Value of NT-ProBNP level and echocardiographic parameters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty: relationships between these variables and their usefulness as predictors of ventricular remodeling.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and echocardiography for predicting ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and to investigate relationships between the NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters at discharge and in the medium term. METHODS: The study involved 159 patients with myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty. The NT-proBNP level was measured on admission, at discharge and after 6 months. Echocardiography was performed at discharge and after 6 months. RESULTS: Overall, 31 patients (19.5%) demonstrated remodeling. At discharge, the variables associated with remodeling were: mitral inflow E-wave-to-A-wave velocity ratio (E/A), systolic mitral annulus velocity (Sm), early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Em), the mitral inflow E wave to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/ Em), left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and discharge NT-proBNP level. Only E/Em was an independent predictor of ventricular remodeling (odds ratio [OR]=1.143; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039-1.258; P=.006). At discharge, correlations were observed between the NT-proBNP level and LVEDV, LVESV, ejection fraction (EF) and E/Em. At 6 months, correlations with ventricular volumes and EF were unchanged, the correlation with E/Em was better (r=0.47 vs. r=0.69), and a modest correlation with LAV developed (r=0.43; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: The E/Em ratio was the best echocardiographic predictor of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. The NT-proBNP level had no additional predictive value over echocardiography. Correlations between the NT-proBNP level and ventricular volumes and EF at discharge and 6 months were similar, while correlations with E/Em and LAV were better at 6 months.

NT-proBNP y variables ecocardiográficas en el infarto con elevación del ST tratado con angioplastia primaria: relación entre ambos y utilidad como predictores de remodelado ventricular / Value of NT-ProBNP Level and Echocardiographic parameters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty: relationships between these variables and their usefulness as predictors of ventricular remodeling

Introducción y objetivos. Estudiar el valor del fragmento aminoterminal del péptido natriurético cerebral (NT-proBNP) y del ecocardiograma para predecir remodelado tras infarto y relacionar el NT-proBNP con el ecocardiograma al alta y en fase crónica. Métodos. Estudiamos a 159 pacientes con infarto tratados con angioplastia primaria. Se determinó el NT-pro-BNP al ingreso, al alta y al sexto mes. Se hizo ecocardiograma al alta y al sexto mes. Resultados. Treinta y un pacientes (19,5%) sufrieron remodelado. Al alta se asociaron con remodelado: el cociente entre velocidades E y A del llenado mitral (E/A), la velocidad sistólica del anillo mitral (Sm), la velocidad diastólica precoz del anillo mitral (Em), el cociente entre onda E del llenado mitral y velocidad diastólica precoz del anillo mitral (E/Em), el volumen auricular izquierdo (VAI), los volúmenes telediastólico (VTD) y telesistólico (VTS) ventriculares izquierdos y el NT-proBNP al alta. De ellas, sólo el E/Em fue predictor independiente de remodelado (odds ratio [OR] = 1,143; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,039-1,258; p = 0,006). Al alta, el NT-pro-BNP se correlacionó con el VTD, el VTS, la fracción de eyección (FE) y el E/Em. Al sexto mes, había similar correlación con volúmenes ventriculares y FE, mejoró la correlación con el E/Em (r = 0,47 frente a r = 0,69) y apareció correlación modesta con el VAI (r = 0,43; p = 0,001). Conclusiones. El cociente E/Em es el mejor predictor ecocardiográfico de remodelado tras infarto. El NT-pro-BNP pierde valor predictor al considerarlo junto con el ecocardiograma. El NT-proBNP se correlaciona igualmente con volúmenes ventriculares y FE al alta y al sexto mes, mientras que la correlación con el cociente E/Em y el VAI es más relevante al sexto mes (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To assess the value of N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and echocardiography for predicting ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and to investigate relationships between the NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters at discharge and in the medium term. Methods. The study involved 159 patients with myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty. The NT-proBNP level was measured on admission, at discharge and after 6 months. Echocardiography was performed at discharge and after 6 months. Results. Overall, 31 patients (19.5%) demonstrated remodeling. At discharge, the variables associated with remodeling were: mitral inflow E-wave-to-A-wave velocity ratio (E/A), systolic mitral annulus velocity (Sm), early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Em), the mitral inflow E wave to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/ Em), left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and discharge NT-proBNP level. Only E/Em was an independent predictor of ventricular remodeling (odds ratio [OR]=1.143; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039-1.258; P=.006). At discharge, correlations were observed between the NT-proBNP level and LVEDV, LVESV, ejection fraction (EF) and E/Em. At 6 months, correlations with ventricular volumes and EF were unchanged, the correlation with E/Em was better (r=0.47 vs. r=0.69), and a modest correlation with LAV developed (r=0.43; P=.001). Conclusions. The E/Em ratio was the best echocardiographic predictor of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. The NT-proBNP level had no additional predictive value over echocardiography. Correlations between the NT-proBNP level and ventricular volumes and EF at discharge and 6 months were similar, while correlations with E/Em and LAV were better at 6 months (AU)

[Analysis of head-up tilt test responses in patients suffering from syncope and high blood pressure]. / Análisis de la respuesta al test de tabla basculante de los pacientes con síncope que presentan hipertensión arterial.

We studied the difference in head-up tilt test responses between patients suffering from syncope who had hypertension and those who did not. A total of 338 consecutive patients with syncope underwent head-up tilt testing in our department from January 2003 to October 2004. Of these, 243 did not have hypertension (group A), whereas 95 did (group B). There were significant differences between the groups in age (P=.0001), sex (P=.048), timing of syncope development (P=.0001), and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P=.0001). The head-up tilt test gave positive results in 168 patients (69.1%) in group A and in 63 (66.3%) in group B (P=.6; NS). There was no significant difference between the groups in the proportion of positive responses that occurred in either the baseline or nitroglycerin-enhanced phase of the test (P=.673; NS), nor in the time to onset of syncope in either phase (P=.69; NS, and P=.28; NS, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in the type of response (vasodepressor response, 33% in group A versus 49% in group B, P=.01). In the multivariate analysis, no independent variable was found to be associated with the result of the head-up tilt test.

Análisis de la respuesta al test de tabla basculante de los pacientes con síncope que presentan hipertensión arterial / Analysis of head-up tilt test responses in patients suffering from syncope and high blood pressure

Para analizar las diferencias en la respuesta al test de tabla basculante (TTB) entre sujetos sin y con hipertensión arterial (HTA) hemos estudiado consecutivamente a los 338 pacientes con síncope que realizaron el TTB en nuestro servicio entre enero de 2003 y octubre de 2004. En 243 pacientes no se apreció hipertensión (grupo A), mientras que en 95 sí la había (grupo B). Encontramos diferencias entre ambos grupos en la edad (p = 0,0001), el sexo (p = 0,048), el tiempo de evolución de los síncopes (p = 0,0001) y el porcentaje de diabetes mellitus (p = 0,0001). El TTB fue positivo en 168 pacientes (69,1%) del grupo A y 63 (66,3%) del grupo B (p = 0,6; NS). No encontramos diferencias entre ambos grupos en el porcentaje de positividad al TTB durante la fase basal y durante la fase de nitroglicerina (p = 0,673; NS), ni en el tiempo de aparición del síncope en ambas fases (p = 0,69; NS, y p = 0,28; NS), aunque sí en el tipo de respuesta (respuesta vasodepresora del 33% en el grupo A frente al 49% en el grupo B; p = 0,01). En el análisis multivariable no se encontró ninguna variable independiente asociada con el resultado del TTB

We studied the difference in head-up tilt test responses between patients suffering from syncope who had hypertension and those who did not. A total of 338 consecutive patients with syncope underwent head-up tilt testing in our department from January 2003 to October 2004. Of these, 243 did not have hypertension (group A), whereas 95 did (group B). There were significant differences between the groups in age (P=.0001), sex (P=.048), timing of syncope development (P=.0001), and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P=.0001). The head-up tilt test gave positive results in 168 patients (69.1%) in group A and in 63 (66.3%) in group B (P=.6; NS). There was no significant difference between the groups in the proportion of positive responses that occurred in either the baseline or nitroglycerin-enhanced phase of the test (P=.673; NS), nor in the time to onset of syncope in either phase (P=.69; NS, and P=.28; NS, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in the type of response (vasodepressor response, 33% in group A versus 49% in group B, P=.01). In the multivariate analysis, no independent variable was found to be associated with the result of the head-up tilt test

Short-term evolution of vasovagal syncope: influence on the quality of life.

To evaluate the short-term evolution and changes in the quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from vasovagal syncope (VVS) by the application of the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) that was prospectively administrated to all consecutive patients with syncope and abnormal response to head-up tilt test. We included 167 patients (55.7% women, median age 42 years old). During a 6-month follow-up, recurrence was observed in 33 patients (19.8%). The mean recurrence-free time was 6.2+/-0.34 months. Among those patients with and without relapses, there were only differences in the previous number of syncopes (6 vs. 3, p=0.0051). Of them, 19 (11%) only presented 1 syncopal relapse and 14 (8.2%) presented more than 1. There were differences in the time until the first relapse [4 months (2.3-5.4) vs. 1.6 months (0.8-3.3), p=0.002] and an inverse correlation between the time until the appearance of recurrences and their number (r2 Spearman=-0.54, p=0.002). In just 6 months, those patients who had recurrence had a worse QoL than those who did not, in 7 dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire. In the short-term, one in every five patients with VVS had at least 1 relapse, and if it is very early, it can recur in up to 8% of them. The QoL of these patients is correlated with the appearance of relapses.

Long-term outcome of patients with vasovagal syncope.

BACKGROUND: After abnormal head-up tilt test (HUT), several trials have evaluated treatment strategies for vasovagal syncope (VVS). However, few unequivocal results have been obtained. The aim of the study was to prospectively analyze the natural history of patients with VVS who did not undergo specific treatment but received education for avoiding syncope after an abnormal HUT. METHODS: From 1996, 334 consecutive patients with VVS and an abnormal HUT result were followed. All of them received education for avoiding syncope as first-line therapy. RESULTS: During 30.4 +/- 21 months, there were no cardiac deaths. However, 101 patients (30.2%) had recurrences (1 recurrence, n = 64; > or =2, n = 37), which were not influenced by the type of response during HUT or by age. Time to first recurrence was correlated with the number of recurrences (r: -0.34, P =.0001). Mean recurrence-free time was 50.1 months (95% CI 46-54) and the cumulative probability of no recurrence was 69.8%. Receiver operator character curve analysis, demonstrated significant differences in the recurrence rate between patients with <5 or > or =5 previous episodes of syncope (25.1% vs 44%; P =.001). In addition, the mean recurrence-free time of patients with <5 episodes was significantly longer (54.1 months) than in patients with > or =5 episodes (39.6 months; P =.0005). Multivariate logistic regression identified the previous number of episodes as an independent risk marker of recurrences (odds ratio 2.34, 95% CI 1.4-3.8, P =.001). Age (at HUT performance) as a continuous variable was not a predictor of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients with VVS presenting after an abnormal HUT is excellent. Although the broad majority of those patients do not suffer recurrences after education, the number of previous syncopal episodes critically influences the recurrence rate.

[Quality of life in patients with vasovagal syncope. Clinical parameters influence]. / Calidad de vida en los pacientes con síncope vasovagal. Influencia de parámetros clínicos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and morbidity of the vaso-vagal syncope are well-known. With the intention of measuring the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with vaso-vagal syncope, as well as age and gender influence, we have used the Spanish version of Short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire in those patients and have compared it with the general population and with patients with heart failure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: All consecutive patients with vaso-vagal syncope submitted for head-up tilt test performance from January 2001 to December 2002 were included. SF-36 was self-administered prior to the head-up tilt test. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy one patients were included (50.5% females). In these patients, QoL scores were lower than those of the Spanish general population and similar to those in patients with heart failure. Women's scores were lower in eight dimensions, and only four were lower in men's. Women QoL was worst than men's (p < 0.05). Age had a negative influence on the eight dimensions of SF-36, especially in women. The number of syncopes was the most influential clinic parameter on the QoL of such patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, patients suffering from vaso-vagal syncope had a poor QoL when compared with heart failure or control populations. Women had lower QoL than men, and there was an age-related worsening in both men and women. Our data show that the number of syncopes is the clinic parameter having the best correlation with QoL.

Calidad de vida en los pacientes con síncope vasovagal. Influencia de parámetros clínicos / Quality of life in patients with vasovagal syncope. Clinical parameters influence

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: Son conocidas la prevalencia del síncope vasovagal y su morbilidad. Con objeto de cuantificar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de los pacientes que lo sufren y evaluar la influencia de la edad y el sexo, se compararon los resultados obtenidos tras la administración de la versión española del Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 en esta población con los valores de la población general y de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. Además se ha analizado la influencia de diversos parámetros clínicos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se incluyó consecutivamente a todos los pacientes con síncope vasovagal sometidos a test de tabla basculante desde enero de 2001 hasta diciembre de 2002. El cuestionario se contestó previamente a la realización del test. Se calcularon los valores utilizando estadísticos apropiados a la distribución de la muestra, se analizaron según la edad y el sexo, y se correlacionaron con diversos parámetros clínicos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 271 pacientes (50,5 por ciento mujeres). La CVRS en estos pacientes fue inferior a los valores poblacionales y similar a la de los pacientes que sufren insuficiencia cardíaca. En el varón sólo 4 dimensiones del SF-36 fueron inferiores a la población general, y en la mujer lo fueron las 8. La mujer tuvo peor percepción de su CVRS que el varón (p < 0,05). La edad influyó negativamente en todas las dimensiones del SF-36, sobre todo en la mujer. El número de síncopes fue el parámetro clínico que más se relacionó con la CVRS.CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, los pacientes con síncope vasovagal tienen peor CVRS respecto a la población general de referencia y similar a la que sufre insuficiencia cardíaca. La CVRS es peor en la mujer y empeora con la edad en ambos sexos. Nuestra serie indica que el número de síncopes es el parámetro clínico que mejor se correlaciona con la CVRS (AU)