A collaborative approach to develop indicators for quality of care for ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in networks without coronary intervention: A position paper.

BACKGROUND: Data about performance measures (PM) in patients with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries is really scarce. One of the reasons is the lack of appropriate measures for these scenarios where coronary intervention is not the standard treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a set of PM and quality markers for patients with STEMI in these countries. METHODS: Two investigators systematically reviewed existing guidelines and scientific literature to identify potential PM by referring to documents searched through PubMed from 2010 through 2019, using terms "Myocardial Infarction", "STEMI", "quality indicator", and "performance measure". A modified Delphi technique, involving multidisciplinary panel interview, was used. A 15-member multidisciplinary expert panel individually rated each potential indicator on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) during three rounds. All indicators that received a median score ≥4.5, in final round without significant disagreement were included as PM. RESULTS: Through the consensus-building process, 84 potential indicators were found, of which 10 were proposed as performance measures and 2 as quality metrics, as follows: Pre-Hospital Electrocardiogram; Patients with reperfusion therapy; Pre-hospital Reperfusion; Ischemic time less than 120 minutes; System delay time less than 90 minutes; In-hospital Mortality; Complete in-hospital Treatment; Complete in-hospital Treatment in patients with Heart Failure; 30 day-Re-admissions; 30 day-mortality; Patients with in-hospital stress test performed; and, Patients included in rehabilitation programs. CONCLUSION: This document provides the official set of PM of attention in ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction of the Cuban Society of Cardiology and Cuban National Group of Cardiology.

Quality of care for patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction before COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba: review of 17 reports with 7823 patients

BACKGROUND: In Cuba, there is neither a registry of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), nor are analysis of performance measures widely reported. OBJECTIVE: A review of Cuban studies of patients with STEMI was carried out to describe quality of medical care. METHODS: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and SciELO, as well as archives of national journals, were all searched for articles on STEMI in Cuba, from 2000 to March 2020. They were included if they reported number or percentage of application of reperfusion therapy; administration of aspirin, enalapril-captopril (ACEI) or beta-blockers; status of patients at discharge; and patient or system delay times. Finally, 17 reports with 7823 patients were included. RESULTS: Thrombolytic therapy was administered to 3991 patients (51%), and 695 patients (8.9%) died. Only four studies, with 880 patients, presented data about prescription of ACEI, aspirin, and beta-blockers, which were administered to 381 (45.3%), 824 (93.6%), 464 (52.7%) patients, respectively. Coronary intervention was reported in 5 studies with 3422 patients, being performed in 661 (19.3%).  Conclusions: Quality of care of patients with STEMI seems to be poorer than reported in similar scenarios. Thrombolytic administration is still low, although mortality decreases in this period. Other pharmacological treatments were insufficiently fulfilled.

Performance Measures in STEMI after COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the RECUIMA Registry

Abstract Background To offer proper medical care to patients with ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income settings (LMIS) is challenging. However, it is not known if performance indicators have changed back after the epidemiological recovery. Objective to describe performance measures (PM) in patients with STEMI during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Observational study of patients with STEMI, from an LMIS, with analysis of PM suggested in the 2017 AHA-ACC Performance Measures for Adults with STEMI. COVID-19 period was determined from January 2020 to October 2021, and from November 2021 to February 2022 as the post-COVID-19 period. Baseline characteristics, treatments and selected PM were compared using the χ2 test or Mann-Whitney U test. All tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was considered as p-value <0.05. Coronary interventionism-related PM were not reported. Results Administration of thrombolysis decreased (71.2% vs 51.6% (p: 0.001)), while the delay time for its administration (Median (Interquartile Range)) increased considerably (30 min (16-60) to 45 min (35- 60) (p: 0.003)). Aspirin at admission was administered in each period at 92.9% vs 94.2% (p: 0.62); and at discharge to 97.8% vs 98.9% (p: 0.48). Beta-blockers, P2Y12 inhibitors, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with heart failure were administered to 67.1% vs 85.1% (p: 0.01), 96.4% vs 84% (p: 0.001), 96.2 % vs 95.7% (p: 1), and 81.2% vs 94.3% (p: 0.14), respectively. Conclusion Despite this being a current period of epidemiological recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact the care of patients with STEMI.

New model predicts in-hospital complications in myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ischemic cardiopathy constitutes the leading cause of death worldwide. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic capacity of the leukoglycemic index as well as to create a predictive model of in-hospital complications in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicentral and cohort study, which included patients inserted in the Cuban Registry of acute myocardial infarction. The study investigated 900 patients with a validation population represented by 233 external subjects. In order to define the performance of the leukoglycemic index were evaluated the discrimination with the statistical C and the calibration by Hosmer - Lemeshow test. A model of logistic binary regression was employed in order to define the predictive factors.  RESULTS: Optimal cut point of the leukoglycemic index to predict in-hospital complications was 1188 (sensibility 60%; specificity 61.6%; area under the curve 0.623; p < 0.001). In-hospital complications were significantly higher in the group with the leukoglycemic index ≥ 1188; a higher value was significantly associated with a higher risk to develop an in-hospital complication [RR (IC 95%) = 2.4 (1.804-3.080); p<0.001]. The predictive model proposed is composed by the following factors: age ≥ 66 years, leukoglycemic index ≥ 1188, Killip-Kimball classification ≥ II and medical history of hypertension. This scale had a good discrimination in both, the training and the validation population. CONCLUSION: The leukoglycemic index possesses a low performance when used to assess the risks for in hospital complications in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. The new predictive model has a good performance, which can be applied to estimate risk of in-hospital complications. This model would be able to contribute to the health systems of developing countries without additional cost; it enables prediction of the patients having a higher risk of complications and a negative outcome during the hospitable admission.

Triglyceride-glucose index impact on in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction. Results from the RECUIMA multicenter registry.

INTRODUCTION: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is considered a new marker of insulin resistance, and is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the capability of TyG index to predict in-hospital -mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: Multicenter cohort study that enrolled 1123 patients included in the Cuban Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction between January 2018 and June 2021. RESULTS: TyG index optimal cutoff point to predict mortality was 8.96 (sensitivity, 65.2%; specificity, 62.0%; area under the curve; 0.636; p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the group with TyG index ≥ 8.96. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the TyG index was an independent mortality predictor (OR = 2.959; 95% CI = 1.457-6.010; p = 0.003). When the TyG index was included in the multivariate model, it increased its predictive capacity (area under the curve, 0.917, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences between patient groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index constitutes an independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El índice triglicéridos-glucemia (ITG/G) es considerado un nuevo marcador de resistencia a la insulina y está relacionado con el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la capacidad del ITG/G para predecir mortalidad intrahospitalaria en los pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. MÉTODOS: Estudio multicéntrico de cohorte que incluyó a 1123 pacientes del Registro Cubano de Infarto del Miocardio Agudo entre enero de 2018 y junio de 2021. RESULTADOS: El punto de corte óptimo del ITG/G para predecir mortalidad fue 8.96 (sensibilidad de 65.2 %, especificidad de 62.0 % y área bajo la curva de 0.636; p < 0.001). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria se incrementó significativamente en el grupo con ITG/G ≥ 8.96. El análisis de regresión logística reveló que el ITG/G fue un marcador predictor independiente de mortalidad (RM = 2.959, IC 95 % = 1.457-6.010, p = 0.003). El modelo multivariado que incluyó el ITG/G elevó su capacidad predictiva (área bajo la curva de 0.917, p < 0.001). Las curvas de Kaplan-Meier mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de pacientes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: El ITG/G constituye un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad intrahospitalaria por infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST.

Impacto del índice triglicéridos-glucemia en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria por infarto agudo del miocardio. Resultados del registro multicéntrico RECUIMA / Triglycerides-glucose index impact on in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction. Results from the RECUIMA multicenter registry

Resumen Introducción: El índice triglicéridos-glucemia (ITG/G) es considerado un nuevo marcador de resistencia a la insulina y está relacionado con el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad del ITG/G para predecir mortalidad intrahospitalaria en los pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico de cohorte que incluyó a 1123 pacientes del Registro Cubano de Infarto del Miocardio Agudo entre enero de 2018 y junio de 2021. Resultados: El punto de corte óptimo del ITG/G para predecir mortalidad fue 8.96 (sensibilidad de 65.2 %, especificidad de 62.0 % y área bajo la curva de 0.636; p < 0.001). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria se incrementó significativamente en el grupo con ITG/G ≥ 8.96. El análisis de regresión logística reveló que el ITG/G fue un marcador predictor independiente de mortalidad (RM = 2.959, IC 95 % = 1.457-6.010, p = 0.003). El modelo multivariado que incluyó el ITG/G elevó su capacidad predictiva (área bajo la curva de 0.917, p < 0.001). Las curvas de Kaplan-Meier mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de pacientes (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El ITG/G constituye un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad intrahospitalaria por infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST.

Abstract Introduction: The triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index is considered a new marker of insulin resistance, and is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To evaluate the capability of TyG index to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: Multicenter cohort study that enrolled 1123 patients included in the Cuban Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction between January 2018 and June 2021. Results: TyG index optimal cutoff point to predict mortality was 8.96 (sensitivity, 65.2%; specificity, 62.0%; area under the curve; 0.636; p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the group with TyG index ≥ 8.96. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the TyG index was an independent mortality predictor (OR = 2.959; 95% CI = 1.457-6.010; p = 0.003). When the TyG index was included in the multivariate model, it increased its predictive capacity (area under the curve, 0.917, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences between patient groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The TyG index constitutes an independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Estratificación de riesgo en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio mediante el uso de varias escalas

RESUMEN Introducción: Existen varias escalas a nivel mundial en la predicción de riesgo de los pacientes con infarto, pero aún no se ha encontrado la "escala ideal". Objetivos: Determinar la capacidad de discriminación para la mortalidad hospitalaria por infarto agudo de miocardio de las escalas GRACE, TIMI Risk Score, InTIME e ICR. Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el Servicio de Cardiología del Hospital General Docente Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna de Las Tunas, Cuba, entre 2018 y 2019. El universo estuvo conformado por 452 pacientes ingresados en las primeras 24 horas del infarto y la muestra, por 430 casos a los cuales se les pudo recoger la totalidad de las variables en estudio. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Para determinar la capacidad de discriminación de la escalas de riesgo se determinaron sensibilidad, especificidad y área bajo la curva. Resultados: El 70% de los pacientes fallecidos eran del sexo masculino y su media de edad fue 10 años mayor que en los egresados vivos. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor asociado más frecuente tanto en los pacientes fallecidos (90%) como en los egresados vivos (73.4%). El 70% de los fallecidos presentaron algún grado de disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo. El área bajo la curva de las escalas ICR, InTIME y GRACE fue de 0,683; 0,681 y 0,662, respectivamente. El TIMI Risk Score presentó un área bajo la curva de 0,598. Conclusiones: Las escalas ICR, InTime y GRACE presentaron pobre capacidad predictiva para la mortalidad hospitalaria. La escala TIMI Risk Score presentó una fallida capacidad predictiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction: There are several scores worldwide for risk stratification in patients with myocardial infarction, but the "ideal score" has not yet been found. Objectives: To determine the discriminatory capacity of GRACE, TIMI Risk Score, InTIME and ICR scores for in-hospital mortality due to acute myocardial infarction. Method: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology of the Hospital General Docente Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna of Las Tunas, Cuba, between 2018 and 2019. The study's population consisted of 452 patients admitted in the first 24 hours after myocardial infarction, and the sample consisted of 430 cases from which all the variables under study could be collected. Descriptive statistics were used. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were determined to be able to determine the discriminatory capacity of the risk scores as well. Results: The 70% of the deceased patients were male and their mean age was 10 years older than in the patients discharged alive. High blood pressure was the most frequent associated risk factor in both deceased patients (90%) and in those who left the hospital alive (73.4%). The 70% of deaths had certain degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The area under the curve of ICR, InTIME and GRACE scores was of 0.683; 0.681 and 0.662 respectively. TIMI Risk Score had an area under the curve of 0.598. Conclusions: ICR, InTime and GRACE scores had poor predictive capacity for in-hospital mortality. TIMI Risk Score had a very poor predictive capacity.

Monitoring quality of care in acute myocardial infarction complicated by acute heart failure using electronic medical record data: Experience of an underdeveloped country network

Background. Several improvements in performance measure (PM) have been described, in Cuba, in patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). However, it still no clear if reported enhancement has an influence in management of STEMI complicated with Acute Heart Failure. The objective of this study is to determine if those changes in renewed protocol have improved PM of attention of this specific subgroup. Methods and material. Gathering data of patients after June 2014 is mandatory in a web-based tool, which allows, real time following of selected PM. After a first stage, updating in protocol was written, focusing in several gaps. The first stage closed with 81 patients admitted with heart failure after STEMI, meanwhile until late December 2019, other 126 patients were included. Data regarding PM was obtained from all registries, except for those PM related with coronary intervention. Results. Improvement in management was observed for 6 of presented PM for overall population; and in patients with cardiogenic shock, up to 6 PM were fully accomplished in both stages. Pharmacological treatments were administered fulfilling high standards, but no enhancement of in-hospital mortality was observed (19.4% vs. 18.5%; p: 0.86). Although not significant, thrombolytic decreased its prevalence in overall population (57.4 vs 48.1; p: 0.15), and in cardiogenic shock (29.4% vs 25%; p: 0.76). Conclusion. Performance measures were enhanced after an update in protocols of attention. However, most important ones didn’t suffer any changes. Efforts to maintain this increase in PM need to be taken.

Introdução. Diversas melhorias na medida de desempenho (MD) foram descritas, em Cuba, em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (STEMI). No entanto, ainda não está claro se o realce relatado tem uma influência no tratamento do STEMI complicado com insuficiência cardíaca aguda. O objetivo deste estudo é determinarse essas mudanças no protocolo renovado melhoraram a atenção do MD deste subgrupo específico. Material e métodos. A coleta de dados dos pacientes após junho de 2014 é obrigatória em uma ferramenta baseada na web, que permite o acompanhamento em tempo real dos MD selecionados. Após uma primeira etapa, foi feita a atualização do protocolo, com foco em várias lacunas. A primeira fase encerrou com 81 pacientes internados com insuficiência cardíaca após IAMCSST, enquanto até o final de dezembro de 2019, outros 126 pacientes foram incluídos. Os dados sobre MD foram obtidos de todos os registros, exceto para MD relacionados com intervenção coronária. Resultados. Melhoria na gestão foi observada para 6 das MD apresentadas. Os tratamentos farmacológicos foram administrados de acordo com altos padrões, mas não foi observado aumento da mortalidade intra-hospitalar (21% vs. 24,6%; p: 0,54). Embora não seja significativo, o trombolítico aumenta sua prevalência fora do hospital (12/46 vs. 26/72; p: 0,256). Conclusão. As medidas de desempenho foram aprimoradas após uma atualização nos protocolos de atenção. No entanto, os mais importantes não sofreram alterações. Esforços para manter esse aumento na MD precisam ser feitos.

Antecedentes. Se han descrito varias mejoras en la medición del desempeño (MD), en Cuba, en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMCEST). Sin embargo, todavía no está claro si la mejora informada tiene influencia en el tratamiento del IAMCEST complicado con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si esos cambios en el protocolo renovado han mejorado la MD de atención de este subgrupo específico. Material y métodos. La recopilación de datos de pacientes después de junio de 2014 es obligatoria en una herramienta basada en web, que permite el seguimiento en tiempo real de los MD seleccionados. Luego de una primera etapa, se redactó la actualización en protocolo, enfocándose en varios aspectos de deficiente cumplimiento. La primera etapa cerró con 81 pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca tras IAMCEST, mientras que hasta finales de diciembre de 2019 se incluyeron otros 126 pacientes. Los datos sobre MD se obtuvieron de todos los registros, excepto los relacionados con la intervención coronaria. Resultados. Se observó una mejora en el manejo para 6 MD presentados. Los tratamientos farmacológicos se administraron cumpliendo altos estándares, pero no se observó un aumento de la mortalidad hospitalaria (21% vs 24,6%; p=0,54). Aunque no es significativo, los trombolíticos aumentan la prevalencia extrahospitalaria (12/46 vs 26/72; p=0,256). Conclusión. Se mejoraron las medidas de desempeño luego de una actualización en los protocolos de atención. Sin embargo, los más importantes no sufrieron cambios. Es necesario realizar esfuerzos para mantener este aumento de MD.

Infarto agudo de miocardio en cuatro hospitales de atención secundaria en Cuba en la era COVID-19 / Acute myocardial infarction in four secondary care hospitals in Cuba in the COVID-19 era

RESUMEN Introducción: Las características clínico-epidemiológicas en el diagnóstico, evolución y tratamiento de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en la era COVID-19 dependen de varios factores. Objetivos: Precisar el comportamiento de algunas variables clínico-epidemiológicas en la atención y tratamiento de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en el curso de la COVID-19. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional en cuatro hospitales de atención secundaria en Cuba. Se utilizaron las siguientes variables: número de ingresos por infartos, mortalidad hospitalaria, tiempo de demora mayor de 4 horas desde el inicio de los síntomas y la llegada a la primera asistencia médica y el porcentaje de trombólisis. Se definieron dos grupos, los ingresados entre el 1 de marzo al 30 de septiembre de 2019 (Grupo I) y los ingresados en igual período pero del 2020 (Grupo II). Las comparaciones entre ambos grupos se realizaron utilizando el test de Chi cuadrado. Resultados: Existió una disminución de 53 ingresos por infarto agudo de miocardio en Las Tunas (112 vs. 159, p<0.05), con un incremento del número de ingresos en el Hospital Enrique Cabrera en los pacientes del grupo II (98 vs. 68, p<0.05). Se incrementó el número de fallecidos y la mortalidad hospitalaria en el grupo II en todos los centros con relación al grupo I. En la mayoría de los centros se incrementó la demora desde el inicio de los síntomas y la llegada al lugar de la primera asistencia médica. El porciento de trombólisis fue superior al 50% en la mayoría de los centros en el grupo II. Conclusiones: Las características de la COVID-19 pueden modificar aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos en la atención y tratamiento de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The clinico-epidemiological characteristics in the diagnosis, evolution and treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the COVID-19 era depend on several factors. Objectives: To determine the behavior of some clinico-epidemiological variables in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction during de COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An observational study was carried out in four secondary care hospitals in Cuba. The following variables were used: number of admission due to acute myocardial infarction, hospital mortality, delay longer than four hours from the beginning of the symptoms to the arrival to the first medical assistance, and thrombolysis percentage. Two groups were defined, those admitted from March 1st to September 30th, 2019 (Group I) and those admitted in the same period, but from 2020 (Group II). Comparisons between both groups were made using the chi square test. Results: There was a decrease of 53 admissions due to acute myocardial infarction in Las Tunas (112 vs. 159; p<0.05), with an increase in the number of admissions in the Hospital Enrique Cabrera in patients from Group II (98 vs. 68; p<0.05). The number of deaths and hospital mortality in Group II increased in all the centers in relation to Group I. In most of the hospitals there was an increase of the time elapsed from the beginning of the symptoms to the arrival to the first medical assistance. Thrombolysis percentage in Group II was higher than 50% in most of the centers. Conclusions: The characteristics of COVID-19 may modify the clinical and epidemiological aspects in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Factores de riesgo de muerte súbita en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio / Risk factors for sudden death in patients with acute myocardial infarction

RESUMEN Introducción: La identificación de marcadores clínicos del riesgo de muerte súbita cardíaca en el infarto agudo de miocardio ha sido objeto de múltiples investigaciones. Objetivos: Determinar los factores de riesgo de este tipo de muerte en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico caso-control en el Servicio de Cardiología de Las Tunas (Cuba) entre 2011 y 2017. El universo estuvo constituido por 1150 pacientes ingresados por infarto, registrados en la base de datos del servicio. Los 45 pacientes fallecidos con muerte súbita representaron el «grupo casos¼ y por cada uno de ellos se seleccionaron aleatoriamente a 2 pacientes fallecidos de forma no súbita, quienes conformaron el «grupo control¼. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva para las variables descriptivas. Para el estudio de los factores de riesgo se realizaron análisis multivariados y se evaluó la razón de productos cruzados o de probabilidad (odds ratio [OR]) con un 99% de confiabilidad. Resultados: En ambos grupos predominó el sexo masculino y la hipertensión arterial fue el factor asociado más frecuente. La edad media y el porcentaje de la clase de Killip y Kimball III-IV fueron similares. Un 43% de los pacientes con muerte súbita eran diabéticos y presentaron mayor porcentaje de infartos biventriculares (22,7%), de trombólisis no efectiva (41,8%) y de rotura cardíaca (13,6%). La glucemia >15,0 mmol/L al ingreso (OR 2,57; p=0,027) y la trombólisis no efectiva (OR 2,19; p=0,024) se asociaron a la aparición de muerte súbita. Conclusiones: La glucemia al ingreso >15,0 mmol/L y la presencia de trombólisis no efectiva se comportaron como factores de riesgo de muerte súbita.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several investigations have addressed the identification of clinical markers for the risk of sudden cardiac death in acute myocardial infarction. Objectives: To determine the risk factors for this type of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Method: A case-control analytical study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology in Las Tunas from 2011 to 2017. The study population consisted of 1150 patients admitted for myocardial infarction previously registered in the department's database. The 45 patients who died from sudden death made up the "case group" and for each of them, 2 patients -who did not die suddenly- were randomly assigned to the "control group". Descriptive statistics were used for descriptive variables. To assess risk factors, multivariate analyses were performed and the odds ratio [OR] was evaluated with 99% reliability. Results: Male sex predominated in both groups and high blood pressure was the most frequent associated factor. Mean age and Killip-Kimball class III-IV percentage were similar. A 43% of patients with sudden death were diabetic and presented a higher percentage of biventricular infarctions (22.7%), ineffective thrombolysis (41.8%), and cardiac rupture (13.6%). Glycemia >15.0 mmol/L on admission (OR 2.57; p=0.027) and ineffective thrombolysis (OR 2.19; p=0.024) were associated with the occurrence of sudden death. Conclusiones: Both, Glycemia >15.0 mmol/L on admission and ineffective thrombolysis, behaved as risk factors for sudden death.

Sudden intra-hospital death after acute myocardial infarction in Cuba in the last three years. Analysis of institutional records.

Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de posibles causas predisponentes de muerte súbita (MS) intrahospitalaria luego de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IMA) en registros cubanos. Material y método: Se realizó una búsqueda de registros clínicos de pacientes con IMA en Cuba en las bases de datos de revistas nacionales, Scientific Library On-line (ScieLO) y Medline. Se priorizaron los artículos publicados desde 2016 para ser incluidos. Se definió como muerte súbita aquélla secundaria a arritmias ventriculares malignas (TV y FV), así como los pacientes con rotura cardíaca y actividad eléctrica sin pulso o asistolia como forma de presentación. Con posterioridad se evaluó la relación de este parámetro con la aparición de muerte súbita en 710 pacientes del Registro de Síndromes Coronarios Agudos (RESCUE). Resultados: En el contexto extrahospitalario, más de la mitad de las muertes súbitas cardíacas son secundarias a un infarto agudo de miocardio. En el hospital, la mortalidad en Cuba por IMA es homogénea. Sólo los centros con intervencionismo coronario escapan a este fenómeno. Aunque no del todo letales, las arritmias ventriculares malignas se relacionan con un peor pronóstico y su prevalencia no es homogénea en los registros revisados. Conclusiones: La muerte súbita luego de infarto agudo de miocardio será aún en Cuba una de las principales causas de muerte en los pacientes de fase aguda. Objective: To analyze possible predisposing causes of in hospital sudden cardiac death (SCD) after an acute myocardial infarction (IMA) in Cuban registries. Material and methods: A search of clinical records of patients with IMA in Cuba was performed in the databases of national journals, Scientific Library On-line and Medline. Those articles published since 2016 were prioritized for inclusion. Sudden death is defined as that secondary to malignant ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) as well as patients with cardiac rupture with pulseless electrical activity or asystole as a form of presentation. Subsequently, the relationship of this parameter with the occurrence of sudden death was evaluated in 710 patients from the Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (RESCUE). Results: In the out-of-hospital setting, more than half of SCD are secondary to an IMA. Once in the hospital, mortality in Cuba from IMA is homogeneous. Only centers with coronary interventionism escape this phenomenon. Although not totally lethal, the presence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias is associated with a worse prognosis and its prevalence is not homogeneous in the reviewed records. Conclusions: Sudden death after IMA will continue to be one of the main causes of death of patients in the acute phase in Cuba.

Muerte súbita intrahospitalaria luego de infarto agudo de miocardio en Cuba en los últimos tres años. Análisis de registros institucionales / Sudden intra-hospital death after acute myocardial infarction in Cuba in the last three years. Analysis of institutional records

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de posibles causas predisponentes de muerte súbita (MS) intrahospitalaria luego de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IMA) en registros cubanos. Material y método: Se realizó una búsqueda de registros clínicos de pacientes con IMA en Cuba en las bases de datos de revistas nacionales, Scientific Library On-line (ScieLO) y Medline. Se priorizaron los artículos publicados desde 2016 para ser incluidos. Se definió como muerte súbita aquélla secundaria a arritmias ventriculares malignas (TV y FV), así como los pacientes con rotura cardíaca y actividad eléctrica sin pulso o asistolia como forma de presentación. Con posterioridad se evaluó la relación de este parámetro con la aparición de muerte súbita en 710 pacientes del Registro de Síndromes Coronarios Agudos (RESCUE). Resultados: En el contexto extrahospitalario, más de la mitad de las muertes súbitas cardíacas son secundarias a un infarto agudo de miocardio. En el hospital, la mortalidad en Cuba por IMA es homogénea. Sólo los centros con intervencionismo coronario escapan a este fenómeno. Aunque no del todo letales, las arritmias ventriculares malignas se relacionan con un peor pronóstico y su prevalencia no es homogénea en los registros revisados. Conclusiones: La muerte súbita luego de infarto agudo de miocardio será aún en Cuba una de las principales causas de muerte en los pacientes de fase aguda.

Abstract Objective: To analyze possible predisposing causes of in hospital sudden cardiac death (SCD) after an acute myocardial infarction (IMA) in Cuban registries. Material and methods: A search of clinical records of patients with IMA in Cuba was performed in the databases of national journals, Scientific Library On-line and Medline. Those articles published since 2016 were prioritized for inclusion. Sudden death is defined as that secondary to malignant ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) as well as patients with cardiac rupture with pulseless electrical activity or asystole as a form of presentation. Subsequently, the relationship of this parameter with the occurrence of sudden death was evaluated in 710 patients from the Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (RESCUE). Results: In the out-of-hospital setting, more than half of SCD are secondary to an IMA. Once in the hospital, mortality in Cuba from IMA is homogeneous. Only centers with coronary interventionism escape this phenomenon. Although not totally lethal, the presence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias is associated with a worse prognosis and its prevalence is not homogeneous in the reviewed records. Conclusions: Sudden death after IMA will continue to be one of the main causes of death of patients in the acute phase in Cuba.

Parada cardíaca súbita por arritmia ventricular en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio / Sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular arrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction

RESUMEN Introducción: La muerte súbita cardíaca no ha disminuido de igual manera que la mortalidad por enfermedad coronaria, por la elevada incidencia de las paradas cardíacas súbitas (PCS). Objetivos: Determinar factores predictivos de PCS por arritmia ventricular en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico en el Servicio de Cardiología de Las Tunas entre 2011 y 2017. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por los 917 pacientes ingresados con infarto agudo de miocardio. Los 90 pacientes con PCS en arritmia ventricular constituyeron el «grupo de casos¼; el resto fue el «grupo control¼. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y un modelo de regresión logística múltiple, y se calculó el índice de probabilidad (odds ratio [OR]), con un 95% de confiabilidad para determinar los factores predictivos. Resultados: En los pacientes del grupo de casos predominó el sexo masculino (73%), el infarto biventricular (24,7%), la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI) <35% (18,9%) y los fallecidos (41,1%) en relación al grupo control. Al 10,0% se le administró betabloqueadores en la primera asistencia médica. El shock cardiogénico (OR=15,3), la FEVI <35% (OR=8,51), la creatina quinasa > 1200 UI (OR=2,77), la obesidad (OR=3,16), el hábito de fumar (OR=2,28), el supra/infradesnivel del ST en el electrocardiograma >15 mm (OR=2,23) y el infarto anterior (OR=2,39) se asociaron a la PCS en arritmia ventricular. Conclusiones: El shock cardiogénico, la FEVI <35%, la creatina quinasa >1200 UI, la obesidad, el hábito de fumar, el supra/infradesnivel del ST en el electrocardiograma >15 mm y el infarto anterior fueron factores predictivos de PCS en arritmia ventricular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sudden cardiac death has not decreased in the same way as mortality due to coronary heart disease, because of the high incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Objectives: To determine predictive factors of SCA due to ventricular arrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Method: An analytical study was carried out in the Cardiology Department of Las Tunas between 2011 and 2017. The population of study was 917 patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction. All 90 patients with SCA in ventricular arrhythmia represented the "case group"; the rest were the "control group". Descriptive statistics were used, as well as a multiple logistic regression model; the odds ratios (OR) was calculated, with 95% reliability to determine the predictive factors. Results: In the patients of the case group predominated: male sex (73%), biventricular infarction (24.7%), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% (18.9%) and deceased (41.1%); all these results compared to the control group. A 10.0% was given beta-blockers on their first medical assistance. Cardiogenic shock (OR 15.3), LVEF <35% (OR 8.51), creatine kinase >1200 IU (OR 2.77), obesity (OR 3.16), smoking (OR 2.28), ST-segment elevation/depression on the electrocardiogram >15 mm (OR 2.23) and anterior wall infarction (OR 2.39) were associated with SCA due to ventricular arrhythmia. Conclusions: Cardiogenic shock, LVEF <35%, creatine kinase > 1200 IU, obesity, smoking, ST-segment elevation/depression on the electrocardiogram >15 mm and anterior wall infarction were predictive factors of SCA due to ventricular arrhythmia.

Supervivencia de más de un año en un paciente con disección aortica tipo A / A more-than-a-year survival of a patient with type A aortic dissection

La disección aórtica constituye una patología poco frecuente, pero de elevada letalidad. De ahí la importancia de un diagnóstico oportuno para poder realizar un tratamiento adecuado. Algunos tipos de disección pueden sobrevivir sin realizarle corrección quirúrgica, siendo mejor la supervivencia en los casos de disección aórtica tipo B de la clasificación de Stanford, no sucede así con la disección tipo A, que presenta una alta letalidad cuando no es corregida quirúrgicamente, pudiendo llegar al 95 por ciento al mes de presentación del cuadro clínico cuando sobrevive a las horas iniciales. En este caso presentamos un paciente con disección aórtica tipo A, con una supervivencia mayor de un año luego del diagnóstico de la enfermedad, sin recibir tratamiento quirúrgico correctivo (AU)

The aortic dissection constitutes an uncommon pathology, but it is extremely lethal, hence the importance of an appropriate diagnosis to implement a suitable treatment. Some kinds of dissection can remain without a surgical correction, but the best survival is obtained in the cases of type B aortic dissection of Stanford classification, what is different in type A dissection which is highly lethal when it is not surgically corrected, which can reach 95 percent after a month of the clinical presentation, when the patient survives the first hours. This is a case presentation of a patient with type A aortic dissection, who has survived over a year after the diagnosis of the illness without receiving a corrective surgical treatment (AU)

Caracterización de la trombosis protésica en el Servicio de Cardiología de Las Tunas 2006-2011 / Description of the Prosthetic Thrombosis at the Cardiology Service of Las Tunas, 2006-2011

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en el Servicio de Cardiología del Hospital Dr Ernesto Guevara de la Serna de la provincia de Las Tunas, con el objetivo de caracterizar la trombosis de prótesis valvular en el período entre 2006 y 2011. El universo estuvo conformado por los 34 pacientes ingresados en el servicio por sospecha de trombosis protésica y la muestra por los 29 casos con diagnóstico definitivo de trombosis valvular protésica. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva a través del análisis porcentual. La edad promedio de los casos fue de 47 años. Predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino, con prótesis en posición mitral, con anticoagulación inadecuada y con ritmo sinusal en el electrocardiograma al ingreso. El edema agudo del pulmón fue la forma de presentación de disfunción ventricular izquierda que predominó. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron tratados con estreptoquinasa, lográndose resolución de la trombosis en la mayoría de los casos, con un número escaso de complicaciones tras el tratamiento trombolítico (AU)

A descriptive and transversal study was carried out at the Department of Cardiology of Dr Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Teaching Hospital of Las Tunas, aimed at describing the prosthetic heart valve thrombosis, from 2006 to 2011. The universe was made up by the 34 patients admitted at the cardiology ward with a probable diagnosis of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis and the sample included the 29 patients with a definite diagnosis of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis. Descriptive statistics was used by means of percent analysis. The average age in the study was 47 years old. There was a prevalence of female patients with prosthesis at mitral position, an inadequate anticoagulation and sinus rhythm on electrocardiogram at admission. The predominant presentation form of left ventricular dysfunction was acute pulmonary edema. Most of the patients were treated with streptokinase, achieving a resolution of valve thrombosis in the majority of them, with a small number of complications after the thrombolytic treatment (AU)

Prevención: palabra de orden para disminuir la morbi-mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares / Prevention: Key word to diminish the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases

Se realizó una revisión sobre la importancia de la prevención cardiovascular como herramienta esencial para disminuir la morbi-mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares, así como los objetivos recomendados a lograr en cada paciente según el riesgo cardiovascular que presenten (AU)

A revision about the importance of the cardiovascular prevention as an essential tool to diminish the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases, as well as the recommended objectives fro each patient according to his/her individual cardiovascular risks (AU)

Cor triatriatum sinistrum en la edad adulta presentación de un caso / Cor Triatriatum Sinistrum in adults a case presentation

El cor triatriatum sinistrum (corazón triatriado izquierdo) constituye una cardiopatía congénita rara que compone alrededor del 0,4 por ciento de las cardiopatías congénitas diagnosticadas por necropsia y se encuentra clínicamente en menos del 0,1 por ciento de las cardiopatías congénitas clínicas. Descrito por primera vez por Church en 1868 como atrio izquierdo dividido por un tabique anormal, su nombre definitivo fue dado por Borst en 1905, y la primera reparación quirúrgica se realizó en 1956 por Vineberg y Gialloreto. Su diagnóstico en la edad adulta resulta raro, pues generalmente es diagnosticado en la infancia. En este caso se diagnostica en una paciente de 55 años de edad que es remitida a cardiología para ser valorada por presentar disnea y dolor torácico a los esfuerzos físicos (AU)

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital cardiopathy found in about 0, 4 per cent of inborn heart diseases diagnosed by necropsy, and it is clinically found in less than 0, 1per cent of the clinical congenital cardiopathies. It was described by Church for the first time in 1868 as a left atrium divided by an abnormal septum, its definitive name was given by Borst in 1905, and the first surgical treatment was performed by Vineberg and Gialloreto in 1956. It is very unusual to diagnose it in an adult, since most of the patients are diagnosed during their childhood. In this case, a 55-year-old female patient was sent for cardiological evaluation complaining of dyspnea and chest dyscomfort during physical activity (AU)

Impacto de la creación de la unidad de cuidados intensivos coronarios sobre la mortalidad del infarto agudo de miocardio en Las Tunas / Impact of the creation of the Coronary Intensive Care Unit on the mortality due to acute myocardial infarction in Las Tunas

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en la unidad de cuidados intensivos coronarios del Hospital General Docente Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, en el período comprendido entre los años 2003 y 2012; con el objetivo de determinar el impacto que ha tenido la creación de la misma en la mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los pacientes ingresados en dicha unidad y la muestra por los casos egresados con el diagnóstico de Infarto Agudo de Miocardio (IMA). Se calculó la tasa de mortalidad por IMA cada año. Se demostró que existió una tendencia hacia la reducción de la mortalidad por infarto desde la creación de la unidad coronaria en dicho servicio, así como en el hospital y también con repercusión en la disminución a nivel de la provincia (AU)

A descriptive and transversal study was carried out at the Coronary Intensive Care Unit of Dr. Ernesto Guevara General Teaching Hospital, from 2003 to 2012. The study was aimed at determining the impact of the creation of CCU in the mortality due to acute myocardial infarction in this hospital. The universe was made up by all the patients admitted in the said unit and the sample included the patients that were discharged with a diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The AMI mortality rate was calculated per year. The study showed a tendency towards the reduction of the mortality due to infarction since the foundation of the CCU in the cardiology service, as well as in the whole hospital. This fact had a positive impact in the reduction at a provincial level (AU)