Clinical outcomes of fibrinolytic therapy for prehospital treatment of acute myocardial infarction

Fibrinolytic Therapy (FT) is an important form of treatment for cases of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), especially in those places where Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) is not available, which is the main form of treatment and can be used even in the prehospital care. Aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of the use of FT in prehospital care for treating patients with AMI. This research covered a total of 53 patients and was carried out from march to october 2017, referring to the care provided from january 2015 to december 2016 in two stages, in which the first occurred with the Mobile Emergency Service (SAMU) and Walk-in Emergency Care Units (UPA), and the second in the referenced hospital services as gateways to those units. Data were collected from secondary sources. The clinical outcomes of FT considered in the form of absolute and relative frequencies and measures of central tendency were considered. The main signs and symptoms at admission were chest pain (84.62%), sweating (36.54%), dyspnea (26.92%), hypertension (19.23%), nausea (17.31%), malaise (17.31%) and emesis (13.46%). The main characteristic of chest discomfort was chest pain (70.45%). The FT drug administered in all patients was tenecteplase. The median time from symptom-to-door was 180 minutes, while symptom-reperfusion was 300 minutes and door-to-needle 160 minutes. Regarding the outcome, 74.47% had clinical improvement, 19.15% died, 4.25% had refractory AMI and 2.13% had reinfarction. The main characteristic of clinical improvement was the reversal of chest pain (68.57%), characterized as myocardial reperfusion criteria. The present study presented the main outcomes of FT use with improvement of those patients who were treated with it, and shorter times related to chest discomfort and the administration of FT were responsible for increasing the outcomes of clinical improvement and decreasing the outcome of death.

Role of Chymotrypsin in Management of Moderate Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion in Children

Aims:To show the benefit of chymotrypsin as an adjuvant therapy in cases of moderate parapneumonic pleural effusion in children.Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.Place and Duration of Study:Pulmonology Unit, Pediatric Department and Radiology Department, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt between Februray, 2019 to Februray, 2020.Methodology:Subjects comprised of 60 children randomized into three groups 20 children each (41 males, 19 females; age range 1-14 years) with moderate parapneumonic pleural effusion by chest ultrasound. Clinical as well as complete blood count, C-reactive protein and chest ultrasonography at time of presentation, after one week (first end point) and after two weeks (second end point). Management with antibiotics, analgesics, antipyretics, chest tube insertion and oral chymotrypsin in group 2 and intramuscular chymotrypsin in group 3.Results:There was statistically significant decrease in fluid thickness by chest u/s (mm) in group 2 (Mean ±SD= 6.400±3.872) and group 3 (Mean ±SD= 6.150±2.720) after one week and after two weeks group 2 (Mean ±SD= 15.3±4.658) while group 3 (Mean ±SD= 3.3±1.559) in comparsion to group 1 after one week (Mean ±SD= 16.100±10.351) and after two weeks (Mean ±SD= 11.35±7.066) ( P < 0.001), duration of hospitalization (days) and chest tube (days) were statistically significant lower in group 2 (Mean±SD= 15.200±4.112 ), (Mean±SD= 9.100±2.808) respectively and group 3 (Mean±SD= 14.050±3.300), (Mean±SD= 7.400±1.698 ), in relative to group 1 (Mean±SD= 18.65±3.329 ),(Mean±SD= 9.85±3.265 ), (P <0.001, P=0.017 respectively) and percentage of decortication wasstatistically significant lower in group 2 and 3 in relative to group 1. (P =0.017). Conclusion:Chymotrypsin has an adjuvant role in management of moderate parapneumonic pleural effusion evidenced by earlier recovery less hospital stay, derease in chesttube insertion and need for decortication and intramuscular chymotrypsin injection has better effect than oral chymotrypsin in moderate parapneumonic pleural effusion

To lyse or not to lyse? Use of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator and DNase in the management of parapneumonic effusions and empyema

Despite a range of management options, pleural effusions and empyema continue to present therapeutic challenges in the clinical setting. With treatment options ranging from simple use of antibiotics to more complex surgical procedures, several important considerations need be made as to what type of treatment is best for each patient on a case by case basis. One treatment modality of increasing interest is the use of intrapleural fibrinolytics to facilitate drainage of effusions. This presents a viable option especially in patients in whom surgery is not preferred. But, as with many therapeutic approaches, the use of intrapleural fibrinolytics is laden with significant controversies and has been a subject of considerable debate over the last couple of years. With accruing evidence for and against this modality of treatment, the ensuing discussion has been whether or not it should be a routine treatment choice and which group of patients should this consideration be made for. This paper gives a background on the epidemiology and etiology of parapneumonic effusions and empyema and briefly outlines the available options of management. Furthermore, we extensively discuss available evidence on the use of intrapleural fibrinolytics as a management option for parapneumonic effusions and empyema, with particular emphasis on use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and DNase.

Lo mejor del Congreso 2019 de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología / The best of the 2019 European Society of Cardiology Congress / O melhor do Congresso da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia 2019

Resumen: El Congreso Europeo de Cardiología constituye uno de los eventos más relevantes de la comunidad cardiológica mundial. Fue realizado entre el 31 de agosto y el 4 de setiembre en el corazón de París, siendo el tema central la salud cardiovascular global. Como es habitual, contó con la presencia de más de 30.000 profesionales y destacados invitados. Se presentaron actualizaciones de varias guías de práctica clínica e importantes trabajos científicos que sin duda impactarán en el tratamiento de los pacientes con patología cardiovascular. A continuación realizaremos un breve resumen de algunos de los trabajos presentados: - A trial to evaluate the effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: DAPA-HF - Complete revascularization with multivessel PCI for myocardial infarction: the COMPLETE Trial - Angiotensin-neprylysin inhibition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the PARAGON-HF - Antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation with stable coronary disease: the AFIRE Investigators - Ticagrelor or prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes: the ISAR-REACT 5 Trial

Summary: The European Congress of Cardiology is one of the most relevant events of the world cardiology community. It was held from August 31 to September 4 in the heart of Paris, France, the central theme being global cardiovascular health. As usual, it was attended by more than 30,000 professionals and prominent guests. Updates of several clinical practice guides and important scientific papers were presented. These undoubtedly will impact in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular pathology. Below we present a brief summary of some of the trials presented: - A trial to evaluate the effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: DAPA-HF - Complete revascularization with multivessel PCI for myocardial infarction: the COMPLETE Trial - Angiotensin-neprylysin inhibition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the PARAGON-HF - Antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation with stable coronary disease: the AFIRE Investigators - Ticagrelor or prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes: the ISAR-REACT 5 Trial

Sumário: O Congresso Europeu de Cardiologia é um dos eventos mais relevantes da comunidade mundial de cardiologia. Foi realizada de 31 de agosto ao 4 de setembro no coração de Paris, na França, o tema central foi a saúde cardiovascular global. Como sempre, participaram mais de 30.000 profissionais e convidados de destaque. Atualizações de vários guias de prática clínica e importantes artigos científicos foram apresentados que, sem dúvida, impactarão o tratamento de pacientes com patologia cardiovascular. Abaixo, faremos um breve resumo de alguns trials apresentados: - A trial to evaluate the effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: DAPA-HF - Complete revascularization with multivessel PCI for myocardial infarction: the COMPLETE Trial - Angiotensin-neprylysin inhibition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the PARAGON-HF - Antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation with stable coronary disease: the AFIRE Investigators - Ticagrelor or prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes: the ISAR-REACT 5 Trial

Protocolo de atendimento odontológico a pacientes usuários de terapia antitrombótica / Dental care protocol for patients using antithrombotic therapy

Muitos pacientes que necessitam de intervenção odontológica, atualmente, são usuários de terapia medicamentosa antitrombótica. Essa condição se mostra prevalente, considerando que problemas cardiovasculares afetam grande parte da população. Objetivo: construir um protocolo clínico para o Serviço de Odontologia e Estomatologia do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, a partir de evidências científicas. Revisão de literatura: foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados eletrônicas Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Public MedLine (PubMed), nos idiomas português e inglês, do período entre 2013 e 2017. Após obtenção dos periódicos, foram selecionados os que se tratavam de estudos clínicos e seguiu-se com tradução, leitura e análise dos artigos. Com base nas evidências científicas, optou-se por construir o protocolo a partir da classe de medicamento utilizada pelos usuários de terapia antitrombótica (antiagregantes plaquetários, anticoagulantes orais e novos anticoagulantes orais) e orientações (pré, intra e pós-operatórias) para cada procedimento odontológico. Considerações finais: o protocolo clínico estabeleceu parâmetros para condutas clínicas e cirúrgicas em atendimento ambulatorial e hospitalar, possibilitando o cuidado integral aos usuários de terapia antitrombótica. Futuros estudos clínicos são necessários para validação e adequação para seu uso em diferentes serviços. (AU)

Several patients who require dental intervention are current users of antithrombotic drug therapy. This condition is prevalent, considering that cardiovascular problems affect a large portion of the population. Objective: this study aimed to construct a clinical protocol for the Service of Dentistry and Stomatology of the Clinics Hospital of Ribeirão Preto from the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, based on scientific evidence. Literature review: a bibliographic review was performed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Public MedLine (PubMed) electronic databases, in the Portuguese and English languages, for the period of 2013 through 2017. After obtaining the journals, the clinical studies were selected, followed by the translation, reading, and analysis of the articles. Based on the scientific evidence, we decided to build the protocol from the class of medication of the users of antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants, and new oral anticoagulants), and guidelines (pre-, intra-, and postoperative) for each dental procedure. Final considerations: the clinical protocol established parameters for clinical and surgical procedures in outpatient and hospital care, allowing comprehensive care to users of antithrombotic therapy. Further clinical studies are required to validate and adequate the use of this therapy in different services. (AU)

Fibrinolíticos en tromboembolismo de pulmón: Nuevas alternativas para una indicación controvertida / Fibrinolytics in lung thromboembolism. New alternatives for a controversial prescription

El uso de fibrinolíticos en el tromboembolismo de pulmón (TEP) es un tema de debate que ha sufrido idas y venidas desde su primera descripción en la década del 60. Esta terapia que puede liberar rápidamente la obstrucción mecánica en la arteria pulmonar, tiene la limitante del alto riesgo hemorrágico. Justamente por la incidencia prohibitiva de sangrado mayor y cerebral, y por la falta de beneficio en la supervivencia, es que solo está indicado el uso de fibrinolíticos sistémicos en el reducido número de pacientes con TEP grave y descompensación hemodinámica. En el TEP de moderado riesgo, aun con sufrimiento del ventículo derecho (VD), no están indicados. En los últimos años ha surgido la alternativa de combinar bajas dosis de fibrinolíticos liberados localmente en la arteria pulmonar mediante un catéter que puede adjuntarse o no a ultrasonidos en el sitio de la trombosis. Esta forma de administrar los trombolíticos permite corregir la hipertensión pulmonar aguda y liberar el trombo prácticamente sin sangrados mayores o del SNC. Los estudios publicados son muy alentadores, pero la evidencia aún es muy escasa, se requiere un laboratorio de hemodinamia disponible en todo momento y no está exento de riesgos, con un costo considerable. Por el momento solo un reducido número de pacientes con TEP moderado y parámetros de mal pronóstico parece tener indicación para esta alternativa.

The use of fibrinolytics in lung thromboembolism (PTE) is a subject under debate since its first description in the 1960s. This therapy, which can rapidly resolve the mechanical obstruction in the pulmonary artery, has the limiting of a high hemorrhagic risk. Precisely because of the prohibitive incidence of major and cerebral bleeding and the lack of benefit in survival, the use of systemic thrombolytics is only indicated in the small number of patients with severe PE and hemodynamic instability. In moderate-risk PE, even with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, they are not indicated. In recent years, an alternative has arisen, by combining low doses of fibrinolytics released locally into the pulmonary artery through a catheter that may, or may not, be attached to ultrasound at the site of thrombosis. This way of administering thrombolytics can correct acute pulmonary hypertension and eliminate the thrombus without major or CNS bleeds. Although the published studies are very encouraging, the evidence is still poor, a laboratory of hemodynamics is required at all times and this procedure is not free of risks, with a considerable cost. At the moment, only a small number of patients with moderate PE and poor prognosis seem to have an indication for this new alternative.

Manejo anestésico en una paciente portadora de estenosis aórtica crítica sometida a cesárea de urgencia. Reporte de un caso clínico / Anesthetic management in a patient with critical aortic stenosis emergency cesarean section. Report of a case

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 42 años, portadora de válvula mecánica mitral y aórtica, que cursando el tercer trimestre de gestación sufre una disfunción crítica de la prótesis aórtica. Es asistida por el servicio de anestesiología del Hospitalde Clínicas, en este contexto para realizar una cesárea de urgencia. Se analiza en este trabajo el manejo anestesiológico de la gestante con una estenosis aórtica severa por trombosis valvular, sometida a una cirugía cesárea de urgencia. Se realiza una revisión que contempla la técnica anestésica a realizar comparando la anestesia regional versus anestesia general; consideraciones en las técnicas de bloqueo central en pacientes en tratamiento con antifibrinolíticos y antiacoagulantes; monitorización a realizar; relevancia del ecocardiograma transtorácico en el perioperatorio, como otro monitor fundamental para evaluar estado hemodinámico de la paciente; elección de drogas anestésicas que nos brindan mayor seguridad en este tipo de pacientes, con la menor repercusión sobre el feto y su evolución post operatoria. Conclusiones: El manejo anestesiológico de gestantes portadoras de estenosis aórtica crítica sometida a cirugía cesárea es un desafío. La creación de un equipo multidisciplinario, la posibilidad de contar con la monitorización adecuada, y el uso de fármacos que permiten mantener la hemodinamia materna con escasa repercusión sobre el feto permitieron llegar a un resultado exitoso en este caso...

Tiempos y utilización de terapia de reperfusión en un sistema de atención en red / Time to and Use of Reperfusion Therapy in a Health Care Network

Introducción Las demoras en el tratamiento de reperfusión durante la fase aguda del infarto de miocardio se asocian con menor eficacia del tratamiento y su reducción exige el reconocimiento de los componentes específicos de los tiempos dentro de cada sistema de atención. Objetivos Analizar el uso de terapia de reperfusión y los componentes de los tiempos en su implementación en una red de hospitales públicos. Material y métodos Estudio observacional, prospectivo, de pacientes ingresados con diagnósticos de síndromes coronarios agudos en la Unidad Coronaria del Hospital El Cruce. Para la descripción de los intervalos de tiempo se incluyeron pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. Resultados Durante el período de estudio se internaron 327 pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. El 63,6% de los pacientes recibieron terapia de reperfusión (65,9% fibrinolíticos, 34,1% angioplastia primaria). El tiempo a la consulta fue de 60 minutos (rango intercuartil: 30 a 180 minutos). El tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 75 minutos (45 a 121 minutos). El intervalo desde el primer electrocardiograma al inflado del balón en los pacientes derivados para angioplastia primaria fue de 240 minutos (154 a 390 minutos) y fue mayor en los pacientes derivados de hospitales no pertenecientes a la red (p < 0,016). Conclusiones El uso de terapia de reperfusión es subóptima y los retrasos dentro del sistema de salud son prolongados. Ambos aspectos se han contemplado en un protocolo de asistencia del infarto en red y este estudio constituye una línea de base para la evaluación de futuros resultados.

Introduction Time delays to reperfusion therapy in the acute phase of myocardial infarction are associated with lower treatment efficacy. Shortening these delays requires recognizing the specific time components in each system of care. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the use of reperfusion therapy and the time components in its implementation in a network of public hospitals. Methods Patients with acute coronary syndromes admitted to the coronary care unit of the Hospital El Cruce were included in this observational, prospective study. Patients with acute myocardial infarction were included for the description of time intervals. Results During the study period, 327 patients with acute myocardial infarction were hospitalized. Reperfusion therapy was administered to 63.6% of patients (65.9% were treated with fibrinolytics and 34.1% underwent primary percutaneous intervention). Time to consultation was 60 minutes (interquartile range: 30 to 180 minutes). Door-to-needle time was 75 minutes (45 to 121 minutes). The time from the first electrocardiogram to balloon inflation in patients transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention was 240 minutes (154 to 390 minutes) and was longer in patients transferred from hospitals outside the network (p < 0.016). Conclusions The use of reperfusion therapy is suboptimal, with prolonged time delays in the health care system. Both aspects have been considered in a network-based myocardial infarction care protocol and this study constitutes a baseline for the evaluation of future results.

Antifibrinolytics in cardiac surgery.

Cardiac surgery exerts a significant strain on the blood bank services and is a model example in which a multi-modal blood-conservation strategy is recommended. Significant bleeding during cardiac surgery, enough to cause re-exploration and/or blood transfusion, increases morbidity and mortality. Hyper-fibrinolysis is one of the important contributors to increased bleeding. This knowledge has led to the use of anti-fibrinolytic agents especially in procedures performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Nothing has been more controversial in recent times than the aprotinin controversy. Since the withdrawal of aprotinin from the world market, the choice of antifibrinolytic agents has been limited to lysine analogues either tranexamic acid (TA) or epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA). While proponents of aprotinin still argue against its non-availability. Health Canada has approved its use, albeit under very strict regulations. Antifibrinolytic agents are not without side effects and act like double-edged swords, the stronger the anti-fibrinolytic activity, the more serious the side effects. Aprotinin is the strongest in reducing blood loss, blood transfusion, and possibly, return to the operating room after cardiac surgery. EACA is the least effective, while TA is somewhere in between. Additionally, aprotinin has been implicated in increased mortality and maximum side effects. TA has been shown to increase seizure activity, whereas, EACA seems to have the least side effects. Apparently, these agents do not differentiate between pathological and physiological fibrinolysis and prevent all forms of fibrinolysis leading to possible thrombotic side effects. It would seem prudent to select the right agent knowing its risk-benefit profile for a given patient, under the given circumstances.

Rutin- potent natural thrombolytic agent.

Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, is a cause not only of heart attacks and strokes, but of deep venous throm-bosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism as well. The number one killer of Americans is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart or to the brain and approximately half of all morbidity and mortality in the United States can be attributed to heart attack or stroke. All the blood clot related conditions are life-threatening, and so there is a need for safe, effective and preventive treatment. A natural substance rutin, also called rutoside, is a citrus flavonoid glycoside found in Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat), the leaves and petioles of Rheum species, and Asparagus. This flavonoid compound has shown effective thrombolytic activity (prevents the formation of blood clots) by blocking the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) found in all cells involved in blood clotting. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established that rutin is safe and, thus provides a safe and inexpensive drug that could reduce recurrent clots and help save thousands of lives.