Improvement in electrocardiographic parameters of repolarization related to sudden death in patients with ventricular dysfunction and left bundle branch block after cardiac resynchronization through His bundle pacing.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) through permanent His bundle pacing (p-HBP) normalizes interventricular conduction disorders and QRS. Similarly, there are immediate and long-term changes in repolarization, which could be prognostic of a lower risk of sudden death (SD) at follow-up. We aimed to compare the changes in different electrocardiographic (ECG) repolarization parameters related to the risk of SD before and after CRT through p-HBP. METHODS: In this prospective, descriptive single-center study (May 2019 to December 2021), we compared the ECG parameters of repolarization related to SD in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and CRT indications, at baseline and after CRT through p-HBP. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included. Compared to baseline, after CRT through p-HBP, there were immediate significant changes in the QT interval (ms): 445 [407.5-480] vs 410 [385-440] (p = 0.006), QT dispersion (ms): 80 [60-100] vs 40 [40-65] (p < 0.001), Tp-Te (ms): 90 [80-110] vs 80 [60-95] (p < 0.001), Tp-Te/QT ratio: 0.22 [0.19-0.23] vs 0.19 [0.16-0.21] (p < 0.001), T wave amplitude (mm): 6.25 [4.88-10] vs - 2.5 [- 7-2.25] (p < 0.001), and T wave duration (ms): 190 [157.5-200] vs 140 [120-160] (p = 0.001). In the cases of the corrected QT (Bazzett and Friederichia) and the Tp-Te dispersion, changes only became significant at 1 month post-implant (468.5 [428.8-501.5] vs 440 [410-475.25] (p = 0.015); 462.5 [420.8-488.8] vs 440 [400-452.5] (p = 0.004), and 40 [30-52.5] vs 30 [20-40] (p < 0.001), respectively) (Table 1). Finally, two parameters did not improve until 6 months post-implant: the rdT/JT index, 0.25 [0.21-0.28] baseline vs 0.20 [0.19-0.23] 6 months post-implant (p = 0.011), and the JT interval, 300 [240-340] baseline vs 280 [257-302] 6 months post-implant (p = 0.027). Additionally, most of the parameters continued improving as compared with immediate post-implantation. CONCLUSIONS: After CRT through His bundle pacing and LBBB correction, there was an improvement in all parameters of repolarization related to increased SD reported in the literature.

His bundle pacing success and electrical parameter stability regardless of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography lead localization.

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE: His bundle pacing (HBP) is the most physiological form of ventricular pacing. Few prospective studies have analyzed lead localization using imaging techniques and its relationship with electrical parameters and capture patterns. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between electrical parameters and lead localization using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE). METHODS: This single-center, prospective, nonrandomized clinical research study (January 2018 to June 2020) included patients with an indication of permanent pacing, in whom 3D TTE was performed to define lead localization as supravalvular or subvalvular. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included: 56.5% of leads were supravalvular, and 43.5% were subvalvular, which resembles previous anatomic descriptions of autopsied hearts of His bundle localization within the triangle of Koch (ToK). R-wave sensing was higher when the His lead was localized subvalvular instead of supravalvular. His lead localization was not associated with HBP threshold or impedance differences, nor with the two different HBP patterns of capture, or with the ability of HBP to correct baseline BBB. The thresholds remained stable during follow-up visits, regardless of His lead localization. Higher R-wave sensing was observed during follow-up than at baseline, mainly in the subvalvular His leads. However, lead impedances in both positions decreased during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Lead localization in relation to the tricuspid valve did not influence the electrical performance of HBPs. Wide anatomical variations of the His bundle within the ToK explain our findings, reinforcing the idea that the technique for HBP should be fundamentally guided by electrophysiological and not anatomical parameters.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: a comparative non-randomized study of His Bundle pacing versus biventricular pacing.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) via permanent His bundle pacing (pHBP) has gained acceptance globally, but robust studies comparing pHBP-CRT with classic CRT are lacking. In this study, we aimed to compare the improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after pHBP-CRT versus classic CRT. METHODS: This was a single-center study comparing a prospective series of pHBP-CRT with a historical series of CRT via classic biventricular pacing (BVP). Patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, baseline LVEF < 35%, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and CRT indications were selected. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients underwent classic CRT and 52 patients underwent pHBP-CRT. In the classic CRT group, the median (interquartile range) basal LVEF was 30% (IQR, 29-35%) before implantation and 40% (35-48%) at follow-up. In the pHBP-CRT group, the median basal LVEF was 30% (28-34%) before implantation and 55% (45-60%) at follow-up, with significant differences between both modalities at follow-up (p = 0.001). The median long term His recruitment threshold with LBBB correction was 1.25 (1-2.5) V at 0.4 ms in cases of pHBP-CRT, compared to a left ventricular coronary sinus threshold of 1.25 (1-1.75) V in cases of classic CRT (p = 0.48). After CRT, the median paced QRS was 135 (120-145) ms for pHBP-CRT versus 140 (130-150) ms for BVP-CRT (p = 0.586). CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in LVEF was superior with pHBP-CRT than with classic CRT. The thresholds at follow-up were similar in both groups.

Clinical and Pathological Features of Persistent Decorative Tattoo Reactions.

Persistent, non-infectious medical complications arising from decorative tattoos have increased considerably. They are difficult to characterize clinically, and histopathology shows a wide variety of overlapping patterns, with lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis being the most common findings. Both clinical and pathological findings are difficult to ascribe to particular ink colour. The findings in 30 biopsies from 28 patients with persistent reactions in decorative tattoos are reported, including immunohistochemical findings.

Topology detection in cavity QED.

We explore the physics of topological lattice models immersed in c-QED architectures for arbitrary coupling strength with the photon field. We propose the use of the cavity transmission as a topological marker and study its behaviour. For this, we develop an approach combining the input-output formalism with a Mean-Field plus fluctuations description of the setup. We illustrate our results with the specific case of a fermionic Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain coupled to a single-mode cavity. Our findings confirm that the cavity can indeed act as a quantum sensor for topological phases, where the initial state preparation plays a crucial role. Additionally, we discuss the persistence of topological features when the coupling strength increases, in terms of an effective Hamiltonian, and calculate the entanglement entropy. Our approach can be applied to other fermionic systems, opening a route to the characterization of their topological properties in terms of experimental observables.

Validation of multiparametric approaches for the prediction of sudden cardiac death in patients with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Multiparametric scores have been designed for better risk stratification in Brugada syndrome (BrS). We aimed to validate 3 multiparametric approaches (the Delise score, Sieira score and the Shanghai BrS Score) in a cohort with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study (EPS). METHODS: We included patients diagnosed with BrS and previous EPS between 1998 and 2019 in 23 hospitals. C-statistic analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. RESULTS: A total of 831 patients were included (mean age, 42.8±13.1; 623 [75%] men; 386 [46.5%] had a type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern, 677 [81.5%] were asymptomatic, and 319 [38.4%] had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator). During a follow-up of 10.2±4.7 years, 47 (5.7%) experienced a cardiovascular event. In the global cohort, a type 1 ECG and syncope were predictive of arrhythmic events. All risk scores were significantly associated with events. The discriminatory abilities of the 3 scores were modest (particularly when these scores were evaluated in asymptomatic patients). Evaluation of the Delise and Sieira scores with different numbers of extra stimuli (1 or 2 vs 3) did not substantially improve the event prediction c-index. CONCLUSIONS: In BrS, classic risk factors such as ECG pattern and previous syncope predict arrhythmic events. The predictive capabilities of the EPS are affected by the number of extra stimuli required to induce ventricular arrhythmias. Scores combining clinical risk factors with EPS help to identify the populations at highest risk, although their predictive abilities remain modest in the general BrS population and in asymptomatic patients.

Effectiveness and safety of AV node ablation after His bundle pacing in patients with uncontrolled atrial arrhythmias.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular (AV) node ablation after permanent His bundle pacing (p-HBP) could be a therapeutic option for heart rate (HR) control. We aimed to demonstrate the advantages of AV node ablation with p-HBP, and to describe its effectiveness and safety. METHODS: This descriptive observational study included patients with uncontrolled permanent atrial arrhythmias who were candidates for HR control (January 2019 to July 2020) and underwent p-HBP and AV node ablation. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included. The median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 55% (45-60); 46.1% in NYHA class II and 43.6% in NYHA class III. p-HBP was achieved in 92.3% (n = 36), and AV node ablation was successfully performed in all patients. The LVEF improved in patients with reduced LVEF (baseline, 35% [23.8-45.3%]; follow-up, 40% [35-56.5%], p < 0.05); the NYHA class also showed improvement (baseline, 71.4% patients in class III and 7.1% in class II, and at follow-up, 78.6% patients in class II and 14.3% in class I). In patients with previously normal LVEF, LVEF remained stable; nevertheless, a significant NYHA class improvement was observed (baseline, 63.6% class II and 31.8% class III patients; follow-up, 54.5% class I and 45.5% class II patients). The His thresholds and lead parameter values did not significantly change during the follow-up and remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with uncontrolled atrial arrhythmias who underwent AV node ablation after p-HBP, the NYHA class improved and the LVEF increased in those with reduced baseline LVEF. The values of pacing parameters were acceptable and remained stable during the follow-up.

Long-term prognosis of women with Brugada syndrome and electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: A male predominance in Brugada syndrome (BrS) has been widely reported, but scarce information on female patients with BrS is available. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of women with BrS. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study of patients diagnosed with BrS and previous electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed. RESULTS: Among 770 patients, 177 (23%) were female. At presentation, 150 (84.7%) were asymptomatic. Females presented less frequently with a type 1 electrocardiographic pattern (30.5% vs 55.0%; P <.001), had a higher rate of family history of sudden cardiac death (49.7% vs 29.8%; P <.001), and had less sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) on EPS (8.5% vs 15.1%; P = .009). Genetic testing was performed in 79 females (45% of the sample) and was positive in 34 (19%). An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was inserted in 48 females (27.1%). During mean (± SD) follow-up of 122.17 ± 57.28 months, 5 females (2.8%) experienced a cardiovascular event compared to 42 males (7.1%; P = .04). On multivariable analysis, a positive genetic test (18.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-192.53; P = .01) and atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 21.12; 95% CI 1.27-350.85; P = .03) were predictive of arrhythmic events, whereas VAs on EPS (neither with 1 or 2 extrastimuli nor 3 extrastimuli) were not. CONCLUSION: Women with BrS represent a minor fraction among patients with BrS, and although their rate of events is low, they do not constitute a risk-free group. Neither clinical risk factors nor EPS predicts future arrhythmic events. Only atrial fibrillation and positive genetic test were identified as risk factors for future arrhythmic events.

Electrocardiographic patterns predictive of left bundle branch block correction with His bundle pacing.

INTRODUCTION: Permanent His bundle pacing (p-HBP) could be an alternative for traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), but an important limitation is that p-HBP cannot always correct the left bundle branch block (LBBB). The purpose of this article is to assess electrocardiographic patterns of LBBB that can predict electrocardiographic response (QRS narrowing) to His bundle pacing. METHODS: We designed a prospective descriptive study of patients with LBBB and CRT indication proposed for CRT by p-HBP. We analyzed the correlation between the different electrocardiographic patterns and the correction of conduction disturbance (LBBB). RESULTS: We included 70 patients. Pacing at the location where His bundle electrogram was recorded narrowed the QRS in 81.4% (n = 57). Basically, we identified two electrocardiographic patterns in lead V1: QS or rS. The QS pattern was a sensitivity of 56%, a specificity of 84.6%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.1% to predict the correction of the LBBB (area under the curve [AUC] = .70). In patients with rS pattern, a ratio between the descending and the ascending S wave component duration ≥0.64 was a very good predictor of the correction of the LBBB (AUC = .968); with a value ≥0.64, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV was 92%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LBBB and CRT indication, the QS pattern in lead V1 predicts the correction of the QRS with HBP. In the case of rS pattern in lead V1, the ratio descending/ascending S wave component duration has a strong correlation with the LBBB correction.

Early improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction by cardiac resynchronization through His bundle pacing in patients with heart failure.

AIMS: Permanent His bundle pacing (p-HBP) can correct intraventricular conduction disorders and could be an alternative to traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) via the coronary sinus. We describe the short-term impact of HBP on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and improvement of left intraventricular synchrony. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective descriptive study, performed from January 2018 to February 2019, included patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and an CRT indication who were resynchronized by p-HBP. We used the Medtronic C315 His catheter or a combination of the CPS-Direct-Universal introducer, CPS-AIM™-Universal subselector (Abbot), and SelectSecure™ MRI-SureScan™ 3830 lead. Correction of the LBBB by HBP had been previously checked. At 1 month of follow-up, we analysed the quantification of LVEF and measurement of the delay of the septal wall with the posterior wall as a parameter of intraventricular synchrony. We included 48 patients with LBBB and an indication for CRT. With HBP, we corrected the LBBB in 81% of patients (n = 39), and we achieved cardiac resynchronization through permanent HBP in 92% of these patients (n = 36). Left ventricular ejection fraction and intraventricular mechanical resynchronization improved in all patients, which was demonstrated by echocardiography through the improvement of the delay of the septal wall with the posterior wall from 138 ms (range 131-151) to 41 ms (19-63). CONCLUSION: There is early improvement after p-HBP in LVEF and left ventricular electromechanical synchronization in patients with LBBB, heart failure, and an indication for CRT.

Simulation of 1D Topological Phases in Driven Quantum Dot Arrays.

We propose a driving protocol which allows us to use quantum dot arrays as quantum simulators for 1D topological phases. We show that by driving the system out of equilibrium, one can imprint bond order in the lattice (producing structures such as dimers, trimers, etc.) and selectively modify the hopping amplitudes at will. Our driving protocol also allows for the simultaneous suppression of all the undesired hopping processes and the enhancement of the necessary ones, enforcing certain key symmetries which provide topological protection. In addition, we have discussed its implementation in a 12-QD array with two interacting electrons and found correlation effects in their dynamics, when configurations with different number of edge states are considered.

Bloqueo del erector de la espina en cirugía torácica pediátrica / Erector spinae plane block in thoracic pediatric surgery

Thoracotomy is associated with intense pain. In the pediatric population, the pain affects the ventilatory mechanics, which is also strongly influenced by the characteristics of the respiratory tract and chest according to the age. Therefore, regional techniques are strongly recommended. In 2016, ESP is described for the first time, which generates extensive sensory block in the chest wall, without approaching the pleura and the neuroaxial space from the technical point of view. At present, there is increasing experience in different surgical settings, but it is still scarce in pediatric patients. We present the successful application of the technique in 2 pediatric cases of thoracic surgery and various outcomes are described.

La toracotomía está asociada con intenso dolor. En la población pediátrica, el dolor afecta la mecánica ventilatoria, que además se ve fuertemente influida por las características propias de las vías respiratorias y del tórax según la edad. Por lo anterior, las técnicas regionales están fuertemente recomendadas. En 2016 se describe por primera vez el ESP, que genera bloqueo sensitivo extenso en la pared torácica, sin aproximarse desde el punto de vista técnico a la pleura y al espacio neuroaxial. En la actualidad, existe experiencia en aumento en diversos settings quirúrgicos, pero es aún escasa en pacientes pediátricos. Presentamos la aplicación exitosa de la técnica en 2 casos pediátricos de cirugía torácica, así como la descripción de diferentes resultados posoperatorios.

Repeated procedures at the generator pocket are a determinant of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator infection.

BACKGROUND: Rates of cardiac-device infections have increased in recent years, but the current incidence and risk factors for infection in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are not well known. HYPOTHESIS: The increasing number of ICD infections is related to accumulated pocket manipulations over time. METHODS: This single-center, prospective study included patients that underwent ICD implantation from 2008 to 2015. The endpoint was time to infection. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors related to infection. RESULTS: The study included a total of 570 patients, of whom 419 (73.5%) underwent a first implantation. Mean age was 59 ± 14 years, and 80% were male. During a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range, 18-61 months; 1887 patient-years), infection was identified in 26 patients (4.56%), an incidence of 14.9 × 1000 patient-years. Median time to infection was 9.7 months (interquartile range, 1.35-23.4 months), and 38.5% were late infections (beyond 12 months of follow-up). In patients with replacement implants, the incidence was 3-fold higher than in first implantations (27.7 vs 9.1 × 1000 patient-years; P = 0.002). Cox regression identified 2 independent predictors of ICD infection: cumulative number of interventions at the generator pocket (hazard ratio: 1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.42-2.6, P < 0.001) and pocket hematoma (hazard ratio: 7.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.7-17.9, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infection in ICD patients is greater than previously reported, largely due to late infections. Each new cumulative intervention at the same generator pocket nearly doubles the risk of infection.

Infección por virus de Epstein-Barr y hepatitis aguda colestásica / Infection with Epstein-Barr virus and acute cholestatic hepatitis

El Virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) es un herpes virus cuyo medio de transmisión es a través de secreciones de una persona portadora del virus, siendo el hombre el único huésped. La primo infección por lo general es asintomática o puede manifestarse como mononucleosis infecciosa con la triada clásica de fiebre, faringitis y adenopatías. Esta cursa con elevación leve y autolimitada de transaminasas, por lo que solo un 5% de los casos se ha asociado con hepatitis aguda colestásica. Presentamos a un paciente con una infección por virus de Epstein-Barr y hepatitis aguda colestásica con historia de aparición de una masa cervical lateral derecha. Al examen físico evidencia ictericia a nivel de escleras, mucosas y ambos miembros superiores. Niveles de bilirrubina en sangre elevados. Paciente con ultrasonido hepático y vías biliares normal, colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica normal por lo que se procede a realizar pruebas serológicas para VEB siendo esta positiva. Se da tratamiento con ganciclovir, mejorando pruebas de función hepática y disminuyendo ictericia, teniendo así una evolución favorable del paciente...(AU)

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpes virus, whose means of transmission is through secretions of a person carrying the virus, the man being the only host. The cousin infection is usually asymptomatic or may manifest as infectious mononucleosis with the classical triad of fever, pharyngitis and lymphadenopathy. This is a mild and self-limiting elevation of transaminases, which means that only 5% of the cases have been associated with acute cholestasis hepatitis. We present a patient with an Epstein-Barr virus infection and acute cholestasis hepatitis with a history of the appearance of a right lateral cervical mass. Physical examination shows jaundice at the level of sclera, mucosa and both upper limbs. Elevated blood bilirubin levels. Patient with hepatic ultrasound and normal bile ducts, normal endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, so serological tests for EBV are performed and this is positive. Ganciclovir is given, improving liver function tests and decreasing jaundice, thus having a favorable evolution of the patient...(AU)

Prognosis of patients with syncope seen in the emergency room department: an evaluation of four different risk scores recommended by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

AIM: To apply, analyze, and evaluate the four syncope risk scores recommended by the 2009 European guidelines and the different parameters that they use to predict death, syncope recurrence, and hospital readmission in the population seen in the emergency room department (ERD) for syncope. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 323 patients aged older than 14 years [mean age 59 (32-75) years] and seen in ERD for syncope over a 2-month period were included in the study; 50.7% were women. Patients were evaluated using the four risk scores and were followed up for at least 2 years. In all, 275 patients (85.2%) were discharged directly from ERD after evaluation. During 28±5 months of follow-up, 8% died, 18.3% presented a further syncopal episode, and 18.6% were readmitted to hospital. Only two of the four risk scores were useful in risk discrimination, but no statistically significant differences were detected between predicted risk and observed risk. Multivariate analysis indicated relationships between age and death, a history of cardiovascular disease and syncope recurrence, and between presyncopal palpitations and hospital readmission. CONCLUSION: Although a large number of events occur after syncope, the risk scores recommended by guidelines overestimate risk, but there were no statistically significant differences between observed and predicted risk.

Evaluación comparativa de cuatro puntuaciones de riesgo para predecir la mortalidad de pacientes con desfibrilador automático implantable en prevención primaria / Comparative evaluation of four risk scores for predicting mortality in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention

Introducción y objetivos: Se han elaborado varias puntuaciones clínicas del riesgo para identificar a los pacientes con un riesgo de mortalidad por cualquier causa elevado a pesar del implante de un desfibrilador implantable. El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar y comparar la capacidad predictiva de 4 sistemas de puntuación sencillos (MADIT-II, FADES, PACE y SHOCKED) por lo que respecta a la predicción de la mortalidad tras implante de desfibrilador para la prevención primaria de la muerte súbita cardiaca en un país mediterráneo. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo en 15 hospitales españoles. Se incluyó a los pacientes consecutivos remitidos para implante de desfibrilador entre enero de 2010 y diciembre de 2011. Resultados: Se incluyó a 916 pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica o no isquémica (media de edad, 62 ± 11 años; el 81,4% varones). Durante un periodo de 33,4 ± 12,9 meses, fallecieron 113 pacientes (12,3%), el 9,4% (86 pacientes) por causa cardiovascular. A los 12, 24, 36 y 48 meses, la tasa de mortalidad fue del 4,5, el 7,6, el 10,8 y el 12,3% respectivamente. Todas las puntuaciones de riesgo mostraron un aumento escalonado del riesgo de muerte a lo largo de todo el sistema de puntuación de cada una de ellas y las 4 identificaron a los pacientes en mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Las puntuaciones tuvieron asociación significativa con la mortalidad por cualquier causa en todo el periodo de seguimiento. La puntuación PACE fue la que mostró un valor del índice c más bajo, tanto si la población tenía una cardiopatía de origen isquémico (estadístico c = 0,61) como si era de origen no isquémico (estadístico c = 0,61), mientras que la puntuación MADIT-II (estadístico c = 0,67 y 0,65 en la miocardiopatía isquémica y no isquémica respectivamente), las puntuaciones SHOCKED (estadístico c = 0,68 y 0,66 respectivamente) y FADES (estadístico c = 0,66 y 0,60) mostraron unos valores del estadístico c similares (p ≥ 0,09). Conclusiones: En esta cohorte de pacientes mediterráneos que no formaba parte de un ensayo clínico, las 4 puntuaciones de riesgo evaluadas mostraron un significativo aumento escalonado del riesgo de muerte. De entre las puntuaciones de riesgo existentes, MADIT-II, FADES y SHOCKED aportan un rendimiento ligeramente superior al de la puntuación PACE (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Several clinical risk scores have been developed to identify patients at high risk of all-cause mortality despite implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. We aimed to examine and compare the predictive capacity of 4 simple scoring systems (MADIT-II, FADES, PACE and SHOCKED) for predicting mortality after defibrillator implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in a Mediterranean country. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 15 Spanish hospitals. Consecutive patients referred for defibrillator implantation between January 2010 and December 2011 were included. Results: A total of 916 patients with ischemic and nonischemic heart disease were included (mean age, 62 ± 11 years, 81.4% male). Over 33.4 ± 12.9 months, 113 (12.3%) patients died (cardiovascular origin in 86 [9.4%] patients). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, mortality rates were 4.5%, 7.6%, 10.8%, and 12.3% respectively. All the risk scores showed a stepwise increase in the risk of death throughout the scoring system of each of the scores and all 4 scores identified patients at greater risk of mortality. The scores were significantly associated with all-cause mortality throughout the follow-up period. PACE displayed the lowest c-index value regardless of whether the population had heart disease of ischemic (c-statistic = 0.61) or nonischemic origin (c-statistic = 0.61), whereas MADIT-II (c-statistic = 0.67 and 0.65 in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy, respectively), SHOCKED (c-statistic = 0.68 and 0.66, respectively), and FADES (c-statistic = 0.66 and 0.60) provided similar c-statistic values (P ≥ .09). Conclusions: In this nontrial-based cohort of Mediterranean patients, the 4 evaluated risk scores showed a significant stepwise increase in the risk of death. Among the currently available risk scores, MADIT-II, FADES, and SHOCKED provide slightly better performance than PACE (AU)

Comparative Evaluation of Four Risk Scores for Predicting Mortality in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator for Primary Prevention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several clinical risk scores have been developed to identify patients at high risk of all-cause mortality despite implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. We aimed to examine and compare the predictive capacity of 4 simple scoring systems (MADIT-II, FADES, PACE and SHOCKED) for predicting mortality after defibrillator implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in a Mediterranean country. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 15 Spanish hospitals. Consecutive patients referred for defibrillator implantation between January 2010 and December 2011 were included. RESULTS: A total of 916 patients with ischemic and nonischemic heart disease were included (mean age, 62 ± 11 years, 81.4% male). Over 33.4 ± 12.9 months, 113 (12.3%) patients died (cardiovascular origin in 86 [9.4%] patients). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, mortality rates were 4.5%, 7.6%, 10.8%, and 12.3% respectively. All the risk scores showed a stepwise increase in the risk of death throughout the scoring system of each of the scores and all 4 scores identified patients at greater risk of mortality. The scores were significantly associated with all-cause mortality throughout the follow-up period. PACE displayed the lowest c-index value regardless of whether the population had heart disease of ischemic (c-statistic = 0.61) or nonischemic origin (c-statistic = 0.61), whereas MADIT-II (c-statistic = 0.67 and 0.65 in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy, respectively), SHOCKED (c-statistic = 0.68 and 0.66, respectively), and FADES (c-statistic = 0.66 and 0.60) provided similar c-statistic values (P ≥ .09). CONCLUSIONS: In this nontrial-based cohort of Mediterranean patients, the 4 evaluated risk scores showed a significant stepwise increase in the risk of death. Among the currently available risk scores, MADIT-II, FADES, and SHOCKED provide slightly better performance than PACE.

Prevención primaria con cardiodesfibrilador implantable y terapia de resincronización cardíaca en pacientes ancianos: resultados de un estudio multicéntrico español

Propósito: a la fecha sigue sin haber pruebas en cuanto a los resultados del uso de dispositivos para arritmias ventriculares en pacientes añosos, y menos aun para indicaciones de prevención primaria. La finalidad del estudio fue describir la evolución en términos de la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia con cardiodesfibriladores implantables (CDI) en una gran cohorte de pacientes añosos. Métodos y resultados: estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo realizado en 15 hospitales españoles. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos referidos para implante de CDI antes de 2011. Se consideró que 162 de los 1.174 pacientes (13,8%) con 75 años o más eran “añosos”. Comparado con aquellos pacientes <75 años, este subgrupo presentaba más comorbilidades como hipertensión, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y falla renal, y más internaciones previas debido a insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). A lo largo de una media de seguimiento de 104,4 ± 3,3 meses, fallecieron 162 pacientes (14%), 120 de los más jóvenes (12,4%) y 42 (24,4%) de los añosos. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier mostró un aumento de la probabilidad de morir con el aumento de la edad (17, 24, 28, y 69% a los 12, 24, 48, y 60 meses de seguimiento en el grupo de pacientes añosos). No hubo diferencias entre la tasa de intervenciones con CDI apropiadas o inapropiadas. Conclusión: en el mundo real, los pacientes añosos constituyen ~15% de los implantes de CDI para prevención primaria de la muerte súbita cardíaca (MSC). Si bien la tasa de terapias apropiadas es similar en los diferentes grupos, el beneficio de CDI se ve atenuado por un mayor aumento del riesgo de mortalidad entre los pacientes que son mayores de 75 años al momento del implante.