Semaglutide and heart failure: Updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a major contributor to global health challenges, affecting mortality rates and healthcare expenditure. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) offer promise in HF management, though their precise impact is unclear. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of semaglutide on HF-related outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing the effects of semaglutide therapy on HF-related outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials or observational cohorts studies with a follow-up duration ≥ 6 months were included. The random-effects model was performed. RESULTS: Six randomised clinical trials (n = 28,762 patients) and two observational studies were identified and considered eligible for this systematic review. A total of 14,608 subjects were assigned to the semaglutide group and 14,716 individuals were assigned to control or placebo groups. Overall, this meta-analysis shows that semaglutide use was associated with an decreased risk of HF (OR: 0.74; 95 % CI: 0.58 to 0.94, I2 45 %), compared to placebo or control groups. The analytical evaluation does not suggest publication bias, and the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the result was robust. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of semaglutide is associated with a reduction in clinical events related to HF. As HF is a heterogeneous clinical condition, further studies will be necessary to analyze this association in different subgroups of patients.

Stroke risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with carotid stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a feared complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Patients undergoing TAVR typically have multiple comorbidities, such as carotid artery stenosis (CAS). We conducted the present meta-analysis to determine the risk of stroke and mortality following TAVR in patients with CAS. METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Clinical Trials databases for clinical studies that compared CAS ≥50% and CAS ≥70% versus non-CAS TAVR population. The endpoints included the 30-day incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 30-day all-cause of mortality. RESULTS: We identified seven studies that included 12,418 patients in the CAS group and 102,316 in the control group. CAS ≥50% was not associated with an increased risk of 30-day stroke or TIA after TAVR [risk ratio (RR): 1.38; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.95-2.02; p = 0.09]. However, patients with CAS ≥70% had an increased risk of stroke or TIA (RR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02-2.01; p = 0.04). No difference in 30-day all-cause mortality was observed between CAS ≥50% or CAS ≥70% and control groups (RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.79-1.52; p = 0.59 and RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.85-1.45; p = 0.43, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CAS ≥70% was associated with an increased risk of stroke or TIA following TAVR compared with patients without CAS.

Incidence of endoleak type IA in patients undergoing chimney endovascular aortic repair (ChEVAR) vs. standard endovascular repair.

Objectives: Almost half of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures are performed in hostile anatomy, increasing the risk of procedure related complications such as type IA endoleaks, which may be prevented with the chimney technique in EVAR (ChEVAR). Our aim is to describe the differential characteristics between EVAR in favorable anatomy and ChEVAR in hostile necks. Materials and methods: A cohort of patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) that were treated with EVAR or ChEVAR were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of type IA endoleak. Secondary outcomes were the rate of chimney occlusion, reintervention, migration, rupture, acute limb ischemia, sac growth, and aneurysm-related mortality during the follow-up period. Results: . With a median follow-up of 11.5 months, 79 patients were treated with EVAR and 21 with ChEVAR. The overall age was 76.49 ± 7.32 years old, and 82% were male. The ChEVAR cohort had a higher prevalence of tobacco use than the EVAR cohort (38.1% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.041), and a shorter neck (7.88 mm ± 5.73 vs 36.28 mm ± 13.73, p<0.001). There were no differences in type IA endoleak incidence between the groups (a single endoleak type IA in the EVAR group, p = 0.309). One patient experienced an asymptomatic chimney occlusion in the ChEVAR group, and another patient required a reintervention due to chimney occlusion. Sac regression and reinterventions were not different between groups. There were no migration, rupture, acute limb ischemia, or aneurysm-related mortality events. Conclusions: . In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, ChEVAR in hostile necks had similar event rates to EVAR in favorable necks.

Objetivos: Aproximadamente la mitad de las reparaciones endovasculares de aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) son realizadas en anatomías hostiles, incrementando el riesgo de complicaciones como endoleaks tipo IA. La técnica con chimeneas (ChEVAR) es una alternativa para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones en cuellos hostiles. Nuestro objetivo es comparar ambas técnicas (ChEVAR y reparación endovascular convencional [EVAR]) en nuestra medio. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un trabajo de cohorte retrospectivo en pacientes con AAA tratados con EVAR o ChEVAR. El punto final primario fue la incidencia de endoleak tipo IA. Los puntos finales secundarios fueron la incidencia de oclusión de chimeneas, reintervención, migración, ruptura del saco, isquemia aguda de miembros, crecimiento del saco o mortalidad asociada al aneurisma durante el seguimiento. Resultados: Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 11,5 meses, 79 pacientes fueron tratados con EVAR y 21 con chEVAR. La edad promedio fue de 76,49 ± 7,32 años y 82% fueron de sexo masculino. Los pacientes con chEVAR tuvieron mayor prevalencia de consumo tabáquico que los pacientes con EVAR (38,1% vs. 17,7%, p=0,041) y un cuello más corto (7,88 mm ± 5,73 vs. 36,28 mm ± 13,73, p<0,001). No hubo diferencia de endoleak tipo IA entre los grupos. Dos pacientes presentaron la oclusión total de la chimenea, uno de los cuales requirió reintervención. No hubo diferencias en la regresión del tamaño del saco, así como tampoco hubo eventos de migración, ruptura, isquemia del miembro o mortalidad asociada al aneurisma. Conclusiones: En pacientes con AAA, la técnica ChEVAR en cuellos hostiles tuvo eventos similares que EVAR en cuellos favorables.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolic disease between outpatient and inpatient management.

Objectives: To compare the occurrence of death, bleeding, and recurrence according to inpatient or outpatient management of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). Materials and methods: . Retrospective cohort that included a consecutive sampling of VTE consultations between 2016 and 2019 diagnosed in the Emergency Center of a private hospital in Argentina. Results: There were 1202 cases, 908 with isolated deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 205 with isolated pulmonary embolism (PE), and 89 cases of combined DVT - PE. 66% were women, with a median age of 77 years; 72% of cases were managed on an outpatient basis (n= 862). Comorbidities associated with hospitalization were obesity (p=0.03), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.01), heart failure (CHF) (p=0.01), chronic renal failure (CKD) (p=0.01), and cancer (p=0.01). At 90 days, the cumulative incidence of bleeding was 2.6% in inpatient compared to 2.9% in outpatient management (p=0.81); recurrence was 0% versus 0.9% (p=0.07), and mortality was 42.9% versus 18.9%, respectively (p=0.01). The HR for 90-day mortality in hospitalized patients adjusted for confounders (sex, age, type of VTE, obesity, CKD, CHF, COPD, and cancer) was 1.99 (95% CI 1.49-2.64; p=0.01). Conclusions: In this elderly, and predominantly female Argentine population, the 90-day mortality in patients hospitalized for VTE was higher than mortality in patients with outpatient management, without differences in recurrence or major bleeding.

[Gender perspective in the care experience and in the results of patients who consult for chest pain in an emergency department]. / Perspectiva de género en la experiencia asistencial y en los resultados de pacientes que consultan por dolor torácico en un servicio de urgencias.

Objective: Clinical practice guidelines suggest performing an electrocardiogram (EKG) in patients with chest pain within the first 10 minutes in the emergency department, warning about subdiagnosis in women. Possible differences based on sex were analyzed. Method: An observational and retrospective study in an Emergency Department, with adult patients admitted to the Chest Pain Unit in 2021. Results: There were 1,469 patients, of whom 774 were men (52.7%). The men were younger (60 vs. 65 years), were less overweight (17.18 vs. 22.16%), and had more previous admissions to the Coronary Unit (12 vs. 7%), compared to women. No gender differences were observed in EKG performance (91 vs. 90%), EKG time (median 4.1 vs. 4.5 minutes), or delay in care attention (median 25 vs. 26 minutes). In terms of healthcare resources, men underwent more biomarkers: troponins (63 vs. 55%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.35; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.10-1.67) and creatine phosphokinase (24.8 vs. 19.1%), received more aspirin (6.7 vs. 3.1%), nitrates/nitrites (6 vs. 3%), and hospitalization (17.18 vs. 10.50%; OR: 1.76; 95%CI; 1.30-2.40). Of 206 hospitalized, 112 had a final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (54%), more men than women (81 vs. 31). There were no significant differences in revascularization time, medication schedule at discharge, hospital stay, or mortality. Conclusions: Gender did not affect precordial pain care, diagnosis, and treatment times, highlighting the quality of hospital care.

Objetivo: Las guías de práctica clínica sugieren realizar electrocardiograma (ECG) en pacientes con dolor precordial dentro de los primeros 10 minutos en urgencias, advirtiendo sobre el subdiagnóstico en mujeres. Se analizaron las posibles diferencias en función del sexo. Método. Método: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo en una central de emergencias de adultos, con pacientes ingresados a la unidad de dolor torácico durante 2021. Resultados: Hubo 1,469 pacientes, de los cuales 774 eran hombres (52.7%). Los hombres eran más jóvenes (60 vs. 65 años), tenían menos sobrepeso (17.18 vs. 22.16%) y más ingresos previos en unidad coronaria (12 vs. 7%). No se observaron diferencias de género en la realización de ECG (91 vs. 90%), tiempo para el ECG (mediana 4.1 vs. 4.5 minutos) o tiempo de demora en atención (mediana 25 vs. 26 minutos). En términos de recursos sanitarios, los hombres se sometieron más a biomarcadores: troponinas (63 vs. 55%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.35; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.10-1.67) y creatina fosfocinasa (24.8 vs. 19.1%), recibieron más aspirina (6.7 vs. 3.1%), nitratos/nitritos (6 vs. 3%), y hospitalización (17.18 vs. 10.50%; OR: 1.76; IC95%: 1.30-2.40). De 206 internados, 112 tuvieron diagnóstico final de síndrome coronario agudo (54%), más hombres que mujeres (81 vs. 31). No hubo diferencias significativas en tiempos de revascularización, esquema de medicación al alta, tiempo de estadía ni en mortalidad hospitalaria. Conclusiones: El género no afectó a los tiempos de atención, diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor precordial, destacando la calidad de atención hospitalaria.

Prognostic relevance of female gender on mortality after peripheral artery disease revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD) presents high morbidity and mortality. Women represent a small subgroup in different studies, with scarce evidence regarding the prognosis of this gender on PAD. The aim of the present work was to determine the prognostic impact of female gender on lower limb PAD revascularization. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study, including patients undergoing symptomatic lower limb PAD revascularization. RESULTS: Among a total of 309 patients included in the study, 109 belonged to the female gender (35%). Women were older and presented lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared with the male gender. All-cause mortality (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) and rehospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (18% vs. 10%, p = 0.04) rates were significantly higher in women. In a multivariate regression model, female gender was independently associated with all-cause mortality (OR 2.19 [95% CI: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). The timeto-event showed that women exhibited 93% more risk of suffering death than men, after adjusting for clinically relevant variables (HR 1.93 [95% CI: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: Women with symptomatic PAD revascularization presented worse prognosis than men in terms of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia rates. Therefore, it is essential to achieve an adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to optimize medical treatment in female patients.

Introducción: La enfermedad arterial de miembros inferiores (EAMI) presenta elevada morbimortalidad. Las mujeres constituyen un subgrupo minoritario en distintos estudios, con escasa evidencia acerca del pronóstico por género en EAMI. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto pronóstico del género femenino en la revascularización de EAMI. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo y unicéntrico, que incluyó pacientes con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 309 pacientes, de los cuales 109 (35%) eran mujeres. Las mujeres fueron más añosas y presentaron menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en comparación a los hombres. Las tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica (18% vs. 10%, p 0.04) fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres. En el modelo de regresión multivariado, el sexo femenino se asoció de forma independiente con mortalidad por todas las causas (OR 2.19 [IC 95%: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). En el análisis de tiempo al evento, las mujeres tuvieron 93% más riesgo de morir que los hombres, luego de ajustar por variables clínicamente relevantes (HR 1.93 [IC 95%: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discusión: Las mujeres con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada presentaron un peor pronóstico en comparación a los hombres en términos de tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores. Por lo tanto, es fundamental lograr un adecuado control de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como así también, optimizar el tratamiento médico en el género femenino.

Prognostic relevance of female gender on mortality after peripheral artery disease revascularization / Relevancia pronóstica del género femenino en la mor talidad luego de la revascularización de la enfermedad arterial periférica

Abstract Introduction : Lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD) presents high morbidity and mortality. Women represent a small subgroup in different studies, with scarce evidence regarding the prognosis of this gender on PAD. The aim of the present work was to determine the prognostic impact of female gender on lower limb PAD revascularization. Methods : This was a retrospective, single-center study, including patients undergoing symptomatic lower limb PAD revascularization. Results : Among a total of 309 patients included in the study, 109 belonged to the female gender (35%). Women were older and presented lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared with the male gender. All-cause mortality (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (18% vs. 10%, p = 0.04) rates were significantly higher in women. In a multivariate regression model, female gender was independently associated with all-cause mortality (OR 2.19 [95% CI: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). The time-to-event showed that women exhibited 93% more risk of suffering death than men, after adjusting for clinically relevant variables (HR 1.93 [95% CI: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discussion : Women with symptomatic PAD revascu larization presented worse prognosis than men in terms of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia rates. Therefore, it is essen tial to achieve an adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to optimize medical treatment in female patients.

Resumen Introducción : La enfermedad arterial de miembros inferiores (EAMI) presenta elevada morbimortalidad. Las mujeres constituyen un subgrupo minoritario en distin tos estudios, con escasa evidencia acerca del pronóstico por género en EAMI. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto pronóstico del género femenino en la revascu larización de EAMI. Métodos : Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo y unicén trico, que incluyó pacientes con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada. Resultados : Se incluyeron 309 pacientes, de los cuales 109 (35%) eran mujeres. Las mujeres fueron más añosas y presentaron menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en comparación a los hombres. Las tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica (18% vs. 10%, p 0.04) fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres. En el modelo de regresión multivariado, el sexo femenino se asoció de forma independiente con mortalidad por todas las causas (OR 2.19 [IC 95%: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). En el análisis de tiempo al evento, las mujeres tuvieron 93% más riesgo de morir que los hombres, luego de ajustar por variables clínicamente relevantes (HR 1.93 [IC 95%: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discusión : Las mujeres con EAMI sintomática y re vascularizada presentaron un peor pronóstico en com paración a los hombres en términos de tasas de mor talidad por todas las causas y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores. Por lo tanto, es fundamental lograr un adecuado control de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como así también, optimizar el tratamiento médico en el género femenino.

Procedural and long-term outcomes of elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians / Resultados perioperatorios y a largo plazo de la reparación electiva endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal en octogenarios

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the immediate and long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between patients under and over the age of 80 with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: From 2011 to 2017, we conducted a retrospective cohort study with AAA patients who received elective EVAR. Primary outcomes included hospital mortality, length of stay, acute kidney injury, and the need for re-interventions. Secondary outcomes included aneurysm-related mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, acute limb ischemia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 77 (62.6%) patients under the age of 80 years old and 46 (37.4%) octogenarians were included in the study. The male gender and AAA diameter did not differ among groups (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 and 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectively). The younger patients had a higher prevalence of tobacco use (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). There were no deaths during the index hospitalization. The incidence of reinterventions (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) and acute kidney injury (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) did not differ between groups, but the length of stay was longer for octogenarian patients (3 days [2-4] vs. 2 days [2-3, p = 0.04]). Endoleaks were the most common cause for re-interventions (81.8%), with a prevalence of 34% across the entire cohort. There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes between groups. Conclusion: In octogenarian patients with AAA, EVAR represents a safe procedure both during the index hospitalization and during long-term follow-up.

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar los resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo de la reparación endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (REVA) entre pacientes menores de 80 años y octogenarios. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó pacientes con aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) sometidos a REVA electiva desde 2011 hasta 2017. Se evaluaron como punto finales primarios la mortalidad hospitalaria, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, la incidencia de insuficiencia renal aguda y el requerimiento de reintervenciones. Los puntos finales secundarios incluyeron la mortalidad asociada al aneurisma, infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, isquemia arterial aguda de las extremidades y ventilación mecánica prolongada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 77 (62.6%) pacientes menores de 80 años y 46 (37.4%) octogenarios. La prevalencia de sexo masculino y el diámetro del AAA no difirieron entre ambos grupos (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 y 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectivamente). Los pacientes más jóvenes presentaron una mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). No se registraron muertes durante la hospitalización índice. La incidencia de reintervenciones (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) e insuficiencia renal aguda (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) no difirieron entre ambos grupos, pero la estadía hospitalaria fue más prolongada en pacientes octogenarios (3 días [2-4 días] vs. 2 días [2-3 días], p = 0.04). La causa más frecuente de reintervenciones fue la presencia de endofugas (81.8%), con una prevalencia del 34% en toda la cohorte. No se observaron diferencias en ninguno de los puntos finales secundarios entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: En pacientes octogenarios con AAA, la REVA presentó un buen perfil de seguridad perioperatorio y a largo plazo.

[Clinical characteristics and care times in a chest pain unit of the emergency department of an argentine center]. / Características clínicas y tiempos de atención en una unidad de dolor torácico del servicio de emergencias de un centro argentino.

Objectives: . To report the frequency of precordial pain, describe clinical characteristics, and care times. Methods: . Retrospective descriptive study that included consultations in the Chest Pain Unit in 2021 in the emergency department of a private hospital in Argentina. Results: There were 1469 admissions for chest pain, yielding a frequency of 1.09% (95%CI 1.04-1.15). They were 52% men, mean age 62 years (SD ±15); 48% had hypertension and 32% dyslipidemia. The median time to initial ECG was 4.3 min (ICR 2.5-7.5); and 26 min (ICR 14-46) to medical evaluation. A total of 206 (14%) were hospitalized with a median of 3 days, 76% were admitted to a closed unit, 9% required non-invasive ventilation/mechanical ventilaction and in-hospital mortality was 2.9%. Those hospitalized presented shorter delay time to medical attention (p<0.01), and greater performance of complementary studies (p<0.01), with no differences in time to ECG (p=0.22). Conclusions: Care times were within the stipulated standards, being an important indicator of quality. Nursing was crucial, taking care of the correct triage, ECG on admission, and guaranteeing care until medical evaluation.

Clinical impact of the infrapatellar location in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients / Impacto clínico de la localización infrapatelar en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica sintomática

Abstract Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) frequently affects multiple segments of the limbs. Contradictory data have reported worse prognosis in aortoiliac lesions, nevertheless, diabetes and chronic limb ischemia frequently affects the infrapatellar territory. Our aim was to assess the impact of infrapatellar disease in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at a university hospital in Argentina. Electronic health records were retrospectively reviewed including symptomatic PAD patients requiring revascularization. A multivariable regression model was performed to account for confounders. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalizations due to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and major amputation events between infrapatellar and suprapatellar patients. Minor amputation events, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were secondary endpoints. Results: From January 2014 through July 2020, a total of 309 patients were included in the analysis. 151 patients had suprapatellar disease, and 158 had infrapatellar disease. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35 patients (22.2%) in the infrapatellar patients and 18 patients (11.9%) in the suprapatellar patients (HR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Both components of the primary outcomes occurred more frequently in infrapatellar patients. Minor amputation events were more prevalent in infrapatellar patients (HR = 5.09; 95% CI = [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010). Death, MI, stroke, and MACE events were not different among groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrapatellar disease was an independent factor for increased hospitalization of CLTI, major and minor amputations events, compared to suprapatellar disease in symptomatic revascularized PAD patients.

Resumen Objetivo: La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP) afecta generalmente múltiples segmentos de los miembros. Existe información contradictoria con respecto al pronóstico de pacientes con enfermedad aortoilíaca, sin embargo, la diabetes y la enfermedad critica de miembros inferiores habitualmente afecta el territorio infrapatelar. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el impacto de la afectación infrapatelar en eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional en un hospital universitario de Argentina. Se revisó la historia clínica electrónica de pacientes con EVP con requerimiento de revascularización. Se generó un modelo de regresión multivariado incluyendo variables clínicamente relevantes. El punto final primario fue un combinado de hospitalización por isquemia crítica y amputaciones mayores entre pacientes con afectación infrapatelar y suprapatelar. Amputaciones menores, muerte por todas las causas, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y un combinado de eventos cardiovasculares (MACE) fueron los puntos secundarios. Resultados: Se reclutó un total de 309 pacientes desde enero de 2014 hasta julio de 2020. 151 pacientes presentaron enfermedad suprapatelar y 158 infrapatelar. El punto final primario ocurrió en 35 pacientes (22.2%) en el grupo infrapatelar y en 18 pacientes (11.9%) en suprapatelares (HR 2.16; intervalo de confianza 95% [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Ambos componentes ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar. Los eventos de amputación menor fueron mas prevalentes en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar (HR 5.09; IC95% [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010) La mortalidad por todas las causas, IAM, ACV y MACE no fueron diferentes entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La enfermedad infrapatelar fue un factor independiente para mayor riesgo de hospitalización por isquemia critica, amputación mayor y menor comparado con pacientes con afectación suprapatelar en EVP sintomática revascularizada.

[Procedural and long-term outcomes of elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians]. / Resultados perioperatorios y a largo plazo de la reparación electiva endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal en octogenarios.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the immediate and long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between patients under and over the age of 80 with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: From 2011 to 2017, we conducted a retrospective cohort study with AAA patients who received elective EVAR. Primary outcomes included hospital mortality, length of stay, acute kidney injury, and the need for re-interventions. Secondary outcomes included aneurysm-related mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, acute limb ischemia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 77 (62.6%) patients under the age of 80 years old and 46 (37.4%) octogenarians were included in the study. The male gender and AAA diameter did not differ among groups (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 and 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectively). The younger patients had a higher prevalence of tobacco use (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). There were no deaths during the index hospitalization. The incidence of reinterventions (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) and acute kidney injury (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) did not differ between groups, but the length of stay was longer for octogenarian patients (3 days [2-4] vs. 2 days [2-3, p = 0.04)]. Endoleaks were the most common cause for re-interventions (81.8%), with a prevalence of 34% across the entire cohort. There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes between groups. Conclusion: In octogenarian patients with AAA, EVAR represents a safe procedure both during the index hospitalization and during long-term follow-up.

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo de la reparación endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (REVA) entre pacientes menores de 80 años y octogenarios. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó pacientes con aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) sometidos a REVA electiva desde 2011 hasta 2017. Se evaluaron como punto finales primarios la mortalidad hospitalaria, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, la incidencia de insuficiencia renal aguda y el requerimiento de reintervenciones. Los puntos finales secundarios incluyeron la mortalidad asociada al aneurisma, infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, isquemia arterial aguda de las extremidades y ventilación mecánica prolongada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 77 (62.6%) pacientes menores de 80 años y 46 (37.4%) octogenarios. La prevalencia de sexo masculino y el diámetro del AAA no difirieron entre ambos grupos (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 y 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectivamente). Los pacientes más jóvenes presentaron una mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). No se registraron muertes durante la hospitalización índice. La incidencia de reintervenciones (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) e insuficiencia renal aguda (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) no difirieron entre ambos grupos, pero la estadía hospitalaria fue más prolongada en pacientes octogenarios (3 días [2-4 días] vs. 2 días [2-3 días], p = 0.04). La causa más frecuente de reintervenciones fue la presencia de endofugas (81.8%), con una prevalencia del 34% en toda la cohorte. No se observaron diferencias en ninguno de los puntos finales secundarios entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: En pacientes octogenarios con AAA, la REVA presentó un buen perfil de seguridad perioperatorio y a largo plazo.

La prueba cardiopulmonar de ejercicio contribuye a determinar con precisión el riesgo en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar de bajo riesgo / Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Contributes to Accurate Risk Assessment in Patients with Low-risk Pulmonary Hypertension

RESUMEN Introducción : Las guías europeas de hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) estratifican el riesgo valiéndose de características clínicas y estudios complementarios entre los cuales está la prueba cardiopulmonar de ejercicio (PCPE), de la cual toma en cuenta 3 parámetros: el consumo de O2 (VO2) pico, su porcentaje respecto del predicho y la pendiente ventilación minuto/ producción de dióxido de carbono (VE/VCO2). Sin embargo, ninguno de los modelos que validaron esta forma de estratificar el riesgo incluyeron la PCPE entre sus variables. Objetivos : Determinar qué proporción de pacientes con HAP del grupo I considerados de bajo riesgo y que caminan >440 metros en la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (PC6M) tienen en la PCPE parámetros considerados de riesgo moderado o alto. Material y métodos : Se incluyeron pacientes >18 años con diagnóstico de HAP del grupo I considerados de bajo riesgo con una PC6M >400 metros a los que se les realizó una PCPE en la que se registró el VO2 pico, su porcentaje respecto del VO2 predicho y la pendiente VE/VCO2. Se determinó qué proporción de pacientes presentaban estos parámetros en un estrato de riesgo mayor a bajo riesgo (VO2 pico <15 ml/kg/min, su porcentaje respecto del predicho <65% y la pendiente VE/VCO2 >36). Resultados : Se incluyeron 18 pacientes. A pesar de ser pacientes de bajo riesgo y con buena clase funcional todos presentaron un VO2 pico menor al 85% del predicho, lo cual determina un deterioro al menos leve de la capacidad funcional. Un único paciente (6%) presentó los tres parámetros evaluados en bajo riesgo, 8 pacientes (44%) tuvieron al menos un parámetro alterado, 7 pacientes (39%) presentaron 2 parámetros alterados y en 2 pacientes (11%) todos los parámetros estuvieron alterados. Los parámetros que más frecuentemente se vieron alterados fueron el porcentaje respecto del VO2 predicho y la pendiente VE/VCO2, en el 67% de los casos. Solo 4 pacientes presentaron un VO2 pico <15 ml/k/m. Ningún paciente presentó valores de VO2 pico o porcentaje respecto del predicho en la categoría de alto riesgo. Sin embargo, 6 pacientes (33%) presentaron una pendiente VE/VCO2 considerada de alto riesgo. Conclusión : El 94% de los pacientes considerados de bajo riesgo presentaron al menos una variable en la PCPE que no corresponde a un perfil de riesgo bajo. La pendiente VE/VCO2 y el porcentaje de VO2 pico respecto del predicho fueron las variables más frecuentemente alteradas. La pendiente VE/VCO2 fue la única que mostró valores considerados de alto riesgo. La PCPE podría tener un lugar en la estratificación de precisión de pacientes de bajo riesgo. El valor de este hallazgo deberá ser evaluado en estudios prospectivos, al tiempo que genera las bases para el planteo de hipótesis respecto de la estratificación de riesgo y la intensidad del tratamiento en pacientes que aparentan estar en bajo riesgo.

ABSTRACT Background : European guidelines for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) stratify the risk using clinical characteristics and complementary studies, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). This takes into account 3 parameters: peak O2 consumption (peak VO2), its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2, and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope. However, none of the models that validated this way of stratifying risk included PCPE among their variables. Objectives : To determine what proportion of patients with group I PAH considered to be at low risk and who walk >440 meters in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) have parameters considered to be of moderate or high risk in the PCPE. Methods : Patients >18 years of age, diagnosed with group I PAH at low risk of events, who walked >440 meters in the 6MWT and had NT-proBNP value <300 pg/dL were included. A CPET was performed in which the peak VO2, its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2, and the VE/VCO2 slope were recorded. It was determined what proportion of patients presented these parameters in a higher than low risk stratum (peak VO2 consumption ≤15 ml/min/Kg, its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2 ≤65% and the VE/VCO2 slope ≥36). Results : Eighteen patients were included. Despite being low-risk patients with a good functional class, all patients presented a peak VO2 less than 85% of predicted, which determines a deterioration of functional capacity. A single patient (6%) presented the three parameters evaluated at low risk, 8 patients (44%) had at least one altered parameter, 7 patients (39%) presented 2 altered parameters and in 2 patients (11%) all parameters were altered. The parameters that were most frequently altered were the percentage of predicted peak VO2 and the VE/VCO2 slope in 67% of the cases. Only 4 patients presented a peak VO2 <15 ml/kg/m. No patient presented peak VO2 values or percentage of predicted VO2 in the high-risk category. However, 6 patients (33%) presented a high-risk VE/VCO2 slope. Conclusion : Majority (92%) of the patients considered low risk and who walk more than 440 meters in 6 minutes presented at least one altered variable in the CPET. The VE/VCO2 slope and the percentage of predicted peak VO2 consumption were the most frequently altered variables. The VE/VCO2 slope was the only one that showed values considered high risk. CPET could have a place in the precision stratification of low-risk patients. The value of this finding should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Clinical impact of the infrapatellar location in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) frequently affects multiple segments of the limbs. Contradictory data have reported worse prognosis in aortoiliac lesions, nevertheless, diabetes and chronic limb ischemia frequently affects the infrapatellar territory. Our aim was to assess the impact of infrapatellar disease in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at a university hospital in Argentina. Electronic health records were retrospectively reviewed including symptomatic PAD patients requiring revascularization. A multivariable regression model was performed to account for confounders. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalizations due to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and major amputation events between infrapatellar and suprapatellar patients. Minor amputation events, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were secondary endpoints. Results: From January 2014 through July 2020, a total of 309 patients were included in the analysis. 151 patients had suprapatellar disease, and 158 had infrapatellar disease. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35 patients (22.2%) in the infrapatellar patients and 18 patients (11.9%) in the suprapatellar patients (HR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]= [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Both components of the primary outcomes occurred more frequently in infrapatellar patients.Minor amputation events were more prevalent in infrapatellar patients (HR = 5.09; 95% CI = [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010). Death,MI, stroke, and MACE events were not different among groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrapatellar disease was anindependent factor for increased hospitalization of CLTI, major and minor amputations events, compared to suprapatellardisease in symptomatic revascularized PAD patients.

Objetivo: La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP) afecta generalmente múltiples segmentos de los miembros. Existe información contradictoria con respecto al pronóstico de pacientes con enfermedad aortoilíaca, sin embargo, la diabetes y la enfermedad critica de miembros inferiores habitualmente afecta el territorio infrapatelar. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el impacto de la afectación infrapatelar en eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional en un hospital universitario de Argentina. Se revisó la historia clínica electrónica de pacientes con EVP con requerimiento de revascularización. Se generó un modelo de regresión multivariado incluyendo variables clínicamente relevantes. El punto final primario fue un combinado de hospitalización por isquemia crítica y amputaciones mayores entre pacientes con afectación infrapatelar y suprapatelar. Amputaciones menores, muerte por todas las causas, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y un combinado de eventos cardiovasculares (MACE) fueron los puntos secundarios. Resultados: Se reclutó un total de 309 pacientes desde enero de 2014 hasta julio de 2020. 151 pacientes presentaron enfermedad suprapatelar y 158 infrapatelar. El punto final primario ocurrió en 35 pacientes (22.2%) en el grupo infrapatelar y en 18 pacientes (11.9%) en suprapatelares (HR 2.16; intervalo de confianza 95% [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Ambos componentes ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar. Los eventos de amputación menor fueron mas prevalentes en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar (HR 5.09; IC95% [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010) La mortalidad por todas las causas, IAM, ACV y MACE no fueron diferentes entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La enfermedad infrapatelar fue un factor independiente para mayor riesgo de hospitalización por isquemia critica, amputación mayor y menor comparado con pacientes con afectación suprapatelar en EVP sintomática revascularizada.

Population attitude and access to the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic / Actitud de la población y acceso al sistema de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic elicited important changes in community habits and behaviors, including a distancing of people from the healthcare system. The objective of this work was to understand the causes that gave rise to changes in behavior from an individual perspective in the Argentine Republic. We performed a cross-sectional, web-based survey using an online questionnaire. The survey was distributed via the WhatsApp application for smartphones among subjects across the Argentine territory using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. We received 6176 responses. Almost 70% of respondents manifested fear of visiting a physician. One third of respondents manifested having a desire or need in at least one occasion of visiting a physician but, of these, 48% avoided it. The main reasons for avoiding visits were: 1) a recommenda tion of staying home (40%); 2) lack of access to the physician (35%); and 3) fear of contagion (26%). The most common form of consultation was through unconventional means (e-mail, telephone, or WhatsApp). One of 5 respondents had difficulties to obtain a medication prescription and 5% stopped the use of at least one medica tion. Regarding healthy habits, almost 2/3 of those surveyed stated that they became more sedentary; 11% of hypertensive patients increased their consumption of salt and 15% saw their blood pressure values increase, while 16% of dyslipidemic patients showed increased consumption of fats.

Resumen La pandemia de COVID-19 determinó un importante cambio de los hábitos y comportamientos comu nitarios, entre ellos se observó un distanciamiento de la gente del sistema de salud y el abandono de hábitos saludables. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprender las causas que dieron lugar a dichos cambios de com portamiento desde una perspectiva individual y evaluar el impacto en el control de los factores de riesgo car diovasculares. Realizamos una encuesta utilizando un cuestionario en línea y distribuida mediante la aplicación WhatsApp entre personas de la Argentina utilizando una combinación de muestreo por conveniencia y en "bola de nieve". Recibimos 6176 respuestas, casi el 70% de los encuestados manifestaron temor de realizar una con sulta médica. Un tercio de los encuestados manifestó haber tenido necesidad de ir al médico en al menos una oportunidad desde el inicio de la pandemia, pero de éstos, el 48% evitó la visita. Las principales razones para evitarla: 1) la recomendación de quedarse en casa (40%); 2) dificultad para acceder al sistema de salud (35%); y 3) miedo al contagio (26%). La forma de consulta más común fue a través de medios no convencionales (correo electrónico, teléfono o WhatsApp). Uno de cada 5 encuestados tuvo dificultades para obtener una receta y el 5% dejó de tomar al menos un medicamento. En cuanto a los hábitos saludables, casi 2/3 de los encuestados afirmaron volverse más sedentarios, el 11% de los hipertensos aumentó su consumo de sal y el 15% aumentó sus valores de presión arterial, mientras que el 16% de los dislipidémicos mostró un mayor consumo de grasas.

Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels and risk of peripheral artery disease outcomes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite strong association of elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels with incident coronary and cerebrovascular disease, data for incident peripheral artery disease (PAD) are less robust. The main objective of the present systematic review was to analyze the association between elevated Lp(a) levels and PAD outcomes. METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed to detect randomized clinical trials or observational studies with a cohort design that evaluated the association between Lp(a) levels and PAD outcomes. RESULTS: Fifteen studies including 493,650 subjects were identified and considered eligible for this systematic review. This systematic review showed that the vast majority of the studies reported a significant association between elevated Lp(a) levels and the risk of PAD outcomes. The elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with a higher risk of incident claudication (RR: 1.20), PAD progression (HR: 1.41), restenosis (HR: 6.10), death and hospitalization related to PAD (HR: 1.37), limb amputation (HR: 22.75), and lower limb revascularization (HR: 1.29 and 2.90). In addition, the presence of elevated Lp(a) values were associated with a higher risk of combined PAD outcomes, with HRs in a range between 1.14 and 2.80, despite adjusting for traditional risk factors. Heterogeneity of results can be explained by different patient populations studied and varying Lp(a) cut-off points of Lp(a) analyzed. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that evidence is available to support an independent positive association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of future PAD outcomes. PROSPERO Registration No.: 289253.