Terapia de reperfusión en infarto agudo al miocardio: Comparación entre trombolisis endovenosa y angioplastía coronaria / Angioplasty compared to thrombolysis as the initial reperfusion therapy in acute myocardial infarction

Background: Primary angioplasty is superior to intravenous thrombolysis as reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Aim: To compare the results of available reperfusion strategies for initial management of acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization and 5 years follow up. Patients and Methods: Historical cohort study from a prospective registry of patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction to our center. Patients treated with primary angioplasty were identified and were then matched by age, sex and date of event with patients treated with throm-bolysis. The clinical outcomes were compared including hospitalization and 5-years follow-up. Results: From March 1993 to August 2001, 98 patients were treated with primary angioplasty and matched with 98 thrombolyzed patients. The groups were comparable. Compared to thrombolysis, angioplasty had a higher success rate (68 and 91% respectively), resulted in less complications and reduced mortality (11 and 2% respectively), required less revascularization procedures and shorter hospital stay (17 and 13 days, respectively). During the follow-up of survivors, no differences in events or additional mortality were detected at 1 or 5years. Conclusions: Primary angioplasty is superior as treatment in terms of achieving success and reducing mortality during hospitalization. Evolution after hospitalization is independent of initial therapy.

Mortalidad intrahospitalaria en hombres y mujeres según terapias de reperfusión en infarto agudo del miocardio con supradesnivel del ST / ln-hospital mortality after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction according to reperiusion therapy

Primary angioplasty is considered the best reperiusion therapy in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, thrombolysis is the reperiusion method most commonly used, due to its wide availability, reduced costs and ease of administration. Aim: To compare inhospital mortality in STEMI patients according to reperiusion therapy. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to Chilean hospitals participating in the GEMI network, from 2001 to 2005, with STEMI were included. They were divided in three groups: a) treated with thrombolytics, b) treated with primary angioplasty, c) without reperiusion procedure. Inhospital mortality according to gender, was analized in each group, using a logistic regression method, to assess risk factors associated with mortality. Results: We included 3,255 patients. Global mortality was 9.9 percent (7.5 percent in men and 16.7 percent in women, p <0.001). Mortality in patients treated with thrombolytics, was 10.2 percent (7.6 percent in men and 18.7 percent in women, p <0.01). The figure for patients treated with primary angioplasty, was 4.7 percent (2.5 percent in men and 13 percent in women, p <0.01), and in patients without reperiusion, was 11.6 percent (9.8 percent in men and in 15.4 percent women, p <0.01). In each group women were older, had a higher prevalence of hypertension and a higher percentage of Killip 3-4 infarctions. Logistic regression showed that angioplasty, compared with no reperiusion, was associated with a reduced mortality only in men. The use oí thrombolytics in women was associated with a higher mortality. Conclusions: Primary angioplasty was the reperiusion therapy associated to the lower mortality in STEMI. Use of thrombolytics in women was associated with a higher mortality rate than in non reperfused women.

Curso de Atualização em Cardiologia: aula 5: Tromboembolia pulmonar: diagnóstico / Updating in Cardiology Course: class 5: Pulmonary thromboembolia: diagnosis

O tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) é uma doença freqüente e potencialmente fatal que ocorre a partir da formação e propagação de um trombo na circulação venosa. Assim, está diretamente relacionada à trombose venosa profunda. Sua principal complicação em longo prazo é a hiptertenção pulmonar crônica. No presente artigo os autores descrevem aspectos relacionados a etiologia, fatores de risco, patogênese, quadro clínico, avaliação complementar e tratamento atual da doença.

Utilidad de la terapia trombolítica con estreptokinasa a dosis baja en infarto agudo del miocardio / Usefulness of thrombolytic therapy with low doses of streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction

Background: The optimal dose of Streptokinase in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction is not well established. Apparently, the thrombolytic efficacy would not increase with doses over 750.000 units. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and safety of treatment with low doses of Streptokinase, ranging from 500.000 to 750.000 units, in patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction. Patients and methods: From September 1993 to September 1998, the GEMI register of patients with acute myocardial infarction, was carried out in 37 hospitals, incorporating 4,938 patients. Of these, 1,631 patients received streptokinase. According to the administered dose of Streptokinase, patients were divided in two groups: 1,465 patients who received 1.5 millions U in 60 minutes (classical therapy group), and 166 patients with ischemic chest discomfort and either ST-segment elevation or left bundle-branch block on the electrocardiogram, who received 500.000 to 750.000 U streptokinase administered in no more than 30 minutes, with heparin, within 0 to 6 hours of symptom onset. Successful reperfusion, mortality, complications, and hospital outcome was evaluated in both groups. Results: The low dose group of patients had a better reperfusion criteria profile. No differences between groups were observed in patient evolution, mortality, maximum Killip classification, post myocardial infarction heart failure, ischemic complications, arrhythmias or mechanical complications. Conclusions: These results suggest that streptokinase in low doses is at least as effective as classical therapy, in the treatment of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction.

Resultados a corto plazo de angioplastía de rescate en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con trombólisis fallida / Short-term results of rescue angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment

El objetivo es describir nuestra experiencia, resultados clínicos y angiográficos inmediatos en pacientes con IAM sometidos a angioplastía coronaria transluminal percutánea de rescate (ACTPR). Material y métodos: Tipo de estudio; retrospectivo, observacional, transversal y descriptivo con seguimiento a 30 días. De enero de 2001 a julio de 2004 se realizaron 3,238 procedimientos de ACTP con aplicación de stent a pacientes con diagnóstico de cardiopatía isquémica por aterosclerosis coronaria, se seleccionó a 32 pacientes que representan el 0.98%, con edad de 47 a 79 años promedio de 63, 24 (75%) del sexo masculino, con hipertensión arterial sistémica 29 (90.6%), diabetes mellitus 18 (56.3%), hipercolesterolemia 11 (34.4%), tabaquismo 24 (75%), con antecedentes de angina inestable 9 (28.1%) y con infarto miocardio previo 2 (6.3%). La localización del IAM: anterior extenso 14 (43.8%), anteroseptal en 6 (18.8%), postero-inferior en 5 (15.6%), Pl con extensión eléctrica y/o hemodinámica en VD en 4 (12.5%), lateral en 1 (3.1%). Se trombolizaron en un tiempo promedio 3.19 horas (rango 2-7) con estreptoquinasa 19 (59.4%) y con rTPA 13 (40.6%), la CPK-MB pico (U) promedio de 348 ± 240. Con Killip Kimball (KK) 1 en cinco (15.6%), II 16 (50%), III 5 (15.6%) y IV 6 (18.8%) éstos manejados con balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación. Resultados: Llevados a sala de hemodinamia en un tiempo de 6 a 24 h encontrando flujo TIMI 0 en 16 (50%), TIMI 1 en diez (31.2%), TIMI 2 en seis (18.8%), promedio de vasos enfermos de 1.9. Se implantó stent en 27 (84.3%). Éxito angiográfico post ACTP más stent TIMI 3 en 24 (75%). Complicaciones: En 9(28.1%), en 7 (21.8%) con no reflujo y en 1 (3.1%) disección de la arteria coronaria relacionada con el IAM, 6 (18.7%) que fallecieron, en 4 (12.5%) con choque cardiogénico; 3 (9.3%) la ACTPR fue fallida. Conclusión: La ACTPR es un procedimiento de alto riesgo y pese a ello es una buena alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes con trombólisis fallida.

The present study is aimed at describing the short-term assessment of clinical and angiographic results in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (RPTCA). Methods: We reviewed retrospectively, from January 2001 to July 2004, the interventional procedures performed in patients with coronary heart disease. From a total of 3,258 patients we selected 32 (0.98%) with acute myocardial infarction and failure of thrombolysis treatment, which were treated with RPTCA to relief the symptoms. Average age was 63 years (range 47-79), there were 24 men (75%); hypertension in 29 (90.6%); diabetes mellitus in 18 (56.3%); currently smoking 24 (75%); dyslipidemia in 11 (34.4%); unstable angina in 9 (28.1%); previous myocardial infarction in 2 (6.3%). The area related to the infarction was anterior and lateral in 14 (43.8%), anteroseptal in 6 (18.8%), postero-inferior in 5 (15.6%) with electric and hemodynamic involvement in 4 (12.5%), lateral in 1(3.1 %). Thrombolysis treatment was delivered in 3.19 hours (range 2-7 hours) with streptokinasein 19 (59.4%) and rTPA in 13 (40.6%). The evaluated serum marker was CPK-MB with the highest level of 348 ± 240 U/L. Killip Kimball (KK) class was established as follows: KKI in 5 (15.6%), II in 16 (50%), III in 5 (15.6%), and IV in 6 (18.8%). Patients with cardiogenic shock were treated with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Results: Time between symptoms and arrival to the cath lab was 11 hours (range 6-24 hours). TIMI flow was: TIMI 0 in 16(50%). TIMI 1 in 10 (31.2%), TIMI 2 in 6 (18.8%). The number of vessels with a significant lesion was 1.9 (range 1-4). Stents were placed in 27 (84.3%) patients. Angiographic success post-angioplasty was achieved in 24 (75%); there were 9 complications (28.1%), no reflow in 7 (21.8%), coronary dissection in 1 (3.1%). Six patients died (18.7%) and 4 of them (12.5%) were in cardiogenic shock. Conclusion: RPT-CA is a high-risk procedure, being an acceptable treatment option for patients with thrombolysis failure.

Infarto agudo del miocardio en hospitales chilenos: resultados finales del estudio GEMI / Acute myocardial infarction in chilean hospitals: results of the GEMI study

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Chile. Aim: To report the main features, hospital evolution, complications and pharmacological treatment of patients admitted to Chilean hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Patients and methods: Between 1993 and 1995, the GEMI group registered 2,957 patients admitted to 37 hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Results: Mean age of patients was 62 ñ 2 years old and 74 percent were male. Forty six percent had a history of hypertension and 40 percent were smokers. During the first five days of admission, 93 percent of patients received aspirin, 59 percent received intravenous nitrates, 59 percent intravenous heparin, 56 percent oral nitrates, 37 percent beta blockers, 32 percent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 33 percent thrombolytic agents, 29 percent antiarrhythmics and 23 percent calcium antagonists. Coronary angiograms were performed in 28 percent of patients, angioplasty in 9 percent and 8 percent were subjected to a coronary bypass. Global hospital mortality was 13.4 percent (19.5 percent in women and 11.1 percent in men, p <0.001). Conclusions: This work gives a picture of myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Pharmacological treatment is similar to that used abroad, but certainly it can be optimized

Estratificação prognóstica em sobreviventes ao infarto agudo do miocárdio. Teste ergométrico versus cinecoronariografia / Risk Stratification after Acute Myocardial Infarction. Exercise Stress Test versus Coronary Angiography

PURPOSE: To compare the predictive accuracy for future ischemic events of heart rate limited treadmill exercise test (HET) and coronary angiography (CA) applied to survivors of an uncomplicated myocardial infarction. METHODS: 142 consecutive patients (55 +/- 11 years, 80males), presenting a non complicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were included. HET was performed 10 +/- 3 days after AMI, and CA during hospital stay or within 4-6 weeks. HET positivity criteria were: 1) horizontal or down-sloping ST segment displacement > or = 1 mm; 2) angina; 3) arterial pressure drop during exercise; 4) low workload (< 6 METS); 5) complex ventricular arrhythmia. At CA lesions causing > or = 50of luminal reduction were considered significant. HET and CA results were correlated to ischemic events occurring during the follow-up (unstable angina in 20, cardiac death 6, and reinfarction 6). RESULTS: HET was positive in 69 (49) patients, exhibiting a positive predictive value for ischemic events (PV+) of 26and a negative predictive value (PV-) of 77. The mean event-free time was 43 +/- 3 months for positive HET and 46 +/- 3 months for a negative one (p = 0.48). CA showed 0-1 vessel involvement in 93 (66) patients and > or = 2 vessels in 49 (34) patients. The presence of multivascular disease at CA presented a PV+ of 37and PV- of 82; the mean event-free time was 37 +/- 4 months for patients with multivascular involvement and 48 +/- 2 months for patients without this pattern (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The predictive accuracy of HET for future ischemic events in the thrombolytic era is markedly reduced. This population of AMI survivors presents an overall good prognosis that seems to justify the poor predictive accuracy of this test.

Estreptoquinasa en derrame pleural complicado: caso clínico / Streptokinase in complex pleural effusion: clinical case

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 75 años portador de insuficiencia renal crónica en programa de hemodiálisis quien desarrolló un derrame pleural derecho paraneumónico. El exámen radiológico y la ecografía de toráx demostraron un derrame pleural complicado y tabicado. El líquido pleural tenía las características de un transudado predominando los polimorfonucleares en el recuento celular. Se colocó un tubo pleural, pero no fue posible obtener un drenaje adecuado. Se decidió instilar Estreptoquinasa (250000 U disueltas en solución salina) en el espacio pleural derecho. Después de este procedimiento se observó mejoría clínica y radiológica del derrame pleural. La instilación de Estreptoquinasa fue repetida 24 h después sin que se observaran efectos en las pruebas de coagulación sanguínea. El paciente fue dado de alta en buenas condiciones 72 h después de la última instilación de Estreptoquinasa. Cuarenta días después del alta en exámen radiológico sólo mostró obliteración del ángulo costofrénico derecho