters did not interfere with their daily activities. The total mean pharmacological adherence prior to the TM intervention was 6.8 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 0.4 afterward (p = 0.019), with no differences found in the self-care scales. Conclusion: The TM of patients with HF seems to be feasible, with an adequate degree of acceptability. A significant increase in the total adherence rate was reduced, raising a hypothesis of potential benefit to be evaluated in a larger sample.

[Telemonitoring and a real-time alert system in heart failure: a preliminary pilot study of feasibility, acceptability and efficacy]. / Telemonitoreo y sistema de alerta en tiempo real en insuficiencia cardiaca: estudio piloto de factibilidad, aceptabilidad y eficacia.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence that telemonitoring (TM) in heart failure (HF) seems to improve their outcome. TM platforms have not been designed and evaluated in Argentina. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of a HF TM platform. METHODS: An open-label, paired pilot trial was conducted with a single-group intervention model. HF patients were included in an outpatient clinic in January 2021. A 24-hour 7-day TM platform was designed. The primary endpoint at 30 days was feasibility, acceptability, and usability. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, mean age 62 ± 10 years; 542 parameter loads were analyzed. Self-perception related to health status compared to baseline was "slightly" or "markedly better" in 60% of patients, and in 75% "agree" or "totally agree" that TM improves patient care. In 80%, the loading of parameters did not interfere with their daily activities. The total mean pharmacological adherence prior to the TM intervention was 6.8 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 0.4 afterward (p = 0.019), with no differences found in the self-care scales. CONCLUSION: The TM of patients with HF seems to be feasible, with an adequate degree of acceptability. A significant increase in the total adherence rate was reduced, raising a hypothesis of potential benefit to be evaluated in a larger sample.

Introducción: Existe creciente evidencia que el telemonitoreo (TM) de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) parece mejorar su evolución. No se han diseñado y evaluado plataformas de TM en Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad, aceptabilidad, usabilidad y eficacia preliminar de una plataforma de TM de IC. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo piloto apareado abierto, con un modelo de intervención de un solo grupo. Los pacientes con IC fueron incluidos en una consulta ambulatoria en enero de 2021. Se diseñó una plataforma de TM las 24 h y 7 días de la semana. El punto final primario a 30 días fue la factibilidad, aceptabilidad y usabilidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con una media de edad 62 ± 10 años. Se analizaron 542 cargas de parámetros. La autopercepción relacionada al estado de salud en comparación al inicio fue "levemente" o "marcadamente mejor" en el 60% de los pacientes, y en 75% "de acuerdo" o "totalmente de acuerdo" que el TM mejora el cuidado de la IC. En el 80% la carga diaria de parámetros no interfirió en su vida cotidiana. La media total de adherencia farmacológica previa a la intervención de TM fue de 6.8 ± 1.3 y posterior 7.7 ± 0,4 (p = 0.019), sin encontrar diferencias en las escalas de autocuidado. Conclusión: El TM de pacientes con IC parece ser factible, con un adecuado grado de aceptabilidad. Se observó un aumento significativo en la tasa de total adherencia, plantea una hipótesis de potencial beneficio a evaluar en una muestra mayor.

Burnout Syndrome in Cardiology Residents. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout Syndrome in Cardiology Residents.

Burnout syndrome (BO) may be increased during periods of high work and emotional stress, as occurred in the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Resident physicians appear to be more exposed due to the higher workload, prolonged exposure and the first contact with patients. To compare the incidence of burnout syndrome before and during the COVID 19 pandemic in cardiology residents. A prospective study was carried out. The Maslach questionnaire was implemented in cardiology residents of an institution of the City of Buenos Aires, in the month of September 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the results were compared with those prospectively collected in the same population during September of 2019. The survey was anonymous. The questionnaire was responded by 39 residents (2019: 16; 2020: 23). Burnout was observed in 30% (n = 7) in 2019, and in 39% (9%) residents during the COVID-19 pandemic (P= 0.77). The median score for emotional exhaustion was 38 (IQR 29-43) for the 2020s group, and 34 (IQR 27-42) for the 2019 (P = 0.32). The median score for depersonalization was 12 (IQR 5-19) and 15 (IQR 11-18) for 2020 and 2019 respectively (P = 0.50). The median score for personal accomplishment in the 2020s group was 30 (IQR 23-37) and 31 (IQR 26-35) in the 2019s (P = 0.28). The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with an increase in the incidence of burnout in cardiology residents, who already report a significant prevalence of this syndrome in pre pandemic period. We emphasize the importance of creating prevention strategies aimed at improving resident's working conditions and quality of life, especially in periods of high stress and workload such as a global health emergency.