Riesgo de hemorragia cerebral en el traumatismo craneal leve y tratamiento antitrombótico / Risk of cerebral hemorrhage in mild traumatic brain injury and antithrombotic treatment

Objetivo El tiempo de observación en el traumatismo craneoencefálico leve (TCEL) es controvertido. Nuestro objetivo se basó en evaluar el riesgo de complicaciones neurológicas en el TCEL con y sin tratamiento antitrombótico. Método Evaluamos retrospectivamente los pacientes con TCEL atendidos en urgencias durante 3 años. Consideramos TCEL aquellos con Glasgow ≥13 al ingreso. Se realizó una TC craneal en todos los casos con >1 factor de riesgo al ingreso y a las 24h en aquellos con deterioro neurológico o TC craneal inicial patológica. Se revisó retrospectivamente las complicaciones en los siguientes 3 meses. Resultados Evaluamos 907 pacientes con una edad media de 73±19 años. El 91% presentaron factores de riesgo, con un 60% en tratamiento antitrombótico. Detectamos un 11% de hemorragia cerebral inicial, 0,4% a las 24h y ningún caso a los 3 meses. El tratamiento antitrombótico no se asoció con incremento de riesgo de hemorragia cerebral (9,9 con vs. 11,9% sin tratamiento; p=0,3). El 39% de las hemorragias presentaron síntomas neurológicos (18% amnesia postraumática, 12% cefalea, 8% vómitos, 1% convulsiones), siendo en un 78,4% síntomas leves. De las 4 hemorragias detectadas a las 24h, 3 fueron asintomáticas y un caso emporó la cefalea inicial. Ningún paciente asintomático sin lesión en la TC craneal inicial presentó clínica a las 24h. Conclusiones Nuestro estudio sugiere que los pacientes con TCEL asintomáticos, sin lesión en la TC craneal inicial no precisarían periodo de observación ni TC craneal de control, independientemente del tratamiento antitrombótico o nivel de INR (AU)

Introduction The observation time in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is controversial. Our aim was to assess the risk of neurological complications in mTBI with and without antithrombotic treatment. Method We retrospectively evaluated patients with mTBI seen in the emergency room for 3 years. We considered MTBI those with Glasgow ≥13 at admission. A cranial CT was performed in all cases with >1 risk factor at admission and at 24h in those with neurological impairment or initial pathological cranial CT. Complications in the following 3 months were retrospectively reviewed. Results We evaluated 907 patients with a mean age of 73±19 years. Ninety-one percent presented risk factors, with 60% on antithrombotic treatment. We detected 11% of initial brain hemorrhage, 0.4% at 24h, and no cases at 3 months. Antithrombotic treatment was not associated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage (9.9% with vs. 11.9% without treatment, P=.3). 39% of the hemorrhages presented neurological symptoms (18% post-traumatic amnesia, 12% headache, 8% vomiting, 1% seizures), with 78.4% having mild symptoms. Of the 4 hemorrhages detected at 24h, 3 were asymptomatic and one case that worsened the initial headache. No asymptomatic patient without lesion on initial clinical cranial CT presented at 24h. Conclusions Our study suggests that patients with asymptomatic mTBI, without a lesion on the initial cranial CT, would not require the observation period or CT control regardless of antithrombotic treatment or INR level (AU)

Risk of cerebral hemorrhage in mild traumatic brain injury and antithrombotic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The observation time in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is controversial. Our aim was to assess the risk of neurological complications in mTBI with and without antithrombotic treatment. METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated patients with mTBI seen in the emergency room for 3 years. We considered MTBI those with Glasgow ≥13 at admission. A cranial CT was performed in all cases with ≥1 risk factor at admission and at 24 h in those with neurological impairment or initial pathological cranial CT. Complications in the following 3 months were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: We evaluated 907 patients with a mean age of 73 ±â€¯19 years. Ninety-one percent presented risk factors, with 60% on antithrombotic treatment. We detected 11% of initial brain hemorrhage, 0.4% at 24 h, and no cases at 3 months. Antithrombotic treatment was not associated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage (9.9% with vs 11.9% without treatment, p = 0.3). 39% of the hemorrhages presented neurological symptoms (18% post-traumatic amnesia, 12% headache, 8% vomiting, 1% seizures), with 78.4% having mild symptoms. Of the 4 hemorrhages detected at 24 h, 3 were asymptomatic and one case that worsened the initial headache. No asymptomatic patient without lesion on initial clinical cranial CT presented at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with asymptomatic mTBI, without a lesion on the initial cranial CT, would not require the observation period or CT control regardless of antithrombotic treatment or INR level.

Tratamiento antitrombótico en pacientes con fibrilación auricular tras intervención coronaria percutánea, un equilibrio difícil de conseguir / Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention, a difficult balance to achieve

La combinación de tratamiento antitrombótico anticoagulante/antiagregante) que deben llevar aquellos pacientes con FA que sufren un SCA y/o deben someterse a ICP no está claro. La asociación de anticoagulación oral con un inhibidor de P2Y12 y aspirina, lo que se denomina triple terapia antitrombótica (TAT) asocia un elevado riesgo de hemorragia. Por otro lado, la terapia antitrombótica dual (DAT) sin aspirina conlleva un riesgo todavía desconocido de eventos isquémicos.(1) El tratamiento debe equilibrar el riesgo isquémico y hemorrágico alcanzando un beneficio clínico neto óptimo. El objetivo de esta revisión es establecer unas pautas más claras de tratamiento en estos pacientes. Analizamos 2 estudios observacionales previos para sentar el punto de partida y 5 ECA que incluían un total de 11532 pacientes. En ellos se comparó la DAT vs. TAT, en pacientes con FA que sufren un SCA y/o son sometidos a ICP.La DAT asoció menor tasa de sangrados frente a la TAT sin aumentar los eventos isquémicos. Sin embargo, ningún ensayo consiguió la suficiente potencia estadística para evaluar de forma consistente los resultados isquémicos de eficacia. De las distintas terapias, mostraron mejores resultados de eficacia aquellas que emplearon DAT frente a TAT y ACOD frente a AVK. Conclusión: En pacientes con FA que sufren un SCA y/o deben someterse a ICP, el régimen de DAT asocia menos eventos hemorrágicos, sin diferencias significativas en cuanto a eventos isquémicos; El uso de ACOD muestra un mejor perfil de beneficio frente a los AVK, por lo que son de preferencia.(AU)

The combination of antithrombotic treatment (anticoagulant / antiplatelet) that those who AF patients who have ACS and / or must undergo PCI is unclear. The association of oral anticoagulation with a P2Y 12 inhibitor and aspirin, called triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is associated with a high risk of bleeding. On the other hand, dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) without Aspirin carries a still unknown risk of ischemic events.(1) Treatment must balance the ischemic and hemorrhagic risk reaching an optimal net clinical benefit. The purpose of this review is to establish clearer treatment guidelines in these patients. We analyzed 2 previous observational studies to establish the starting point and 5 RCTs that included a total of 11,532 patients. In them, DAT vs. TAT, in patients with AF who suffer from ACS and / or undergo PCI.DAT was associated with a lower rate of bleeding compared to TAT without increasing ischemic events. Without However, no trial achieved sufficient statistical power to consistently assess the ischemic efficacy results. Of the different therapies, they showed better efficacy results those that used DAT versus TAT and ACOD versus VKA. Conclusion: In patients with AF who suffer an ACS and / or must undergo PCI, the DAT regimen associates fewer bleeding events, without significant differences regarding ischemic events; The use of ACOD shows a better profile of benefit versus AVK, so they are preferred.(AU)

Haemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding after intervention with biological aortic valve prosthesis: risk factors and antithrombotic treatment.

The majority of patients with severe aortic stenosis are recommended intervention with a surgical biological prosthesis (bioSAVR) or a transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI). The antithrombotic strategies after aortic valve intervention vary and include drugs targeting both platelets and the coagulation cascade. Long-term exposure and changes of antithrombotic treatment influence the risk of both bleeding and thromboembolic events.The aim was to describe an unselected sample of patients who have experienced haemorrhagic stroke and other major bleeding events after biological aortic prosthesis, their antithrombotic treatment and changes of treatments in relation to the bleeding event.All patients performing an bioSAVR or a TAVI 2008-2014 were identified in the SWEDEHEART registry and included in the study (n = 10 711). The outcome events were haemorrhagic stroke and other major bleeding event. Information of drug exposure was collected from the dispensed drug registry.The incidence rate of any bleeding event was 2.85/100 patient-years the first year after aortic valve intervention. Heart failure and atrial fibrillation were present more often in patients with a first haemorrhagic stroke or other major bleeding event compared to without. The proportion of exposure to warfarin was 28.7% vs. 21.3% in patients with and without a haemorrhagic stroke. Comparable figures were 31.2% vs. 19.0% in patients with and without other major bleeding event. During 1 month prior a haemorrhagic stroke or other major bleeding event 39.4% and 38.0%, respectively, of the patients not previously exposed to antithrombotic treatment started warfarin or single antiplatelet therapy.Major bleeding events are not uncommon after aortic valve intervention with a biological prosthesis. Evaluation of comorbidities and previous bleeding might improve risk stratification for bleeding in these elderly patients. The pattern of change of antithrombotic treatment was similar in the groups with and without a bleeding event and in most patients the antithrombotic regime was unchanged the month before an event.

A la mayoría de los pacientes con estenosis de la válvula aórtica grave se les recomienda someterse a una valvuloplastia con prótesis biológica (bioSAVR) o a una valvuloplastia aórtica transcateteral (TAVI). Las estrategias antitrombóticas tras una valvuloplastia aórtica son distintas y, entre ellas, se incluyen fármacos dirigidos tanto a las plaquetas como a la cascada de la coagulación. La exposición prolongada y los cambios en el tratamiento antitrombótico influyen en el riesgo de sufrir complicaciones hemorrágicas y tromboembólicas.El objetivo es describir una muestra de pacientes sin seleccionar que han padecido ictus hemorrágicos u otros episodios hemorrágicos importantes tras una valvuloplastia aórtica con prótesis biológica, así como el tratamiento antitrombótico y los cambios de tratamientos en relación con la hemorragia.Todos los pacientes sometidos a bioSAVR o TAVI en 2008-2014 se encontraban en el registro SWEDEHEART y se incluyeron en el estudio (n = 10 711). Los criterios de valoración fueron ictus hemorrágico y otras hemorragias importantes. La información de la exposición al fármaco se recogió del registro de dispensación de fármacos.En el primer año tras la valvuloplastia aórtica, la tasa de incidencia de cualquier episodio hemorrágico fue de 2,85 por 100 pacientes. La insuficiencia cardíaca y la fibrilación auricular fueron más frecuentes en pacientes con presencia de un primer ictus hemorrágico u otras hemorragias importantes en comparación con el grupo de control. La proporción de exposición a warfarina fue del 28,7% frente al 21,3% en pacientes con presencia y ausencia de un ictus hemorrágico, respectivamente. Cifras comparables fueron el 31,2% frente al 19,0% en pacientes con presencia y ausencia de otros episodios hemorrágicos importantes, respectivamente. Un mes antes de que se produjera el ictus hemorrágico u otras hemorragias importantes, el 39,4% y el 38,0%, respectivamente, de los pacientes que no estaban previamente expuestos a un tratamiento antitrombótico comenzaron un tratamiento con warfarina o antiagregante plaquetario simple.La presencia de episodios hemorrágicos importantes es frecuente tras una valvuloplastia aórtica con prótesis biológica. La evaluación de comorbilidades y hemorragias anteriores puede mejorar la estratificación de riesgos de sufrir hemorragias en pacientes de avanzada edad. El tipo de cambio del tratamiento antitrombótico fue similar en el grupo de control y en el grupo con presencia de un episodio hemorrágico y, en la mayoría de los pacientes, no se modificó la pauta de administración del antitrombótico en el mes previo al episodio hemorrágico.

Bleeding risk assessment for stroke patients on antithrombotic therapy. / Evaluación del riesgo hemorrágico de la terapia antitrombótica en pacientes con ictus.

INTRODUCTION: After an ischemic cerebrovascular event the risk of new ischemic events is high, therefore antithrombotic therapy are indicated to prevent stroke recurrence. DISCUSSION: Despite its clear benefit, these therapies increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is essential to identify high hemorrhagic risk patients. There are different predictive models of hemorrhage, in particular of intracranial hemorrhage, associated with the use of antiaggregants in patients who have presented an ischemic stroke or TIA, such as the CCSC, intracranial scales -B2LEED3S score or S2TOP-BLEED. However, though main international guidelines recommend the use of scales, in particular, the HAS-BLED score, to assess the risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients, there is no specific recommendation in the case of the use of antiplatelet drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In this review we present the main models currently available for the prediction of bleeding of antithrombotic therapy in patients who have had a stroke or TIA.

Registro prospectivo de tratamiento antitrombótico en coronarios agudos (EPICOR) / Prospective Registry of Antithrombotic Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes (EPICOR)

RESUMEN Objetivo: Presentar los resultados a dos años de seguimiento de la cohorte argentina del estudio EPICOR, un registro internacional, multicéntrico, observacional, prospectivo, diseñado para determinar los patrones de utilización de la terapia antitrombótica en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo en el contexto de la práctica clínica habitual. Material y métodos: Se enrolaron 438 pacientes consecutivos con infarto de miocardio con supradesnivel del segmento ST (STEMI, 41%) o SCA sin supradesnivel del segmento ST (NSTE-ACS, 59%), externados vivos de centros hospitalarios públicos, privados y de comunidad. La media de edad fue 62 años, el 76% eran varones, el 71% hipertensos, el 64% fumadores, el 19% diabéticos y el 40% tenían antecedentes de patología cardiovascular previa. Resultados: La mortalidad global fue del 4,8% al año y del 7,3% a los 2 años. El uso de doble antiagregación plaquetaria fue del 80% al año y del 53% a los 2 años (p < 0,0001), sin diferencias entre aquellos con supradesnivel del ST o sin este. La incidencia de eventos isquémicos y hemorrágicos mayores a los 2 años fue del 15,3% y del 1,8%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se observó un elevado porcentaje de persistencia de la doble antiagregación plaquetaria a los 2 años, más allá del año recomendado por las guías, con baja incidencia de hemorragias mayores, lo que sugiere una selección clínica de riesgo-beneficio.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To present the two-year follow-up resultis of the EPICOR study Argentine cohort, a prospective, international, observational, multicenter registry designed to determine the use of antithrombotic therapy patterns in the routine clinical practice of patientis with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: The study enrolled a total of 438 consecutive patientis with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 41%) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE ACS, 59%) discharged alive from public, private, and community hospitals. Mean age was 62 years, 76% of patientis were male, 71% hypertensive, 64% smokers, 19% diabetic and 40% had history of previous cardiovascular disease. Resultis: Overall mortality was 4.8% at 1 year and 7.3% at 2 years. Use of dual antiplatelet therapy was 80% at one year and 53% at 2 years (p<0.0001), with no differences between those with or without ST-segment elevation. The 2-year incidence of ischemic and major bleeding eventis was 15.3% and 1.8%, respectively Conclusions: Beyond the one-year administration recommended by the guidelines, a high percentage of persistent dual antiplatelet therapy was observed at 2 years, with a low incidence of major bleeding eventis, suggesting a clinical risk-benefit selection.

Atrial fibrillation in patients on haemodialysis in Andalusia. Prevalence, clinical profile and therapeutic management. / Fibrilación auricular en los pacientes en hemodiálisis en Andalucía. Prevalencia, perfil clínico y manejo terapéutico.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents an important social and healthcare problem. There is wide variability in the prevalence of this arrhythmia in studies analysing patients on haemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence, clinical profile and therapeutic management of patients with AF on HD in Andalusia. METHODS: We asked the public healthcare system of Andalusia to provide us with the number of patients who were being treated with HD. We asked attending nephrologists from all hospital and outpatient centres in 5 of the 8 Andalusian provinces to perform an electrocardiogram and to fill out a questionnaire on patients selected by simple random sampling. RESULTS: A total of 2,348 patients were being treated with HD in the 5provinces included in the study. The estimated sample size was 285 patients. We obtained an electrocardiogram and information from 252 patients (88.4%); mean age 65.3±16 years; 40.9% women. Sixty-three patients (25%) had AF. Of these, 36 (14.3%) had AF in the recorded ECG and in the rest it had been documented previously. In the multivariate analysis, older age (OR: 1.071; 95% CI: 1.036-1.107; P=0.000) and greater time on HD (OR: 1.009; 95% CI: 1.004-1.014; P=0.000) were independently associated with the presence of AF. Of the patients with AF, 41.3% were on anticoagulant treatment at the time of the study; and 41.2% were on antiplatelet agents. CONCLUSIONS: AF in dialysis units is an important finding. Establishing the risk-benefit ratio of anticoagulant treatment constitutes a real challenge. Well-designed clinical trials are pivotal in order to define the rational use of antithrombotic drugs.

[Fine-tuning of antithrombotic therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The AFINVA register]. / Adecuación del tratamiento antitrombótico en los pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular. Registro AFINVA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether antithrombotic treatment (ATT) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in a health area complies with the recommendations of current clinical guidelines. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care Centres and Cardiology Department of a Health Department of the Valencian Community, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 505 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were included in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: ATT was deemed to be inappropriate in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1 and who were not under oral anticoagulation, in patients treated with antivitaminK drugs, and poor control of oral anticoagulation, or with antiplatelet therapy inappropriately associated with anticoagulation, and in patients on ATT with a CHA2DS2-VASc score=0. RESULTS: The median age was 77.4±10years. The ATT was considered inadequate in 58% of cases. Factors independently associated with inadequate ATT were age (OR: 1.02 [1-1.04]; P=.029), hypothyroidism (OR: 1.98 [1.14-3.43]; P=.015), ischaemic heart disease (OR: 1.3 [1.15-2.59]; P=.008) and paroxysmal non-valvular AF (OR: 2.11 [1.41-3.17]; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These data underline the high prevalence of inadequate ATT in daily practice, as well its different causes.

[Antithrombotic treatment consensus protocol (anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy) during the perioperative and periprocedural period in neurosurgery]. / Protocolo de consenso en el tratamiento antitrombótico (anticoagulación y antiagregación) durante el periodo perioperatorio y periprocedimiento en neurocirugía.

The use of antithrombotic medication (antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy) is widespread. Currently, the management of neurosurgical patients receiving this type of therapy continues to be a problem of special importance. Patients receiving antithrombotic treatment may need neurosurgical care because of bleeding secondary to such treatment, non-haemorrhagic neurosurgical lesions requiring urgent attention, or simply elective neurosurgical procedures. In addition, the consequences of reintroducing early (bleeding or rebleeding) or late (thrombotic or thromboembolic) anticoagulation can be devastating. In this paper we present the antithrombotic treatment consensus protocol during the perioperative and periprocedural period, both in emergent surgery and in elective neurosurgical procedures.

Clinical and Economic Impact of a Multisciplinary Intervention to Reduce Bleeding Risk in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of a multidisciplinary program to reduce bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome through optimization of antithrombotic therapy. METHODS: We designed a preintervention (PRE) and postintervention (POST) quasi-experimental study using a retrospective analysis of 2 cohorts. The first cohort was analyzed to detect correctable measures contributing to bleeding (PRE). Afterward, a quality improvement intervention with a bundle of recommendations was implemented. Finally, a second cohort of patients was evaluated to investigate the impact of the measures on bleeding reduction (POST). The impact on health outcomes was evaluated through comparison of the percentage of in-hospital bleeding events and 30-day readmissions between the 2 cohorts. The economic analysis took into account the costs associated with the implementation of the program and the cost-savings associated with the prevention of bleeding events and 30-day readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 677 patients were included (377 in PRE and 300 in POST). The total bleeding rate was reduced after the implementation of the bundled intervention by 29.2% (31.6% in POST vs 22.3% in PRE; OR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.44-0.88) while 30-day readmission rates were 7.7% in PRE and 5% in POST (P=.20). The estimated avoided cost was €95 113.6 per year, meaning that €10.1 would be obtained in return for each euro invested during the first year and €36.3 during the following years. CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary program has proven to be effective in reducing bleeding events and is economically attractive.

Antithrombotic treatment and characteristics of elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation hospitalized at Internal Medicine departments. NONAVASC registry. / Características y tratamiento antitrombótico de los pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular no valvular hospitalizados en Medicina Interna. Registro NONAVASC.

BACKGROUND AND OBJETIVES: The prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) increases with the patient's age and is associated with high morbi-mortality rates. The main goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of hospitalized elderly patients with NVAF and to identify the clinical and functional factors which determine the use of different antithrombotic strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational, prospective, multicentre study carried out on patients with NVAF over the age of 75, who had been admitted for any medical condition to Internal Medicine departments. RESULTS: We evaluated 804 patients with a mean age of 85 years (range 75-101), of which 53.9% were females. The prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular disease was high: hypertension (87.6%), heart failure (65.4%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (24.4%), cerebrovascular disease (22.4%) and chronic kidney disease (45%). Among those cases with previous diagnoses of NVAF, antithrombotic treatment was prescribed in 86.2% of patients: anticoagulants (59.7%), antiplatelet medication (17.8%) and double therapy (8.7%). The factors associated with the use of antithrombotic treatment were history of acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation progression longer than one year. Older age, atrial fibrillation for less than one year, higher HAS-BLED scores and severe cognitive impairment were associated with the use of anti-platelet drugs. Permanent atrial fibrillation favoured the use of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized patients older than 75 years old with NVAF showed numerous comorbidities. The percentage of anticoagulation was small and 18% received only anti-platelet therapy. The patient's age, atrial fibrillation's progression time and the severity of the cognitive impairment influenced this therapy choice.

Prevalencia, presentación y manejo antitrombótico de la fibrilación auricular en la consulta cardiológica ambulatoria / Prevalence, presentation and antithrombotic management of atrial fibrillation in outpatient cardiology clinic

Antecedentes: la fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida más frecuente en la clínica. Existen pocos datos en nuestro medio sobre la prevalencia, modo de presentación, perfil de riesgo tromboembólico y tratamiento antitrombótico de los pacientes con FA asistidos en la consulta cardiológica general ambulatoria. Método: se identificaron los casos de FA entre las consultas ambulatorias programadas consecutivas en 30 días (junio-julio de 2015) de diez cardiólogos a través de la historia clínica electrónica. Se estudiaron factores demográficos, score de riesgo tromboembólico, tipo de FA y utilización de medicación antitrombótica. Las variables cualitativas se analizaron mediante test exacto de Fisher y las cuantitativas mediante test t de Student o Mann-Whitney, según correspondiera. Resultados: entre 1.875 consultas analizadas, tenían registros de FA 282 (15%), correspondientes a 272 pacientes. La edad de los que tenían FA fue 78,4 ± 8,3 años, mientras que fue 68,3 ± 14 años en el resto (p<0,001). En el sexo masculino tenían FA 136 de 810 consultas (16,7%) y en el sexo femenino en 136 de 1.065 consultas (12,7%) (p=0,0171). En los 257 pacientes con FA no valvular el score CHA2DS2-VASc promedio fue 3,8 ± 1,4, mientras que el 95,3 % tenía un score ³2. El 70,2% tenía FA permanente/persistente y 29,8% la forma paroxística. En FA permanente/persistente la edad media fue 79,2 ± 7,9 años y en FA paroxística fue 76,5 ± 9 años (p=0,0207), el score CHA2DS2-VASc promedio fue 3,9 ± 1,3 y 3,5 ± 1,6 (p=0,0099) respectivamente. Recibían algún tratamiento antitrombótico 252 (92,6%), un anticoagulante oral (ACO) 207 (76,1%), antiagregantes plaquetarios 55 (20,2%) y ambos 10 (3,7%). En FA permanente/persistente recibían ACO 171 de 191 pacientes (89,5 %) y en FA paroxística 36 de 81 (44,4%) (p< 0,0001). El ACO utilizado fue warfarina en 64 (23,5%) y un anticoagulante directo (NOAC) en 143 (52,6%). Conclusiones: la prevalencia de FA en la consulta cardiológica ambulatoria fue elevada, con mayor frecuencia en el sexo masculino y con una media de edad superior en diez años al resto de la población. El 95,3 % de las FA no valvulares tenía score de riesgo ³2 por lo que eran elegibles para ACO. La utilización de ACO fue elevada, pero fue más del doble en FA permanente/persistente que en FA paroxística, aunque la diferencia en edad o score de riesgo entre ambos tipos fue pequeña. La utilización de NOAC superó a la warfarina por más de 2 a 1.

Background: atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. There are few data in our country about the prevalence, presentation mode, thromboembolic risk profile and antithrombotic treatment of patients with AF in a cardiology outpatient clinic. Methods: patients with AF were obtained by searching through the electronic medical records of 10 cardiologists outpatient visits throughout one whole month (June-July 2015). Demographic factors, thromboembolic risk score, type of AF, and use of antithrombotic drugs were reviewed. Qualitative variables were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, and quantitative variables using Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. Results: AF was recorded in 282 out of 1875 outpatient visits (15%), corresponding to 272 patients. The mean age of the patients with AF was 78.4+8.3 years, while it was 68.3+14 years in the non-AF patients (p <0.001). In males, 136 of 810 subjects had AF (16.7%); it was 136 of 1065 in females (12.7%) (p = 0.0171). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of non-valvular AF patients was 3.8 ± 1.4, while it was ³2 in 95.3%. Seventy percent of AF patients were found to have permanent/persistent AF, while the remainder 30% had paroxysmal AF. Permanent/persistent AF patients’ mean age was 79.2+7.9 years; it was 76.5+9 years in paroxysmal AF patients (p = 0.0207), while CHA2DS2VASc average score was 3.9+1.3 and 3.5+1.6 (p = 0.0099) respectively. Antithrombotic treatment was prescribed in 252 patients (92.6%), an oral anticoagulant (OAC) in 207 (76.1%), an antiplatelet in 55 (20.2%), and both in 10 (3.7%). OAC were prescribed in 171 of 191 (89.5%) patients with permanent/persistent AF, and in 36 of 81 (44.4%) (p < 0.0001) patients with paroxysmal AF. The prescribed OAC was warfarin in 64 patients (23.5%) and a direct anticoagulant (NOAC) in 143 (52.6%). Conclusions: the prevalence of AF in cardiology outpatients visits was high and most often found in males. The mean age of patients with AF was 10 years higher than the rest of the population. In 95.3% of non-valvular AF patients the CHA2DS2VASc score was ³2 which made them eligible for OAC. The use of OAC was high, but it was more than doubled in permanent/persistent AF compared to paroxysmal AF, although the difference in mean age or risk score between the two groups was small. The use of NOAC exceeded warfarin by more than 2 to 1.

Clinical characteristics, process of care and outcomes among Mexican, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients presenting with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: Data from RENASICA and CRUSADE registries / Características clínicas, tratamiento hospitalario y evolución entre población mexicana, latina y anglosajones no hispánicos con infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del segmento ST. Datos tomados de los registros RENASICA y CRUSADE

Introduction: Data regarding management characteristics of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) in Mexican, Hispanic and Non- Hispanic white patients are scarce. Methods: We sought to describe the clinical characteristics, process of care, and outcomes of Mexicans, Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites presenting with NSTE ACS at Mexican and US hospitals. We compared baseline characteristics, resource use, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) compliance and in-hospital mortality among 3 453 Mexicans, 3 936 Hispanics and 90, 280 non-Hispanic whites with NSTE ACS from the RENASICA and CRUSADE registries. Results: Mexicans were younger with a different cardiovascular risk profile, fewer incidences of hypertension (p<0.001), hiperlipidemia (p<0.001), renal failure (p<0.001) and prior revascularization (p<0.001) but were more likely to be smoking compared with Hispanics and non-Hispanic white populations. Mexicans and Hispanics had a higher incidence of diabetes (p<0.001). At clinical presentation Mexican patients were more likely to have ST depression (p<0.001) but less likely to have left ventricular dysfunction (p<0.001) and troponin stratification (p<0.001). Regarding CPGs compliance, aspirin was used in 90% of patients in all groups, but clopidogrel or unfractionated or low-molecular weight heparin in 50% of patients or less. Mexican patients were less likely to receive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and revascularization. In spite of clinical differences and therapeutic trends, cardiovascular mortality was similar among all groups (Mexicans 4%, Hispanics 4% and non-Hispanic white 5%). In all groups of patients, a poor CPGs compliance was observed. Conclusions: In a post-hoc analysis, Mexican patients with NSTE ACS had a different cardiovascular risk factor profile and clinical presentation, and less intensive in - hospital treatment than Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. However, these differences do not appear to affect in - hospital mortality.

Introducción: Existe poca información que compara características clínicas y tendencias terapéuticas en población mexicana, hispánica y anglosajona, con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST (SCA SEST). Métodos: Describimos características clínicas, proceso de atención y evolución hospitalaria en población mexicana, hispánica y anglosajona con SCA SEST, en hospitales mexicanos y americanos. En tres mil cuatrocientos veinticuatro mexicanos, 3 936 hispánicos y 90 280 anglosajones de los registros RENASICA y CRUSADE, se analizaron características basales, uso de recursos, apego a las guías clínicas y mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Los pacientes mexicanos fueron más jóvenes y con diferente perfil de riesgo cardiovascular, por menor incidencia de hipertensión (p< 0.001), hiperlipidemia (p<0.001), insufciencia renal (p<0.001) e historia de revascularización (p< 0.001), pero tuvieron mayor historia de tabaquismo (p<0.001) en comparación con hispánicos y anglosajones. La mayor incidencia de diabetes se observó en pacientes hispánicos y mexicanos (p<0.001). En éstos, al ingreso se observó mayor incidencia de desnivel negativo del ST (p<0.001), y menor grado de disfunción ventricular (p<0.001) y uso de troponinas (p<0.001). En relación al apego de las guías clínicas, en prácticamente todos se utilizó aspirina (90%), pero el uso de clopidogrel y heparina no fraccionada o de bajo peso molecular, sólo se utilizó en aproximadamente el 50%. Los pacientes mexicanos recibieron menos inhibidores de la glicoproteínas IIb / IIIa y menos revascularización. A pesar de algunas diferencias clínicas y terapéuticas, la mortalidad cardiovascular fue similar en los tres grupos (mexicanos 4%, hispánicos 4% y anglosajones 5%). En todos los grupos, el apego a las guías clínicas no fue el ideal. Conclusiones: En un análisis retrospectivo, pacientes mexicanos con un SCA SEST tuvieron diferente perfil de riesgo cardiovascular, presentación clínica y tratamiento hospitalario, que los pacientes hispánicos y anglosajones. Sin embargo, estas diferencias no parecen afectar la mortalidad hospitalaria.

Importancia de la anticoagulación en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Role of anticoagulation therapy in patients with heart failure

Heart failure represents one of the most prevalent and morbid cardiovascular condition thorough the world. It is thought, that chronic heart failure is associated with the increased incidence of thromboembolic complications, including stroke, pulmonary, coronary and peripheral embolism. However, epidemiological data on this subject is very limited. Important pathophysiological features of heart failure syndrome encompass chronic procoagulant blood state, low-grade inflammation, vessel wall structure and function abnormalities ­ all changes, predisposing to thromboembolism. The place of anticoagulant therapy in heart failure management, despite long-standing active discussions and debates, remains to be established. In fact, there is a lack of firm evidence to date, suggesting, that oral anticoagulation could be beneficent to heart failure patients, unless they have atrial fibrillation or multiple risk factors of thromboembolism, including previous thrombotic episode. However, emerging data on alternative to oral anticoagulants approaches, including direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors, low molecular weight heparins and antiplatelet agents opens new avenues for pharmacological antithrombotic interventions in heart failure and dictates the need to test these promising hypotheses in prospective randomised clinical trials. This paper summarises data on pathobiological background, rationale and existing evidence on thromboembolism treatment and prevention in the setting of heart failure.

La insuficiencia cardíaca representa uno de los trastornos cardiovasculares mórbidos más prevalentes en el mundo. Se piensa que la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica está asociada con el aumento en la incidencia de complicaciones tromboembólicas como el accidente cerebrovascular y los embolismos pulmonares, coronarios y periféricos. Sin embargo, los datos epidemiológicos sobre este tema son muy limitados. El síndrome de insuficiencia cardíaca comprende importantes características fisiopatológicas como el estado procoagulante crónico, la inflamación de bajo grado, la estructura de la pared vascular y anormalidades en el funcionamiento. Todos estos cambios predisponen al tromboembolismo. Aún no se estableció el lugar que ocupa la anticoagulación en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca, a pesar de los debates y las discusiones prolongadas. De hecho, hasta la fecha se carece de pruebas que sugieran que la anticoagulación oral sea beneficiosa para los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca, a menos que presenten fibrilación auricular o múltiples factores de riesgo de tromboembolismo, como el antecedente de un episodio trombótico. Sin embargo, se dispone de nuevos datos acerca de enfoques alternativos a la anticoagulación oral, como los que incluyen los inhibidores directos de la trombina y del factor Xa, heparinas de bajo peso molecular y agentes antiplaquetarios, que abren nuevos caminos para la intervención farmacológica antiplaquetaria en la insuficiencia cardíaca e imponen la necesidad de probar estas hipótesis promisorias en ensayos clínicos prospectivos y aleatorizados. Este trabajo resume los datos publicados acerca de las bases teóricas, resultados actuales y la base biopatológica sobre la prevención y el tratamiento del tromboembolismo en el contexto de la insuficiencia cardíaca.