Adolescent Reference Values for MR-Derived Biventricular Strain Obtained Using Feature-Tracking and Myocardial Tagging.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial strain is a promising marker for the detection of early left or right ventricular (LV or RV) dysfunction in pediatric populations. The reference standard for MR strain measurement is myocardial tagging (MT); however, MT has limited clinical utility because the additional acquisitions needed are time-consuming. In contrast, MR-feature tracking (FT) allows strain quantification from routinely acquired cine sequences. Studies providing reference values obtained with both FT and MT for adolescents are lacking. PURPOSE: To use MR-FT and MT to define sex-specific LV and RV strain reference values for adolescents. STUDY TYPE: Cross-sectional, prospective. POPULATION: One hundred twenty-three adolescents aged 15-18 years (52% girls) without known cardiovascular disease. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Balanced steady-state free-precession sequence for FT analysis and a spatial modulation of magnetization hybrid TFE-EPI sequence for MT acquisitions at 3.0-T. ASSESSMENT: Segment Medviso software was used to obtain longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) strain for both ventricles, and radial strain (RS) for LV. STATISTICAL TESTS: The Student t-test was used for between-sex comparisons of continuous variables. Sex-specific percentiles were calculated using the weighted average method. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was assessed in 30 randomly selected studies using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: FT-derived LVLS and LVCS were significantly higher in girls than in boys (-19.8% vs. -17.8% and -22.2% vs. -21.0%, respectively), as they were with MT (LVLS: -18.1% vs. -16.8%; LVCS: -20.8% vs. -19.7%). FT-LVRS was higher in girls than in boys (44.8% vs. 35.1%), while MT-LVRS was the opposite (18.6% vs. 22.7%). FT-RVLS was higher in girls (-23.4% vs. -21.3%), but there were no between-sex differences in MT-derived RVLS or RVCS. ICC values for intraobserver agreement were ≥0.89, whereas for interobserver agreement were <0.80 for MT-LVRS and ≥0.80 for all remaining parameters. DATA CONCLUSION: This study provides sex-specific reference biventricular strain values obtained with MR-MT and MR-FT for adolescents aged 15-18 years. MR-FT may be a valid method for obtaining strain values in pediatric populations. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Vagus nerve dysfunction in the post-COVID-19 condition: a pilot cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a disabling syndrome affecting at least 5%-10% of subjects who survive COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mediated vagus nerve dysfunction could explain some PCC symptoms, such as dysphonia, dysphagia, dyspnea, dizziness, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, or neurocognitive complaints. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional pilot study in subjects with PCC with symptoms suggesting vagus nerve dysfunction (n = 30) and compared them with subjects fully recovered from acute COVID-19 (n = 14) and with individuals never infected (n = 16). We evaluated the structure and function of the vagus nerve and respiratory muscles. RESULTS: Participants were mostly women (24 of 30, 80%), and the median age was 44 years (interquartile range [IQR] 35-51 years). Their most prevalent symptoms were cognitive dysfunction 25 of 30 (83%), dyspnea 24 of 30 (80%), and tachycardia 24 of 30 (80%). Compared with COVID-19-recovered and uninfected controls, respectively, subjects with PCC were more likely to show thickening and hyperechogenic vagus nerve in neck ultrasounds (cross-sectional area [CSA] [mean ± standard deviation]: 2.4 ± 0.97mm2 vs. 2 ± 0.52mm2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.73 mm2; p 0.08), reduced esophageal-gastric-intestinal peristalsis (34% vs. 0% vs. 21%; p 0.02), gastroesophageal reflux (34% vs. 19% vs. 7%; p 0.13), and hiatal hernia (25% vs. 0% vs. 7%; p 0.05). Subjects with PCC showed flattening hemidiaphragms (47% vs. 6% vs. 14%; p 0.007), and reductions in maximum inspiratory pressure (62% vs. 6% vs. 17%; p ≤ 0.001), indicating respiratory muscle weakness. The latter findings suggest additional involvement of the phrenic nerve. DISCUSSION: Vagus and phrenic nerve dysfunction contribute to the complex and multifactorial pathophysiology of PCC.

Adaptation and initial validation of the Spanish version of the chronic otitis media questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) and chronic otitis media benefit inventory (COMBI)

Background and objectives: The chronic otitis media questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) and chronic otitis media benefit inventory (COMBI) aim to assess the quality of life related to chronic otitis media or its surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to validate the Spanish adaptation of the COMQ-12 and COMBI.Patients and methodsMulticentre prospective instrument validation study. guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation process were followed. The psychometric properties of the Spanish versions (“COMQ-12-Spa” for “COMQ-12-Spanish” and “COMBI-Spa” for “COMBI-Spanish”) were assessed in 25 consecutive adults undergoing tympanoplasty and in a separate cohort of 25 unaffected adults.ResultsCOMQ-12-Spa: test–retest reliability, r=0.98; internal consistency reliability, α=0.92. Item-subscale and item-total coefficients, ≥0.40. Between-group discrimination, p<0.0001. COMBI-Spa: internal consistency, α=0.96. A high-intensity relationship between the variables was shown, ≥0.40. Correlation between the COMBI-Spa and the Spanish Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), r=0.89; p<0.01.ConclusionPsychometric testing of the Spanish versions of the COMQ-12-Spa and COMBI-Spa yielded satisfactory results, thus allowing pre- and postintervention assessment of the subjective severity of chronic otitis media in adult patients. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: El Cuestionario de otitis media crónica-12 (COMQ-12) y el Inventario de beneficios en otitis media crónica (COMBI) valoran la calidad de vida relacionada con la otitis media crónica o su tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo del estudio fue validar la adaptación española de los originales británicos.Pacientes y métodosEstudio multicéntrico prospectivo de validación de instrumento. Se siguieron las pautas para el proceso de adaptación transcultural. Las propiedades psicométricas de las versiones españolas, COMQ-12-Spa y COMBI-Spa, fueron evaluadas en 25 adultos consecutivos intervenidos de timpanoplastia y en una cohorte separada de 25 adultos sanos.ResultadosCOMQ-12-Spa: fiabilidad test-retest, r=0,98; consistencia interna, α=0,92; coeficientes ítem-subescala e ítem-total, ≥0,40; discriminación entre grupos, p<0,0001. COMBI-Spa: consistencia interna, α=0.96. Se encontró una relación de intensidad elevada entre las variables, ≥0,40. Correlación entre COMBI-Spa y Glasgow Benefit Inventory español (GBI), r=0,89; p<0,01.ConclusionesLas pruebas psicométricas de las versiones españolas COMQ-12-Spa y COMBI-Spa ofrecieron resultados satisfactorios, lo que permite la valoración pre y postintervención de la severidad subjetiva de la otitis media crónica en pacientes adultos. (AU)

Adaptation and initial validation of the Spanish version of the chronic otitis media questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) and chronic otitis media benefit inventory (COMBI).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The chronic otitis media questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) and chronic otitis media benefit inventory (COMBI) aim to assess the quality of life related to chronic otitis media or its surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to validate the Spanish adaptation of the COMQ-12 and COMBI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multicentre prospective instrument validation study. guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation process were followed. The psychometric properties of the Spanish versions ("COMQ-12-Spa" for "COMQ-12-Spanish" and "COMBI-Spa" for "COMBI-Spanish") were assessed in 25 consecutive adults undergoing tympanoplasty and in a separate cohort of 25 unaffected adults. RESULTS: COMQ-12-Spa: test-retest reliability, r=0.98; internal consistency reliability, α=0.92. Item-subscale and item-total coefficients, ≥0.40. Between-group discrimination, p<0.0001. COMBI-Spa: internal consistency, α=0.96. A high-intensity relationship between the variables was shown, ≥0.40. Correlation between the COMBI-Spa and the Spanish Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), r=0.89; p<0.01. CONCLUSION: Psychometric testing of the Spanish versions of the COMQ-12-Spa and COMBI-Spa yielded satisfactory results, thus allowing pre- and postintervention assessment of the subjective severity of chronic otitis media in adult patients.

Resultados a 30 días en los pacientes mayores frágiles con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda dados de alta desde urgencias o sus unidades vinculadas que cumplen los criterios de alto riesgo del estudio DEED FRAIL-AHF / Thirty-day outcomes in frail older patients discharged home from the emergency department with acute heart failure: effects of high-risk criteria identified by the DEED FRAIL-AHF trial

Objetivos: Estudiar el efecto a 30 días de los criterios de alto riesgo (CAR) en los mayores frágiles con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) dados de alta desde urgencias o unidades vinculadas (URG_UV). Método: Análisis secundario del registro OAK-Discharge. Se seleccionaron pacientes frágiles $ 70 años con ICA dados de alta desde URG_UV. Los CAR se clasificaron en modificables (CAR_M) y no modificables (CAR_NM). Las variables de resultado fueron la compuesta cardiovascular (VC_CV) (revisita u hospitalización por ICA o mortalidad cardiovascular) y días vivos fuera del hospital (DVFH) a 30 días del alta. Resultados: Se incluyeron 380 pacientes con una edad media de 86 (DE 5,5) años, 61,2% mujeres. Un 65,1% tuvo CAR_M, 47,8% CAR_NM y 81,6% ambos. Ochenta y tres pacientes (21,8%) presentaron la VC_CV a 30 días. La media de DVFH a 30 días fue de 27,6 (DE 6,1) días. La presencia de CAR modificable, no modificable o ambos, se asoció más frecuentemente a la VC_CV a 30 días (25,0% vs 17,2%, p = 0,092; 27,6% vs 16,7%, p = 0,010; 24,7% vs15,2%, p = 0,098) y a menos DVFH a 30 días [26,9 (7,0) vs 28,4 (4,4), p = 0,011; 27,1 (7,0) vs 28,0 (5,0), p = 0,127; 27,1 (6,7) vs 28,8 (3,4), p = 0,005], respectivamente. Tras el análisis multivariante, los CAR_M se asociaron de forma independiente con menos DVFH a 30 días (diferencia absoluta ajustada –1,3 días; IC 95% –2,7 a –0,1) y los CAR_NM con más eventos en la VC_CV a 30 días (diferencia absoluta ajustada 10,4%; IC 95% 2,1% a 18,7%). (AU)

Objectives: To study the effect of high-risk criteria on 30-day outcomes in frail older patients with acute heart failure (AHF) discharged from an emergency department (ED) or an ED’s observation and short-stay areas. Methods.:Secondary analysis of discharge records in the Older AHF Key Data registry. We selected frail patients (aged > 70 years) discharged with AHF from EDs. Risk factors were categorized as modifiable or nonmodifiable. The outcomes were a composite endpoint for a cardiovascular event (revisits for AHF, hospitalization for AHF, or cardiovascular death) and the number of days alive out-of-hospital (DAOH) within 30 days of discharge. Results: We included 380 patients with a mean (SD) age of 86 (5.5) years (61.2% women). Modifiable risk factors were identified in 65.1%, nonmodifiable ones in 47.8%, and both types in 81.6%. The 30-day cardiovascular composite endpoint occurred in 83 patients (21.8%). The mean 30-day DAOH observed was 27.6 (6.1) days. High-risk factors were present more often in patients who developed the cardiovascular event composite endpoint: the rates for patients with modifiable, nonmodifiable, or both types of risk were, respectively, as follows in comparison with patients not at high risk: 25.0% vs 17.2%, P = .092; 27.6% vs 16.7%, P = .010; and 24.7% vs 15.2%, P = .098). The 30-day DAOH outcome was also lower for at-risk patients, according to type of risk factor present: modifiable, 26.9 (7.0) vs 28.4 (4.4) days, P = .011; nonmodifiable, 27.1 (7.0) vs 28.0 (5.0) days, P = .127; and both, 27.1 (6.7) vs28.8 (3.4) days, P = .005). After multivariate analysis, modifiable risk remained independently associated with fewer days alive (adjusted absolute difference in 30-day DAOH, –1.3 days (95% CI, –2.7 to –0.1 days). Nonmodifiable factors were associated with increased risk for the 30-day cardiovascular composite endpoint (adjusted absolute difference, 10.4%; 95% CI, –2.1% to 18.7%). (AU)

Thirty-day outcomes in frail older patients discharged home from the emergency department with acute heart failure: effects of high-risk criteria identified by the DEED FRAIL-AHF trial. / Resultados a 30 días en los pacientes mayores frágiles con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda dados de alta desde urgencias o sus unidades vinculadas que cumplen los criterios de alto riesgo del estudio DEED FRAIL-AHF.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of high-risk criteria on 30-day outcomes in frail older patients with acute heart failure (AHF) discharged from an emergency department (ED) or an ED's observation and short-stay areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of discharge records in the Older AHF Key Data registry. We selected frail patients (aged > 70 years) discharged with AHF from EDs. Risk factors were categorized as modifiable or nonmodifiable. The outcomes were a composite endpoint for a cardiovascular event (revisits for AHF, hospitalization for AHF, or cardiovascular death) and the number of days alive out-of-hospital (DAOH) within 30 days of discharge. RESULTS: We included 380 patients with a mean (SD) age of 86 (5.5) years (61.2% women). Modifiable risk factors were identified in 65.1%, nonmodifiable ones in 47.8%, and both types in 81.6%. The 30-day cardiovascular composite endpoint occurred in 83 patients (21.8%). The mean 30-day DAOH observed was 27.6 (6.1) days. Highrisk factors were present more often in patients who developed the cardiovascular event composite endpoint: the rates for patients with modifiable, nonmodifiable, or both types of risk were, respectively, as follows in comparison with patients not at high risk: 25.0% vs 17.2%, P = .092; 27.6% vs 16.7%, P = .010; and 24.7% vs 15.2%, P = .098). The 30-day DAOH outcome was also lower for at-risk patients, according to type of risk factor present: modifiable, 26.9 (7.0) vs 28.4 (4.4) days, P = .011; nonmodifiable, 27.1 (7.0) vs 28.0 (5.0) days, P = .127; and both, 27.1 (6.7) vs 28.8 (3.4) days, P = .005). After multivariate analysis, modifiable risk remained independently associated with fewer days alive (adjusted absolute difference in 30-day DAOH, -1.3 days (95% CI, -2.7 to -0.1 days). Nonmodifiable factors were associated with increased risk for the 30-day cardiovascular composite endpoint (adjusted absolute difference, 10.4%; 95% CI, -2.1% to 18.7%). CONCLUSION: Risk factors are common in frail elderly patients with AHF discharged home from hospital ED areas. Their presence is associated with a worse 30-day prognosis.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar el efecto a 30 días de los criterios de alto riesgo (CAR) en los mayores frágiles con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) dados de alta desde urgencias o unidades vinculadas (URG_UV). METODO: Análisis secundario del registro OAK-Discharge. Se seleccionaron pacientes frágiles 70 años con ICA dados de alta desde URG_UV. Los CAR se clasificaron en modificables (CAR_M) y no modificables (CAR_NM). Las variables de resultado fueron la compuesta cardiovascular (VC_CV) (revisita u hospitalización por ICA o mortalidad cardiovascular) y días vivos fuera del hospital (DVFH) a 30 días del alta. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 380 pacientes con una edad media de 86 (DE 5,5) años, 61,2% mujeres. Un 65,1% tuvo CAR_M, 47,8% CAR_NM y 81,6% ambos. Ochenta y tres pacientes (21,8%) presentaron la VC_CV a 30 días. La media de DVFH a 30 días fue de 27,6 (DE 6,1) días. La presencia de CAR modificable, no modificable o ambos, se asoció más frecuentemente a la VC_CV a 30 días (25,0% vs 17,2%, p = 0,092; 27,6% vs 16,7%, p = 0,010; 24,7% vs 15,2%, p = 0,098) y a menos DVFH a 30 días [26,9 (7,0) vs 28,4 (4,4), p = 0,011; 27,1 (7,0) vs 28,0 (5,0), p = 0,127; 27,1 (6,7) vs 28,8 (3,4), p = 0,005], respectivamente. Tras el análisis multivariante, los CAR_M se asociaron de forma independiente con menos DVFH a 30 días (diferencia absoluta ajustada ­1,3 días; IC 95% ­2,7 a ­0,1) y los CAR_NM con más eventos en la VC_CV a 30 días (diferencia absoluta ajustada 10,4%; IC 95% 2,1% a 18,7%). CONCLUSIONES: Los CAR son frecuentes en los mayores frágiles con ICA dados de alta desde URG_UV y su presencia se asocia a peores resultados a 30 días tras alta.

Comparación de dos cuestionarios específicos de calidad de vida en población pediátrica con patología adenoamigdalar / Comparison of two specific quality of life questionnaires in a paediatric population with adenotonsillar disease

Introducción y objetivo: El T-14 y el TAHSI son cuestionarios específicos validados y fiables para medir la calidad de vida en pacientes pediátricos con patología adenoamigdalar. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo comparar las versiones adaptadas y validadas en lengua española de estos dos cuestionarios (T-14-s y s-TAHSI) con la finalidad de valorar la adopción preferente de alguno de ellos en nuestro medio.Material y MétodosPara determinar la existencia de una correlación entre ambos instrumentos, se realizó un estudio prospectivo transversal, multicéntrico, entre noviembre de 2015 y abril de 2016. Se incluyeron consecutivamente sujetos de dos a 16 años de edad con indicación de cirugía adenoamigdalar y controles sanos. Los padres o tutores legales respondieron los cuestionarios T-14-s y s-TAHSI inicialmente, pasadas dos-seis semanas y a los seis meses de la cirugía. Se compararon las puntuaciones de T-14-s y s-TAHSI de toda la muestra globalmente, de los subgrupos de pacientes y controles por separado y, finalmente, del grupo de pacientes a los seis meses de la cirugía, mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Se calculó la proporción de variabilidad compartida entre ambos test.ResultadosSe estudiaron 100 sujetos (50 pacientes y 50 controles). La correlación global que presentaron ambos cuestionarios fue muy alta (0,97), con un nivel de significación de p < 0,01. La proporción de variabilidad compartida fue muy elevada, del 94%. Los resultados se mantuvieron al comparar los cuestionarios en las subpoblaciones de casos y controles, así como los cuestionarios postoperatorios.ConclusiónLos cuestionarios de calidad de vida para pacientes pediátricos con patología adenoamigdalar, T-14-s y s-TAHSI, presentan una alta correlación que permite el uso equivalente de ambos en nuestro medio. (AU)

Introduction and objective: T-14 and TAHSI are validated and reliable specific questionnaires which measure the quality of life in paediatric patients with adenotonsillar disease. The present study aims to compare the adapted and validated versions in Spanish of these two questionnaires (T-14-s and s-TAHSI) in order to assess the preferential use of either of them in our environment.Material and MethodsA multicentre prospective cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2015 and April 2016, to determine the possible correlation between these two instruments. Subjects aged from 2 to 16 years with indication for adenotonsillar surgery and healthy controls, were consecutively included. Parents or caregivers of these children completed T-14-s and s-TAHSI questionnaires initially, after 2-6 weeks and at 6 months after surgery. T-14-s and s-TAHSI scores of the entire sample were compared globally, patient and control subgroups were compared separately and finally, compared in the group of patients at 6 months from surgery, using Pearson correlation coefficient. The proportion of variability shared between both tests was calculated.ResultsA hundred subjects (50 cases and 50 controls) were studied. The overall correlation presented by both questionnaires was very high (0.97) with a significance level of p < .01. The proportion of shared variability was 94%, very high. The results were maintained when comparing the questionnaires in the subpopulations of cases and controls, as well as the postoperative questionnaires.ConclusionQuality of life questionnaires for paediatric patients with adenotonsillar pathology, T-14-s and s-TAHSI, showed high correlation and allows the equivalent use of both in our environment. (AU)

Comparison of two specific quality of life questionnaires in a paediatric population with adenotonsillar disease. / Comparación de dos cuestionarios específicos de calidad de vida en población pediátrica con patología adenoamigdalar.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: T-14 and TAHSI are validated and reliable specific questionnaires which measure the quality of life in paediatric patients with adenotonsillar disease. The present study aims to compare the adapted and validated versions in Spanish of these two questionnaires (T-14-s and s-TAHSI) in order to assess the preferential use of either of them in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre prospective cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2015 and April 2016, to determine the possible correlation between these two instruments. Subjects aged from 2 to 16 years with indication for adenotonsillar surgery and healthy controls, were consecutively included. Parents or caregivers of these children completed T-14-s and s-TAHSI questionnaires initially, after 2-6 weeks and at 6 months after surgery. T-14-s and s-TAHSI scores of the entire sample were compared globally, patient and control subgroups were compared separately and finally, compared in the group of patients at 6 months from surgery, using Pearson correlation coefficient. The proportion of variability shared between both tests was calculated. RESULTS: A hundred subjects (50 cases and 50 controls) were studied. The overall correlation presented by both questionnaires was very high (0.97) with a significance level of p < .01. The proportion of shared variability was 94%, very high. The results were maintained when comparing the questionnaires in the subpopulations of cases and controls, as well as the postoperative questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Quality of life questionnaires for paediatric patients with adenotonsillar pathology, T-14-s and s-TAHSI, showed high correlation and allows the equivalent use of both in our environment.

Iron deficiency and safety of ferric carboxymaltose in patients with acute heart failure. AHF-ID study.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of iron deficiency (ID) in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is high. There are few studies on the characteristics of these patients and the safety of ferric carboxymaltose administration (FCM). OBJECTIVE: Study the differences among patients with AHF based on the presence and type of ID as well as the safety of FCM administration in these patients. METHOD: The AHF-ID study is a multicentre, analytical, prospective follow-up cohort including patients admitted to six Spanish hospitals for AHF. ID was defined as serum ferritin <100 µg/L (group A) or ferritin 100-299 µg/L with a TSAT <20% (group B). In cases receiving FCM the appearance of adverse events was analysed. Adjusted Cox regression was used to determine the association with 30-days reattendance for AHF after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients were recruited; 191 (86.4%) presented ID, 121 (63.4%) group A and 70 (36.6%) group B. There were scarce differences between the groups analysed. No differences were found in 30-days reattendance for AHF. FCM was administered to 158 (71.5%) patients, with 8 (5.1%) presenting adverse events, the most frequent being digestive alterations. Treatment was not discontinued in any case. CONCLUSIONS: There are scarce differences between the presence and the type of ID in patients with AHF. The administration of FCM in patients with ID and AHF is safe.

The CRAS-EAHFE study: Characteristics and prognosis of acute heart failure episodes with cardiorenal-anaemia syndrome at the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of other comorbidities confers poor outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. Our aim was to determine the characteristics of patients with acute heart failure and cardiorenal anaemia syndrome and the relationship between renal dysfunction and anaemia, alone or combined as cardiorenal anaemia syndrome, on short-term outcomes. METHODS: We analysed the Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments registry (cohort of patients with acute heart failure in Spanish emergency departments). Renal dysfunction was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/m2, anaemia by haemoglobin values <12/<13 g/dl in women/men, and cardiorenal anaemia syndrome as the presence of both. Comparisons were made according to cardiorenal-anaemia syndrome positive (CRAS+) with respect to the rest of patients (CRAS-) and according the presence of renal dysfunction (RD+) and anaemia (A+), (alone, RD+/A-, RD-/A+) or in combination (RD+/A+; i.e. CRAS+) with respect to patients without renal dysfunction and anaemia (RD-/A-). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were need for admission, prolonged hospitalisation (>10 days), in-hospital mortality during the index event, and reconsultation and the combination of 30-day post-discharge reconsultation/death. These short-term outcomes were compared and adjusted for differences among groups. RESULTS: Of the 13,307 patients analysed, CRAS+ (36.4%) was associated with older age, multiple comorbidities, chronic use of loop diuretics, oedemas and hypotension. The 30-day mortality in CRAS+ was greater than in CRAS- (hazard ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.26-1.68) and RD-/A- (hazard ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.46-2.28) control groups. The mortality level was also higher in RD+/A- (hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.78) and higher, but not statistically significant, in RD-/A+ (hazard ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.99-1.63) with respect to RD-/A-. All of the secondary outcomes, when related to CRAS- and RD-/A- control groups, were worse for CRAS+ and to a lesser extent, RD+/A-, being more rarely observed in RD-/A+. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiorenal anaemia syndrome in acute heart failure is related to greater mortality and worse short-term outcomes, and the impact of renal dysfunction and anaemia seems to be additive.

Palisade cartilage tympanoplasty compared to one-piece composite cartilage-perichondrium grafts for transcanal endoscopic treatment of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The endoscopic approach to tympanoplasty is gaining popularity, but its adoption for the palisade tympanoplasty technique is unstudied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic cartilage palisade tympanoplasty compared to one-piece composite cartilage-perichondrium grafts for tympanic membrane closure in adult patients with subtotal perforations. METHODS: Retrospective study of 42 adult patients who underwent endoscopic tympanoplasty for a subtotal perforation in a university tertiary referral center from January 2018 to June 2019. Patients underwent transcanal tympanoplasty either with cartilage palisade grafts or with one-piece composite cartilage-perichondrium grafts. Both techniques were compared for graft take rate and audiometric results. RESULTS: Twenty palisade and 22 single-piece tympanoplasties were analyzed. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in terms of tympanic membrane closure (85% vs. 86.3%, p = 0.5) or hearing improvement. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that similar results can be obtained with palisade cartilage grafts compared to the one-piece composite cartilage-perichondrium technique for endoscopic tympanic membrane closure. Further studies with long-term results will be needed to confirm these findings.

CORT-AHF Study: Effect on Outcomes of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy During Early Management Acute Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether systemic corticosteroids (new onset) administered to patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have any association with outcomes, with differentiated analyses for patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a comorbidity. BACKGROUND: Patients with undiagnosed dyspnea frequently receive corticosteroids in emergency departments while determining a final diagnosis, but their effect on the outcomes of patients with AHF without overt COPD exacerbation is unknown. METHODS: We selected patients with AHF from the EAHFE (Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Departments) registry, recording key data (new-onset corticosteroid therapy, COPD condition). Patients with and without COPD were analyzed separately. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted ratios for corticosteroid-treated compared with corticosteroid-untreated patients for 2 coprimary endpoints: 90-day all-cause mortality (from index episode) and 90-day post-discharge combined endpoint (all-cause mortality or readmission for AHF), with intermediate time-point estimations. Other secondary endpoints were calculated, and some sensitive and stratified analyses were performed. RESULTS: We analyzed 11,356 patients: 8,635 without COPD (841 corticosteroid-treated, 9.7%) and 2,721 with COPD (753 corticosteroid-treated, 27.7%). There were several differences between treated and untreated patients, essentially because corticosteroid-treated patients were sicker. Although unadjusted outcomes were worse in corticosteroid-treated patients, especially in patients without COPD, these differences disappeared after adjustment: hazard ratios for 90-day mortality (without/with COPD) were 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76 to 1.10)/0.99 (95% CI: 0.78 to 1.26), and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.93 to 1.28)/1.02 (95% CI: 0.86 to 1.21) for the post-discharge combined endpoint. Analyses of intermediate time-point coprimary endpoints and secondary outcomes rendered similar estimations. Sensitivity and stratified analysis did not significantly modify these results. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of harm related to the new onset of systemic corticosteroid therapy during an episode of AHF, either in patients with or without concomitant COPD.

Influence of the length of hospitalisation in post-discharge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure: Results of the LOHRCA study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between length of hospitalisation (LOH) and post-discharge outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) patients and to ascertain whether there are different patterns according to department of initial hospitalisation. METHODS: Consecutive AHF patients hospitalised in 41 Spanish centres were grouped based on the LOH (<6/6-10/11-15/>15 days). Outcomes were defined as 90-day post-discharge all-cause mortality, AHF readmissions, and the combination of both. Hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted by chronic conditions and severity of decompensation, were calculated for groups with LOH >6 days vs. LOH <6 days (reference), and stratified by hospitalisation in cardiology, internal medicine, geriatrics, or short-stay units. RESULTS: We included 8563 patients (mean age: 80 (SD = 10) years, 55.5% women), with a median LOH of 7 days (IQR 4-11): 2934 (34.3%) had a LOH <6 days, 3184 (37.2%) 6-10 days, 1287 (15.0%) 11-15 days, and 1158 (13.5%) >15 days. The 90-day post-discharge mortality was 11.4%, readmission 32.2%, and combined endpoint 37.4%. Mortality was increased by 36.5% (95%CI = 13.0-64.9) when LOH was 11-15 days, and by 72.0% (95%CI = 42.6-107.5) when >15 days. Conversely, no differences were found in readmission risk, and the combined endpoint only increased 21.6% (95%CI = 8.4-36.4) for LOH >15 days. Stratified analysis by hospitalisation departments rendered similar post-discharge outcomes, with all exhibiting increased mortality for LOH >15 days and no significant increments in readmission risk. CONCLUSIONS: Short hospitalisations are not associated with worse outcomes. While post-discharge readmissions are not affected by LOH, mortality risk increases as the LOH lengthens. These findings were similar across hospitalisation departments.

Effect of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality among older patients with acute heart failure in Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence and impact of risk of malnutrition on short-term mortality among seniors presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency setting. The objective was to determine the impact of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality risk among older patients who attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for AHF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the OAK-3 Registry including all consecutive patients ≥65 years attending in 16 Spanish EDs for AHF. Risk of malnutrition was defined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) < 12 points. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between risk of malnutrition and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We included 749 patients (mean age: 85 (SD 6); 55.8% females). Risk of malnutrition was observed in 594 (79.3%) patients. The rate of 30-day mortality was 8.8%. After adjusting for MEESSI-AHF risk score clinical categories (model 1) and after adding all variables showing a significantly different distribution among groups (model 2), the risk of malnutrition was an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted OR by model 1 = 3.4; 95%CI 1.2-9.7; p = .020 and adjusted OR by model 2 = 3.1; 95%CI 1.1-9.0; p = .033) compared to normal nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of malnutrition assessed by the MNA-SF is associated with 30-day mortality in older patients with AHF who were attended in EDs. Routine screening of risk of malnutrition may help emergency physicians in decision-making and establishing a care plan.

Utilidad de la escala MEESSI para la estratificación del riesgo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en servicios de urgencias / The usefulness of the MEESSI score for risk stratification of patients with acute heart failure at the emergency department

Introducción y objetivos: En los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios(SUH), la escala MEESSI estratifica a los pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda(ICA) según su riesgo de mortalidad a 30 días. Se valida la escala de riesgo MEESSI en una nueva cohorte de pacientes para evaluar su precisión al estratificar el riesgo y compararla en diferentes entornos. Métodos: Se incluyó a los pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de ICA en 30 SUH durante enero y febrero de 2016. Se calculó la puntuación MEESSI de cada paciente. El estadístico C midió la capacidad discriminatoria para predecir la mortalidad a 30 días del modelo MEESSI completo y los modelos secundarios. Se realizaron comparaciones entre los subgrupos de pacientes de hospitales universitarios y comunitarios, de SUH con actividad alta, media o baja y de SUH que reclutaron o que no reclutaron a pacientes de la cohorte original de derivación de la escala MEESSI. Resultados: Se analizó a 4.711 pacientes (hospitales universitarios/comunitarios: 3.811/900; SUH alta/media/baja actividad: 2.695/1.479/537; SUH participantes/no participantes en el estudio de derivación original:3.892/819). La distribución de pacientes según las categorías de riesgo de la escala MEESSI fue: 1.673 (35,5%) de bajo riesgo, 2.023 (42,9%) de riesgo intermedio, 530 (11,3%) de alto riesgo y 485 (10,3%) de muy alto riesgo, con mortalidades a 30 días del 2,0, el 7,8, el 17,9 y el 41,4% respectivamente. El estadístico C para el modelo completo fue 0,810 (IC95%, 0,790-0,830) y varió de 0,731 a 0,785 para los modelos secundarios. La capacidad discriminatoria de la escala de riesgo MEESSI fue similar entre los subgrupos de hospitales, entre SUH de distinta actividad y entre hospitales reclutadores originales y nuevos. Conclusiones: La escala MEESSI estratifica con éxito a los pacientes con ICA en los SUH según el riesgo de muerte a 30días, lo cual puede ayudar en urgencias a la toma de decisiones sobre el destino de estos pacientes

Introduction and objectives: The MEESSI scale stratifies acute heart failure (AHF) patients at the emergency department (ED) according to the 30-day mortality risk. We validated the MEESSI risk score in a new cohort of Spanish patients to assess its accuracy in stratifying patients by risk and to compare its performance in different settings. Methods: We included consecutive patients diagnosed with AHF in 30 EDs during January and February 2016. The MEESSI score was calculated for each patient. The c-statistic measured the discriminatory capacity to predict 30-day mortality of the full MEESSI model and secondary models. Further comparisons were made among subgroups of patients from university and community hospitals, EDs with high-, medium-or low-activity and EDs that recruited or not patients in the original MEESSI derivation cohort. Results: We analyzed 4711 patients (university/community hospitals: 3811/900; high-/medium-/low-activity EDs: 2695/1479/537; EDs participating/not participating in the previous MEESSI derivation study: 3892/819). The distribution of patients according to the MEESSI risk categories was: 1673 (35.5%) low risk, 2023 (42.9%) intermediate risk, 530 (11.3%) high risk and 485 (10.3%) very high risk, with 30-day mortality of 2.0%, 7.8%, 17.9%, and 41.4%, respectively. The c-statistic for the full model was 0.810 (95%CI, 0.790-0.830), ranging from 0.731 to 0.785 for the subsequent secondary models. The discriminatory capacity of the MEESSI risk score was similar among subgroups of hospital type, ED activity, and original recruiter EDs. Conclusions: The MEESSI risk score successfully stratifies AHF patients at the ED according to the 30-day mortality risk, potentially helping clinicians in the decision-making process for hospitalizing patients

Effect of Barthel Index on the Risk of Thirty-Day Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure Attending the Emergency Department: A Cohort Study of Nine Thousand Ninety-Eight Patients From the Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments Registry.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We assess the value of the Barthel Index (BI) in predicting 30-day mortality risk among patients with acute heart failure who are attending the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We selected 9,098 acute heart failure patients from the Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments registry who had BI score available both at baseline and the ED visit. Patients' data were collected from 41 Spanish hospitals during four 1- to 2-month periods between 2009 and 2016. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between 30-day mortality and BI score. c Statistics were used to estimate their prognostic value. RESULTS: The mean baseline BI score was 79.4 (SD 24.6) and the mean ED BI score was 65.3 (SD 29.1). Acute functional decline (≥5-point decrease between baseline BI and ED BI score) was observed in 5,771 patients (53.4%). Within 30 days of the ED visit, 905 patients (9.9%) died. There was a steep inverse gradient in 30-day mortality risk for baseline BI and ED BI score. For instance, compared with BI score=100, a BI score of 50 to 55 doubled the mortality risk both at baseline and the ED visit. At the ED visit, a BI score of 0 to 5 carried a 5-fold increase in risk after adjustment for other risk predictors. In comparison with baseline BI score, ED BI score consistently provided greater discrimination. Neither baseline BI score nor the change in BI score from baseline to the ED visit added further prognostic value to the ED BI score. CONCLUSION: Functional status assessed by the BI score at the ED visit is a strong predictor of 30-day mortality in acute heart failure patients, with higher predictive value than baseline BI score and acute functional decline. Routine recording of BI score at the ED visit may help in decisionmaking and health care planning.

The Usefulness of the MEESSI Score for Risk Stratification of Patients With Acute Heart Failure at the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The MEESSI scale stratifies acute heart failure (AHF) patients at the emergency department (ED) according to the 30-day mortality risk. We validated the MEESSI risk score in a new cohort of Spanish patients to assess its accuracy in stratifying patients by risk and to compare its performance in different settings. METHODS: We included consecutive patients diagnosed with AHF in 30 EDs during January and February 2016. The MEESSI score was calculated for each patient. The c-statistic measured the discriminatory capacity to predict 30-day mortality of the full MEESSI model and secondary models. Further comparisons were made among subgroups of patients from university and community hospitals, EDs with high-, medium- or low-activity and EDs that recruited or not patients in the original MEESSI derivation cohort. RESULTS: We analyzed 4711 patients (university/community hospitals: 3811/900; high-/medium-/low-activity EDs: 2695/1479/537; EDs participating/not participating in the previous MEESSI derivation study: 3892/819). The distribution of patients according to the MEESSI risk categories was: 1673 (35.5%) low risk, 2023 (42.9%) intermediate risk, 530 (11.3%) high risk and 485 (10.3%) very high risk, with 30-day mortality of 2.0%, 7.8%, 17.9%, and 41.4%, respectively. The c-statistic for the full model was 0.810 (95%CI, 0.790-0.830), ranging from 0.731 to 0.785 for the subsequent secondary models. The discriminatory capacity of the MEESSI risk score was similar among subgroups of hospital type, ED activity, and original recruiter EDs. CONCLUSIONS: The MEESSI risk score successfully stratifies AHF patients at the ED according to the 30-day mortality risk, potentially helping clinicians in the decision-making process for hospitalizing patients.

The role of atrial fibrillation in the short-term outcomes of patients with acute heart failure.

AIMS: To investigate whether the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with adverse short-term outcomes in patients diagnosed with acute heart failure (AHF) in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of patients included in the EAHFE registries 4&5. Patients were divided by the presence of sinus rhythm (SR) or AF at ED arrival. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the 30-day post-discharge combined endpoint of ED revisit or hospitalisation due to AHF and all-cause mortality. We recorded 54 independent variables that can affect outcomes. Cox regression was used to investigate adjusted significant associations between AF and outcomes. Analyses were repeated according to whether AF was previously known and whether AF was considered responsible for the AHF episode. RESULTS: We analysed 6045 ED visits (mean age 80.4 years, 55.9% women), 3644 (60.3%) with AF. The cumulative 30-day mortality was 9.4%, and the adverse combined endpoint (ACE) was 25.9% (ED revisit with and without hospitalisation were 16.5 and 8.9% and death occurred in 4.7%). No differences were found in outcomes of AHF patients with SR and AF, and among the latter group, no differences were found depending on whether AF was considered responsible for the AHF episode. Patients with previously known AF had significantly lower 30-day mortality and higher post-discharge ACE rates, although these differences disappeared after adjustment for confounders HR 0.782, 95% CI 0.590-1.037, p = 0.087; and HR 1.131, 95% CI 0.924-1.385, p = 0.234). CONCLUSION: The coexistence of AF does not impact the short-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with AHF in the ED.

Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument (TAHSI) is a disease-specific questionnaire, intended for completion by parents, for assessing quality of life related to tonsil and adenoid disease or its treatment in children with throat disorders. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish adaptation of the TAHSI, thus allowing comparison across studies and international multicenter projects. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective instrument validation study. METHODS: Guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation process from the original English-language scale into a Spanish-language version were followed. The psychometric properties (reproducibility, reliability, validity, responsiveness) of the Spanish version of the TAHSI (s-TAHSI) were assessed in 51 consecutive children undergoing adeno/tonsillectomy (both before and 6 months after surgery) and a separate cohort of 50 unaffected children of comparable age range. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability (γ = 0.8) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.95) were adequate. The s-TAHSI demonstrated satisfactory content validity (r > 0.40). The instrument showed excellent between-groups discrimination (P < .0001) and high responsiveness to change (effect size = 2.09). CONCLUSIONS: Psychometric testing of the s-TAHSI yielded satisfactory results, thus allowing assessment of the subjective severity of throat disorders in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1469-1475, 2018.

[Vernakalant in hospital emergency practice: safety and effectiveness]. / Seguridad y eficacia de vernakalant en la práctica clínica de los servicios de urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effectiveness and safety of vernakalant for restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in routine hospital emergency department care, and to evaluate factors associated with a more effective response. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective multicenter cohort study enrolling consecutive patients who were administered vernakalant for medical cardioversion of AF between September 2014 through March 2016 in 5 hospitals in the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia. RESULTS: We studied 165 cases. The median (interquartile range) was 68 years (56-77) years. Cardioversion with vernakalant was effective in 77.6% (95% CI, 71.1%-84%). The median time to conversion was 8 ( 6-12) minutes after a first dose and 34 (22-62) minutes after a second dose. A prior history of cardiac insufficiency was nonsignificantly less common in patients who converted with vernakalant (6.3%) than in those who did not (18.9%) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.45 [95% CI, 0.13-1.56]; P=.208). Having no prior history of AF was nonsignificantly related to greater effectiveness (in 54.7% vs in 35.1% with prior AF). Duration less than 12 hours was significantly associated with greater effectiveness (83.6% vs 59.5%; adjusted OR, 2.76 [95% CI, 1.12-6.80]; P=.028). Adverse events were reported for 30 patients. None of the events had clinically important consequences, and in only 2 cases (1.2%) was it necessary to suspend treatment. CONCLUSION: Vernakalant is effective and safe for restoring sinus rhythm in the hospital emergency department.

OBJETIVO: Describir la eficacia y seguridad de vernakalant para la reversión de la fibrilación auricular (FA) a ritmo sinusal en la práctica clínica habitual de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), así como evaluar las características asociadas a mayor respuesta eficaz. METODO: Estudio de cohortes multicéntrico, analítico, prospectivo, con inclusión consecutiva de pacientes en los que se administra vernakalant para realizar cardioversión farmacológica de una FA, llevado a cabo desde Septiembre 2014 hasta Marzo 2016 en 5 hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 165 casos con una mediana de edad de 68 años [rango intercuartil (RIC): 56-77]. La reversión eficaz fue de 77,6% (IC 95%: 71,1%-84,0%). La mediana del tiempo de reversión fue de 8 minutos (RIC: 6-12) con la primera dosis y de 34 minutos (RIC: 22-62) con la segunda. La presencia de insuficiencia cardiaca previa fue menos frecuente en el grupo que revirtió con vernakalant, 6,3% frente a 18,9%, con una OR ajustada de 0,45 (IC 95%: 0,13-1,56), p = 0,208. Ser un primer episodio de FA y tener una duración de menos de 12 horas se relacionó con mayores tasas de reversión, 54,7% frente a 35,1% y de 83,6% frente a 59,5%, respectivamente, pero solo la segunda fue significativa con una OR ajustada de 2,76 (IC 95%: 1,12-6,80), p = 0,028. Se notificaron eventos adversos en 30 pacientes. Ninguno de ellos tuvo consecuencias relevantes y sólo dos (1,2%) motivaron la suspensión del fármaco. CONCLUSIONES: Vernakalant es un fármaco eficaz y seguro para la restauración del ritmo sinusal en los SUH.