A Cross-sectional study on the prevalence and risk stratification of chronic kidney disease in cardiological patients in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) provides a worse prognosis for patients with heart disease. In Latin America, studies that analyzed the prevalence and risk stratification of CKD in this population are scarce. We aimed to evaluate CKD prevalence and risk categories in patients of a public referral cardiology hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study based on a laboratory database. Outpatient serum creatinine and proteinuria results performed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 were analyzed. CKD was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30 mg/g. A total of 36,651 adults were identified with serum creatinine levels (median age 72.4 [IQR, 51.0­73.6] years, 51% male). Among them, 51.9% had UACR dosage (71.5% with UACR < 30 mg/g, 22.6%, between 30­300 mg/g, and 5.9% with UACR > 300 mg/g). The prevalence of CKD was 30.9% (15.3% stage 3a, 10.2% stage 3b, 3.6% stage 4, and 1.7% stage 5), and the distribution of patients in the risk categories of the disease was: 52.0% with low-risk, 23.5%, moderate risk, 13.0%, high risk, and 11.2%, very high. In an outpatient setting, the prevalence of CKD in cardiological patients was almost three times (31%) that of the general population; about half of the individuals evaluated (48%) were not screened for an important risk marker (proteinuria), and approximately a quarter of these patients (24%) were in the high or very high CKD risk categories.

The Ambulance Cardiac Chest Pain Evaluation in Scotland Study (ACCESS): A Prospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether risk stratification in the out-of-hospital setting could identify patients with chest pain who are at low and high risk to avoid admission or aid direct transfer to cardiac centers. METHODS: Paramedics prospectively enrolled patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome without diagnostic ST-segment elevation on the ECG. The History, ECG, Age and Risk Factors (HEAR) score was recorded contemporaneously, and out-of-hospital samples were obtained to measure cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) level on a point-of-care device, to allow calculation of the History, ECG, Age, Risk Factors, and Troponin (HEART) score. HEAR and HEART scores less than or equal to 3 and greater than or equal to 7 were defined as low and high risk for major adverse cardiac events at 30 days. RESULTS: Of 1,054 patients (64 years [SD 15 years]; 42% women), 284 (27%) experienced a major adverse cardiac event at 30 days. The HEAR score was calculated in all patients, with point-of-care cTnI testing available in 357 (34%). A HEAR score less than or equal to 3 identified 32% of patients (334/1,054) as low risk, with a sensitivity of 84.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.7% to 89%), whereas a score greater than or equal to 7 identified just 3% of patients (30/1,054) as high risk, with a specificity of 98.7% (95% CI 97.9% to 99.5%). A point-of-care HEART score less than or equal to 3 identified a similar proportion as low risk (30%), with a sensitivity of 87.0% (95% CI 80.7% to 93.4%), whereas a score greater than or equal to 7 identified 14% as high risk, with a specificity of 94.8% (95% CI 92.0% to 97.5%). CONCLUSION: Paramedics can use the HEAR score to discriminate risk, but even when used in combination with out-of-hospital point-of-care cTnI testing, the HEART score does not safely rule out major adverse cardiac events, and only a small proportion of patients are identified as high risk.

Sex bias in admission to tertiary-care centres for acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on sex-specific outcomes and management of cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (CS-STEMI). We investigated whether any sex bias exists in the admission to revascularization capable hospitals (RCH) or intensive cardiac care units (ICCU) and its impact on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We used the Spanish National Health System Minimum Basic Data from 2003 to 2015 to identify patients with CS-STEMI. The primary outcome was sex differences in in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Among 340 490 STEMI patients, 20 262 (6%) had CS and 29.2% were female. CS incidence was higher in women than in men (7.9% vs 5.1%, P = .001). Women were older and had more hypertension and diabetes, and were less often admitted to RCH than men (from 58.7% in 2003 to 79.6% in 2015; and from 61.9% in 2003 to 85.3% in 2015; respectively, P = .01), and to ICCU centres (25.7% vs 29.2%, P = .001). Adjusted mortality was higher in women than men over time (from 79.5 ± 4.3% to 65.8 ± 6.5%; and from 67.8 ± 6% to 58.1 ± 6.5%; respectively, P < .001). ICCU availability was associated with higher use of Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in women (46.8% to 67.2%; P < .001) but was even higher in men (54.8% to 77.4%; P < .001). In ICCU centres, adjusted mortality rates decreased in both sexes, but lower in women (from 74.9 ± 5.4% to 66.3 ± 6.6%) than in men (from 67.8 ± 6.0% to 58.1 ± 6.5%, P < .001). Female sex was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.18 95% CI 1.10-1.27, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with CS-STEMI were less referred to tertiary-care centres and had a higher adjusted in-hospital mortality than men.

Bypassing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients to a regional cardiac center: Impact on hemodynamic parameters and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend systematic care for patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and the development of cardiac arrest centers (CACs). However, data regarding prolonged transport time of these often hemodynamically unstable patients are limited. METHODS: Data from a prospective OHCA registry of a regional CAC collected between 2013 and 2017, when all OHCA patients from the district were required to be transferred directly to the CAC, were analyzed. Patients were divided into two subgroups: CAC, when the CAC was the nearest hospital; and bypass, when OHCA occurred in a region of another local hospital but the subject was transferred directly to the CAC (7 hospitals in the district). Data included transport time, baseline characteristics, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters on admission (systolic blood pressure, lactate, pH, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and initial doses of vasopressors and inotropes), and final outcomes (30-day in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit stay, days on artificial ventilation, and cerebral performance capacity at 1 year). RESULTS: A total of 258 subjects experienced OHCA in the study period; however, 27 were excluded due to insufficient data and 17 for secondary transfer to CAC. As such, 214 patients were analyzed, 111 in the CAC group and 103 in the bypass group. The median transport time was significantly longer for the bypass group than the CAC group (40.5 min [IQR 28.3-55.0 min] versus 20.0 min [IQR 13.0-34.0], respectively; p˂0.0001). There were no differences in 30-day in-hospital mortality, 1-year neurological outcome, or median length of mechanical ventilation. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, initial hemodynamic parameters on admission, catecholamine dosage(s). CONCLUSION: Individuals who experienced OHCA and taken to a CAC incurred significantly prolonged transport times; however, hemodynamic parameters and/or outcomes were not affected. These findings shows the safety of bypassing local hospitals for a CAC.

Outcome of Major Hemorrhage at a Major Cardiothoracic Center in Patients with Activated Major Hemorrhage Protocol versus Nonactivated Protocol.

This study aimed to determine the impact of major hemorrhage (MH) protocol (MHP) activation on blood administration and patient outcome at a UK major cardiothoracic center. MH was defined in patients (> 16 years) as those who received > 5 units of red blood cells (RBCs) in < 4 hours, or > 10 units in 24 hours. Data were collected retrospectively from patient electronic records and hospital transfusion databases recording issue of blood products from January 2016 to December 2018. Of 134 patients with MH, 24 had activated MHP and 110 did not have activated MHP. Groups were similar for age, sex, baseline hemoglobin, platelet count, coagulation screen, and renal function with no difference in the baseline clinical characteristics. The total number of red cell units (median and [IQR]) transfused was no different in the patients with activated (7.5 [5-11.75]) versus nonactivated (9 [6-12]) MHP (p = 0.35). Patients in the nonactivated MHP group received significantly higher number of platelet units (median: 3 vs. 2, p = 0.014), plasma (median: 4.5 vs. 1.5, p = 0.0007), and cryoprecipitate (median: 2 vs. 1, p = 0.008). However, activation of MHP was associated with higher mortality at 24 hours compared with patients with nonactivation of MHP (33.3 vs. 10.9%, p = 0.005) and 30 days (58.3 vs. 30.9%, p = 0.01). The total RBC and platelet (but not fresh frozen plasma [FFP]) units received were higher in deceased patients than in survivors. Increased mortality was associated with a higher RBC:FFP ratio. Only 26% of patients received tranexamic acid and these patients had higher mortality at 30 days but not at 24 hours. Deceased patients at 30 days had higher levels of fibrinogen than those who survived (median: 2.4 vs. 1.8, p = 0.01). Patients with activated MHP had significantly higher mortality at both 24 hours and 30 days despite lack of difference in the baseline characteristics of the patients with activated MHP versus nonactivated MHP groups. The increased mortality associated with a higher RBC:FFP ratio suggests dilutional coagulopathy may contribute to mortality, but higher fibrinogen at baseline was not protective.

Burnout and distress among physicians in a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Burnout and distress have a negative impact on physicians and the treatment they provide. Our aim was to measure the prevalence of burnout and distress among physicians in a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network in Canada, and compare these outcomes to those for physicians at academic health science centres (AHSCs) in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a survey of physicians practising in a cardiovascular centre at 2 quaternary referral hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, between Nov. 27, 2018, and Jan. 31, 2019. The survey tool included the Well-Being Index (WBI), which measures fatigue, depression, burnout, anxiety or stress, mental and physical quality of life, work-life integration, meaning in work and distress; a score of 3 or higher indicated high distress. We also evaluated physicians' perception of the adequacy of staffing levels and of fair treatment in the workplace, and satisfaction with the electronic health record. We carried out standard univariate statistical comparisons using the χ2, Fisher exact or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate to perform univariate comparisons in the sample of respondents. We assessed the relation between a WBI score of 3 or higher and demographic characteristics. We compared univariate associations among WBI data for physicians at AHSCs in the US who completed the WBI to responses from our participants. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 84.1% (127/151). Of the 127 respondents, 83 (65.4%) reported burnout in the previous month, and 68 (53.5%) reported emotional problems. Sixty-nine respondents (54.3%) had a WBI score of 3 or higher. Respondents were more likely to have a WBI score of 3 or higher versus a score less than 3 if they perceived insufficient staffing levels (52/69 [75%] v. 26/58 [45%], p = 0.02) or unfair treatment (23/69 [33%] v. 8/58 [14%], p = 0.03), or were anesthesiologists (26/35 [74%] v. 43/92 [47%] for other specialists, p = 0.005). Compared to 21 594 physicians in practice at AHSCs in the US, our respondents had a higher mean WBI score (2.4 v. 1.8, p = 0.004) and reported a higher prevalence of burnout (65.4% v. 56.6%, p = 0.048). INTERPRETATION: Physicians in this study had high levels of burnout and distress, driven by the perception of inadequate staffing levels and being treated unfairly in the workplace. Addressing these institutional factors may improve physicians' work experience and patient outcomes.

Burnout and distress among nurses in a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Burnout and distress have a negative impact on nurses and the treatment they provide. Our aim was to measure the prevalence of burnout and distress among nurses in a cardiovascular centre at 2 quaternary referral hospitals in Canada, and compare these outcomes to those for nurses at academic health science centres (AHSCs) in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a survey of nurses practising in a cardiovascular centre at 2 quaternary referral hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, between Nov. 27, 2018, and Jan. 31, 2019. The survey tool included the Well-Being Index (WBI), which measures fatigue, depression, burnout, anxiety or stress, mental and physical quality of life, work-life integration, meaning in work and distress; a score of 2 or higher on the WBI indicated high distress. We also evaluated nurses' perception of the adequacy of staffing levels and of fair treatment in the workplace, and satisfaction with the electronic health record. We carried out standard univariate statistical comparisons using the χ2, Fisher exact or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate to perform univariate comparisons in the sample of respondents. We assessed the relation between a WBI score of 2 or higher and demographic characteristics. We compared univariate associations among WBI data for nurses at AHSCs in the US who completed the WBI to responses from our participants. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 49.1% (242/493). Of the 242 respondents, 188 (77.7%) reported burnout in the previous month; 189 (78.1%) had a WBI score of 2 or higher, and 132 (54.5%) had a score of 4 or higher (indicative of severe distress). Ordinal multivariable analysis showed that lower WBI scores were associated with satisfaction with staffing levels (odds ratio [OR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.69) and the perception of fair treatment in the workplace (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.74). Higher proportions of our respondents than nurses at AHSCs in the US reported burnout (77.7% v. 60.5%, p < 0.001) and had a WBI score of 2 or higher (78.1% v. 57.0%) or 4 or higher (54.5% v. 32.0%) (both p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Although levels of burnout and distress were high among nurses, their perceptions of adequate staffing and fair treatment were associated with lower distress. Addressing inadequate staffing and unfair treatment may decrease burnout and other dimensions of distress among nurses, and improve their work experience and patient outcomes.

Burnout and distress among allied health care professionals in a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Burnout and distress negatively affect the well-being of health care professionals and the treatment they provide. Our aim was to measure the prevalence of burnout and distress among allied health care staff at a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network in Canada, and compare outcomes to those for nonphysician employees in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a survey of allied health care staff, including physical, respiratory and occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and speech-language pathologists, in a cardiovascular centre at 2 quaternary referral hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, between Nov. 27, 2018, and Jan. 31, 2019. The survey tool included the Well-Being Index (WBI), which measures fatigue, depression, burnout, anxiety or stress, quality of life, work-life integration, meaning in work and overall distress; a score of 2 or higher indicated high distress. We carried out standard univariate statistical comparisons using the χ2, Fisher exact or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate to perform univariate comparisons in the sample of respondents. We assessed the relation between a WBI score of 2 or higher and demographic characteristics. We compared univariate associations among WBI data for nonphysician employees in the US who completed the WBI to responses from our participants. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 86% (45/52). Thirty-three respondents (73%) reported experiencing burnout in the previous month, and 31 (69%) reported emotional problems. Compared to respondents who perceived fair treatment in the workplace, those who perceived unfair treatment (20 [44%]) were more likely to report emotional problems (17 [85%] v. 13 [54%], p = 0.05), to worry that work was hardening them emotionally (15 [75%] v. 8 [33%], p = 0.008), and to feel down, depressed or hopeless (12 [60%] v. 4 [17%], p = 0.005). Twenty-five respondents (56%) and 13 respondents (29%) reported WBI scores consistent with high (≥ 2) or severe (≥ 5) distress, respectively. Respondents were more likely to have a high WBI score if they perceived unfair treatment or inadequate staffing levels. Our respondents had a higher prevalence of burnout (73.3% v. 53.6%, p = 0.008) and a higher average WBI score (2.6 [SD 2.8] v. 1.7 [SD 2.6], p = 0.05) than 9096 nonphysician employees in the US. INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of burnout, emotional problems and distress was high among allied health care staff. Fair treatment in the workplace and adequate staffing may lower distress levels and improve the work experience of these health care professionals.

Effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers on serum levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids in patients admitted to a cardiovascular center.

PURPOSE: Several clinical studies have demonstrated that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, but not angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality. We found that ARBs inhibited the activity of various cytochrome enzymes in arachidonic acid metabolism, resulting in decreased in vitro production of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which exhibit vasodilation and anti-inflammatory effects, and their subsequent metabolites, dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). The present study examined the effects of ARBs on serum levels of EETs and DHETs in patients admitted to a cardiovascular center. METHODS: A total of 223 patients were enrolled, of which 107 were exposed to ARBs in this study. ARB-free individuals were defined as the control group (n = 116). Serum levels of EETs and DHETs were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to identify covariates for total serum levels of EETs and DHETs. RESULTS: A significant negative association was observed between ARB use and serum EET and DHET levels (p = 0.034), whereas a significant positive association was observed between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum EET and DHET levels (p = 0.007). The median serum total EET and DHET level in the ARB group tended to become lower than that in the control group, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: ARB use and eGFR were significantly associated with total serum levels of EETs and DHETs. Our results suggest that ARBs could affect the concentration of EETs in vivo.

Expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Patterns of diffusion of TAVR in the United States (U.S.) and its relation to racial disparities in TAVR utilization remain unknown. METHODS: We identified TAVR hospitals in the continental U.S. from 2012-2017 using Medicare database and mapped them to Hospital Referral Regions (HRR). We calculated driving distance from each residential ZIP code to the nearest TAVR hospital and calculated the proportion of the U.S. population, in general and by race, that lived <100 miles driving distance from the nearest TAVR center. Using a discrete time hazard logistic regression model, we examined the association of hospital and HRR variables with the opening of a TAVR program. RESULTS: The number of TAVR hospitals increased from 230 in 2012 to 540 in 2017. The proportion of the U.S. population living <100 miles from nearest TAVR hospital increased from 89.3% in 2012 to 94.5% in 2017. Geographic access improved for all racial and ethnic subgroups: Whites (84.1%-93.6%), Blacks (90.0%- 97.4%), and Hispanics (84.9%-93.7%). Within a HRR, the odds of opening a new TAVR program were higher among teaching hospitals (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.88) and hospital bed size (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.37-1.52). Market-level factors associated with new TAVR programs were proportion of Black (per 1%, OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.89) and Hispanic (per 1%, OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.90) residents, the proportion of hospitals within the HRR that already had a TAVR program (per 10%, OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11), P <.01 for all. CONCLUSION: The expansion of TAVR programs in the U.S. has been accompanied by an increase in geographic coverage for all racial subgroups. Further study is needed to determine reasons for TAVR underutilization in Blacks and Hispanics.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Patients With ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Tertiary Cardiovascular Center.

BACKGROUND: In the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the appropriate reperfusion strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study consecutively enrolled patients who presented with STEMI and scheduled for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) during the outbreak of COVID-19. Due to the delay in the reporting of the polymerase chain reaction test results, our postprocedural triage regarding COVID-19, followed by the isolation strategy, was based on lung computerized tomography scan results. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with STEMI referred to our center. PPCI was done for 44 (91%) of these patients. The mean symptom-to-device time was 490.93 ± 454.608 minutes, and the mean first medical contact-to-device time was and 154.12 ± 36.27 minutes. Nine (18%) patients with STEMI were diagnosed as having typical/indeterminate features indicating COVID-19 involvement. During hospitalization, 1 (2.0%) patient died of cardiogenic shock. The study population was followed for 35.9 ± 12.7 days. Two patients expired in another centers due to COVID-19. No cardiac catheterization laboratory staff members were infected by COVID-19 during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our small report indicates that by taking the recommended safety measures and using appropriate PPE, we can continue PPCI as the main reperfusion strategy safely and effectively.

Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Cardiac Center of Karachi Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to determine the depression, stress, and anxiety level among healthcare workers working at a tertiary care cardiac center of Karachi Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This survey was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan. Participants of the study were fulltime employees of hospital. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress - 21 (DASS-21) scale was used. RESULTS: A total of 224 healthcare workers were included, 46 (20.5%) participants were screened for moderate to severe depression, 20.1% (45) for moderate to severe anxiety, and 14.7% (33) for moderate to severe stress. CONCLUSION: A significant levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were noted with the major concerns of workplace exposure, increased risk of infection, and transmission to their families and friends.

Distribution, infrastructure, and expertise of heart failure and cardio-oncology clinics in a developing network: temporal evolution and challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The Hellenic Heart Failure Association has undertaken the initiative to develop a national network of heart failure clinics (HFCs) and cardio-oncology clinics (COCs). We conducted two questionnaire surveys among these clinics within 17 months and another during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak to assess adjustments of the developing network to the pandemic. Out of 68 HFCs comprising the network, 52 participated in the first survey and 55 in the second survey. The median number of patients assessed per week is 10. Changes in engaged personnel were encountered between the two surveys, along with increasing use of advanced echocardiographic techniques (23.1% in 2018 vs. 34.5% in 2020). Drawbacks were encountered, concerning magnetic resonance imaging and ergospirometry use (being available in 14.6% and 29% of HFCs, respectively), exercise rehabilitation programmes (applied only in 5.5%), and telemedicine applications (used in 16.4%). There are 13 COCs in the country with nine of them in the capital region; the median number of patients being assessed per week is 10. Platforms for virtual consultations and video calls are used in 38.5%. Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak affected provision of HFC services dramatically as only 18.5% continued to function regularly, imposing hurdles that need to be addressed, at least temporarily, possibly by alternative methods of follow-up such as remote consultation. The function of COCs, in contrast, seemed to be much less affected during the pandemic (77% of them continued to follow up their patients). This staged, survey-based procedure may serve as a blueprint to help building national HFC/COC networks and provides the means to address changes during healthcare crises.

[Infectious and inflammatory complications occurring after cardiac surgery in cardiac rehabilitation centres]. / Complications infectieuses et inflammatoires après chirurgie cardiaque survenues dans les services de réadaptations cardiaques.

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are older, have complex pathologies and several comorbidities, but need to leave the hospital quickly! Therefore, the mission of cardiac rehabilitation centres has substantially changed. Indeed, if 15 to 25% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery will have a postoperative complication requiring a hospital management (infectious, pericardial, rhythmic, neurologic, pulmonary, digestive, etc.), more than 2/3 of these acute events could be managed by cardiac rehabilitation centres for a lower cost. Therefore, the quickest the patient is transferred to a cardiac rehabilitation centre, the easier the cardiac surgery centre could manage his beds. Infectious complications are the most dreadful, particularly mediastinitis.

Outcomes of a Provincial Myocardial Infarction Reperfusion Strategy: A Population-Based, Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolysis is an acceptable treatment for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cannot be performed within 120 minutes. The American Heart Association has recommended Emergency Medical Services (EMS) interventions such as prehospital fibrinolysis (PHF), prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG), and hospital bypass direct to PCI center. Nova Scotia, Canada has incorporated these interventions into a unique province-wide approach to STEMI care. A retrospective cohort analysis comparing the primary outcome of 30-day mortality for patients receiving either prehospital or emergency department (ED) fibrinolysis (EDF) to patients transported directly by EMS from community or regional ED for primary PCI was conducted. METHODS: This retrospective, population-based cohort study included all STEMI patients in Nova Scotia who survived to hospital admission from July 2011 through July 2013. Three provincial databases were used to collect demographic, 30-day mortality, hospital readmission, and rescue PCI data. The results were grouped and compared according to reperfusion strategy received: PHF, EDF, patients brought by ambulance via EMS direct to PCI (EMS to PCI), and ED to PCI (ED to PCI). RESULTS: There were 1,071 STEMI patients included with 145 PHF, 606 EDF, 98 EMS to PCI, and 222 ED to PCI. There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality across groups (n, %): PHF 5(3); EDF 36(6); EHS to PCI <5(2); and ED to PCI 10(4); P = .28. There was no significant difference in patients receiving fibrinolysis who underwent rescue PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital fibrinolysis incorporated into a province-wide approach to STEMI treatment is feasible with no observed difference in patient 30-day mortality outcomes observed.

Improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction among patients with coronary artery disease: an example of enhancing regional integration between a cardiac centre and a referring hospital.

BACKGROUND: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a promising strategy to increase patient value. For a successful implementation of VBHC, intensive collaborations between organizations and integrated care delivery systems are key conditions. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a pilot study regarding enhancing regional integration between a cardiac centre and a referring hospital on patient-relevant clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The study population consisted of a sample of patients treated for coronary artery disease by use of a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or a percutaneous coronary intervention between 2011 and 2016. Since 2013, the two hospitals have implemented different interventions to improve clinical outcomes and the degree of patient satisfaction, e.g. improvement of communication, increased consultant capacity, introduction of outpatient clinic for complex patients, and improved guideline adherence. To identify intervention effects, logistic regression analyses were conducted. Patients' initial conditions, like demographics and health status, were included in the model as predictors. Clinical data extracted from the electronic health records and the hospitals' cardiac databases as well as survey-based data were used. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a non-significant increase of event-free survival of patients treated for coronary artery disease between 2014 and 2016 compared to patients treated between 2011 and 2013 (97.4% vs. 96.7% respectively). This non-significant improvement over time has led to significant better outcomes for patients referred from the study referring hospital compared to patients referred from other hospitals. The level of patient satisfaction (response rate 32.2%; 216 out of 669) was improved and reached statistically significant higher scores regarding patient information and education (p = .013), quality of care (p = .007), hospital admission and stay (p = .032), personal contact with the physician (p = .024), and total impression (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a promising effect of regional integration. An intensified collaboration in the care chain, organized in a structured manner between a cardiac centre and a referring hospital and aiming at high quality, resulted in successful improvement of clinical outcomes and degree of patient satisfaction. The applied method may be used as a starting point of regional integration with other referring hospitals. We encourage others to organize the whole care chain to continuously improve patient-relevant outcomes and patient satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN11311830. Registered 01 October 2018 (retrospectively registered).

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Insights from a British cardiac center.

The current study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patient-related delay with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at a tertiary center in the United Kingdom. The study demonstrated a significant delay in symptom-to-first medical contact and a higher cardiac troponin-I level on admission in patients with STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic versus the pre-COVID era.