Enfermedad infecciosa por coronavirus (COVID-19) en la mujer embarazada y el neonato: impacto clínico y recomendaciones / Infectious disease caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) in pregnant women and newborns: clinical impact and recommendations

OBJETIVO: recopilar y contrastar la información científica disponible respecto al SARS-CoV-2 durante el proceso gestacional y sus efectos en la paciente obstétrica durante el parto, puerperio y en el recién nacido. MÉTODO: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la evidencia disponible en tres bases de datos internacionales: PubMed, Science Direct y Cochrane. Se utilizaron términos estandarizados, lenguaje libre, sinónimos y truncamientos, combinándolos con operadores booleanos en función de la capacidad de cada base de datos. Asimismo se han consultado las páginas web de organismos oficiales y sociedades científicas que abordaban el tema de embarazo y la COVID-19. RESULTADOS: se seleccionaron un total de 14 artículos y nueve guías de práctica clínica e informes técnicos procedentes de distintas organizaciones científicas nacionales e internacionales. La bibliografía es escasa y con poca evidencia científica dada la novedad de la pandemia por este coronavirus, pero se encontraron documentos científicos que abordaban el embarazo y feto, parto, puerperio y recién nacido. Se cree que el virus SARS-CoV-2 tiene reacciones menos adversas en la mujer embarazada y su recién nacido que otros virus de la misma familia. Cada mujer gestante infectada y su neonato deben ser identificados y valorados precozmente, de manera individual y multidisciplinar, para prevenir resultados adversos y complicaciones. No existe evidencia de la transmisión vertical del virus SARS-CoV-2. Hay discrepancias acerca del manejo del recién nacido de la mujer gestante infectada por COVID-19. CONCLUSIÓN: existen muchas lagunas de conocimiento en relación al manejo de la mujer gestante, parto, puerperio y recién nacido, ya que hay poca evidencia disponible

OBJECTIVE: to collect and confirm the scientific information available regarding SARS-CoV-2 during the gestational process and its effects on the obstetric patient during delivery and puerperium, and on the newborn. METHOD: a bibliographic review of the evidence available was conducted in three international databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane. Standardized terms were used, as well as free language, synonyms and truncation, combining them with Boolean operators based on the capacity of each database. Likewise, the webpages of official organizations and scientific societies addressing the matter of pregnancy and COVID-19 were also consulted. RESULTS: in total, 14 articles and 9 clinical practice guidelines were selected, as well as technical reports from different national and international organizations. There is limited bibliography, and with low scientific evidence, given the novelty of the pandemic caused by this coronavirus, but scientific documents were retrieved which addressed pregnancy and fetus, delivery, puerperium and newborns. It is believed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has less adverse reactions in the pregnant woman and her newborn than other viruses from the same class. Each pregnant woman infected and her newborn should be subject to early identification and evaluation, in an individual and multidisciplinary way, in order to prevent adverse results and complications. There is no evidence of the vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are discrepancies regarding the management of newborns of pregnant women infected by COVID-19. CONCLUSION: there are many knowledge gaps regarding the management of pregnant women, delivery, puerperium and newborns, because there is limited evidence available

Influence of the previous use of ß-blockers on the early clinical course of acute coronary syndromes.

Recent studies have recently questioned the current role of ß-blockers in myocardial infarction. Our purpose is to analyze the influence of the previous use of ß-blockers on the early course of patients admitted because of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We analyzed the data of 37.359 patients included in the ARIAM-Andalucia Registry. Of them, 7759 (20.8%) were previously receiving ß-blockers. BB patients were older, more often female, had more risk factors and vascular disease, and less often had an ST-elevation myocardial infarction. In the unadjusted analysis, BB patients less often had ventricular fibrillation or atrioventricular block, and more often a Killip classification >1, and no difference of in-hospital mortality (5.7 vs 5.6%). After logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching, no differences in complications or mortality (odds ratio 0.997, 95% confidence interval 0.882-1.128) were found in relationship to previous ß-blockers. In conclusion, we find that the previous administration of ß-blockers is not an independent predictor of the early prognosis of ACS.

The previous use of digoxin does not worsen early outcome of acute coronary syndromes: an analysis of the ARIAM Registry.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the previous use of digoxin on the hospital mortality and complications of patients admitted because of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We analyzed the data of patients included in the ARIAM-Andalucia Registry, which involves 49 hospitals in Andalucia, Spain, from 2007 to 2012. Patients on digoxin treatment prior to their admission because of ACS constituted the digoxin group (DG), and were compared with the group of patients not on digoxin. Logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to analyze the differences. We included 20,331 patients, of whom 244 (1.2%) were on digoxin. DG patients were older (73.1 vs 63.7 years old), more often women, and had more diabetes, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, obstructive pulmonary disease or kidney disease. On univariate analysis, DG patients had significantly higher hospital mortality (13.5 vs 5.3% P < 0.001), and more cardiogenic shock, but less ventricular fibrillation, and no differences in atrioventricular block, stroke or reinfarction. After the multivariate analysis, DG had no significant influence on hospital prognosis [odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.86]. The analysis of a propensity-matched cohort of 464 patients (232 DG and 232 NoDG) did not find differences in hospital mortality (13.4 vs 13.4%) nor other complications. In our cohort of ACS patients, the previous treatment with digoxin was not associated with an increase in dysrhythmic complications nor was an independent predictor of mortality during hospitalization.

Ablación de extrasistolia ventricular del tracto de salida ventricular derecho con sistema de cartografía sin contacto / Ablation of premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract using non-contact mapping

La extrasistolia ventricular originada en el tracto de salida de ventrículo derecho puede tener una respuesta pobre a fármacos y ser compleja de ablacionar mediante un sistema convencional con guía fluoroscópica debido a la dificultad en la inducibilidad. Describimos la ablación de extrasistolia ventricular de difícil inducibilidad originada en el tracto de salida de ventrículo derecho, mediante un sistema de cartografía sin contacto. Se realizó ablación de cinco focos extrasistólicos originados en tracto de salida de ventrículo derecho en una serie prospectiva de 4 pacientes. Los pacientes presentaban pobre calidad de vida y falta de respuesta a antiarrítmicos. Se realizó una media de tres aplicaciones de radiofrecuencia por foco, con un tiempo medio de aplicación de 113±15 s. Se obtuvo un 100% de éxito agudo y no hubo complicaciones. En un seguimiento medio de 30±16 meses, los pacientes se mantienen asintomáticos sin tratamiento farmacológico. El sistema de cartografía sin contacto permite una alta eficacia en la eliminación de extrasistolias ventriculares aisladas de difícil inducibilidad (AU)

Premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract may respond poorly to pharmacological treatment, and ablation using conventional fluoroscopically-guided systems may be complicated by the difficulty in inducing arrhythmias. We describe the use of a non-contact mapping system to ablate difficult-to-induce premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract. Five premature ventricular contractions sites in the right ventricular outflow tract were ablated in a prospective series of 4 patients. Patients had a poor quality of life and had not responded to antiarrhythmic drugs. A mean of 3 radiofrequency pulses per site was applied and mean application time was 113±15s. We achieved a 100% acute success rate and there were no complications. Patients were asymptomatic without drug therapy after a mean of 30±16 months of follow-up. The noncontact mapping system is highly effective in eliminating difficult to induce, isolated premature ventricular contractions (AU)

[Ablation of premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract using non-contact mapping]. / Ablación de extrasistolia ventricular del tracto de salida ventricular derecho con sistema de cartografía sin contacto.

Premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract may respond poorly to pharmacological treatment, and ablation using conventional fluoroscopically-guided systems may be complicated by the difficulty in inducing arrhythmias. We describe the use of a non-contact mapping system to ablate difficult-to-induce premature ventricular contractions originating in the right ventricular outflow tract. Five premature ventricular contractions sites in the right ventricular outflow tract were ablated in a prospective series of 4 patients. Patients had a poor quality of life and had not responded to antiarrhythmic drugs. A mean of 3 radiofrequency pulses per site was applied and mean application time was 113±15s. We achieved a 100% acute success rate and there were no complications. Patients were asymptomatic without drug therapy after a mean of 30±16 months of follow-up. The noncontact mapping system is highly effective in eliminating difficult to induce, isolated premature ventricular contractions.

The effect of post-discharge educational intervention on patients in achieving objectives in modifiable risk factors six months after discharge following an episode of acute coronary syndrome, (CAM-2 Project): a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether an intervention mainly consisting of a signed agreement between patient and physician on the objectives to be reached, improves reaching these secondary prevention objectives in modifiable cardiovascular risk factors six-months after discharge following an acute coronary syndrome. BACKGROUND: There is room to improve mid-term adherence to clinical guidelines' recommendations in coronary heart disease secondary prevention, specially non-pharmacological ones, often neglected. METHODS: In CAM-2, patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned to the intervention or the usual care group. The primary outcome was reaching therapeutic objectives in various secondary prevention variables: smoking, obesity, blood lipids, blood pressure control, exercise and taking of medication. RESULTS: 1757 patients were recruited in 64 hospitals and 1510 (762 in the intervention and 748 in the control group) attended the six-months follow-up visit. After adjustment for potentially important variables, there were, between the intervention and control group, differences in the mean reduction of body mass index (0.5 vs. 0.2; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (1.6 cm vs. 0.6 cm; p = 0.05), proportion of patients who exercise regularly and those with total cholesterol below 175 mg/dl (64.7% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.001). The reported intake of medications was high in both groups for all the drugs considered with no differences except for statins (98.1% vs. 95.9%; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: At least in the short term, lifestyle changes among coronary heart disease patients are achievable by intensifying the responsibility of the patient himself by means of a simple and feasible intervention.

Disección auricular izquierda que simula un síndrome coronario agudo / No disponible

No disponible

Functional anatomy of aortic regurgitation. Role of transesophageal echocardiography in aortic valve-sparing surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the preoperative functional anatomical assessment of patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) to identify those eligible for valve-sparing surgery (VSS). METHODS: We determined the accuracy and diagnostic value of TEE for identifying underlying lesions and mechanisms in 66 patients who underwent surgery for severe AR by comparing TEE findings with those obtained on surgical inspection. The usefulness of TEE for predicting the feasibility of VSS was determined. RESULTS: The overall diagnostic accuracy of TEE was excellent (87%, kappa=0.82), with valve prolapse being the principle cause of discrepancy between the methods (in 23/27 cases; 85%). Three anatomical forms of dilatation of the ascending aorta (AA) were correctly classified (accuracy >88%; kappa 0.83): supratubal aneurysm (19 patients), aortic root aneurysm (4), and annuloaortic ectasia (24). The mechanism underlying AR was identified with an accuracy of 85% (kappa 0.8) and there was a significant association between the type of mechanism identified by TEE and the success of VSS (P< .001): VSS was successful in 73% of patients with dilatation of a functional annulus (i.e. with tethering), but aortic valve replacement was required in 78% with prolapses, 90% with thickened leaflets with restricted movement, and 100% with perforation. There was also a relationship between the type of aneurysm and the technique required for AA replacement (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Use of TEE enabled the mechanism underlying AR to be accurately identified. There was a high level of agreement with surgical inspection and the technique was useful for predicting the feasibility of VSS and the surgical procedure for AA replacement.

Anatomía funcional de la insuficiencia aórtica. Papel de la ecocardiografía transesofágica en la cirugía conservadora de válvula aórtica / Functional anatomy of aortic regurgitation. Role of transesophageal echocardiography in aortic valve-sparing surgery

Introducción y objetivos. Intentamos determinar el papel de la ecocardiografía transesofágica (ETE) en la descripción preoperatoria de la anatomía funcional de la insuficiencia aórtica (IAo) para identificar candidatos a cirugía conservadora (CCVAo). Métodos. En 66 pacientes intervenidos de IAo severa se determinan precisión y valores diagnósticos de la ETE en la descripción de lesiones y mecanismos, empleando la observación quirúrgica como referencia. Se valora la utilidad de la ETE para predecir aplicabilidad de técnicas de CCVAo. Resultados. La exactitud diagnóstica general de la ETE es excelente (87%, índice kappa = 0,82); el prolapso presenta la principal discrepancia (23/27 casos; 85%) entre los métodos. Tres formas anatómicas de dilatación de aorta ascendente (AA) fueron correctamente clasificadas (precisión, > 88%; kappa = 0,83): aneurisma de AA supratubular (19), aneurisma de raíz (4) o anuloectasia aórtica (24). La precisión en el diagnóstico del mecanismo fue del 85% (kappa = 0,8) y éste presentó una asociación significativa con el éxito de la CCVAo (p < 0,001) en el 73% de los casos de dilatación de los anillos funcionales (tethering). El 78% de prolapsos, el 90% de movimiento restrictivo de velos engrosados y el 100% de perforaciones requirieron sustitución valvular aórtica. Las formas de aneurisma también se relacionaron con el procedimiento de sustitución de AA (p = 0,004). Conclusiones. La ETE permite una descripción precisa de los mecanismos de la IAo, tiene una elevada tasa de acuerdo con las observaciones quirúrgicas y predice adecuadamente la aplicabilidad de la CCVAo y el procedimiento de sustitución de AA (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the preoperative functional anatomical assessment of patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) to identify those eligible for valve-sparing surgery (VSS). Methods. We determined the accuracy and diagnostic value of TEE for identifying underlying lesions and mechanisms in 66 patients who underwent surgery for severe AR by comparing TEE findings with those obtained on surgical inspection. The usefulness of TEE for predicting the feasibility of VSS was determined. Results. The overall diagnostic accuracy of TEE was excellent (87%, kappa=0.82), with valve prolapse being the principle cause of discrepancy between the methods (in 23/27 cases; 85%). Three anatomical forms of dilatation of the ascending aorta (AA) were correctly classified (accuracy >88%; kappa 0.83): supratubal aneurysm (19 patients), aortic root aneurysm (4), and annuloaortic ectasia (24). The mechanism underlying AR was identified with an accuracy of 85% (kappa 0.8) and there was a significant association between the type of mechanism identified by TEE and the success of VSS (P < .001): VSS was successful in 73% of patients with dilatation of a functional annulus (i.e. with tethering), but aortic valve replacement was required in 78% with prolapses, 90% with thickened leaflets with restricted movement, and 100% with perforation. There was also a relationship between the type of aneurysm and the technique required for AA replacement (P=.004). Conclusions. Use of TEE enabled the mechanism underlying AR to be accurately identified. There was a high level of agreement with surgical inspection and the technique was useful for predicting the feasibility of VSS and the surgical procedure for AA replacement (AU)

Elevated serum neopterin levels and adverse cardiac events at 6 months follow-up in Mediterranean patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists regarding the prognostic role of biomarkers of inflammation in Mediterranean patients. High C-reactive protein and neopterin levels - a marker of macrophage activation - predict cardiovascular events in stable angina patients and patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We sought to assess whether plasma neopterin levels predict adverse clinical outcomes in Mediterranean patients with non-ST elevation (NSTE) ACS, i.e. unstable angina (UA) and NSTE myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: We prospectively assessed 397 patients (74% men) admitted with NSTEACS, 147 (37%) had unstable angina and 250 (63%) NSTEMI. Blood samples for neopterin and CRP assessment were obtained at admission. The study endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina at 180 days. RESULTS: Baseline neopterin concentrations (nmol/L) were similar in unstable angina and NSTEMI patients (8.3 [6.6-10.7] vs. 7.9 [6.2-10.9]; p=0.4). Fifty-nine patients (14.9%) had events during follow-up. Twenty-nine (21.5%) patients with neopterin levels in the highest third experienced the combined endpoint, compared to 30 (11.5%) patients with neopterin levels in the second and the lowest thirds (log-rank 7.435, p=0.024). On multivariable hazard Cox regression, neopterin (highest vs. 1st and 2nd thirds, HR 1.762, 95% CI [1.023-3.036]) was independently associated with the combined endpoint. CONCLUSION: Increased neopterin levels are an independent predictor of 180-day adverse cardiac events in Mediterranean patients with NSTEACS.

[Valve repair for bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation: an option?]. / Reparación valvular en la insuficiencia aórtica por válvula bicúspide: una alternativa?

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common form of congenital heart disease. It is associated with both valvular pathology and aortic disease. Aortic regurgitation caused by a bicuspid aortic valve can be corrected by surgical valve repair, which has good short-term results. However, the significant rate of aortic regurgitation recurrence found on long-term follow-up remains a problem, partly because of the progressive aortic dilatation that is characteristic of this disease. We report three different cases of bicuspid aortic valve treated by surgical valve repair at our centre.

Reparación valvular en la insuficiencia aórtica por válvula bicúspide: ¿una alternativa? / Valve repair for bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation: an option?

La válvula aórtica bicúspide es la cardiopatía congénita más frecuente. Se asocia tanto a enfermedad valvular como a enfermedad aórtica. La insuficiencia aórtica por válvula aórtica bicúspide es susceptible de corregirse mediante técnicas de reparación quirúrgica, con buenos resultados a corto plazo. Sin embargo, la tasa de recurrencia de insuficiencia aórtica en el seguimiento continúa siendo un problema, en parte motivado por la dilatación aórtica progresiva propia de esta entidad. Presentamos 3 casos distintos de válvula aórtica bicúspide tratados mediante reparación en nuestro centro

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common form of congenital heart disease. It is associated with both valvular pathology and aortic disease. Aortic regurgitation caused by a bicuspid aortic valve can be corrected by surgical valve repair, which has good short-term results. However, the significant rate of aortic regurgitation recurrence found on long-term follow-up remains a problem, partly because of the progressive aortic dilatation that is characteristic of this disease. We report three different cases of bicuspid aortic valve treated by surgical valve repair at our centre

Abnormal transient Q waves: does electrocardiography continue to be a useful tool?

Continuous electrocardiograph monitoring in initial phases of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is well established. We present a patient case with ACS without ST elevation who developed transient pathological Q waves accompanying angina symptoms. The possible mechanisms and prognostic implications are discussed.

[Imbalance between the supply and demand for cardiologists in Spain. Analysis of the current situation, future prospects, and possible solutions]. / Desequilibrio entre la oferta y las necesidades de cardiólogos en España. Análisis de la situación actual, previsiones futuras y propuestas de solución.

Planning cardiology provision in Spain requires knowledge of the resources available and the demand, both now and in the future. In this report, we present the results of a study carried out by the Spanish Society of Cardiology on the availability of and demand for cardiologists in the country. The current situation is characterized by an imbalance of around 14% between the number of active cardiologists and the estimated number required. The demographic distribution of cardiologists shows that they are predominantly male and middle-aged. Expectations are that the situation will get worse until the year 2020. To correct this imbalance, alternative forms of training or clinical department organization, or both, are required. Some possible alternatives are presented in the final part of this document, as proposals for open discussion.

Desequilibrio entre la oferta y las necesidades de cardiólogos en España. Análisis de la situación actual, previsiones futuras y propuestas de solución / Imbalance between the supply and demand for cardiologists in Spain. Analysis of the current situation, future prospects, and possible solutions

La planificación de la cardiología en España requiere el conocimiento de los recursos disponibles y las necesidades, no sólo presentes, sino también futuras. En el presente informe se recogen los resultados de un estudio llevado a cabo por la Sociedad Española de Cardiología sobre la necesidad y la disponibilidad de cardiólogos. La situación actual en España presenta un desequilibrio entre el número de cardiólogos en activo y los que serían necesarios, desequilibrio que oscila en torno al 14%. La pirámide poblacional refleja una población envejecida y mayoritariamente masculina. Las previsiones futuras indican que la situación empeorará desde ahora hasta el año 2020. La corrección de este desequilibrio requiere el desarrollo de alternativas diferentes de las actuales en formación y/o organización de los servicios asistenciales. Algunas de estas alternativas se recogen en la parte final de este documento, en forma de propuestas abiertas al debate

Planning cardiology provision in Spain requires knowledge of the resources available and the demand, both now and in the future. In this report, we present the results of a study carried out by the Spanish Society of Cardiology on the availability of and demand for cardiologists in the country. The current situation is characterized by an imbalance of around 14% between the number of active cardiologists and the estimated number required. The demographic distribution of cardiologists shows that they are predominantly male and middle-aged. Expectations are that the situation will get worse until the year 2020. To correct this imbalance, alternative forms of training or clinical department organization, or both, are required. Some possible alternatives are presented in the final part of this document, as proposals for open discussion

[Cardiac hamartoma. Case report and literature review]. / Hamartoma intracardíaco. Caso clínico y revisión de la bibliografía.

Primary cardiac tumors are infrequent and usually benign. They can manifest as dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, sudden death, peripheral embolism, cyanosis, or general symptoms. They are sometimes an incidental finding in an asymptomatic patient. We describe a 33-year-old man who was seen because of dyspnea and palpitations. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed, on the lateral wall of the left ventricle, an intramyocardial mass that was successfully resected surgically. The pathologic diagnosis was hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes. We discuss the usefulness of imaging techniques for identifying cardiac masses.

Hamartoma intracardíaco. Caso clínico y revisión de la bibliografía / Cardiac hamartoma. Case report and literature review

Los tumores cardíacos primarios son infrecuentes y habitualmente benignos. Pueden manifestarse con disnea, dolor torácico, palpitaciones, muerte súbita, embolia periférica, cianosis o síndrome constitucional. A veces es un hallazgo casual en un individuo asintomático. Presentamos el caso de 1 paciente de 33 años que consultó por disnea y palpitaciones. El ecocardiograma transtorácico reveló una masa intramiocárdica en la pared lateral del ventrículo izquierdo. Fue extirpada quirúrgicamente con éxito. El diagnóstico anatomo-patológico fue de hamartoma de células miocárdicas maduras. Se discute la utilidad de las pruebas de imagen en el estudio y la definición de las masas cardíacas

Primary cardiac tumors are infrequent and usually benign.They can manifest as dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, sudden death, peripheral embolism, cyanosis, orgeneral symptoms. They are sometimes an incidental finding in an asymptomatic patient. We describe a 33-yearoldman who was seen because of dyspnea and palpitations. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed, on the lateral wall of the left ventricle, an intramyocardial mass that was successfully resected surgically. The pathologic diagnosis was hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes. We discuss the usefulness of imaging techniques for identifying cardiac masses

[Effect of a simple educational program for physicians on adherence to secondary prevention measures after discharge following acute coronary syndrome. The CAM Project]. / Efecto de un programa sencillo de educación de los profesionales en el cumplimiento de medidas de prevención secundaria en el momento del alta hospitalaria tras un síndrome coronario agudo. Proyecto CAM.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Adherence to established guidelines for patients discharged from the hospital after acute coronary syndrome is known to be suboptimal. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a program for physicians centered on the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 39 hospitals participated. INTERVENTION: a set of measures was developed by consensus for the creation and distribution of educational materials. OUTCOMES OF INTEREST: Proportion of patients in whom ejection fraction and residual ischemia were evaluated, treatment at discharge, and health and dietary recommendations to patients (smoking, diet, exercise, etc.) referred to all patients in whom these measures or treatments should have been used ("ideal patients"). Changes were assessed with four cross-sectional surveys. RESULTS: A total of 1157, 1162, 1149 and 1158 patients were included. There were no relevant differences between these groups in baseline characteristics. In general, there was improvement in all variables between the first and the last survey. The proportion of patients who were weighed and measured increased (from 33.5% to 53.4%; P<.0001), as did the proportion of those in whom cholesterol was measured early (42.6 to 53.7%; P=.006). The proportion in whom residual ischemia was not measured despite indications for this test decreased (18.2% to 10.8%; P=.013), and the proportion increased for appropriate treatment with statins on discharge (68.6% to 81.4%; P<.0001), advice to quit smoking (60.1% to 72.2%; P<.0001) and advice to exercise (58.3% to 67.4%; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention seems to have had a positive effect on improving the appropriateness of procedures and treatments for patients discharged after acute coronary syndrome.

Efecto de un programa sencillo de educación de los profesionales en el cumplimiento de medidas de prevención secundaria en el momento del alta hospitalaria tras un síndrome coronario agudo. Proyecto CAM* / Effect of a simple educational program for physicians on adherence to secondary prevention measures after discharge following acute coronary syndrome. The CAM project

Introducción y objetivos. El cumplimiento de las recomendaciones establecidas como eficaces en el momento del alta en los pacientes hospitalizados por un síndrome coronario agudo es subóptimo. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia de un programa de intervención centrado en el abordaje y tratamiento del síndrome coronario agudo. Pacientes y método. Participaron en el proyecto 39 hospitales. La intervención realizada consistió en el desarrollo consensuado de acuerdos de mínimos y la elaboración y difusión de materiales educativos. Entre las medidas de interés cabe destacar la proporción de pacientes en la que se evaluaron la fracción de eyección, la isquemia residual y los tratamientos y recomendaciones higiénico-dietéticas en el momento del alta (tabaco, dieta, ejercicio, etc.) del total de pacientes en los que se deben determinar según el acuerdo de mínimos ("pacientes ideales"). Asimismo, se valoraron los cambios en 4 cortes transversales. Resultados. Se incluyó a 1.157, 1.162, 1.149 y 1.158 pacientes, respectivamente. No había diferencias en las características basales de pacientes analizados en cada corte. En general, se aprecia una mejoría entre el primer y el último corte en todas las variables analizadas. Mejoró especialmente la proporción de pacientes en los que se determinaron el peso y la talla (del 33,5 al 53,4 por ciento; p < 0,0001). También se observó una mejoría en la medición precoz del colesterol (del 42,6 al 53,7 por ciento; p = 0,006) y una reducción del porcentaje de pacientes en los que no se realizó un test de isquemia pese a estar indicado (del 18,2 al 10,8 por ciento; p = 0,013); asimismo, aumentó la propoción de pacientes con un tratamiento adecuado con estatinas en el momento del alta (del 68,6 al 81,4 por ciento; p < 0,0001) y el número de recomendaciones sobre tabaquismo (del 60,1 al 72,2 por ciento; p < 0,0001) y ejercicio (del 58,3 al 67,4 por ciento; p = 0,003).Conclusiones. La intervención educativa parece que tiene un efecto positivo en la mejora de la adecuación de los procedimientos realizados y en los tratamientos prescritos en el momento del alta tras un síndrome coronario agudo (AU)