Is There Safety in the Use of Clopidogrel Loading Dose in Patients Over 75 Years of Age with Acute Coronary Syndrome?

There is limited evidence in the literature regarding the administration of clopidogrel to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients over 75 years of age. Most studies excluded this age group, making the subject controversial due to the increased risk of bleeding in this population. Objective: This is a retrospective, unicentric, and observational study aimed at assessing whether the administration of clopidogrel loading dose increases bleeding rates in patients over 75 years of age. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: group I: 75 mg of clopidogrel; group II: 300-to 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel. A total of 174 patients (129 in group I and 45 in group II) were included between May 2010 and May 2015. Statistical analysis: The primary outcome was bleeding (major and/or minor). The secondary outcome was combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). The comparison between groups was performed through Q-square and T-test. The multivariate analysis was performed by logistic regression, being considered significant p < 0.05. Results: Comparisons between groups I and II showed differences in the prevalence of diabetes (46.5% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.01), arterial hypertension (90.7% vs. 75, p = 0.01), dyslipidemia (62% vs. 42.2%, p = 0.021), ST segment elevation (11.6% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.016) and coronary intervention percutaneous (16.5% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.0001), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, significant differences were observed between groups I and II in relation to the occurrence of bleeding (8.5% vs. 20%, OR = 0.173, 95% CI: 0.049 - 0.614, p = 0.007). Conclusion: A loading dose of 300 mg or more of clopidogrel

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.

Sensitive Troponin I Assay in Patients with Chest Pain - Association with Significant Coronary Lesions with or Without Renal Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Despite having higher sensitivity as compared to conventional troponins, sensitive troponins have lower specificity, mainly in patients with renal failure. OBJECTIVE: Study aimed at assessing the sensitive troponin I levels in patients with chest pain, and relating them to the existence of significant coronary lesions. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, observational. This study included 991 patients divided into two groups: with (N = 681) and without (N = 310) significant coronary lesion. For posterior analysis, the patients were divided into two other groups: with (N = 184) and without (N = 807) chronic renal failure. The commercial ADVIA Centaur® TnI-Ultra assay (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) was used. The ROC curve analysis was performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the best cutoff point of troponin as a discriminator of the probability of significant coronary lesion. The associations were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The median age was 63 years, and 52% of the patients were of the male sex. The area under the ROC curve between the troponin levels and significant coronary lesions was 0.685 (95% CI: 0.65 - 0.72). In patients with or without renal failure, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.703 (95% CI: 0.66 - 0.74) and 0.608 (95% CI: 0.52 - 0.70), respectively. The best cutoff points to discriminate the presence of significant coronary lesion were: in the general population, 0.605 ng/dL (sensitivity, 63.4%; specificity, 67%); in patients without renal failure, 0.605 ng/dL (sensitivity, 62.7%; specificity, 71%); and in patients with chronic renal failure, 0.515 ng/dL (sensitivity, 80.6%; specificity, 42%). CONCLUSION: In patients with chest pain, sensitive troponin I showed a good correlation with significant coronary lesions when its level was greater than 0.605 ng/dL. In patients with chronic renal failure, a significant decrease in specificity was observed in the correlation of troponin levels and severe coronary lesions.

Is There Any Relationship between TSH Levels and Prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Some small studies have related higher levels of thyrotropin (TSH) to potentially worse prognosis in acute coronary syndromes. However, this relationship remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes in relation to the value of TSH at admission. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study with 505 patients (446 in group I [TSH ≤ 4 mIU/L] and 59 in group II [TSH > 4 mIU/L]) with acute coronary syndromes between May 2010 and May 2014. We obtained data about comorbidities and the medications used at the hospital. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause death. The secondary endpoint included combined events (death, non-fatal unstable angina or myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, bleeding and stroke). Comparisons between groups were made by one-way ANOVA and chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was determined by logistic regression. Analyses were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences between groups I and II were observed regarding the use of enoxaparin (75.2% vs. 57.63%, p = 0.02) and statins (84.08% vs. 71.19%, p < 0.0001), previous stroke (5.83% vs. 15.25%, p = 0.007), combined events (14.80% vs. 27.12%, OR = 3.05, p = 0.004), cardiogenic shock (4.77% vs. 6.05%, OR = 4.77, p = 0.02) and bleeding (12.09% vs. 15.25%, OR = 3.36, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute coronary syndromes and TSH > 4 mIU/L at admission, worse prognosis was observed, with higher incidences of in-hospital combined events, cardiogenic shock and bleeding.

Is There Any Relationship between TSH Levels and Prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome? / Existe Alguma Relação entre Níveis de TSH e Prognóstico em Síndrome Coronariana Aguda?

Abstract Background: Some small studies have related higher levels of thyrotropin (TSH) to potentially worse prognosis in acute coronary syndromes. However, this relationship remains uncertain. Objective: To analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes in relation to the value of TSH at admission. Methods: Observational and retrospective study with 505 patients (446 in group I [TSH ≤ 4 mIU/L] and 59 in group II [TSH > 4 mIU/L]) with acute coronary syndromes between May 2010 and May 2014. We obtained data about comorbidities and the medications used at the hospital. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause death. The secondary endpoint included combined events (death, non-fatal unstable angina or myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, bleeding and stroke). Comparisons between groups were made by one-way ANOVA and chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was determined by logistic regression. Analyses were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences between groups I and II were observed regarding the use of enoxaparin (75.2% vs. 57.63%, p = 0.02) and statins (84.08% vs. 71.19%, p < 0.0001), previous stroke (5.83% vs. 15.25%, p = 0.007), combined events (14.80% vs. 27.12%, OR = 3.05, p = 0.004), cardiogenic shock (4.77% vs. 6.05%, OR = 4.77, p = 0.02) and bleeding (12.09% vs. 15.25%, OR = 3.36, p = 0.012). Conclusions: In patients with acute coronary syndromes and TSH > 4 mIU/L at admission, worse prognosis was observed, with higher incidences of in-hospital combined events, cardiogenic shock and bleeding.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos pequenos têm relacionado níveis mais elevados de hormônio tireoestimulante (TSH) a pior prognóstico em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). Tal relação, no entanto, permanece incerta. Objetivo: Analisar os desfechos de pacientes com SCA, relacionando-os aos níveis de TSH medidos no setor de emergência. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional incluindo 505 pacientes com SCA (446 no grupo I: TSH ± 4 mUI/L; 59 no grupo II: TSH > 4 mUI/L) entre maio de 2010 e maio de 2014. Dados sobre comorbidades e medicamentos usados foram obtidos. O desfecho primário foi mortalidade intra-hospitalar por todas as causas. O desfecho secundário incluiu eventos combinados (morte, angina instável não fatal ou infarto do miocárdio, choque cardiogênico, sangramento e acidente vascular encefálico). A comparação entre grupos foi realizada através de ANOVA de uma via e teste do qui-quadrado. A análise multivariada foi realizada por regressão logística, adotando-se o nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os grupos I e II relacionadas ao uso de enoxaparina (75,2% vs. 57,63%; p = 0,02) e estatinas (84,08% vs. 71,19%; p < 0,0001), acidente vascular encefálico prévio (5,83% vs. 15,25%; p = 0,007), eventos combinados (14,80% vs. 27,12%, OR = 3,05; p = 0,004), choque cardiogênico (4,77% vs. 6,05%, OR = 4,77; p = 0,02) e sangramento (12,09% vs. 15,25%, OR = 3,36; p = 0,012). Conclusão: Em pacientes com SCA e TSH > 4 mUI/L à admissão hospitalar, observou-se pior prognóstico associado à maior incidência de eventos combinados intra-hospitalares, choque cardiogênico e sangramentos.

Sensitive Troponin I Assay in Patients with Chest Pain - Association with Significant Coronary Lesions with or Without Renal Failure / Troponinas I Sensíveis em Pacientes com Dor Torácica - Associação com Lesões Coronarianas Significativas e Variação em Insuficiência Renal Crônica

Abstract Introduction: Despite having higher sensitivity as compared to conventional troponins, sensitive troponins have lower specificity, mainly in patients with renal failure. Objective: Study aimed at assessing the sensitive troponin I levels in patients with chest pain, and relating them to the existence of significant coronary lesions. Methods: Retrospective, single-center, observational. This study included 991 patients divided into two groups: with (N = 681) and without (N = 310) significant coronary lesion. For posterior analysis, the patients were divided into two other groups: with (N = 184) and without (N = 807) chronic renal failure. The commercial ADVIA Centaur® TnI-Ultra assay (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) was used. The ROC curve analysis was performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the best cutoff point of troponin as a discriminator of the probability of significant coronary lesion. The associations were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results: The median age was 63 years, and 52% of the patients were of the male sex. The area under the ROC curve between the troponin levels and significant coronary lesions was 0.685 (95% CI: 0.65 - 0.72). In patients with or without renal failure, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.703 (95% CI: 0.66 - 0.74) and 0.608 (95% CI: 0.52 - 0.70), respectively. The best cutoff points to discriminate the presence of significant coronary lesion were: in the general population, 0.605 ng/dL (sensitivity, 63.4%; specificity, 67%); in patients without renal failure, 0.605 ng/dL (sensitivity, 62.7%; specificity, 71%); and in patients with chronic renal failure, 0.515 ng/dL (sensitivity, 80.6%; specificity, 42%). Conclusion: In patients with chest pain, sensitive troponin I showed a good correlation with significant coronary lesions when its level was greater than 0.605 ng/dL. In patients with chronic renal failure, a significant decrease in specificity was observed in the correlation of troponin levels and severe coronary lesions.

Resumo Fundamento: Apesar de apresentar maior sensibilidade em comparação às troponinas convencionais, as troponinas sensíveis apresentam menor especificidade, principalmente em pacientes com insuficiência renal. Objetivo: Avaliar os valores de troponina I sensível em pacientes com dor torácica, relacionando-os à presença de lesões coronarianas significativas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, unicêntrico e observacional. Foram incluídos 991 pacientes, divididos em dois grupos: com (N = 681) ou sem lesão coronariana (N = 310). Para análise posterior, os pacientes foram separados em outros dois grupos: com (N = 184) ou sem insuficiência renal (N = 807). A troponina utilizada pertence ao kit comercial ADVIA Centaur® TnI-Ultra (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics). A análise foi feita por curva ROC para identificar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do melhor ponto de corte da troponina como discriminador de probabilidade de lesão coronariana. As associações foram consideradas significativas quando p < 0,05. Resultados: Cerca de 52% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a idade mediana da amostra foi de 63 anos. A área sob a curva ROC entre os valores de troponina e lesões coronarianas significativas foi de 0,685 (IC 95%: 0,65 - 0,72). Em pacientes sem e com insuficiência renal, as áreas sob a curva foram 0,703 (IC 95%: 0,66 - 0,74) e 0,608 (IC 95%: 0,52 - 0,70), respectivamente. Os melhores pontos de corte para discriminar a presença de lesão coronária significativa foram: 0,605 ng/dL (sensibilidade de 63,4%, especificidade de 67%) no grupo geral, 0,605 ng/dL (sensibilidade de 62,7% e especificidade de 71%) em pacientes sem insuficiência renal e 0,515 ng/dL (sensibilidade de 80,6% e especificidade de 42%) no grupo com insuficiência renal crônica. Conclusão: Na população avaliada de pacientes com dor torácica, a troponina I sensível apresentou boa correlação com lesões coronarianas significativas quando acima de 0,605 ng/dL. Em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica, observamos uma queda importante de especificidade na correlação dos valores com lesões coronarianas graves.

Mortality reduction with use of oral beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES:: Recent studies have revealed a relationship between beta-blocker use and worse prognosis in acute coronary syndrome, mainly due to a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock. However, the relevance of this relationship in the reperfusion era is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome that started oral beta-blockers within the first 24 hours of hospital admission (group I) compared to patients who did not use oral beta-blockers in this timeframe (group II). METHODS:: This was an observational, retrospective and multicentric study with 2,553 patients (2,212 in group I and 341 in group II). Data regarding demographic characteristics, coronary treatment and medication use in the hospital were obtained. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The groups were compared by ANOVA and the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted by logistic regression and results were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS:: Significant differences were observed between the groups in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, enoxaparin, and statins; creatinine levels; ejection fraction; tabagism; age; and previous coronary artery bypass graft. Significant differences were also observed between the groups in mortality (2.67% vs 9.09%, OR=0.35, p=0.02) and major adverse cardiovascular events (11% vs 29.5%, OR=4.55, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS:: Patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent early intervention with oral beta-blockers during the first 24 hours of hospital admission had a lower in-hospital death rate and experienced fewer major adverse cardiovascular events with no increase in cardiogenic shock or sustained ventricular arrhythmias compared to patients who did not receive oral beta-blockers within this timeframe.

Atrial fibrillation with high ventricular rate in emergency room: What's the best strategy for treatment?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and can lead to significant decline in functional status and quality of life among affected patients. The risk of developing AF increases with age and the presence of structural heart disease. Thus, the attendance of patients with high ventricular response to AF is common, which makes knowledge of its management mandatory. In this context, the choice of heart rate and/or rhythm control therapy is fundamental and complex, with multiple possibilities. Thus, this review aims to assist in the management of these patients, systematizing their care.

Atrial fibrillation with high ventricular rate in emergency room: What's the best strategy for treatment? / Fibrilação atrial de alta resposta ventricular na sala de emergência: qual é a melhor estratégia de tratamento?

SUMMARY Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and can lead to significant decline in functional status and quality of life among affected patients. The risk of developing AF increases with age and the presence of structural heart disease. Thus, the attendance of patients with high ventricular response to AF is common, which makes knowledge of its management mandatory. In this context, the choice of heart rate and/or rhythm control therapy is fundamental and complex, with multiple possibilities. Thus, this review aims to assist in the management of these patients, systematizing their care.

RESUMO A fibrilação atrial (AF) é a arritmia mais comum da prática clínica e pode levar à redução significativa do estado funcional e da qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. O risco de desenvolvimento de AF aumenta com a idade e com a presença de doença cardíaca estrutural. Dessa forma, o comparecimento de paciente com AF de alta resposta ventricular é frequente, o que torna o conhecimento de seu manejo obrigatório. Nesse âmbito, a escolha da terapia de controle de frequência cardíaca e/ou ritmo é fundamental e complexa, com múltiplas possibilidades. Esta revisão tem o objetivo de auxiliar a abordagem desses pacientes, sistematizando o atendimento.

Mortality reduction with use of oral beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have revealed a relationship between beta-blocker use and worse prognosis in acute coronary syndrome, mainly due to a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock. However, the relevance of this relationship in the reperfusion era is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome that started oral beta-blockers within the first 24 hours of hospital admission (group I) compared to patients who did not use oral beta-blockers in this timeframe (group II). METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective and multicentric study with 2,553 patients (2,212 in group I and 341 in group II). Data regarding demographic characteristics, coronary treatment and medication use in the hospital were obtained. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The groups were compared by ANOVA and the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted by logistic regression and results were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, enoxaparin, and statins; creatinine levels; ejection fraction; tabagism; age; and previous coronary artery bypass graft. Significant differences were also observed between the groups in mortality (2.67% vs 9.09%, OR=0.35, p=0.02) and major adverse cardiovascular events (11% vs 29.5%, OR=4.55, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent early intervention with oral beta-blockers during the first 24 hours of hospital admission had a lower in-hospital death rate and experienced fewer major adverse cardiovascular events with no increase in cardiogenic shock or sustained ventricular arrhythmias compared to patients who did not receive oral beta-blockers within this timeframe.

Redução de Mortalidade em Longo Prazo Relacionada a Doses Mais Elevadas de Atorvastatina em Pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda / Reduction of in Long-Term Mortality Related to Higher Doses of Atorvastatin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Fundamento: Diversos estudos experimentais têm mostrado redução de marcadores inflamatórios associados às doses mais elevadas de estatinas em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). No entanto, a implicação clínica da dose de estatina na fase aguda da SCA ainda é incerta. Objetivo: Comparar desfechos em curto e longo prazo entre pacientes com SCA que receberam doses mais elevadas de atorvastatina versus baixas doses de atorvastatina iniciadas nas primeiras 24 horas da admissão hospitalar. Métodos: Para tal, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I (N = 464): dose de atorvastatina 40 mg/dia. Foram obtidos dados demográficos, exames laboratoriais, medicações utilizadas e tratamento coronário adotado. Análise estatística: O desfecho primário foi mortalidade por todas as causas. A comparação entre grupos foi realizada através de Q-quadrado e teste T. A análise multivariada de desfechos intrahospitalares foi realizada por regressão logística, sendo considerado significativo p < 0,05. Em longo prazo foi avaliada a mortalidade e eventos combinados pelo método Kaplan-Meier com seguimento médio de 8,79 meses. Resultados: Na análise de desfechos intrahospitalares, não se observaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos I e II. Em longo prazo o grupo II apresentou menor mortalidade em relação ao grupo I (3,9% vs. 8,4%, p = 0,013), respectivamente. Conclusão: Diferenças favoráveis e significativas foram observadas em relação à mortalidade em longo prazo em pacientes com SCA que receberam desde a fase aguda doses elevadas de atorvastatina

Background: Recent experimental studies have described reduction in inflammatory markers related to higher doses of statins in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the clinical implication of the dose of statin in the acute phase of the ACS remains uncertain. Objective: To compare the outcomes in short and long terms among patients with acute coronary syndromes that received higher doses of atorvastatin versus low doses of atorvastatin started in the first 24 hours of hospital admission.Methods: For such, the patients were divided in two groups: group I (N = 464): atorvastatin dose: 40 mg/day. Demographic data, laboratory exams, medications used and coronary treatment adopted were obtained. Statistical analysis: The primary outcome was mortality from all causes. The comparison between groups was made by T-test and Q-square. Multivariative analysis of in-hospital outcomes were determined by logistic regression, considered significant when p < 0.05. In long-term, the mortality and combined events by the Kaplan-Meier method were assessed, with median follow-up of 8.79 months. Results: In the analysis of in-hospital outcomes, no significant differences were observed between groups I and II. In the long-term, group II presented lower mortality in comparison with group 9 (8.4% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Favorable and significant differences were observed in relation to long-term mortality in patients with ACS that received high doses of atorvastatin since the acute phase

Clinical characteristics and long-term progression of young patients with acute coronary syndrome in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, there are few descriptions in the literature on the angiographic pattern and clinical characteristics of young patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the evident number of cases in the population. The objective of this study was to evaluate which clinical characteristics are most closely related to the acute coronary syndrome in young patients, and what long-term outcomes are in this population. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study with 268 patients aged under 55 years with acute coronary syndrome, carried out between May 2010 and May 2013. Data were obtained on demographics, laboratory test and angiography results, and the coronary treatment adopted. Statistical analysis was presented as percentages and absolute values. RESULTS: Approximately 57% were men and the median age was 50 years (30 to 55). The main risk factors were arterial hypertension (68%), smoking (67%), and dyslipidemia (43%). Typical pain was present in 90% of patients. In young individuals, 25.7% showed ST segment elevation. Approximately 56.5% of patients presented with a single-vessel angiographic pattern. About 7.1% were submitted to coronary bypass surgery, and 42.1% to percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Intrahospital mortality was 1.5%, and the combined event rate (cerebrovascular accident/stroke, cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, and arrhythmias) was 13.8%. After a mean follow-up of 10 months, mortality was 9.8%, while 25.4% of the patients had new ischemic events, and 37.3% required readmission to hospital. CONCLUSION: In the short-term, young patients presented with mortality rates below what was expected when compared to the rates noted in other studies. However, there was a significant increase in the number of events in the 10-month follow-up.

Clinical characteristics and long-term progression of young patients with acute coronary syndrome in Brazil / Características clínicas e evolução em longo prazo de pacientes jovens com síndrome coronariana aguda no Brasil

Objective In Brazil, there are few descriptions in the literature on the angiographic pattern and clinical characteristics of young patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the evident number of cases in the population. The objective of this study was to evaluate which clinical characteristics are most closely related to the acute coronary syndrome in young patients, and what long-term outcomes are in this population.Methods This is a prospective observational study with 268 patients aged under 55 years with acute coronary syndrome, carried out between May 2010 and May 2013. Data were obtained on demographics, laboratory test and angiography results, and the coronary treatment adopted. Statistical analysis was presented as percentages and absolute values.Results Approximately 57% were men and the median age was 50 years (30 to 55). The main risk factors were arterial hypertension (68%), smoking (67%), and dyslipidemia (43%). Typical pain was present in 90% of patients. In young individuals, 25.7% showed ST segment elevation. Approximately 56.5% of patients presented with a single-vessel angiographic pattern. About 7.1% were submitted to coronary bypass surgery, and 42.1% to percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Intrahospital mortality was 1.5%, and the combined event rate (cerebrovascular accident/stroke, cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, and arrhythmias) was 13.8%. After a mean follow-up of 10 months, mortality was 9.8%, while 25.4% of the patients had new ischemic events, and 37.3% required readmission to hospital.Conclusion In the short-term, young patients presented with mortality rates below what was expected when compared to the rates noted in other studies. However, there was a significant increase in the number of events in the 10-month follow-up.

Objetivo No Brasil, há poucas descrições na literatura referentes ao padrão angiográfico e a características clínicas em pacientes jovens com síndrome coronariana aguda, apesar do número evidente de casos nessa população. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar quais as características clínicas que mais se associam com a síndrome coronariana aguda em pacientes jovens e quais os desfechos a longo prazo nessa população.Métodos Trata-se de estudo prospectivo observacional com 268 pacientes com menos de 55 anos de idade com síndrome coronariana aguda, realizado entre maio de 2010 e maio de 2013. Foram obtidos dados demográficos, laboratoriais, angiográficos e do tratamento coronário adotado. Análise estatística foi apresentada sob a forma de porcentagens e valores absolutos.Resultados Aproximadamente 57% eram homens e a mediana de idade foi de 50 anos (30 a 55). Observou-se como principais fatores de risco hipertensão (68%), tabagismo (67%) e dislipidemia (43%). Dor típica esteve presente em 90% dos pacientes. Nos indivíduos jovens, observou-se supradesnivelamento de ST em 25,7% dos casos. Aproximadamente 56,5% dos pacientes apresentaram padrão angiográfico uniarterial. Cerca de 7,1% foram submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica e 42,1% à angioplastia coronária. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar encontrada foi de 1,5%, e o índice de desfechos combinados (acidente vascular cerebral, choque cardiogênico, reinfarto e arritmias) foi de 13,8%. Após seguimento médio de 10 meses, a mortalidade foi de 9,8%, enquanto 25,4% dos pacientes apresentaram novos eventos isquêmicos e 37,3%, necessidade de reinternação.Conclusão A curto prazo, pacientes jovens apresentam índices de mortalidade abaixo do esperado, quando comparados os índices observados em outros estudos. No entanto, observou-se aumento importante no número de eventos no seguimento de 10 meses.

Intracardiac embolization of inferior vena cava filter associated with right atrium perforation and cardiac tamponade.

Insertion of inferior vena cava filters has been well established in literature, reducing occurrence of pulmonary embolism after an episode of deep venous thrombosis in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. There are a small number of complications related to procedure and embolization is rare. In this context, we described a case of intracardiac embolization associated with cardiac tamponade.

Intracardiac embolization of inferior vena cava filter associated with right atrium perforation and cardiac tamponade / Embolização de filtro de veia cava associado à perfuração de átrio direito e tamponamento cardíaco

Insertion of inferior vena cava filters has been well established in literature, reducing occurrence of pulmonary embolism after an episode of deep venous thrombosis in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. There are a small number of complications related to procedure and embolization is rare. In this context, we described a case of intracardiac embolization associated with cardiac tamponade.

A colocação percutânea de filtro de veia cava inferior é bem estabelecida em literatura, reduzindo a chance de ocorrência de tromboembolismo pulmonar após um episódio de trombose venosa profunda em pacientes com contraindicações à anticoagulação. O índice de complicações relacionadas ao procedimento é pequeno, sendo embolização evento extremamente raro. Nesse contexto, descrevemos um caso de embolização intracardíaca de filtro de veia cava inferior associada ao tamponamento cardíaco.