Impacto del plan AUGE en el tratamiento de pacientes con infarto agudo al miocardio con supradesnivel ST, en hospitales chilenos / The impact of Chilean health reform in the management and mortality of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Chilean hospitals

Background: In 2005 the Chilean government started a health care reform (AUGE) that guarantees medical treatment for acute myocardial infarction. Aim: To quantify the impact ofAUGE on the management and inhospital mortality of STEMI in a group of Chilean hospitals. Material and methods: Three thousand five hundred and forty six patients with STEMI from 10 hospitals that perform thrombolysis as the main reperfusion therapy were analyzed. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics, hospital treatments and revascularization proceduresin two periods: before (2,623 patients) and after AUGE implementation (906 patients). Logistic regression was used to assess inhospital mortality according to AUGE in the entire sample and stratified by risk groups. Results: We found no differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. During AUGE threre was a significant increase in the use of thrombolysis (50 percent to 60.5 percent), which was associated to an increase of hypotension from 29 percent to 35 percent (p <0.02) and minor bleedings, from 1.6 percent to 3.4 percent (p <0.001). After A UGE there was a significant increase in the use ofbeta blockers (65 percent to 75 percent), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (70 percent to 76 percent), statins (48 percent to 58 percent), and aspirin (96 percent to 97.5 percent) (p <0.05). Global inhospital mortality decreased from 12.0 percent to 8.6 percent (p <0.003) and from 10.6 percent to 6.8 percent (p <0.005) in patients treated with thrombolytics. The adjusted odds ratio for inhospital mortality comparing after and before AUGE, was 0.64 (IC 95 percent, 0,47-0.86). Conclusions: The implementation ofAUGE has been successful in reducing inhospital mortality of STEMI This has been achieved through a better use of evidence based medicine and reperfusion strategies.

Factores determinantes en la aparición de fibrilación auricular post-cirugía de revascularización miocárdica: un estudio prospectivo / Risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective analysis

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relevant complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However there is controversy regarding possible contributing factors. Aim: To study the incidence of AF, its risk factors and its repercussion on hospital stay and charges, in patients undergoing CABG. Material and methods: We prospectively collected information from all patients undergoing CABG in our institution, including demographic, surgical and laboratory variables. Exclusion criteria were chronic AF, recent onset AF and patients who needed additional surgical procedures. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF during the hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were hospital length of stay and hospital charges. Results: We included 250 patients aged 62±9 years (199 males) in the analysis. Incidence of AF was 22 percent (54 patients). Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio (OR) =1.10), previous CABG (OR =9.39), previous use of ACE inhibitors (OR =3.28) and aortic clamp >57 minutes (OR =3.97) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative AF. Previous use of beta-blockers was associated with risk reduction (OR =0.43). Patients who developed AF had a longer hospital stay (p <0.001) and higher hospital charges (p =0.003). Conclusion: AF is a frequent complication in patients undergoing CABG. Risk factors are age, time of aortic clamp, previous CABG and ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers may prevent its occurrence. Furthermore, AF has a negative impact on both hospital stay and hospital charges.

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.

Biomarcadores coronarios y evolución clínica alejada en pacientes con síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST / Coronary biomarkers and long-term clinical outcome in acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation

Background: The use of new biomarkers improved risk stratification for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Aim: To evaluate the relationship between multiple biomarkers and long-term clinical outcome in ACS without ST segment elevation. Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with suspected ACS were studied. On admission to the emergency room, serum was obtained to determine highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipoprotein (a) (LPa) and soluble P selectin (sPS). Clinical endpoints were mortality and a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including death, re-infarction, and angina. Results: Seventy patients, aged 63±13 years, 54 males, were studied. Final diagnosis was unstable angina in 71% and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 29%. MACE and mortality rate were 17% and 5.8%, respectively. We found higher plasma levels of hsCRP, ESR and Lp(a) in patients with MACE (p=0.032, p=0.015 and p=0.010, respectively). Plasma levels of hsCRP and ESR were also higher in patients who died during the follow up (p=0.002 y p=0.045, respectively). Conclusion: Plasma levels of inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis biomarkers are associated with a worse long-term clinical outcome in ACS without ST segment elevation. The inclusion of these biomarkers in the routine blood test on admission, could improve risk stratification of patients with ACS in the future.

Insuficiente control de factores de riesgo en prevención secundaria cardiovascular / Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among patients suffering vascular events on admission and one year later

Background: International studies show a low compliance with norms for the management of cardiovascular risk factors. Aim: To assess the prevalence of risk factors in patients admitted for a coronary or vascular event and to evaluate the proportion of patients that normalize these factors after one year of follow up. Material and Methods: Three hundred and fifty seven patients aged 64±13 years (264 males), admitted to a University Clinical Hospital for a coronary or vascular event were studied. They were educated about cardiovascular risk factors and followed by their treating physicians for a mean of 11.9±2 months. During this period, smoking habits, body mass index. blood pressure, serum lipid levels, blood glucose and the appearance of new cardiovascular events were registered. Results: One year survival was 96% (all 13 deaths were of cardiac origin). Eighty seven percent of patients were free of major cardiovascular events. At discharge from hospital and at the end of follow up 49% and 44% had a total cholesterol over 200 mg/dl respectively, 9,6% and 20,8% had systolic pressure over 140 mmHg. There was no diastolic hypertension in these patients, 27% and 31% had a body mass index over 25 kg/m2 and 2% smoked (versus 32% before the event). Conclusions: After one year of follow up, the prevalence of risk factors in patients that had suffered a cardiovascular event, continues to be high.

Síndromes coronarios agudos: utilidad pronóstica de nuevos biomarcadores y eficacia de un score mixto en el pronóstico clínico alejado / Acute coronary syndromes: practical utility of new biomarkers and mix score efficacy in a long term prognosis

Antecedentes: el uso de biomarcadores ha permitido el diagnóstico y estratificación de pacientes con síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA). Los nuevos biomarcadores en esta área deberán aportar información pronóstica para estratificar pacientes de mayor riesgos en quienes enfocar terapias más agresivas. Objetivo: Estudiar la utilidad de nuevos biomarcadores y el uso un score mixto en la evaluación pronóstica alejada, en pacientes con SCA. Método: Prospectivamente se incorporaron al estudio, pacientes con SCA sin elevación del segmento ST, en quienes se determinó al ingreso niveles plasmáticos de Troponina I específica, proteína C reactiva (PCR), P selectina (PS), Lipoproteína (a) (Lp(a)) y VHS. El seguimiento clínico se extendió por el plazo de un año tras el evento índice. El score mixto fue confeccionado en base a la distribución porcentual de cada biomarcador. Se definieron como endpoints clínicos, mortalidad y nuevos eventos cardiovasculares adversos (ECVA) compuestos ( muerte, reinfarto, angina y rehospitalización por nuevo SCA. Resultados: estudiamos 70 pacientes, con edad promedio de 63 años, 77 por ciento hombres, 21 por ciento diabéticos y 63 por ciento hipertensos. El diagnóstico final fue angina inestable en 71 por ciento e infarto sin elevación del ST en 29 por ciento. El seguimiento clínico se completó en 100 por ciento de los casos. Los valores promedios de los distintos marcadores fueron: Trop I 3,8±7 ng/ml, PCR 25±43 mg/dl, PS 48±28, LPa 16±16 y VHS 23±27. De la serie analizada 17 por ciento tuvo nuevos ECVA y la mortalidad fue de 5,8 por ciento. Los valores de PCR mostraron una asociación significativa con EVCA (p=0,004) y mortalidad (p<0,001). Los valores de Lp(a) también mostraron una asociación con EVCA (P=0,009)pero no con mortalidad (p=0,53). Los valores del score mixto mostraron una fuerte asociación con EVCA y mortalidad (p=0,001). Conclusión: la incorporación de nuevos biomarcadores en la evaluación de pacientes con SCA, puede permitir una mejor estratificación y un mejor uso de las terapias en pacientes de alto riesgo.

Resultados del primer registro chileno de angina inestable: características clínicas, perfil de riesgo y tratamiento / Results of the first Chilean registry of unstable angina: clinical features, risk profile and treatment

Background: From January 2000 to June 2002, the first Chilean registry of unstable angina was carried out, with the participation of 15 hospitals. Aim: To report the clinical and demographic features of 600 patients with unstable angina, their risk profile and prognosis. Material and methods: The inclusion criteria for this prospective registry were a history of recent onset of chest pain (<48 hours) or a change in the character of previous angina, associated to ischemic electrocardiographic changes and/or positive markers of myocardial damage. Results: Mean age of the patients was 65 years and 37 percent were women. Among coronary risk factors, 63 percent had hypertension, 27percent had diabetes, 52percent had dyslipidemia, 31percent smoked and 21percent had a family history of atherosclerosis. On admission 94percent of patients had chest pain, associated to ST segment depression in 44 percent, negative T waves in 28 percent and positive markers of myocardial damage in 30percent. Fifty seven percent received intravenous nitroglycerin, 47 percent received oral nitrates, 69 percent beta blockers and 15 percent, calcium antagonists. Antithrombotic therapy included aspirin in 96 percent, heparin in 74percent, ticlodipine or clopidogrel in 19 percent and IIb/IIIa inhibitors in 12percent. A coronary angiogram was performed in 52percent, angioplasty in 25percent and coronary bypass surgery in 13percent. Hospital mortality was 2.6percent. The incidence of new ischemic events was: myocardial infarction in 2.8percent recurrent ischemia in 9.5percent and refractory ischemia in 2percent. The incidence of adverse events increased according to a higher risk profile. Conclusions: The demographic and clinical features, treatment and mortality of these patients are similar to those reported in international registries, with a low mortality rate.

Cambios en el manejo intrahospitalario del infarto del miocardio en hospitales chilenos / Changes in the in-hospital treatment of the acute myocardial infarction in chilean hospitals

Antecedentes: En comunicaciones anteriores se han descrito los cambios en el tratamiento y la evolución del infarto del miocardio (IAM) intrahospitalario durante 2 período de registro en Chile. Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en el tratamiento farmacológico y las terapias de reperfusión en pacientes con IAM que ingresaron durante 2001 en la red GEMI. Métodos: El registro 2001 (R3) se efectuó entr marzo y diciembre en 23 hospitales de Santiago y regiones. Fue comparado con los registros 93-95 (R1) y 97-98 (R2). Se recolectó información sobre características demográficas, el tratamiento y la evolución intrahospitalaria de los pacientes que ingresaron con el diagnostico de IAM. Resultados: En R3 se incluyeron 1.091 pacientes, cuya edad promedio fue 63 ± 13 años. El 70,4 por ciento fueron hombres. La frecuencia de uso de los medicamentos en R1, R2 y R3 fue respectivamente: aspirina 93 por ciento, 96,1 por ciento y 94,7 por ciento (p=ns); I-ECA 32 por ciento, 53 por ciento y 60 por ciento (p=ns); bloqueadores 37 por ciento, 55,2 por ciento y 60,9 por ciento (p=ns); heparina 59 por ciento, 55 por ciento y 43,5 por ciento (p=ns): nitratos iv 59 por ciento, 67,6 por ciento y 63,7 por ciento (p=ns); antagonista del calcio 23 por ciento, 12,4 por ciento y 6,2 por ciento (p <0,01); trombolíticos 33 por ciento, 33,7 por ciento y 32, por ciento. La angioplastía primaria no se efectuó en R1, pero R2 y R3 fue utilizada en el 9,5 por ciento y el 7,5 por ciento de los pacientes respectivamente. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 11,6 por ciento durante 2001, comparada con el 10,8 por ciento y el 13,4 por ciento obtenida en los registros 97-98 y 93-95. Conclusión: Se aprecia un aumento de la utilización de los I-ECA y (bloqueadores, fármacos de demostrada eficacia para reducir mortalidad en el IAM. Es racional la reducción del uso del calcio antagonista y probablemente la de antiarrítmicos. No se modifica el empleo de trombolíticos y la angioplastía primaria no aumenta debido a que está limitada a algunos hospitales. Se debe continuar estimulando el uso de terapias que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes con IAM, especialmente las orientadas a la reperfusión.

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

Estudio multidisciplinario de los accidentes vasculares encefálicos: II perfil cardiovascular de los accidentes vasculares oclusivos / Multidisciplinary study of encephalic vascular accidents: II cardiovascular profile of occlusive vascular accidents

Ischemic stroke constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population, particulary in the elderly. Heart disease may predispose to ischemic stroke, especially in the presence of transient or permanent precipitating factors such as atrial fibrillation. To elucidate the role of heart disease in predisposing to ischemic stroke we studied the clinical and non invasive cardiac profile (EKG, 2D-Echo, Holter) of 186 consecutive patients, 91 of them embolic (Gl) and 96 non embolic (lacunar, atherotrombotic, others) (Gll), as determided by brain CT scan and through clinical evaluation. Age and male/female ratio were significantly different (71 + 13 vs 65 + 12 years, 40/60 vs 65/35, p <0.003). Hypertension was equally common in both groups (38 and 40 percent). Patients in Gl had higher prevalence of valvular heart disease (23 vs 1 percent), and atrial fibrillation (67 vs 10 percent), 2D Echo left atrial enlargement (45 vs 16 percent) and supraventricular ectopy in Holter (59 vs 32 percent) p< 0,001. By contrast absence of heart disease (45 vs 19 percent), ST-T changes in EKG (28 vs 14 percent), left ventricular hypertrophy in 2D Echo (28 vs 9 percent) and ventricular ectopy in Holter (54 vs 23 percent) were more prevalent in Gll patients, p<0.001. Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that age> 70years (relative risk (RR) 1.67), valvular heart disease (RR 2.25), chronic AF (RR 2.44) and paroxysmal AF (RR 1.89) were significant independient predictors of embolic stroke, whereas the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in 2D-Echo (RR 0.76) and frequent ventricular premature beats in Holter (RR 0.47) were predictors of occlusive non embolic stroke. Thus, the clinical and non invasive cardiac profile of embolic and non embolic ischemic stroke is significantly different, which is relevant to preventive strategies

Características clínicas y seguimiento alejado de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca durante infarto del miocardio: factores pronósticos de mortalidad / Clinical features and follow up of patients with heart failure during myocardial infarction: predictor factors of mortality

La insuficiencia cardiaca constituye unfactor de riesgo de mayormortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM). En el presente trabajo analizamos retrospectivamente las características clínicas y evolución alejada de pacientes que presentan congestión pulmonar durante la fase aguda del IAM y los comparamos con los que no presentaron esa complicación. Para ello utilizamos un abase de datos de 518 pacientes consecutivos con IAM, 309 de los cuales no presentaron congestión pulmonar (Grupo I, edad promedio 61 ñ 11 años) y 209 que deasrrollaron insuficiencia cardiaca Killip II oIII (Grupo II, edad promedio 63 ñ 11 años). Las siguientes características fueron significativamente diferentes entre ambos grupos (Grupo II vs Grupo I, p<0,01). Mortalidad a 30 días 17,4 vs 4,7 por ciento localización anterior del IAM 62 vs 52 por ciento , IAM transmural 83 vs 76 por ciento ; arritmias ventriculares 24,4 vs 12,5 por ciento . En la evolución alejada (promedio 44 meses) los pacienets del Grupo II tuvieron mayor mortalidad (25,9 vs 6,8 por ciento , p<0,01) al año post IAM y a los cinco años de seguimiento (34,9 vs 12,9 por ciento , p<0,01). Confirmamos así que los pacientes que presentan congestión pulmonar durante el curso de un IAM tienen una mayor morbimortalidad tanto precoz como tardía y ello se relaciona con mayor incidencia de IAM anterior y de tipo transmural

Pepsanurina en la insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva / Pepsanurin in congestive heart failure

We have identified a plasmatic substance, "pepsanurin" (PU) obtained by pepsin hydrolysis which inhibits the renal effects of the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). To investigate whether patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have increased plasma levels of PU we prepared PU from 10 patients with CHF class IV (NYHA), 9 patients with CHF class II or III and 16 healthy controls. Anesthetized rats were used to test the effects of ANF, 0.5 ug/100 g body weight i.v., before and following the intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml of PU. The inhibition of the diuretic and natriuretic effects of ANF was 40.9 ñ 11.9% and 49.8 ñ 12% respectively for control subjects. Corresponding figures for clas CHF patients were 62.3 ñ 3.1% and 73.8 ñ 3.5% (p < 0.02) and for class II-III patients 39.2 ñ 7.0% and 53.1 ñ 8.2% (NS). Accordingly, an increased capacity to generate PU may underlie the decreased sensitivity to ANF in patients with advanced CHF

Trombólisis sistémica precoz en el infarto agudo del miocardio: resultados clínicos y angiográficos / Systemic early thrombolysis during myocardial infarction: clinical and angiographic results

Systemic thrombolysis is an effective therapy for acute myocardial infarction, since it restores coronary flow and contributes to preserve left ventricular function. We analyzeour experience with intravenous thrombolytic therapy in 45 cases with acute myocardialinfarction treated within 6 hours of onset of symptoms. 28 patients had anterior and 17 inferior myocardial infarction. We treated 38 patients with streptokinase 1 to 1,5 million units infused during a during a 30 to 60 minute period and 7 patients with tissue plasminogen activator factor, 100 mg infused during 2 hours. Regression of chest pain and ST segment elevation and early CPK peaking (< 4 hours) were utilized as criteria for reperfusion. Accordingly 20 patients (64%) met these criteria. Coronary angiogram ws performed within 7 days in 38 patients. It disclosed a patent coronary artery in the infarcted area in 28 cases (74%). Transient hypotension with thrombolytic therapy was observed in 17 patients (38%) and bleeding complications in 3 cases (7%). Two patients (4%) died early after therapeutic failure. In summary we have confirmed that intravenous thrombolytic therapy is safe and effective in the early period of myocardial infarction and that is associated with a high incidence of clinical and angiographic reperfusion

Evolución alejada del reemplazo valvular aórtico con prótesis mecánica: experiencia con prótesis de Starr-Edwards (1965-1974) y Bjork Shiley (1973-1981) / Results of isolated aortic valve replacement using either Starr-Edwards or Bjork-Shilley prosthesis

We compared the short and long term results of isolated aortic valve replacement in 98 patients receiving a Starr-Edwards (SE) prosthesis from 1965 to 1974 and 80 pts receiving a Bjork-Shiley (BS) prosthesis from 1973 to 1981 at our institution. Operative mortality was 20% (SE) and 6% (BS). Follow up information was obtained in 88% (SE) and 96% (BS) of pts discharged alive. The mean period of follow up was 8.2 and 6.7 years respectively. the 5 and 10 year acturial survival rates were 72% and 61% (SE) vs 89% and 83% (BS). Complications per 100 pt-years among pts with SE and those with BS were: systemic emboli 2.8 vs 0.6, major hemorrhagic events 1.25 vs 1.36, perivalvular leak 1.6 vs 1.15, endocarditis 0.31 vs 0.39, prosthetic thrombosis 0 vs 0.58 and ball variance 0.47 vs 0m respectively. Some of these differences may reflect shortcomings of the initial surgical experience during the period in which the SE prothesis was used, rather than different performance of both valves