Bloqueo de rama derecha y morbimortalidad cardiovascular en pacientes sanos / Right bundle branch block and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy patients

La significación clínica que tiene un bloqueo de rama derecha (BRD) en los pacientes asintomáticos sin evidencia de patología cardiovascular conocida es fuente de controversia. Para establecer la relación entre la aparición del BRD y el aumento de morbimortalidad cardiovascular en pacientes sanos se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de los artículos existentes hasta septiembre de 2017, a través de la búsqueda sistemática en PubMed, Cochrane y búsqueda manual de la bibliografía citada y artículos relacionados. De las 29 publicaciones que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, 8 mostraron resultados de mortalidad y 16 de morbilidad. En 8 artículos se observó un aumento de riesgo de muerte y en 11 de eventos cardiovasculares. Las publicaciones revisadas sugieren que la presencia de BRD en pacientes sanos no es irrelevante. Se necesitan más estudios que analicen qué tipo de seguimiento se debería realizar en estos pacientes

The clinical significance of a right bundle branch block (RBBB) in an asymptomatic adult without evidence of cardiovascular disease is controversial. To establish the relationship between the appearance of the RBBB and the increase of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy patients, we have carried out a literature review of documents available until September 2017 through a systematic search on the Pubmed database, Cochrane library and a manual search of the mentioned literature and related articles. From the 29 articles included in the study sample, eight showed mortality and 16 morbidity outcomes. An increase of risk of death is observed is eight articles and an increase of cardiovascular events is observed in 11 articles. The most recent publications suggest that the appearance of an RBBB in healthy individuals should not be underestimated, thus further studies are needed to analyse the type of follow-up that should be carried out in these patients

Right bundle branch block and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy patients. / Bloqueo de rama derecha y morbimortalidad cardiovascular en pacientes sanos.

The clinical significance of a right bundle branch block (RBBB) in an asymptomatic adult without evidence of cardiovascular disease is controversial. To establish the relationship between the appearance of the RBBB and the increase of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy patients, we have carried out a literature review of documents available until September 2017 through a systematic search on the Pubmed database, Cochrane library and a manual search of the mentioned literature and related articles. From the 29 articles included in the study sample, eight showed mortality and 16 morbidity outcomes. An increase of risk of death is observed is eight articles and an increase of cardiovascular events is observed in 11 articles. The most recent publications suggest that the appearance of an RBBB in healthy individuals should not be underestimated, thus further studies are needed to analyse the type of follow-up that should be carried out in these patients.

La flecainida reduce las arritmias ventriculares en pacientes con taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica genotipo RyR2 positivo / Flecainide reduces ventricular arrhythmias in patients with genotype RyR2-positive catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Introducción y objetivos: La taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica (TVPC) es una enfermedad hereditaria caracterizada por arritmias ventriculares (AV) polimórficas o bidireccionales desencadenadas por estrés físico o emocional en jóvenes con corazón estructuralmente normal. El pilar del tratamiento son los bloqueadores beta y recientemente se ha incorporado la flecainida al arsenal terapéutico. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer nuestra experiencia con su uso. Métodos: De un total de 174 pacientes pertenecientes a 7 familias afectadas de TVPC con genotipo positivo, se analizó a los que tomaron flecainida. Se valoraron la indicación, los efectos secundarios, la dosificación, los eventos clínicos, las AV y la ventana arrítmica en las pruebas de esfuerzo y las descargas del desfibrilador automático (DAI). Resultados: Recibieron flecainida 18 pacientes (10,4%); 17 en combinación con bloqueadores beta y 1 como tratamiento único por intolerancia al bloqueador beta. Ningún paciente sufrió efectos secundarios. La indicación fue la persistencia de AV complejas en la prueba de esfuerzo en 13 pacientes (72,2%) y descargas frecuentes del DAI en los otros 5 (27,8%). En el 66,7% de la familia 1, la puntuación cuantitativa de AV en la prueba de esfuerzo se redujo más de un 50% (32,76 ± 84,06 frente a 74,38 ± 153,86 lpm; p = 0,018). La ventana arrítmica fue menor (5,8 ± 11,9 frente a 19,69 ± 21,27 lpm; p = 0,007) y 4 de los 5 pacientes con descargas apropiadas del DAI no sufrieron más descargas. Conclusiones: En pacientes con TVPC, la flecainida reduce los eventos clínicos, las AV, la ventana arrítmica y las descargas del DAI y los pacientes la toleran bien (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited disease characterized by polymorphic or bidirectional ventricular arrhythmias (VA) triggered by physical or emotional stress in young people with a structurally normal heart. Beta-blockers are the cornerstone of treatment, while flecainide has recently been incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal. The aim of this study was to report our experience with this drug. Methods: The cohort included 174 genotype-positive CPVT-patients from 7 families. We collected data from patients who were receiving flecainide and analyzed the indications, adverse effects and dosage, clinical events, VA and arrhythmic window during exercise testing, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks during follow-up. Results: Eighteen patients (10.4%) received flecainide; 17 patients in combination with beta-blockers, and 1 patient as monotherapy due to beta-blocker intolerance. None of the patients presented side effects. In 13 patients (72.2%) the indication was the persistence of exercise-induced VA and in 5 patients (27.7%) persistent ICD-shocks, despite on beta-blockers. After flecainide initiation, the exercise-induced VA quantitative score was reduced by more than 50% in 66.7% of the members of family 1 (32.76 ± 84.06 vs 74.38 ± 153.86; P = .018). The arrhythmic window was reduced (5.8 ± 11.9 bpm vs 19.69 ± 21.27 bpm; P = .007), and 4 of 5 patients with appropriate ICD shocks experienced no further shocks in the follow-up. Conclusions: In CPVT-patients flecainide reduces clinical events, exercise-induced VA, the arrhythmic window, and ICD shocks, with good tolerance (AU)

Flecainide Reduces Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Genotype RyR2-positive Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited disease characterized by polymorphic or bidirectional ventricular arrhythmias (VA) triggered by physical or emotional stress in young people with a structurally normal heart. Beta-blockers are the cornerstone of treatment, while flecainide has recently been incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal. The aim of this study was to report our experience with this drug. METHODS: The cohort included 174 genotype-positive CPVT-patients from 7 families. We collected data from patients who were receiving flecainide and analyzed the indications, adverse effects and dosage, clinical events, VA and arrhythmic window during exercise testing, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks during follow-up. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (10.4%) received flecainide; 17 patients in combination with beta-blockers, and 1 patient as monotherapy due to beta-blocker intolerance. None of the patients presented side effects. In 13 patients (72.2%) the indication was the persistence of exercise-induced VA and in 5 patients (27.7%) persistent ICD-shocks, despite on beta-blockers. After flecainide initiation, the exercise-induced VA quantitative score was reduced by more than 50% in 66.7% of the members of family 1 (32.76 ± 84.06 vs 74.38 ± 153.86; P = .018). The arrhythmic window was reduced (5.8 ± 11.9 bpm vs 19.69 ± 21.27 bpm; P = .007), and 4 of 5 patients with appropriate ICD shocks experienced no further shocks in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In CPVT-patients flecainide reduces clinical events, exercise-induced VA, the arrhythmic window, and ICD shocks, with good tolerance.

Contraindicaciones para la práctica deportiva. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina del Deporte (SEMED-FEMEDE) / Contraindications of sports practice. Consensus document of the SPANISH Society of Sports Medicine (SEMED-FEMEDE)

La función principal de la medicina del deporte es el cuidado de la salud del deportista, no solo desde el punto de vista del tratamiento, sino también desde el de la prevención. Los reconocimientos médicos para la aptitud deportiva, una de las atribuciones principales de esta especialidad, están destinados a descubrir patologías, enfermedades o alteraciones que pueden afectar a la salud, y abarcan desde las situaciones que pueden desencadenar incidentes mortales hasta las que, sin poner en riesgo la vida, pueden afectar la salud o el rendimiento del deportista. La realización adecuada de reconocimientos para el deporte implica el diagnóstico de problemas médicos que deben analizarse, entre otros puntos de vista, desde la óptica de la aptitud para la práctica deportiva, y el médico encargado debe disponer de una guía que le oriente sobre la decisión de autorizar o no la práctica de deporte, y en caso de no autorización, la temporalidad de esta y el riesgo asumible de participación en algunos deportes. Las contraindicaciones para la práctica deportiva mejor conocidas son las de origen cardiovascular, tratadas extensamente en la literatura, pero también existen contraindicaciones del resto de aparatos y sistemas del organismo, entendiendo que el deportista es un ser completo y que el ejercicio físico afecta a todo su conjunto. Este documento, además de recoger dichas contraindicaciones, analiza los aspectos legales que afectan a los profesionales en los que recae la responsabilidad de realizar los reconocimientos y los aspectos documentales que les son propios

Main purpose of sports medicine is reaching the health care of the athlete, not only from the point of view of treatment, but also from the point of view of prevention. The performance of preparticipation medical sports evaluation, one of the main attributions of this specialty, is aimed at the discovery of pathologies, diseases or alterations that may affect health. They might range from situations that can trigger deadly incidents, to those without putting life at risk, can affect the health or performance of the athlete. Adequate implementation of preparticipation medical sports evaluation implies the diagnosis of medical problems that must be analyzed, from other points of view such as the perspective of fitness for sport practice. In addition, the doctor in charge must have a guide for clearance for sports practice. In case of non-authorization, time for non-sports activities must be recommended in order to decrease injury risks. Cardiovascular pathologies are the best known contraindications in sport practice, treated extensively in the literature. However, there are also contraindications secondary to problems or issues of the rest of apparatus organs and systems of the organism, knowing that the athlete represents an entity in which physical exercise affects all their sets. This document highlights those contraindications already discussed above and analyzes the legal aspects of sports practice contraindications. Medical professionals are responsible for managing the pre-participation medical sports evaluation as well as the documentary aspects that support it

Reconocimientos médicos para la aptitud deportiva. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina del Deporte (SEMED-FEMEDE) / Pre-participation Screening Athletes. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Sports Medicine (SEMED-FEMEDE)

La realización de actividad física-deportiva segura precisa realizar algún tipo de investigación médica sobre el estado de salud del deportista. La mayor parte de la literatura sobre este tema se centra en el descubrimiento de las enfermedades o anomalías cardiovasculares que, más frecuentemente, tienen riesgo de desencadenar un episodio de muerte súbita. Pero la actividad física tiene repercusiones notables sobre el resto del organismo, especialmente en el aparato locomotor y en el sistema metabólico, por lo que el reconocimiento médico no se debe limitar a la exploración cardiovascular, sino ampliarse al resto de los aparatos y sistemas implicados en el esfuerzo físico. Este consenso recoge los contenidos del reconocimiento médico básico para la aptitud deportiva, incluyendo antecedentes, historia deportiva y exploración por aparatos, junto con el electrocadiograma de reposo del que se describen sus hallazgos normales y patológicos, y que forma parte inexcusable del reconocimiento. El documento describe los objetivos de realización del reconocimiento, aspectos médico-legales, consideraciones sobre su coste y utilidad, los tipos de reconocimiento y los grupos de deportistas a los que van dirigidos, así como los documentos que se deben aportar en forma de informe médico y de informe de aptitud deportiva. Se hace una descripción de las contraindicaciones para la práctica deportiva y se pospone la descripción pormenorizada de las mismas, que se contemplará en un documento independiente. Este documento se realiza desde la óptica y experiencia española, y se plantea como un amplio consenso, tanto de profesionales como sobre la literatura cientíca existente sobre los reconocimientos médico-deportivos

The realization of safe physical-sport activity needs to carry out some type of medical investigation on the state of the athlete’s health. Most of the literature on this subject focuses on the discovery of cardiovascular diseases or anomalies that are most frequently at risk of triggering an episode of sudden death. However, physical activity has a significant impact on the rest of the body, especially in the locomotor system and in the metabolic system, so that medical examination should not be limited to cardiovascular exploration but should be extended to all other devices and systems involved in the physical e ort. This consensus includes the contents of the basic medical examination for sports aptitude, including antecedents, sports history and apparatus exploration, together with electrocadiograma of rest that describes its normal and pathological findings and that is an inexcusable part of the recognition. The document describes the objectives of the recognition, medical-legal aspects, considerations about their cost and utility, the types of recognition and the groups of athletes to whom they are addressed, as well as the documents that must be provided in the form of a medical report and of fitness report. A description of the contraindications for sports practice is made and a detailed description of them is postponed to be considered in an independent document. This document is made from the Spanish perspective and experience, and is considered as a broad consensus of both professionals, as well as the existing scientific literature on medical-sports surveys

InnovaSEC en acción: coste-efectividad de Barostim para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial refractaria en España / Prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension in Spain. Results of the Di@bet.es Study InnovaSEC in Action: Cost-effectiveness of Barostim in the Treatment of Refractory Hypertension in Spain

Introducción y objetivos: En España, el 0,3% de los pacientes hipertensos son refractarios al tratamiento convencional. Las complicaciones derivadas de un control deficiente se traducen en mala calidad de vida para el paciente y un coste importante para el sistema sanitario. Barostim es un dispositivo implantable que busca reducir la presión arterial de estos pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar el coste-efectividad de Barostim comparado con terapia farmacológica en pacientes hipertensos refractarios al tratamiento convencional (al menos tres fármacos antihipertensivos, siendo uno de ellos un diurético). Métodos: Modelo de Markov adaptado a la epidemiología de la población española que simula la historia natural de una cohorte de pacientes con hipertensión arterial refractaria a lo largo de su vida. Los datos sobre efectividad de los tratamientos se obtuvieron de la literatura y los de costes, de bases de datos administrativas hospitalarias y de fuentes oficiales. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad determinístico y probabilístico. Resultados: Barostim redujo los eventos clínicos asociados a la hipertensión y aumentó en 0,78 el número de años de vida ajustados por calidad. El cociente de coste-efectividad incremental para una cohorte de varones alcanzó los 68.726 euros por año de vida ajustado por calidad. Uno de los principales elementos que encarece la tecnología es el coste del recambio de la batería. Los resultados fueron robustos. Conclusiones: Barostim no es una estrategia coste-efectiva para el tratamiento de la hipertensión refractaria en España. Reducciones futuras en el precio de la batería mejorarían su cociente de coste-efectividad (AU)

Introduction and objectives: In Spain, 0.3% of patients with hypertension are refractory to conventional treatment. The complications resulting from deficient control of this condition can lead to poor quality of life for the patient and considerable health care costs. Barostim is an implantable device designed to lower blood pressure in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of Barostim compared with drug therapy in hypertensive patients refractory to conventional treatment (at least 3 antihypertensive drugs, including 1 diuretic agent). Methods: We used a Markov model adapted to the epidemiology of the Spanish population to simulate the natural history of a cohort of patients with refractory hypertension over their lifetime. Data on the effectiveness of the treatments studied were obtained from the literature, and data on costs were taken from hospital administrative databases and official sources. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Barostim increased the number of quality-adjusted life years by 0.78 and reduced the number of hypertension-associated clinical events. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in a cohort of men reached 68 726 euros per year of quality-adjusted life. One of the main elements that makes this technology costly is the need for battery replacement. The results were robust. Conclusions: Barostim is not a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of refractory hypertension in Spain. The cost-effectiveness ratio could be improved by future reductions in the cost of the battery (AU)

InnovaSEC in Action: Cost-effectiveness of Barostim in the Treatment of Refractory Hypertension in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In Spain, 0.3% of patients with hypertension are refractory to conventional treatment. The complications resulting from deficient control of this condition can lead to poor quality of life for the patient and considerable health care costs. Barostim is an implantable device designed to lower blood pressure in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of Barostim compared with drug therapy in hypertensive patients refractory to conventional treatment (at least 3 antihypertensive drugs, including 1 diuretic agent). METHODS: We used a Markov model adapted to the epidemiology of the Spanish population to simulate the natural history of a cohort of patients with refractory hypertension over their lifetime. Data on the effectiveness of the treatments studied were obtained from the literature, and data on costs were taken from hospital administrative databases and official sources. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Barostim increased the number of quality-adjusted life years by 0.78 and reduced the number of hypertension-associated clinical events. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in a cohort of men reached 68 726 euros per year of quality-adjusted life. One of the main elements that makes this technology costly is the need for battery replacement. The results were robust. CONCLUSIONS: Barostim is not a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of refractory hypertension in Spain. The cost-effectiveness ratio could be improved by future reductions in the cost of the battery.

Introducción de innovaciones en el área de la patología cardiaca en España: InnovaSEC / Introduction of innovations in heart disease in Spain: InnovaSEC

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Diferencias en la calidad de vida en pacientes conflutter auricular típico sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo / Quality of Life Differences in Patients With Typical Atrial Flutter Following Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation

Introducción y objetivos El propósito de nuestro trabajo es evaluar y cuantificar los cambios en la calidad de vida (CVRS) en pacientes con flutter auricular típico sometidos a ablación con catéter de radiofrecuencia, estandarizados y normalizados para la población española ajustada por edad y sexo.MétodosHemos analizado a 95 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo que se han autoaplicado el cuestionario SF-36 antes del procedimiento y al cabo de 1 año de seguimiento. Hemos utilizado nuevas herramientas de medida de CVRS como son el tamaño de efecto y la media de respuesta estandarizada para cuantificar la magnitud del cambio y las diferencias mínimas clínicamente importantes para valorar si los cambios en la CVRS han sido percibidos clínicamente por el paciente.ResultadosDe los 95 pacientes inicialmente incluidos, 88 completaron el estudio. Se observó una magnitud de cambio grande (tamaño del efecto ≥ 0,8) en las dimensiones función física, rol físico, salud general, vitalidad y componente sumario físico, y una magnitud de cambio moderada (tamaño del efecto ≥ 0,5), en las dimensiones rol emocional, actividad social, salud mental y componente sumario mental. En el análisis de las diferencias mínimas clínicamente importantes, se observó que en todas las dimensiones, excepto dolor corporal y actividad social, se supera el mínimo exigido para que la magnitud del cambio sea percibida clínicamente por el paciente.ConclusionesSe observa una mejora en la CVRS de un grupo de pacientes con flutter auricular típico sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo después de 1 año del procedimiento (AU)

Introduction and objectives The aim of the study was to assess and measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in patients with typical atrial flutter following catheter ablation. The outcome was standardized and normalized to the Spanish population adjusted by age and sex.MethodsNinety-five consecutive patients who had undergone cavotricuspid isthmus ablation were included. The SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. We used the effect size and the standardized response mean as measures of responsiveness to quantify the change in HRQoL and the minimum clinically important difference to assess the smallest difference in score that patients perceived as beneficial.ResultsOf the 95 patients initially included, 88 completed the 1-year follow-up. We observed a large improvement (effect size ≥0.8) on the physical functioning, role-physical, general health, and vitality scales and on the physical component summary. We detected a moderate improvement (effect size ≥0.5) on the role-emotional, social functioning, and mental health scales and on the mental component summary. On all scales except bodily pain and social activity, the improvement was clinically perceived by patients.ConclusionsA clinically significant improvement in HRQoL measures was found in patients with typical atrial flutter who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation (AU)

[Quality of life differences in patients with typical atrial flutter following cavotricuspid isthmus ablation]. / Diferencias en la calidad de vida en pacientes con flutter auricular típico sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess and measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in patients with typical atrial flutter following catheter ablation. The outcome was standardized and normalized to the Spanish population adjusted by age and sex. METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive patients who had undergone cavotricuspid isthmus ablation were included. The SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. We used the effect size and the standardized response mean as measures of responsiveness to quantify the change in HRQoL and the minimum clinically important difference to assess the smallest difference in score that patients perceived as beneficial. RESULTS: Of the 95 patients initially included, 88 completed the 1-year follow-up. We observed a large improvement (effect size ≥0.8) on the physical functioning, role-physical , general health, and vitality scales and on the physical component summary. We detected a moderate improvement (effect size ≥0.5) on the role-emotional, social functioning, and mental health scales and on the mental component summary. On all scales except bodily pain and social activity, the improvement was clinically perceived by patients. CONCLUSIONS: A clinically significant improvement in HRQoL measures was found in patients with typical atrial flutter who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation.

[Spanish Society of Cardiology ethical framework (executive summary)]. / Marco ético de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (versión resumida).

The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) has produced an Ethical Framework Document. This document is divided into two distinct parts that deal, respectively, with the responsibilities of the SEC as an organization and the responsibilities of its professional members. The SEC makes recommendations on how its members should carry out their daily clinical practice, provides a professional perspective on public commitments as a scientific association, and aims to ensure that any views, recommendations, and advice expressed provide the basis for an informed debate on ethical problems in our field of work.

Marco ético de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (versión resumida) / Spanish Society of Cardiology ethical framework (executive summary)

La Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) ha elaborado su «marco ético». Este documento se estructura en 2 partes diferenciadas que tratan sobre la responsabilidad de la SEC como organización y de los profesionales en tanto que socios. La SEC propone a sus miembros unas pautas de actuación en su práctica diaria, establece un horizonte de compromiso cívico como asociación científica, y desea que las reflexiones, las recomendaciones y los consejos reflejados sirvan para debatir responsablemente sobre los problemas éticos de nuestro quehacer

The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) has produced an Ethical Framework Document. This document is divided into two distinct parts that deal, respectively, with the responsibilities of the SEC as an organization and the responsibilities of its professional members. The SEC makes recommendations on how its members should carry out their daily clinical practice, provides a professional perspective on public commitments as a scientific association, and aims to ensure that any views, recommendations, and advice expressed provide the basis for an informed debate on ethical problems in our field of work

Consenso sobre la terapia de Resincronización Cardíaca / Spanish Society of Cardiology Cardiac Resynchronization Working Group Consensus on Indications for, Programing of and Follow-Up Resynchronization Devices

Dentro del arsenal terapéutico de la insuficiencia cardíaca, la resincronización cardíaca cada vez está adquiriendo un papel más importante como coadyuvante del tratamiento médico. Se ha demostrado ampliamente que en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada y bloqueo de rama izquierda, la estimulación biventricular produce una mejoría hemodinámica y clínica, así como un remodelado inverso del ventrículo izquierdo. Algunos estudios sugieren también una disminución de la mortalidad. Sin embargo, es una terapia costosa y compleja que no está libre de complicaciones y con un porcentaje de pacientes que no mejoran. Por ello, para su correcta aplicación es necesaria una colaboración multidisciplinaria. El Grupo de Trabajo de Resincronización Cardíaca de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología ha redactado el presente documento de consenso con especial interés por exponer las indicaciones de esta terapia, así como la correcta selección de los dispositivos y su adecuada técnica de implante y seguimiento (AU)

Cardiac resynchronization is an increasingly important therapeutic option for a subgroup of patients with heart failure. It has been shown that biventricular pacing produces significant hemodynamic and clinical improvements and results in left ventricular remodeling in patients with severe heart failure and left bundle branch block. Some studies also indicate that cardiovascular mortality is decreased. However, this form of treatment is expensive and complex, it is not free of complications, and there are a significant number of non-responders. Therefore, multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary if it is to be used correctly. The Spanish Society of Cardiology Cardiac Resynchronization Working Group has produced this consensus document with the aim of establishing current indications for therapy, and ensuring that device selection is appropriate and that implantation and follow-up are carried out correctly (AU)

Resincronización en España. Implantes por habitante: datos comparativos / State of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Spain. Number of Implants for Inhabitant: Comparison With Data from Other Countries and Differences Between Autonomous Communities

La terapia de resincronización cardíaca ha demostrado un claro beneficio en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada, disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo y un trastorno eléctrico en la activación ventricular. Sin embargo, pese a la evidencia de su eficacia, la terapia de resincronización se incorpora de manera lenta y desigual a nuestro arsenal terapéutico. La tasa de implantes en Europa tiene una distribución muy heterogénea. En algunos países, como Italia o Bélgica, se alcanzaron en el año 2002 cifras superiores a los 30 implantes por millón de habitante y año, mientras que en Suiza, España, Portugal, Suecia y Francia no se alcanzan los 10 implantes por millón y año. El análisis por comunidades ofrece datos muy heterogéneos. Algunas comunidades, como Navarra o Canarias, están muy por encima de la media nacional e incluso europea, con cifras superiores a los 30 implantes por millón. La mayoría de las comunidades grandes de nuestro país implantaron entre 10 y 15 unidades por millón en el año 2003. Afortunadamente, se ha producido un ligero incremento con el tiempo. En nuestro país, la tasa de implantes ha aumentado de 8,7 durante 2002 a un esperanzador 12,54 en 2003. Sin embargo, en Europa, la tasa de implante crece más rápidamente, pues ha pasado de 14,5 a 22 implantes por millón durante el año 2003. Necesitamos que nuestro sistema sanitario destine más recursos a esta técnica si queremos que el beneficio de la terapia alcance de manera efectiva a la población a la que va destinada (AU)

It has been demonstrated that cardiac resynchronization therapy produces clear benefits in patients with advanced heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and abnormal ventricular electrical activity. However, despite evidence of its effectiveness, resynchronization therapy is being incorporated into our therapeutic arsenal only very slowly. The use of cardiac device implants in Europe is very heterogeneous. In countries such as Italy and Belgium, the annual rate of device implantation in 2002 was greater than 30 per million inhabitants, while in Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and France the annual rate was below 10 implants per million. In Spain, analyzing usage by region gives very heterogeneous results. Some regions such as Navarre or the Canary Islands have rates above the national, and even the European, average, being greater than 30 implants per million. In 2003, the implantation rate in most regions was between 10 and 15 per million. Fortunately, the number of implants is increasing gradually over time. In Spain, the implantation rate increased from 8.7 per million in 2002 to a more encouraging 12.54 per million inhabitants in 2003. However, throughout Europe, the implantation rate grew from 14.5 to 22 per million inhabitants during the same period. It is essential that the Spanish healthcare system devotes more resources to implementation of this technique to ensure that the benefits of therapy reach the target population (AU)