Prevención de las complicaciones cardiovasculares asociadas a la diabetes mellitus en los servicios de urgencias / Prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus: hospital emergency department involvement

RESUMEN

Objetivo: Analizar el perfil de riesgo y la prescripción de tratamiento para la prevención de complicaciones cardiovasculares en los pacientes diabéticos que acuden a los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). Método: Estudio de series de casos con análisis transversal llevado a cabo en dos SUH españoles. Se incluyeron de forma consecutiva todos los pacientes con antecedentes o diagnóstico final de diabetes mellitus entre 1 de noviembre de 2010 y 30 de junio de 2011. Se analizó su perfil de riesgo cardiovascular y se consideró como variable de resultado principal la prescripción de tratamiento para la prevención de las complicaciones cardiovasculares al alta del SUH de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la American Diabetes Association de 2012. Resultados: Se incluyeron 298 pacientes diabéticos, 275 (92%) tipo 2. De ellos 269 (90%) presentaban algún otro factor de riesgo cardiovascular, 147 (49%) lesión previa de órgano diana y 41 (14%) lesión nueva de órgano diana. Ciento setenta y dos pacientes (58%) fueron dados de alta desde el SUH. Aunque 215 pacientes (72%) no cumplían previamente alguna y 30 (10%) ninguna de las recomendaciones de prevención, sólo se modificó el tratamiento farmacológico en un rango de un 1,1% a 3,3% de los pacientes y no se recomendó seguimiento posterior en 42 casos (24%). Conclusiones: Aunque los pacientes diabéticos atendidos en los SUH presentan un elevado riesgo cardiovascular, no se aprovecha esta oportunidad para optimizar el tratamiento de la prevención de las complicaciones cardiovasculares ni garantizar un seguimiento adecuado (AU)

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To analyze the risk profile of patients with diabetes who seek care from hospital emergency departments and emergency department involvement in preventing cardiovascular complications in these patients. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of case series from 2 Spanish hospital emergency departments. We included all patients with a history or final diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who were treated in the emergency department between November 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011. Each patient's cardiovascular risk profile was analyzed. The main outcome was the appropriate of prescribed treatment to prevent cardiovascular complications according to the 2012 guidelines of the American Diabetes Association on the patient’s discharge from emergency care. Results: A total of 298 patients were included; 275 (92%) had type II diabetes. Ninety percent of the series (269 patients) had at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor and 147 (49%) had prior target organ damage; target organ damage was newly diagnosed in 41 (14%). Fifty-eight percent (172 patients) were discharged home from the emergency department. Although 215 patients (72%) were not adhering to at least 1 previously prescribed preventive treatment and 30 (10%) were not adhering to any prescribed treatment, drug prescriptions were modified only in 1.1% to 3.3% of patients and no follow-up was recommended in 42 cases (24%). Conclusions: Although diabetic patients treated in emergency departments are at high risk for cardiovascular complications, their visit is not used to optimize preventive treatment for these complications or ensure appropriate follow-up (AU)