Therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration (ACTION): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with a prothrombotic state leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Whether therapeutic anticoagulation improves outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation in this population. METHODS: We did a pragmatic, open-label (with blinded adjudication), multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, at 31 sites in Brazil. Patients (aged ≥18 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, and who had COVID-19 symptoms for up to 14 days before randomisation, were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was in-hospital oral rivaroxaban (20 mg or 15 mg daily) for stable patients, or initial subcutaneous enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice per day) or intravenous unfractionated heparin (to achieve a 0·3­0·7 IU/mL anti-Xa concentration) for clinically unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban to day 30. Prophylactic anticoagulation was standard in-hospital enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. The primary efficacy outcome was a hierarchical analysis of time to death, duration of hospitalisation, or duration of supplemental oxygen to day 30, analysed with the win ratio method (a ratio >1 reflects a better outcome in the therapeutic anticoagulation group) in the intention-to-treat population. The primary safety outcome was major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding through 30 days. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04394377) and is completed. FINDINGS: From June 24, 2020, to Feb 26, 2021, 3331 patients were screened and 615 were randomly allocated (311 [50%] to the therapeutic anticoagulation group and 304 [50%] to the prophylactic anticoagulation group). 576 (94%) were clinically stable and 39 (6%) clinically unstable. One patient, in the therapeutic group, was lost to follow-up because of withdrawal of consent and was not included in the primary analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was not different between patients assigned therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation, with 28 899 (34·8%) wins in the therapeutic group and 34 288 (41·3%) in the prophylactic group (win ratio 0·86 [95% CI 0·59­1·22], p=0·40). Consistent results were seen in clinically stable and clinically unstable patients. The primary safety outcome of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 26 (8%) patients assigned therapeutic anticoagulation and seven (2%) assigned prophylactic anticoagulation (relative risk 3·64 [95% CI 1·61­8·27], p=0·0010). Allergic reaction to the study medication occurred in two (1%) patients in the therapeutic anticoagulation group and three (1%) in the prophylactic anticoagulation group. INTERPRETATION: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, in-hospital therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or enoxaparin followed by rivaroxaban to day 30 did not improve clinical outcomes and increased bleeding compared with prophylactic anticoagulation. Therefore, use of therapeutic-dose rivaroxaban, and other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in these patients in the absence of an evidence-based indication for oral anticoagulation.

Avaliação do Seguimento de 1 Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro da Prática Clínica em Pacientes de Alto Risco Cardiovascular (REACT) / Evaluation of 1-Year Follow-up of Patients Included in the Registry of Clinical Practice in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk (REACT)

Resumo Fundamento Na prática clínica, há evidências de falhas na prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, no Brasil, ainda são insuficientes os dados sobre a evolução ao longo de 1 ano desses pacientes. Objetivos Descrição no acompanhamento de 12 meses da utilização de terapias baseadas em evidência e da ocorrência de desfechos cardiovasculares maiores e seus principais preditores em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Métodos Estudo observacional prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos acima de 45 anos e de alto risco cardiovascular tanto em prevenção primária como secundária. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e avaliou-se a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência e a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM], acidente vascular cerebral [AVC], parada cardíaca e mortalidade por causa cardiovascular). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados De julho de 2010 até agosto de 2014, 5.076 indivíduos foram incluídos em 48 centros, sendo 91% dos 4.975 pacientes elegíveis acompanhados em centros de cardiologia e 68,6% em prevenção secundária. Em 1 ano, o uso concomitante de antiplaquetários, estatinas e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) reduziu de 28,3% para 24,2% (valor de p < 0,001). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,46%, e os preditores identificados foram: idade, pacientes em prevenção secundária e nefropatia diabética. Conclusões Neste grande registro nacional de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular, foram identificados preditores de risco semelhantes aos registros internacionais, porém a adesão da prescrição médica a terapias baseadas em evidência esteve abaixo dos dados da literatura internacional e apresentou piora significativa em 1 ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background In clinical practice, there is evidence of failure to prescribe evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, in Brazil, data on 1-year outcomes of these patients remain insufficient. Objectives To describe the use of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular outcomes and their major predictors in a 12-month follow-up of a Brazilian multicenter registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods This prospective observational study documented the outpatient clinical practice of managing patients over 45 years of age and of high cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the prescription of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death) were assessed. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results From July 2010 to August 2014, a total of 5076 individuals were enrolled in 48 centers, 91% of the 4975 eligible patients were followed-up in cardiology centers, and 68.6% were in secondary prevention. At 1 year, the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced from 28.3% to 24.2% (p < 0.001). Major cardiovascular event rate was 5.46%, and the identified predictors were age, patients in secondary prevention, and diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions In this large national registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk, risk predictors similar to those of international registries were identified, but medical prescription adherence to evidence-based therapies was inferior and significantly worsened at 1 year. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Evaluation of 1-Year Follow-up of Patients Included in the Registry of Clinical Practice in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk (REACT). / Avaliação do Seguimento de 1 Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro da Prática Clínica em Pacientes de Alto Risco Cardiovascular (REACT).

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, there is evidence of failure to prescribe evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, in Brazil, data on 1-year outcomes of these patients remain insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular outcomes and their major predictors in a 12-month follow-up of a Brazilian multicenter registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This prospective observational study documented the outpatient clinical practice of managing patients over 45 years of age and of high cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the prescription of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death) were assessed. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: From July 2010 to August 2014, a total of 5076 individuals were enrolled in 48 centers, 91% of the 4975 eligible patients were followed-up in cardiology centers, and 68.6% were in secondary prevention. At 1 year, the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced from 28.3% to 24.2% (p < 0.001). Major cardiovascular event rate was 5.46%, and the identified predictors were age, patients in secondary prevention, and diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk, risk predictors similar to those of international registries were identified, but medical prescription adherence to evidence-based therapies was inferior and significantly worsened at 1 year. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Na prática clínica, há evidências de falhas na prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, no Brasil, ainda são insuficientes os dados sobre a evolução ao longo de 1 ano desses pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Descrição no acompanhamento de 12 meses da utilização de terapias baseadas em evidência e da ocorrência de desfechos cardiovasculares maiores e seus principais preditores em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos acima de 45 anos e de alto risco cardiovascular tanto em prevenção primária como secundária. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e avaliou-se a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência e a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM], acidente vascular cerebral [AVC], parada cardíaca e mortalidade por causa cardiovascular). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. RESULTADOS: De julho de 2010 até agosto de 2014, 5.076 indivíduos foram incluídos em 48 centros, sendo 91% dos 4.975 pacientes elegíveis acompanhados em centros de cardiologia e 68,6% em prevenção secundária. Em 1 ano, o uso concomitante de antiplaquetários, estatinas e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) reduziu de 28,3% para 24,2% (valor de p < 0,001). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,46%, e os preditores identificados foram: idade, pacientes em prevenção secundária e nefropatia diabética. CONCLUSÕES: Neste grande registro nacional de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular, foram identificados preditores de risco semelhantes aos registros internacionais, porém a adesão da prescrição médica a terapias baseadas em evidência esteve abaixo dos dados da literatura internacional e apresentou piora significativa em 1 ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

One year follow-up Assessment of Patients Included in the Brazilian Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACCEPT). / Avaliação do Seguimento de um Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro Brasileiro de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (ACCEPT).

Background There is lack of prospective data on evolution within one year of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a representative population of Brazilian patients. Objectives To assess the prescription of evidence-based therapies, the incidence of severe outcomes and the predictors for these outcomes in a multicenter Brazilian registry of ACS patients. Methods The ACCEPT is a prospective observational study, which included patients hospitalized with a diagnostic of ACS in 47 Brazilian hospitals. The patients were followed for a 1 year and data were collected on the medical prescription and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular mortality, reinfarction and cerebrovascular accident - CVA). Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 5,047 patients were included in this registry from August 2010 to April 2014. The diagnosis of ACS was confirmed in 4,782 patients (94.7%) and, among those, the most frequent diagnosis was ACS with ST segment elevation (35.8%). The rate of major cardiovascular events was 13.6 % within 1 year. Adherence to prescription of evidence-based therapy at admission was of 62.1%. Age, public service, acute myocardial infarction, CVA, renal failure, diabetes and quality of therapy were associated independently with the occurrence of major cardiovascular events. Conclusions During the one-year follow-up of the ACCEPT registry, more than 10% of the patients had major cardiovascular events and this rate ranged according with the quality of therapy. Strategies must be elaborated to improve the use of evidence-based therapies to minimize the cardiovascular events among the Brazilian population. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(6):995-1003).

REPLICCAR II Study: data quality audit in the paulista cardiovascular surgery registry

The quality of data in electronic healthcare databases is a critical component when used for research and health practice. The aim of the present study was to assess the data quality in the Paulista Cardiovascular Surgery Registry II (REPLICCAR II) using two different audit methods, direct and indirect. The REPLICCAR II database contains data from 9 hospitals in São Paulo State with over 700 variables for 2229 surgical patients. The data collection was performed in REDCap platform using trained data managers to abstract information. We directly audited a random sample (n = 107) of the data collected after 6 months and indirectly audited the entire sample after 1 year of data collection. The indirect audit was performed using the data management tools in REDCap platform. We computed a modified Aggregate Data Quality Score (ADQ) previously reported by Salati et al. (2015). The agreement between data elements was good for categorical data (Cohen κ = 0.7, 95%CI = 0.59-0.83). For continuous data, the intraclass coefficient (ICC) for only 2 out of 15 continuous variables had an ICC < 0.9. In the indirect audit, 77% of the selected variables (n = 23) had a good ADQ score for completeness and accuracy. Data entry in the REPLICCAR II database proved to be satisfactory and showed competence and reliable data for research in cardiovascular surgery in Brazil.

Avaliação do seguimento de um ano dos pacientes incluídos no registro brasileiro de síndromes coronárias agudas (ACCEPT) / One year follow-up assessment of patients included in the brazilian registry of acute coronary syndromes (ACCEPT)

RESUMO FUNDAMENTO: Existe carência de informações prospectivas sobre a evolução em um ano após uma síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) em uma grande amostra de pacientes brasileiros. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência, a ocorrência de desfechos graves e os preditores para estes desfechos em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes com SCA. MÉTODOS: O ACCEPT é um estudo observacional prospectivo que incluiu pacientes internados com diagnóstico de SCA em 47 hospitais brasileiros. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e coletou-se dados sobre prescrição médica e ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (mortalidade cardiovascular, reinfarto e acidente vascular encefálico - AVE). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. RESULTADOS: Um total de 5.047 pacientes foram incluídos neste registro, de agosto de 2010 até abril de 2014. Foi confirmado o diagnóstico de SCA em 4.782 pacientes (94,7%) e, dentre os 3 diagnósticos possíveis, o mais comum foi SCA com elevação do segmento ST (35,8%). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 13,6 % em 1 ano. A prescrição completa de terapias baseadas em evidência na admissão hospitalar foi de 62,1%. Idade, atendimento público, infarto agudo do miocárdio, AVE, insuficiência renal, diabetes e qualidade da terapia estiveram associados de forma independente à ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores. CONCLUSÕES: No seguimento de 1 ano do registro ACCEPT, mais de 10% dos pacientes apresentaram eventos cardiovasculares maiores e esta taxa variou de acordo com a qualidade da terapia. Há necessidade da elaboração de estratégias para melhorar o uso de terapias baseadas em evidência no sentido de minimizar os eventos cardiovasculares na população brasileira.

Avaliação do Seguimento de um Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro Brasileiro de Síndromes Coronárias Agudas (ACCEPT) / One year follow-up Assessment of Patients Included in the Brazilian Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACCEPT)

Resumo Fundamento Existe carência de informações prospectivas sobre a evolução em um ano após uma síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) em uma grande amostra de pacientes brasileiros. Objetivos Avaliar a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência, a ocorrência de desfechos graves e os preditores para estes desfechos em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes com SCA. Métodos O ACCEPT é um estudo observacional prospectivo que incluiu pacientes internados com diagnóstico de SCA em 47 hospitais brasileiros. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e coletou-se dados sobre prescrição médica e ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (mortalidade cardiovascular, reinfarto e acidente vascular encefálico - AVE). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados Um total de 5.047 pacientes foram incluídos neste registro, de agosto de 2010 até abril de 2014. Foi confirmado o diagnóstico de SCA em 4.782 pacientes (94,7%) e, dentre os 3 diagnósticos possíveis, o mais comum foi SCA com elevação do segmento ST (35,8%). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 13,6 % em 1 ano. A prescrição completa de terapias baseadas em evidência na admissão hospitalar foi de 62,1%. Idade, atendimento público, infarto agudo do miocárdio, AVE, insuficiência renal, diabetes e qualidade da terapia estiveram associados de forma independente à ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores. Conclusões No seguimento de 1 ano do registro ACCEPT, mais de 10% dos pacientes apresentaram eventos cardiovasculares maiores e esta taxa variou de acordo com a qualidade da terapia. Há necessidade da elaboração de estratégias para melhorar o uso de terapias baseadas em evidência no sentido de minimizar os eventos cardiovasculares na população brasileira. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(6):995-1003)

Abstract Background There is lack of prospective data on evolution within one year of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a representative population of Brazilian patients. Objectives To assess the prescription of evidence-based therapies, the incidence of severe outcomes and the predictors for these outcomes in a multicenter Brazilian registry of ACS patients. Methods The ACCEPT is a prospective observational study, which included patients hospitalized with a diagnostic of ACS in 47 Brazilian hospitals. The patients were followed for a 1 year and data were collected on the medical prescription and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular mortality, reinfarction and cerebrovascular accident - CVA). Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 5,047 patients were included in this registry from August 2010 to April 2014. The diagnosis of ACS was confirmed in 4,782 patients (94.7%) and, among those, the most frequent diagnosis was ACS with ST segment elevation (35.8%). The rate of major cardiovascular events was 13.6 % within 1 year. Adherence to prescription of evidence-based therapy at admission was of 62.1%. Age, public service, acute myocardial infarction, CVA, renal failure, diabetes and quality of therapy were associated independently with the occurrence of major cardiovascular events. Conclusions During the one-year follow-up of the ACCEPT registry, more than 10% of the patients had major cardiovascular events and this rate ranged according with the quality of therapy. Strategies must be elaborated to improve the use of evidence-based therapies to minimize the cardiovascular events among the Brazilian population. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(6):995-1003)

Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in a Private Setting in Brazil: A Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety and effectiveness of warfarin depend on anticoagulation control quality. Observational studies associate poor control with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. OBJECTIVES: To develop a profile of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients treated with warfarin in a Brazilian private ambulatory and hospital setting, evaluate the quality of anticoagulation control, and its association with clinical and economic outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study, through a private health insurance dataset in Brazil, identified NVAF patients treated with warfarin between 01 MAY 2014 to 30 APRIL 2016, described their anticoagulation management, and quantified disease-related costs. Data on demographics, clinical history, concomitant medication and time in therapeutic range (TTR) of international normalized ratio (INR) values were retrieved. Patients were grouped into TTR quartiles, with good control defined as TTR ≥ 65% (Rosendaal method). Major bleeds and all-cause direct medical costs were calculated and compared between good and poor control subgroups. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The analysis included 1220 patients (median follow-up: 1.5 years; IQR: 0.5-2.0). On average, each patient received 0.95 monthly INR measurements (mean INR: 2.60 ± 0.88, with 26.1% of values < 2 and 24.8% > 3), (median TTR: 58%; IQR: 47-68%), (mean TTR: 56.6% ± 18.9%). Only 31% of patients were well-controlled (mean TTR: 78% ± 10%), with 1.6% having major bleeds within median follow-up, and direct medical costs per member per year (PMPY) of R$25,352(± R$ 37,762). Poorly controlled patients (69%) were associated with 3.3 times more major bleeds (5.3% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.01) and 40% higher costs (R$35,384 vs. R$25,352; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: More than 60% of the patients were below the desired target and the associated costs were higher.

Atualização do atendimento do paciente em parada cardiorrespiratória: O que todo clínico deve saber? / Update of medical care in cardiorespiratory arrest: What should every clinician know?

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma revisão narrativa do atendimento à parada cardiorrespiratória, baseada nas diretrizes mais atuais e, também, uma análise crítica de informações de literatura recente, que vão além das recomendações gerais das diretrizes vigentes. A parada cardiorrespiratória, quando ocorre de forma inesperada, abrupta, em indivíduo que se encontrava estável horas antes do evento, é chamada de morte súbita. Essa condição é a principal causa de óbito extra-hospitalar não traumático e, dentre suas diversas causas, a síndrome coronariana aguda é a mais comum em adultos. Uma vez que a frequência de síndrome coronariana aguda tende a aumentar com o aumento da expectativa de vida e de prevalência de outros fatores de risco na população, a ocorrência de morte súbita também tende a aumentar nesse cenário. No intuito de orientar o atendimento de pacientes em parada cardiorrespiratória, há mais de quatro décadas foram criadas diretrizes internacionais, que evoluíram com o surgimento de novas evidências, especialmente nos últimos 20 anos. Todo médico deve estar preparado para atender uma situação de parada cardiorrespiratória, pois ele pode ser chamado para atender tais casos em diferentes cenários (emergência, unidade de internação ou em ambiente extra-hospitalar). Entretanto, apesar da importância da incorporação de novas evidências nessas diretrizes, mudanças frequentes nas recomendações representam grande desafio para os clínicos se manterem atualizados. Além da dificuldade na atualização permanente, há recomendações feitas pelas diretrizes de sociedades médicas que divergem entre si e são questionadas por especialistas, o que gera dúvida na tomada de decisão do clínico. Conforme pormenorizado neste artigo de atualização, as etapas do algoritmo de Suportes Básico e Avançado de Vida são apresentadas como uma sequência, para facilitar para o socorrista que atua sozinho a oferecer intervenções com impacto na sobrevivência do paciente, devendo priorizar a reanimação cardiopulmonar de qualidade e a desfibrilação precoce, se indicada.

The objective of this study was to present a narrative review of cardiac arrest care based on the most current guidelines, and also a critical analysis of recent literature information that goes beyond the general recommendations of the current guidelines. Cardiac arrest, when occurring unexpectedly, abruptly, in an individual who was stable hours before the event, is called sudden death. This condition is the leading cause of non-traumatic out-of-hospital death and, among its many causes, acute coronary syndrome is the most common in adults. Since the frequency of acute coronary syndrome tends to increase with increasing life expectancy and the prevalence of other risk factors in the population, sudden death also tends to increase in this scenario. In order to guide the care of patients with cardiopulmonary arrest, for over 4 decades, international guidelines have been created and have evolved with the emergence of new evidence, especially in the last 20 years. Every physician should be prepared to deal with a cardiac arrest situation as he or she may be called upon to treat such cases in different scenarios (emergency, inpatient unit or out-of-hospital setting). However, despite the importance of incorporating new evidence into these guidelines, frequent changes to the recommendations pose a major challenge for clinicians to update their knowledge. In addition to the difficulty of constantly updating, there are recommendations made by the guidelines of medical societies that differ from each other and are questioned by specialists, which creates doubt in the process of decision making among clinicians. As detailed in this update article, the stages of the algorithm of Basic and Advanced Life Support are presented in a sequence to help the rescuer who works alone to provide interventions that impact the patient's survival, and prioritize quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation, if required.

Prognostic Differences between Men and Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Data from a Brazilian Registry / Diferenças Prognósticas entre Homens e Mulheres com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda. Dados de um Registro Brasileiro

Abstract Background: Gender-related differences have been reported in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The description of this comparative finding in a Brazilian registry has not yet been documented. Objective: To compare male vs. female patients regarding the baseline characteristics, coronary findings, treatment and in-hospital and long-term prognosis. Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter and observational study that included 3,745 patients (2,437 males and 1,308 females) between May 2010 and May 2015. The primary in-hospital outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). The comparison between groups was performed using the chi-square and the t test, considering p < 0.05 as significant. In the long term, mortality and combined events were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with a mean follow-up of 8.79 months. Results: The mean age was 60.3 years for males and 64.6 for females (p < 0.0001). The most prevalent risk factor was systemic arterial hypertension in 72.9% of the women and 67.8% of the men (p = 0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was carried out in 44.9% of the males and 35.4% of the females (p < 0.0001), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 17% of the males and 11.8% of females (p < 0.0001), with a higher prevalence of three-vessel coronary artery disease in males (27.3% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.0001). Approximately 79.9% of the female patients received a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation, while in the male patients, this diagnosis was attained in 71.5% (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the short and long term, regarding both mortality and the combined events. Conclusion: Several gender-related differences were observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome regarding the demographic characteristics, coronary artery disease pattern and implemented treatment. However, the prognostic evolution was similar between the groups.

Resumo Fundamento: Existem diferenças relatadas entre pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda, de acordo com o sexo. A descrição deste achado comparativo em registro brasileiro ainda não foi documentada. Objetivo: Comparar pacientes do sexo masculino vs. feminino quanto a características basais, achados coronarianos, tratamento e prognóstico intra-hospitalar e em longo prazo. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, multicêntrico e observacional, no qual foram incluídos 3.745 pacientes (2.437 do sexo masculino e 1.308 do sexo feminino) entre maio de 2010 e maio de 2015. O desfecho primário intra-hospitalar foi mortalidade por todas as causas. O desfecho secundário foi eventos combinados (choque cardiogênico, reinfarto, morte, acidente vascular cerebral e sangramento). A comparação entre grupos foi realizada por meio de qui-quadrado e teste t, sendo considerado significativo p < 0,05. Em longo prazo, foram avaliados a mortalidade e os eventos combinados pelo método Kaplan-Meier, com seguimento médio de 8,79 meses. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 60,3 anos no sexo masculino e 64,6 no feminino (p < 0,0001). O fator de risco mais prevalente foi hipertensão arterial sistêmica em 72,9% das mulheres e 67,8% nos homens (p = 0,001). Intervenção coronária percutânea foi realizada em 44,9% no sexo masculino e 35,4% no feminino (p < 0,0001), e revascularização miocárdica cirúrgica em 17% no sexo masculino e 11,8% no feminino (p < 0,0001), com maior prevalência de padrão coronariano triarterial no sexo masculino (27,3% vs. 16,2%; p < 0,0001). Cerca de 79,9% dos pacientes do sexo feminino enquadraram-se no diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, enquanto no sexo masculino este número foi de 71,5% (p < 0,0001). Em curto e longo prazos não se observaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos, tanto em mortalidade quanto em eventos combinados. Conclusão: Observaram-se múltiplas diferenças relacionadas ao sexo em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda no que se refere a características demográficas, padrão coronariano e tratamento adotado. No entanto, a evolução prognóstica foi semelhante entre os grupos.

Prognostic Differences between Men and Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Data from a Brazilian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Gender-related differences have been reported in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The description of this comparative finding in a Brazilian registry has not yet been documented. OBJECTIVE: To compare male vs. female patients regarding the baseline characteristics, coronary findings, treatment and in-hospital and long-term prognosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter and observational study that included 3,745 patients (2,437 males and 1,308 females) between May 2010 and May 2015. The primary in-hospital outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). The comparison between groups was performed using the chi-square and the t test, considering p < 0.05 as significant. In the long term, mortality and combined events were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with a mean follow-up of 8.79 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.3 years for males and 64.6 for females (p < 0.0001). The most prevalent risk factor was systemic arterial hypertension in 72.9% of the women and 67.8% of the men (p = 0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was carried out in 44.9% of the males and 35.4% of the females (p < 0.0001), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 17% of the males and 11.8% of females (p < 0.0001), with a higher prevalence of three-vessel coronary artery disease in males (27.3% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.0001). Approximately 79.9% of the female patients received a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation, while in the male patients, this diagnosis was attained in 71.5% (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the short and long term, regarding both mortality and the combined events. CONCLUSION: Several gender-related differences were observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome regarding the demographic characteristics, coronary artery disease pattern and implemented treatment. However, the prognostic evolution was similar between the groups.

Effect of Loading Dose of Atorvastatin Prior to Planned Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome The SECURE-PCI Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE The effects of loading doses of statins on clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and planned invasive management remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE To determine if periprocedural loading doses of atorvastatin decrease 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ACS and planned invasive management. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at 53 sites in Brazil among 4191 patients with ACS evaluated with coronary angiography to proceed with a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) if anatomically feasible. Enrollment occurred between April 18, 2012, and October 6, 2017. Final follow-up for 30-day outcomes was on November 6, 2017. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive 2 loading doses of 80 mg of atorvastatin (n = 2087) or matching placebo (n = 2104) before and 24 hours after a planned PCI. All patients received 40 mg of atorvastatin for 30 days starting 24 hours after the second dose of study medication. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was MACE, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned coronary revascularization through 30 days. RESULTS Among the 4191 patients (mean age, 61.8 [SD, 11.5] years; 1085 women [25.9%]) enrolled, 4163 (99.3%) completed 30-day follow-up. A total of 2710 (64.7%) underwent PCI, 333 (8%) underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 1144 (27.3%) had exclusively medical management. At 30 days, 130 patients in the atorvastatin group (6.2%) and 149 in the placebo group (7.1%) had a MACE (absolute difference, 0.85% [95% CI, −0.70% to 2.41%]; hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.69-1.11; P = .27). No cases of hepatic failure were reported; 3 cases of rhabdomyolysis were reported in the placebo group (0.1%) and 0 in the atorvastatin group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with ACS and planned invasive management with PCI, periprocedural loading doses of atorvastatin did not reduce the rate of MACE at 30 days. These findings do not support the routine use of loading doses of atorvastatin among unselected patients with ACS and intended invasive management.

Off-pump versus On-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Frail Patients: Study Protocol for the FRAGILE Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in modern medicine have led to people living longer and healthier lives. Frailty is an emerging concept in medicine yet to be explored as a risk factor in cardiac surgery. When it comes to CABG surgery, randomized controlled clinical trials have primarily focused on low-risk (ROOBY, CORONARY), elevated-risk (GOPCABE) or high-risk patients (BBS), but not on frail patients. Therefore, we believe that off-pump CABG could be an important technique in patients with limited functional capacity to respond to surgical stress. In this study, the authors introduce the new national, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial "FRAGILE", to be developed in the main cardiac surgery centers of Brazil, to clarify the potential benefit of off-pump CABG in frail patients. METHODS: FRAGILE is a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre, individually randomized (1:1) controlled trial which will enroll 630 patients with blinded outcome assessment (at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years), which aims to compare adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after off-pump versus on-pump CABG in pre-frail and frail patients. Primary outcomes will be all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation, low cardiac output syndrome/cardiogenic shock, stroke, and coronary reintervention. Secondary outcomes will be major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, operative time, mechanical ventilation time, hyperdynamic shock, new onset of atrial fibrillation, renal replacement therapy, reoperation for bleeding, pneumonia, length of stay in intensive care unit, length of stay in hospital, number of units of blood transfused, graft patency, rate of complete revascularization, neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery, quality of life after cardiac surgery and costs. DISCUSSION: FRAGILE trial will determine whether off-pump CABG is superior to conventional on-pump CABG in the surgical treatment of pre-frail and frail patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02338947. Registered on August 29th 2014; last updated on March 21st 2016.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in frail patients: study protocol for the fragile multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction: Advances in modern medicine have led to people living longer and healthier lives. Frailty is an emerging concept in medicine yet to be explored as a risk factor in cardiac surgery. When it comes to CABG surgery, randomized controlled clinical trials have primarily focused on low-risk (ROOBY, CORONARY), elevated-risk (GOPCABE) or high-risk patients (BBS), but not on frail patients. Therefore, we believe that off-pump CABG could be an important technique in patients with limited functional capacity to respond to surgical stress. In this study, the authors introduce the new national, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial "FRAGILE", to be developed in the main cardiac surgery centers of Brazil, to clarify the potential benefit of off-pump CABG in frail patients. Methods: FRAGILE is a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre, individually randomized (1:1) controlled trial which will enroll 630 patients with blinded outcome assessment (at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years), which aims to compare adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after off-pump versus on-pump CABG in pre-frail and frail patients. Primary outcomes will be all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation, low cardiac output syndrome/cardiogenic shock, stroke, and coronary reintervention. Secondary outcomes will be major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, operative time, mechanical ventilation time, hyperdynamic shock, new onset of atrial fibrillation, renal replacement therapy, reoperation for bleeding, pneumonia, length of stay in intensive care unit, length of stay in hospital, number of units of blood transfused, graft patency, rate of complete revascularization, neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery, quality of life after cardiac surgery and costs. Discussion: FRAGILE trial will determine whether off-pump CABG is superior to conventional on-pump CABG in the surgical treatment of pre-frail and frail patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02338947. Registered on August 29th 2014; last updated on March 21st 2016.

Fondaparinux versus Enoxaparin - Which is the Best Anticoagulant for Acute Coronary Syndrome? - Brazilian Registry Data.

BACKGROUND:: Recent studies have shown fondaparinux's superiority over enoxaparin in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS), especially in relation to bleeding reduction. The description of this finding in a Brazilian registry has not yet been documented. OBJECTIVE:: To compare fondaparinux versus enoxaparin in in-hospital prognosis of non-ST elevation ACS. METHODS:: Multicenter retrospective observational study. A total of 2,282 patients were included (335 in the fondaparinux group, and 1,947 in the enoxaparin group) between May 2010 and May 2015. Demographic, medication intake and chosen coronary treatment data were obtained. Primary outcome was mortality from all causes. Secondary outcome was combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). Comparison between the groups were done through Chi-Square test and T test. Multivariate analysis was done through logistic regression, with significance values defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS:: With regards to treatment, we observed the performance of a percutaneous coronary intervention in 40.2% in the fondaparinux group, and in 35.1% in the enoxaparin group (p = 0.13). In the multivariate analysis, we observed significant differences between fondaparinux and enoxaparin groups in relation to combined events (13.8% vs. 22%. OR = 2.93, p = 0.007) and bleeding (2.3% vs. 5.2%, OR = 4.55, p = 0.037), respectively. CONCLUSION:: Similarly to recently published data in international literature, fondaparinux proved superior to enoxaparin for the Brazilian population, with significant reduction of combined events and bleeding. FUNDAMENTO:: Estudos recentes têm apresentado superioridade do fondaparinux em relação à enoxaparina em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) sem supradesnivelamento de ST, principalmente relacionada à redução de sangramentos. A descrição desse achado em registro brasileiro ainda não foi documentada. OBJETIVO:: Comparar fondaparinux versus enoxaparina no prognóstico intrahospitalar em SCA sem supradesnivelamento de ST. MÉTODOS:: Estudo retrospectivo, multicêntrico e observacional. Foram incluídos 2.282 pacientes (335 no grupo fondaparinux e 1.947 no grupo enoxaparina) entre maio de 2.010 e maio de 2.015. Foram obtidos dados demográficos, medicações utilizadas e tratamento coronariano adotado. O desfecho primário foi mortalidade por todas as causas. O desfecho secundário foi eventos combinados (choque cardiogênico, reinfarto, morte, acidente vascular cerebral e sangramentos). A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada por meio de Q-quadrado e teste-T. A análise multivariada foi realizada por regressão logística, sendo considerado significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS:: Em relação ao tratamento, observou-se realização de intervenção coronária percutânea em 40,2% no grupo fondaparinux e 35,1% no grupo enoxaparina (p = 0,13). Na análise multivariada, observaram-se diferenças significativas entre os grupos fondaparinux e enoxaparina em relação a eventos combinados (13,8% vs. 22%, OR = 2,93, p = 0,007) e sangramentos (2,3% vs. 5,2%, OR = 4,55, p = 0,037), respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO:: Semelhante aos dados recentemente publicados na literatura mundial, fondaparinux mostrou-se superior à enoxaparina para a população brasileira, com redução significativa de eventos combinados e sangramentos.

Fondaparinux versus Enoxaparin - Which is the Best Anticoagulant for Acute Coronary Syndrome? - Brazilian Registry Data / Fondaparinux versus Enoxaparina - Qual o Melhor Anticoagulante para Síndrome Coronariana Aguda? - Dados de um Registro Brasileiro

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown fondaparinux's superiority over enoxaparin in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS), especially in relation to bleeding reduction. The description of this finding in a Brazilian registry has not yet been documented. Objective: To compare fondaparinux versus enoxaparin in in-hospital prognosis of non-ST elevation ACS. Methods: Multicenter retrospective observational study. A total of 2,282 patients were included (335 in the fondaparinux group, and 1,947 in the enoxaparin group) between May 2010 and May 2015. Demographic, medication intake and chosen coronary treatment data were obtained. Primary outcome was mortality from all causes. Secondary outcome was combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). Comparison between the groups were done through Chi-Square test and T test. Multivariate analysis was done through logistic regression, with significance values defined as p < 0.05. Results: With regards to treatment, we observed the performance of a percutaneous coronary intervention in 40.2% in the fondaparinux group, and in 35.1% in the enoxaparin group (p = 0.13). In the multivariate analysis, we observed significant differences between fondaparinux and enoxaparin groups in relation to combined events (13.8% vs. 22%. OR = 2.93, p = 0.007) and bleeding (2.3% vs. 5.2%, OR = 4.55, p = 0.037), respectively. Conclusion: Similarly to recently published data in international literature, fondaparinux proved superior to enoxaparin for the Brazilian population, with significant reduction of combined events and bleeding.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos recentes têm apresentado superioridade do fondaparinux em relação à enoxaparina em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) sem supradesnivelamento de ST, principalmente relacionada à redução de sangramentos. A descrição desse achado em registro brasileiro ainda não foi documentada. Objetivo: Comparar fondaparinux versus enoxaparina no prognóstico intrahospitalar em SCA sem supradesnivelamento de ST. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, multicêntrico e observacional. Foram incluídos 2.282 pacientes (335 no grupo fondaparinux e 1.947 no grupo enoxaparina) entre maio de 2.010 e maio de 2.015. Foram obtidos dados demográficos, medicações utilizadas e tratamento coronariano adotado. O desfecho primário foi mortalidade por todas as causas. O desfecho secundário foi eventos combinados (choque cardiogênico, reinfarto, morte, acidente vascular cerebral e sangramentos). A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada por meio de Q-quadrado e teste-T. A análise multivariada foi realizada por regressão logística, sendo considerado significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Em relação ao tratamento, observou-se realização de intervenção coronária percutânea em 40,2% no grupo fondaparinux e 35,1% no grupo enoxaparina (p = 0,13). Na análise multivariada, observaram-se diferenças significativas entre os grupos fondaparinux e enoxaparina em relação a eventos combinados (13,8% vs. 22%, OR = 2,93, p = 0,007) e sangramentos (2,3% vs. 5,2%, OR = 4,55, p = 0,037), respectivamente. Conclusão: Semelhante aos dados recentemente publicados na literatura mundial, fondaparinux mostrou-se superior à enoxaparina para a população brasileira, com redução significativa de eventos combinados e sangramentos.