Muerte Súbita Post Infarto: ¿Cuándo Implantar un Desfibrilador Automático? Breve revisión a propósito de un caso / Sudden Death After Infarction: when To Implant An Automatic Defibrillator? Brief review about a case

Sudden death is the most serious complication of acute coronary syndromes. The highest percentage occurs at home with a very low survival rate. The highest risk group are patients with ejection fraction under 40% after an acute myocardial infarction. So far the indication of the clinical practice guides are the implantation of ICD as a secondary prevention, and as a primary prevention when the systolic function is severely diminished, however there is an interval of 40 days in which the implant has not managed to demonstrate benefits. In this critical period patients should be managed with beta-blockers. So far, the absolute benefit of using portable cardioverter-defibrillators as a prophylactic bridge to the ICD implant has not been demonstrated. The following revision is based on the most relevant clinical practice guides in the field carried out in relation to a clinical case

Efeitos do Ato de Fumar na Mortalidade de Longo Prazo após Infarto do Miocárdio por Elevação de ST / Effects of Smoking on Very-Long Term Mortality after First ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Resumo Fundamento O paradoxo do fumante tem sido motivo de debate para pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IM) há mais de duas décadas. Embora haja muitas evidências demonstrando que não existe tal paradoxo, publicações defendendo desfechos melhores em fumantes pós-IM ainda são lançadas. Objetivo Explorar o efeito do fumo na mortalidade de longo prazo após infarto do miocárdio por elevação de ST (STEMI). Métodos Este estudo incluiu pacientes com STEMI que foram diagnosticados entre 2004 e 2006 em três centros terciários. Os pacientes foram categorizados de acordo com a exposição ao tabaco (Grupo 1: não-fumantes; Grupo 2: <20 pacotes*anos; Grupo 3: 2-040 pacotes*anos; Grupo 4: >40 pacotes*anos). Um modelo de regressão de Cox foi utilizado para estimar os riscos relativos para mortalidade de longo prazo. O valor de p <0,05 foi considerado como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Trezentos e treze pacientes (201 fumantes e 112 não-fumantes) foram acompanhados por um período médio de 174 meses. Os fumantes eram mais novos (54±9 vs. 62±11, p: <0,001), e a presença de fatores de risco cardiometabólicos foi mais prevalente entre os não-fumantes. Uma análise univariada do impacto do hábito de fumar na mortalidade revelou uma curva de sobrevivência melhor no Grupo 2 do que no Grupo 1. Porém, após ajustes para fatores de confusão, observou-se que os fumantes tinham um risco de morte significativamente maior. O risco relativo tornou-se maior de acordo com a maior exposição (Grupo 2 vs. Grupo 1: RR: 1,141; IC95%: 0,599 a 2.171; Grupo 3 vs. Grupo 1: RR: 2,130; IC95%: 1,236 a 3,670; Grupo 4 vs. Grupo 1: RR: 2,602; IC95%: 1,461 a 4,634). Conclusão O hábito de fumar gradualmente aumenta o risco de mortalidade por todas as causas após STEMI.

Abstract Background The smoking paradox has been a matter of debate for acute myocardial infarction patients for more than two decades. Although there is huge evidence claiming that is no real paradox, publications supporting better outcomes in post-MI smokers are still being released. Objective To explore the effect of smoking on very long-term mortality after ST Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods This study included STEMI patients who were diagnosed between the years of 2004-2006 at three tertiary centers. Patients were categorized according to tobacco exposure (Group 1: non-smokers; Group 2: <20 package*years users, Group 3: 20-40 package*years users, Group 4: >40 package*years users). A Cox regression model was used to estimate the relative risks for very long-term mortality. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results There were 313 patients (201 smokers, 112 non-smokers) who were followed-up for a median period of 174 months. Smokers were younger (54±9 vs. 62±11, p: <0.001), and the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors were more prevalent in non-smokers. A univariate analysis of the impact of the smoking habit on mortality revealed a better survival curve in Group 2 than in Group 1. However, after adjustment for confounders, it was observed that smokers had a significantly increased risk of death. The relative risk became higher with increased exposure (Group 2 vs. Group 1; HR: 1.141; 95% CI: 0.599 to 2.171, Group 3 vs Group 1; HR: 2.130; 95% CI: 1.236 to 3.670, Group 4 vs Group 1; HR: 2.602; 95% CI: 1.461 to 4.634). Conclusion Smoking gradually increases the risk of all-cause mortality after STEMI.

The Correlation between Cardiac Enzymes and Cardiotrophin-1 Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background In the current era, there is always search for better cardiovascular biomarkers to early diagnose the disease. Objectives We aimed to investigate the association between a novel biomarker, cardiothropin-1 (CT-1), and standard markers of myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Turkey. Patients and Methods In this prospective cohort study, patients who were admitted to our institution between July 2012 and July 2013 with the diagnosis of ACS were included. The standard markers of myocardial necrosis and CT-1 were evaluated at the time of admission and after 6 hours. Changes in laboratory parameters were statistically tested and correlated with routinely used markers of myocardial ischemia. The distribution of the data was analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Proportional analysis and changes in laboratory parameters were evaluated with Chi-Square test and Fisher Exact test. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results The study enrolled 24 patients (14 male, 10 female) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 16 patients (9 male, 7 female) with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with elevated cardiac enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Troponin-T (Tn-T). The average age of the patients was 61.45 ± 11.04 years. Increasing CT-1 levels were correlated with the increasing CK (p=0.035 and p=0.018, respectively), CK-MB (p=0.006 and p=0.096, respectively), and Tn-T (p=0.041 and p=0.000, respectively) at first and at the 6th hour measurements. The CT-1 values were found to be more increased in the STEMI group (p=0.0074). Conclusion CT-1 is one of the novel biomarkers for cardiac injury. It is correlated with standard markers of myocardial ischemia and the results suggest that CT-1 can be used as a new biomarker.

Relationship between Discordance of Low-Density Lipoprotein and Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Risk Stratification in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background: Sizeable proportion of patients have discordant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHDL-C). It has been shown that discordance of LDL-C and NHDL-C either underestimates or overestimates coronary risk. Objectıve: We assessed whether this discordance has an impact on GRACE and TIMI risk scores in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 198 consecutive patients with AMI. Fasting serum lipid profiles were recorded, GRACE and TIMI scores were calculated. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to LDL-C and NHDL-C percentiles: Discordant group: LDL-C<NHDL-C (n=38), concordant group: LDL-C=NHDL-C (n=112) and discordant group LDL-C>NHDL-C (n=48). GRACE and TIMI scores, mortality and cardiovascular events (heart failure, non-fatal myocardial infarction and angina) at sixth month were compared between these three groups. Differences between these groups were analyzed with One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis rank test, and with chi-square for percentages. Also, post hoc LSD or Conover-Iman's non-parametric multiple comparison test were used. A p value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: TIMI risk score didn't differ between discordant or concordant groups. Mean GRACE (death) and GRACE (death and MI) scores were higher in group with LDL-C<NHDL-C than with LDL-C=NHDL-C and LDL-C>NHDL-C (p=0.029 and 0.008, respectively). Cardiovascular events and mortality at sixth month were not different among groups (p=0.473 and p=0.176, respectively). Conclusion: GRACE score was higher in discordant group with LDL-C<NHDL-C, but there is no difference regarding TIMI scores between discordant and concordant groups in AMI patients.

Diagnóstico matemático del infarto agudo de miocardio y de la falla cardiaca mediante la entropía proporcional / Mathematical Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Failure Using Proportional Entropy

Introducción: Las teorías físicas y matemáticas han permitido el desarrollo de nuevas metodologías diagnósticas de la dinámica cardiaca. Entre estas se encuentra la evaluación de las proporciones de la entropía proporcional para diferenciar la normalidad de la enfermedad cardiaca, aunque su capacidad diagnóstica debe comprobarse en escenarios clínicos críticos específicos, como en la falla cardiaca y el infarto agudo de miocardio. Objetivo: Describir evaluaciones diagnósticas de la dinámica cardiaca en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio o falla cardiaca aguda. Métodos: En un estudio a doble ciegos con 20 Holter, 5 normales, 8 con falla cardiaca aguda y 7 con infarto agudo de miocardio, se aplicó un método fundamentado en las proporciones de la entropía tomando los valores máximos y mínimos de la frecuencia cardiaca y el número total de latidos por hora, en un mínimo de 18 horas, generando un atractor numérico. Se evaluó cada dinámica con base en la entropía y sus proporciones. Finalmente, se comparó la precisión diagnóstica del método matemático con respecto al diagnóstico clínico convencional. Resultados: Se diferenciaron matemáticamente los casos normales y patológicos mediante la evaluación en 18 horas con el método descrito, encontrando valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 100 por ciento y un coeficiente Kappa de uno, indicando una concordancia diagnóstica perfecta del método matemático con respecto al diagnóstico clínico. Conclusiones: Las proporciones de la entropía permiten establecer diagnósticos objetivos de la dinámica cardiaca, diferenciando matemáticamente dinámicas normales de aquellas que presentan infarto agudo de miocardio y falla cardiaca aguda(CU)

Introduction: Physical and mathematical theories have allowed the development of new diagnostic methodologies of cardiac dynamics, as one based on the evaluation of entropy proportions to differentiate normality from cardiac disease, although its diagnostic capacity must be yet determined in specific critical scenarios as acute heart failure and acute myocardial infarction Objective: To describe diagnostic evaluations of cardiac dynamics in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction or acute heart failure. Methods: A blind study was developed with 20 Holter registries; 5 normal, 8 with acute cardiac failure and 7 with acute myocardial infarction. Then, a method based on the proportions of the entropy of the numerical attractors was applied. The maximum and minimum values of the heart rate and the total number of beats per hour were taken for at least 18 hours, with which numerical attractors were generated, which measure the probability of consecutive heart rate pairs. An evaluation of all dynamics was made based on the entropy and its proportions. Finally, a comparison between the diagnostic precision of the mathematical method with respect to the conventional clinical diagnosis was performed. Results: Normal cases were mathematically differentiated from the pathological ones through the evaluation of Holter registries for 18 hours, achieving values of sensitivity and specificity of 100 percent as well as a Kappa coefficient of 1, indicating a perfect diagnostic concordance between the mathematical method to diagnose the cardiac dynamics with respect to the clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: The proportions of entropy allow to establish objective diagnoses of cardiac dynamics, mathematically differentiating normal dynamics from those with acute myocardial infarction and with acute cardiac failure(AU)

El infarto oculto: las claves para el diagnóstico precoz de infarto posterior / True posterior infarction diagnosis: report of three cases

Acute Coronary Syndrome with ST segment elevation requires rapid reperfusion, which is why the timely identification of these conditions, based on the patient's symptoms and the correct interpretation of the EKG, is essential for therapeutic decisions. We report three patients with True Posterior Infarction and their difficult EKG diagnosis. The classic 12-lead EKG method is often not capable of supporting the diagnosis, so we recommend the use of posterior leads and mirror images observing inverted V1-V2-V3 leads on the classic EKG.

Practical Approach to Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract Acute cardiac injury is associated with higher mortality in patients with the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the exact etiology can be challenging to diagnose in the emergency setting during the pandemic. From a pathophysiological perspective, SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) that leads to systemic inflammation and consequent increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) caused by atheromatous plaque rupture and significant myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 tropism to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system through the ACE2 receptor induces myocarditis that may rapidly progress to left ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability. Myocardial inflammation with pericardial involvement, i.e. , myopericarditis, can progress to cardiac tamponade and obstructive shock. These cardiovascular complications, which are associated with a worse prognosis and higher mortality, can be associated with clinical manifestations, electrocardiographic changes, and troponin values similar to AMI. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute chest pain and dyspnea admitted to the emergency department is a significant challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we provide a review of the literature focusing on a practical approach to acute coronary syndrome patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Vivências de homens idosos acerca do acometimento por infarto agudo do miocárdio / Vivencias de hombres ancianos sobre el acometimiento de infarto agudo de miocardio / Experiences of elderly men regarding acute myocardial infarction

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar as vivências masculinas de idosos em relação ao infarto agudo do miocárdio antes, durante e depois do diagnóstico clínico. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. A pesquisa foi realizada em dois hospitais localizados no município de Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil. Os participantes foram homens idosos com diagnóstico médico confirmado para infarto agudo do miocárdio. Os dados foram coletados utilizando-se a técnica da entrevista, guiada por um roteiro semiestruturado. Todas as falas foram gravadas mediante autorização, transcritas na íntegra e sistematizadas através do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. A interpretação dos dados respaldou-se na literatura científica acerca do infarto agudo do miocárdio e no referencial teórico de gênero, a partir da perspectiva da masculinidade hegemônica. Resultados: O Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo evidenciou que as vivências dos homens idosos em relação ao infarto agudo do miocárdio antes, durante e depois do diagnóstico estiveram impregnadas por marcadores da masculinidade hegemônica, os quais os impediram de reconhecer a gravidade dos sinais e sintomas e a necessidade de buscar pelo cuidado. As falas revelam que todo o processo de adoecimento e terapêutica pós-diagnóstico foi marcado por conflitos emocionais, visto que os idosos tiveram que adotar mudanças no estilo de vida e reconhecer a sua vulnerabilidade. Conclusão: Os achados despontam para a relevância dos profissionais de saúde compreenderem e considerarem os marcadores de gênero durante as ações de prevenção e tratamento das doenças cardiovasculares, tendo em vista que estes influenciam fortemente no cuidado à saúde dos homens idosos.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar las vivencias masculinas de ancianos respecto al infarto agudo de miocardio antes, durante y después del diagnóstico clínico. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo. La investigación fue realizada en dos hospitales ubicados en el municipio de Feira de Santana, estado de Bahia, Brasil. Los participantes fueron hombres ancianos con diagnóstico médico confirmado de infarto agudo de miocardio. Los datos fueron recopilados utilizando la técnica de entrevista, conducida con guion semiestructurado. Todas las conversaciones fueron grabadas con autorización, transcriptas totalmente y sistematizadas a través del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. La interpretación de los datos se respaldó en la literatura científica sobre infarto agudo de miocardio y en el marco referencial teórico de género, a partir de la perspectiva de masculinidad hegemónica. Resultados: El Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo reveló que las vivencias de los hombres ancianos respecto al infarto agudo de miocardio antes, durante y después del diagnóstico estuvieron impregnadas de marcadores de masculinidad hegemónica, los que impiden que puedan reconocer la gravedad de los signos y síntomas y la necesidad de buscar ayuda. Los relatos exponen que todo el proceso de enfermedad y terapia posdiagnóstico fue marcado por conflictos emocionales, dado que los ancianos tuvieron que adoptar cambios en su estilo de vida y reconocer su vulnerabilidad. Conclusión: Los descubrimientos recuerdan la importancia de que los profesionales de la salud comprendan y consideren los marcadores de género durante las acciones de prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares, teniendo en cuenta que estos influyen fuertemente en el cuidado de la salud de los hombres ancianos.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the experiences of elderly men in relation to acute myocardial infarction before, during and after clinical diagnosis. Methods: This is a descriptive and qualitative study. The research was carried out in two hospitals located in the municipality of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. Elderly men with a confirmed medical diagnosis for acute myocardial infarction participated in the study. Data were collected using the interview technique, guided by a semi-structured script. All speeches were recorded with authorization, transcribed in full and systematized through the Discourse of the Collective Subject. The interpretation of the data was supported in the scientific literature about acute myocardial infarction and in the theoretical framework of gender from the perspective of hegemonic masculinity. Results: The Discourse of the Collective Subject showed that the experiences of elderly men in relation to acute myocardial infarction before, during and after diagnosis were impregnated with markers of hegemonic masculinity, which prevented them from recognizing the severity of signs and symptoms and the need to seek care. The statements reveal that the entire process of illness and post-diagnosis therapy was marked by emotional conflicts, since elderly men had to adopt lifestyle changes and recognize their vulnerability. Conclusion: The findings stand out for the relevance of health professionals to understand and consider gender markers during prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, considering that they strongly influence the health care of elderly men.

Infarto simultáneo cardio-cerebral agudo: a propósito de un caso / Acute cardio-cerebral simultaneous infarction: a purpose of a case

OBJETIVO Informar Sobre Un Caso De Infarto Simultáneo Cardio-Cerebral Y Sus Características, Comparado Con Lo Descrito En La Actualidad. CASO CLÍNICO Paciente Femenina De 64 Años, Con Infarto Simultáneo Cardio-Cerebral (Isquemia En Territorio De Arteria Cerebral Media Derecha Y Elevación Del Segmento St En Cara Antero Inferior), Tratada Con Fibrinólisis. RESULTADOS Evoluciona Con Sensorio Fluctuante, Requiriendo Intubación Orotraqueal Y Manejo En Unidad De Terapia Intensiva Por Sangrado Cerebral CONCLUSIONES El infarto simultáneo cardio-cerebral es infrecuente y representa un desafío para el equipo de salud a fin de evitar que el manejo temprano de una condición retrase la otra

OBJETIVE To Report On A Case Of Simultaneous Cardio-Cerebral Infarction And Its Characteristics, Compared With What Is Currently Described. CLINICAL CASE A 64-year-old female patient with simultaneous cardio-cerebral infarction (ischemia in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery and elevation of the st segment in the lower anterior aspect), treated with fibrinolysis. RESULTS It evolves with fluctuating sensory, requiring orotracheal intubation and management in intensive therapy unit due to cerebral bleeding. CONCLUSIONS The Simultaneous Cardio-Cerebral Infarction Is Infrequent And Represents A Challenge For The Health Team In Order To Avoid That The Early Management Of One Condition Delays The Other

Paciente de 30 años con infarto agudo al miocardio e infección por SARS-CoV-2, presentación inhabitual de Covid-19. Caso clínico

Isolated cardiac involvement of COVID-19 is an infrequent presentation, and myocardial infarction is even less common. We report a 30-year-old man presenting with retrosternal pain of insidious onset whose intensity increases suddenly. On admission, the patient had tachycardia and an EKG showed a 1 mm ST-elevation and diffuse PQ segment depression. Troponin was 26.9 ng/ml (normal value [NV] < 0.03), inflammatory parameters were elevated, and SARS-CoV 2 PCR was positive. He was hospitalized with the diagnosis of myopericarditis secondary to SARS-CoV 2. He progressed favorably without pain during the hospital stay and with decreasing troponin values. A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was compatible with an infero-lateral transmural infarction. A coronary angiography showed a distal occlusion of the circumflex artery. Consequently, anticoagulation and double platelet anti-aggregation were started. The patient evolved favorably, with a decreasing troponin curve (last at discharge 0.49 ng/ml) and a control EKG with pathological Q in DIII and AvF, and symmetrically inverted T in DII, DIII, AvF, V4, V5, and V6.

Performance of a Hematological Scoring System in Predicting All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background: The presence of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) and increases in mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral circulation are associated with poorer prognosis in patients with acute coronary disease. Objective: We developed a scoring system for in-hospital surveillance of all-cause mortality using hematological laboratory parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Patients admitted for AMI were recruited in this prospective study. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years, glucocorticoid therapy, cancer or hematological diseases and readmissions. NRBCs, MPV and NLR were measured during hospitalization. The scoring system was developed in three steps: first, the magnitude of the association of clinical and laboratory parameters with in-hospital mortality was measured by odds ratio (OR), second, a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted with all variables significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the outcome, and third, a β-coefficient was estimated by multivariate logistic regression with hematological parameters with a p < 0.05. Results: A total of 466 patients (mean age were 64.2 ± 12.8 years, 61.6% male) were included in this study. A hematological scoring system ranging from 0 to 49, where higher values were associated with higher risk of in-hospital death. The best performance was registered for a cut-off value of 26 with sensitivity of 89.1% and specificity of 67.2%, positive predictive value of 26.8% (95% CI: 0.204 - 0.332) and negative predictive value of 97.9% (95% CI: 0.962 - 0.996). The area under the curve for the scoring system was 0.868 (95% CI: 0.818 - 0.918). Conclusions: Here we propose a hematological scoring system for surveillance tool during hospitalization of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Based on total blood count parameters, the instrument can evaluate inflammation and hypoxemia due to in-hospital complications and, consequently, predict in-hospital mortality.

Trombolisis coronaria sistémica en el infarto agudo del miocardio en pacientes del Hospital General Docente "Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja" / Thrombolysis in myocardial acute Infarction in patients of the General Teaching Hospital "Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja"

RESUMEN Introducción: En el Hospital General Docente "Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja" de Baracoa, provincia Guantánamo, Cuba, hasta la fecha no se ha caracterizado la prescripción de la trombolisis coronaria sistémica en el infarto agudo del miocardio. Objetivo: Caracterizar la prescripción de la trombolisis coronaria sistémica en el infarto agudo del miocardio en el citado hospital durante el trienio 2017-2019. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, del total de pacientes infartados en el periodo antes dicho (n=75). Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, localización topográfica del infarto, tratamiento, evolución clínica, estado al egreso y causas de muerte. Resultados: El 72,0 % de los pacientes fueron hombres, el 37,3 % tenía 50 y 59 años de edad. La letalidad fue del 14,7 %. Fue más común el infarto anterior del ventrículo izquierdo (53,4 %). Se trombolizó el 28,0 %, pues en el 68,5 % la ventana isquémica fue superior a doce horas. La encefalopatía isquémica-hipóxica posparada cardiorrespiratoria secundaria a fibrilación ventricular (54,5 %) fue la causa directa de muerte más frecuente. Conclusiones: Fue insuficiente el porcentaje de pacientes tratados con trombolisis coronaria sistémica, sobre todo, por solicitar atención médica después de 12 horas del inicio de los síntomas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the General Teaching Hospital "Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja" of Baracoa, Guantánamo province, Cuba, the prescription of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) has not been characterized so far. Objective: To charactirize the prescription of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction during the three-year period 2017-2019. Method: Of the total number of patients with heart attacks in the above-mentioned period (n=75) a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out. Variables studied: age, sex, topographic location of the infarction, treatment, clinical evolution, state at discharge and causes of death. Results: 72.0 % of the patients were men, 37.3 % were 50 and 59 years old. The case fatality rate was 14.7%. Left ventricular infarction was the most common (53.4%) dysfunction. 28.0% of the patients received thrombolytic therapy, because in 68.5% of them, the ischemic was longer than twelve hours. Post-cardiorespiratory moderate ischemic-hypoxic encephalopathy with ventricular fibrillation (54.5%) was the most frequent direct cause of death. Conclusions: The patients´ rate treated with systemic coronary thrombolysis was insufficient, mainly due to the fact that they attend medical attention 12 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Clinical Significance of Platelet Volume and Other Platelet Parameters in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stable Coronary Artery Disease / Significado Clínico do Volume Plaquetário e Outros Parâmetros Plaquetários no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio e Doença Arterial Coronariana Estável

Abstract Background: Platelets are important in the initiation of thrombosis, and their morphological and functional changes are closely related with the occurrence and development of coronary artery thrombosis. Platelet parameters might be valuable in distinguishing between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Objective: This study was designed to detect and compare changes in platelet parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and to investigate their roles in these diseases. Methods: Specimen collection: Between January 2011 and December 2013, 2 mL of elbow vein blood was drawn from each of 31 patients primarily diagnosed with AMI, 34 SCAD patients and 50 healthy subjects; and placed in EDTA-K2 anticoagulant tubes. Platelet count (PLT), MPV, plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEU) counts were determined using an STKS automated hematology analyzer (Beckman Courter). Results: Compared with the control group, MPV levels were significantly higher in the AMI and SCAD groups (p < 0.05), while PLT was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that MPV and other related parameters have a certain value in the diagnosis of SCAD and AMI.

Resumo Fundamento: As plaquetas são importantes no início da trombose e suas alterações morfológicas e funcionais estão intimamente relacionadas com a ocorrência e o desenvolvimento de trombose da artéria coronária. Os parâmetros plaquetários podem ser valiosos na distinção entre infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e doença arterial coronariana estável (DACE). Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi detectar e comparar alterações nos parâmetros plaquetários, como o volume plaquetário médio (VPM) em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e doença arterial coronariana estável (DACE) e investigar seu papel nessas doenças. Métodos: Coleta de amostras: Entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2013, foram retirados 2 mL de sangue da veia do antebraço de cada um dos 31 pacientes diagnosticados principalmente com IAM, 34 pacientes com DACE e 50 indivíduos saudáveis; e colocado em tubos com anticoagulante EDTA-K2. As contagens de plaquetas (PQT), VPM, massa total de plaquetas (MTP), Amplitude de Distribuição de Plaquetas (PDW, do inglês platelet distribution width), contagem de glóbulos brancos (WBC, do inglês white blood cells) e neutrófilos (NEU) foram determinadas utilizando-se um analisador de hematologia automatizado STKS (Beckman Courter). Resultados: Comparado com o grupo controle, os níveis de VPM foram significativamente maiores nos grupos IAM e DACE (p < 0,05), enquanto os níveis de PQT foram significativamente menores (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem que o VPM e outros parâmetros associados têm um certo valor no diagnóstico de DACE e IAM.