Latin-American guidelines of recommendations at discharge from an acute coronary syndrome.

The diagnostic criteria, treatments at the time of admission, and drugs used in patients with acute coronary syndrome are well defined in countless guidelines. However, there is uncertainty about the measures to recommend during patient discharge planning. This document brings together the most recent evidence and the standardized and optimal treatment for patients at the time of discharge from hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome, for comprehensive and safe care in the patient's transition between care from the acute event to the outpatient care, with the aim of optimizing the recovery of viable myocardium, guaranteeing the most appropriate secondary prevention, reducing the risk of a new coronary event and mortality, as well as the adequate reintegration of patients into daily life.

Los criterios diagnósticos, los tratamientos en el momento de la admisión y los fármacos utilizados en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo están bien definidos en innumerables guías. Sin embargo, existe incertidumbre acerca de las medidas para recomendar durante la planificación del egreso de los pacientes. Este documento reúne las evidencias más recientes y el tratamiento estandarizado y óptimo para los pacientes al momento del egreso de una hospitalización por un síndrome coronario agudo, para un cuidado integral y seguro en la transición del paciente entre la atención del evento agudo y el cuidado ambulatorio, con el objetivo de optimizar la recuperación de miocardio viable, garantizar la prevención secundaria más adecuada, reducir el riesgo de un nuevo evento coronario y la mortalidad, así como la adecuada reinserción de los pacientes en la vida cotidiana.

Veno-arterial ECMO ventricular assistance as a direct bridge to heart transplant: A single center experience in a low-middle income country.

INTRODUCTION: The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) is not common in adults worldwide. BTT with ECMO is associated with increased early/mid-term mortality compared with other interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where no other type of short-term mechanical circulatory support is available, its use is widespread and increasingly used as rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (HT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of adult patients using VA-ECMO as a direct BTT in an LMIC and compare them with international registries. METHODS: We conducted a single-center study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA-ECMO as BTT due to refractory CS or cardiac arrest (CA) in a cardiovascular center in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2022. Survival and adverse clinical events after VA-ECMO implantation were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 86 VA-ECMO, 22 (25.5%) were implanted as initial BTT strategy, and 52.1% of them underwent HT. Mean age was 46 years (SD 12); 59% were male. ECMO was indicated in 81% for CS, and the most common underlying condition was coronary artery disease (31.8%). Overall, in-hospital mortality for VA-ECMO as BTT was 50%. Survival to discharge was 83% in those who underwent HT and 10% in those who did not, p < .001. In those who did not undergo HT, the main cause of death was hemorrhagic complications (44%), followed by thrombotic complications (33%). The median duration of VA-ECMO was 6 days (IQR 3-16). There were no differences in the number of days on ECMO between those who received a transplant and those who did not. In the Spanish registry, in-hospital survival after HT was 66.7%; the United Network of Organ Sharing registry estimated post-transplant survival at 73.1% ± 4.4%, and in the French national registry 1-year posttransplant survival was 70% in the VA-ECMO group. CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with cardiogenic shock, VA-ECMO as a direct BTT allowed successful HT in half of the patients. HT provided a survival benefit in listed patients on VA-ECMO. We present a single center experience with results comparable to those of international registries.

Evaluation of vital signs through a mobile application in patients with heart failure: a opportunity for remote titration?

BACKGROUND: Virtual consultations have increased exponentially, but a limitation is the inability to assess vital signs (VS). This is particularly useful in patients with heart failure (HF) for titrating prognosis-modifying medication. This issue could potentially be addressed by a tool capable of measuring blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) accurately, remotely, and conveniently. Mobile phones equipped with transdermal optical imaging technology could meet these requirements. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of a transdermal optical imaging-based app for estimating VS compared to clinical assessment in patients with HF. METHODS: A prospective cohort study included patients evaluated in an HF outpatient unit between February and April 2022. BP and HR were simultaneously assessed using the app and clinical examination (BP with an automated sphygmomanometer and HR by brachial palpation). Three measurements were taken by both the app and clinic for each patient, by two independent blinded physicians. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included, with 540 measurements of BP and HR. The mean age was 66 (± 13) years, 53.3% were male. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 37 ± 15, with 63.3% having previous hospitalizations for HF, and 63.4% in NYHA class II-III. The mean difference between the app measurement and its clinical reference measurement was 3.6 ± 0.5 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP), 0.9 ± -0.2 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP), and 0.2 ± 0.4 bpm for HR. When averaging the paired mean differences for each patient, the mean across the 30 patients was 2 ± 6 mmHg for SBP, -0.14 ± 4.6 mmHg for DBP, and 0.23 ± 4 bpm for HR. CONCLUSION: The estimation of BP and HR by an app with transdermal optical imaging technology was comparable to non-invasive measurement in patients with HF and met the precision criteria for BP measurement in this preliminary study. The use of this new transdermal optical imaging technology provides promising data, which should be corroborated in larger cohorts.

ANTECEDENTES: Las consultas virtuales aumentaron exponencialmente, pero presentan como limitación la imposibilidad de valorar los signos vitales (SV), siendo especialmente útiles en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) para titular medicación que modifica pronóstico. Este problema podría potencialmente solucionarse mediante una herramienta que pueda medir la presión arterial (PA) y frecuencia cardiaca (FC) de manera precisa, accesible y remota. Los teléfonos móviles equipados con tecnología de imágenes ópticas transdérmicas podrían cumplir con estos requisitos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la precisión de una app basada en imagen óptica transdérmica para estimar SV en relación con la valoración clínica en pacientes con IC. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, se incluyeron pacientes evaluados en una unidad ambulatoria de IC de febrero a abril del 2022. Se valoró simultáneamente la PA y FC mediante la app y el examen clínico (PA con un esfigmomanómetro automatizado y FC por palpación braquial). Se realizaron tres mediciones por app y clínica en cada paciente, por dos médicos independientes, encontrándose ciegos a los resultados. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes, con 540 mediciones de TA y de FC. Edad media de 66 (± 13) años, el 53.3% de sexo masculino. La fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo media fue de 37 ± 15, con hospitalizaciones previas por IC el 63.3%, en CF II-III el 63.4%. La diferencia media entre la medición de la app y su medición de referencia clínica fue de 3.6 ± 0.5 mmHg para PA sistólica (PAS), 0.9 ± ­0.2 mmHg para PA diastólica (PAD) y 0.2 ± 0.4 lpm para FC. Cuando se promedian las diferencias medias emparejadas para cada paciente, la media entre los 30 pacientes es de 2 ± 6 mmHg para PAS, ­0.14 ± 4.6 mmHg para PAD y 0.23 ± 4 lpm para FC. CONCLUSIÓN: La estimación de PA y FC por una app con tecnología de imagen óptica transdérmica fue comparable a la medición no invasiva en pacientes con IC, y cumple los criterios de precisión de la medición de PA en este estudio preliminar. La utilización de esta nueva tecnología de imagen óptica transdérmica brinda datos prometedores, que deberán ser corroborados en cohortes de mayor tamaño.

What Do We Know About Heart Failure in Latin American Women?

Data about heart failure in Latin America is scarce. Women living in this region of the world are exposed to a mix of traditional risk factors for heart failure, neglected diseases, and social determinants of health. The aim of this review is to present what we know about heart failure in Latin American women and to establish the needs for future research.

Mini entrevistas múltiples para la selección de residentes y fellows en un centro cardiovascular. Experiencia a 5 años / Multiple Mini Interviews for Selection of Residents and Fellows in a Cardiovascular Center. A 5-year Experience

RESUMEN Introducción las mini entrevistas múltiples (MME) son un modelo para evaluar las habilidades no cognitivas en la selección de profesionales ingresantes a instituciones médicas. Objetivo el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la factibilidad, confiabilidad y la aceptabilidad de las MME para la selección de residentes y fellows en un centro cardiovascular en los últimos 5 años. Material y métodos se realizó un estudio observacional, en el cual se incluyeron consecutivamente postulantes a la residencia de Cardiología y a las especialidades de Medicina Nuclear y Ultrasonido en los años 2018, 2019 y 2022. Se desarrollaron diez estaciones para evaluar diferentes dominios no cognitivos. La confiabilidad se evaluó mediante el coeficiente G de generalización. Además, se encuestó a postulantes y entrevistadores para evaluar la aceptabilidad de las MME, y se evaluó la factibilidad en términos de tiempo dedicado al proceso. Resultados un total de 75 postulantes participaron de las MME. A partir del estudio G se obtuvieron coeficientes de confiabilidad de 0,62 y 0,61 acorde al diseño. Fue factible su implementación y el 92% de los postulantes valoró de manera muy positiva a las MME. El 90% de los entrevistadores refirió tener suficiente tiempo para evaluar a los participantes y que el proceso no era excesivamente agotador Conclusiones las MME son un método novedoso en nuestro medio. Demostraron ser confiables y con un elevado nivel de aceptabilidad para la evaluación de habilidades no cognitivas en el proceso de selección de postulantes a residencia de Cardiología y de subespecialidades en un centro cardiovascular.

ABSTRACT Background Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) serve as a model to evaluate non-cognitive skills in the admission process of health care professionals. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, reliability and acceptability of the MMI model for the selection of residents and fellows in a cardiovascular center in the past 5 years. Methods We conducted an observational study including applicants to the cardiology residency program and to the fellowship in Nuclear Medicine and Cardiovascular Ultrasound in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Ten stations were developed to evaluate different non-cognitive domains. Reliability was assessed using G-coefficient. Applicants and interviewers were also surveyed to assess the acceptability of the MMI model and its feasibility in terms of the time required for the process. Results A total of 75 applicants participated in the MMIs. The G study showed reliability coefficients of 0.62 and 0.61 according to the design. Implementation was feasible; 92% of applicants gave positive reviews to the MMI model, and 90% of interviewers reported they had sufficient time to assess the participants and that the process was not an excessively exhausting. Conclusion MMIs are a novel method in our setting, demonstrating reliability and a high level of acceptability for evaluating non-cognitive skills in the selection process of applicants to the cardiology residency program and fellowships in a cardiovascular center.

Comparación de la violencia y agresiones sufridas por el personal de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Argentina y el resto de Latinoamérica / Comparison of violence and aggressions suffered by health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina and the rest of Latin America

RESUMEN Objetivos. Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados. Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). Conclusiones. Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

Efecto de la vacunación contra la influenza en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular: un metaanálisis actualizado de ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados / Effect of Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

RESUMEN Introducción : La influenza es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV). El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática actualizada y metaanálisis fue evaluar los efectos de la vacunación contra la influenza (VI) sobre la mortalidad y morbilidad en pacientes adultos con ECV. Métodos : Se realizó una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis (PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, y búsqueda manual en presentaciones en congresos de la especialidad), de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados hasta abril de 2022 que investigaron si la VI reduce la mortalidad por todas las causas en pacientes adultos con ECV, incluyendo insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) y enfermedad de las arterias coronarias (EAC), en comparación con pacientes que no fueron vacunados. Resultados : Se analizaron un total de seis ensayos clínicos, que incluyeron 9316 pacientes. Cinco ensayos incluyeron pacientes con EAC, y uno con IC. El seguimiento medio fue de 16 ± 9,7 meses. La VI se asoció con una reducción de la mortalidad en comparación con el control, cociente de riesgos (RR) 0,67, intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%) 0,47-0,95; p = 0,03; I2 = 53%; y con una reducción de la mortalidad cardiovascular en comparación con el control, RR 0,64, IC95% 0,44-0,94; p = 0,02; I2 = 54%. El uso de la VI se asoció con una reducción no estadísticamente significativa de infarto de miocardio en comparación con el control, RR 0,82, IC95% 0,60-1,12; p = 0,57; I2 = 0%. Conclusión : En este metaanálisis de seis ensayos controlados aleatorizados, la VI se asoció con una reducción del riesgo relativo del 33% y del 36% de la mortalidad por todas las causas y cardiovascular, respectivamente, en pacientes con ECV. Intentamos promover un consenso con respecto a los beneficios persistentes de la vacuna contra la influenza en pacientes con ECV, incluyendo dos nuevos ensayos clínicos en EAC e IC, donde se confirma la asociación de la vacunación con la reducción de riesgo en sujetos con ECV.

ABSTRACT Background : Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this updated systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of influenza vaccination (IV) on morbidity and morbidity in adult patients with CVD. Methods : We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and manual search of conference presentations) of randomized clinical trials published up to April 2022 analyzing whether IV reduced all-cause mortality in adult patients with CVD, including heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD), compared with patients who were not vaccinated. Results : A total of six clinical trials comprising 9316 patients were analyzed. Five trials included CAD patients, and one trial included HF patients. Mean follow-up was 16 ± 9.7 months. Influenza vaccine was associated with a reduction of mortality compared to controls: relative risk (RR) 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47-0.95), p = 0.03; I2 = 53%, and with reduction of cardiovascular mortality compared to controls: RR 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44-0.94), p = 0.02; I2 = 54%. There was a non-statistically significant reduction in myocardial infarction compared to control: RR 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60-1.12), p = 0.57; I2 = 0%. Conclusion : In this meta-analysis of six randomized controlled clinical trials, IV was associated with a 33% and 36% relative risk reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, in patients with CVD. We sought to promote consensus about the persistent benefits of influenza vaccination in patients with CVD by including two new clinical trials in CAD and HF, confirming the association of vaccination with risk reduction in subjects with CVD.

Telemonitoreo y sistema de alerta en tiempo real en insuficiencia cardiaca: estudio piloto de factibilidad, aceptabilidad y eficacia / Telemonitoring and a real-time alert system in heart failure: a preliminary pilot study of feasibility, acceptability and efficacy

Resumen Introducción: Existe creciente evidencia que el telemonitoreo (TM) de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) parece mejorar su evolución. No se han diseñado y evaluado plataformas de TM en Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad, aceptabilidad, usabilidad y eficacia preliminar de una plataforma de TM de IC. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo piloto apareado abierto, con un modelo de intervención de un solo grupo. Los pacientes con IC fueron incluidos en una consulta ambulatoria en enero de 2021. Se diseñó una pla taforma de TM las 24 h y 7 días de la semana. El punto final primario a 30 días fue la factibilidad, aceptabilidad y usabilidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con una media de edad 62 ± 10 años. Se analizaron 542 cargas de parámetros. La autopercepción relacionada al estado de salud en comparación al inicio fue "levemente" o "marcadamente mejor" en el 60% de los pacientes, y en 75% "de acuerdo" o "totalmente de acuerdo" que el TM mejora el cuidado de la IC. En el 80% la carga diaria de parámetros no interfirió en su vida cotidiana. La media total de adherencia farmacológica previa a la intervención de TM fue de 6.8 ± 1.3 y posterior 7.7 ± 0,4 (p = 0.019), sin encontrar diferencias en las escalas de autocuidado. Conclusión: El TM de pacientes con IC parece ser factible, con un adecuado grado de aceptabilidad. Se observó un aumento significativo en la tasa de total adherencia, plantea una hipótesis de potencial beneficio a evaluar en una muestra mayor.

Abstract Introduction: There is growing evidence that telemonitoring (TM) in heart failure (HF) seems to improve their outcome. TM platforms have not been designed and evaluated in Argentina. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of a HF TM platform. Methods: An open-label, paired pilot trial was conducted with a single-group intervention model. HF patients were included in an outpatient clinic in January 2021. A 24-hour*7-day TM platform was designed. The primary endpoint at 30 days was feasibility, acceptability, and usability. Results: Twenty patients were included, mean age 62 ± 10 years; 542 parameter loads were analyzed. Self-perception related to health status compared to baseline was "slightly" or "markedly better" in 60% of patients, and in 75% "agree" or "totally agree" that TM improves patient care. In 80%, the load ing of parameters did not interfere with their daily activities. The total mean pharmacological adherence prior to the TM intervention was 6.8 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 0.4 afterward (p = 0.019), with no differences found in the self-care scales. Conclusion: The TM of patients with HF seems to be feasible, with an adequate degree of acceptability. A significant increase in the total adherence rate was reduced, raising a hypothesis of potential benefit to be evaluated in a larger sample.

[Telemonitoring and a real-time alert system in heart failure: a preliminary pilot study of feasibility, acceptability and efficacy]. / Telemonitoreo y sistema de alerta en tiempo real en insuficiencia cardiaca: estudio piloto de factibilidad, aceptabilidad y eficacia.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence that telemonitoring (TM) in heart failure (HF) seems to improve their outcome. TM platforms have not been designed and evaluated in Argentina. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of a HF TM platform. METHODS: An open-label, paired pilot trial was conducted with a single-group intervention model. HF patients were included in an outpatient clinic in January 2021. A 24-hour 7-day TM platform was designed. The primary endpoint at 30 days was feasibility, acceptability, and usability. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, mean age 62 ± 10 years; 542 parameter loads were analyzed. Self-perception related to health status compared to baseline was "slightly" or "markedly better" in 60% of patients, and in 75% "agree" or "totally agree" that TM improves patient care. In 80%, the loading of parameters did not interfere with their daily activities. The total mean pharmacological adherence prior to the TM intervention was 6.8 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 0.4 afterward (p = 0.019), with no differences found in the self-care scales. CONCLUSION: The TM of patients with HF seems to be feasible, with an adequate degree of acceptability. A significant increase in the total adherence rate was reduced, raising a hypothesis of potential benefit to be evaluated in a larger sample.

Introducción: Existe creciente evidencia que el telemonitoreo (TM) de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) parece mejorar su evolución. No se han diseñado y evaluado plataformas de TM en Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad, aceptabilidad, usabilidad y eficacia preliminar de una plataforma de TM de IC. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo piloto apareado abierto, con un modelo de intervención de un solo grupo. Los pacientes con IC fueron incluidos en una consulta ambulatoria en enero de 2021. Se diseñó una plataforma de TM las 24 h y 7 días de la semana. El punto final primario a 30 días fue la factibilidad, aceptabilidad y usabilidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con una media de edad 62 ± 10 años. Se analizaron 542 cargas de parámetros. La autopercepción relacionada al estado de salud en comparación al inicio fue "levemente" o "marcadamente mejor" en el 60% de los pacientes, y en 75% "de acuerdo" o "totalmente de acuerdo" que el TM mejora el cuidado de la IC. En el 80% la carga diaria de parámetros no interfirió en su vida cotidiana. La media total de adherencia farmacológica previa a la intervención de TM fue de 6.8 ± 1.3 y posterior 7.7 ± 0,4 (p = 0.019), sin encontrar diferencias en las escalas de autocuidado. Conclusión: El TM de pacientes con IC parece ser factible, con un adecuado grado de aceptabilidad. Se observó un aumento significativo en la tasa de total adherencia, plantea una hipótesis de potencial beneficio a evaluar en una muestra mayor.

Multiparameters associated to successful weaning from VA ECMO in adult patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support and simultaneous extracorporeal gas exchange for acute cardiorespiratory failure, including refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac arrest (CA). Few studies have assessed predictors of successful weaning (SW) from VA ECMO. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify a multiparameter strategy associated with SW from VA ECMO. PubMed and the Cochrane Library and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Studies reporting adult patients with CS or CA treated with VA ECMO published from the year 2000 onwards were included. Primary outcomes were hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiography parameters associated with a VA ECMO SW. A total of 11 studies (n=653) were included in this review. Pooled VA ECMO SW was 45% (95%CI: 39-50%, I2 7%) and in-hospital mortality rate was 46.6% (95%CI: 33-60%; I2 36%). In the SW group, pulse pressure [MD 12.7 (95%CI: 7.3-18) I2 = 0%] and mean blood pressure [MD 20.15 (95%CI: 13.8-26.4 I2 = 0) were higher. They also had lower values of creatinine [MD -0.59 (95%CI: -0.9 to -0.2) I2 = 7%], lactate [MD -3.1 (95%CI: -5.4 to -0.7) I2 = 89%], and creatine kinase [-2779.5 (95%CI: -5387 to -171) I2 = 38%]. And higher left and right ventricular ejection fraction, MD 17.9% (95%CI: -0.2-36.2) I2 = 91%, and MD 15.9% (95%CI 11.9-20) I2 = 0%, respectively. Different hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were associated with successful device removal. This systematic review demonstrated the relationship of multiparametric assessment on VA ECMO SW.

The DIVERSE Study: Determining the Importance of Various gEnders, Races, and Body Shapes for CPR Education Using Manikins.

Certain demographic groups are less likely to receive efficient Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and poor representation of these groups in the manikins used for CPR simulation may play a role. The aim of the DIVERSE Study was to survey organizations that teach CPR to determine the demographic characteristics of the manikins they utilize for simulations. Institutions, businesses, and non-governmental organizations which provide CPR certification in North and Latin America were surveyed through a collaboration with the Emerging Leaders group of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC). A total of 56 survey responses were received from North America (n = 18; 869 total manikins) and Latin America (n = 38; 1514 total manikins). Of the total manikins (n = 2383), 12% were non-white, 6% represented women, <1% represented a non-lean body habitus, and 1% represented pregnant individuals. Despite the importance of diverse manikin representation in simulation training, diverse representation is lacking in manikins used in North and Latin America.

Risk stratification, prognosis, and survival in a pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort in Latin America. A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) guidelines suggest that achieving a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal. Our aim was to assess a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables from the ESC/ERS 2015 guidelines in a Latin American cohort. METHODS: 92 incident patients (mean [SD] age 47, 77% female, 53% idiopathic PAH) were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. Patients were stratified at baseline and at early follow-up, within the first year, using three non-invasive variables (WHO functional class, 6-minute walking distance, BNP/NT-proBNP) from the ESC/ERS 2015 risk assessment instrument. Median (IQR) follow-up was 3.11 years (3.01 years). RESULTS: At baseline assessment, 25% of patients were at low risk, 61.9% at intermediate-risk, and 13% at high-risk. At early follow-up (median 9.5 months), 56.5% of patients were at low-risk, 40.2% at intermediate-risk, and 3.2% at high-risk (p<0.001 vs. baseline). According to risk stratification at early follow-up, one, three and five-year overall survival was 100% in the low-risk group (no deaths at five-year follow-up), and 100%, 84% (95% CI: 72-98%), and 66% (95% CI: 48-90%) respectively in the intermediate-risk group, p = 0.0003. Mortality in the high-risk patients at early follow-up was 1/3 (33.3%). One, three, and five-year event-free survival (death or transplant or first hospitalization due to worsening PAH) based on early follow-up risk assessment was higher in the low-risk group, p = 0.0003. CONCLUSION: Our study validates a risk assessment strategy based on three non-invasive variables and confirms that early achievement of a low-risk profile should be the treatment goal.

[Impact of a multidisciplinary team "ECMO Team" on the prognosis of patients undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest]. / Impacto del equipo multidisciplinario "ECMO Team" en el pronóstico de pacientes sometidos a membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea venoarterial por choque cardiogénico o paro cardiorrespiratorio refractario.

Objectives: Veno-arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is a salvage intervention in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), and cardiac arrest (CA) refractory to standard therapies. The design of ECMO Teams has achieved the standardization of processes, although its impact on survival and prognosis is unknown. Objective: We aimed to analyze whether the creation of an ECMO Team has modified the prognosis of patients undergoing VA ECMO for refractory CS or CA. Materials and methods: . We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients with refractory CS or CA who underwent VA ECMO were divided in two consecutive periods: from 2014 to April 2019 (pre-ECMO T) and from May 2019 to December 2022 (Post ECMO T). The main outcomes were survival on ECMO, in-hospital survival, complications, and annual ECMO volume. Results: Eighty-three patients were included (36 pre-ECMO T and 47 post-ECMO T). The mean age was 53 +/-13 years. The most common reason for device indication was different: postcardiotomy shock (47.2%) pre-ECMO T and refractory cardiogenic shock (29.7%) post-ECMO T. The rate of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 14.5%. The median duration of VA ECMO was longer after ECMO team implementation: 8 days (IQR 5-12.5) vs. five days (IQR 2-9, p=0.04). Global in-hospital survival was 45.8% (38.9% pre-ECMO T vs. 51.1% post-ECMO T; p=0.37), and the survival rate from VA ECMO was 60.2% (55.6% pre-ECMO T vs 63.8% post-ECMO T; p= 0.50). The volume of VA ECMO implantation was significantly higher in the post-ECMO team period (13.2 +/3.5 per year vs. 6.5 +/-3.5 per year, p: 0.02). The rate of complications was similar in both groups. Conclusions: After the implementation of an ECMO team, there was no statistical difference in the survival rate of patients treated with VA ECMO. However, a significant increase in the number of patients supported per year was observed after the implementation of this multidisciplinary team. Post-ECMO T, the most common reason for device indication was cardiogenic shock, with longer run times and a higher rate of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Comparison of violence and aggressions suffered by health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina and the rest of Latin America. / Comparación de la violencia y agresiones sufridas por el personal de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Argentina y el resto de Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound repercussions at different socio-environmental levels. Its impact on violence against healthcare team workers in Argentina has not been well documented. Main findings. The present study evidenced high rates of aggression, particularly verbal aggression. In addition, almost half of the participants reported having suffered these events on a weekly basis. All participants who experienced violence reported having experienced post-event symptoms, and up to one-third reported having considered changing their profession after these acts. Implications. It is imperative to take action to prevent acts of violence against health personnel, or to mitigate its impact on the victims. . To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS.: A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS.: There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

OBJETIVOS.: Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS.: Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES.: Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge. METHODS: CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy ('intervention group') or clinical-guided decongestion therapy ('control group'), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04549701.