Duration and clinical outcomes of dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome: A multicentre "real-world practice" registry-based study.

Background: The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) ought to be determined taking into account individual ischaemic or bleeding events risks. To date, studies have provided inconclusive evidence on the effects of prolonged DAPT. We sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this strategy following percutaneous revascularization in the context of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Retrospectively from four centers in Madrid, we identified 750 consecutive ACS patients, divided in two groups of DAPT duration: <13 months and >13 months, with a mean follow-up of 48 months. Results: Patients with DAPT > 13 months had a higher non-adjusted incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (11.6% vs. 17.3%) and new revascularization (3.7% vs. 8.7%). Differences in all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and stroke were non-significant. There was no difference in the incidence of major bleeding (7.4% vs. 6.3%). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the independent risk predictors of MACE were age (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06, p < 0.001) and multivessel disease (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.32-3.95, p = 0.003), whereas the independent protective predictor was normal hemoglobin (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-0.98, p = 0.022). Conclusions: In this real-world registry cohort of ACS patients treated with PCI and 1 year of DAPT in Spain, we report a trend of increased rate of MACE and new revascularization not associated with TVR in patients with longer DAPT. Our findings support the need for future randomized controlled trials to confirm or refute these results.

The effect of weekends and public holidays on the care of acute coronary syndrome in the Spanish National Health System.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether admission on weekends or public holidays (WHA) influences the management (performance of angioplasty, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) and outcomes (in-hospital mortality) of patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome in the Spanish National Health System compared with admission on weekdays. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients admitted for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) in hospitals of the Spanish National Health system from 2003 to 2018. RESULTS: A total of 438 987 episodes of STEMI and 486 565 of NSTEACS were selected, of which 28.8% and 26.1% were WHA, respectively. Risk-adjusted models showed that WHA was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in STEMI (OR, 1.05; 95%CI,1.03-1.08; P < .001) and in NSTEACS (OR, 1.08; 95%CI, 1.05-1.12; P < .001). The rate of PCI performance in STEMI was more than 2 percentage points higher in patients admitted on weekdays from 2003 to 2011 and was similar or even lower from 2012 to 2018, with no significant changes in NSTEACS. WHA was a statistically significant risk factor for both STEMI and NSTEACS. CONCLUSIONS: WHA can increase the risk of in-hospital death by 5% (STEMI) and 8% (NSTEACS). The persistence of the risk of higher in-hospital mortality, after adjustment for the performance of PCI and other explanatory variables, probably indicates deficiencies in management during the weekend compared with weekdays.

Influence of Baseline Physical Activity as a Modifying Factor on COVID-19 Mortality: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes a severe respiratory disease with a 3% global mortality. In the absence of effective treatment, controlling of risk factors that predispose to severe disease is essential to reduce coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. Large observational studies suggest that exercise can reduce the risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the baseline physical activity level on COVID-19 mortality METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that included patients between 18 and 70 years old, diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in our center between February 15 and April 15, 2020. After discharge all the patients included in the study were contacted by telephone. Baseline physical activity level was estimated using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Scale questionnaire and patients were divided into two groups for comparison: sedentary patients (group 1) and active patients (group 2). RESULTS: During the study period 552 patients were admitted to our hospital and met the inclusion criteria. Global mortality in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (13.8% vs 1.8%; p < 0.001). Patients with a sedentary lifestyle had increased COVID-19 mortality independently of other risk factors previously described (hazard ratio 5.91 (1.80-19.41); p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A baseline sedentary lifestyle increases the mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This finding may be of great utility in the prevention of severe COVID-19 disease.

Usefulness of the updated logistic clinical SYNTAX score after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Insights from the GLOBAL LEADERS trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prognostic utility of the anatomical CABG SYNTAX and logistic clinical SYNTAX scores for mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG). BACKGROUND: The anatomical SYNTAX score evaluated the anatomical complexity of coronary artery disease and helped predict the prognosis of patients undergoing PCI. The anatomical CABG SYNTAX score was derived from the anatomical SYNTAX score in patients with prior CABG, whilst the logistic clinical SYNTAX score was developed by incorporating clinical factors into the anatomical SYNTAX score. METHODS: We calculated the anatomical CABG SYNTAX score and logistic clinical SYNTAX score in 205 patients in the GLOBAL LEADERS trial. The predictive abilities of these scores for 2-year all-cause mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Using the median scores as categorical thresholds between low and high score groups, the logistic clinical SYNTAX score was able to discriminate the risk of 2-year mortality, unlike the anatomical CABG SYNTAX score. The logistic clinical SYNTAX was significantly better at predicting 2-year mortality, compared to the anatomical CABG SYNTAX score, as evidenced by AUC values in receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (0.806 vs. 0.582, p < .001) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.121, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The logistic clinical SYNTAX score was superior to the anatomical CABG SYNTAX score in predicting 2-year mortality.

Mortalidad hospitalaria y reingresos por insuficiencia cardiaca en España. Un estudio de los episodios índice y los reingresos por causas cardiacas a los 30 días y al año / In-hospital mortality and readmissions for heart failure in Spain. A study of index episodes and 30-day and 1-year cardiac readmissions

Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es un problema de salud significativo en España. Sin embargo, se dispone de pocos datos epidemiológicos sobre los ingresos hospitalarios por IC y el impacto de las características de los centros sanitarios en el pronóstico de estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los factores relacionados con la mortalidad hospitalaria y los reingresos, así como analizar la relación entre las características de los hospitales y el pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se analizaron las altas con IC como diagnóstico principal en el Sistema Nacional de Salud español durante 2012, a través del Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos. Mediante análisis multivariable se obtuvieron la mortalidad ajustada por riesgo en el episodio índice y los reingresos por enfermedad cardiovascular a los 30 días y al año. Resultados: Se incluyó a 77.652 pacientes con IC, con una media de edad de 79,2+/-9,9 años. El 55,3% eran mujeres. La mortalidad hospitalaria durante el evento índice fue del 9,2% y se incrementó hasta el 14,5% a lo largo del año de seguimiento. La tasa de reingresos por enfermedad cardiaca fue del 32,6%. La mortalidad ajustada a 1 año resultó inferior entre los hospitales con mayor volumen de altas por IC (del 10,3+/-5,6% al 8,6+/-2,2%; p <0,001). La tasa de reingresos al año fue superior entre los hospitales de mayor volumen (del 32,3+/-3,7% al 33,7+/-4,5%; p=0,006). La existencia de un servicio de cardiología estructurado en el hospital se asoció con mejor pronóstico (mortalidad hospitalaria ajustada, el 9,9+/-3,8% frente al 9,2+/-2,4%; p <0,001). Conclusiones: El mayor volumen de altas por IC y la existencia de un servicio de cardiología en el hospital se asociaron con menor mortalidad hospitalaria

Introduction and objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a major health care problem in Spain. Epidemiological data from hospitalized patients are scarce and the association between hospital characteristics and patient outcomes is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality and readmissions and to analyze the relationship between hospital characteristics and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of discharges with HF as the principal diagnosis at hospitals of the Spanish National Health System in 2012 was performed using the Minimum Basic Data Set. We calculated risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMR) at the index episode and risk-standardized cardiac diseases readmissions rates (RSRR) and in-hospital mortality at 30 days and 1 year after discharge by using a multivariate mixed model. Results: We included 77 652 HF patients. Mean age was 79.2+/-9.9 years and 55.3% were women. In-hospital mortality during the index episode was 9.2%, rising to 14.5% throughout the year of follow-up. The 1-year cardiovascular readmissions rate was 32.6%. RSMR were lower among patients discharged from high-volume hospitals (> 340 HF discharges) (in-hospital RSMR, 10.3+/-5.6%; 8.6+/-2.2%); P <.001). High-volume hospitals had higher 1-year RSRR (32.3+/-3.7%; 33.7+/-4.5%; P=.006). The availability of a cardiology department at the hospital was associated with better outcomes (in-hospital RSMR, 9.9+/-3.8%; 9.2+/-2.4%; P <.001). Conclusions: High-volume hospitals and the availability of a cardiology department were associated with lower in-hospital mortality

El Cardiólogo y la Cardiología del Futuro: visión y propuestas de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología para la cardiología del siglo XXI / Cardiologists and the cardiology of the future. Vision and proposals of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for the cardiology of the 21st Century

«La Cardiología del Futuro» es un proyecto de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) que tiene como objetivos definir hacia dónde, desde la posición actual, deben dirigirse las políticas de acción de la SEC, analizar las tendencias y los cambios del entorno que influirán en la práctica de la cardiología en España, definir el perfil de los cardiólogos necesarios en el futuro, proponer las políticas para alcanzar los objetivos que se deriven de las necesidades identificadas, y establecer el papel que ha de desempeñar la SEC en el desarrollo y la implantación de esas políticas. En este artículo se presentan la metodología y los hallazgos más relevantes del informe final de este proyecto y las líneas estratégicas de actuación de la SEC en el futuro inmediato, derivadas del análisis realizado

The Cardiology of the Future is a project of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) whose objectives are as follows: to define the action policies of the SEC; to analyze the trends and changes in the environment that will influence the practice of cardiology in Spain; to define the profile of the cardiologists needed in the future; to propose policies to achieve the objectives resulting from the identified needs; and to identify the role of the SEC in the development and implementation of these policies. This article describes the methodology and the most relevant findings of the final report of this project and the strategic lines to be developed by the SEC in the immediate future, resulting from the analysis performed

Cardiologists and the Cardiology of the Future. Vision and proposals of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for the Cardiology of the 21st Century.

The Cardiology of the Future is a project of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) whose objectives are as follows: to define the action policies of the SEC; to analyze the trends and changes in the environment that will influence the practice of cardiology in Spain; to define the profile of the cardiologists needed in the future; to propose policies to achieve the objectives resulting from the identified needs; and to identify the role of the SEC in the development and implementation of these policies. This article describes the methodology and the most relevant findings of the final report of this project and the strategic lines to be developed by the SEC in the immediate future, resulting from the analysis performed.

In-hospital Mortality and Readmissions for Heart Failure in Spain. A Study of Index Episodes and 30-Day and 1-year Cardiac Readmissions.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) is a major health care problem in Spain. Epidemiological data from hospitalized patients are scarce and the association between hospital characteristics and patient outcomes is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality and readmissions and to analyze the relationship between hospital characteristics and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of discharges with HF as the principal diagnosis at hospitals of the Spanish National Health System in 2012 was performed using the Minimum Basic Data Set. We calculated risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMR) at the index episode and risk-standardized cardiac diseases readmissions rates (RSRR) and in-hospital mortality at 30 days and 1 year after discharge by using a multivariate mixed model. RESULTS: We included 77 652 HF patients. Mean age was 79.2±9.9 years and 55.3% were women. In-hospital mortality during the index episode was 9.2%, rising to 14.5% throughout the year of follow-up. The 1-year cardiovascular readmissions rate was 32.6%. RSMR were lower among patients discharged from high-volume hospitals (> 340 HF discharges) (in-hospital RSMR, 10.3±5.6%; 8.6±2.2%); P <.001). High-volume hospitals had higher 1-year RSRR (32.3±3.7%; 33.7±4.5%; P=.006). The availability of a cardiology department at the hospital was associated with better outcomes (in-hospital RSMR, 9.9±3.8%; 9.2±2.4%; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume hospitals and the availability of a cardiology department were associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

Trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular tras implantación de prótesis aórtica CoreValve ®. Papel predictivo de la ecocardiografía transesofágica / Atrioventricular conduction disturbances after CoreValve ® aortic prosthesis implantation. Predictive role of transesophageal echocardiography

Tras el implante de prótesis percutánea aórtica CoreValve®, pueden aparecer trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular que precisan marcapasos permanente (un 40-45% de los pacientes). El objetivo de nuestro estudio es detectar si alguna variable ecocardiográfica de 2 o 3 dimensiones podría predecir la aparición de trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular. Para ello se estudió en 26 pacientes consecutivos la relación de la prótesis con el septo interventricular; 12 pacientes (46,1%) presentaron trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular tras el procedimiento. Una penetración protésica en el tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo > 12 mm y una superficie de contacto del stent de la prótesis con el septo interventricular en diástole > 90% se asociaron fuertemente con la aparición de trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular (87,5%; p=0,034). La superficie de contacto del stent resultó ser el único predictor independiente de dicha complicación (odds ratio=1,12; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,01-1,25; p=0,03). Los resultados indican que la implantación más alta de las prótesis y la reducción de la longitud del stent podrían reducir la frecuencia de esta complicación (AU)

Atrioventricular conduction disorders can appear after the implantation of percutaneous aortic CoreValve® prostheses in patients requiring permanent pacemakers (40%-45% of these patients). The aim of our study was to detect if 2- or 3-dimensional echocardiographic variables could predict the appearance of atrioventricular conduction disorders. For this purpose, the relationship of the prosthesis with the interventricular septum was studied in 26 consecutive patients. Twelve patients (46.1%) developed atrioventricular conduction disorders. A prosthetic penetration >12 mm in the left ventricular outflow tract and a contact surface >90% between the interventricular septum and the stent of the prosthesis in diastole were strongly associated with the appearance of conduction disturbances (87.5%; P=.034). The percentage of the prosthetic stent in contact with the interventricular septum in end diastole was the only independent predictor of atrioventricular conduction disorders (odds ratio=1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.25; P=.03). The results suggest that a higher implantation of the prosthesis and a reduced stent length might decrease the incidence of this complication (AU)

[Atrioventricular conduction disturbances after CoreValve(®) aortic prosthesis implantation. Predictive role of transesophageal echocardiography]. / Trastornos de conducción auriculoventricular tras implantación de prótesis aórtica CoreValve(®). Papel predictivo de la ecocardiografía transesofágica.

Atrioventricular conduction disorders can appear after the implantation of percutaneous aortic CoreValve(®) prostheses in patients requiring permanent pacemakers (40%-45% of these patients). The aim of our study was to detect if 2- or 3-dimensional echocardiographic variables could predict the appearance of atrioventricular conduction disorders. For this purpose, the relationship of the prosthesis with the interventricular septum was studied in 26 consecutive patients. Twelve patients (46.1%) developed atrioventricular conduction disorders. A prosthetic penetration >12 mm in the left ventricular outflow tract and a contact surface >90% between the interventricular septum and the stent of the prosthesis in diastole were strongly associated with the appearance of conduction disturbances (87.5%; P=.034). The percentage of the prosthetic stent in contact with the interventricular septum in end diastole was the only independent predictor of atrioventricular conduction disorders (odds ratio=1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.25; P=.03). The results suggest that a higher implantation of the prosthesis and a reduced stent length might decrease the incidence of this complication.

Evolución y repercusión científica de las becas de investigación de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Fundación Española del Corazón (2000-2006) / Evolution and scientific impact of research grants from the spanish Society of Cardiology and Spanish Heart Foundation (2000-2006)

Introducción y objetivos. La Sociedad Española de Cardiología convoca anualmente becas para financiar proyectos de investigación en el campo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Nuestro objetivo es identificar la repercusión de estas inversiones durante el periodo 2000-2006 a partir de los artículos derivados de las becas y publicados en revistas científicas. Métodos. Utilizando los datos de identificación de cada proyecto como términos de búsqueda, se recuperaron todos los artículos derivados de estas becas en las bases de datos del Índice Médico Español, el Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, el Science Citation Index-Expanded y Scopus. Los artículos se sometieron a un análisis estadístico descriptivo en relación con la tipología de las becas, la evolución anual de su número y de su importe, el sexo y las instituciones de los becados. Resultados. Se concedieron 207 becas con un importe total de 3.270.877 € y una dotación media anual de 467.268 €. De ellas, 123 (59,42%) aportaron publicaciones derivadas. El promedio de artículos publicados por beca concedida ha sido de 1,12, y de 1,9 si se tiene en cuenta únicamente las becas que dieron lugar a publicaciones. Conclusiones. Durante el periodo 2000-2006, la Sociedad Española de Cardiología/Fundación Española del Corazón destinó casi 500.000 € anuales a financiar becas de investigación y así contribuir a luchar contra las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Casi el 60% de las becas han aportado publicaciones derivadas, 231 artículos. El 73% de los artículos se publicaron en revistas extranjeras y el 91,34%, en revistas españolas o extranjeras con factor de impacto en el Journal Citation Report (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The Sociedad Española de Cardiología (Spanish Society of Cardiology) every year awards grants to finance research in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of these investments during the period 2000-2006 from the subsequently published articles in scientific journals. Methods. Using the identifying data of each project as search terms, all articles that resulted from these grants were located in the Spanish Índice Médico Español and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud databases, and in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Scopus. Descriptive statistical analysis of these articles included type of grant, number and amount awarded per year, and the recipient's sex and institutional affiliation. Results. The Sociedad Española de Cardiología awarded €3 270 877 to 207 recipients, an average annual total of €467 268, We identified 231 publications that resulted from 123 (59.42%) of these grants. The average number of articles per grant awarded was 1.12, and 1.9 when taking into account only the awards that led to publication. Conclusions. During the period 2000 to 2006, the Sociedad Española de Cardiología/ Fundación Española del Corazón (Spanish Heart Foundation) provided about €500 000 per year to fund research grants, thereby contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Almost 60% of grants have led to publications, 73% of which were published in international journals, and 91.34% in national or international journals with an impact factor in the Journal Citation Reports (AU)

[Evolution and scientific impact of research grants from the spanish society of cardiology and spanish heart foundation (2000-2006)]. / Evolución y repercusión científica de las becas de investigación de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Fundación Española del Corazón (2000-2006).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Sociedad Española de Cardiología (Spanish Society of Cardiology) every year awards grants to finance research in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of these investments during the period 2000-2006 from the subsequently published articles in scientific journals. METHODS: Using the identifying data of each project as search terms, all articles that resulted from these grants were located in the Spanish Índice Médico Español and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud databases, and in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Scopus. Descriptive statistical analysis of these articles included type of grant, number and amount awarded per year, and the recipient's sex and institutional affiliation. RESULTS: The Sociedad Española de Cardiología awarded €3,270,877 to 207 recipients, an average annual total of €467,268. We identified 231 publications that resulted from 123 (59.42%) of these grants. The average number of articles per grant awarded was 1.12, and 1.9 when taking into account only the awards that led to publication. CONCLUSIONS: During the period 2000 to 2006, the Sociedad Española de Cardiología/ Fundación Española del Corazón (Spanish Heart Foundation) provided about €500,000 per year to fund research grants, thereby contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Almost 60% of grants have led to publications, 73% of which were published in international journals, and 91.34% in national or international journals with an impact factor in the Journal Citation Reports.

Tratamiento de reperfusión en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Reperfusion therapy in ST elevation acute myocardial infarction

Se revisan los avances más relevantes relacionados con el tratamiento de reperfusión en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. En primer lugar, se revisa el papel que tuvo la fibrinolisis intravenosa, pero sobre todo se actualiza el papel de las terapias coadyuvantes antitrombóticas y antiplaquetarias, la evidencia del uso de stents convencionales frente a stents farmacoactivos en el infarto, de los dispositivos de aspiración trombótica y en especial el gran cambio que ha supuesto la introducción de la angioplastia coronaria percutánea primaria como estrategia más eficiente de reperfusión en el infarto agudo de miocardio; se resalta el papel de los modelos de organización en red de la asistencia a pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio basados en realizar angioplastia primaria en el menor tiempo posible, sobre el principio de llevar al paciente desde el sitio del primer contacto con el sistema sanitario directamente al laboratorio de hemodinámica, para conseguir el menor tiempo de isquemia-reperfusión (AU)

This paper contains a review of the most significant developments in reperfusion therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Firstly, the role of intravenous fibrinolysis is considered. However, the main focus is on recent developments in the use of adjuvant antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy; comparisons of bare metal and drug-eluting stent use in infarctions; the role of thrombus aspiration devices; and, in particular, the significant progress brought about by the introduction of primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty, which is most effective reperfusion strategy for acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the article also highlights the role of organizational models for health-care networks for patients with acute myocardial infarction, which operate on the basis of carrying out primary angioplasty as quickly as possible. The guiding principle is that the patient should be transferred directly from the site of first contact with the health-care system to the catheterization laboratory in order to achieve the shortest ischemia-reperfusion time (AU)

Nuevas evidencias y directrices en antiagregación y anticoagulación en síndrome coronario agudo e intervencionismo coronario percutáneo / New findings and directions in antiaggregation and anticoagulation therapy in acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention

Se revisan los avances más relevantes relacionados con el tratamiento antiagregante y anticoagulante en el campo del síndrome coronario agudo y el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo. En primer lugar, se revisan los últimos estudios sobre la seguridad y la efectividad de la bivalirudina en el intervencionismo coronario. Se describen también los nuevos datos del abciximab en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sometidos a intervencionismo coronario. Además, se realiza una actualización sobre los antiplaquetarios de tercera generación, en concreto la nueva tienopiridina prasugrel. En cuanto a los fármacos anti-factor X, se comentan los resultados de los ensayos clínicos más recientes en cardiología intervencionista y síndrome coronario agudo. Por último, se revisan los avances en la utilización de heparinas de bajo peso molecular, sobre todo en el intervencionismo coronario (AU)

This article contains a review of the most significant developments in antiaggregation and anticoagulation therapy in acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention. Firstly, the latest studies on the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary interventions are considered. Thereafter, new data on the use of abciximab in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention are discussed. The article also provides an update on third-generation antiplatelet drugs, specifically the thienopyridine prasugrel. With regard to anti-factorXa drugs, the findings of the most recent clinical trials in interventional cardiology and acute coronary syndromes are discussed. Finally, progress in the use of lowmolecular-weight heparin, primarily in percutaneous coronary interventions, is also reviewed (AU)

Implantación transcatéter de prótesis valvular aórtica (situación actual, novedades tecnológicas y perspectivas clínicas). Resultados del Registro Edwards de implantación transfemoral en España / Transcatheter implantation of aortic valve prostheses (current status, new techniques and clinical prospects). Findings of the Edwards transfemoral valve implantation Study in Spain

La estenosis valvular aórtica severa degenerativa tiene mal pronóstico con tratamiento médico. Se ha demostrado que la cirugía de sustitución valvular es un tratamiento muy eficaz y seguro en los pacientes sometidos a él. Sin embargo, son muchos los pacientes que, por diferentes razones (edad, comorbilidades graves, riesgo quirúrgico excesivo, etc.), nunca llegan a ser operados. En estos pacientes se ha propuesto una terapia alternativa mediante la implantación transcatéter de prótesis valvular aórtica. Están disponibles dos modelos de prótesis transcatéter (Edwards y Medtronic CoreValve). El modelo Edwards se implanta por vía transfemoral y transapical; la Medtronic CoreValve ha tenido como vía de acceso la transfemoral con alguna experiencia por vía transapical. Con ambos modelos se han observado buenos resultados, progresivamente mejores, en registros individuales y multicéntricos. Los resultados pendientes del estudio aleatorizado PARTNER determinarán el verdadero papel de la prótesis transcatéter en diferentes contextos. Nuevos modelos (Direct Flow, Sadra Lotus, HLT) están en diferentes estadios de evaluación clínica, dispuestos a incrementar el arsenal de esta nueva tecnología que, sin duda, tendrá un impacto muy importante en el tratamiento de la estenosis valvular aórtica severa degenerativa (AU)

Patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis who receive medical treatment have a poor prognosis. Surgical valve replacement has been shown to be very safe and effective in patients who receive such treatment. Nevertheless, a significant number do not undergo surgery for various reasons (e.g. age, serious comorbid conditions and excessive surgical risk). For this group, the alternative therapeutic approach of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis implantation has been proposed. Two different types of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis are available: the Edwards and Medtronic CoreValve prostheses. The Edwards aortic valve can be implanted using either transfemoral or transapical access, while transfemoral access is usually used with the Medtronic CoreValve, though some experience has been gained with transapical access. Both types of valve have demonstrated increasingly good clinical results in both single-center and multicenter studies. The findings of the randomized PARTNER study, which are still awaited, will be decisive in defining the true role of transcatheter valve implantation in various clinical settings. New types of valve (e.g. the Direct Flow, Sadra Lotus and HLT valves) are in different stages of clinical evaluation and are set to increase the armamentarium of this new technology, which will, without doubt, have a substantial impact on the treatment of severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis (AU)

Cardiovascular scientific production in Spain and in the European and global context (2003-2007).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The publication of research articles has increased considerably in recent years in all biomedical fields. The present study examines the position of Spanish quality research in cardiology in the European and world context, and its evolution during the 5-year period 2003-2007. METHODS: Using the Science Citation Index Expanded of Thomson Reuters as data source, we compared Spanish cardiovascular scientific production with that of the rest of countries in the European Union and of the most important countries worldwide, along with relative productivity as per number of inhabitants and Gross Domestic Product, and the number of citations in the journals of the <> area of the Journal Citation Reports (CCS-JCR). RESULTS: Spain ranks sixth in the European Union and ninth worldwide in scientific production (tenth worldwide if only the journals of the first quartile of the CCS-JCR area are considered). As regards the number of citations received, Spain ranks seventh in the European Union and eleventh worldwide. In terms of relative productivity as per number of inhabitants and Gross Domestic Product, the Spanish ranking is less favorable (positions 15 and 18, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The ranking of Spanish cardiovascular research is similar to that of other biomedical fields, though its position is less favorable in relation to certain demographic and economical indicators. In order to maintain adequate investigational levels, it is necessary for the European governments and scientific societies to regard the promotion of high-quality cardiological research as a priority concern.

La producción científica cardiovascular en España y en el contexto europeo y mundial (2003-2007) / Cardiovascular Scientific Production in Spain and in the European and Global Context (2003-2007)

Introducción y objetivos. La publicación de artículos de investigación ha aumentado de manera considerable en los últimos años en todas las áreas biomédicas. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el lugar que ocupa la investigación cardiológica española de calidad en el contexto europeo y mundial y su evolución durante el quinquenio 2003-2007. Métodos. Utilizando como fuente de datos la base de datos Science Citation Index Expanded de Thomson Reuters, se comparó la producción científica cardiovascular española con la de los países de la Unión Europea y los más destacados del mundo, así como la productividad relativa respecto al número de habitantes y producto interior bruto y el número de citas recibidas en las revistas del área «Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems» del Journal Citation Reports (CCS-JCR). Resultados. España ocupa el sexto puesto en el ranking europeo y el noveno en el mundial de la producción científica, pasando al décimo mundial si se consideran únicamente las revistas del primer cuartil del área CCS-JCR. En número de citas recibidas, España ocupa el séptimo lugar europeo y undécimo mundial. En la productividad relativa respecto al número de habitantes y el producto interior bruto, la posición española es menos favorable, ocupando la decimoquinta y la decimoctava posición, respectivamente. Conclusiones. En investigación cardiovascular, España ocupa posiciones similares a otras áreas biomédicas, si bien su situación es menos ventajosa respecto a algunos indicadores demográficos y económicos. Para que se mantengan los niveles adecuados de investigación, es necesario que los gobiernos y las sociedades científicas europeas consideren el fomento de la investigación cardiológica de alta calidad como un objetivo primordial (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The publication of research articles has increased considerably in recent years in all biomedical fields. The present study examines the position of Spanish quality research in cardiology in the European and world context, and its evolution during the 5-year period 2003-2007. Methods. Using the Science Citation Index Expanded of Thomson Reuters as data source, we compared Spanish cardiovascular scientific production with that of the rest of countries in the European Union and of the most important countries worldwide, along with relative productivity as per number of inhabitants and Gross Domestic Product, and the number of citations in the journals of the «Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems» area of the Journal Citation Reports (CCS-JCR). Results. Spain ranks sixth in the European Union and ninth worldwide in scientific production (tenth worldwide if only the journals of the first quartile of the CCS-JCR area are considered). As regards the number of citations received, Spain ranks seventh in the European Union and eleventh worldwide. In terms of relative productivity as per number of inhabitants and Gross Domestic Product, the Spanish ranking is less favorable (positions 15 and 18, respectively). Conclusions. The ranking of Spanish cardiovascular research is similar to that of other biomedical fields, though its position is less favorable in relation to certain demographic and economical indicators. In order to maintain adequate investigational levels, it is necessary for the European governments and scientific societies to regard the promotion of high-quality cardiological research as a priority concern (AU)

Prótesis aórtica biológica de implantación percutánea: imágenes de necropsia / Percutaneous aortic bioprosthesis: necropsy images

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