Consensus on the Statin of Choice in Patients with Impaired Glucose Metabolism: Results of the DIANA Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the recognized clinical benefit of statins on cardiovascular prevention, providing correct management of hypercholesterolaemia, possible adverse effects of their use cannot be disregarded. Previously published data shows that there is a risk of developing diabetes mellitus or experiencing changes in glucose metabolism in statin-treated patients. The possible determining factors are the drug characteristics (potency, dose), patient characteristics (kidney function, age, cardiovascular risk and polypharmacy because of multiple disorders) and the pre-diabetic state. METHODS: In order to ascertain the opinion of the experts (primary care physicians and other specialists with experience in the management of this type of patient) we conducted a Delphi study to evaluate the consensus rate on diverse aspects related to the diabetogenicity of different statins, and the factors that influence their choice. RESULTS: Consensus was highly significant concerning aspects such as the varying diabetogenicity profiles of different statins, as some of them do not significantly worsen glucose metabolism. There was an almost unanimous consensus that pitavastatin is the safest statin in this regard. CONCLUSIONS: Factors to consider in the choice of a statin regarding its diabetogenicity are the dose and patient-related factors: age, cardiovascular risk, diabetes risk and baseline metabolic parameters (which must be monitored during the treatment), as well as kidney function.

Consenso Delphi sobre el diagnóstico y manejo de la dislipidemia en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica: análisis post-hoc del estudio DIANA / Delphi consensus on the diagnosis and management of dyslipidaemia in chronic kidney disease patients: A post hoc analysis of the DIANA study

Antecedentes y objetivos: Este estudio post hoc analizó la percepción de la importancia de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en el cribado de la dislipidemia y en la elección del tratamiento con estatinas entre médicos de Atención Primaria (MAP) y otras especialidades mediante cuestionario Delphi. Métodos: El cuestionario incluyó 4 bloques de preguntas alrededor del paciente dislipémico con alteración del metabolismo hidrocarbonado. Aquí se presentan los resultados relacionados con la consideración de la ERC en el cribado y la elección de la estatina. Resultados: De los 497 expertos incluidos, el 58% eran MAP y el 42%, especialistas (35, el 7%, nefrólogos). Hubo consenso en realizar un cribado de la dislipidemia en los pacientes con ERC, sin diferencias entre MAP y especialistas; y también en realizar el cribado en la práctica clínica habitual. Sin embargo, no se alcanzó el consenso en considerar el filtrado glomerular estimado (aunque sí entre MAP y nefrólogos) o la albuminuria en la elección de la estatina, ni en su determinación durante el seguimiento después de instaurar un tratamiento con estatinas (aunque hubo consenso entre nefrólogos). Conclusiones: El consenso en analizar el perfil lipídico en los pacientes con ERC indica el reconocimiento del alto riesgo cardiovascular de esta enfermedad. La ausencia de acuerdo en considerar la función renal o la albuminuria, tanto en la elección de la estatina como durante el seguimiento, indica un conocimiento limitado de las diferencias entre estatinas en relación con la ERC, por lo que sería deseable disponer de una guía/documento de consenso sobre uso de estatinas en la ERC (AU)

Background and objectives: This post hoc study analysed the perception of the relevance of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dyslipidaemia screening and the choice of statin among primary care physicians (PCPs) and other specialists through a Delphi questionnaire. Methods: The questionnaire included 4 blocks of questions concerning dyslipidaemic patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. This study presents the results of the impact of CKD on screening and the choice of statin. Results: Of the 497 experts included, 58% were PCPs and 42% were specialists (35, 7% were nephrologists). There was consensus by both PCPs and specialists, with no difference between PCPs and specialists, that CKD patients should undergo a dyslipidaemia screening and that the screening should be part of routine clinical practice. However, there was no consensus in considering the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (although there was consensus among PCPs and nephrologists), or considering albuminuria when selecting a statin, or in determining albuminuria during follow-up after having initiated treatment with statins (although there was consensus among the nephrologists). Conclusions: The consensus to analyse the lipid profile in CKD patients suggests acknowledgment of the high cardiovascular risk of this condition. However, the lack of consensus in considering renal function or albuminuria, both when selecting a statin and during follow-up, suggests a limited knowledge of the differences between statins in relation to CKD. Thus, it would be advisable to develop a guideline/consensus document on the use of statins in CKD (AU)

Delphi consensus on the diagnosis and management of dyslipidaemia in chronic kidney disease patients: A post hoc analysis of the DIANA study. / Consenso Delphi sobre el diagnóstico y manejo de la dislipidemia en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica: análisis post-hoc del estudio DIANA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This post hoc study analysed the perception of the relevance of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dyslipidaemia screening and the choice of statin among primary care physicians (PCPs) and other specialists through a Delphi questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire included 4blocks of questions concerning dyslipidaemic patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. This study presents the results of the impact of CKD on screening and the choice of statin. RESULTS: Of the 497 experts included, 58% were PCPs and 42% were specialists (35, 7% were nephrologists). There was consensus by both PCPs and specialists, with no difference between PCPs and specialists, that CKD patients should undergo a dyslipidaemia screening and that the screening should be part of routine clinical practice. However, there was no consensus in considering the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (although there was consensus among PCPs and nephrologists), or considering albuminuria when selecting a statin, or in determining albuminuria during follow-up after having initiated treatment with statins (although there was consensus among the nephrologists). CONCLUSIONS: The consensus to analyse the lipid profile in CKD patients suggests acknowledgment of the high cardiovascular risk of this condition. However, the lack of consensus in considering renal function or albuminuria, both when selecting a statin and during follow-up, suggests a limited knowledge of the differences between statins in relation to CKD. Thus, it would be advisable to develop a guideline/consensus document on the use of statins in CKD.

Actualización 2014 en cardiología clínica, cardiología geriátrica e insuficiencia cardiaca y trasplante / Update for 2014 on clinical cardiology, geriatric cardiology, and heart failure and transplantation

Han sido muchos los trabajos publicados en el último año en las 3 áreas recogidas en este artículo: cardiología clínica, cardiología geriátrica e insuficiencia cardiaca y trasplante. Entre las novedades en cardiología clínica se han incluido aportaciones de grupos españoles en valvulopatía tricúspide y aórtica, novedades en fibrilación auricular, síncope y sobre las características clínicas de los cardiópatas, así como varios trabajos sobre cardiopatías familiares y sobre cardiopatía isquémica crónica. Respecto a la cardiología geriátrica, los estudios más relevantes durante el último año están centrados en insuficiencia cardiaca, estenosis aórtica degenerativa y también datos de fibrilación auricular en la población anciana. En insuficiencia cardiaca y trasplante, las novedades más destacables se centran en la importancia de las unidades multidisciplinares, así como en los pacientes con función sistólica preservada. También se destacan aportaciones en relación con el déficit de hierro, los nuevos fármacos y los nuevos dispositivos y biomarcadores. Por último se reseñan trabajos centrados en insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y trasplante, como los fármacos inotrópicos y los dispositivos de asistencia ventricular (AU)

In the present article, we review publications from the previous year in the following 3 areas: clinical cardiology, geriatric cardiology, and heart failure and transplantation. Among the new developments in clinical cardiology are several contributions from Spanish groups on tricuspid and aortic regurgitation, developments in atrial fibrillation, syncope, and the clinical characteristics of heart disease, as well as various studies on familial heart disease and chronic ischemic heart disease. In geriatric cardiology, the most relevant studies published in 2014 involve heart failure, degenerative aortic stenosis, and data on atrial fibrillation in the geriatric population. In heart failure and transplantation, the most noteworthy developments concern the importance of multidisciplinary units and patients with preserved systolic function. Other notable publications were those related to iron deficiency, new drugs, and new devices and biomarkers. Finally, we review studies on acute heart failure and transplantation, such as inotropic drugs and ventricular assist devices (AU)

Update for 2014 on clinical cardiology, geriatric cardiology, and heart failure and transplantation.

In the present article, we review publications from the previous year in the following 3 areas: clinical cardiology, geriatric cardiology, and heart failure and transplantation. Among the new developments in clinical cardiology are several contributions from Spanish groups on tricuspid and aortic regurgitation, developments in atrial fibrillation, syncope, and the clinical characteristics of heart disease, as well as various studies on familial heart disease and chronic ischemic heart disease. In geriatric cardiology, the most relevant studies published in 2014 involve heart failure, degenerative aortic stenosis, and data on atrial fibrillation in the geriatric population. In heart failure and transplantation, the most noteworthy developments concern the importance of multidisciplinary units and patients with preserved systolic function. Other notable publications were those related to iron deficiency, new drugs, and new devices and biomarkers. Finally, we review studies on acute heart failure and transplantation, such as inotropic drugs and ventricular assist devices.

Antiagregación: resistencia a fármacos tradicionales y papel de los nuevos antiplaquetarios / Antiplatelet therapy: Resistance to traditional antiaggregation drugs and role of new antiplatelet agents

La agregación plaquetaria desempeña un papel fundamental en la aparición de episodios cardiovasculares mayores (ECM) relacionados con la aterotrombosis, cobrando un mayor protagonismo tras la aparición de la angioplastia con stent. El doble tratamiento antiagregante con aspirina y clopidogrel en pacientes que se han sometido a una intervención coronaria percutánea ha demostrado ampliamente sus efectos beneficiosos en la reducción de ECM en comparación con aspirina sola. Estos beneficios también se han demostrado en el tratamiento a corto y largo plazo en el tratamiento conservador de pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria. Sin embargo, a pesar de la doble antiagregación, un importante número de pacientes tuvieron un nuevo ECM relacionado con una inhibición plaquetaria incompleta. Muchos estudios sugieren una importante variabilidad interindividual en la respuesta a fármacos antiagregantes en probable relación con el uso de distintas técnicas de medición de la agregabilidad. Por otro lado, existen artículos en la literatura médica que relacionan la menor respuesta a antiagregantes con un mayor riesgo de recurrencia de ECM. Es cada vez más evidente que la resistencia al tratamiento antiplaquetario convencional es un tema clínicamente relevante que necesita ser tomado en cuenta para llevar a cabo un tratamiento individualizado. En este sentido, los nuevos fármacos antiagregantes, como prasugrel y ticagrelor, parecen una alternativa razonable a los fármacos tradicionales cuando la respuesta a estos está reducida, cobrando un papel cada vez más relevante en distintos documentos de consenso (AU)

Platelet aggregation plays a key role in the development of major cardiovascular events (MACE) related to atherothrombosis. Since the appearance of coronary stenting, the importance of measuring and modulating platelet activity has considerably increased in the scientific literature during the last decade. Double antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel administrated to stent carriers has widely demonstrated its efficacy in the prevention of MACE compared with aspirin alone. These benefits are also present when a conservatory approach is chosen for acute coronary syndrome management. However, there are an important number of patients who develop MACE despite optimal dual antiplatelet therapy, most likely related to an incomplete platelet activity inhibition. Many studies suggest an important inter-individual variability in the response to the drugs, maybe related, at least in part, to the use of different assessment techniques of platelet aggregation. Other authors suggest an incomplete platelet inhibition as a possible explanation for the presence of MACE in patients under optimal antiplatelet therapy. Resistance to usual drugs has become a clinically relevant issue that requires an individual approach where new antiplatelet agents, such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, could play an important role as stated in current consensus documents (AU)

[Antiplatelet therapy: resistance to traditional antiaggregation drugs and role of new antiplatelet agents]. / Antiagregación: resistencia a fármacos tradicionales y papel de los nuevos antiplaquetarios.

Platelet aggregation plays a key role in the development of major cardiovascular events (MACE) related to atherothrombosis. Since the appearance of coronary stenting, the importance of measuring and modulating platelet activity has considerably increased in the scientific literature during the last decade. Double antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel administrated to stent carriers has widely demonstrated its efficacy in the prevention of MACE compared with aspirin alone. These benefits are also present when a conservatory approach is chosen for acute coronary syndrome management. However, there are an important number of patients who develop MACE despite optimal dual antiplatelet therapy, most likely related to an incomplete platelet activity inhibition. Many studies suggest an important inter-individual variability in the response to the drugs, maybe related, at least in part, to the use of different assessment techniques of platelet aggregation. Other authors suggest an incomplete platelet inhibition as a possible explanation for the presence of MACE in patients under optimal antiplatelet therapy. Resistance to usual drugs has become a clinically relevant issue that requires an individual approach where new antiplatelet agents, such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, could play an important role as stated in current consensus documents.

Control de la presión arterial en la población hipertensa española asistida en Atención Primaria. Estudio PRESCAP 2010 / Blood pressure control in hypertensive Spanish population attended in Primary Care setting. The PRESCAP 2010 study

Fundamento y objetivo: Es necesario disponer de información actualizada sobre el control de la hipertensión arterial en condiciones reales de práctica clínica. Este estudio pretende conocer el grado de control de la presión arterial (PA) en hipertensos asistidos en Atención Primaria (AP). Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal realizado en hipertensos españoles ≥18 años asistidos en AP. La PA se midió estandarizadamente 2 veces en consulta matutina o vespertina, considerándose bien controlada cuando el promedio era <140/90mmHg en general y <130/80mmHg en pacientes con diabetes, insuficiencia renal o enfermedad cardiovascular; adicionalmente se analizó el buen control en toda la población con valores tensionales <140/90mmHg. Resultados: Se incluyeron 12.961 hipertensos (52,0% mujeres) con una edad media (DE) de 66,3 (11,4) años. El 46,3% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 45,4-47,1) presentó buen control de PA sistólica y diastólica; con valores <140/90mmHg el buen control fue del 61,1% (IC 95% 60,2-61,9). El 63,6% recibía terapia combinada (44,1% 2 fármacos, 19,5% 3 o más). El porcentaje de control fue mayor (p<0,001) por las tardes (50,4%) que por las mañanas (45,1%), y en pacientes que habían tomado el tratamiento antihipertensivo el día de la visita (47,9%) frente a los que no lo habían tomado (30,5%). No tomar la medicación el día de la visita, el consumo elevado de alcohol y el antecedente de dislipidemia fueron los factores más asociados al mal control. Conclusiones: El estudio PRESCAP 2010 indica que casi 5 de cada 10 hipertensos tienen bien controlada la PA. Existen diferencias importantes según el horario de consulta y la toma previa de antihipertensivos. El control ha mejorado respecto al PRESCAP 2006 (AU)

Background and objective: This study was aimed at determining the degree of blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients attended in primary care (PC) settings. Patients and method: Cross-sectional, multicenter study. Hypertensive patients ≥18 years under antihypertensive treatment attended in Spanish PC settings were included. BP control was regarded as optimum when BP values were <140/90mmHg in general population and <130/80mmHg in patients with diabetes, chronic renal disease or cardiovascular disease. BP control was also calculated for all patients when it was <140/90mmHg. Results: A total of 12,961 hypertensive patients (52.0% women) with a mean age of 66.3 (±11.4) years were included. A percentage of 46.3 (95% CI: 45.4-47.1) presented good systolic BP and diastolic BP control; 61.1% (IC 95%: 60.2-61.9) of patients presented good BP control <140/90. A percentage of 63.6% was treated with combination therapy (44.1% with 2 drugs, 19.5% with 3 or more). BP control was significantly higher in evening measurements (50.4%) than in morning measurements (45.1%), and in patients who had taken the treatment before the visit (47.9%) compared with those who had not (30.5%). Factors such as not taking the medication before the visit, heavy alcohol consumption and dyslipemia were the risk factors mostly associated with a poor BP control (P<0.001). Conclusions: Five out of 10 hypertensive patients treated in PC settings have an optimal BP control. The degree of control of arterial hypertension has improved with respect to the PRESCAP 2006 study (AU)

Prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica en mujeres hipertensas de edad avanzada atendidas en atención primaria. Estudio MERICAP / Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive aged women treated in primary care. MERICAP Study

Fundamento y objetivo: Se dispone de poca información sobre la prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en atención primaria (AP). El objetivo del estudio ha sido determinar la prevalencia de ERC en mujeres hipertensas de 65 o más años de edad, y los factores asociados. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal en hipertensas seleccionadas consecutivamente en AP de España. Se calculó el filtrado glomerular (FG) utilizando la fórmula de Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), considerando ERC cuando la tasa de FG (TFG) era inferior a 60ml/min/1,73m2 y ERC oculta cuando la TFG era inferior a 60ml/min/1,73m2 con valores de creatinina<1,2mg/dl. Se recogieron datos demográficos, factores de riesgo y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Resultados: Se incluyeron 3.782 pacientes con una edad media (±DE) de 73,6 (6,1) años. El 53,4% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 51,8-55,0) presentaba una TFG<60ml/min/1,73m2 y un 25,7% (IC 95%: 26,3-29,1), ERC oculta. La prevalencia aumentó con la edad, siendo del 51% en las menores de 75 años y del 60,7% en las mayores de 84 (p<0,001). Las pacientes con ERC tenían, respecto a las pacientes sin ERC, mayor edad, presión arterial, dislipidemia, glucosa, lesión de órgano diana y más antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular (p<0,001). La presencia de ERC se asoció significativamente con cardiopatía (odds ratio [OR]: 1,9), hiperglucemia (OR: 1,6), hipertrigliceridemia (OR: 1,5) y presión arterial diastólica elevada (OR: 1,4). Conclusiones: Más de 5 de cada 10 mujeres hipertensas mayores de 64 años presentan ERC, y de estas casi la mitad tienen valores de creatinina normales (AU)

Background and objectives: Information about the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the population treated in primary care is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CKD in Spanish hypertensive women aged 64 years or older, and to determine possible associated factors. Patients and method: Cross-sectional study including women with a diagnosis of hypertension selected by consecutive sampling in primary care. CKD was diagnosed when glomerular filtration rate was<60ml/min/1.73m2 (MDRD). We assessed sociodemographic and clinical data, cardiovascular risk factors, and the presence of cardiovascular disease. Results: The sample included 3782 women with a mean age of 73.6±6.1 years. CKD (glomerular filtration rate<60ml/min/1.73m2 was present in 53.4% (95% CI: 51.8-55.0). Masked CKD (serum creatinine<1.2mg/dl) was present in 25.7% (95% CI: 26.3-29.1). The prevalence increased with age (51% in those younger than 75 and 60.7% in women older than 84 (P<.001). With respect to those with normal renal function, hypertensive women having CKD were older, showed higher values of blood pressure, and had more frequently dyslipidemia, elevated plasma glucose, target organ damage and cardiovascular disease (P<.001). In a multivariate analysis, CKD was associated with coronary heart disease (OR: 1.9), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.6), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.5), and elevated diastolic blood pressure (OR: 1.4). Conclusions: More than half of hypertensive women aged 64 years have CKD and of these about half have normal creatinine values (AU)

[Blood pressure control in hypertensive Spanish population attended in primary care setting. The PRESCAP 2010 study]. / Control de la presión arterial en la población hipertensa española asistida en atención primaria. Estudio PRESCAP 2010.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at determining the degree of blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients attended in primary care (PC) settings. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional, multicenter study. Hypertensive patients ≥18 years under antihypertensive treatment attended in Spanish PC settings were included. BP control was regarded as optimum when BP values were <140/90mmHg in general population and <130/80mmHg in patients with diabetes, chronic renal disease or cardiovascular disease. BP control was also calculated for all patients when it was <140/90mmHg. RESULTS: A total of 12,961 hypertensive patients (52.0% women) with a mean age of 66.3 (±11.4) years were included. A percentage of 46.3 (95% CI: 45.4-47.1) presented good systolic BP and diastolic BP control; 61.1% (IC 95%: 60.2-61.9) of patients presented good BP control<140/90. A percentage of 63.6% was treated with combination therapy (44.1% with 2 drugs, 19.5% with 3 or more). BP control was significantly higher in evening measurements (50.4%) than in morning measurements (45.1%), and in patients who had taken the treatment before the visit (47.9%) compared with those who had not (30.5%). Factors such as not taking the medication before the visit, heavy alcohol consumption and dyslipemia were the risk factors mostly associated with a poor BP control (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Five out of 10 hypertensive patients treated in PC settings have an optimal BP control. The degree of control of arterial hypertension has improved with respect to the PRESCAP 2006 study.