Infective endocarditis in argentina. results of the eira 3 Study / Endocarditis infecciosa en la República Argentina. Resultados del estudio EIRA 3

ABSTRACT: Background: The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE), a complex disease with high morbidity and mortality, have changed over time. Our country lacks updated information since the publication of the EIRA 1 and 2 studies (1992 and 2002). Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, clinical and microbiological characteristics and hospital outcome of patients with IE. Methods: A prospective multicenter observational study of patients with definite IE was conducted according to the modified Duke criteria. results: A total of 502 patients were recruited from 48 centers (69.5% in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area). Mean age 60.7±19.3 years and 69.9% (n=351) were men]; 54.64% of patients (n=274) did not present underlying heart disease, 19.9% (n=100) had pros-thetic valves and 38.1% (n=191) had history of a healthcare-related procedure. The diagnosis was made within one month after the first clinical manifestation in 73.3% of cases (n=368) [76.5% (n=384) in the native valve]. The aortic valve was the most commonly affected valve (45.96%; n=230), followed by mitral valve involvement (33%; n=150). The most common germs were Staphylococcus spp in 46.3% of patients (n=232), Streptococcus spp in 28.2% (n=141) and Enterococcus in 12.8% (n=64). Blood cultures were nega-tive in 44 patients (8.76%). Complications: heart failure (30.9%; n=155), peripheral embolism (19.6%; n=98) and abscess (15.5%; n=78). Adequate empirical antibiotic treatment was administered to 62.4% (n=313) of the patients and 43.6% (n=219) underwent surgical treatment. Overall in-hospital mortality was 25.5% (n=128). Age, history of chronic kidney failure, mitral valve disease and heart failure were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: A high percentage of patients with IE do not present known prior heart disease. Staphylococcus spp was the most com-mon microorganism. Mortality remains high and similar to the one observed in the EIRA 1 and 2 studies.

RESUMEN: introducción: La endocarditis infecciosa (EI) es una enfermedad compleja con elevada morbimortalidad, cuyas características clínicas y epidemiológicas han variado. Desde la realización de los Estudios EIRA 1 y 2 (1992 y 2002) no se dispone de información nacional actualizada. Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología, características clínicas, microbiológicas y evolución hospitalaria de los pacientes con EI. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo multicéntrico de EI definidas según los criterios de Duke modificados. resultados: En 48 centros, (69.5% Área Metropolitana Buenos Aires), se registraron 502 pacientes; edad 60,7 ± 19,3 años, hombres 69,9% (N=351). El 54,64% de los pacientes (N= 274) no presentó cardiopatía subyacente. El 38,1% (N=191) tenía antecedentes de un procedimiento asociado al cuidado de la salud. En el 73,3% (N=368) se realizó el diagnóstico dentro del mes de la primera manifestación clínica. La localización más frecuente fue la aórtica, tanto en EI por válvulas nativas como protésicas (48,24%/N=233) seguida de mitral (25,88%/N=125). Los gérmenes más frecuentes fueron: Staphylococcus spp 46,3% (N=210), Streptococcus spp 28,2% (N=128) y Enterococcus spp 12,8% (N=58). En 9,56% (N=48) de los casos los hemocul-tivos fueron negativos. Complicaciones: insuficiencia cardíaca (30,9%/N=155), embolias periféricas (19,6%/N=98) y absceso (15,5%/ N=78). El 62,4% (N= 313) recibió tratamiento antibiótico empírico adecuado y el 43,4% tratamiento quirúrgico (N= 218). Mortalidad hospitalaria global: 25,5% (N=128). La edad, el antecedente de insuficiencia renal, la afección de la válvula mitral y la presencia de insuficiencia cardíaca fueron predictores de mortalidad hospitalaria. Conclusiones: Existe un elevado porcentaje de pacientes con EI sin enfermedad cardíaca previa conocida. El Staphylococcus spp fue el germen causal más frecuente. La mortalidad se mantiene elevada, y similar a la de los estudios EIRA 1 y 2.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to prevent atrial fibrillation: updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have antiarrhythmic effects on atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess the effects of therapy with n-3 PUFAs on the incidence of recurrent AF and on postoperative AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic searches were conducted in Web of Science, Medline, Biological Abstracts, Journal Citation Reports, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. In addition, data from the recently completed FORωARD and OPERA trials were included. We included randomized controlled trials comparing treatment with n-3 PUFAs versus control to (1) prevent recurrent AF in patients who underwent reversion of AF or (2) prevent incident postoperative AF after cardiac surgery. Of identified studies, 12.9% (16 of 124) were included, providing data on 4677 patients. Eight studies (1990 patients) evaluated n-3 PUFA effects on AF recurrence among patients with reverted AF and 8 trials (2687 patients) on postoperative AF. Pooled risk ratios through random-effects models showed no significant effects on AF recurrence (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.13; I(2), 72%) or on postoperative AF (0.86; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.04; I(2), 53.1%). A funnel plot suggested publication bias among postoperative trials but not among persistent AF trials. Meta-regression analysis did not find any relationship between doses and effects (P=0.887 and 0.833 for recurrent and postoperative AF, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Published clinical trials do not support n-3 PUFAs as agents aimed at preventing either postoperative or recurrent AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO. Unique Identifier: CRD42012002199.

Omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation: results of the FORWARD (Randomized Trial to Assess Efficacy of PUFA for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) for the prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with normal sinus rhythm. BACKGROUND: Current pharmacological treatments to limit recurrent AF in patients with previous AF have limited efficacy and high rates of adverse events. Results of trials that tested the efficacy of n-3 PUFA provided heterogeneous results. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involving 586 outpatient participants with confirmed symptomatic paroxysmal AF that required cardioversion (n = 428), at least 2 episodes of AF in the 6 months before randomization (n = 55), or both (103). Patients were randomly allocated to n-3 PUFA (1 g/day) or placebo for 12 months. The primary endpoint was symptomatic recurrence of AF. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between patients allocated to placebo and those who received n-3 PUFA for the main outcome. At 12 months, 56 of 297 participants (18.9%) in the placebo group and 69 of 289 participants (24.0%) in the n-3 PUFA group had a recurrent symptomatic AF (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.90 to 1.83, p = 0.17). There was no difference between treatment with placebo and n-3 PUFA for any of the other pre-specified endpoints, including the composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, heart failure development, or severe bleeding that occurred in 20 (6.7%) and 16 (5.5%) of patients randomized to placebo or n-3 PUFA, respectively (hazard ratio: 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.44 to 1.66, p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacological supplementation with 1 g of n-3 PUFA for 1 year did not reduce recurrent AF. (Randomized Trial to Assess Efficacy of PUFA for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation [FORWARD]; NCT00597220).

Long-term results after a telephone intervention in chronic heart failure: DIAL (Randomized Trial of Phone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure) follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) 1 and 3 years after a randomized trial of telephone intervention aimed to improve education and compliance in stable patients with HF ended. BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of HF programs are not well known. METHODS: In all, 1,518 patients with HF were randomized into the DIAL (Randomized Trial of Phone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure). After completion of the trial, patients were followed up to 3 years to assess major outcomes. Compliance with diet, weight control, and treatment was evaluated. The effect of the intervention on mortality and HF hospitalizations was assessed using relative risk (RR), relative risk reduction, and Cox proportional hazards model for adjusting by potential confounders. RESULTS: The rate of death or hospitalization for HF was lower in the intervention group (37.2% vs. 42.6%, RR: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69 to 0.96; p = 0.013) 1 and 3 years (55.7% vs. 57.5%, RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.00; p = 0.05) after the intervention ended. This benefit was mainly caused by a reduction in admission for HF (28.5% vs. 35.1% after 3 years, RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.87; p = 0.0004). Patients who showed improvement in 1 or more of 3 key compliance indicators (diet, weight control, and medication) had lower risks of events. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit observed during the intervention period persisted and was sustained 1 and 3 years after the intervention ended. This effect may be explained by the impact of the educational intervention on patients' behavior and habits.

The rationale and design of the FORomegaARD Trial: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, independent study to test the efficacy of n-3 PUFA for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with previous atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of death, thromboembolic complications, and a lowered quality of life. Despite this burden, pharmacologic agents for prevention of AF in patients who achieved normal sinus rhythm are of limited utility, mostly because of serious and frequent side effects. Thus, the availability of safer and more effective drugs may reduce the burden of disease. TRIAL DESIGN: Patients aged > or =21 years with previous symptomatic AF and who have recovered normal sinus rhythm will be randomized to 1 g daily of omega-3-acid ethyl esters or identical placebo. To be included in the trial, patients must have either (a) at least 2 symptomatic episodes of documented AF in the 6 months before randomization, with the last episode occurring in the 14 to 90 days before randomization (paroxysmal AF), or (b) successful electrical or pharmacologic cardioversion for persistent AF. Ethical committees of 71 cardiology centers in 16 provinces of Argentina have qualified and approved the protocol and are expected to enroll 1,400 patients to test the primary end point of efficacy, which is survival free of AF during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Fish Oil Reserach with omega-3 for Atrial fibrillation Recurrence Delay (FORomegaARD) trial will determine whether pharmacologic supplementation with 1 g of omega-3-acid ethyl esters can reduce AF recurrence in patients with previous AF who have recovered normal sinus rhythm.

Seasonal variation and trends in heart failure morbidity and mortality in a South American community hospital.

Circannual variation in cardiovascular events is well-known. Seasonal variation (SV) in heart failure (HF) has been described in the Northern Hemisphere, but there is scarcity of data in South America. The goals of the present study were to (1) describe the SV of admissions and deaths for HF, and (2) describe trends in HF morbidity and mortality in a community hospital in Argentina from 1992 to 1999. The study sample included 6369 admissions. During this period, the number of HF admissions rose by 188% and the rate HF admissions/all admissions increased from 3.28% to 7.84%. In-hospital mortality decreased from 21% to 13%. HF admissions followed a seasonal pattern with a winter-spring predominance. Male and very old patients were the subgroups with the highest SV. The authors identified clear SV in HF deaths and admissions, which raises a different hypothesis about the rationale of HF admissions and provides information for the organization of care and resource allocation.

Valor pronóstico del índice de masa corporal en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca crónica: registro GESICA / Prognostic value of body mass index in patients with chronic heart failure: the GESICA registry

Objetivos: Comparar las características clínicas en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) de acuerdo con el IMC, evaluar si el IMC tiene valor pronóstico, describir el tipo de asociación del IMC con la mortalidad y valorar si presenta un impacto similar en diferentes subgrupos. Material y métodos: A partir de una cohorte de 2331 pacientes ambulatorios con IC, se compararon las características clínicas de acuerdo con el IMC. La asociación entre el IMC y la mortalidad se evaluó a través de análisis univariado y multivariado incluyendo potenciales confundidores (regresión de Cox). Se describió la relación entre el IMC y la mortalidad. Se realizó un subanálisis en obesos mórbidos. Se evaluó el impacto del IMC en subgrupos. Seguimiento promedio: 957 días. Resultados: Población de acuerdo con grupos de IMC: < 20 kg/m² 61 pacientes (2,61 por ciento), 20 a 24,99 kg/m² 668 pacientes (28,65 por ciento), 25 a 29,99 kg/m² 999 pacientes (42,85 por ciento) y 30 kg/m² o más 603 pacientes (25,86 por ciento). A mayor IMC se observó menor severidad de la IC y menor mortalidad. Análisis multivariado: IMC < 20 kg/m²: HR 1,72 ( 1,14 a 2,59; p = 0,009), IMC 25-29,99 kg/m²: HR 0,78 ( 0,64 a 0,95; p = 0,015), IMC = 30 kg/m²: HR 0,79 ( 0,63 a 0,99; p = 0,047). Se observó un impacto menor del IMC bajo (< 24 kg/m²) en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, en tratamiento con betabloqueantes o estatinas. La obesidad mórbida (IMC >35 kg/m²) se asoció con menor mortalidad. Conclusiones: El IMC presenta información pronóstica adicional en la IC. Su valor pronóstico es similar en diferentes subgrupos de pacientes de acuerdo con la función ventricular, el tiempo de evolución o las comorbilidades. (AU)