Subexpansión de stent tratado con balón de Shockwave

La calcificación coronaria afecta negativamente los resultados de las intervenciones coronarias al impedir el cruce, lograr una buena aposición y expansión del stent; puede alterar el polímero y la cinética de liberación del fármaco. La subexpansión del stent se asocia a trombosis posterior del stent y/o necesidad de nueva revascularización de la lesión. Existen distintas técnicas para modificar el calcio de las arterias coronarias como los balones no complacientes (BNC), balones modificadores de placa y tecnologías de ateroablación como la aterectomia rotacional, orbital y láser. Todas con complicaciones y limitaciones. La litotripsia intracoronaria es una tecnología nueva, que mediante la emisión de ondas de choque acústicas es capaz de fracturar el calcio coronario profundo mejorando la distensibilidad de la arteria coronaria, lo que permite una adecuada expansión del stent. En esta oportunidad presentamos el caso de un stent subexpandido debido a una lesión muy calcificada de la arteria coronaria derecha (ACD) tratada con un catéter de Shockwave IVL (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Coronary calcification negatively affects the results of coronary interventions by preventing crossing, achieving good apposition and expansion of the stent; it may alter the polymer and the kinetics of drug release. Stent underexpansion is associated with subsequent stent thrombosis and/or the need for new revascularization of the lesion. There are different techniques to modify the calcium of the coronary arteries such as non-compliant balloons (NCB), plaque-modifying balloons and atheroablation technologies such as rotational, orbital and laser atherectomy. All with complications and limitations. Intracoronary lithotripsy is a new technology that, through the emission of acoustic shock waves, is capable of fracturing deep coronary calcium, improving compliance of the coronary artery, which allows adequate expansion of the stent. On this occasion, we present the case of an underexpanded stent due to a highly calcified lesion of the right coronary artery (RCA) treated with a Shockwave IVL catheter (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

[Prognostic value of the presence of a chronic total occlusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction]. / Sobrevida a largo plazo de pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio en presencia de oclusiones crónicas totales en vaso no culpable.

BACKGROUND: The presence of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a non-infarct-related artery in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), may be a sign of bad prognosis. AIM: To estimate the long-term survival of patients with AMI who were studied with coronarography during 2013-2014 who had one or more CTO in a non-infarct-related artery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of coronary angiograms performed between 2013 and 2014 to patients with an AMI. Patients were grouped as having or not a CTO in a non-infarct-related artery. Their medical records were reviewed, and mortality was determined requesting their death certificates. RESULTS: Of 993 patients with AMI under-going coronarography, 233 (23.5%) had at least one CTO. Patients with CTO were older (66 and 62 years respectively). They also had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), kidney failure and moderate to severe systolic ventricular dysfunction. The independent predictors of mortality were CTO, age, DM and kidney failure. Survival at an average follow-up period of 57 months was significantly higher in patients without CTO (89.5 and 80.3% respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CTO in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and lower long-term survival.

[Findings of optical coherence tomography in saphenous grafts failure. Report of one case]. / Aterosclerosis en puente venoso aorto-coronario: hallazgos del OFDI. Caso clínico.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure. Intracoronary images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in addition to angiography allow a detailed analysis of the lesion beyond the degree of stenosis. We report a 67 years old diabetic male who underwent coronary surgery in 2009, consulting for an acute coronary syndrome. Angiography showed two different lesions on one aortocoronary venous grafts. OCT demonstrates atherosclerosis in different stages identifying the culprit lesion. Stent placement were successfully carried out.

Aterosclerosis en puente venoso aorto-coronario: hallazgos del OFDI: caso clínico / Findings of optical coherence tomography in saphenous grafts failure: report of one case

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure. Intracoronary images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in addition to angiography allow a detailed analysis of the lesion beyond the degree of stenosis. We report a 67 years old diabetic male who underwent coronary surgery in 2009, consulting for an acute coronary syndrome. Angiography showed two different lesions on one aortocoronary venous grafts. OCT demonstrates atherosclerosis in different stages identifying the culprit lesion. Stent placement were successfully carried out.

Sobrevida a largo plazo de pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio en presencia de oclusiones crónicas totales en vaso no culpable / Prognostic value of the presence of a chronic total occlusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: The presence of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a non-infarct-related artery in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), may be a sign of bad prognosis. AIM: To estimate the long-term survival of patients with AMI who were studied with coronarography during 2013-2014 who had one or more CTO in a non-infarct-related artery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of coronary angiograms performed between 2013 and 2014 to patients with an AMI. Patients were grouped as having or not a CTO in a non-infarct-related artery. Their medical records were reviewed, and mortality was determined requesting their death certificates. RESULTS: Of 993 patients with AMI under-going coronarography, 233 (23.5%) had at least one CTO. Patients with CTO were older (66 and 62 years respectively). They also had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), kidney failure and moderate to severe systolic ventricular dysfunction. The independent predictors of mortality were CTO, age, DM and kidney failure. Survival at an average follow-up period of 57 months was significantly higher in patients without CTO (89.5 and 80.3% respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CTO in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and lower long-term survival.

PRospective Observational Registry Evaluating the Safety and Effectivenessof Orsiro Stent in Chilean Patients - ROSES Registry.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on the performance of the new generation of stents with bioabsorbable polymers in the Latin American population. This registry aimed to further validate the safety and efficacy of the Orsiro bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BPSES) in unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Chilean centers. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing PCI with BPSES in 6 Chilean centers. The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction (MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: From April 2017 to February 2019, 520 patients were enrolled in the registry, more frequently male (74.6%), with a mean age of 62.7 ± 10.8 years and a high prevalence of diabetes (40.2%). The clinical presentation was stable angina in 41.1% (n = 214), acute MI in 52.5% (n = 167 [32.1%] ST-elevation MI and n = 106 [20.4%] non-ST-elevation MI), and unstable angina in 6.3% (n = 33). Of 610 treated lesions, 425 (69.7%) were American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association type B or C lesions. Device and procedural success were achieved in 99.4% and 98.7% of the patients, respectively. The primary endpoint of the study occurred in 4%, primarily driven by cardiac death. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the ROSES multicenter registry indicated good clinical outcomes of BPSES Orsiro in all-comers Latin Americann patients undergoing PCI, despite the high-risk patients and treated lesions.

[Long-term survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation]. / Sobrevida alejada de los pacientes con estenosis aórtica severa tratados con implante valvular percutáneo.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective and safe option for low, medium and high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). AIM: To analyze the clinical results and long-term survival of TAVI in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective analysis of 53 patients aged 73 ± 10 years with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score of 7.3 ± 3.9%. RESULTS: In 96% a transfemoral access was used and, in most patients, ProGlides™ as vascular closure device was used. General anesthesia and conscious sedation were used in 79 and 21% of cases, respectively. Fifty-three valves were implanted, 42 self-expandable (SEV) and 11 balloon-expandable (Edwards Sapiens). The implant was successful in 49 patients (92,4%). The transaortic gradient after TAVI was almost zero mmHg in all patients and one had a severe aortic regurgitation. Permanent pacemakers were needed in 17% of patients. Two patients had a pericardial effusion, and one had a major vascular complication. No strokes were recorded, and 30-day mortality was 3.7%. At long-term follow up (23.4 ± 21.6 months) the global survival was 85% and the rate of cardiovascular mortality was 5.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of intermediate to high-risk patients, TAVI was associated with an excellent early and long-term survival.

Sobrevida alejada de los pacientes con estenosis aórtica severa tratados con implante valvular percutáneo / Long-term survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective and safe option for low, medium and high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). Aim: To analyze the clinical results and long-term survival of TAVI in our center. Material and Methods: Prospective analysis of 53 patients aged 73 ± 10 years with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score of 7.3 ± 3.9%. Results: In 96% a transfemoral access was used and, in most patients, ProGlides™ as vascular closure device was used. General anesthesia and conscious sedation were used in 79 and 21% of cases, respectively. Fifty-three valves were implanted, 42 self-expandable (SEV) and 11 balloon-expandable (Edwards Sapiens). The implant was successful in 49 patients (92,4%). The transaortic gradient after TAVI was almost zero mmHg in all patients and one had a severe aortic regurgitation. Permanent pacemakers were needed in 17% of patients. Two patients had a pericardial effusion, and one had a major vascular complication. No strokes were recorded, and 30-day mortality was 3.7%. At long-term follow up (23.4 ± 21.6 months) the global survival was 85% and the rate of cardiovascular mortality was 5.9%. Conclusions: In this series of intermediate to high-risk patients, TAVI was associated with an excellent early and long-term survival.

Síndrome coronario agudo como manifestación clínica de la reestenosis intrastent / Acute coronary syndrome as a clinical presentation of in-stent re-stenosis

Antecedentes: La reestenosis intrastent (RES) es considerada responsable sólo de una mayor necesidad de reintervención. Sin embargo, se ha reportado que 30-60 por ciento de las RES se presentan como un síndrome coronario agudo (SCA). Objetivo: Conocer las incidencias de SCA como manifestación de RES y su relación con mortalidad. Método: Se analizaron pacientes que presentaron SCA como manifestación de RES y se compararon con los de presentación estable (ECE) respecto de la edad, factores de riesgo, evento clínico inicial que motivó la angioplastía coronaria (AC), stent utilizado y las características de la RES. Se comparó mortalidad a 30 días y alejada. Resultados: Entre 2006 y 2011, analizamos 210 pacientes con RES, de los cuales 68 (32 por ciento) se presentaron como SCA y 142 (68 por ciento) como ECE. La edad fue similar en ambos grupos (62,6 vs 62,7 años, NS). La prevalencia de diabetes fue 30 por ciento vs 22 por ciento (p=0,02), respectivamente, sin diferencias en otras características. Del grupo con SCA, 21 pacientes (31 por ciento) tuvieron un infarto con supradesnivel ST (SDST), 20 (29 por ciento) un infarto sin SDST y 27 (40 por ciento) una Angina Inestable (AI). La mortalidad a 30 días fue 2,9 por ciento vs 2,1 por ciento (NS), y la mortalidad alejada fue 12,2 por ciento vs 6,4 por ciento (p=0.4). No se identificaron predictores independientes para la presentación como SCA. Conclusion: El SCA con todas sus manifestaciones clínicas es una presentación frecuente de RES. Estos resultados sugieren que la RES no es una entidad benigna.

In-stent re-stenosis (ISR) has been associated with a high incidence of reintervention, but in addition some reports indicate that acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a frequent clinical presentation. In this study of 210 patients with ISR we found that ACS was the presenting event in 31 percent of patients while a stable clinical event occurred in 69 per cent. In the ACS group 21 patients (31 percent) had an STEMI, 20 (29 percent) an NSTE-MI and 27 (40 per cent) patients presented with unstable angina. Comparing ACS vs SE groups, clinical characteristics were similar, except for diabetes which was more frequent in ACS (30 percent vs 22 percent, p=0,02). Thirty day mortality was 2,9 percent vs 2,1 per cent (p=ns) and long term mortality was 12,2 per cent vs 6,4 percent, respectively (p=0.18). In multivariate analysis, there were no independent predictors of an SCA presentation. In conclusion, ACS is a frequent clinical presentation of ISR and it is not always a benign condition.

Diferencias en la aterosclerosis coronaria entre hombres y mujeres con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 evaluados con el Score de Gensini / Differences in coronary atherosclerosis assessed with the Gensini score between men and women with type 2 Diabetes

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Las mujeres diabéticas tienen mayor morbi-mortalidad asociada a eventos coronarios isquémicos que los hombres. Este estudio describe la extensión, magnitud y severidad de la ateros-clerosis coronaria entre hombres y mujeres con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos: Estudio de tipo descriptivo que incluyó a 162 pacientes diabéticos consecutivos con sospecha de aterosclerosis coronaria y estudiados con coronariogra-fía. La magnitud de la aterosclerosis fue cuantificada utilizando el Score de Gensini. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 64.8 años. Noventa y cuatro eran mujeres (58.0 por ciento). El tiempo de evolución de la diabetes fue mayor para mujeres que para hombres (152.1 +/- 90.0 vs 120.2 +/- 99.4 meses) respectivamente (p<0.05). Las mujeres tuvieron un índice de masa corporal (30.5 +/- 5.1), superior al de los hombres (28.5 +/- 5.2) (p<0.05). La aterosclerosis coronaria significativa estuvo presente en el 61.7 por ciento de toda la población diabética, siendo en hombres de 76.5 por ciento versus 51.5 por ciento en mujeres (odds ratio: 1.5). El número de placas ateroscle-róticas fue 195 en 68 hombres (2,86 placa/paciente) y de 168 en 94 mujeres (1,78 placa/paciente) (p<0.0043). La presencia de aterosclerosis significativa en 1, 2 y 3 vasos se observó en el 7.4 por ciento; 17.6 por ciento y 51.5 por ciento de los hombres, respectivamente, versus el 12.8 por ciento; 10.6 por ciento y 27.7 por ciento en las mujeres, (p<0.0002). La magnitud de la enfermedad coronaria medida con el Score de Gensini fue 69.4 +/- 66.7 en hombres versus 35.6 +/- 47.3 en mujeres (p<0.005). Conclusión: En este estudio observamos que hombres diabéticos tienen mayor extensión, magnitud y severidad de aterosclerosis coronaria que las mujeres diabéticas.

Diabetic women have higher morbidity and mortality associated with ischemic coronary events than diabetic men, but the extension of coronary artery disease in both groups is less well established. Aim: to compare the extension, magnitude and severity of coronary atherosclerosis between men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: 162 consecutive diabetic patients with suspected coronary atherosclerosis studied by coronary angiography were included. The magnitude of atherosclerosis was quantified using the Gensini Score. Results: The average age was 64.8 years. Ninety-four patients were women (58.0 percent). Diabetes was present for 152 +/- 90.0 months for women and 120 +/- 99.4 months for men (p <0.05). Women had a higher body mass index (30.5 +/- 5.1) than men (28.5 +/- 5.2, p<0.05). The presence of significant coronary atherosclerosis in the entire diabetic population was of 61.7 percent: 76.5 percent in men and 51.5 percent in women (OR 1.5). The mean number of atherosclerotic plaques was 195 in 68 men (2.86 plaques/patient) and 168 in 94 women (1.78 plaques/patient, p=0.0043). Significant atherosclerosis in 1, 2 and 3 vessels was observed in 7.4 per cent, 17.6 percent and 51.5 percent of men, respectively, versus 12.8 percent, 10.6 percent and 27.7 percent in women (p<0.0002). The magnitude of coronary disease measured by Gensini Score was 69.4 + 66.7 in men versus 35.6 +/- 47.3 in women (p<0.005). Conclusion: Men with diabetes have greater extension, magnitude and severity of coronary atherosclerosis than diabetic women.

Acceso radial durante la angioplastía primaria en el infarto agudo al miocardio / Radial artery access to perform primary angyoplasty in acute myocardial infarction

Introdución: El acceso radial (AR) ha demostrado reducir las complicaciones vasculares asociadas a la coronariografía y angioplastía coronaria; sin embargo, su rol en la angioplastía primaria (AP) durante el infarto agudo al miocardio con supradesnivel del segmento ST (IAM c/SDST) es muy escasa. En diciembre de 2007, nuestro equipo adoptó esta técnica como primera opción durate la AP Objetivo. Estudiar si el AR durante la AP es tan rápido y seguro como el acceso femoral (AF). Métodos: Utilizando el registro de nuestro laboratorio, analizamos todos los pacientes con IAM c/SDST que fueron tratados con AP en nuestro hospital en el período Septiembre 2005 - Agosto 2009, y luego de identificar los pacientes de acuerdo al AF y AR, comparamos el tiempo "puerta-balón", los resultados an-giográficos, el éxito clínico y las complicaciones relacionadas al acceso. El seguimiento se efectuó a través de las visitas médicas y vía telefónica. Los valores se muestran como promedio +/- DS. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado, en 354 (75 por ciento) pacientes se utilizó AF y en 118 (25 por ciento) el AR. La edad promedio de ambos grupos fue similar, 61+/-12 años en el grupo con AF vs 62+/-12 años en AR (p=ns) y no hubo diferencias en las características clínicas de los grupos. El tiempo "puerta-balón" fue 62+/-37 minutos vs 61+/-29 minutos en AF y AR respectivamente (p=ns) con una tasa de éxito superior al 94 por ciento en ambo grupos. En el grupo de AF hubo 3 por ciento de complicaciones vasculares vs 0 por ciento en AR. La mortalidad global a 30 días fue 5,1 por ciento en el grupo de AF y de 4,0 por ciento en AR (p=ns). Conclusión: El acceso radial para la AP permite abrir la arteria culpable en tiempos similares al AF y con una menor incidencia de complicaciones vasculares.

Background: Radial access (RA) has been shown to help reduce vascular complications of coronary ar-teriography and angioplasty (PTCA). However, little experience has been reported with RA to perform primary PTCA in ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Since December 2007, we selected RA as a first option for primary PTCA in STEMI. Aim: to determine whether RA is as effective, safe and expeditious as femoral access (FA) in primary PTCA for STEMI Method: we performed a retrospective review of our database of all patients undergoing primary PTCA in our laboratory from Sept 2005 through August 2009. We compared all patients who had a PTCA using a FA to those in whom the RA was used. The door to balloon time, angiographic results, clinical success rate and complications related to the vascular access were compared between groups. Follow-up was based con clinical visits and phone calls. Values are expressed as mean and SD. Results: 375 patients had an FA (75 percent) and 118 an RA (25 percent). Mean age was similar in both groups (61+/-12 vs 62+/-12, respectively, NS). Selected clinical characteristics did no differ between groups. Door to balloon time was 62+/-37 min for FA and 61+/-29 min for RA (NS). Clinical success rate exceeded 94 percent in both groups. Vascular complications occurred in 3 percent in the AF group. No vascular complications were observed in the RA group. Thirty day overall mortality rates were 5.2 percent in FA and 4.0 percent in RA (NS). Conclusion: Radial access can be used for primary PTCA in STEMI with similar success rates and lower incidence of vascular complications, when compared to the traditional femoral access.

Uso de la técnica de anchoring en la angioplastía de una oclusión crónica de la coronaria derecha / Anchoring technique for occluded right coronary artery angioplasty

Las oclusiones totales crónicas son las lesiones coronarias con la menor tasa de éxito agudo en la práctica clínica debido fundamentalmente a la imposibilidad técnica de cruzar la lesión con la guía. Con el objetivo de mejorar los resultados angiográficos se han desarrollado nuevas técnicas y materiales, sin embargo lo más importante es disponer de un buen soporte para el catéter guía, entre las que destaca el anchoring. Presentamos el caso de una oclusión crónica de la arteria derecha en el cual la técnica de anchoring en la arteria del cono permitió mantener un adecuado soporte del catéter guía y recanalizar la oclusión.Las oclusiones totales crónicas (OTC), definidas como aquellas de más de tres meses, son un hallazgo frecuente con una incidencia de alrededor del 30 por ciento de las coronariografías y de un 12 por ciento del volumen total de angioplastías, siendo más frecuente de observar en la coronaria derecha. Por otra parte, las OTC son una de las principales causas de exclusión en los estudios que comparan el tratamiento percutáneo versus el quirúrgico, en la enfermedad multivaso4 y la razón de ello es que la tasa de éxito de una angioplastía de OTC fluctúa entre el 50 y el 70 por ciento. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado que la recanalización de una oclusión crónica se asocia a una mejoría de los síntomas, de la capacidad funcional, de la función ventricular e incluso en la sobrevida. Debido a que el principal inconveniente durante una angioplastía de OTC es la dificultad para cruzar lesión con la guía, se han desarrollado nuevas técnicas destinadas a mejorar los resultados. Actualmente se dispone de nuevas guías tales como la Miracle, Confianza, guías hidrofílicas como PT2 y Pilot, microcatéteres, técnicas como sistema 5 en 6 o madrehijo10, acceso retrogrado11, inyección contralateral, etc...

Red wine reduces oxidative stress in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Moderate red wine consumption improved endothelial function in normal volunteers. Herein we explored the effects of moderate red wine consumption in endothelial function and in oxidative stress in patients with an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: 20 patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions after an acute coronary syndrome were randomized to a red-wine group (n=9, 250 ml daily, Cabernet Sauvignon) or to a control group (n=11, abstinence from alcoholic beverages). Studies were performed at baseline and after 2 months. Endothelial function was estimated by flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery. Plasma antioxidant capacity was measured by total antioxidant reactivity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Oxidative damage was evaluated by measurements of 8-OH deoxyguanosine content in leukocyte deoxyribonucleic acid. RESULTS: The endothelium dependent/independent dilatation ratio significantly improved compared to baseline in both groups. The 8-OH deoxyguanosine content decreased significantly in both groups; this effect was more pronounced with wine (p<0.002 vs. control). Oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid damage in controls decreased from 13.1+/-1.1 to 10.0+/-1.0 (p<0.003); with wine from 13+/-0.8 to 5.6+/-0.7 per 10(5) guanosines (p<0.001; p<0.002 vs. control). Total antioxidant reactivity increased from 240+/-18 to 268+/-18 microM in the control group and from 273+/-20 to 330+/-15 microM in the wine group (p<0.03 vs. control). Ferric reducing antioxidant power increased from 1106+/-60 to 1235+/-42 microM in the control group and from 1219+/-82 to 1450+/-63 microM in the wine group (p<0.001 vs. control). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of moderate amounts of red wine did not improve endothelial function beyond conventional therapy, whereas it showed benefits in parameters of oxidative stress in these patients.

[Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and acute heart failure. Report of a case]. / Síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico y falla cardíaca aguda. Caso clínico.

A 33 years old woman was admitted to the hospital after four days with cough, dyspnea, orthopnea and hemoptysis. Blood pressure was 170/90 mmHg, pulse was 112 and temperature was normal. She had cyanosis and a left ventricular gallop, without heart murmurs. A chest radiograph revealed pulmonary edema and echocardiogram showed a global left ventricular systolic disfunction. Oxygen and furosemide were started, but cardiopulmonary collapse ensued. The patient was supported with mechanical ventilation and treated with inotropic drugs. A right sided cardiac catheterization showed pulmonary wedge pressure of 18 mmHg and a cardiac index of 3 l/min/m2. The levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen were elevated and a urine protein was 97 mg/dl. Coagulation tests were normal except by a positive lupic anticoagulant. Markers of connective tissue diseases or vasculitis were negatives. The clinical evolution suggested that a catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome was ongoing. Intravenous corticoids, gammaglobulin and cyclophosphamide were administered with transient improvement. On her fourth day of treatment, the patient presented sudden pulmonary bleeding and embolism. A plasmapheresis was performed with improvement of renal, cardiac and pulmonary function. After this episode, the patient has been treated with prednisone and oral anticoagulants treatment for the last two years, without further clinical events.

[Digoxin plasma levels in four different prescription schedules of common use in clinical practice]. / Concentraciones plasmáticas de digoxina en cuatro esquemas terapéuticos de uso común en la práctica clínica.

BACKGROUND: The different therapeutic schedules used for the prescription of digoxin have little theoretical support. AIM: To measure digoxin plasma levels in patients using four different prescription schedules. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four groups of patients were studied. Group I corresponded to 56 patients taking digoxin 0.25 mg/day, from Monday to Friday. Group II corresponded to 30 patients taking digoxin 0.25 mg/day, from Monday to Saturday. Group III corresponded to 53 patients taking digoxin 0.25 mg/day continuously. Group IV corresponded to 36 patients taking digoxin 0.125 mg/day continuously. Plasma digoxin levels were measured in two consecutive Mondays before taking the daily dose of the drug. Serum creatinine was also measured and creatinine clearance was calculated. The therapeutic plasma concentration range was set between 0.5 and 2 ng/ml. RESULTS: Mean plasma digoxin levels were 1.15 +/- 0.8 ng/ml in group I, 1.4 +/- 0.55 ng/ml in group II, 1.68 +/- 0.7 ng/ml in group III and 1.14 +/- 0.43 ng/ml in group IV. 93% of patients in group I, 80% of patients in group II, 75% of patients in group III and 94% of patients in group IV had therapeutic digoxin levels. A low creatinine clearance, an age over 65 and interactions with other drugs were risk factors associated with supratherapeutic levels, mostly seen in group II and group III with 20% and 24% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients using digoxin with different therapeutic schedules had plasma drug levels within the therapeutic range.

Incidencia y predictores del deterioro de la función renal en pacientes sometidos a angioplastía coronaria / Incidence and predictors of the renal function deterioration in patients submitted to coronary angioplasty

La insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) puede ser una complicación de la angioplastia coronaria (AC). En su patogenia participan variables inherentes al paciente como relacionadas al procedimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la incidencia y predictores de IRA en pacientes sometidos a AC. Analizamos a 913 pacientes sometidos a AC entre 08/1998 y 07/2003. Sólo 42 (4,6 por ciento) pacientes desarrollaron IRA (aumento de la creatinemia ≥ 0,5 mg/dl respecto del basal). Los predictores independientes de IRA fueron: edad (p=0,002; OR = 1,04), creatininemia basal (p < 0,001; OR = 4,00), caída del hematocrito (p = 0,001; OR = 1,15), insuficiencia cardiaca (p < 0,01; OR = 7,74), shock (p = 0,006; OR = 8,49) y la cantidad de medio de contraste (p = 0,006; OR = 1,005). Conclusiones: La IRA es una complicación poco frecuente de la angioplastia coronaria. La mayor edad, el daño renal previo, la pérdida sanguínea, el estado hemodinámico y el mayor volumen de medio de contraste usado son los predictores independientes de su ocurrencia.