Heart Failure at Admission Complicating ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Middle-Income Country. Experience of the ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry.

Despite advances in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), when associated with heart failure (HF) its prognosis remains ominous. This study assessed the differences in admission and mortality of HF complicating STEMI at admission (HFad) in a middle-income country. Data from the National Registry of STEMI of Argentina (ARGEN-IAM-ST) from January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2020, were analyzed. HFad was defined by the identification of Killip/Kimball ≥2 at admission. About 3174 patients were analyzed (22.3% had HFad). Patients with HFad were older, more often women, hypertensive, and diabetic. Received less reperfusion (87.6% vs 92.6%, P < 0.001) and had increased in-hospital mortality (28.4% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis HFad was an independent predictor of death (OR: 4.88 [95%CI: 3.33-7.18], P < 0.001) and reperfusion adjusted to HFad was associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.57 [95%CI: 0.34-0.95], P = 0.03). HFad in STEMI is associated with a worse clinical profile, receives fewer reperfusion strategies, and carries a higher risk of in-hospital mortality while reperfusion reduces mortality.

Valor pronóstico del índice de shock en el infarto de miocardio. Datos del Registro Argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN IAM-ST) / Prognostic value of the shock index in myocardial infarction. Data from Argentine Registry of ST-segment elevation infarct (ARGEN IAM-ST)

Resumen El índice de shock (IS) se obtiene mediante un cálculo simple del cociente entre la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y la tensión arterial sistólica (PAS) (IS: FC/TAS) y el índice de shock ajustado por edad (ISA) multiplicando el IS x edad. Evaluamos su valor predictivo para el evento combinado intrahospitalario (EC) muerte y/o shock cardiogénico (SC) y de los eventos individuales en los pacientes incluidos en el registro argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN-IAM-ST). Se excluyeron 248 con SC de ingreso. Se realizaron curvas ROC para ambos índices utilizando el mejor punto de corte para dicotomizar la población. Se incluyeron 2928 pacientes. Edad (mediana) 60 años (RIC 25-75% 53-68), varones 80%, EC: 6.4%. Un 30.5% tuvo IS ≥ 0.67 y éstos presentaron mayor incidencia de EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), shock cardiogénico (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) y muerte (7.3% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001) que los pacientes con IS < 0.67. Un 28% tuvo ISA ≥ 41.5. Estos presentaron más EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) y muerte: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) comparados con los pacientes con valores ISA < 41.5. El área bajo la curva ROC del ISA para EC fue significativamente mejor que la del IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001).En los modelos de análisis multivariados reali zados, el IS tuvo un OR de 2.56 (IC95% 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) y el ISA de 3.43 (IC95% 2.08-5.65; p<0.001) para EC. El IS y el ISA predicen muerte y/o el desarrollo de shock cardiogénico intrahospitalario en una población no seleccionada de infartos con elevación del ST.

Abstract The shock index (IS) is the quotient between the heart rate (HR) and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) (IS: HR / SBT), and the age-adjusted shock index (ISA) multiplying the IS by age. We evaluated its predictive value for the combined in-hospital event (EC), death and / or cardiogenic shock (CS) and for individual events in the patients included in the Argentine registry of ST-segment elevation infarction (ARGEN-ST-AMI); 248 with CS on admission were excluded. ROC curves were made for both indices using the best cut-off point to dichotomize the population. The analysis included 2928 subjects. Age (median) 60 years (IQR 25-75% 53-68), men 80%, EC: 6.4%; 30.5% had IS ≥ 0.67, and they had a higher incidence of EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) and death (7.3% vs. 3%), p <0.0001) than patients with IS < 0.67. A 28% had ISA ≥ 41.5. These presented plus EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) and death: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) compared with patients with values < 41.5. The area under the ROC curve of the ISA for EC was significantly better than that of the IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis models performed, the IS had an OR: 2.56 (95% CI 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) and the ISA: 3.43 (95% CI 2.08-5.65; p < 0.001) for EC. The IS and ISA predict death and / or the development of in-hospital cardiogenic shock in an unselected population of ST elevation infarcts.

[Prognostic value of the shock index in myocardial infarction. Data from Argentine Registry of ST-segment elevation infarct (ARGEN IAM-ST)]. / Valor pronóstico del índice de shock en el infarto de miocardio. Datos del Registro Argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN IAM-ST).

The shock index (IS) is the quotient between the heart rate (HR) and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) (IS: HR / SBT), and the age-adjusted shock index (ISA) multiplying the IS by age. We evaluated its predictive value for the combined in-hospital event (EC), death and / or cardiogenic shock (CS) and for individual events in the patients included in the Argentine registry of ST-segment elevation infarction (ARGEN-ST-AMI); 248 with CS on admission were excluded. ROC curves were made for both indices using the best cut-off point to dichotomize the population. The analysis included 2928 subjects. Age (median) 60 years (IQR 25-75% 53-68), men 80%, EC: 6.4%; 30.5% had IS = 0.67, and they had a higher incidence of EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) and death (7.3% vs. 3%), p <0.0001) than patients with IS < 0.67. A 28% had ISA = 41.5. These presented plus EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) and death: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) compared with patients with values < 41.5. The area under the ROC curve of the ISA for EC was significantly better than that of the IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis models performed, the IS had an OR: 2.56 (95% CI 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) and the ISA: 3.43 (95% CI 2.08-5.65; p < 0.001) for EC. The IS and ISA predict death and / or the development of in-hospital cardiogenic shock in an unselected population of ST elevation infarcts.

El índice de shock (IS) se obtiene mediante un cálculo simple del cociente entre la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y la tensión arterial sistólica (PAS) (IS: FC/TAS) y el índice de shock ajustado por edad (ISA) multiplicando el IS x edad. Evaluamos su valor predictivo para el evento combinado intrahospitalario (EC) muerte y/o shock cardiogénico (SC) y de los eventos individuales en los pacientes incluidos en el registro argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN-IAM-ST). Se excluyeron 248 con SC de ingreso. Se realizaron curvas ROC para ambos índices utilizando el mejor punto de corte para dicotomizar la población. Se incluyeron 2928 pacientes. Edad (mediana) 60 años (RIC 25-75% 53-68), varones 80%, EC: 6.4%. Un 30.5% tuvo IS = 0.67 y éstos presentaron mayor incidencia de EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), shock cardiogénico (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) y muerte (7.3% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001) que los pacientes con IS < 0.67. Un 28% tuvo ISA = 41.5. Estos presentaron más EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) y muerte: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) comparados con los pacientes con valores ISA < 41.5. El área bajo la curva ROC del ISA para EC fue significativamente mejor que la del IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001).En los modelos de análisis multivariados realizados, el IS tuvo un OR de 2.56 (IC95% 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) y el ISA de 3.43 (IC95% 2.08-5.65; p <0.001) para EC. El IS y el ISA predicen muerte y/o el desarrollo de shock cardiogénico intrahospitalario en una población no seleccionada de infartos con elevación del ST.

Prospective ARNI vs. ACE inhibitor trial to DetermIne Superiority in reducing heart failure Events after Myocardial Infarction (PARADISE-MI): design and baseline characteristics.

AIMS: Patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at risk of developing symptomatic heart failure (HF) or premature death. We hypothesized that sacubitril/valsartan, effective in the treatment of chronic HF, prevents development of HF and reduces cardiovascular death following high-risk AMI compared to a proven angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This paper describes the study design and baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the Prospective ARNI vs. ACE inhibitor trial to DetermIne Superiority in reducing heart failure Events after Myocardial Infarction (PARADISE-MI) trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: PARADISE-MI, a multinational (41 countries), double-blind, active-controlled trial, randomized patients within 0.5-7 days of presentation with index AMI to sacubitril/valsartan or ramipril. Transient pulmonary congestion and/or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% and at least one additional factor augmenting risk of HF or death (age ≥70 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, LVEF <30%, Killip class ≥III, ST-elevation myocardial infarction without reperfusion) were required for inclusion. PARADISE-MI was event-driven targeting 708 primary endpoints (cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization or outpatient development of HF). Randomization of 5669 patients occurred 4.3 ± 1.8 days from presentation with index AMI. The mean age was 64 ± 12 years, 24% were women. The majority (76%) qualified with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; acute percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 88% and thrombolysis in 6%. LVEF was 37 ± 9% and 58% were in Killip class ≥II. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline therapies in PARADISE-MI reflect advances in contemporary evidence-based care. With enrollment complete PARADISE-MI is poised to determine whether sacubitril/valsartan is more effective than a proven ACE inhibitor in preventing development of HF and cardiovascular death following AMI.

Lung ultrasound in acute myocardial infarction. Updating Killip & Kimball.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction marks an ominous prognosis. Killip and Kimball's classification of heart failure remains a useful tool in these patients. Lung ultrasound can detect pulmonary congestion but its usefulness in this scenario is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound to predict heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction and without heart failure were evaluated with a lung ultrasound. The presence of B-lines was recorded and counted. The presence of new heart failure (Killip Class B, C, or D) during hospitalization was evaluated by a cardiologist blinded to the results of lung ultrasound. A ROC curve analysis was done to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of B-lines to predict heart failure. RESULTS: 200 patients were included. Three patients were diagnosed with cardiogenic shock, 5 with acute pulmonary edema, and 17 with mild heart failure. Patients who develop heart failure had a median of 14 B-lines, however, patients who remained in Killip class A had a median of 2 (p = 0,0001). The area under the ROC curve of the sum of B-lines to predict any form of heart failure was 0,91 (CI95% 86-97). The best cut-off value was 5 B-lines, with a sensitivity of 88% (IC95% 68,8-97,5) and specificity of 81% (IC95% 73,9-86,2). CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasound done at admission can help to predict heart failure In patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Parámetros asociados al desarrollo de fibrilación auricular en unidad de cuidados críticos / Parameters associated with the development of atrial fibrillation in a critical care unit

A pesar de los avances en el manejo de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA), esta arritmia es responsable de accidente cerebrovascular, insuficiencia cardíaca, muerte súbita y morbilidad cardiovascular en el mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia de fibrilación auricular y analizar las cardiopatías subyacentes y predictores de fibrilación auricular en el servicio de Unidad Coronaria del Instituto de Cardiología de la Ciudad de Corrientes. Estudio observacional y descriptivo donde ingresaron 412 pacientes consecutivos en unidad Coronaria de instituto de Cardiología Juana Francisca Cabral, desde el 1 de enero al 30 de junio de 2018. Del total de la población el 24,51% presentó fibrilación auricular, 80,2% FA paroxística y 19,8% permanente. El 94% de los pacientes con FA paroxística fueron hipertensos. La edad media fue de 71,60±12,19 años, el índice de masa corporal fue de 28,33±6,13, el tamaño de la aurícula izquierda fue de 47,91±7,06 mm y la fracción de eyección de 50,41±17,9%. La presencia de insuficiencia cardiaca estuvo presente en 69% de los pacientes con FA paroxística. Las cardiopatías subyacentes fueron: infarto agudo de miocardio 50,5%, valvulopatías 50,5%, hipertrófica 5%. Más de dos tercios de los pacientes tuvieron FA paroxística. La cardiopatía isquémica fue la más frecuente

SUMMARY Despite the advances in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), this arrhythmia causes stroke, heart failure, sudden death and cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of atrial fibrillation and to analyze the underlying heart diseases and predictors of atrial fibrillation in the Coronary Unit Service of the Institute of Cardiology from Corrientes City. This is a descriptive and observational study. There were admitted 412 consecutive patients to the Coronary unit of "Juana Francisca Cabral Institute of Cardiology", from January 1st to June 30th, 2018. From the total population, 24.51% patients presented atrial fibrillation, 80.2% presented paroxysmal AF and 19.8% permanent AF. The 94% of the patients with paroxysmal AF were hypertensive. The mean age was 71.60 ± 12.19 years, the body mass index was 28.33 ± 6,13, the size of the left atrium was 47.91 ± 7.06 mm and the ejection fraction 50.41 ± 17.9%. Heart failure was present in 69% of patients with paroxysmal AF. The underlying heart diseases were: acute myocardial infarction 50.5%, valvulopathies 50.5%, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 5%. More than two thirds of the patients had paroxysmal AF. Ischemic heart disease was the most frequent

RESUMO Apesar dos avanços na manipulação de pacientes com fibrilação atrial (FA), essa arritmia é responsável por acidente vascular cerebral, insuficiência cardíaca, morte súbita e morbilidade cardiovascular no mundo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a frequência de fibrilação atrial e analisar as cardiopatias subjacentes e os preditores de fibrilação atrial no serviço de unidade coronariana do Instituto de Cardiologia da cidade de Corrientes. Estudo observacional descritivo em que 412 pacientes consecutivos foram internados na Unidade Coronariana do Instituto Juana Francisca Cabral de Cardiologia, do día 1º de janeiro a 30 de junho de 2018. Do total da população, 24,51% apresentaram fibrilação atrial, 80,2% AF paroxística e permanente 19,8%. 94% dos pacientes com FA paroxística eram hipertensos. A média de idade foi de 71,60 ± 12,19 anos, o índice de massa corpórea foi de 28,33 ± 6,13, o tamanho do átrio esquerdo foi de 47,91 ± 7,06 mm e a fração de ejeção 50,41 ± 17,9%. A presença de insuficiência cardíaca esteve presente em 69% dos pacientes com FA paroxística. As doenças cardíacas subjacentes foram: infarto agudo do miocárdio 50,5%, valvopatias 50,5%, hipertrófica 5%. Mais de dois terços dos pacientes apresentavam FA paroxística. A doença isquêmica do coração foi a mais frequente.

Registro Nacional Argentino de Shock Cardiogénico (ReNa-SHOCK) / Argentine National Registry of Cardiogenic Shock (ReNa-SHOCK)

Introducción: El shock cardiogénico es una complicación grave del infarto agudo de miocardio y constituye una de sus principales causas de muerte, pese a lo cual la información en nuestro medio es limitada. Objetivo: Conocer las características clínicas, estrategias de tratamiento y evolución intrahospitalaria del shock cardiogénico en la Argentina. Material y métodos: Se realizó un registro prospectivo, multicéntrico de pacientes internados con shock cardiogénico en el contexto de los síndromes coronarios agudos con y sin elevación del segmento ST entre los años 2013 y 2015 en 64 centros de la Argentina. Resultados: Se incluyeron 165 pacientes, con una edad media de 66 (58-76,5) años; el 65% eran hombres. El 75% de los casos cursaban un síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST. El 8,5% estuvieron asociados con complicaciones mecánicas y el 6,7% con compromiso del ventrículo derecho. El 56% presentaban shock cardiogénico al ingreso. Requirieron inotrópicos el 95%, asistencia respiratoria mecánica el 78%, catéter de Swan-Ganz el 44%, balón de contrapulsación intraaór-tico el 37%. El 84% de los síndromes coronarios agudos con elevación del segmento ST (104/124 pacientes) se reperfundieron. La mediana de tiempo desde el inicio de los síntomas al ingreso fue de 240 minutos (132-720). El 80% recibieron angioplastia primaria. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria global fue del 54%, sin diferencias entre los síndromes coronarios agudos con o sin elevación del segmento ST. Asimismo, no hubo diferencia en la frecuencia de eventos y uso de procedimientos entre los síndromes coronarios agudos con o sin elevación del segmento ST. Conclusiones: Las características del shock cardiogénico en la Argentina no difieren mucho de poblaciones de otras partes del mundo. La morbimortalidad es elevada a pesar de la utilización de las estrategias de tratamiento disponibles.

The predictive value of plasma biomarkers in discharged heart failure patients: role of troponin I/T.

Hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) is a frequent manifestation of chronic heart failure (CHF), and represents the moment of greatest impact on costs and on risk for the patient, in particular after discharge. Contributing factors to this disappointingly high postdischarge event rate include the incomplete relief of fluid overload, insufficient patient education, the lack of implementation of evidence-based therapies, poor follow-up and inadequate risk stratification before leaving hospital. Among available tools, different biomarkers have been tested, including cardiac troponin (cTn). The value of cTn to monitoring and to stratifying risk before discharge has been evaluated by mean of three strategies: a single measurement before discharge, monitoring with serial sampling during hospitalization, and comparing admission and predischarge values to establishing the cTn "delta". Acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) is an active and continuing process, which starts at admission, but its evolution might be unpredictable, and the prevention of ongoing myocardial damage (OMD) might be one of the important targets to improve prognosis. OMD is also a dynamic process and can be detected in CHF and HHF, at different moments and in diverse magnitudes, justifying the cTn monitoring. The favorable effect of drugs on cTn release and its association with better prognosis have increased our expectation for the role of serial determination in HHF patients.

Statins for acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The early period following the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a critical stage of coronary heart disease, with a high risk of recurrent events and deaths. The short-term effects of early treatment with statins on patient-relevant outcomes in patients suffering from ACS are unclear. This is an update of a review previously published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects, both harms and benefits, of early administered statins in patients with ACS, in terms of mortality and cardiovascular events. SEARCH METHODS: We updated the searches of CENTRAL (2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1946 to April Week 1 2013), EMBASE (Ovid) (1947 to 2013 Week 14), and CINAHL (EBSCO) (1938 to 2013) on 12 April 2013. We applied no language restrictions. We supplemented the search by contacting experts in the field, by reviewing the reference lists of reviews and editorials on the topic, and by searching trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing statins with placebo or usual care, with initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following the onset of ACS, follow-up of at least 30 days, and reporting at least one clinical outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all outcomes in the treatment and control groups and pooled data using random-effects models. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies (14,303 patients) compared early statin treatment versus placebo or no treatment in patients with ACS. The new search did not identify any new studies for inclusion. There were some concerns about risk of bias and imprecision of summary estimates. Based on moderate quality evidence, early statin therapy did not decrease the combined primary outcome of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke at one month (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.08) or four months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.06) of follow-up when compared to placebo or no treatment. There were no statistically significant risk reductions from statins for total death, total myocardial infarction, total stroke, cardiovascular death, revascularization procedures, and acute heart failure at one month or at four months, although there were favorable trends related to statin use for each of these endpoints. Moderate quality evidence suggests that the incidence of unstable angina was significantly reduced at four months following ACS (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96). There were nine individuals with myopathy (elevated creatinine kinase levels more than 10 times the upper limit of normal) in statin-treated patients (0.13%) versus one (0.015%) in the control groups. Serious muscle toxicity was mostly limited to patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on moderate quality evidence, due to concerns about risk of bias and imprecision, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following ACS does not reduce death, myocardial infarction, or stroke up to four months, but reduces the occurrence of unstable angina at four months following ACS. Serious side effects were rare.

Valor en la práctica diaria de la troponina T ultrasensible para el diagnóstico de infarto de miocardio / The value in daily practice of high sensitive troponin T for myocardial infarction diagnosi / Valor na prática diária da troponina T ultra-sensível para o diagnóstico de infarto do miocárdio

Introducción. La troponina T ultrasensible (TnTus) es un biomarcador útil para la valoración del dolor precordial. Sin embargo, es frecuente su incremento en pacientes sin diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la utilidad de diferentes estrategias de uso de TnTus para el diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Material y método. Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 99 pacientes consecutivos con sospecha de IAM ingresados a la unidad coronaria, con al menos una determinación de TnTus dentro de las 4-6 horas del inicio del dolor o admisión. El diagnóstico final de IAM fue realizado por dos médicos expertos que analizaron los datos clínicos, laboratorio e imágenes. Resultados. La edad media fue de 64 años y el 75% fueron varones. De acuerdo al diagnóstico final se clasificaron como IAM: el 58%. La TnTus basal mostró un área bajo la curva COR de 0,86 y el punto de corte de 30 ng/L tuvo sensibilidad del 86% y especificidad del 71% para diagnóstico de IAM, mientras que para el valor >14 ng/L, la sensibilidad y especificidad fueron del 93 y 34%, respectivamente. Las áreas bajo la curva para la variación absoluta y porcentual de TnTus (basal y segunda determinación) fueron 0,69 y 0,68, identificándose puntos de corte de 10 ng/L y 15%, respectivamente (sensibilidad 60 y 63%, especificidad del 74 y 74%). Conclusiones. La medición temprana de TnTus>14ng/L muestra la mejor sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de IAM, mientras que un valor >30ng/L fue más específico. La medición repetida del biomarcador mostró menor utilidad.

Background. High-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) is a useful biomarker in the assessment of chest pain. However, it could be frequently elevated in patients without acute coronary syndrome. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of different strategies using hs-TnT for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Material and method. Retrospective study including 99 consecutive patients with suspected AMI admitted to the coronary care unit with at least one determination of hs-TnT within 4-6 hours of onset of pain or admission. The final diagnosis of AMI was made by two medical experts who analyzed the clinical, laboratory and imaging. Results. The mean age was 64 years and 75% were male. According to the final diagnosis were classified as AMI 58%. The basal hs-TnT showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.86 and the cut-off of 30 ng/L had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 71% for diagnosis of AMI, whereas the value >14 ng/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 93 and 34%, respectively. The areas under the curve for the absolute and percentage changes of hs-TnT (basal and second determination) were 0.69 and 0.68, identifying cut-offs of 10 ng/L and 15%, respectively (sensitivity 60 and 63%, specificity of 74 and 74%). Conclusions. Early measurement hs-TnT>14ng/L shows the best sensitivity for the diagnosis of AMI, while a value >30ng/L was more specific. Repeated measurements of biomarker showed less useful.

Introdução. A troponina ultra-sensível (TnTus) é um biomarcador útil na avaliação de dor de peito. Além disso, seu crescimento é comum em pacientes sem diagnóstico da síndrome coronariana aguda. O objeto desta investigação foi avaliação da utilidade de diferentes estratégias de TnTus empregadas para o diagnóstico do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). Material e método. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo incluindo 99 pacientes consecutivos com suspeita de IAM admitidos na unidade coronariana com pelo menos uma determinação TnTus dentro de 4-6 horas após o início da dor ou da admissão. O diagnóstico final de IAM foi conferido por dois médicos especialistas que analisaram o quadro clínico, laboratorial e de imagem. Resultados. A idade média foi de 64 anos, e 75% foram de sexo masculino. Cinqüenta e oito porcento dos IAM diagnosticado a traveis da TnTus foram conferidos pelos especialistas. A TnTus basal mostrou área embaixo da curva ROC de 0,86 e o corte de 30 ng/L com uma sensibilidade de 86% e especificidade de 71% para o diagnóstico de IAM, mas também o valor >14ng/L teve uma sensibilidade e especificidade de 93 e 34% respectivamente. As áreas sob a curva para o percentual absoluto e de mudança de TnTus (basal e segunda determinação) foram 0,69 e 0,68 com uma sensibilidade de 60 e 63% e especificidade de 74 e 74% respectivamente. Não só, os pontos de inflexão foram de 10 ng/L e 15%, respectivamente (sensibilidade de 60 e 63%, especificidade 74 e 74%). Conclusões. A medição precoce de TnTus >14ng/L mostrou a melhor sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de IAM, mais também um valor >30 ng/L teve mais especificidade em nossa série. As determinações repetidas não melhoraram a utilidade do biomarcador.

Valor en la práctica diaria de la troponina T ultrasensible para el diagnóstico de infarto de miocardio / The value in daily practice of high sensitive troponin T for myocardial infarction diagnosi / Valor na prática diária da troponina T ultra-sensível para o diagnóstico de infarto do miocárdio

Introducción. La troponina T ultrasensible (TnTus) es un biomarcador útil para la valoración del dolor precordial. Sin embargo, es frecuente su incremento en pacientes sin diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la utilidad de diferentes estrategias de uso de TnTus para el diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Material y método. Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 99 pacientes consecutivos con sospecha de IAM ingresados a la unidad coronaria, con al menos una determinación de TnTus dentro de las 4-6 horas del inicio del dolor o admisión. El diagnóstico final de IAM fue realizado por dos médicos expertos que analizaron los datos clínicos, laboratorio e imágenes. Resultados. La edad media fue de 64 años y el 75% fueron varones. De acuerdo al diagnóstico final se clasificaron como IAM: el 58%. La TnTus basal mostró un área bajo la curva COR de 0,86 y el punto de corte de 30 ng/L tuvo sensibilidad del 86% y especificidad del 71% para diagnóstico de IAM, mientras que para el valor >14 ng/L, la sensibilidad y especificidad fueron del 93 y 34%, respectivamente. Las áreas bajo la curva para la variación absoluta y porcentual de TnTus (basal y segunda determinación) fueron 0,69 y 0,68, identificándose puntos de corte de 10 ng/L y 15%, respectivamente (sensibilidad 60 y 63%, especificidad del 74 y 74%). Conclusiones. La medición temprana de TnTus>14ng/L muestra la mejor sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de IAM, mientras que un valor >30ng/L fue más específico. La medición repetida del biomarcador mostró menor utilidad.(AU)

Background. High-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) is a useful biomarker in the assessment of chest pain. However, it could be frequently elevated in patients without acute coronary syndrome. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of different strategies using hs-TnT for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Material and method. Retrospective study including 99 consecutive patients with suspected AMI admitted to the coronary care unit with at least one determination of hs-TnT within 4-6 hours of onset of pain or admission. The final diagnosis of AMI was made by two medical experts who analyzed the clinical, laboratory and imaging. Results. The mean age was 64 years and 75% were male. According to the final diagnosis were classified as AMI 58%. The basal hs-TnT showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.86 and the cut-off of 30 ng/L had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 71% for diagnosis of AMI, whereas the value >14 ng/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 93 and 34%, respectively. The areas under the curve for the absolute and percentage changes of hs-TnT (basal and second determination) were 0.69 and 0.68, identifying cut-offs of 10 ng/L and 15%, respectively (sensitivity 60 and 63%, specificity of 74 and 74%). Conclusions. Early measurement hs-TnT>14ng/L shows the best sensitivity for the diagnosis of AMI, while a value >30ng/L was more specific. Repeated measurements of biomarker showed less useful.(AU)

IntroduþÒo. A troponina ultra-sensível (TnTus) é um biomarcador útil na avaliaþÒo de dor de peito. Além disso, seu crescimento é comum em pacientes sem diagnóstico da síndrome coronariana aguda. O objeto desta investigaþÒo foi avaliaþÒo da utilidade de diferentes estratégias de TnTus empregadas para o diagnóstico do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). Material e método. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo incluindo 99 pacientes consecutivos com suspeita de IAM admitidos na unidade coronariana com pelo menos uma determinaþÒo TnTus dentro de 4-6 horas após o início da dor ou da admissÒo. O diagnóstico final de IAM foi conferido por dois médicos especialistas que analisaram o quadro clínico, laboratorial e de imagem. Resultados. A idade média foi de 64 anos, e 75% foram de sexo masculino. Cinq³enta e oito porcento dos IAM diagnosticado a traveis da TnTus foram conferidos pelos especialistas. A TnTus basal mostrou área embaixo da curva ROC de 0,86 e o corte de 30 ng/L com uma sensibilidade de 86% e especificidade de 71% para o diagnóstico de IAM, mas também o valor >14ng/L teve uma sensibilidade e especificidade de 93 e 34% respectivamente. As áreas sob a curva para o percentual absoluto e de mudanþa de TnTus (basal e segunda determinaþÒo) foram 0,69 e 0,68 com uma sensibilidade de 60 e 63% e especificidade de 74 e 74% respectivamente. NÒo só, os pontos de inflexÒo foram de 10 ng/L e 15%, respectivamente (sensibilidade de 60 e 63%, especificidade 74 e 74%). Conclus§es. A mediþÒo precoce de TnTus >14ng/L mostrou a melhor sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de IAM, mais também um valor >30 ng/L teve mais especificidade em nossa série. As determinaþ§es repetidas nÒo melhoraram a utilidade do biomarcador.(AU)

Minor myocardial damage is a prevalent condition in patients with acute heart failure syndromes and preserved systolic function with long-term prognostic implications: a report from the CIAST-HF (Collaborative Italo-Argentinean Study on cardiac Troponin T in Heart Failure) study.

BACKGROUND: Half of patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (PLVEF). In this setting, the role of minor myocardial damage (MMD), as identified by cardiac troponin T (cTnT), remains to be established. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and long-term prognostic significance of cTnT elevations in patients with AHFS and PLVEF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter, collaborative study included 500 patients hospitalized for AHFS with PLVEF (ejection fraction ≥40%) between October 2000 and December 2006. Blood samples were collected within 12 hours after admission and were assayed for cTnT. MMD was defined as a cTnT value of ≥0.020 ng/mL. RESULTS: Mean age was 73 ± 12 years, 47% were female, 38% had an ischemic etiology, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 2.2 ± 0.7. Mean cTnT value was 0.149 ± 0.484 ng/mL, and cTnT was directly correlated with serum creatinine (Spearman's Rho = 0.35, P < .001) and NYHA class (0.25, P < .001). MMD was diagnosed in 220 patients (44%). Patients with MMD showed lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P < .05), higher serum creatinine (P < .001), higher prevalence of ischemic etiology and diabetes mellitus, a worse NYHA class (P < .001), and higher natriuretic peptide levels (P < .001) as compared with patients without MMD. At 6-month follow-up, overall event-free survival was 55% and 75% in patients with and without MMD (P < .001), respectively. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, only NYHA class (HR = 1.50; P = .002) and MMD (HR = 1.81; P = .001) were identified as predictors of events. CONCLUSIONS: Increased cTnT levels were detected in approximately 50% of patients with AHFS with preserved systolic function, and were found to correlate with clinical measures of disease severity. The presence of MMD was associated with a worse long-term outcome, lending support to cTnT-based risk stratification in the setting of AHFS.

Relationship of serum sodium concentration to mortality in a wide spectrum of heart failure patients with preserved and with reduced ejection fraction: an individual patient data meta-analysis(†): Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic heart failure (MAGGIC).

AIMS: Hyponatraemia has been associated with reduced survival in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF). The relationship between serum sodium and outcome is unclear in heart failure with preserved (≥ 50%) ejection fraction (HF-PEF). Therefore, we used a large individual patient data meta-analysis to study the risk of death associated with hyponatraemia in HF-REF and in HF-PEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: This analysis included 14 766 patients from 22 studies that recruited patients without ejection fraction inclusion criterion at baseline and reported death from any cause. Cox proportional analysis was undertaken for hyponatraemia (sodium <135 mmol/L), adjusted for variables of clinical relevance, and stratified by study. The endpoint was death from any cause at 3 years. Patients with hyponatraemia (n = 1618) and patients with normal serum sodium had similar characteristics as regards to age, gender, and ischaemic aetiology. However, patients with hyponatraemia had higher New York Heart Association class and lower blood pressure. At follow-up, there were 335 deaths among 1618 patients with hyponatraemia (21%) and 2128 deaths among 13 148 patients with normal serum sodium (16%). The risk of death appeared to increase linearly with serum sodium levels <140 mmol/L. Hyponatraemia was identified in 1199 HF-REF patients (11%) and 419 HF-PEF patients (11%). Hyponatraemia was independently predictive of death in both HF-REF [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-1.91] and HF-PEF (adjusted HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.79, P for interaction 0.20). CONCLUSION: Hyponatraemia is a powerful determinant of mortality in patients with HF regardless of ejection fraction. Further work is needed to determine if correction of hyponatraemia translates into clinical benefit.

Updated evidence on early statin therapy for acute coronary syndromes: meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials involving over 14,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: The short-term effects of early statin therapy in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on clinical outcomes remain unclear. Our objective was to update the evidence on patient relevant outcomes from all randomized trials comparing early statin therapy with placebo or usual care at 1 and 4 months following ACS. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials that compared statins to control, initiated within 14 days after onset of ACS and with minimal follow-up of 30 days. Data were extracted in duplicate and analyzed by a random effects model. Investigators from individual trials contributed additional data where needed. RESULTS: A total of 18 trials involving 14,303 patients with ACS were included in the meta-analysis. We found no evidence for further trials on the topic. Risk ratios for the combined endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke of early statin therapy compared to control were 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-1.08; P=0.34) at 1 month and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.81-1.06; P=0.27) at 4 months following ACS. There were favorable trends related to statin use for all individual secondary endpoints but there was no statistically significant risk reduction except for unstable angina with a risk ratio of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.59-0.96; P=0.02) at 4 months following ACS. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following ACS results in directionally favorable but non-significant reduction in death, myocardial infarction, or stroke up to 4 months, and significant reduction in the occurrence of unstable angina at 4 months following ACS.

Statins for acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The early period following the onset of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represents a critical stage of coronary heart disease with a high risk for recurrent events and deaths. The short-term effects of early treatment with statins in patients suffering from ACS on patient-relevant outcomes are unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of early administered statins in patients with ACS from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (to 1 February 2010). No language restrictions were applied. We supplemented the search by contacting experts in the field, by reviewing reference lists of reviews and editorials on the topic, and by searching trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs comparing statins with placebo or usual care, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following the onset of ACS, and follow-up of at least 30 days reporting at least one clinical outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We pooled treatment effects and calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all outcomes in the treatment and control groups using a random effects model. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies (14,303 patients) compared early statin treatment versus placebo or usual care in patients with ACS. Compared to placebo or usual care, early statin therapy did not decrease the combined primary outcome of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke at one month (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.08) and four months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.06) of follow-up. There were no statistically significant risk reductions from statins for total death, total MI, total stroke, cardiovascular death, revascularization procedures, and acute heart failure at one month and at four months, although there were favorable trends related to statin use for each of these endpoints. The incidence of episodes of unstable angina was significantly reduced at four months following ACS (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96). There were nine individuals with myopathy (elevated creatinine kinase levels > 10 times the upper limit of normal) in statin treated patients (0.13%) versus one (0.015%) in the control groups. Serious muscle toxicity was mostly limited to patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on available evidence, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following ACS does not reduce death, myocardial infarction, or stroke up to four months, but reduces the occurrence of unstable angina at four months following ACS.

Valor pronóstico de la respuesta serológica debida a Helicobacter pylori en la evolución a largo plazo del síndrome coronario agudo / Prognostic Value of the Serological Response to Helicobacter pylori in Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introducción La respuesta serológica a Helicobacter pylori (HP) se ha reconocido como un factor de riesgo cardiovascular. Sin embargo, su utilidad pronóstica en síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA) fue escasamente evaluada. Objetivos Identificar prevalencia y pronóstico a largo plazo de anormalidades en niveles de anticuerpos IgG contra HP (HP-IgG) en pacientes con SCA. Material y métodos La población estuvo constituida por 67 sujetos consecutivos hospitalizados por SCA (angina inestable [AI]/infarto agudo de miocardio [IAM]) dentro de las 24 horas del inicio de los síntomas, entre abril de 2003 y diciembre de 2003, quienes fueron evaluados mediante un kit inmunoenzimático comercial (Meridian Diagnostics, USA). Resultados Durante el seguimiento (12 ± 3 meses) se registraron 10 (14,6%) eventos (muerte/infarto/ rehospitalización por AI). El área bajo la curva ROC de HP-IgG para predecir eventos fue de 0,85 ± 0,06 (IC 95% 0,74-0,96); el punto de corte de 185 UI mostró una sensibilidad del 70% y una especificidad del 82%. Según el nivel de HP-IgG por encima o por debajo de 185 UI, los pacientes se dividieron en grupo 1 (25,4%) y grupo 2. Ambos fueron comparables. La supervivencia anual libre de eventos fue del 67% versus el 90% en los grupos 1 y 2, respectivamente (prueba de rangos logarítmicos, p = 0,01). Al ingreso, un nivel de HP-IgG > 185 UI (hazard ratio [HR] = 5,588; p = 0,039), la hipotensión arterial (HR = 1,109; p = 0,035) y niveles elevados de creatinina (HR = 1,997; p = 0,019) fueron predictores independientes de eventos. Conclusiones En uno de cada cuatro pacientes con SCA se detectaron tempranamente niveles elevados de HP-IgG. Títulos mayores de 185 UI se asociaron con peor evolución a largo plazo.

Background The serological response to Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor. Yet, its prognostic usefulness in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has not been extensively evaluated. Objectives To identify the prevalence and long-term prognosis of abnormalities in the level of IgG antibodies against HP (HP-IgG) in patients with ACS. Material and Methods From April 2003 to December 2003, a total of 67 consecutive patients hospitalized due to ACS (unstable angina [UA], acute myocardial infarction [AMI]) within 24 hours from symptoms onset were evaluated using a commercial immunoassay kit (Meridian Diagnostics, USA). Results During follow-up (12±3 months) 10 (14.6%) events were reported (death/AMI/rehospitalization due to UA). The area under the ROC curve using HP-IgG to predict events was 0.85±0.06 (95% CI, 0.74-0.96); the cut-off point of 185 IU had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 82%. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (HP-IgG >185 IU, 25.4%) and group 2 (HP-IgG <185 IU). Both groups were comparable. Annual survival free from events was 67% versus 90% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (log-rank test, p=0.01). The variables identified at admission as independent predictors of events were HP-IgG >185 UI (hazard ratio [HR]=5.588; p=0.039), hypotension (HR=1.109; p=0.035) and elevated oreatinine levéis (HR=1.997; p=0.019). Conclusions Early elevation of HP-IgG levéis was present in 25% of patients with ACS and levéis > 185 IU were associated with poor long-term outcomes.