Differential expression of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor in endomyocardial tissue of patients with myocarditis.

Recent studies demonstrated that the expression of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is implicated in the pathophysiology of myocarditis. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between active and borderline myocarditis and CAR expression in endomyocardial tissues, and analyze the association between CAR expression and treatment response. An analytic, cross­sectional, retrospective study was performed in 26 patients with myocarditis and 10 control subjects without heart disease. Myocardial biopsies were obtained and CAR transcription was measured by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The association between CAR mRNA levels and the response to immunosuppressive or conventional therapy (treatment responders, n=17; non­responders, n=9) or with the type of histological myocarditis (active myocarditis, n=16; borderline myocarditis, n=10) was analyzed. CAR transcription levels were significantly lower (P=0.012) in patients with myocarditis compared with controls, and a significant decrease was observed (P=0.023) in CAR mRNA levels among patients with borderline myocarditis compared with the no myocarditis group. Patients responding to therapy exhibited higher CAR mRNA levels (P=0.036) compared with patients not responding to treatment, as evaluated based on clinical and echocardiographic criteria (immunosuppressive therapy, n=8; conventional therapy, n=1). Myocarditis in non­responders was associated with fewer clinical manifestations and lower CAR mRNA levels. A significant difference was only found regarding the use of oral steroids in patients with active myocarditis who responded to treatment (P=0.02), with no difference in borderline myocarditis. In conclusion, the transcriptional level of CAR is low in the endomyocardial tissue of patients with myocarditis, and it is lower in borderline myocarditis and in non­responder patients. These findings may enable early identification of patients who may benefit from treatment and timely determination of prognosis.

[Methodology for superiority versus equivalence and non-inferior clinical studies. A practical review]. / Metodología para los estudios clínicos de superioridad frente a los de equivalencia y estudios de no inferioridad. Una revisión aplicada.

Physicians should always remember that a negative result in a superiority trial never would prove that the therapies under research are equivalent; more often, there may be a risk of type 2 (false negative) error. Equivalence and not inferiority studies demand high standards to provide reliable results. Physicians should take into account above all that the equivalence margins tend to be too large to be clinically significant and that the claim of equivalence can be misleading if a study has not been conducted at a sufficiently high level. In addition, physicians must be a bit skeptical of judgments that do not include the basic requirements of information, including the definition and justification of the equivalence margin, the calculation of the size of the sample bearing in mind this margin, the presentation of both analysis (intention-to-treat and by protocol), and provide confidence intervals for the results. Equivalence and inferiority studies are not indicated in certain areas. If one follows the required strict adherence to the specific methodology, such studies can provide new and important knowledge.

Los médicos deben recordar siempre que un resultado negativo en una prueba de superioridad nunca probará que las terapias investigadas son equivalentes; más a menudo puede haber un gran riesgo de error de tipo 2 (resultado falso negativo). Los estudios de equivalencia y de no inferioridad exigen altos estándares para proporcionar resultados confiables. Los médicos deben tener en cuenta sobre todo que los márgenes de equivalencia suelen ser demasiado grandes como para ser clínicamente significativos y que la reclamación de esta puede ser engañosa si un estudio no se ha llevado a cabo a un nivel suficientemente elevado. Además, los médicos deben ser un poco escépticos de análisis que no incluyan los requisitos básicos de información, incluida la definición y la justificación del margen de equivalencia, el cálculo del tamaño de la muestra (deben tomar en cuenta este margen), la presentación de ambos tipos de análisis (por intención de tratar y por protocolo), así como los intervalos de confianza para los resultados. Los estudios de equivalencia y de no inferioridad se indican en ciertas áreas. Si se sigue la estricta adherencia necesaria a la metodología específica, tales estudios pueden proporcionar nuevos e importantes conocimientos.

Trombólisis prehospitalaria: en perspectiva nacional. Estrategia farmacoinvasiva para la reperfusión temprana del IAMCEST en México / Prehospital thrombolysis: A national perspective. Pharmaco-invasive strategy for early reperfusion of STEMI in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Revisar la evidencia existente sobre el papel de la trombólisis prehospitalaria en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) como parte de una estrategia de vanguardia para reducir el tiempo de reperfusión miocárdica y, con ello, mejorar la supervivencia y la función. Métodos: Se utilizó la técnica de exploración-reducción-evaluación-análisis y síntesis de estudios relacionados, con una visión general de las recomendaciones actuales, de los datos de ensayos clínicos controlados y de los registros nacionales e internacionales sobre las diferentes estrategias de reperfusión para el IAMCEST. En total, se examinaron 186 referencias sobre trombólisis prehospitalaria, 130 referencias en tiempos puerta-tratamiento, 139 referencias en la gestión de IAMCEST y los registros nacionales e internacionales, así como 135 referencias en intervención coronaria percutánea primaria y de rescate en IAMCEST. Finalmente se retuvieron las 48 referencias que se consideraron más relevantes e informativas. Conclusión: El factor "tiempo" es esencial en el éxito de la reperfusión temprana en el IAMCEST sobre todo si se toma en cuenta la trombólisis prehospitalaria. La intervención coronaria percutánea primaria está sujeta a su factibilidad antes de 120 min del inicio de los síntomas. En nuestro medio, al igual que en el ámbito internacional, la trombólisis continúa siendo una estrategia con gran alcance en las expectativas de vida y función de los pacientes. Los sistemas de telecomunicación deben incorporarse en tiempo real a las necesidades prioritarias de enfermedades catastróficas como el IAMCEST, donde la vida es dependiente del tiempo.

Abstract: Objective: To review the existing evidence on the role of prehospital thrombolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) as part of a strategy of cutting edge to reduce the time of coronary reperfusion and as a consequence improves both the survival and function. Methods: We used the technique of exploration-reduction-evaluation-analysis and synthesis of related studies, with an overview of current recommendations, data from controlled clinical trials and from the national and international registries about the different strategies for STEMI reperfusion. In total, we examined 186 references on prehospital thrombolysis, 130 references in times door-treatment, 139 references in STEMI management and national and international registries as well as 135 references on rescue and primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. Finally the 48 references that were more relevant and informative were retained. Conclusion: The "time" factor is crucial in the success of early reperfusion in STEMI especially if thrombolysis is applied correctly during the prehospital time. The primary percutaneous coronary intervention is contingent upon its feasibility before 120 min from the onset of symptoms. In our midst to internationally, thrombolysis continues to be a strategy with great impact on their expectations of life and function of patients. Telecommunication systems should be incorporate in real time to the priority needs of catastrophic diseases such as STEMI where life is depending on time.

[Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Impact of change in the paradigm of isolated diastolic dysfunction]. / Insuficiencia cardiaca con fraccion de expulsion preservada (ICFEP). Impacto del cambio en el paradigma de la disfunción diastólica aislada.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a significant and growing public health problem, since it currently represents half of all patients with heart failure. Despite improvements in the understanding of the disease, there is no benefit form treatments tested at all. Advances in diagnostic imaging and invasive evaluation algorithms will allow a more accurate and early diagnosis so that treatment of earliest forms in the progression of the disease are applied since the potential for benefit may be higher. Although important progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology, cardiac catheterization, and cellular of diastolic failure mechanisms and not diastolic mechanisms of disease, further research is required promptly to determine how best to address these anomalies to reduce the significant burden of morbidity and mortality in this form of heart failure, which is reaching pandemic proportions.

[Prehospital thrombolysis: A national perspective. Pharmaco-invasive strategy for early reperfusion of STEMI in Mexico]. / Trombólisis prehospitalaria: en perspectiva nacional. Estrategia farmacoinvasiva para la reperfusión temprana del IAMCEST en México.

OBJECTIVE: To review the existing evidence on the role of prehospital thrombolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) as part of a strategy of cutting edge to reduce the time of coronary reperfusion and as a consequence improves both the survival and function. METHODS: We used the technique of exploration-reduction-evaluation-analysis and synthesis of related studies, with an overview of current recommendations, data from controlled clinical trials and from the national and international registries about the different strategies for STEMI reperfusion. In total, we examined 186 references on prehospital thrombolysis, 130 references in times door-treatment, 139 references in STEMI management and national and international registries as well as 135 references on rescue and primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. Finally the 48 references that were more relevant and informative were retained. CONCLUSION: The «time¼ factor is crucial in the success of early reperfusion in STEMI especially if thrombolysis is applied correctly during the prehospital time. The primary percutaneous coronary intervention is contingent upon its feasibility before 120 min from the onset of symptoms. In our midst to internationally, thrombolysis continues to be a strategy with great impact on their expectations of life and function of patients. Telecommunication systems should be incorporate in real time to the priority needs of catastrophic diseases such as STEMI where life is depending on time.

A delta-sarcoglycan gene polymorphism as a risk factor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The C allele of c.-94C>G polymorphism of the delta-sarcoglycan gene was associated as a risk factor for coronary spasm in Japanese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). AIM: We evaluated whether the c.-94C>G polymorphism can be a risk factor for HCM in Mexican patients. METHODS: The polymorphism was genotyped and the risk was estimated in 35 HCM patients and 145 healthy unrelated individuals. Data of this polymorphism reported in Mexican Amerindian populations were included. RESULTS: The C allele frequency in HCM patients was higher with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.37, and the risk for the CC genotype increased to 5.0. The analysis with Mexican Amerindian populations showed that the C allele frequency was significantly higher in HCM patients with an OR of 2.96 and for CC genotype the risk increased to 7.60. CONCLUSIONS: The C allele of the c.-94C>G polymorphism is a risk factor for HCM, which is increased by the Amerindian component and can play an important role in the etiology and progression of disease in Mexican patients.

Cellular autotransplantation for ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is highly prevalent among patients >65 years old. The incidence increases starting at approximately 45 years of age. Recent therapeutic advances have included stem cell transplantation in the affected areas of the myocardium in order to improve perfusion and myocardial performance. METHODS: Between July 13, 2004 and August 31, 2005, 39 procedures were undertaken in 34 male and 5 female patients, with a mean age of 53.6 +/- 9.08 years (range: 35-71 years old), suffering from terminal heart failure and without any other therapeutic alternative. Thirty four cases presented ischemic cardiomyopathy and five presented idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. All patients were treated with autologous stem cell transplantation obtained from the peripheral blood supply through hemophoresis and implanted by means of a left anterior thoracotomy via intramyocardial injection. Functional class, ejection fraction and myocardial perfusion were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Seven patients presented ventricular fibrillation during the procedure, requiring defibrillation. Two patients died due to intractable arrhythmias during the perioperative period; the remaining patients are currently participating in a rehabilitation program with a favorable evolution. A mid-term follow-up has been completed in 27 patients. Preoperatively, the functional class for 26 of these patients was III. Postoperatively, functional classes are II in 5 cases and I in 15 patients at the mid-term evaluation with ejection fraction improvements of 37.7 +/- 14.2 to 42.15 +/- 5.9. CONCLUSIONS: Cell therapy is a safe and useful procedure in selected patients with ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Trasplante pulmonar: experiencia de un grupo quirúrgico / Lung transplantation: experience of a surgical team

Se informan los resultados de un programa de trasplante pulmonar en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social y los requerimientos para obtener mejores resultados. El estudio se realizó en el Hospital General del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza y Hospital de Cardiología del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI. Se incluyeron tres pacientes del sexo femenino con fibrosis intersticial difusa en estado terminal en lista de espera de trasplante unilateral de pulmón, que reunieron los criterios de inclusión. Entre julio de 1992 y noviembre de 1995, se efectuaron dos trasplantes unilaterales de pulmón en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social provenientes de donaciones múltiples, y un trasplante de lóbulo pulmonar a partir de donador vivo no relacionado. El primer procedimiento se efectuó sin accidentes transoperatorios, pero la paciente falleció a las siete horas de operada por edema pulmonar unilateral de etiología multicausal. En el segundo caso, la paciente falleció en el transoperatorio por hemorragia de la anastomosis vascular por alteraciones de la pared de la rama derecha de su arteria pulmonar. El tercer caso evoluciona satisfactoriamente. En trasplantes, la falta de donadores es el principal problema.

Informe del primer trasplante de bloque cardiopulmonar realizado en México / Report of the first cardiopulmonar block transplantation performed in Mexico

Objetivo: Informar sobre el primer trasplante cardiopulmonar que se realiza en México. Diseño: Informe de caso clínico. Se trató de paciente femenino de 47 años de edad, con hipertensión pulmonar severa y defecto septal auricular en clase funcional III. El día 4 de junio de 1995, en el Hospital de Cardiología del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI se obtuvo bloque cardiopulmonar a partir de donación múltiple y se traspantó a la paciente. Resultados: El tiempo de hipotermia isquémica fue de 3 horas. La actividad cardíaca reinició a los 14 segundos de reperfusión. El destete de la derivación cardiopulmonar se efectuó sin problemas. A las 36 horas presentó abdomen agudo por hemoperitoneo, se requirió laparotomía por hemostasia, además de detectarse pancreatitis. El bloque cardiopulmonar funcionó adecuadamente por 5 días al cabo de los cuales presentó aumento de cortocorcuitos, hipoxemia, bajo gasto cardíaco y falleció al sexto día. El informe de la autopsia fue: pancreatitis edematosa, rechazo de corazón y pulmón, cambios isquémicos del miocardio y edema pulmonar. Conclusión: Es factible realizar trasplante cardiopulmonar en nuestro país. Las complicaciones coinciden con las descritas en la literatura mundial

Limitaciones en la donación de órganos: análisis de cinco años / Restrictions on organ donation: analysis o five years

Se revisa la experiencia de cinco años de un comité de trasplante de corazón y pulmón. Fueron valorados 106 donadores potenciales. De ellos se consideraron adecuados 14, pero sólo se lograron cuatro donaciones por negativa familiar en los restantes. El Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) tuvo la mayor cantidad de donadores potenciales (46.22 por ciento). La principal causa de pérdida de vida fue el trauma craneoencefálico (67.92 por ciento) y el tiempo de aviso al comité después de diagnosticada fue de 26.8 ñ 26.3 horas. Este retraso favoreció que 78.64 por ciento de los donadores potenciales tuvieran dos o más complicaciones. Hubo trauma torácica en 19.81 por ciento con lo que se perdió la posibilidad de utilizar corazón y/o pulmones. Se concluye que debe insitirse a nivel médico y social con información sobre la donación de órganos y la detección oportuna de donadores