Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular / Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Resumen La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an entity characterized by acute and transient ventricular dysfunction, which is usually related to a triggering event (emotional or physical stress), and usually presents with regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, however up to 30% may be biventricular. Depending on its severity in some cases the disease can condition refractory cardiogenic shock to management with inotropics and vasopressors, so for these cases circulatory assistance devices should be considered. We present the case of a young patient who had pulmonary valve change with biological prosthesis, which seven weeks after surgery went to the emergency department with pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology secondary to postpericardiotomy syndrome. For this reason pericardial window was practiced, however during the procedure she presented biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy which conditioned cardiogenic shock with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and refractivity to medical treatment as well as intraaortic balloon pump, requiring circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO for 5 days.

Acute right ventricular failure in COVID-19 infection: A case series.

Severe forms of COVID-19 infection are associated with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and thromboembolic complications; those can affect the cardiac function especially the right ventricle performance. Critical care echocardiography has rapidly evolved as the election technique in the evaluation of the critically ill patients. This technique has the advantage that it can be done at patient´s bedside and helps to provide the appropriate treatment and to monitoring maneuver's response. We present 4 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 infection who presented with sudden hemodynamic and / or respiratory deterioration, in which transthoracic echocardiogram showed acute right ventricular failure as the trigger for the event and helped to guide an early therapeutic intervention. .

[Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy]. / Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular.

La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Feasibility in the echocardiographic estimation of parameters of the right ventricle in prone position.

Background: Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the prone position are usually obtained with an esophageal probe. The feasibility of obtaining them by means of a transthoracic approach is unknown. Objective: Estimating the feasibility to obtain parameters of the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography in prone position on the subject. Methods: Pilot design of consecutive case series without cardiopulmonary disease. Demographic, vital signs and echocardiographic variables were defined in the ventral initial, prone and ventral final decubitus positions. The data are shown with averages and standard deviations, and frequencies and percentages according to the variable. The differences between the positions were calculated with ANOVA of repeated samples and adjustment of Bonferroni test. Intra-subject variability was obtained by the Bland-Altman procedure and its 95% confidence interval. Results: We studied 50 subjects, 44 (88%) males, age 30 ± 6 years and body mass index 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S'-wave were measured 100% of the time. The vital signs and echocardiographic variables according to the position had differences in: heart rate (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 beats/min), partial oxygen saturation (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) and mean systemic blood pressure (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 ± 2.84 mm), mean difference (bias) 0 (2, -2.0) and S'-wave (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), mean difference (bias) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectively. Conclusions: Obtaining right ventricle parameters by transthoracic ecocardiopraphy is feasible in the prone position.

Introducción: Los parámetros cardiacos ecocardiográficos en posición de decúbito prono usualmente se obtienen con sonda esofágica. Se desconoce la factibilidad de obtenerlos mediante aproximación transtorácica. Objetivo: Estimar la factibilidad para obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica en el sujeto en posición de decúbito prono. Métodos: Diseño piloto de serie de casos consecutivos sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se acotaron variables demográficas, signos vitales y ecocardiográficas en posición decúbito ventral inicial, prono y ventral final. Los datos se muestran con promedios y desviaciones estándar, y frecuencias y porcentajes de acuerdo con la variable. La diferencia entre las posiciones se calculó con ANOVA de muestras repetidas y ajuste de Bonferroni. Se obtuvo la variabilidad intrasujetos mediante el procedimiento de Bland-Altman y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se estudiaron 50 sujetos, 44 (88%) masculinos, edad 30 ± 6 años e índice de masa corporal 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. El TAPSE (excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo) y la onda S' se midieron en el 100% de las veces. Los signos vitales y variables ecocardiográficas de acuerdo con la posición tuvieron diferencias en: frecuencia cardiaca (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 lpm), saturación parcial de oxígeno (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) y la presión arterial sistémica media (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 vs. 2.84 mm), diferencia media (sesgo) 0 (2, ­2.0) y onda S' (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), diferencia media (sesgo) ­0.46 (1.21, ­2.14) respectivamente. Conclusión: En posición de decúbito prono es factible obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho por ecocardiografía transtorácica.

Transthoracic echocardiography during prone position ventilation: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 outbreak) demands an increased need for hospitalizations in emergency departments (EDs) and critical care units. Owing to refractory hypoxemia, prone position ventilation has been used more frequently and patients will need repeated hemodynamic assessments. Our main objective was to show the feasibility of obtaining images to measure multiple parameters with transthoracic echocardiography during the prone position ventilation. Methods: We enrolled 15 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that required prone position ventilation as a rescue maneuver for refractory hypoxemia. The studies were performed by 2 operators with training in critical care echocardiography. Measurements were done outside the patient's room and the analysis of the images was performed by 3 cardiologists with training in echocardiography. Results: Adequate image acquisition of the left ventricle was possible in all cases; we were not able to visualize the right ventricular free wall only in 1 patient. The mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 17.8 mm, tricuspid peak systolic S wave tissue Doppler velocity 11.5 cm/s, and the right ventricular basal diameter 36.6 mm; left ventricle qualitative function was reduced in 6 patients; pericardial effusion or valvular abnormalities were not observed. Conclusion: We showed that echocardiographic images can be obtained to measure multiple parameters during the prone position ventilation. This technique has special value in situations where there is sudden hemodynamic deterioration and it is not possible to return the patient in the supine position.

Critical care ultrasonography during COVID-19 pandemic: The ORACLE protocol.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by severe lung involvement and hemodynamic alterations. Critical care ultrasonography is vital because it provides real time information for diagnosis and treatment. Suggested protocols for image acquisition and measurements have not yet been evaluated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two centers from 1 April 2020 to 30 May 2020 in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to the critical care unit. Cardiac and pulmonary evaluations were performed using the ORACLE protocol, specifically designed for this study, to ensure a structured process of image acquisition and limit staff exposure to the infection. RESULTS: Eighty-two consecutively admitted patients were evaluated. Most of the patients were males, with a median age of 56 years, and the most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and type 2 diabetes, and 25% of the patients had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The most frequent ultrasonographic findings were elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (69.5%), E/e' ratio > 14 (29.3%), and right ventricular dilatation (28%) and dysfunction (26.8%). A high rate of fluid responsiveness (82.9%) was observed. The median score (19 points) on pulmonary ultrasound did not reveal any variation between the groups. Elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure was associated with higher in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The ORACLE protocol was a feasible, rapid, and safe bedside tool for hemodynamic and respiratory evaluation of patients with COVID-19. Further studies should be performed on the alteration in pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function and its relationship with outcomes.

Feasibility in the echocardiographic estimation of parameters of the right ventricle in prone position / Factibilidad en la estimación ecocardiográfica de parámetros del ventrículo derecho en posición prono

Abstract Background: Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the prone position are usually obtained with an esophageal probe. The feasibility of obtaining them by means of a transthoracic approach is unknown. Objective: Estimating the feasibility to obtain parameters of the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography in prone position on the subject. Methods: Pilot design of consecutive case series without cardiopulmonary disease. Demographic, vital signs and echocardiographic variables were defined in the ventral initial, prone and ventral final decubitus positions. The data are shown with averages and standard deviations, and frequencies and percentages according to the variable. The differences between the positions were calculated with ANOVA of repeated samples and adjustment of Bonferroni test. Intra-subject variability was obtained by the Bland-Altman procedure and its 95% confidence interval. Results: We studied 50 subjects, 44 (88%) males, age 30 ± 6 years and body mass index 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S'-wave were measured 100% of the time. The vital signs and echocardiographic variables according to the position had differences in: heart rate (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 beats/min), partial oxygen saturation (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) and mean systemic blood pressure (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 ± 2.84 mm), mean difference (bias) 0 (2, -2.0) and S'-wave (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), mean difference (bias) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectively. Conclusions: Obtaining right ventricle parameters by transthoracic ecocardiopraphy is feasible in the prone position.

Resumen Introducción: Los parámetros cardiacos ecocardiográficos en posición de decúbito prono usualmente se obtienen con sonda esofágica. Se desconoce la factibilidad de obtenerlos mediante aproximación transtorácica. Objetivo: Estimar la factibilidad para obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica en el sujeto en posición de decúbito prono. Métodos: Diseño piloto de serie de casos consecutivos sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se acotaron variables demográficas, signos vitales y ecocardiográficas en posición decúbito ventral inicial, prono y ventral final. Los datos se muestran con promedios y desviaciones estándar, y frecuencias y porcentajes de acuerdo con la variable. La diferencia entre las posiciones se calculó con ANOVA de muestras repetidas y ajuste de Bonferroni. Se obtuvo la variabilidad intrasujetos mediante el procedimiento de Bland-Altman y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se estudiaron 50 sujetos, 44 (88%) masculinos, edad 30 ± 6 años e índice de masa corporal 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. El TAPSE (excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo) y la onda S' se midieron en el 100% de las veces. Los signos vitales y variables ecocardiográficas de acuerdo con la posición tuvieron diferencias en: frecuencia cardiaca (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 lpm), saturación parcial de oxígeno (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) y la presión arterial sistémica media (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 vs. 2.84 mm), diferencia media (sesgo) 0 (2, -2.0) y onda S' (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), diferencia media (sesgo) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectivamente. Conclusión: En posición de decúbito prono es factible obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho por ecocardiografía transtorácica.

Feasibility in the echocardiographic estimation of parameters of the right ventricle in prone position.

Background: Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the prone position are usually obtained with an esophageal probe. The feasibility of obtaining them by means of a transthoracic approach is unknown. Objective: Estimating the feasibility to obtain parameters of the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography in prone position on the subject. Methods: Pilot design of consecutive case series without cardiopulmonary disease. Demographic, vital signs and echocardiographic variables were defined in the ventral initial, prone and ventral final decubitus positions. The data are shown with averages and standard deviations, and frequencies and percentages according to the variable. The differences between the positions were calculated with ANOVA of repeated samples and adjustment of Bonferroni test. Intra-subject variability was obtained by the Bland-Altman procedure and its 95% confidence interval. Results: We studied 50 subjects, 44 (88%) males, age 30 ± 6 years and body mass index 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S'-wave were measured 100% of the time. The vital signs and echocardiographic variables according to the position had differences in: heart rate (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 beats/min), partial oxygen saturation (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) and mean systemic blood pressure (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 ± 2.84 mm), mean difference (bias) 0 (2, -2.0) and S'-wave (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), mean difference (bias) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectively. Conclusions: Obtaining right ventricle parameters by transthoracic ecocardiopraphy is feasible in the prone position.

Introducción: Los parámetros cardiacos ecocardiográficos en posición de decúbito prono usualmente se obtienen con sonda esofágica. Se desconoce la factibilidad de obtenerlos mediante aproximación transtorácica. Objetivo: Estimar la factibilidad para obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica en el sujeto en posición de decúbito prono. Métodos: Diseño piloto de serie de casos consecutivos sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se acotaron variables demográficas, signos vitales y ecocardiográficas en posición decúbito ventral inicial, prono y ventral final. Los datos se muestran con promedios y desviaciones estándar, y frecuencias y porcentajes de acuerdo con la variable. La diferencia entre las posiciones se calculó con ANOVA de muestras repetidas y ajuste de Bonferroni. Se obtuvo la variabilidad intrasujetos mediante el procedimiento de Bland-Altman y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se estudiaron 50 sujetos, 44 (88%) masculinos, edad 30 ± 6 años e índice de masa corporal 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. El TAPSE (excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo) y la onda S' se midieron en el 100% de las veces. Los signos vitales y variables ecocardiográficas de acuerdo con la posición tuvieron diferencias en: frecuencia cardiaca (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 lpm), saturación parcial de oxígeno (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) y la presión arterial sistémica media (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 vs. 2.84 mm), diferencia media (sesgo) 0 (2, ­2.0) y onda S' (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), diferencia media (sesgo) ­0.46 (1.21, ­2.14) respectivamente. Conclusión: En posición de decúbito prono es factible obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho por ecocardiografía transtorácica.

Ultrasonido pulmonar en medicina, su utilidad en la práctica clínica / Pulmonary Ultrasound in Medicine, its Usefulness in Clinical Practice

Resumen: El ultrasonido pulmonar ha tomado protagonismo en la evaluación de los órganos torácicos y su patología. Es de gran utilidad en la evaluación del paciente hospitalizado o de urgencias para monitoreo de evolución o diagnóstico rápido, así como guía de procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Sus múltiples ventajas han desplazado a otros estudios de gabinete, ya que puede evitar el traslado de pacientes, es inocuo, accesible y rápido. En este artículo revisaremos conceptos básicos de ultrasonografía pulmonar y su uso en el diagnóstico en patologías.

Abstract: Lung ultrasound has become increasingly important in the evaluation of the thorax and its pathologies. It has proved to be very useful in the evaluation of hospitalized patients, allowing doctors to evaluate and make quick decisions, as well as providing guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Ultrasound has many advantages over other studies since it can avoid transferring patients, and it is harmless, accessible and fast. In this article we will review basic concepts of lung ultrasound and its use in the diagnosis of pathologies.

Atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. It is associated with heart failure, renal insufficiency, systemic embolism and increase in days of in-hospital and mortality. Atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery (FAPCC) usually appears in the first 48 h after surgery. The main mechanisms involved in the appearance and maintenance of FAPCC are the increase in sympathetic tone and the inflammatory response. The associated risk factors are advanced age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, valve surgery, fraction of ejection of the left ventricle < 40% and the withdrawal of beta-blocker drugs. There are instruments that have been shown to predict the appearance of FAPCC. Prophylactic treatment with beta-blockers and amiodarone, is associated with a decrease in the appearance of FAPCC. Given its transient nature, it is suggested that the initial treatment of FAPCC be the heart rate control and only if the treatment does not achieve a return to sinus rhythm, the use of electrical cardioversion is suggested. It is unknown what should be the long-term follow-up and complications beyond this period are little known. FAPCC is not a benign or isolated arrhythmia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, so the identification of risk factors, their prevention, and follow-up in the outpatient setting, should be part of the units dedicated to the care and care of these patients.

La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca. Se relaciona con insuficiencia cardíaca, insuficiencia renal, embolismo sistémico y más días de estancia y mortalidad. La fibrilación auricular en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca (FAPCC) suele aparecer en las primeras 48 horas. Los principales mecanismos que producen la aparición y el mantenimiento de la FAPCC son el aumento del tono simpático y la respuesta inflamatoria. Los factores de riesgo adjuntos son la edad avanzada, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad renal crónica, cirugía valvular, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo menor de 40% e interrupción de fármacos bloqueadores ß. Existen instrumentos que han demostrado predecir la aparición de FAPCC. El tratamiento profiláctico con bloqueadores ß y amiodarona se relaciona con disminución de la aparición de FAPCC. Dada su naturaleza transitoria, se sugiere que el tratamiento inicial de FAPCC sea el control de la frecuencia cardíaca y sólo en caso de que el tratamiento no consiga el retorno al ritmo sinusal está indicada la cardioversión eléctrica. Se desconoce cuál debe ser el seguimiento a largo plazo y sólo se conocen en escasa medida las complicaciones más allá de este periodo. La FAPCC no es una arritmia benigna ni aislada en los pacientes sometidos a operación cardíaca, por lo que la identificación de los factores de riesgo, su prevención y el seguimiento en el ámbito ambulatorio deben formar parte de las unidades dedicadas a la atención y los cuidados de estos pacientes.

Fibrilación auricular en cirugía cardíaca / Atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery

Resumen La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca. Se relaciona con insuficiencia cardíaca, insuficiencia renal, embolismo sistémico y más días de estancia y mortalidad. La fibrilación auricular en el periodo posquirúrgico de la cirugía cardíaca (FAPCC) suele aparecer en las primeras 48 horas. Los principales mecanismos que producen la aparición y el mantenimiento de la FAPCC son el aumento del tono simpático y la respuesta inflamatoria. Los factores de riesgo adjuntos son la edad avanzada, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad renal crónica, cirugía valvular, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo menor de 40% e interrupción de fármacos bloqueadores β. Existen instrumentos que han demostrado predecir la aparición de FAPCC. El tratamiento profiláctico con bloqueadores β y amiodarona se relaciona con disminución de la aparición de FAPCC. Dada su naturaleza transitoria, se sugiere que el tratamiento inicial de FAPCC sea el control de la frecuencia cardíaca y sólo en caso de que el tratamiento no consiga el retorno al ritmo sinusal está indicada la cardioversión eléctrica. Se desconoce cuál debe ser el seguimiento a largo plazo y sólo se conocen en escasa medida las complicaciones más allá de este periodo. La FAPCC no es una arritmia benigna ni aislada en los pacientes sometidos a operación cardíaca, por lo que la identificación de los factores de riesgo, su prevención y el seguimiento en el ámbito ambulatorio deben formar parte de las unidades dedicadas a la atención y los cuidados de estos pacientes.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. It is associated with heart failure, renal insufficiency, systemic embolism and increase in days of in-hospital and mortality. Atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery (FAPCC) usually appears in the first 48 h after surgery. The main mechanisms involved in the appearance and maintenance of FAPCC are the increase in sympathetic tone and the inflammatory response. The associated risk factors are advanced age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, valve surgery, fraction of ejection of the left ventricle less 40% and the withdrawal of beta-blocker drugs. There are instruments that have been shown to predict the appearance of FAPCC. Prophylactic treatment with beta-blockers and amiodarone, is associated with a decrease in the appearance of FAPCC. Given its transient nature, it is suggested that the initial treatment of FAPCC be the heart rate control and only if the treatment does not achieve a return to sinus rhythm, the use of electrical cardioversion is suggested. It is unknown what should be the long-term follow-up and complications beyond this period are little known. FAPCC is not a benign or isolated arrhythmia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, so the identification of risk factors, their prevention, and follow-up in the outpatient setting, should be part of the units dedicated to the care and care of these patients.

Ibero⁻American Consensus on Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners: Safety, Nutritional Aspects and Benefits in Food and Beverages.

International scientific experts in food, nutrition, dietetics, endocrinology, physical activity, paediatrics, nursing, toxicology and public health met in Lisbon on 2⁻4 July 2017 to develop a Consensus on the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) as substitutes for sugars and other caloric sweeteners. LNCS are food additives that are broadly used as sugar substitutes to sweeten foods and beverages with the addition of fewer or no calories. They are also used in medicines, health-care products, such as toothpaste, and food supplements. The goal of this Consensus was to provide a useful, evidence-based, point of reference to assist in efforts to reduce free sugars consumption in line with current international public health recommendations. Participating experts in the Lisbon Consensus analysed and evaluated the evidence in relation to the role of LNCS in food safety, their regulation and the nutritional and dietary aspects of their use in foods and beverages. The conclusions of this Consensus were: (1) LNCS are some of the most extensively evaluated dietary constituents, and their safety has been reviewed and confirmed by regulatory bodies globally including the World Health Organisation, the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority; (2) Consumer education, which is based on the most robust scientific evidence and regulatory processes, on the use of products containing LNCS should be strengthened in a comprehensive and objective way; (3) The use of LNCS in weight reduction programmes that involve replacing caloric sweeteners with LNCS in the context of structured diet plans may favour sustainable weight reduction. Furthermore, their use in diabetes management programmes may contribute to a better glycaemic control in patients, albeit with modest results. LNCS also provide dental health benefits when used in place of free sugars; (4) It is proposed that foods and beverages with LNCS could be included in dietary guidelines as alternative options to products sweetened with free sugars; (5) Continued education of health professionals is required, since they are a key source of information on issues related to food and health for both the general population and patients. With this in mind, the publication of position statements and consensus documents in the academic literature are extremely desirable.

Hidratación: importancia en algunas condiciones patológicas en adultos / Hydration: Importance in some pathological conditions in adults

Resumen Estar bien hidratado se relaciona con un estado adecuado de salud y bienestar; sin embargo ¿qué pasa en los pacientes adultos que tienen algún padecimiento como obesidad, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía isquémica e insuficiencia cardiaca, alteraciones nefrológicas (insuficiencia, poliquistosis y litiasis renal), enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, dislipidemia, hiperuricemia o, bien, en adultos mayores y en el periodo perioperatorio, en donde hay pérdida del estado de salud o una necesidad diferente de hidratación y que requieren consumir bebidas no alcohólicas para tener un buen estado de hidratación sin alterar la evolución natural de estas condiciones? Algunos puntos y recomendaciones son: la carbonatación de las bebidas ofrece el beneficio de aumentar la saciedad y disminuir la ingesta energética, lo que puede contribuir a la pérdida de peso; el agua simple es la mejor fuente de hidratación en los pacientes diabéticos, sin embargo, otras fuentes de hidratación pueden ser el agua mineralizada, el agua mineral, la leche (de preferencia descremada), café y té sin azúcar o con edulcorantes no calóricos o bajos en calorías, así como cualquier bebida que los contenga; en pacientes con litiasis renal se recomienda ingerir 2.5 a 4 L de agua al día; las bebidas para deportistas pueden ser consumidas por pacientes hipertensos, siempre y cuando no excedan la cantidad de sodio recomendada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. En conclusión, la hidratación juega un papel importante en la evolución de las enfermedades mencionadas.

Abstract Being well hydrated is related to an adequate state of health and well-being; however, what happens in those adult patients having some pathological conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and heart failure, kidney diseases (renal failure, polycystic renal disease and renal lithiasis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, or in the elderly and in the perioperative period, where there is loss of health or a different need for hydration and require the use of non-alcoholic beverages in order to have a good state of hydration without altering the natural evolution of these conditions? Some key points and recommendations are: carbonation of beverages offers the benefit of increasing satiety and decreasing energy intake, which can contribute to weight loss; simple water is the best source of hydration in diabetic patients; however, other sources of hydration may be mineralized water, mineral water, milk (preferably non-fat), coffee and tea without sugar or non-caloric sweeteners or low-calorie, as well as any beverage containing them; in patients with renal lithiasis it is recommended to take 2.5 to 4 L of water per day; sports drinks can be consumed by hypertensive patients as long as they do not exceed the amount of sodium recommended by the World Health Organization. In conclusion, hydration plays an important role in the evolution of the pathologic conditions mentioned above.

Venous thromboembolism in heart transplant recipients: incidence, recurrence and predisposing factors.

BACKGROUND: A high frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been observed after lung, kidney, and liver transplantation. However, data about the incidence of this complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients are lacking. METHODS: We analyzed the incidence, recurrence, and predisposing factors of VTE in a single-center cohort of 635 patients who underwent HT from April 1991 to April 2013. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were considered as VTE episodes. RESULTS: During a median post-transplant follow-up of 8.4 years, 62 VTE episodes occurred in 54 patients (8.5%). Incidence rates of VTE, DVT, and PE were, respectively, 12.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.7-16.3), 8.4 (95% CI, 6.0-11.4), and 7.0 (95% CI 4.8-9.7) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. Incidence rates of VTE during the first post-transplant year and beyond were, respectively, 45.1 (95% CI, 28.9-67.1) and 8.7 (95% CI 6.2-11.2) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. The incidence rate of VTE recurrence after a first VTE episode was 30.5 (95% CI, 13.2-60.2) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. By means of multivariable Cox regression, chronic renal dysfunction, older age, obesity, and the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors were identified as independent risk factors for VTE among HT recipients. CONCLUSIONS: VTE is a frequent complication after HT, mainly during the first post-operative year. In view of a high recurrence rate, long-term anti-coagulation should be considered in HT recipients who experience a first VTE episode.