Impact of a Cardiogenic Shock Program on Mortality in a Non-Transplant Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiogenic shock is associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Improvements in this care process could lead to better outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study of patients with cardiogenic shock compared two periods: no specific program to address cardiogenic shock and implementation of a cardiogenic shock program. This program included the establishment of a multidisciplinary team (shock team), early alert to the transplant hospital, initiation of a ventricular assist extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program, and extension of continuous care by acute cardiovascular care specialists. The primary objective was to analyse whether there were differences between in-hospital mortality and mortality during follow-up. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were examined as a secondary objective. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were enrolled: 69 of them in the previous period and 70 in the cardiogenic shock program period. There was a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality (55.1% vs 37.1%; p=0.03) and mortality during follow-up (62.7% vs 44.6%; p=0.03) in the second period. Diabetes mellitus, ejection fraction, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and implementation of the cardiogenic shock program were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a comprehensive cardiogenic shock program in a non-transplanting hospital improved in-hospital and follow-up mortality of patients in cardiogenic shock.

The current clinical practice for management of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture: a European survey.

Aims: Many historical and recent reports showed that post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) represents a life-threatening condition and the strategy to optimally manage it remains undefined. Therefore, disparate treatment policies among different centres with variable results are often described. We analysed data from European centres to capture the current clinical practice in VSR management. Methods and results: Thirty-nine centres belonging to eight European countries participated in a survey, filling a digital form of 38 questions from April to October 2022, to collect information about all the aspects of VSR treatment. Most centres encounter 1-5 VSR cases/year. Surgery remains the treatment of choice over percutaneous closure (71.8% vs. 28.2%). A delayed repair represents the preferred approach (87.2%). Haemodynamic conditions influence the management in almost all centres, although some try to achieve patients stabilization and delayed surgery even in cardiogenic shock. Although 33.3% of centres do not perform coronarography in unstable patients, revascularization approaches are widely variable. Most centres adopt mechanical circulatory support (MCS), mostly extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, especially pre-operatively to stabilize patients and achieve delayed repair. Post-operatively, such MCS are more often adopted in patients with ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion: In real-life, delayed surgery, regardless of the haemodynamic conditions, is the preferred strategy for VSR management in Europe. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is becoming the most frequently adopted MCS as bridge-to-operation. This survey provides a useful background to develop dedicated, prospective studies to strengthen the current evidence on VSR treatment and to help improving its currently unsatisfactory outcomes.

Extended use of dual antiplatelet therapy among older adults with acute coronary syndromes and associated variables: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend extending the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 1 year in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a high risk of ischaemia and low risk of bleeding. No data exist about the implementation of this strategy in older adults from routine clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a Spanish multicentre, retrospective, observational registry-based study that included patients with ACS but no thrombotic or bleeding events during the first year of DAPT after discharge and no indication for oral anticoagulants. High bleeding risk was defined according to the Academic Research Consortium definition. We assessed the proportion of cases of extended DAPT among patients 65 ≥ years that went beyond 1 year after hospitalisation for ACS and the variables associated with the strategy. RESULTS: We found that 48.1% (928/1,928) of patients were aged ≥ 65 years. DAPT was continued beyond 1 year in 32.1% (298/928) of patients ≥ 65; which was a similar proportion as with their younger counterparts. There was no significant correlation between a high bleeding risk and DAPT duration. Contrastingly, there was a strong correlation between the extent of coronary disease and DAPT duration (p < 0.001). Other variables associated with extended DAPT were a higher left ventricle ejection fraction, a history of heart failure and a prior stent thrombosis. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between age and extended use of DAPT beyond 1 year in older patients with ACS. DAPT was extended in about one-third of patients ≥ 65 years. The severity of the coronary disease, prior heart failure, left ventricle ejection fraction and prior stent thrombosis all correlated with extended DAPT.

Design and deployment of ODISEA, an application for the myOcarDial infarction SafEtytrAnsfer of patients.

BACKGROUND: Rapid primary angioplasty is the most effective reperfusion strategy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Since not all hospitals have a catheterization laboratory to perform this intervention, adequate coordination of all medical professionals involved in the management of STEMI patients from the emergency room to the hospital catheterization laboratory is necessary. OBJECTIVE: Present the design and deployment of ODISEA (acronym of myOcarDial Infarction SafEtytrAnsfer), a web-based environment plus an application created to complement and support the transfer and management of STEMI patients from the first medical contact to the catheterization laboratory where the primary angioplasty will be carried out. METHOD: ODISEA is an application that has been designed to improve the coordination of all health personnel involved in the management of STEMI patients, i.e., primary care hospitals, Emergency Medical Services [EMS] and cardiology departments. The application provides: (i) functionalities to register relevant information of the patients' and the administered medications, (ii) a chat to coordinate all involved personnel; (iii) treatment recommendations for the first medical contact; and (iv) a GPS-SATELLITE monitoring system to know the exact position of the ambulance during patient transfer. These features improve the coordination in the catheterization laboratory, and optimize the equipment preparation time, and also the patient accommodation procedures after primary angioplasty. ODISEA registers all treated cases for a proper follow-up. The application has been tested from September 2021 to January 2022 in the context of a pilot study in Girona that involved 98 patients and 42 professionals (11 from hospital without Cath lab availability, 21 from EMS, and 10 from the main hospital). Professionals answered a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale (satisfaction level from 1 to 5) to assess ODISEA regarding patient management, care quality, transfer coordination, transfer effectiveness, and usefulness. Collected data was analyzed using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance has been considered p < 0.05. To evaluate times of first angioplasty, relevant data from 98 patients was collected and compared with data of 129 STEMI patients not treated with ODISEA. RESULTS: For all the questions>70 % of answers are in the 3 to 5 range and from these, almost all the questions have 50 % of answers in the 4 and 5 range. Regarding groups of professionals only in the question related to coordination significant difference has been found for EMS professionals with respect to hospital without Cath lab availability and catheterization hospital professionals. Comparing ODISEA with no ODISEA patients it was observed an improvement in the times of first angioplasty as well as a reduction in the erroneous infarction codes activation. Patients treated with the ODISEA APP were further away from the PCI-capable center. A non-significant tendency was seen towards shorter primary angioplasty times (diagnostic electrocardiogram-guidewire passage) in the ODISEA compared to the NON ODISEA group (112 min vs 122 min; P =.3), a non-significant reduction of cases with times > 120 min (26.2 % vs 35.7 %, respectively; P =.1), and a tendency towards fewer cases eventually diagnosed as non-acute coronary syndrome (7.1 % vs 13.2 %; P =.1). CONCLUSION: ODISEA is a very well-accepted application that improves the management of STEMI patients. The application is an appropriate complement to current infarction protocol.

"Impact of age on management and prognosis of resuscitated sudden cardiac death patients".

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has a great impact on healthcare due to cardiologic and neurological complications. Admissions of elderly people in Cardiology Intensive Care Units have increased. We assessed the impact of age in presentation, therapeutic management and in vital and neurological prognosis of SCD patients. Methods: We carried out a retrospective, observational, multicenter registry of patients who were admitted with a SCD in 5 tertiary hospitals from January 2013 to December 2020. We divided our cohort into two groups (patients < 80 years and ≥ 80 years). Clinical, analytical and hemodynamic variables as well as in-hospital management were registered and compared between groups. The degree of neurological dysfunction, vital status at discharge and the influence of age on them were also reviewed. Results: We reviewed 1160 patients admitted with a SCD. 11.3% were ≥ 80 years. Use of new antiplatelet agents, performance of a coronary angiography, use of pulmonary artery catheter and temperature control were less carried out in the elderly. Age, non-shockable rhythm, Killip class > 1 at admission, time to CPR initiation > 5 min, time to ROSC > 20 min and lactate > 2 mmol/L were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. Non-shockable rhythm, Killip class > 1 at admission, time to CPR initiation > 5 min and time to ROSC > 20 min but not age were independent predictors for poor neurological outcomes. Conclusions: Age determined a less aggressive management and it was associated with a worse vital prognosis in patients admitted with a SCD. Nevertheless, age was not associated with worse neurological outcomes.

Evaluation of the Use of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy beyond the First Year after Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend extending dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 1 year after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with high ischemic risk and without high bleeding risk. The aim of this study was to identify variables associated with DAPT prolongation in a cohort of 1967 consecutive patients discharged after ACS without thrombotic or hemorrhagic events during the following year. The sample was stratified according to whether DAPT was extended beyond 1 year, and the factors associated with this strategy were analyzed. In 32.2% of the patients, DAPT was extended beyond 1 year. Overall, 770 patients (39.1%) were considered candidates for extended treatment based on PEGASUS criteria and absence of high bleeding risk, and DAPT was extended in 34.4% of them. The presence of a PEGASUS criterion was associated with extended DAPT in the univariate analysis, but not history of bleeding or a high bleeding risk. In the multivariate analysis, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-2.4), stent thrombosis (OR = 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.9), coronary artery disease complexity (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5), reinfarction (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.4), and clopidogrel use (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) were significantly associated with extended use. DAPT was extended in 32.2% of patients who survived ACS without thrombotic or hemorrhagic events. This percentage was 34.4% when the candidates were analyzed according to clinical guidelines. Neither the PEGASUS criteria nor the bleeding risk was independently associated with this strategy.

Factores asociados a retrasos de tiempo desde el electrocardiograma diagnóstico hasta el paso de guía en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST transferido para angioplastia primaria / Time from electrocardiographic diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction to guidewire crossing in patients transferred to a hospital for primary angioplasty: factors associated with delay

Objetivos: Identificar variables predictoras del retraso hasta la angioplastia primaria, en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMEST) trasladados desde el medio extrahospitalario o desde hospitales sin hemodinámica. Método: Estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, realizado entre 2008 y 2018 en un hospital universitario receptor de pacientes con diagnóstico de IAMEST y que requirieron angioplastia primaria. Se realizó un análisis multivariable de regresión logística y lineal para identificar variables predictoras de demora de tiempo de electrocardiograma (ECG) diagnóstico hasta el paso de guía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.039 pacientes en el estudio. Doscientos noventa y seis pacientes (28,4%) presentaban tiempos ECG diagnóstico-paso de guía > 120 minutos. Las variables asociadas a tiempos prolongados de angioplastia primaria fueron la edad avanzada [odds ratio (OR) = 1,02; IC 95%: 1,01-1,04] la insuficiencia cardiaca grave al ingreso (OR = 2,28; IC 95%: 1,23-4,22), la cirugía cardiaca previa de bypass (OR = 10,01; IC 95%: 2,60-41,81), la muerte súbita extrahospitalaria recuperada (OR = 4,34; IC 95%: 1,84-10,32), la localización lateral del infarto (OR = 1,64; IC 95%: 1,06-2,51), el primer contacto con hospital sin disponibilidad de hemodinámica (OR = 1,52; IC 95%: 1,05- 2,21), la atención fuera de horas (OR = 1,46; IC 95%: 1,06-2,02) y finalmente la distancia en kilómetros al centro con hemodinámica (OR = 1,04; IC 95%: 1,03-1,05). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con IAMEST que requirieron traslado a un centro con hemodinámica, la demora en la realización de la angioplastia primaria se relacionó con factores clínicos, con características del infarto y logísticas. (AU)

Objective: To identify predictors of primary angioplasty delay in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transported from out-of-hospital sites or from hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) suites. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of cases between 2008 and 2018 in a university hospital receiving patients diagnosed with STEMI who required a PCI. We performed linear and multivariate regression analyses to identify factors that predicted delay in interpreting a diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG) until the guidewire passed the lesion (diagnosis–guidewire-crossing time). Results: A total of 1039 cases were studied; 296 patients (28.4%) had delays of more than 120 minutes between STEMI diagnosis and guidewire crossing. Factors associated with PCI delay were advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04]), severe heart failure on admission (OR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.23–4.22), history of cardiac bypass surgery (OR = 10.01; 95% CI, 2.60–41.81), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 1.84–10.32), lateral ischemia (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06–2.51), first medical attention in a hospital without a PCI suite (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.05–2.21), first medical attention outside regular working hours (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06–2.02), and distance in kilometers to a PCI suite (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.05). Conclusions: Patients with STEMI who required transport to a hospital with a PCI suite experienced primary angioplasty delays. Delays were related to logistical and clinical factors as well as to infarction characteristics. (AU)

Time from electrocardiographic diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction to guidewire crossing in patients transferred to a hospital for primary angioplasty: factors associated with delay. / Factores asociados a retrasos de tiempo desde el electrocardiograma diagnóstico hasta el paso de guía en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST transferido para angioplastia primaria

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of primary angioplasty delay in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transported from out-of-hospital sites or from hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) suites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of cases between 2008 and 2018 in a university hospital receiving patients diagnosed with STEMI who required a PCI. We performed linear and multivariate regression analyses to identify factors that predicted delay in interpreting a diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG) until the guidewire passed the lesion (diagnosis-guidewire-crossing time). RESULTS: A total of 1039 cases were studied; 296 patients (28.4%) had delays of more than 120 minutes between STEMI diagnosis and guidewire crossing. Factors associated with PCI delay were advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04]), severe heart failure on admission (OR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.23-4.22), history of cardiac bypass surgery (OR = 10.01; 95% CI, 2.60-41.81), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 1.84-10.32), lateral ischemia (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06-2.51), first medical attention in a hospital without a PCI suite (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.05-2.21), first medical attention outside regular working hours (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06-2.02), and distance in kilometers to a PCI suite (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with STEMI who required transport to a hospital with a PCI suite experienced primary angioplasty delays. Delays were related to logistical and clinical factors as well as to infarction characteristics.

OBJETIVO: Identificar variables predictoras del retraso hasta la angioplastia primaria, en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMEST) trasladados desde el medio extrahospitalario o desde hospitales sin hemodinámica. METODO: Estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, realizado entre 2008 y 2018 en un hospital universitario receptor de pacientes con diagnóstico de IAMEST y que requirieron angioplastia primaria. Se realizó un análisis multivariable de regresión logística y lineal para identificar variables predictoras de demora de tiempo de electrocardiograma (ECG) diagnóstico hasta el paso de guía. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1.039 pacientes en el estudio. Doscientos noventa y seis pacientes (28,4%) presentaban tiempos ECG diagnóstico-paso de guía > 120 minutos. Las variables asociadas a tiempos prolongados de angioplastia primaria fueron la edad avanzada [odds ratio (OR) = 1,02; IC 95%: 1,01-1,04] la insuficiencia cardiaca grave al ingreso (OR = 2,28; IC 95%: 1,23-4,22), la cirugía cardiaca previa de bypass (OR = 10,01; IC 95%: 2,60-41,81), la muerte súbita extrahospitalaria recuperada (OR = 4,34; IC 95%: 1,84-10,32), la localización lateral del infarto (OR = 1,64; IC 95%: 1,06-2,51), el primer contacto con hospital sin disponibilidad de hemodinámica (OR = 1,52; IC 95%: 1,05- 2,21), la atención fuera de horas (OR = 1,46; IC 95%: 1,06-2,02) y finalmente la distancia en kilómetros al centro con hemodinámica (OR = 1,04; IC 95%: 1,03-1,05). CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con IAMEST que requirieron traslado a un centro con hemodinámica, la demora en la realización de la angioplastia primaria se relacionó con factores clínicos, con características del infarto y logísticas.

Clinical Prognosis of Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis not Associated with Cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use: a Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis.

Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), classically associated with intravenous drug use or intracardiac devices, is considered a good-prognosis infective endocarditis (IE) form. However, predisposing factors and prognosis for "NODID" RSIE (NOt associated with cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate predisposing factors and prognosis of NODID RSIE compared to other RSIE forms. A retrospective cohort study (January 2008-January 2019) was conducted in a reference center on 300 patients diagnosed with IE. Endocarditis-related events were defined as related to IE in mortality or open-heart surgery during follow-up. A review and meta-analysis of associated literature (January 2008-January 2019) were also performed. Fifty-seven patients presented RSIE (19%), 22 of which were NODID RSIE (39%). Use of intravascular catheters (23% vs 3%; p = 0.027) and congenital heart diseases (18% vs 0%; p = 0.019) were associated with NODID RSIE. This group had a higher in-hospital mortality (23% vs 3%; p = 0.027) and endocarditis-related event rates (41% vs 6%; p = 0.001) than non-NODID RSIE. Furthermore, NODID RSIE was independently associated with in-hospital endocarditis-related events (OR = 19.29; 95%CI:2.23-167.16; p = 0.007). Our meta-analysis evaluated four studies and identified 96 cases (30%) of NODID RSIE from 320 total RSIE cases. NODID RSIE patients demonstrated higher in-hospital mortality (RR = 2.81; 95%CI:1.61-4.90; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) and necessity of open-heart surgery (RR = 13.89; 95%CI:4.14-46.60; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) than non-NODID RSIE cases. Our study suggests that NODID RSIE has the highest endocarditis-related event rate and in-hospital mortality among RSIE cases and therefore should not be considered a good-prognosis IE.

Anemia in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists about the role of anemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and its impact on management and outcomes in this clinical setting. METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted to eight different ICCUs with diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS) were prospectively included. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 130 g/L in men and < 120 g/L in women. The association between anemia and mortality or readmission at six months was assessed by the Cox regression method. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included. Mean age was 66.6 years. A total of 197 patients (31.3%) had anemia. Coronary angiography was performed in most patients (96.2%). Patients with anemia were significantly older, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities, poorer left ventricle ejection fraction and higher GRACE score values. Patients with anemia underwent less often coronary angiography, but underwent more often intraaortic counterpulsation, non-invasive mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapies. Both ICCU and hospital stay were significantly longer in patients with anemia. Both the incidence of mortality (HR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.43-7.85, P = 0.001) and the incidence of mortality/readmission were significantly higher in patients with anemia (HR = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.03-3.86, P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, the association between anemia and mortality/readmission remained significant (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Almost one of three NSTEACS patients admitted to ICCU had anemia. Most patients underwent coronary angiography. Anemia was independently associated to poorer outcomes at 6 months.

Caracterización electrocardiográfica en una población de jóvenes estudiantes / Characterization of electrocardiographic findings in young students

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El electrocardiograma (ECG) se ha propuesto como prueba de cribado de cardiopatías para jóvenes asintomáticos, pero hay controversia sobre su uso sistemático y no se dispone de datos sobre esta población en nuestro medio. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia y la variedad de hallazgos electrocardiográficos en una población de estudiantes de secundaria. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo sobre un ECG en reposo de todos los estudiantes de 13 a 14 años de una comarca de la provincia de Girona entre 2009 y 2017. Los ECG se clasificaron en 3 grupos según los criterios de Corrado et al. modificados: ECG sin alteraciones, hallazgos electrocardiográficos que indiquen adaptación fisiológica y hallazgos electrocardiográficos patológicos. Se remitió a un hospital terciario solo a los estudiantes con alteraciones patológicas, a los que se realizaron pruebas complementarias según un protocolo preestablecido. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 1.911 ECG, con una participación del 79% del total de alumnos. No presentaron alteraciones los ECG de 1.321 alumnos (69%); los de 554 alumnos (29%) tenían signos de adaptación fisiológica y los de 36 (2%), hallazgos patológicos (2%). Se llegó al diagnóstico de cardiopatía en 5 alumnos del grupo con hallazgos electrocardiográficos patológicos (14%). La prevalencia de cardiopatía en este grupo de jóvenes asintomáticos fue del 0,3%. CONCLUSIONES: En un tercio de la población estudiada se obtuvieron hallazgos electrocardiográficos, que mayoritariamente indicaban adaptación fisiológica. Se identificó cardiopatía en 1 de cada 7 alumnos con ECG patológico, aunque la prevalencia general de cardiopatía fue baja

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used in the evaluation of young asymptomatic individuals to detect pre-existing heart disease, but systematic ECG use is controversial and there are no data on this population in our environment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of electrocardiographic findings in a population of secondary school students. METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of resting ECG findings in all 13 to 14-year-old secondary school students in a region of the province of Gerona between 2009 and 2017. ECG findings were classified into 3 groups according to the modified criteria of Corrado et al.: normal ECG findings, ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and pathologic findings. Students with pathologic ECG findings were referred to a tertiary hospital, and complementary tests were performed according to a pre-established protocol. RESULTS: A total of 1911 ECGs were obtained, with a participation rate of 79% of all high school students. In all, 1321 students (69%) had a normal ECG, 554 (29%) showed ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and 36 (2%) had pathologic ECG findings. Among the group with pathologic findings, 5 (14%) had cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of heart disease in this group of asymptomatic secondary school students was 0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the students had ECG findings that were mostly suggestive of physiological adaptation. One seventh of the students with pathologic ECG findings had pre-existing heart disease, although the overall prevalence of pre-existing heart disease was low

Comorbidity and low use of new antiplatelets in acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the use of the new generation P2Y12 inhibitors (Ticagrelor and Prasugrel) with aspirin is the recommended therapy in acute NSTE-ACS patients, their current use in clinical practice remains quite low and might be related, among several variables, with increased comorbidity burden. We aimed to assess the prevalence of these treatments and whether their use could be associated with comorbidity. METHOD: A multicentric prospective registry was conducted at 8 Cardiac Intensive Care Units (October 2017-April 2018) in patients admitted with non ST elevation myocardial infarction. Antithrombotic treatment was recorded and the comorbidity risk was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We created a multivariate model to identify the independent predictors of the use of new inhibitors of P2Y12. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included, median age 67 years, 23.2% women, 359 patients (57.1%) treated with clopidogrel and 40.6% with new P2Y12 inhibitors: ticagrelor (228 patients, 36.2%) and prasugrel (30 patients, 4.8%). Among the patients with very high comorbidity (Charlson Score > 6) clopidogrel was the drug of choice (82.6%), meanwhile in patients with low comorbility (Charlson Score 0-1) was the ticagrelor or prasugrel (63.6%). Independent predictors of the use of ticagrelor or prasugrel were a low Charlson Comorbidity Index, a low CRUSADE score and the absence of prior bleeding. CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet treatment with Ticagrelor or Pasugrel was low in patients admitted with NSTE-ACS. Comorbidity calculated with Charlson Comorbidity Index was a powerful predictor of the use of new generation P2Y12 inhibitors in this population.

Characterization of electrocardiographic findings in young students.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used in the evaluation of young asymptomatic individuals to detect pre-existing heart disease, but systematic ECG use is controversial and there are no data on this population in our environment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of electrocardiographic findings in a population of secondary school students. METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of resting ECG findings in all 13 to 14-year-old secondary school students in a region of the province of Gerona between 2009 and 2017. ECG findings were classified into 3 groups according to the modified criteria of Corrado et al.: normal ECG findings, ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and pathologic findings. Students with pathologic ECG findings were referred to a tertiary hospital, and complementary tests were performed according to a pre-established protocol. RESULTS: A total of 1911 ECGs were obtained, with a participation rate of 79% of all high school students. In all, 1321 students (69%) had a normal ECG, 554 (29%) showed ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and 36 (2%) had pathologic ECG findings. Among the group with pathologic findings, 5 (14%) had cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of heart disease in this group of asymptomatic secondary school students was 0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the students had ECG findings that were mostly suggestive of physiological adaptation. One seventh of the students with pathologic ECG findings had pre-existing heart disease, although the overall prevalence of pre-existing heart disease was low.

FRAIL Scale also Predicts Long-Term Outcomes in Older Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: No previous studies have assessed the role of the FRAIL scale in predicting long-term outcomes in older patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The multicenter observational LONGEVO-SCA registry included unselected patients ≥80 years of age with ACS from 44 centers. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed during hospitalization. MEASURES: Frailty was measured by the FRAIL scale. For the purpose of this study, main outcome measured was mortality or readmission at 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 498 patients were included. Mean age was 84.3 years. A total of 198 patients (33.1%) were prefrail and 135 (27.1%) frail. Patients who were prefrail and frail had a higher degree of comorbidities, and higher prevalence of disability, cognitive impairment, and nutritional risk. A total of 165 out of 498 patients (33.1%) died, and 331 patients (66.7%) died or were readmitted at 24 months. Both prefrailty and frailty were associated with a higher mortality compared with robust patients (P < .001). The incidence of mortality or readmission was also higher in patients who were prefrail or frail (P < .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association between frailty and mortality or readmission remained significant (hazard ratio 1.28 for prefrailty and hazard ratio 1.96 for frailty, P < .001). The FRAIL scale showed an optimal ability for predicting mortality or readmission (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.83‒0.89). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve from the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score was 0.89. No significant differences were observed between both AUC values (P = .163). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The FRAIL scale independently predicted long-term outcomes in older patients with ACS. The predictive ability of this scale was comparable to the strongly recommended Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score. Frailty assessment is mandatory for improving risk prediction in these complex patients.

Statin Treatment and Prognosis of Elderly Patients Discharged after Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Statins are recommended for secondary prevention. Our aims were to describe the proportion of very elderly patients receiving statins after non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) and to determine the prognostic implications of statins use. METHODS: This prospective registry was performed in 44 hospitals that included patients ≥80 years discharged after a NST-ACS from April 2016 to September 2016. RESULTS: We included 523 patients, the mean age was 84.2 ± 4.0 years and 200 patients (38.2%) were women. Previous statin treatment was recorded in 282 patients (53.4%), and 135 (32.5%) had LDL cholesterol levels >2.6 mmol/L. Mean LDL cholesterol levels during admission were 2.3 ± 0.9 mmol/L. Statins were prescribed at discharge to 474 patients (90.6%). Compared with patients discharged on statins, those that did not receive statins were more often frail (22 [47.8%] vs. 114 [24.4%], p < 0.01) and underwent an invasive approach less frequently (30 [61.2%] vs. 374 [78.9%], p = 0.01). During a 6-month follow-up, 50 patients died (9.5%). There was a nonsignificant trend to higher mortality in patients not treated with statins (6 [15%] vs. 44 [9.6%], p = 0.30), but statins were not independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-2.11, p = 0.65), nor with a reduction in the combined endpoint mortality/hospitalizations (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.52-1.55, p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Although most octogenarians presenting a NST-ACS are already on statins before the episode, their LDL cholesterol is frequently >2.6 mmol/L. Octogenarians who do not receive statins have a high-risk profile, with significant frailty and comorbidity.

Criteria for admitting elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome to critical care units from Spanish hospital emergency departments: a LONGEVO-SCA cohort study. / Criterios de ingreso en unidades de críticos del paciente anciano con síndrome coronario agudo desde los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios de España. Estudio de cohorte LONGEVO-SCA.

OBJECTIVES: Information on criteria for admitting elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to intensive care units (ICUs) is scarce. We aimed to describe factors associated with ICU admission in unselected older patients with ACS in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective LONGEVO-SCA registry (Impact of Frailty and Other Geriatric Syndromes on the Management of and Mortality in Elderly Patients With Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) included unselected patients over the age of 80 years with non-ST-segment elevation SCA. A geriatric assessment of each patient was done in the hospital. Clinical outcomes at 6 months were analyzed. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify ICU admission criteria. RESULTS: Of 508 patients with a mean age of 84.3 years, 150 (29.5%) were admitted to the ICU. The admitted patients were younger and more often had acute heart failure, elevated troponin levels, and poor left ventricular function. They also scored higher on the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network-ICU (ACTION-ICU) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk scales. These patients had higher functional status scores and a lower prevalence of frailty and had more often undergone coronary angiography (P < .001). No differences in hospital mortality or outcomes at 6 months were detected between patients admitted or not admitted to ICUs. The following variables were independent predictors of ICU admission: no history of a previous episode of heart failure, an elevated troponin level on arrival, left ventricular dysfunction, high GRACE score and high Charlson Comorbidity Index, and absence of frailty. CONCLUSION: Around a third of elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS are admitted to an ICU. Admitted patients have a higher risk profile on arrival and a lower prevalence of geriatric syndromes.

OBJETIVO: La información sobre los condicionantes de ingreso en unidades de críticos (UC) de pacientes ancianos con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los factores asociados al ingreso en UC en una serie de ancianos no seleccionados con SCA en España. METODO: El registro LONGEVO-SCA incluyó prospectivamente pacientes ≤ 80 años con SCA sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST), realizándose una valoración geriátrica intrahospitalaria y analizándose la evolución clínica a los 6 meses. Se analizaron los condicionantes de ingreso en UC mediante regresión logística binaria. RESULTADOS: De un total de 508 pacientes (edad media 84,3 años), 150 (29,5%) fueron ingresados en UC. Los pacientes ingresados en UC presentaban menor edad, mayor proporción de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda, troponina positiva y peor función ventricular izquierda, así como puntuaciones superiores en las escalas de riesgo GRACE y ACTION-ICU. Estos pacientes presentaban, asimismo, una mejor situación funcional y una menor prevalencia de fragilidad, y fueron sometidos a coronariografía con mayor frecuencia (p < 0,001). No se apreciaron diferencias en mortalidad hospitalaria ni evolución a los 6 meses entre ambos grupos. Los predictores independientes de ingreso en UC fueron la ausencia de insuficiencia cardíaca previa, troponina positiva al ingreso, disfunción ventricular izquierda, valores elevados en la escala GRACE y en el índice de Charlson, y ausencia de fragilidad. CONCLUSIONES: Alrededor de un tercio de los ancianos con SCASEST son ingresados en UC. Los pacientes ingresados en UC presentan mayor perfil de riesgo al ingreso y menor prevalencia de síndromes geriátricos.

Criterios de ingreso en unidades de críticos del paciente anciano con síndrome coronario agudo desde los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios de España. Estudio de cohorte LONGEVO-SCA / Criteria for admitting elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome to critical care units from Spanish hospital emergency departments: a LONGEVO-SCA cohort study

Objetivo: La información sobre los condicionantes de ingreso en unidades de críticos (UC) de pacientes ancianos con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los factores asociados al ingreso en UC en una serie de ancianos no seleccionados con SCA en España. Métodos: El registro LONGEVO-SCA incluyó prospectivamente pacientes mayores de 80 años con SCA sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST), realizándose una valoración geriátrica intrahospitalaria y analizándose la evolución clínica a los 6 meses. Se analizaron los condicionantes de ingreso en UC mediante regresión logística binaria. Resultados: De un total de 508 pacientes (edad media 84,3 años), 150 (29,5%) fueron ingresados en UC. Los pacientes ingresados en UC presentaban menor edad, mayor proporción de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda, troponina positiva y peor función ventricular izquierda, así como puntuaciones superiores en las escalas de riesgo GRACE y ACTION-ICU. Estos pacientes presentaban, asimismo, una mejor situación funcional y una menor prevalencia de fragilidad, y fueron sometidos a coronariografía con mayor frecuencia (p < 0,001). No se apreciaron diferencias en mortalidad hospitalaria ni evolución a los 6 meses entre ambos grupos. Los predictores independientes de ingreso en UC fueron la ausencia de insuficiencia cardíaca previa, troponina positiva al ingreso, disfunción ventricular izquierda, valores elevados en la escala GRACE y en el índice de Charlson, y ausencia de fragilidad. Conclusiones: Alrededor de un tercio de los ancianos con SCASEST son ingresados en UC. Los pacientes ingresados en UC presentan mayor perfil de riesgo al ingreso y menor prevalencia de síndromes geriátricos

Background and objective: Information on criteria for admitting elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to intensive care units (ICUs) is scarce. We aimed to describe factors associated with ICU admission in unselected older patients with ACS in Spain. Methods: The prospective LONGEVO-SCA registry (Impact of Frailty and Other Geriatric Syndromes on the Management of and Mortality in Elderly Patients With Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) included unselected patients over the age of 80 years with non-ST-segment elevation SCA. A geriatric assessment of each patient was done in the hospital. Clinical outcomes at 6 months were analyzed. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify ICU admission criteria. Results: Of 508 patients with a mean age of 84.3 years, 150 (29.5%) were admitted to the ICU. The admitted patients were younger and more often had acute heart failure, elevated troponin levels, and poor left ventricular function. They also scored higher on the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network-ICU (ACTION-ICU) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk scales. These patients had higher functional status scores and a lower prevalence of frailty and had more often undergone coronary angiography (P < .001). No differences in hospital mortality or outcomes at 6 months were detected between patients admitted or not admitted to ICUs. The following variables were independent predictors of ICU admission: no history of a previous episode of heart failure, an elevated troponin level on arrival, left ventricular dysfunction, high GRACE score and high Charlson Comorbidity Index, and absence of frailty. Conclusions: Around a third of elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS are admitted to an ICU. Admitted patients have a higher risk profile on arrival and a lower prevalence of geriatric syndromes

Lesiones traumáticas por el uso de compresiones torácicas mecánicas para la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria: ¿hay un precio que pagar? / Mechanical chest compressions and traumatic complications in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Is there a price to pay?

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Respuesta de los autores: Estrategias de reperfusión en los pacientes con IAMCEST: el debate no cesa / Authors' reply: Reperfusion strategies in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction: the debate goes on

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