Rigidez carotídea y riesgo de eventos vasculares y mortalidad: el estudio REGICOR / Carotid artery stiffness and risk of vascular events and mortality: the REGICOR study

Introducción y objetivos: Los objetivos son analizar la relación dosis-respuesta de la rigidez de la arteria carótida y la mortalidad y evaluar su capacidad predictiva. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte poblacional que incluyó a 6.468 participantes, con una mediana de seguimiento de 6,5 años. Se evaluaron 6 índices de rigidez. Se identificaron los eventos coronarios y cerebrovasculares y la mortalidad. Resultados: La rigidez carotídea, el coeficiente de Peterson y la velocidad de la onda de pulso (VOP) se asociaron de manera lineal y directa con los eventos cerebrovasculares: aumento del 8% (IC95%, 1-16%) por unidad de rigidez, del 7% (IC95%, 2-13%) cada 10 unidades del coeficiente de Peterson y del 26% (IC95%, 8-48%) por unidad de la VOP. La tensión carotídea se asoció de modo no lineal con el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria: en valores <0,09 unidades, cada aumento de 0,01 unidades se asoció con una disminución de un 16% del riesgo (IC95%, –33 a +6%); por encima de 0,09 unidades, cada incremento de 0,01 unidades se asoció con un aumento de un 16% del riesgo (IC95%, 6-27%). La inclusión de estos índices no mejoró la capacidad predictiva de las funciones de riesgo. Conclusiones: La rigidez carotídea, el coeficiente de elasticidad de Peterson y la VOP tienen una relación lineal y directa con el riesgo de enfermedad cerebrovascular. La tensión (strain) carotídea tiene una relación en U con el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria. Estos índices no contribuyen a mejorar la capacidad predictiva de las funciones de riesgo. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the dose-response association of carotid arterial stiffness with vascular outcomes and overall mortality, and to assess their added predictive capacity. Methods: Population-based cohort study including 6468 individuals, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Six carotid artery stiffness indices were assessed: strain, stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Incident coronary, cerebrovascular, global vascular, and total fatal events were identified. Results: Carotid compliance and distensibility coefficients were not associated with any of the outcomes. Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV showed a direct linear relationship to cerebrovascular disease: the risk increased by 8% (95%CI, 1-16) per stiffness unit increase, by 7% (95%CI, 2-13) per 10-unit Peterson elasticity coefficient increase, and by 26% (95%CI, 8-48) per PWV unit increase. Carotid strain showed a nonlinear association with ischemic heart disease. When strain was ≤ 0.09 units, each 0.01-unit increase was associated with a 15% lower risk of coronary events (95%CI,−33 to 6); above 0.09 units, each 0.01 increase in strain was associated with a 16% higher risk of coronary events (95%CI, 6-27). The addition of the stiffness indices did not improve the predictive capacity of validated risk functions. Conclusions: Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV have a direct linear association with cerebrovascular disease risk. Carotid strain is not linearly related to U-shaped ischemic heart disease risk. The inclusion of these indexes does not improve the predictive capacity of risk functions. (AU)

Carotid artery stiffness and risk of vascular events and mortality: the REGICOR study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the dose-response association of carotid arterial stiffness with vascular outcomes and overall mortality, and to assess their added predictive capacity. METHODS: Population-based cohort study including 6468 individuals, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Six carotid artery stiffness indices were assessed: strain, stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Incident coronary, cerebrovascular, global vascular, and total fatal events were identified. RESULTS: Carotid compliance and distensibility coefficients were not associated with any of the outcomes. Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV showed a direct linear relationship to cerebrovascular disease: the risk increased by 8% (95%CI, 1-16) per stiffness unit increase, by 7% (95%CI, 2-13) per 10-unit Peterson elasticity coefficient increase, and by 26% (95%CI, 8-48) per PWV unit increase. Carotid strain showed a nonlinear association with ischemic heart disease. When strain was ≤ 0.09 units, each 0.01-unit increase was associated with a 15% lower risk of coronary events (95%CI,-33 to 6); above 0.09 units, each 0.01 increase in strain was associated with a 16% higher risk of coronary events (95%CI, 6-27). The addition of the stiffness indices did not improve the predictive capacity of validated risk functions. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV have a direct linear association with cerebrovascular disease risk. Carotid strain is not linearly related to U-shaped ischemic heart disease risk. The inclusion of these indexes does not improve the predictive capacity of risk functions.

Pronóstico a largo plazo de la extensión de la TAPD en una cohorte consecutiva de pacientes con IAMCEST / Long-term outcomes of extended DAPT in a real-life cohort of consecutive STEMI patients

Introducción y objetivos: La duración adecuada de la doble terapia antiagregante (DAPT) después de un infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) está todavía en discusión. Métodos: Analizamos el efecto de la DAPT extendida a 5 años sobre la mortalidad global, mortalidad cardiovascular y reingreso o mortalidad cardiovascular, en una cohorte multicéntrica de pacientes con IAMCEST supervivientes al año. Resultados: Se incluyeron 3.107 pacientes hospitalizados por IAMCEST de los que el 93% recibió DAPT al alta. A los 5 años se mantenía en 275 pacientes con un perfil alto de gravedad. La mortalidad cardiovascular de los pacientes con antiagregación simple (SAPT) frente a DAPT a 5 años fue de 1,4 y 3,6% (p <0,01), respectivamente. La mortalidad no-cardiovascular fue del 3,3 frente a 5,8% (p=0,049) a 5 años, respectivamente. La incidencia del evento combinado a un año fue del 14,6% en SAPT frente a 11,8% en DAPT (p=0,496), y del 11,4 frente a 46,5% (p <0,001) a 5 años, respectivamente. El mantenimiento de la DAPT hasta los 5 años se asoció de forma independiente a mayor mortalidad: por cualquier causa (HR=2,16; IC95%, 1,40-3,33), cardiovascular (HR=2,83; IC95%, 1,37-5,84) y rehospitalización cardiovascular y mortalidad (HR=5,20; IC95%, 3,96-6,82). Un análisis emparejado por puntuación de propensión, y uno con ponderación de probabilidad inversa, confirman estos resultados. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren la hipótesis de que, en supervivientes a un año de IAMCEST, alargar la DAPT hasta 5 años en pacientes de alto riesgo no mejora su pronóstico a largo plazo. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a matter of debate. Methods: We analyzed the effect of DAPT on 5-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular readmission or mortality in a cohort of 1-year survivor STEMI patients. Results: A total of 3107 patients with the diagnosis of STEMI were included: 93% of them were discharged on DAPT, a therapy that persisted in 275 high-risk patients at 5 years. Cardiovascular mortality in patients on single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT at 5 years was 1.4% vs 3.6% (P <.01), respectively, whereas noncardiovascular mortality was 3.3% vs 5.8% (P=.049) at 5 years. Cardiovascular readmission or mortality in patients with single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT was 11.4% vs 46.5% (P <.001). Extended DAPT was independently associated with worse 5-year all-cause mortality (HR, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.40-3.33), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.83; 95%CI, 1.37-5.84), and cardiovascular readmission or mortality (HR, 5.20; 95%CI, 3.96-6.82). These findings were confirmed in propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting analyses. Conclusions: Our results suggest the hypothesis that, in 1-year STEMI survivors, extending DAPT up to 5 years in high-risk patients does not improve their long-term prognosis. (AU)

Asociación de la actividad física con la funcionalidad de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad en una cohorte de base poblacional: el estudio REGICOR / Association of physical activity with high-density lipoprotein functionality in a population-based cohort: the REGICOR study

Introducción y objetivos Determinar la relación dosis-respuesta entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre (AFTL) actual y pasada, total y según su intensidad, y la funcionalidad de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL). Métodos Se seleccionó a 642 participantes de un estudio poblacional: la edad media era de 63,2 años y el 51,1% eran mujeres. Se incluyeron datos de la visita inicial y de un seguimiento a 4 años. La AFTL se evaluó mediante cuestionarios validados. Se determinó la capacidad de eflujo de colesterol y antioxidante en el seguimiento. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal y aditivos para evaluar la relación dosis-respuesta. Resultados Se observó una relación inversa y lineal entre la AFTL total actual (entre 0-400 MET x min/día) y la capacidad antioxidante de HDL (coeficiente de regresión [beta]: -0,022; IC95%, -0,030; -0,013), con una meseta por encima de este umbral. Se observaron resultados similares para la AFTL de intensidad moderada (beta: -0,028; IC95%, -0,049; -0,007) y vigorosa (beta: -0,025; IC95%, -0,043; -0,007), pero no para AFTL de intensidad ligera. La AFTL en el seguimiento no se asoció con la capacidad de eflujo de colesterol. La AFTL basal no se asoció con la funcionalidad de HDL. Conclusiones La AFTL de intensidad moderada-vigorosa actual se asocia de forma no lineal con una mayor capacidad antioxidante de las partículas de HDL. Se observa un beneficio máximo con dosis intermedias-bajas de AFTL (0-400 MET x min/día). Nuestros resultados concuerdan con las recomendaciones de práctica de AFTL y sugieren una asociación con la funcionalidad de HDL (AU)

Introduction and objectives To determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. Methods Study participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. Results Total LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: −0.022; 95%CI, −0.030, −0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: −0.028; 95%CI, −0.049, −0.007) and vigorous (beta: −0.025; 95%CI, −0.043, −0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. Conclusions Current moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population (AU)

Association of physical activity with high-density lipoprotein functionality in a population-based cohort: the REGICOR study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. METHODS: Study participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. RESULTS: Total LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: -0.022; 95%CI, -0.030, -0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: -0.028; 95%CI, -0.049, -0.007) and vigorous (beta: -0.025; 95%CI, -0.043, -0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Current moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population.

Long-term outcomes of extended DAPT in a real-life cohort of consecutive STEMI patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a matter of debate. METHODS: We analyzed the effect of DAPT on 5-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular readmission or mortality in a cohort of 1-year survivor STEMI patients. RESULTS: A total of 3107 patients with the diagnosis of STEMI were included: 93% of them were discharged on DAPT, a therapy that persisted in 275 high-risk patients at 5 years. Cardiovascular mortality in patients on single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT at 5 years was 1.4% vs 3.6% (P <.01), respectively, whereas noncardiovascular mortality was 3.3% vs 5.8% (P=.049) at 5 years. Cardiovascular readmission or mortality in patients with single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT was 11.4% vs 46.5% (P <.001). Extended DAPT was independently associated with worse 5-year all-cause mortality (HR, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.40-3.33), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.83; 95%CI, 1.37-5.84), and cardiovascular readmission or mortality (HR, 5.20; 95%CI, 3.96-6.82). These findings were confirmed in propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the hypothesis that, in 1-year STEMI survivors, extending DAPT up to 5 years in high-risk patients does not improve their long-term prognosis.

Association of Calcitriol Supplementation with Reduced COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-Based Study.

Treatment with calcitriol, the hormonal form of vitamin D, has shown beneficial effects in experimental models of acute lung injury. In this study, we aimed to analyze the associations between calcitriol supplementation and the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection or COVID-19 mortality. Individuals ≥18 years old living in Catalonia and supplemented with calcitriol from April 2019 to February 2020 were compared with propensity score matched controls. Outcome variables were SARS-CoV2 infection, severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality. Associations between calcitriol supplementation and outcome variables were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional regression. A total of 8076 patients were identified as being on calcitriol treatment. Advanced chronic kidney disease and hypoparathyroidism were the most frequent reasons for calcitriol supplementation in our population. Calcitriol use was associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV2 infection (HR 0.78 [CI 95% 0.64-0.94], p = 0.010), reduced risk of severe COVID-19 and reduced COVID-19 mortality (HR 0.57 (CI 95% 0.41-0.80), p = 0.001) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. In addition, an inverse association between mean daily calcitriol dose and COVID-19 severity or mortality was observed in treated patients, independently of renal function. Our findings point out that patients with advanced chronic kidney disease could benefit from calcitriol supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic.