Assessing the cost-effectiveness of capnography for end-tidal CO2 monitoring during in-hospital cardiac arrest: A middle-income country perspective analysis.

Study objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of EtCO2 monitoring during in-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (CA) care outside the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency room department. Design: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis based on a simple decision model cost analysis and reported the study using the CHEERS checklist. Model inputs were derived from a retrospective Brazilian cohort study, complemented by information obtained through a literature review. Cost inputs were gathered from both literature sources and contacts with hospital suppliers. Setting: The analysis was carried out from the perspective of a tertiary referral hospital in a middle-income country. Participants: The study population comprised individuals experiencing in-hospital CA who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by rapid response team (RRT) in a hospital ward, not in the ICU or emergency room department. Interventions: Two strategies were assumed for comparison: one with an RRT delivering care without capnography during CPR and the other guiding CPR according to the EtCO2 waveform. Main outcome measures: Incremental cost-effectiveness rate (ICER) to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital discharge, and hospital discharge with good neurological outcomes. Results: The ICER for EtCO2 monitoring during CPR, resulting in an absolute increase of one more case with ROSC, hospital discharge, and hospital discharge with good neurological outcome, was calculated at Int$ 515.78 (361.57-1201.12), Int$ 165.74 (119.29-248.4), and Int$ 240.55, respectively. Conclusion: In managing in-hospital CA in the hospital ward, incorporating EtCO2 monitoring is likely a cost-effective measure within the context of a middle-income country hospital with an RRT.

Diet Quality and Associated Factors in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients with and without Diabetes at a Specialized Outpatient Clinic in the City of Pelotas, Brazil

Abstract Background In most cases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is preventable through primary prevention and control of traditional risk factors, such as smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and adherence to healthy dietary patterns. The assessment of diet quality of ACVD patients would be important for a dietary intervention. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate diet quality of ACVD patients and its association with clinical conditions. Methods This cross-sectional study was nested within a randomized clinical trial entitled "Programa Alimentar Cardioprotetor Brasileiro." Baseline data of 80 patients from Pelotas, Brazil, were obtained. Food consumption was assessed using 24-h food recall and the Revised Diet Quality Index (IQD-R). Data on smoking status and comorbidities were reported by the patients during medical history taking. To analyze the associations between IQD-R and clinical variables, unpaired Student's t-test or the analysis of variance was performed. The significance level was 5%. Results Most of the sample consisted of men (66.5%), elderly individuals (52.50%), patients with hypertension (78.75%), dyslipidemia (58.75%), and overweight (73.75%). The average IQD-R score was 56.7 ± 12.6 points. Better quality of diet was observed for patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (61.1 ± 11.8 versus 54.0 ± 12.6 points; p=0.014). Conclusion There is a need to improve diet quality of ACVD patients. Patients ACVD and diabetes had better diet quality compared to those without diabetes.

Cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support in Brazil: The effect of learning curve.

AIMS: Treatment with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been proposed to mitigate mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS). However, there is a lack of data on MCS programs implementation and the effect of the learning curve on its outcomes in limited resources countries such as Brazil. METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients with CS admitted in four tertiary-care centers treated with Impella CP or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Clinical outcomes were peri-procedural complications, short-term mortality rate, and the centers' learning curve. The cohort was divided into two periods: from April 2017 to July 2018 (n = 24), and from August 2018 to December 2020 (n = 25). RESULTS: The study enrolled 49 patients [age 59 (43-63) years; 34 (70%) males]. The most common causes for CS were acute myocardial infarction in 22 (45%) and acute decompensation of chronic heart failure in 10 (20%). VA-ECMO was employed in 35 (71%) and Impella CP in 14 (29%) of patients. Overall complications occurred in 37 (76%) of patients, where major bleeding in 19 (38%) was the most common. The overall mortality rate was 61%, but it was lower in the second period (40%) in comparison to the first period (83%), p = 0.002. The learning curve analysis showed a decrease in the mortality rate after 40 consecutive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a temporary MCS program for refractory CS in a limited resource country is feasible. The learning curve effect might have played a role on survival rate since high morbimortality has decreased within time reaching optimal results by the end of the study.

Factors associated to serum paraoxonase 1 activity in patients with cardiovascular disease

ABSTRACT Objectives: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme that has antioxidant potential, which confers a protective effect against the atherosclerotic process. However, studies associating genetics, dietary patterns and PON1 activity in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are scarce. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of dietary factors on serum PON1 in CVD patients. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional, sub-study of the BALANCE Program Trial. All patients aged 45 years or older and had evidence of established atherosclerotic disease in the preceding 10 years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were collected. Food intake was assessed with 24-h dietary recall. Data was analyzed using SAS University Edition and a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Sample was divided into three groups, according to the PON1 T(-107)C genotype (CC, CT and TT) and serum PON1 activity (Low, Medium, High). Results: There were no genotype differences for major factors. However, the systolic blood pressure was lower for CT individuals (p<0.05). Intake of cholesterol, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) was higher in patients with lower PON1 activity. Lipid ingestion tended to be higher in patients with lower PON1 activity (p=0.08). In the multivariate logistic regression model, SFA intake (P=0.03), genotype (P=0.09), gender (P=0.04), age (P=0.07) and carbohydrate intake (P=0.16) contributed the most to the serum PON1 activity. Conclusion: Based on these findings, nutritional guidance for these patients becomes essential, since dietary components interact with serum PON1 activity more than genotype.

Increased Mobility of the Atrial Septum in Aortic Root Dilation: An Observational Study on Transesophageal Echocardiography.

Background: There is a growing interest in the relationship between atrial septal anatomy and cardioembolic stroke. Anecdotal reports suggest that the enlargement of the aortic root could interfere with atrial septal mobility (ASM). We sought to investigate the association between ASM and aortic root dilation. Methods and Findings: From all consecutive clinically requested transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) studies performed during the study period in a single institution, we were able to review and evaluate the ASM and anteroposterior length, aortic root diameter, and the prevalence of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) and of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in 336 studies. Additional variables, such as left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, diastolic dysfunction, age, sex, weight, height, previous stroke, atrial fibrillation, and TEE indication, were extracted from patient medical records and echocardiographic clinical reports. In 336 patients, we found a mean ASM of 3.4 mm, ranging from 0 to 21 mm; 15% had ASA and 14% had PFO. There was a 1.0 mm increase in ASM for every 10-mm increase in aortic root diameter adjusted for age, sex, weight, height, ejection fraction, and left atrial size (B = 0.1; P = 0.04). Aortic diameter was not associated with a smaller septal length (B = 0.03; P = 0.7). Conclusion: An increased motion of the atrial septum can occur in association with aortic dilation. These findings deserve attention for the relevance of aortic root anatomy in future studies involving atrial septal characteristics and embolic stroke risk.

Factors associated to serum paraoxonase 1 activity in patients with cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme that has antioxidant potential, which confers a protective effect against the atherosclerotic process. However, studies associating genetics, dietary patterns and PON1 activity in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are scarce. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of dietary factors on serum PON1 in CVD patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional, sub-study of the BALANCE Program Trial. All patients aged 45 years or older and had evidence of established atherosclerotic disease in the preceding 10 years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were collected. Food intake was assessed with 24-h dietary recall. Data was analyzed using SAS University Edition and a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Sample was divided into three groups, according to the PON1 T(-107)C genotype (CC, CT and TT) and serum PON1 activity (Low, Medium, High). RESULTS: There were no genotype differences for major factors. However, the systolic blood pressure was lower for CT individuals (p<0.05). Intake of cholesterol, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) was higher in patients with lower PON1 activity. Lipid ingestion tended to be higher in patients with lower PON1 activity (p=0.08). In the multivariate logistic regression model, SFA intake (P=0.03), genotype (P=0.09), gender (P=0.04), age (P=0.07) and carbohydrate intake (P=0.16) contributed the most to the serum PON1 activity. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, nutritional guidance for these patients becomes essential, since dietary components interact with serum PON1 activity more than genotype.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in patients with established atherosclerosis disease. / Consumo de bebidas açucaradas em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica manifesta.

This study investigated the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and anthropometric and biochemical variables in a cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from the first visit of the randomized clinical trial of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (BALANCE Program) (2013-2014). Weight, height, waist circumference, lipid profile and fasting glycemia and a 24-hour diet recall were collected. Differences between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were evaluated by Student's t-test. The Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and biochemical and anthropometric factors. The sample consisted of 2,172 individuals, mostly men (58.5%), elderly (63.6%), C-rated economic class (57.3%), and overweight (62.7%). A statistically significant difference was found between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and higher BMI values (p=0.029), waist circumference (p=0.004) and triglycerides (p=0.023). These results emphasize the need for nutritional intervention regarding the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages as part of the dietary treatment of this population.

O presente estudo investigou a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas em análise transversal, realizado com dados secundários referentes à primeira consulta do ensaio clínico randomizado Dieta Cardioprotetora Brasileira (2013-2014). Foram coletados peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, perfil lipídico e glicemia de jejum e dados de um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Diferenças entre o consumo e não consumo de bebidas açucaradas foram avaliadas pelo teste T de student. Para analisar a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e fatores bioquímicos e antropométricos foi utilizado o teste qui quadrado. A amostra foi de 2.172 indivíduos, sendo a maioria homens (58,5%), idosos (63,6%), do nível econômico C (57,3%), com ensino fundamental (45,8%) e com excesso de peso (62,7%). Houve associação significativa entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e maior valores de índice de massa corporal (p=0,029), circunferência da cintura (p=0,004) e triglicerídeos (p=0,023). Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de intervenção nutricional quanto ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas como parte do tratamento dietético desta população.

Consumo de bebidas açucaradas em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica manifesta / Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in patients with established atherosclerosis disease

Resumo O presente estudo investigou a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas em análise transversal, realizado com dados secundários referentes à primeira consulta do ensaio clínico randomizado Dieta Cardioprotetora Brasileira (2013-2014). Foram coletados peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, perfil lipídico e glicemia de jejum e dados de um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Diferenças entre o consumo e não consumo de bebidas açucaradas foram avaliadas pelo teste T de student. Para analisar a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e fatores bioquímicos e antropométricos foi utilizado o teste qui quadrado. A amostra foi de 2.172 indivíduos, sendo a maioria homens (58,5%), idosos (63,6%), do nível econômico C (57,3%), com ensino fundamental (45,8%) e com excesso de peso (62,7%). Houve associação significativa entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e maior valores de índice de massa corporal (p=0,029), circunferência da cintura (p=0,004) e triglicerídeos (p=0,023). Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de intervenção nutricional quanto ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas como parte do tratamento dietético desta população.

Abstract This study investigated the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and anthropometric and biochemical variables in a cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from the first visit of the randomized clinical trial of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (BALANCE Program) (2013-2014). Weight, height, waist circumference, lipid profile and fasting glycemia and a 24-hour diet recall were collected. Differences between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were evaluated by Student's t-test. The Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and biochemical and anthropometric factors. The sample consisted of 2,172 individuals, mostly men (58.5%), elderly (63.6%), C-rated economic class (57.3%), and overweight (62.7%). A statistically significant difference was found between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and higher BMI values (p=0.029), waist circumference (p=0.004) and triglycerides (p=0.023). These results emphasize the need for nutritional intervention regarding the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages as part of the dietary treatment of this population.

Fatores de risco cardiovascular e qualidade de vida de acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Pelotas / Cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in medical students at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas

Introdução: Fatores de risco cardiovascular e qualidade de vida de estudantes de Medicina podem influenciar a capacidade de atuação e de aconselhamento a pacientes dos futuros médicos. Tendo isso em vista, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar comportamentos e fatores de risco cardiovascular e qualidade de vida em acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), através de estudo de prevalência. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal onde 298 estudantes de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) foram investigados utilizando questionário padronizado, levantando informações de idade, sexo, tabagismo, alimentação, ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas, rendimento acadêmico, atividade física, e qualidade de vida pelo escore WHOQOL. Resultados: A idade mediana foi de 22 anos, sendo 58% do sexo feminino. Sedentarismo foi relatado por 40% dos acadêmicos e consumo excessivo de sal por 44%. Consumo de álcool foi relatado por 88% dos acadêmicos, sem variação em função do semestre avaliado. Tabagismo foi relativamente incomum (8%), observando-se correlação positiva entre quantidade de álcool consumida e tabagismo (p=0,029). O desfecho composto de sedentarismo, consumo excessivo de sódio ou tabagismo foi relatado por 69% dos acadêmicos. A qualidade de vida dos acadêmicos foi influenciada pela época de formação e pela distância da família, mas não houve correlação com fatores de risco. Conclusão: A prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovascular e comportamento de risco é elevada entre os acadêmicos de Medicina da UFPel. Devem ser propostas intervenções visando à conscientização do benefício da adoção de um estilo de vida saudável entre os acadêmicos.

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life of medical students can infl uence the future physicians’ ability to effectively work and advise patients. Keeping this in view, the present study aimed to evaluate behaviors, cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life among medical students of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), using a prevalence approach. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study where 298 medical students of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) were investigated using a standardized questionnaire, gathering information such as age, sex, smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, academic performance, physical activity, and quality of life by the WHOQOL score. Results: The median age was 22 years, 58% female. Sedentary lifestyle was reported by 40% of the students and excessive salt intake by 44%. Alcohol consumption was reported by 88% of the students, and did not vary as a function of the evaluated semester. Smoking was relatively uncommon (8%), with a positive correlation between amount of alcohol consumed and smoking (p = 0.029). The outcome composed of sedentary life style, excessive sodium intake, or smoking was reported by 69% of the students. Students’ quality of life was infl uenced by time of medical training and distance from the family, but these were not correlated with risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and risky behaviors is high among UFPel medical students. Interventions aimed at raising awareness of the benefi ts of adopting a healthy lifestyle among academics should be proposed.

Análisis Costo-Utilidad Del Uso De Adalimumab, Etanercept E Infliximab Para El Tratamiento De La Artritis Psoriásica En Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To support an evidence-based decision regarding the inclusion of the anti TNF's adalimumab, etanercept or infliximab to the National Formulary of Uruguay for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, in patients who did not respond to first-line treatment. METHODS: We perform a cost-utility evaluation using a Markov model, to estimate the incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained with each of these biologic drugs compared with palliative care only. The model considered the perspective of the National Health System, with a time horizon of 40 years. RESULTS: Under base-case assumptions, infliximab results in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of United States Dollars (USD) 47,294 compared to palliative care only. Adalimumab was extendedly dominated and etanercept was dominated. However, infliximab requires intravenous administration which could significantly reduce access to treatment, thus producing inequities for patients from different regions. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that all biologics had null probabilities of being cost-effective considering a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of one time the gross domestic product per capita of Uruguay per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: In our analysis from the perspective of the National Health System, the use of biologic drug treatments for psoriatic arthritis results in an ICER above the WTP ceiling proposed by the World Health Organization. Reduction of drug prices could bring more favorable cost-effectiveness results.

Valor prognóstico do fragmento N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético tipo B em cirurgia não-cardíaca / Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery

FUNDAMENTO: Já foi demonstrado o uso do NT-proBNP pré-operatório para prever resultado cardíaco adverso, embora estudos recentes tenham sugerido que a determinação do NT-proBNP pós-operatório possa fornecer um valor adicional em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia não cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o valor prognóstico perioperatório do NT-proBNP em pacientes de intermediário e alto risco cardiovascular submetidos à cirurgia não cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu prospectivamente 145 pacientes com idade > 45 anos, com pelo menos um fator de risco do Índice de Risco Cardíaco Revisado e submetidos à cirurgia de médio ou alto risco não-cardíaca. Os níveis de NTproBNP foram medidos no pré e pós-operatório. Preditores cardíacos de curto prazo foram avaliados por modelos de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Durante uma mediana de acompanhamento de 29 dias, 17 pacientes (11,7%) apresentaram eventos cardíacos adversos importantes (MACE - 14 infartos do miocárdio não fatais, 2 paradas cardíacas não-fatais e 3 mortes cardíacas). Os níveis ótimos de limiar discriminatório para o NT-proBNP pré e pós-operatório foram 917 e 2962 pg/ mL, respectivamente. O NT-proBNP pré e pós-operatório (OR = 4,7, IC 95%: 1,62-13,73, p = 0,005 e OR 4,5, IC 95%: 1,53-13,16, p = 0,006) foram associados de forma significativa com MACE (eventos cardíacos adversos maiores). O NTproBNP pré-operatório foi significativa e independentemente associado com eventos cardíacos adversos em análise de regressão multivariada (OR ajustado 4,2, IC 95%: 1,38-12,62, p = 0,011). CONCLUSÃO: O NT-proBNP é um importante marcador de curto prazo de eventos cardiovasculares perioperatórios em pacientes de alto risco. Os níveis pós-operatórios foram menos informativos do que os níveis pré-operatórios. Uma única medição de NT-proBNP pré-operatório deve ser considerada na avaliação de risco pré-operatório.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged >45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery. NT-proBNP levels were measured pre- and postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated by logistic regression models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 29 days, 17 patients (11.7%) experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE- 14 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 2 nonfatal cardiac arrests and 3 cardiac deaths). The optimum discriminatory threshold levels for pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP were 917 and 2962 pg/mL, respectively. Pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.62-13.73; p=0.005 and OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.53-13.16; p=0.006) were significantly associated with MACE. Preoperative NT-proBNP was significantly and independently associated with adverse cardiac events in multivariate regression analysis (adjusted OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.38-12.62; p=0.011). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP is a powerful short-term marker of perioperative cardiovascular events in high risk patients. Postoperative levels were less informative than preoperative levels. A single preoperative NT-proBNP measurement should be considered in the preoperative risk assessment.

Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged ≥ 45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery. NT-proBNP levels were measured pre- and postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated by logistic regression models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 29 days, 17 patients (11.7%) experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE- 14 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 2 nonfatal cardiac arrests and 3 cardiac deaths). The optimum discriminatory threshold levels for pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP were 917 and 2962 pg/mL, respectively. Pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.62-13.73; p=0.005 and OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.53-13.16; p=0.006) were significantly associated with MACE. Preoperative NT-proBNP was significantly and independently associated with adverse cardiac events in multivariate regression analysis (adjusted OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.38-12.62; p=0.011). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP is a powerful short-term marker of perioperative cardiovascular events in high risk patients. Postoperative levels were less informative than preoperative levels. A single preoperative NT-proBNP measurement should be considered in the preoperative risk assessment.

Clinical use of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I assay in intermediate- and high-risk surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin levels have been reported to add value in the detection of cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgery. A sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay could provide more accurate prognostic information. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 142 patients with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor who underwent noncardiac surgery. cTnI levels were measured postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated. RESULTS: cTnI elevation was observed in 47 patients, among whom 14 were diagnosed as having myocardial infarction (MI). After 30 days, 16 patients had major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Excluding patients with a final diagnosis of MI, predictors of cTnI elevation included dialysis, history of heart failure, transoperative major bleeding, and elevated levels of pre- and postoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Maximal cTnI values showed the highest sensitivity (94%), specificity (75%), and overall accuracy (AUC 0.89; 95% CI 0.80-0.98) for postoperative MACE. Postoperative cTnI peak level (OR 9.4; 95% CI 2.3-39.2) and a preoperative NT-proBNP level ≥917 pg/mL (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.05-11.6) were independent risk factors for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: cTnI was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for cardiac outcomes and should be considered as a component of perioperative risk assessment.

Left atrial metastases of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma diagnosed by echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging--case report and review of literature.

Intracardiac metastases of thyroid carcinoma are a rare event. Their incidence is low in large autopsy series, and antemortem diagnosis is even less common. We present the case of a woman with advanced poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma who had extensive intracardiac metastases. This case highlights the usefulness of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cardiac metastases.

Mortality reduction of cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in heart failure: an updated meta-analysis. Does recent evidence change the standard of care?

BACKGROUND: The recent publication of the MADIT-CRT and RAFT trials has more than doubled the number of patients in which a direct comparison of the combination of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) versus ICD alone was carried out. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of combined CRT and ICD therapy on survival of heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, and all randomized controlled trials of CRT alone or combined with ICDs in HF resulting from left ventricular systolic dysfunction were included. Main outcome was all-cause mortality. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated employing random-effects models. Twelve studies were included, with a total of 8,284 randomized patients. For the comparison of CRT alone versus medical therapy, pooled analysis of 5 available trials demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality with CRT (RR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.9). Pooled analysis of 6 trials that compared the combination of CRT and ICD therapy to ICD alone also showed a statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.96). Stratified analysis showed significant mortality reductions in all New York Heart Association class subgroups, with greater effect in classes III-IV (RR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.88). Pooled estimates of implant-related risks were 0.6% for death and 8% for implant failure. CONCLUSION: Combined CRT and ICD therapy reduces overall mortality in HF patients when compared with ICD alone.