Oral anticoagulant treatment in atrial fibrillation: the AFIRMA real-world study using natural language processing and machine learning.

INTRODUCTION: Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is key in atrial fibrillation (AF) thromboprophylaxis, but Spain lacks substantial real-world evidence. We aimed to analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns among patients with AF undertaking OAC, using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included AF patients on OAC from 15 Spanish hospitals (2014-2020). Using EHRead® (including NLP and ML), and SNOMED_CT, we extracted and analyzed patient demographics, comorbidities, and OAC treatment from electronic health records. AF prevalence was estimated, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Among 4,664,224 patients in our cohort, AF prevalence ranged from 1.9% to 2.9%. A total of 57,190 patients on OAC therapy were included, 80.7% receiving Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and 19.3% Direct-acting OAC (DOAC). The median age was 78 and 76 years respectively, with males constituting 53% of the cohort. Comorbidities like hypertension (76.3%), diabetes (48.0%), heart failure (42.2%), and renal disease (18.7%) were common, and more frequent in VKA users. Over 50% had a high CHA2DS2-VASc score. The most frequent treatment switch was from DOAC to acenocoumarol (58.6% to 70.2%). In switches from VKA to DOAC, apixaban was the most chosen (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing NLP and ML to extract RWD, we established the most comprehensive Spanish cohort of AF patients with OAC to date. Analysis revealed a high AF prevalence, patient complexity, and a marked VKA preference over DOAC. Importantly, in VKA to DOAC transitions, apixaban was the favored option.

Telemedicina, ética y derecho en tiempos de COVID-19. Una mirada hacia el futuro / Telemedicine, ethics, and law in times of COVID-19. A look towards the future

La emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 en España fue de tal magnitud que el 14 de marzo de 2020 se declaró un estado de alarma que se mantuvo durante más de tres meses. Esta pandemia está afectando a un número muy elevado de personas. Para reducir su riesgo de contagio, entre las medidas tomadas se han minimizado las visitas a los centros sanitarios y se han incrementado las consultas telemáticas. Una vez se supere la situación de pandemia, cabrá plantearse si la práctica de la telemedicina queda limitada a situaciones de crisis sanitaria o puede convertirse en una nueva forma de practicar la medicina. La telemedicina carece de regulación específica y presenta lagunas que abocan al médico a considerables dosis de inseguridad. El presente artículo analiza los límites, las precauciones y los estándares legales del uso de la telemedicina (AU)

The health emergency in Spain caused by COVID-19 was of such a magnitude that on March 14, 2020, a state of alarm was declared that lasted for more than three months. This ongoing pandemic has affected a vast number of people. Among the measures taken to reduce the risk of contagion, visits to health centers have been reduced and virtual consultations have increased. Once the pandemic ends, it will be necessary to consider whether telemedicine should be limited to periods of health crises or whether it could become a new way of practicing medicine. Telemedicine lacks specific regulations and has loopholes that leave physicians with a considerable degree of insecurity. This article analyzes the limits, precautions, and legal standards of the use of telemedicine (AU)

Telemedicine, ethics, and law in times of COVID-19. A look towards the future.

The health emergency in Spain caused by COVID-19 was of such a magnitude that on March 14, 2020, a state of alarm was declared that lasted for more than three months. This ongoing pandemic has affected a vast number of people. Among the measures taken to reduce the risk of contagion, visits to health centers have been reduced and virtual consultations have increased. Once the pandemic ends, it will be necessary to consider whether telemedicine should be limited to periods of health crises or whether it could become a new way of practicing medicine. Telemedicine lacks specific regulations and has loopholes that leave physicians with a considerable degree of insecurity. This article analyzes the limits, precautions, and legal standards of the use of telemedicine.

[Telemedicine, ethics, and law in times of COVID-19. A look towards the future]. / Telemedicina, ética y derecho en tiempos de COVID-19. Una mirada hacia el futuro.

The health emergency in Spain caused by COVID-19 was of such a magnitude that on March 14, 2020, a state of alarm was declared that lasted for more than three months. This ongoing pandemic has affected a vast number of people. Among the measures taken to reduce the risk of contagion, visits to health centers have been reduced and virtual consultations have increased. Once the pandemic ends, it will be necessary to consider whether telemedicine should be limited to periods of health crises or whether it could become a new way of practicing medicine. Telemedicine lacks specific regulations and has loopholes that leave physicians with a considerable degree of insecurity. This article analyzes the limits, precautions, and legal standards of the use of telemedicine.

Manejo de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca atendidos en la consulta de cardiología: estudio IC-BERG / Management of patients with heart failure treated in cardiology consultations: IC-BERG Study

OBJETIVO: Conocer la percepción y el manejo del cardiólogo clínico de la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida (IC-FER) y establecer un consenso con recomendaciones. MÉTODOS: Se empleó el método Delphi modificado entre un panel de 150 expertos que respondieron un cuestionario que incluyó tres bloques: definición y percepción del paciente con IC-FER «estable» (15 afirmaciones), manejo del paciente con IC-FER «estable» (51 afirmaciones) y recomendaciones para optimizar el manejo y el seguimiento (9 afirmaciones). El nivel de acuerdo se evaluó utilizando una escala tipo Likert de 9 puntos. RESULTADOS: Se llegó a un consenso de acuerdo en 49 afirmaciones, a un consenso en el desacuerdo en 16 y quedaron indeterminadas 10 afirmaciones. Hubo consenso en cuanto a la definición de IC «estable» (82%), en que la IC-FER tiene una naturaleza silenciosa que puede contribuir a aumentar el riesgo de muerte en pacientes poco sintomáticos (96%), y que independientemente de que el paciente con IC-FER se mantenga estable en la misma clase funcional el tratamiento farmacológico debe optimizarse (98,7%). En cambio, hubo consenso en el desacuerdo con respecto a que el tratamiento con un inhibidor de neprilisina y receptor de angiotensina solo está justificado cuando hay un empeoramiento de la clase funcional (90,7%). CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento actual sobre la IC «estable» es insuficiente; es necesaria la optimización del tratamiento, incluso en pacientes aparentemente estables, para disminuir el riesgo de progresión de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVE: To determine the perception and management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by clinical cardiologists and to establish a consensus with recommendations. METHODS: We employed the modified Delphi method among a panel of 150 experts who answered a questionnaire that included three blocks: definition and perception of patients with «stable» HFrEF (15 statements), management of patients with «stable» HFrEF (51 statements) and recommendations for optimising the management and follow-up (9 statements). The level of agreement was assessed with a Likert 9-point scale. RESULTS: A consensus of agreement was reached on 49 statements, a consensus of disagreement was reached on 16, and 10 statements remained undetermined. There was consensus regarding the definition of «stable» HF (82%), that HFrEF had a silent nature that could increase the mortality risk for mildly symptomatic patients (96%) and that the drug treatment should be optimised, regardless of whether a patient with HFrEF remains stable in the same functional class (98.7%). In contrast, there was a consensus of disagreement regarding the notion that treatment with an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor is justified only when the functional class worsens (90.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our current understanding of «stable» HF is insufficient, and the treatment needs to be optimised, even for apparently stable patients, to decrease the risk of disease progression

Management of patients with heart failure treated in cardiology consultations: IC-BERG Study. / Manejo de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca atendidos en la consulta de cardiología: Estudio IC-BERG.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the perception and management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by clinical cardiologists and to establish a consensus with recommendations. METHODS: We employed the modified Delphi method among a panel of 150 experts who answered a questionnaire that included three blocks: definition and perception of patients with «stable¼ HFrEF (15 statements), management of patients with «stable¼ HFrEF (51 statements) and recommendations for optimising the management and follow-up (9 statements). The level of agreement was assessed with a Likert 9-point scale. RESULTS: A consensus of agreement was reached on 49 statements, a consensus of disagreement was reached on 16, and 10 statements remained undetermined. There was consensus regarding the definition of «stable¼ HF (82%), that HFrEF had a silent nature that could increase the mortality risk for mildly symptomatic patients (96%) and that the drug treatment should be optimised, regardless of whether a patient with HFrEF remains stable in the same functional class (98.7%). In contrast, there was a consensus of disagreement regarding the notion that treatment with an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor is justified only when the functional class worsens (90.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our current understanding of «stable¼ HF is insufficient, and the treatment needs to be optimised, even for apparently stable patients, to decrease the risk of disease progression.

Current functioning of cardio-oncology units in Spain.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current survey was to describe the functioning of cardio-oncology (C-O) units in Spain. METHODS: All members of the Spanish Society of Cardiology pertaining to scientific communities related to C-O received questionnaires on the existence of specific programs at their institutions. A second, more extensive questionnaire was sent to the centers which reported C-O organization. RESULTS: We identified 56 centers with C-O programs of which 32 (62.5%) replied to the extended questionnaire. 28% of all centers reported having a multidisciplinary unit involving specialists in several areas. More than 80% of the centers developed surveillance protocols locally adapted which included advanced echocardiographic techniques (68%) or troponin (82%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of institutions with C-O programs is still limited but higher than reported in a survey in 2017. Development of multidisciplinary units of C-O should be promoted to improve the cardiovascular health of cancer patients.

Percepción de los médicos de atención primaria sobre la integración con cardiología mediante programas de continuidad asistencial en prevención secundaria / Perception of Primary Care physicians on the integration with cardiology through continuity of healthcare programs in secondary prevention

Objetivo: Conocer la percepción de los médicos de atención primaria (AP) sobre la integración con cardiología (CA) mediante programas de continuidad asistencial. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal y multicéntrico en el que participaron 200 médicos de AP de todo el territorio nacional cumplimentando una encuesta cualitativa para evaluar el grado de integración con CA en prevención secundaria. Los médicos fueron agrupados según el grado de integración entre AP-CA. Resultados: Existe una buena percepción del grado de integración AP-CA, aunque mejor en los centros con mayor integración (74,0% vs. 60,0%; p=0,02) y en general se considera que ha mejorado (92,0% vs. 73,0%; p<0,001). Prácticamente todos los médicos de AP recibían el informe de alta. En la mayoría de los informes se realizaban recomendaciones para el seguimiento cardiológico y en AP, control de factores de riesgo y duración del tratamiento en prevención secundaria, sin diferencias según el grado de integración. El 55,8% de los informes contenían indicaciones sobre cuándo realizar el siguiente control analítico, un 63,6% información sobre el regreso a la vida laboral y un 51,3% sobre la reanudación de la actividad sexual. El papel sigue siendo el medio de comunicación dominante (75 vs. 84%; p=NS). La comunicación entre niveles asistenciales fue mayor en aquellos centros con mayor integración, así como la periodicidad de la comunicación y la satisfacción de los médicos (80,0% vs. 63,0%; p=0,005). Conclusiones: El grado de integración entre AP y CA en general es satisfactorio, pero los centros con mayor integración se benefician de una mayor comunicación y satisfacción

Objective: To determine the perception of Primary Care (PC) physicians on the integration with cardiology (CA) through continuity of healthcare programs. Material and methods: A cross-sectional and multicentre study was conducted, in which a total of 200 PC physicians from all over Spain completed a qualitative survey that evaluated the level of integration with CA in secondary prevention. Physicians were grouped according to the level of PC-CA integration. Results: The integration between CA and PC was good, but it was better in those centres with a higher integration (74.0% vs. 60.0%; p=.02) and in general, physicians considered that integration had improved (92.0% vs. 73.0%; p<.001). Almost all PC physicians received the hospital discharge report. The majority of the hospital discharge reports included recommendations about the CA and PC follow-up, control of risk factors, as well as the duration of secondary prevention treatment, with not significant differences according to the level of integration. In 55.8%, 63.6%, and 51.3% of hospital discharge reports, indications were given on when to perform the follow-up blood analysis, as well as information about returning to working life and sexual activity, respectively. The most common communication method was the paper-based report (75 vs. 84%; p=NS). The communication between healthcare levels was greater in those Primary Care centres with a higher level of integration, as well as periodicity of the communication and the satisfaction of physicians (80.0% vs. 63.0%; p=.005). Conclusions: The level of integration between PC and CA is, in general, satisfactory, but those centres with a higher level of integration benefit more from a greater communication and satisfaction

[Perception of Primary Care physicians on the integration with cardiology through continuity of healthcare programs in secondary prevention]. / Percepción de los médicos de atención primaria sobre la integración con cardiología mediante programas de continuidad asistencial en prevención secundaria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the perception of Primary Care (PC) physicians on the integration with cardiology (CA) through continuity of healthcare programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and multicentre study was conducted, in which a total of 200 PC physicians from all over Spain completed a qualitative survey that evaluated the level of integration with CA in secondary prevention. Physicians were grouped according to the level of PC-CA integration. RESULTS: The integration between CA and PC was good, but it was better in those centres with a higher integration (74.0% vs. 60.0%; p=.02) and in general, physicians considered that integration had improved (92.0% vs. 73.0%; p<.001). Almost all PC physicians received the hospital discharge report. The majority of the hospital discharge reports included recommendations about the CA and PC follow-up, control of risk factors, as well as the duration of secondary prevention treatment, with not significant differences according to the level of integration. In 55.8%, 63.6%, and 51.3% of hospital discharge reports, indications were given on when to perform the follow-up blood analysis, as well as information about returning to working life and sexual activity, respectively. The most common communication method was the paper-based report (75 vs. 84%; p=NS). The communication between healthcare levels was greater in those Primary Care centres with a higher level of integration, as well as periodicity of the communication and the satisfaction of physicians (80.0% vs. 63.0%; p=.005). CONCLUSIONS: The level of integration between PC and CA is, in general, satisfactory, but those centres with a higher level of integration benefit more from a greater communication and satisfaction.

Crataegus laevigata decreases neutrophil elastase and has hypolipidemic effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Crataegus laevigata is a medicinal plant most commonly used for the treatment of heart failure and psychosomatic disorders. Based on previous experimental findings, this double-blind placebo-controlled study was aimed at finding beneficial effects of C. laevigata on biomarkers of coronary heart disease (CHD). The study included 49 diabetic subjects with chronic CHD who were randomly assigned to the treatment for 6 months with either a micronized flower and leaf preparation of C. laevigata (400 mg three times a day) or a matching placebo. Blood cell count, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, neutrophil elastase (NE) and malondialdehyde were analyzed in plasma at baseline, at one month and six months. The main results were that NE decreased in the C. laevigata group compared to the placebo group. In the C. laevigata group, baseline figures (median and interquartile range) were 35.8 (4.5) and in the placebo group 31 (5.9). At the end of the study, values were 33.2 (4.7) ng/ml and 36.7 (2.2) ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001. C. laevigata, added to statins, decreased LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean±SD) from 105±28.5 mg/dl at baseline to 92.7±25.1 mg/dl at 6 months (p=0.03), and non-HDL cholesterol from 131±37.5 mg/dl to 119.6±33 mg/dl (p<0.001). Differences between groups did not reach statistical significance at 6 months. No significant changes were observed in the rest of parameters. In conclusion, C. laevigata decreased NE and showed a trend to lower LDL-C compared to placebo as add-on-treatment for diabetic subjects with chronic CHD.

Markers of inflammation and multiple complex stenoses (pancoronary plaque vulnerability) in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between markers of inflammation and the presence of multiple vulnerable plaques in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 55 patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes and angiographically documented coronary disease. Blood samples were obtained at study entry for the assessment of high sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP), neopterin, and neutrophil count. Coronary stenoses were assessed by quantitative computerised angiography and classified as "complex" (irregular borders, ulceration, or filling defects) or "smooth" (absence of complex features). Extent of disease was also assessed by a validated angiographic score. RESULTS: Neutrophil count (r = 0.36, p = 0.007), CRP concentration (r = 0.33, p = 0.02), and neopterin concentration (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) correlated with the number of complex stenoses. Patients with multiple (three or more) complex stenoses, but not patients with multiple smooth lesions, had a higher neutrophil count (5.9 (1.4) x 10(9)/l v 4.8 (1.4) x 10(9)/l, p = 0.02), CRP concentration (log transformed) (1.08 (0.63) v 0.6 (0.6), p = 0.03), and neopterin concentration (log transformed) (0.94 (0.18) v 0.79 (0.15), p = 0.002). Multiple regression analysis showed that neopterin concentration (B = 4.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9 to 7.7, p = 0.002) and extent of coronary artery disease (B = 0.6, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with the number of complex stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: Acute inflammatory markers such as high neutrophil count, CRP concentration, and neopterin concentration correlate with the presence of multiple angiographically complex coronary stenoses. Neopterin concentration was a stronger predictor of multiple complex plaques than were neutrophil count and CRP concentration. These findings suggest that a relation exists between inflammation and pancoronary plaque vulnerability.

Control y manejo del paciente anticoagulado / Management and dosing of oral anticoagulant

En la presente revisión analizamos los distintos anticoagulantes orales, su óptima utilización, dosificación (dosis de inicio y de mantenimiento), los métodos de monitorización, modos de actuación en caso de exceso de dosis o complicaciones y su uso en ciertas situaciones especiales. Además repasamos brevemente los modernos métodos de monitorización domiciliaria. (AU)

Angiogénesis terapéutica en cardiología: desde el campo experimental a los estudios clínicos / Therapeutic angiogenesis in cardiology: from the experimental field to clinical trials

La angiogénesis terapéutica con factores de crecimiento (factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular (VEGF) y factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos (FGF) es un nuevo tratamiento encaminado a incrementar la perfusión del miocardio isquémico no revascularizable con métodos tradicionales. Desde el campo experimental se han obtenido muy buenos resultados en cuanto al aumento de neovasos, pasando recientemente al uso clínico en pequeños ensayos. No obstante persisten numerosas dudas respecto a qué utilizar, el FGF, el VEGF o ambos, cómo utilizarlo, directamente la proteína o por medio de plásmidos y/o adenovirus como terapia génica y como administrarlo mediante cirugía o de forma percutánea. Pese a esto, las perspectivas son esperanzadoras, y en breve conoceremos los resultados de varios estudios multicéntricos y randomizados (AU)

Estudios experimentales en revascularización transmiocárdica con láser / Experimental trials in transmyocardial revascularization with laser

Los trabajos experimentales en el campo de la resvascularización trasnmiocárdica con láser (RTML) están encaminados en su mayoría a intentar explicar el mecanismo de acción de esta técnica. En un principio se estudió la evolución de los canales (centrándose en su permeabilidad). Con esta teoría, casi desechada, en la actualidad se intentan buscar explicaciones a la espectacular mejoría clínica. La denervación miocárdica y sobre todo la aparición de nuevos vasos son los temas más estudiados en el momento actual. Respecto a esto último, son muy interesantes los buenos resultados a nivel experimental obtenidos con otros métodos encaminados a realizar canales en el miocardio (simples agujas, taladros eléctricos o radiofrecuencia). En este trabajo se revisa parte del trabajo experimental realizado con RTML con el fin de intentar entender el motivo por el que nuestros pacientes con angina refractaria mejoran con esta técnica (AU)

Clandestine ischemia in patients with vasospastic angina.

BACKGROUND: Coronary vasospasms generally occur at rest, but can also be triggered by physical exercise. Anginal pain and ST-segment elevation may be seen during exercise-stress tests. ST-segment depression, due to nonocclusive vasospasms, has also been found to occur. When the result of a test is positive, scintigraphy usually reveals perfusion defects. True silent or clandestine ischemia (normal result of exercise test with perfusion defects) in these patients is very uncommon. OBJECTIVE: To stress the need for suspecting occurrence of coronary vasospasms in order to perform a proper diagnosis. METHODS: Eight patients with angina were selected for this study. They had negative results of exercise tests with perfusion defects detected by thallium-201 tomography, normal coronary arteries and vasospasms. Maximal exercise-stress tests with thallium-201 tomography were performed. Sizes of perfusion defects were quantified by examining polar maps. Coronary angiography and then an intracoronary ergonovine test were performed for each patient. RESULTS: Significant defects were seen in territory of the right coronary artery, the left anterior descending artery, or both. Lung:heart ratio was normal in every case. The coronary arteries were normal and vasospasms were elicited with ergonovine in all the patients. Correspondence between the location of perfusion defects and angiographic spasms was generally observed. After treatment with calcium antagonists and nitrates all of them improved and defects detected by thallium tomography were no longer found when tests were repeated. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients with vasospastic angina may have normal results of exercise-stress tests and reversible perfusion defects detectable by scintigraphy. This finding must lead one to perform coronary angiography without administration of nitroglycerine beforehand and an ergonovine test if the coronary arteries are normal.

Indicaciones de la cirugía coronaria / Indications of coronary surgery

Tras pasar revista a los condicionantes técnicos y complicaciones de la cirugía coronaria, así como a sus resultados comparativos con la angioplastia, se presentan las indicaciones actuales de la derivación aortocoronaria, resumida de las directrices internacionales al uso. (AU)