CHA2DS2-VASc Score Predicts Adverse Outcome in Patients with Simple Congenital Heart Disease Regardless of Cardiac Rhythm.

Adult patients with simple congenital heart disease (sACHD) represent an expanding population vulnerable to atrial arrhythmias (AA). CHA2DS2-VASc score estimates thromboembolic risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. We investigated the prognostic role of CHA2DS2-VASc score in a non-selected sACHD population regardless of cardiac rhythm. Between November 2009 and June 2018, 427 sACHD patients (377 in sinus rhythm, 50 in AA) were consecutively referred to our ACHD service. Cardiovascular hospitalization and/or all-cause death were considered as composite primary end-point. Patients were divided into group A with CHA2DS2-VASc score = 0 or 1 point, and group B with a score greater than 1 point. Group B included 197 patients (46%) who were older with larger prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than group A. During a mean follow-up of 70 months (IQR 40-93), primary end-point occurred in 94 patients (22%): 72 (37%) in group B and 22 (10%, p < 0.001) in group A. Rate of death for all causes was also significantly higher in the group B than A (22% vs 2%, respectively, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that CHA2DS2-VASc score was independently related to the primary end-point (HR 1.84 [1.22-2.77], p = 0.004) together with retrospective AA, stroke/TIA/peripheral thromboembolism and diabetes. Furthermore, CHA2DS2-VASc score independently predicted primary end-point in the large subgroup of 377 patients with sinus rhythm (HR 2.79 [1.54-5.07], p = 0.01). In conclusion, CHA2DS2-VASc score accurately stratifies sACHD patients with different risk for adverse clinical events in the long term regardless of cardiac rhythm.

Describing Kawasaki shock syndrome: results from a retrospective study and literature review.

Kawasaki shock syndrome (KSS) is a rare manifestation of Kawasaki disease (KD) characterized by systolic hypotension or clinical signs of poor perfusion. The objectives of the study are to describe the main clinical presentation, echocardiographic, and laboratory findings, as well as the treatment options and clinical outcomes of KSS patients when compared with KD patients. This is a retrospective study. All children referred to two pediatric rheumatology units from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, were enrolled. Patients were divided into patients with or without KSS. We compared the two groups according to the following variables: sex, age, type of KD (classic, with less frequent manifestations, or incomplete), clinical manifestations, cardiac involvement, laboratory findings, therapy administered, response to treatment, and outcome. Eighty-four patients with KD were enrolled. Of these, five (6 %) met the criteria for KSS. Patients with KSS had higher values of C-reactive protein (p = 0.005), lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.003); more frequent hyponatremia (p = 0.004), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.004), and coagulopathy (p = 0.003); and increase in cardiac troponins (p = 0.000). Among the KSS patients, three had a coronary artery involvement, but none developed a permanent aneurysm. Intravenous immunoglobulin resistance was more frequent in the KSS group, although not significantly so (3/5, 60 % vs. 23/79, 30 %, P = NS). None of the five cases was fatal, and all recovered without sequelae. KSS patients are more likely to have higher rates of cardiac involvement. However, most cardiovascular abnormalities resolved promptly with therapy.