Corea gravídica secundaria a síndrome antifosfolipídico: reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Chorea gravidarum secondary to Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Report of a case and review of the literature

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La incidencia de la corea gravídica es de 1 caso por cada 2275 embarazos. El diagnóstico diferencial se establece con distintas enfermedades neurológicas. El tratamiento de la causa subyacente implica la curación espontánea del cuadro clínico. OBJETIVO: Reportar el caso de una paciente que inició con corea gravídica secundaria a síndrome antifosfolipídico y revisar la bibliografía al respecto. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 37 años, con 28 semanas de embarazo, que consultó por alteraciones del comportamiento. Los estudios de laboratorio reportaron anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos y anti-beta 2 glicoproteína elevados en dos determinaciones separadas por 12 semanas, con ANCA y ANA negativos. En la resonancia magnética cerebral no se informaron hallazgos patológicos. Se estableció el diagnóstico de corea gravídica, secundaria a síndrome antifosfolipídico. La reacción al tratamiento con anticoagulantes y corticosteroides fue satisfactoria; en la actualidad, la paciente permanece asintomática y sin tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Las pruebas analíticas y de neuroimagen son útiles para establecer el origen de la corea. El tratamiento con anticoagulantes se indica para prevenir eventos trombóticos en pacientes con corea secundaria a síndrome antifosfolipídico. La eficacia de los corticosteroides en el control de los síntomas neurológicos es variable; no obstante, la paciente del caso tuvo una reacción favorable y desaparición completa de los síntomas.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chorea gravidarum has an estimated incidence of 1:2275 pregnancies. The differential diagnosis of this entity characterized by involuntary spontaneous movements together with behavioral alterations but be made with different neurological diseases. Generally, treatment of the underlying cause involves spontaneous cure of the condition. OBJETIVES: To report the case of a patient who debuted with a chorea gravidarum secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome and to review the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: 37-years-old patient, 28 weeks pregnant, who consulted for behavioral alterations. Laboratory test showed elevated anti phospholipid and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein antibodies in two determinations 12 weeks apart, with negative ANCA and ANA. There was no pathological finding in brain magnetic resonance. She was diagnosed with corea gravidarum secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome. She was treated effectively with anticoagulants and corticosteroids, and is currently asymptomatic and without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Analytical and neuroimaging tests are helpful in establishing the etiology of chorea. anticoagulants are indicated to prevent thrombotic events in chorea secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome. Corticosteroids have variable efficacy in the control of neurological symptoms, although in our case complete remission of the symptoms will be overcome.

Anestesia cardiovascular en cirugía no cardiaca / Cardiovascular anesthesia in noncardiac surgery

Clinical evaluation remains one of the main issues while considering anesthetic and surgical risk. Different scores for cardiac evaluation in non-cardiac surgery are traditionally based on the exclusion of active cardiac conditions, the risk of surgery, the functional capacity of the patient and the presence of specific cardiac risk factors. In recent decades, new guidelines incorporate an association between cardiac biomarkers and adverse cardiac events. For the management of coronary patients receiving double antiplatelet therapy, derived for non-cardiac surgery, the risk of stent thrombosis, the consequences of delaying the surgical procedure and the risk of bleeding must be considered. At this moment, there is no evidence regarding which is the best anesthetic management that decreased peri-operative cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. This article refers to the differences in preoperative assessment for non-cardiac surgery incorporated in the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the European Society of Cardiology and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Consideration are also given to the management of coronary patients on double antiplatelet therapy and its main complications as well as intraoperative management maneuvers that may decrease cardiovascular complications.

La valoración clínica sigue siendo uno de los pilares fundamentales en la evaluación del riesgo anestésico-quirúrgico. Los scores de riesgo para la evaluación cardiovascular y cirugía no cardíaca se basan tradicionalmente en la exclusión de condiciones cardíacas activas, la determinación del riesgo de cirugía, la capacidad funcional del paciente y la presencia de factores de riesgo cardíaco. En las últimas décadas, nuevas guías incorporan una asociación entre los biomarcadores cardiacos y los eventos cardiacos adversos. Para el manejo de pacientes coronarios en tratamiento antiagregante doble, derivados a cirugía no cardiaca, hay que considerar el riesgo de trombosis del stent, las consecuencias de retrasar el procedimiento quirúrgico y el aumento del riesgo de hemorragia. Hasta la fecha no existe evidencia acerca de cuál es el mejor manejo anestésico que disminuya las complicaciones cardiovasculares perioperatorias en este grupo de pacientes. Este artículo, hace referencia a las diferencias de la valoración preoperatoria para cirugía no cardiaca incorporados en las guías del American College of Cardiology, la American Heart Association, la European Society of Cardiology y la Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Algunas consideraciones acerca del manejo de pacientes coronarios, terapia antiplaquetaria dual y eventuales complicaciones. Se incluyen algunas estrategias farmacológicas, así como consideraciones específicas para el perioperatorio, con el fin de reducir morbilidad de origen cardiovascular.

Trombofilia hereditaria y trombo intracardíaco / Hereditary thrombophilia and intracardiac thrombus

Resumen La trombofilia es una condición hematológica que predispone a eventos tromboembólicos venosos y arteriales. Es un factor que predispone a trombos intracardíacos en la edad pediátrica y se debe sospechar si no hay otros factores que predispongan a trombosis. Se reporta el caso de una paciente con antecedente de trombosis venosa cerebral a quien se le diagnosticó trombofilia por mutación homocigota G202010A del gen de la protrombina. Desarrolló un trombo auricular derecho, el cual fue tratado con anticoagulación y vigilancia ecocardiográfica. Se resalta la importancia de realizar una evaluación ecocardiográfica en pacientes con trombofilia.

Abstract Thrombophilia is a haematological condition that predisposes to venous and arterial thromboembolic events. It is also a predisposing factor in intracardiac thrombi in paediatrics, and must be suspected if there are no other factors that predispose to thrombosis. The case is presented on a patient with a history cerebral venous thrombosis, who was diagnosed with thrombophilia due to a homozygote G202010A mutation of the prothrombin gene. She developed a right atrial thrombus, which was treated with anticoagulation and echocardiography monitoring. The importance of performing an echocardiography evaluation is highlighted in patients with thrombophilia.

Pacientes con fibrilación auricular atendidos en consulta de atención primaria de una institución de alta complejidad / Patients with atrial fibrillation treated in a Primary Care clinic of a high complexity health facility

Resumen Introducción: la fibrilación auricular es una enfermedad multifactorial, que alcanza una prevalencia del 1 al 2% en la población general. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular atendidos en atención primaria en una institución de alta complejidad del Nororiente colombiano. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, en el que se recopilaron datos demográficos, clínicos, escala de riesgo tromboembólico y modalidades de tratamiento mediante las historias clínicas electrónicas de pacientes con fibrilación auricular. Resultados: entre 528 historias clínicas analizadas, se seleccionaron 199, con edad promedio de 76,47( 8,94 años; 121 fueron mujeres (60,80%). Respecto al tipo de fibrilación auricular, 35 (17,59%) pacientes eran de tipo valvular y 164 (82,41%) no valvular. 152 (76,38%) tenían anticoagulación oral, 67 (33,84%) manejo antiagregante (ácido acetilsalicílico) y 39 (19,60%) terapia combinada. Según la escala CHADS2, 9 (4,5%) pacientes se clasificaban en bajo riesgo, 30 (15,1%) en moderado y 160 (80,4%) en alto. En el grupo de bajo riesgo, 6 estaban en manejo anticoagulante mientras que en el grupo de alto riesgo, 11 no recibían tratamiento farmacológico. Conclusión: a partir de los hallazgos mencionados, es fundamental fortalecer los esquemas de tromboprofilaxis de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular mediante la actualización y el conocimiento de las guías de práctica clínica por parte del médico tratante. Así mismo, es recomendable usar las escalas CHADS2 y HAS-BLED con el fin de ofrecer tratamiento individualizado y oportuno de modo que se eviten complicaciones.

Abstract Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is a disease caused by many factors, and has a prevalence of 1-2% in the general population. Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation treated in Primary care in a high complexity health centre in North-eastern Colombia. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study in which a record was made of the demographic and clinical data, with the scores on the thromboembolic risk scale, as well as any treatments, taken from the computerised medical records of patients with atrial fibrillation. Results: A total of 528 medical records analysed, from which 199 were selected. The mean age was 76.47( 8.94 years and 121 (60.8%) were women. As regards the type of atrial fibrillation, 35 (17.59%) patients had a valvular type, and 164 (82.41%) non-valvular. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 152 (76.38%) patients, 67 (33.84%) with antiplatelet (acetyl salicylic acid) treatment, and 39 (19.60%) were on combined therapy. According to the CHADS2 scale, 9 (4.5%) were classified as low risk, 30 (15.1%) as moderate, and 160 (80.4%) as high risk. In the low risk group, 6 were on anticoagulant therapy, while 11 patients in the high risk group did not receive any drug treatment. Conclusion: From the findings mentioned, it is essential that the thrombo-prophylaxis schemes of patients with atrial fibrillation are reinforced by updating, as well as knowledge of the clinical practice guidelines by the treating physician. Furthermore, it is recommended to use the CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scales, with the aim of offering individualised and appropriate treatment in order to avoid complications.

Effect of anticoagulant therapy on prevention of thrombosis in PICC patients with lung cancer with hypercoagulability / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explorethe efficacy of anticoagulation therapy with peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) for prevention of venous thrombosis in patients with lung cancer with hypercoagulability. Methods During the period from August 2015 to December 2016,30 patients in our hospital were enrolled as the observation group, and 30 patients from May 2014 to July 2015, with lung cancer treated with PICC catheter in our hospital were selected as the control group.In the control group, PICC during intubation by conventional methods to prevent the occurrence of venous thrombosis;while in the observation group with the additional treatment before and after anticoagulant therapy catheter based on routine prevention. Venous thrombosis incidence and the indwelling time of PICC were compared between two groups. Results The incidence of thrombosis in observation and control groups was 0 and 20% respectively,with significant difference between the two groups(P=0.024).The PICC retention time in observation group and control group was 95.5 (21.00, 117.25) days and 108 (97.00,130.25) days, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z =-2.249, P = 0.025). Conclusions Anticoagulation treatment with PICC catheter before and after in hypercoagulability lung cancer patients can significantly improve the hypercoagulable state of patients,effectively prevent venous thrombosis,and prolong the PICC retention time.

Clinical analysis of 18 patients with portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the experience of clinical diagnosis and treatment of portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 18 patients presenting with portal vein stenosis after undergoing liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, treatment and prognosis of portal vein stenosis were summarized. Results Seventeen patients had a medical history of liver cirrhosis before liver transplantation, 7 cases with a medical history of portal vein thrombosis and 8 cases with a medical history of devascularization or shunt with splenectomy. Three cases received the pediatric liver grafts. Eighteen patients suffered from portal vein stenosis from postoperative 23 d to 24 months with a median time of 2.2 months, which was detected by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and diagnosed by CT angiography (CTA) of the portal vein or interventional therapy. After the diagnosis was confirmed,all cases received anticoagulant treatment by warfarin. Five patients with portal hypertension underwent balloon dilatation,and one of them received endovascular stent implantation simultaneously. The remaining 13 patients received conservative therapy. After corresponding treatment, 9 cases were mitigated, 7 patients remained unchanged and 2 cases were aggravated. Conclusions For the recipients with a medical history of liver cirrhosis before liver transplantation, portal vein stenosis should be monitored by conventional CDU and diagnosed by CTA or interventional therapy after transplantation. Patients without clinical symptoms can receive conservative treatment. Those complicated with portal hypertension can undergo interventional therapy. Favorable clinical prognosis is obtained in most cases.

Impacto de Ia telemedicina en Ia calidad del control de tratamiento anticoagulante oral / Impact of tele-medicine for control of oral anticoagulant treatment

Antecedentes: En el año 2014 se inició Telemedicina desde el Policlinico de Tratamiento Anticoagulante oral del Hospital San Juan de Dios y el Hospital de Curacaví, evitando así el traslado de pacientes a Santiago para el control con el médico especialista. Métodos: Se utilizó licencia de video conferencia en el Hospital San Juan de Dios, dispositivo móvil, equipo de INR capilar y stock de Acenocumarol en el Hospital de Curacaví. Resultados: En total se han realizado 2.174 consultas vía Telemedicina (junio 2014 a diciembre 2015). Esta estrategia ha sido bien evaluada por los pacientes. La mejora en la calidad del tratamiento ha sido evidente: 58,3% de los pacientes del Hospital de Curacaví se encuentran en rango terapéutico, superior al 50,8% de los pacientes del Hospital San Juan de Dios (p < 0,05). En cuanto al Tiempo en Rango Terapéutico (TTR) 50,6% de los pacientes del Hospital de Curacaví se encuentran en rango versus 46,2% de los pacientes del Hospital San Juan de Dios (p< 0,05). Conclusiones: La Telemedicina utilizada por equipos comprometidos es capaz de mantener indicadores de calidad de la atención que la validan como herramienta de atención clínica a distancia. La Telemedicina, en cuanto es una herramienta que acerca el especialista a comunidades alejadas de centros hospitalarios complejos, es valorada y muy bien calificada por los usuarios.

Background: Starting in 2014 telemedicine has been used to control oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) in patients attending a peripheral hospital (Curacaví), in connection with Hospital San Juan de Dios, based in Santiago. Methods: A license for video conference was available to communicate both hospitals. Capillary INR and medications were available at Curacaví Hospital. Results: Between June 2014 and December 2015, 2174 indications for OAT have been made through tele-medicine. Different estimates of quality of care and user satisfaction have been rated > 6.7 (1-7 scale). Percent of INR measurements in therapeutic range was 58.3% in Curacavi and 50.8% at Hospital San Juan de Dios (p<0.05) and time in therapeutic range was 50.6% vs 42.6%, respectively (p<0.05) Conclusion: Tele-medicine allowed a close relationship between remote medical facilities and a complex medical center and was fully validated as a means of controlling OAT with a high degree of acceptance by patients.

Anticoagulant treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in cardiovascular department / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the present situations of anticoagulant treatment of non-valvular atri-al fibrillation in order to get better guidance of the clinical anticoagulant therapy and reduce the incidence of stroke caused by atrial fibrillation. Methods The clinical data of NVAF patients hospitalized in the first affili-ated hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 1 , 2012 to December 31 , 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed in terms of basic characteristics , medical treatment plan and INR monitoring. Results A total of 1,390 patients were enrolled, 85.97% of whom needed anticoagulant therapy and 25.18% of whom were treated with anticoagulants. For 15.71% of the NVAF patients treated with warfarin , INR met the standard during hospitalization. In the study, such factors as age, coronary heart disease, history of stroke and history of bleed-ing might affect prescription of anticoagulant drugs. Conclusion Most NVAF patients need anticoagulant thera-py, but the rate of anticoagulant therapy is lower than we expected. Among those patients treated with warfarin during hospitalization , the rate of INR meeting the standard is at a lower level. The novel oral anticoagulants are not in wide use in the clinical practice.

Trombosis venosa cerebral en un paciente con colitis ulcerativa idiopática / Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with idiopathic ulcerative colitis

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 58 años de edad con antecedentes de colitis ulcerativa idiopática, que fuera ingresado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba por presentar un cuadro de alteraciones neurológicas, identificado como una trombosis venosa cerebral a través de la tomografía axial computarizada. Luego de confirmar mediante un estudio endoscópico la inexistencia de síntomas de su enfermedad de base, fue iniciado un tratamiento anticoagulante con heparina de bajo peso molecular, con lo cual se logró la regresión completa del cuadro neurológico.

The case report of a 58 years patient with a history of idiopathic ulcerous colitis who was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital from Santiago de Cuba for presenting signs of neurological changes is presented. It was identified as a cerebral venous thrombosis through the computerized axial tomography. After confirming the absence of symptoms of his initial disease by means of an endoscopic study, an anticoagulant treatment with low molecular weight heparin was began, with which the complete regression of the neurological signs was achieved.

Evaluación del puntaje de sangrado "CRUSADE" como prueba diagnóstica para determinar sangrado mayor en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST / Evaluation of "CRUSADE" bleeding score as a diagnostic test for major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation

INTRODUCCIÓN: las complicaciones relacionadas con el sangrado constituyen un problema importante en los pacientes que ingresan con síndrome coronario agudo, pues se asocian con morbilidad y mortalidad importantes. El puntaje "CRUSADE", estudiado y validado, identifica ocho predictores de sangrado mayor en el hospital y constituye una herramienta útil para comprobar el riesgo de sangrado. OBJETIVO: establecer las características operativas del puntaje de sangrado "CRUSADE" para determinar el riesgo de sangrado mayor en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST. Establecer cual es el mejor punto de corte del puntaje "CRUSADE" en nuestro medio, con base en la curva de características operativas del receptor (ROC). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se agruparon pacientes desde el 1º. de julio de 2011 hasta el 30 de noviembre del mismo año, detallando diferentes variables. Se realizó la curva ROC y se determinó: punto de corte, sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos y razones de verosimilitud. RESULTADOS: se presenta el análisis de 330 pacientes, con edad promedio de 66,5 años, 68,4% de género masculino. El promedio de puntaje "CRUSADE" fue de 27,9; el 18,18% presentó sangrado mayor, el 56,9% angina inestable y el 43,0% infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del ST. Se determinó el área bajo la curva cuyo resultado fue 0,8114 (IC 95%; 0,75 – 0,87). Utilizando un punto de corte mayor o igual a 35, los resultados aportaron una sensibilidad del 70% (IC 95%; 55,57 – 82, 43), una especificidad del 77,41% (IC 95%; 72,23 – 82,58), un valor predictivo positivo de 40,78% (IC 95%; 30,80 – 50,75), un valor predictivo negativo de 92,07% (IC 95%; 88,34 – 95,81), una razón de verosimilitud positiva 3,10 (2,35 – 4,08) y una razón de verosimilitud negativa 0,39 (0,26 – 0,57). CONCLUSIONES: el punto de corte para el puntaje "CRUSADE" propuesto, es mayor o igual a 35. Dada la importancia de realizar una estratificación del riesgo de sangrado, estos resultados sirven para recomendar la implementación sistemática del puntaje de sangrado "CRUSADE", y si este es mayor o igual a 35, establecer las recomendaciones para disminuir el riesgo de sangrado, y por ende, la morbilidad y la mortalidad.

INTRODUCTION: the bleeding-related complications are a major problem in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome because they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. "CRUSADE" score, studied and validated, identifies eight predictors of major bleeding in the hospital and is a useful tool to verify the risk of bleeding. OBJECTIVE: to establish the operational characteristics of the bleeding "CRUSADE" score to determine the risk of major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation. Establish which is the best "CRUSADE" score cutoff in our environment, based on the curve of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: patients were grouped from July 1, 2011 to November 30, 2011, detailing different variables. The ROC curve was calculated and cut point, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were determined. RESULTS: the analysis of 330 patients with mean age 66.5 years and 68.4% of male gender is presented. The average "CRUSADE" score was 27.9. 18.18% had major bleeding, 56.9% unstable angina, and 43.0 % acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation. The area under the curve was determined and the result was 0.8114 (95% CI; 0.75 to 0.87). Using a cutoff point greater than or equal to 35, the results provided a sensitivity of 70 % (95% CI, 55.57 to 82.43), a specificity of 77.41% (95% CI, 72.23 to 82.58), a positive predictive value of 40.78% (95% CI; 30.80 to 50.75 ), a negative predictive value of 92.07% (95% CI; 88.34 to 95.81), a positive likelihood ratio 3.10 (2.35 to 4.08) and a negative likelihood ratio 0.39 (0.26 to 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: the cutoff point for the proposed "CRUSADE" score is greater than or equal to 35. Given the importance of conducting a risk stratification of bleeding, these results serve to recommend the systematic implementation of the "CRUSADE" bleeding score and if this is greater than or equal to 35, establish recommendations to reduce the risk of bleeding and consequently morbidity and mortality.

Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento anticoagulante oral con antagonistas de vitamina k en pacientes con prótesis valvulares cardíacas / Safety and efficacy of anticoagulation with vitamin k antagonists in patients with prosthetic heart valves

Introducción: Los pacientes con válvulas mecánicas cardíacas (VMC) representan una proporción significativa del total de pacientes que requieren anticoagulación. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que comparen la efectividad de la anticoagulación con distintos antagonistas de vitamina K (AVK). Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento con warfarina y acenocumarol en pacientes con VMC. Métodos: Estudio observacional de pacientes en po-liclínico de anticoagulación UC sometidos a recambio valvular entre los años 2005 y 2013. Se estandarizó las dosis de AVK con software Isaza Hytwin Biostac 2.0. Se evaluaron registros de hemorragia mayor y menor (seguridad) y accidentes vasculares y embolías sistémicas (efectividad). La efectividad se analizó mediante el tiempo en rango terapéutico (TTR) con método de Ro-sendaal. Resultados: Se incluyó 365 pacientes con edad promedio de 64,1 +/- 13,2 años, 53,9 por ciento de sexo femenino. El seguimiento promedio fue de 33,3 +/- 18 meses; La mortalidad registrada fue 2,1 por ciento. El promedio de TTR fue 68 +/- 13,3 por ciento (recambio aórtico TTR 66,1 +/- 12,6 por ciento, recambio mitral TTR 65,8 +/- 13,8 por ciento y recambio mitro-aórtico TTR 61,2 +/- 12 por ciento). Acenocumarol presentó un TTR menor que warfarina (65,1 +/- 13,1 vs. 71,2 +/- 13,6, p = 0,001), sin aumento del riesgo de complicaciones. Conclusión: Aunque warfarina ofrece un mejor perfil de TTR, no existen diferencias significativas en la eficacia o seguridad al compararla con acenocumarol.

Background: Patients with cardiac mechanical valves (MHV) represent a significant proportion of all patients requiring anticoagulation. However, there are few studies comparing safety and efficacy of different vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of warfarin and acenocoumarol in patients with MHV. Methods: Observational study of patients who had a mitral and /or aortic valve replacement between 2005 and 2013, followed at the Catholic University anticoagulation clinics. VKA dose adjustments were performed using the Isaza Hytwin Biostac 2.0 software. Major and minor bleeding (safety) and stroke and systemic embolism (effectiveness) were evaluated. The efficacy was estimated by the time in therapeutic range (TTR) with the Rosendaal method. Results: 365 patients were included with a mean age of 64.1 +/- 13.2 years, 53.9 percent of them were females. Mean follow-up was 33.3 +/- 18 months Overall mortality rate was 2.1 percent, which is similar to that of patients treated with VKA for other reasons. The average TTR was 68 +/- 13.3 percent (66,1 +/- 12,6 percent for aortic valves, 65,8 +/- 13,8 percent for mitral valves and 61,2 +/- 12 percent for aortic and mitral valves). TTR was lower with acenocoumarol compared to warfarin (65.1 +/- 13.1 vs. 71.2 +/- 13.6 , p = 0.001 ), However, the risk of complications was not different between groups. Conclusions: Although warfarin provides a better profile of TTR , there were no significant differences in efficacy or safety when compared with acenocoumarol.

Prevención de eventos tromboembólicos con aspirina exclusiva post reemplazo valvular aórtico con bioprótesis / Prevention of thrombo-embolic events with aspirin alone after aortic valve replacement with a biologic prosthesis

Introducción: La principal ventaja de las bioprótesis es no requerir tratamiento anticoagulante. Sin embargo, algunas guías de manejo clínico recomiendan este tratamiento los primeros meses post cirugía. En los últimos años varios autores han demostrado la seguridad del uso exclusivo de aspirina en los primeros 3 meses después del reemplazo valvular aórtico con bioprótesis. Objetivo: Evaluar la morbimortalidad y complicaciones trombo embólicas y hemorrágicas en pacientes sometidos a reemplazo valvular aórtico (RVA) con bioprótesis tratados exclusivamente con aspirina (100 mg) los primeros tres meses post cirugía. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 229 pacientes (137 hombres. edad 65,3 +/- 11,76 años) operados de RVA con bioprótesis entre junio 2006 y diciembre 2011. Hubo 178 cirugías aisladas y 51 combinadas y 20 pacientes tenían endocarditis. Se estudió la morbimortalidad, complicaciones trombo embólicas y sangrado a 30 y 90 días y en el seguimento alejado hasta el 30 de junio de 2012. Resultados: A 30 días hubo 4 accidentes cerebrovasculares, 3 accidentes isquémicos transitorios y una isquemia mesentérica. Fallecieron 8 pacientes (3,5 por ciento). A los 90 días hubo 2 hemorragias (1 hemorragia digestiva, 1 hemotórax), no hubo nuevos eventos trombo embólicos ni otros fallecidos. El seguimiento promedio fue 27.8+/-17,7 meses (rango 6 - 72 meses). Durante el seguimiento fallecieron 17 pacientes y no se registraron eventos trombo embólicos ni hemorrágicos. Conclusión: En pacientes operados de reemplazo valvular aórtico con bioprótesis el uso exclusivo de aspirina fue seguro para prevenir complicaciones trombo embólicas.

Background: The abscense of a need for anticoagulant therapy is a significant advantage of biologic valve prosthesis. However, according to some clinical guidelines conventional anti-coagulant therapy is recommended for the initial 3 months following aortic valve replacement. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate morbi-mortality and thrombo-embolic events in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis receiving aspirin during the first 3 months after surgery. Methods: Data on 229 patients (137 males), aged 65.3+/-11.8 years who received biologic aortic valve prosthesis between June 2006 and December 2011 was retrospectively analyzed. 51 patients underwent combined (coronary and/or mitral valve surgery) and 20 patients had infectious endocarditis. Morbidity, mortality, thrombo-embolic and hemorrhagic events were tabulated up to June 30, 2012. Results: During the first 30 days after surgery there were 4 cerebro-vascular events and 1 episode of mesenteric ischemia. Operative (30 day) mortality was 3.5 percent (8 patients). At 90 days, 2 patients had a hemorrhagic event (GI bleeding and hemotho-rax, respectively), but no further embolic events or deaths occurred. Patients were followed for a mean of 27.8 +/-17,7 months (range 6 to 72 months). 17 patients died but no cases of embolism or bleeding were observed. Conclusion: Aspirin was safe and effective for prevention of thrombo-embolic complications following aortic valve replacement with a biologic prosthesis.

Características del tratamiento anticoagulante oral en la fibrilación auricular crónica de alto riesgo / Characteristics of oral anticoagulation treatment in chronic auricular fibrillation

Objective: To calculate the prevalence of chronic auricular fibrillation (CAF), how much of it is considered high-risk (CAFhr) and the degree of coverage with oral anticoagulation treatment (OAT). Design: Multi-centre descriptive study. Setting: 9 health districts. The Terres de l'Ebre Primary Care Service. Participants: Randomised sample of 375 patients with CAF, of whom 150 met the criteria of CAFhr during 2002. Main measurements: Profile of patients with CAFhr; coverage with OAT; place of follow-up; presence of vascular complications; and the time relationships between the diagnosis of CAF, vascular complications and the start of OAT. All the INR determinations taken from the patients included in the study were used. Results: There was 2.2% prevalence of CAF (95% CI: 1.2-3.3). 40% of CAF had criteria of CAFhr. 74.2% were treated with OAT. In 41.7% the diagnosis of CAF coincided with the incidence of some vascular complication. There were no differences between the overall results of the INR obtained in hospital and in PC. The expected efficacy of OAT for thromboembolism prevention in our high risk sample was 61.12%. Conclusions: 40% of the CAF are high risk. In over a third of patients OAT was indicated after a vascular complication linked to a unknown CAF. The INR between 2-3 is similar in PC centres and the corresponding haematology service

Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia de la fibrilación auricular crónica de alto riesgo (FACar) y su cobertura con tratamiento anticoagulante oral (TAO) y comparar los resultados a nivel primario y hospitalario. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, multicéntrico, de selección al azar. Emplazamiento: 9 áreas básicas de salud. Participantes: 375 pacientes con FAC, de los que 112 reunían los criterios de FACar durante 2002. Mediciones principales: Perfil de pacientes con FACar, cobertura con TAO, lugar de seguimiento, presencia de complicaciones vasculares y la relación temporal entre el diagnóstico de FAC, las complicaciones vasculares y el inicio del TAO. Se utilizaron todas las determinaciones INR practicadas a los pacientes incluidos en el período de estudio. Resultados: La prevalencia de FAC es del 2.2% (IC 95%: 1.4-3.3). El 40% de las FAC tienen criterios de FACar en pacientes mayores de 64 años. Un 74.2% está tratado con TAO. En un 41.7% el diagnóstico de la FAC coincide con la incidencia de una complicación vascular. No hay diferencias en los resultados globales de los INR obtenidos en el hospital y en atención primaria. La efectividad esperada del TAO en la prevención tromboembólica en nuestra población de alto riesgo es del 61.12%. Conclusiones: El 40% de las FAC son de alto riesgo. En más de un tercio de los pacientes el TAO fue indicado después de una complicación vascular asociada a una FAC desconocida. Hay un retraso del TAO en su inicio. La proporción de INR entre 2-3 obtenida en los centros de atención primaria es similar a los del servicio de hematología de referencia.