Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular / Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study

Objetivo: Este estudio pretende averiguar cuál de las 2 posiciones de electrodos, anteroposterior (A-P) izquierda o anteroapical (A-A), se muestra más eficaz en la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) de la fibrilación auricular (FA). Diseño: Ensayo clínico con asignación aleatorizada. Ámbito: UCI de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE mediante choques bifásicos. Se comienza con la posición correspondiente según números aleatorizados y se administran hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J), y se cambia a la posición alternativa de no haberse conseguido el ritmo sinusal (RS) (hasta 2 choques más de 200J). Se analizan y se comparan ambas posiciones asignadas, y se determina cuál consigue restaurar el RS con menor número de choques y menor energía aplicada. Resultados: Se incluyen 46 pacientes en el grupo A-A y 45 pacientes en el grupo A-P, y se consigue RS en el 92% de los casos, si bien los pacientes del grupo A-A precisaron significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía: 1 frente a 2 choques (p=0,003) y 150 frente a 350J (p=0,017). Solamente un paciente de los 5 en los que falló la posición A-A se revirtió a RS con la posición A-P, mientras que 10 de los 13 pacientes no revertidos con electrodos A-P lo fueron al cambiar a posición A-A (p=0,038). Conclusiones: La posición A-A se muestra más eficaz en la CVE electiva de la FA, y se recomienda como de primera elección (AU)

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Location: ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. Results: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). Conclusions: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice (AU)

[Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study]. / Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. LOCATION: ICU of a second-level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200 J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200 J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350 J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice.

[Variations in health-related quality of life in critical patients]. / Variaciones en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (hRQOL) six months after discharge from the ICU and the conditions associated to them. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: 14 beds medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS: A total of 247 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 24 hours with a follow-up of 6 months were study. Those admitted with acute coronary syndrome or for monitoring purposes were excluded. INTERVENTION: A quality of life survey was conducted using the score developed by the PAEEC group (project of the epidemiological analysis of critical illness) to assess hRQOL before ICU admission and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The hRQOL deteriorated, going from a median value of 3 to 6 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed less deterioration of hRQOL in patients with chronic health conditions registered on the APAChE-II score (regression coefficient [RC] = -1.4; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.2; p < 0.02) and in those with a hRQOL > or = 10 points (RC = -4,4; 95% CI, -5.9 to -2.8; p < 0.001). There was more deterioration in polytraumatized patients (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3; p = 0.01) or with renal failure (RC = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-5.9; p < 0.001) or in those with a stay duration longer than 10 days (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients experience deterioration of hRQOL. Patients with chronic diseases or with worst previous hRQOL who survive 6 months experience less deterioration of hRQOL than those who are polytraumatized or have renal failure or a longer ICU stay.

[Limitation of therapeutic effort after ICU admission. Analysis of related factors]. / Limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico tras el ingreso en una Unidad de Medicina Intensiva. Análisis de factores asociados.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the limitation of therapeutic effort (LTE) in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the variables associated with that decision. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with a follow up of one year after discharge. SETTING: ICU of a second level hospital. PATIENTS: Four hundred and nine patients admitted during a two-year period. MAIN VARIABLES: APACHE II, NEMS, SOFA, quality of life (PAEEC) and mortality. RESULTS: LTE was performed in 49 (12%) patients. This decision was made by general agreement among the care team in 88% of cases and with the family in 73.5%. It was made on day 8 (4-20) with a SOFA score of 9 (4-13). Mortality in the LTE group was 69.4% in ICU, 92% in hospital, and 96% at 6 and 12 months. A logistic regression model showed that the variables associated with LTE were the following: NEMS score >or=30.7 (OR 12; 95% CI 3.7-39, p < 0.001), NEMS 26.6-30.6 (OR 8; 95% CI 2.5-25.6, p = 0.001), APACHE II > 30 (OR 7.6; 95% CI 2-29, p = 0.003), quality of life >or= 7 (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.1-15, p = 0.03), age >or= 80 (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.5, p = 0.007) and medical patient condition (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5-8, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: LTE is a common practice and is usually performed among the care team and the patient's surrogates. The main variables associated with LSC are those related to the severity of illness, previous quality of life, medical disease and patient's age.

[Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation]. / Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. DESIGN: Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. SCOPE. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. RESULTS. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. CONCLUSIONS: We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted.

Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la efectividad de la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica según la posición de los electrodos: anteroapical (A-A) o anteroposterior (A-P). Se considera superior la que restaura el ritmo sinusal (RS) empleando menor energía. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE bifásica. En la primera serie se comenzaba con la posición A-A, y en la segunda con la A-P, administrándose hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J); de no haberse conseguido RS, se cambiaba a la posición alternativa y se administraban otros 2 choques más de 200J. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección, tamaño auricular izquierdo, tiempo en FA, constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 50 pacientes en cada grupo, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo un porcentaje superior de mujeres en el grupo A-A. La posición de electrodos A-A consiguió RS con significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía, lográndose con más frecuencia la reversión al primer choque. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor efectividad en la CVE de la FA con los electrodos en posición A-A, que recomendamos como primera elección. De no ser eficaz, debe intentarse la posición A-P

Objective. This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Scope. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. Patients and methods. Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. Results. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted

Comparación de onda monofásica y bifásica en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of monophasic versus biphasic waveform in electrical cardioversion of auricular fibrilation

Objetivo. Comparar la eficacia de los choques bifásicos (CB) frente a los monofásicos (CM) en revertir a ritmo sinusal (RS) pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) con CM, la primera serie, y con CB, la segunda. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección (FE), tamaño auricular izquierdo (AI), constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, máxima energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 58 pacientes en el grupo CM y 50 en el CB, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo en el tamaño AI (46 ± 5 y 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0,05) y en un mayor porcentaje de mujeres en el grupo CM (38% frente al 10%; p = 0,001). Se encontró diferencia significativa en la reversión a RS (84% y 96%; p = 0,04) y en el empleo de menor energía (200 y 150 J; p < 0,001) a favor del grupo CB. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor eficacia en recuperación del RS con choques bifásicos, empleando menor energía. Aunque existe diferencia en el tamaño AI y la distribución de sexos entre ambas series, como al menos la cardioversión bifásica no fue menos eficaz, recomendamos su utilización en pacientes con FA

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of biphasic (BS) and monophasic (MS) shocks in reverting chronic auricular fibrillation (AF) patients to sinus rhythm (SR). Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Location. ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods. Ambulatory AF patients sent to ICU for electrical cardioversion (ECV) with BS (first series) and MS (second series). The following were analyzed between the two series: age, sex, weight, basal cardiopathy, ejection fraction, left atrial size, basal constants, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, maximum utilized energy level and secondary effects. Results. There were treated 58 and 50 patients in groups MS and BS, respectively, and whose basal characteristics were similar except for atrial size (46 ± 5 mm and 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0.05) and the fact that there was a greater percentage of women in group MS (38% as opposed to 10%; p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in reversion to RS (84% and 96%; p = 0.04) and utilization of lower energy levels (200 and 150 J; p < 0.001) in favor of group MB. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in recovery to SR with biphasic shocks and while utilizing lower energy levels. Although there did exist some differences in left atrial size and sex distribution between the two series, since the biphasic cardioversion was no less effective it is recommended that it be utilized in patients with AF

Sedación para cardioversión eléctrica. Comparación de dosis bajas de propofol y etomidato / Sedation for electrical cardioversion. A comparison of low doses of propofol and etomidate

Fundamento. La cardioversión eléctrica es altamente efectiva para revertir arritmias, y todavía está sin establecer la mejor pauta de sedación para este procedimiento. Nuestro grupo intentó evitar problemas respiratorios o hemodinámicos minimizando la dosis de fármaco sedante, para poder recomendar esta pauta a médicos con menor entrenamiento en soporte vital avanzado.Método. En este estudio, prospectivo, aleatorizado y no ciego, asignamos 50 pacientes a recibir 1 mg-kg-1 de propofol o 0,15 mg-kg-1 de etomidato. Se administraron hasta tres choques eléctricos sincronizados (100 a 360 J para fibrilación auricular, 50 a 200 para flúter auricular). Se estudiaron diferencias en tiempo de inducción, de despertar, apnea, parámetros hemodinámicos y efectos secundarios.Resultados. No encontramos diferencias en el tiempo de inducción, aunque sí en el de despertar: 518 (DE 137) segundos con propofol, 651 (211) segundos con etomidato (p < 0,05). Los parámetros hemodinámicos permanecieron dentro de límites normales en ambos grupos.Observamos apnea en 3 pacientes del grupo de propofol y en cuatro del grupo de etomidato.Presentaron efectos secundarios 10 pacientes del grupo de propofol y 11 del grupo de etomidato, entre los que destacaron movimiento y mioclonías.Conclusión. Dado que no se garantiza la estabilidad respiratoria (7 pacientes de la serie presentan apnea) y aparecen otros efectos secundarios, no recomendamos esta pauta de sedación para cardioversión eléctrica (AU)