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Hyperglycemia is very common in hospitalized patients and is associated with worse clinical outcomes.We implemented a clinical and educational program to improve the overall glycemic control during hospital admission, and, in patients with HbANon-critical patients admitted to cardiovascular areas between October-2017 and February-2019. The program was led by an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) and included a semiautomated insulin prescription tool. Program in 3 phases: 1) observation of routine practice, 2) implementation, and 3) follow-up after discharge.During the implementation phase the availability of HbA1c increased from 42 to 81%, and the ANP directly intervened in 73/685 patients (11%), facilitating treatment progression at discharge in 48% (de novo insulin in 36%). One-year after discharge, HbA1c in patients who were admitted during the observation phase with HbA1c8% (n = 101) was higher than similar patients admitted during implementation phase (8,6 ± 1,5 vs. 7,3 ± 1,2%, respectively, p 0,001). We evaluated 47710 point of care capillary blood glucose (POC-glucose) in two 9 months periods (one before, one during the program) in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery wards. POC-glucose ≥250 mg/dl (pre vs. during: cardiology 10,7 vs. 8,4%, and surgery 7,4 vs. 4,5%, both p 0,05) and70 mg/dl (2,3 vs. 0,8% y 1,5 vs 1%, p 0,05), respectively, improved during the program.The program allowed improving inpatient glycemic control, detect patients with poor glycemic control, and optimize metabolic control 1-year after discharge.

Objectives To investigate if the addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin enhances the activity of both monotherapies for treating MSSA and MRSA experimental endocarditis (EE) in rabbits. Methods Vancomycin plus cloxacillin was compared with the respective monotherapies and daptomycin. In vitro time–kill studies were performed using standard (105 cfu) and high (108 cfu) inocula of five MRSA, one glycopeptide-intermediate (GISA) and five MSSA strains. One MSSA (MSSA-678) and one MRSA (MRSA-277) strain were selected to be used in the in vivo model. A human-like pharmacokinetics model was applied and the equivalents of cloxacillin 2 g/4 h IV and daptomycin 6 mg/kg/day IV were administered. To optimize vancomycin activity, dosage was adjusted to achieve an AUC/MIC ≥400. Results Daptomycin sterilized significantly more vegetations than cloxacillin (13/13, 100% versus 9/15, 60%; P = 0.02) and showed a trend of better activity than vancomycin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) and vancomycin plus cloxacillin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) against MSSA-678. Addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin (13/15, 87%) was significantly more effective than vancomycin (8/16, 50%; P = 0.05) and showed similar activity to daptomycin (13/18, 72%; P = 0.6) against MRSA-277. In all treatment arms, the bacterial isolates recovered from vegetations were re-tested and showed the same daptomycin susceptibility as the original strains. Conclusions Vancomycin plus cloxacillin proved synergistic and bactericidal activity against MRSA. Daptomycin was the most efficacious option against MSSA and similar to vancomycin plus cloxacillin against MRSA. In settings with high MRSA prevalence, vancomycin plus cloxacillin might be a good alternative for empirical therapy of S. aureus IE.

International audience; Background - Infective endocarditis (IE) is a common and serious complication in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD). Objectives - This study sought to investigate whether there are significant differences in complications, cardiac surgery, relapses, and mortality between IE cases in HD and non-HD patients. Methods - Prospective cohort study (International Collaboration on Endocarditis databases, encompassing 7,715 IE episodes from 2000 to 2006 and from 2008 to 2012). Descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics, epidemiological and etiological features, complications and outcomes, and their comparison between HD and non-HD patients was performed. Risk factors for major embolic events, cardiac surgery, relapses, and in-hospital and 6-month mortality were investigated in HD-patients using multivariable logistic regression. Results - A total of 6,691 patients were included and 553 (8.3%) received HD. North America had a higher HD-IE proportion than the other regions. The predominant microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (47.8%), followed by enterococci (15.4%). Both in-hospital and 6-month mortality were significantly higher in HD versus non-HD-IE patients (30.4% vs. 17% and 39.8% vs. 20.7%, respectively; p

Spanish Collaboration on Endocarditis—Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis Infecciosa en España (GAMES)., [Background] Studies investigating the impact of cardiogenic shock (CS) on endocarditis are lacking., [Methods] Prospectively collected cohort from 35 Spanish centers (2008-2018). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for developing CS and predictors of mortality., [Results] Among 4856 endocarditis patients, 1652 (34%) had acute heart failure (AHF) and 244 (5%) CS. Compared with patients without AHF and AHF but no CS, patients with CS presented higher rates of surgery (40.5%, 52.5%, and 68%; P < .001) and in-hospital mortality (16.3%, 39.1%, and 52.5%). Compared with patients with septic shock, CS patients presented higher rates of surgery (42.5% vs 68%; P < .001) and lower rates of in-hospital and 1-year mortality (62.3% vs 52.5%, P = .008, and 65.3% vs 57.4%, P = .030). Severe aortic and mitral regurgitation (OR [95% CI], 2.47 [1.82-3.35] and 3.03 [2.26-4.07]; both P < .001), left-ventricle ejection fraction, [Conclusions] AHF is common among patients with endocarditis. CS is associated with high mortality and should be promptly identified and assessed for cardiac surgery., This work was supported by the Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo of Spain (grant number FIS NCT00871104; Instituto de Salud Carlos III). Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) provided J. M. M. with a persobal IDIBAPS 80:20 research grant during 2017–2021. M. H. M. held a Rio Hortega Research Grant (CM17/00062) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Madrid (Spain) in 2018–2020.

Introduction and objectives The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used in the evaluation of young asymptomatic individuals to detect pre-existing heart disease, but systematic ECG use is controversial and there are no data on this population in our environment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of electrocardiographic findings in a population of secondary school students. Methods We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of resting ECG findings in all 13 to 14-year-old secondary school students in a region of the province of Gerona between 2009 and 2017. ECG findings were classified into 3 groups according to the modified criteria of Corrado et al.: normal ECG findings, ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and pathologic findings. Students with pathologic ECG findings were referred to a tertiary hospital, and complementary tests were performed according to a pre-established protocol. Results A total of 1911 ECGs were obtained, with a participation rate of 79% of all high school students. In all, 1321 students (69%) had a normal ECG, 554 (29%) showed ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and 36 (2%) had pathologic ECG findings. Among the group with pathologic findings, 5 (14%) had cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of heart disease in this group of asymptomatic secondary school students was 0.3%. Conclusions One third of the students had ECG findings that were mostly suggestive of physiological adaptation. One seventh of the students with pathologic ECG findings had pre-existing heart disease, although the overall prevalence of pre-existing heart disease was low.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El electrocardiograma (ECG) se ha propuesto como prueba de cribado de cardiopatias para jovenes asintomaticos, pero hay controversia sobre su uso sistematico y no se dispone de datos sobre esta poblacion en nuestro medio. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia y la variedad de hallazgos electrocardiograficos en una poblacion de estudiantes de secundaria. Metodos Estudio observacional descriptivo sobre un ECG en reposo de todos los estudiantes de 13 a 14 anos de una comarca de la provincia de Girona entre 2009 y 2017. Los ECG se clasificaron en 3 grupos segun los criterios de Corrado et al. modificados: ECG sin alteraciones, hallazgos electrocardiograficos que indiquen adaptacion fisiologica y hallazgos electrocardiograficos patologicos. Se remitio a un hospital terciario solo a los estudiantes con alteraciones patologicas, a los que se realizaron pruebas complementarias segun un protocolo preestablecido. Resultados Se obtuvieron 1.911 electrocardiogramas, con una participacion del 79% del total de alumnos. No presentaron alteraciones los ECG de 1.321 alumnos (69%); los de 554 alumnos (29%) tenian signos de adaptacion fisiologica y los de 36 (2%), hallazgos patologicos (2%). Se llego al diagnostico de cardiopatia en 5 alumnos del grupo con hallazgos electrocardiograficos patologicos (14%). La prevalencia de cardiopatia en este grupo de jovenes asintomaticos fue del 0,3%. Conclusiones En un tercio de la poblacion estudiada se obtuvieron hallazgos electrocardiograficos, que mayoritariamente indicaban adaptacion fisiologica. Se identifico cardiopatia en 1 de cada 7 alumnos con ECG patologico, aunque la prevalencia general de cardiopatia fue baja.

Abiotrophia and Granulicatella species are fastidious organisms, representing the causative agents of ∼1% to 3% of cases of infective endocarditis (IE). Little is known about the optimal antibiotic treatment for these species, and daptomycin has been suggested as a therapeutic option. We describe the antimicrobial profiles of Abiotrophia and Granulicatella IE isolates, investigate high-level daptomycin resistance (HLDR) development, and evaluate daptomycin activity in combination therapy. In vitro studies with 16 IE strains (6 Abiotrophia defectiva strains, 9 Granulicatella adiacens strains, and 1 G. elegans strain) were performed using microdilution to determine MICs and time-kill methodology to evaluate combination therapy. Daptomycin nonsusceptibility (DNS) (MIC ≥ 2 mg/liter) and HLDR (MIC ≥ 256 mg/liter) were based on existing Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints for viridans group streptococci. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin: G. adiacens was more susceptible to penicillin and ampicillin than A. defectiva (22% versus 0% and 67% versus 33%) but less susceptible to ceftriaxone and daptomycin (56% versus 83% and 11% versus 50%). HLDR developed in both A. defectiva (33%) and G. adiacens (78%) after 24 h of exposure to daptomycin. Combination therapy did not prevent the development of daptomycin resistance with ampicillin (2/3 strains), gentamicin (2/3 strains), ceftriaxone (2/3 strains), or ceftaroline (2/3 strains). Once developed, HLDR was stable for a prolonged time (>3 weeks) in G. adiacens, whereas in A. defectiva, HLDR reversed to the baseline MIC at day 10. This study is the first to demonstrate rapid HLDR development in Abiotrophia and Granulicatella species in vitro. Resistance was stable, and most combination therapies did not prevent it.

Abiotrophia and Granulicatella species are fastidious organisms, representing the causative agents of ∼1% to 3% of cases of infective endocarditis (IE). Little is known about the optimal antibiotic treatment for these species, and daptomycin has been suggested as a therapeutic option. We describe the antimicrobial profiles of Abiotrophia and Granulicatella IE isolates, investigate high-level daptomycin resistance (HLDR) development, and evaluate daptomycin activity in combination therapy. In vitro studies with 16 IE strains (6 Abiotrophia defectiva strains, 9 Granulicatella adiacens strains, and 1 G. elegans strain) were performed using microdilution to determine MICs and time-kill methodology to evaluate combination therapy. Daptomycin nonsusceptibility (DNS) (MIC ≥ 2 mg/liter) and HLDR (MIC ≥ 256 mg/liter) were based on existing Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints for viridans group streptococci. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin: G. adiacens was more susceptible to penicillin and ampicillin than A. defectiva (22% versus 0% and 67% versus 33%) but less susceptible to ceftriaxone and daptomycin (56% versus 83% and 11% versus 50%). HLDR developed in both A. defectiva (33%) and G. adiacens (78%) after 24 h of exposure to daptomycin. Combination therapy did not prevent the development of daptomycin resistance with ampicillin (2/3 strains), gentamicin (2/3 strains), ceftriaxone (2/3 strains), or ceftaroline (2/3 strains). Once developed, HLDR was stable for a prolonged time (>3 weeks) in G. adiacens, whereas in A. defectiva, HLDR reversed to the baseline MIC at day 10. This study is the first to demonstrate rapid HLDR development in Abiotrophia and Granulicatella species in vitro. Resistance was stable, and most combination therapies did not prevent it.

Background Pericardial effusion is a frequent finding in the setting of infective endocarditis. Limited data exists on clinical characteristics and outcomes in this group of patients. We aimed to determine the associated factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients who had pericardial effusion and native valve infective endocarditis. Methods and results A total of 1205 episodes of infective endocarditis from 25 Spanish centers between June 2007 and March 2013 within the Spanish Collaboration on Endocarditis (GAMES) registry were included. Echocardiogram at admission, clinical and microbiological variables, and one-year follow-up were analyzed. Pericardial effusion was observed in 7.8% (94/1205 episodes) of episodes of infective endocarditis, most of them being mild or moderate (93.6%). The presence of pericardial effusion was associated with a higher risk of heart failure during admission (OR 1.9; CI 95% 1.2–3.0). Patients with pericardial effusion had a higher rate of surgery (53.2% vs. 41.1%; p = 0.02); however, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for possible confounders (OR 1.4; CI 95% 0.9–2.2; p = 0.10). The presence of pericardial effusion was not associated with a higher in-hospital or one-year mortality (33.0% vs. 25.2%; p = 0.10 and 40.2% vs. 37.3%; p = 0.60 respectively). Conclusions The prevalence of pericardial effusion in patients with infective endocarditis was lower than previously reported. The presence of pericardial effusion is associated with the development of heart failure during hospitalization making it a warning sign, possibly reflecting indirectly a mechanical complication, which, however, if treated surgically in a timely manner does not change the final outcome of patients. Sin financiación 3.471 JCR (2018) Q2, 48/136 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.990 SJR (2018) Q2, 91/365 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2018 UEM

Background Little is known about the characteristics and impact of septic shock (SS) on the outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE). We aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with IE presenting with SS and to compare them to those of IE patients with sepsis (Se) and those with neither Se nor SS (no-Se-SS). Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 4864 IE patients from 35 Spanish centers (2008 to 2018). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for SS and mortality. Results Septic shock and Se presented in 597 (12.3%) and 559 (11.5%) patients, respectively. Patients with SS were younger and presented significantly higher rates of diabetes, chronic renal and liver disease, transplantation, nosocomial acquisition, Staphylococcus aureus, IE complications, and in-hospital mortality (62.5%, 37.7% for Se and 18.2% for no-Se-SS, P, Septic shock and sepsis presented in 12.3% and 11.5% patients, respectively, with endocarditis. Septic shock is associated to very high mortality rates. Cardiac surgery is associated to lower mortality in patients with septic shock.

GAMES Investigators., [Background] Enterococcal endocarditis (EE) is a growing entity in Western countries. However, quality data from large studies is lacking., [Objectives] The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and analyze the prognostic factors of EE in the GAMES cohort., [Methods] This was a post hoc analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of patients from 35 Spanish centers from 2008 to 2016. Characteristics and outcomes of 516 cases of EE were compared with those of 3,308 cases of nonenterococcal endocarditis (NEE). Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to investigate risk factors for in-hospital and 1-year mortality, as well as relapses., [Results] Patients with EE were significantly older; more frequently presented chronic lung disease, chronic heart failure, prior endocarditis, and degenerative valve disease; and had higher median age-adjusted Charlson score. EE more frequently involved the aortic valve and prosthesis (64.3% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001; and 35.9% vs. 28.9%; p = 0.002, respectively) but less frequently pacemakers/defibrillators (1.5% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001), and showed higher rates of acute heart failure (45% vs. 38.3%; p = 0.005). Cardiac surgery was less frequently performed in EE (40.7% vs. 45.9%; p = 0.024). No differences in in-hospital and 1-year mortality were found, whereas relapses were significantly higher in EE (3.5% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.035). Increasing Charlson score, LogEuroSCORE, acute heart failure, septic shock, and paravalvular complications were risk factors for mortality, whereas prior endocarditis was protective and persistent bacteremia constituted the sole risk factor for relapse., [Conclusions] Besides other baseline and clinical differences, EE more frequently affects prosthetic valves and less frequently pacemakers/defibrillators. EE presents higher rates of relapse than NEE.

La presente investigación pretende dar respuesta a los siguientes cinco objetivos generales. Para ello se han diseñado cuatro estudios que a su vez proponen sus propios objetivos específicos. 1. Describir las estrategias persuasivas utilizadas en la publicidad de juegos de apuestas. 2. Identificar los principales canales y soportes publicitarios desde la perspectiva del adolescente. 3. Identificar sesgos cognitivos promovidos por los anuncios y valorar en qué grado resultan convincentes. 4. Conocer el impacto de la publicidad asociada al deporte y el uso de estrellas del deporte como prescriptores del juego de apuestas. 5. Analizar el impacto de la publicidad en la frecuencia e intensidad del juego en adolescentes., {"references":["Lloret Irles, D., Cabrera Perona, V., Falces Delgado, C., García Andreu, H., y Mira Molina, S.(2020). ¡¡Jóvenes a jugar!! Análisis del impacto de la publicidad en el juego de apuestas en adolescentes. Madrid: Centro Reina Sofía sobre Adolescencia y Juventud, Fad. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3629535."]}

Background Classification of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) by echocardiography is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the last 2016 recommendations for LVDF evaluation on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, proportion of final heart failure (HF) diagnosis, and cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Outpatients with first consultation at a one-stop HF clinic (2009–2014) were screened. The initial visit included echocardiography with LVDF evaluation and determination of BNP level. HF diagnosis was confirmed or ruled out at the end of the visit. Cardiovascular events during follow-up were recorded. LVDF classification was originally performed with the 2009 recommendations and reevaluated using the 2016 recommendations. Results A total of 157 patients (mean age 73.24 ± 10.3 years; 70.1% women) were included. Originally (2009 recommendations), most of the patients were classified with grade I diastolic dysfunction (DD; 67.5%). After the reanalysis using the 2016 recommendations, 49% were reclassified with normal LVDF. These subjects showed lower BNP levels (40.8 pg/mL) and a lower proportion of HF diagnosis (9.6%). Another part of the initial grade I DD group (31.1%) was reclassified with indeterminate LVDF; they had intermediate BNP levels, proportion of HF, and rate of cardiovascular events. Lower reclassification rates were observed in the other groups of DD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly better prognostic stratification after the reclassification (P = .539 vs P = .003). Conclusions Current recommendations for the evaluation of LVDF by echocardiography resulted in more accurate classification of patients, according to their BNP levels, HF diagnosis, and cardiovascular outcomes, especially for those patients previously classified with grade I DD.

Purpose: To analyze the influence of adding gentamicin to a regimen consisting of β-lactam or vancomycin plus rifampicin on survival in patients suffering from Staphylococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis (SPVE). Methods: From January 2008 to September 2016, 334 patients with definite SPVE were attended in the participating hospitals. Ninety-four patients (28.1%) received treatment based on β-lactam or vancomycin plus rifampicin and were included in the study. Variables were analyzed which related to patient survival during admission, including having received treatment with gentamicin. Results: Seventy-seven (81.9%) were treated with cloxacillin (or vancomycin) plus rifampicin plus gentamicin, and 17 patients (18.1%) received the same regimen without gentamicin. The causative microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 40 cases (42.6%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci in 54 cases (57.4%). Overall, 40 patients (42.6%) died during hospital admission, 33 patients (42.9%) in the group receiving gentamicin and 7 patients in the group that did not (41.2%, P = 0.899). Worsening renal function was observed in 42 patients (54.5%) who received gentamicin and in 9 patients (52.9%) who did not (p = 0.904). Heart failure as a complication of endocarditis (OR: 4.58; CI 95%: 1.84–11.42) and not performing surgery when indicated (OR: 2.68; CI 95%: 1.03–6.94) increased mortality. Gentamicin administration remained unrelated to mortality (OR: 1.001; CI 95%: 0.29–3.38) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: The addition of gentamicin to a regimen containing vancomycin or cloxacillin plus rifampicin in SPVE was not associated to better outcome.

The economic crisis in Europe might have limited access to some innovative technologies implying an increase of waiting time. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of waiting time on the costs and benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. This is a cost-utility analysis from the perspective of the Spanish National Health Service. Results of two prospective hospital registries (158 and 273 consecutive patients) were incorporated into a probabilistic Markov model to compare quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs for TAVR after waiting for 3–12 months, relative to immediate TAVR. We simulated a cohort of 1000 patients, male, and 80 years old; other patient profiles were assessed in sensitivity analyses. As waiting time increased, costs decreased at the expense of lower survival and loss of QALYs, leading to incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for eliminating waiting lists of about 12,500 € per QALY. In subgroup analyses prioritization of patients for whom higher benefit was expected led to a smaller loss of QALYs. Concerning budget impact, long waiting lists reduced spending considerably and permanently. A shorter waiting time is likely to be cost-effective (considering commonly accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds in Europe) relative to 3 months or longer waiting periods. If waiting lists are nevertheless seen as unavoidable due to severe but temporary budgetary restrictions, prioritizing patients for whom higher benefit is expected appears to be a way of postponing spending without utterly sacrificing patients’ survival and quality of life.

Intravenous thrombolysis is contraindicated in acute ischemic stroke secondary to infective endocarditis. We report our initial experience in 6 cases of proximal vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy, which was safe (no bleeding) and effective (significant early neurological improvement) and might be useful in this clinical setting.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Asi como la asociacion entre la endocarditis infecciosa por Streptococcus bovis y la neoplasia colorrectal (NCR) es bien conocida, no se han publicado hasta la fecha resultados de estudios que valoren dicha asociacion con la endocarditis infecciosa por Enterococcus faecalis (EIEF). El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si la prevalencia de NCR es mayor en los pacientes con EIEF de foco desconocido que en la poblacion general y en los pacientes con EIEF y foco conocido. Metodos Analisis retrospectivo de una cohorte de 154 pacientes con EIEF definitiva (109 con foco desconocido y 45 con foco definido) de 2 hospitales universitarios espanoles. Estudio de la prevalencia de NCR y otras enfermedades colorrectales. Resultados Se realizo colonoscopia a 61 pacientes (56%) con foco desconocido, y se diagnostico NCR a 31 (50,8%): adenoma colorrectal no avanzado en 22 casos (36%), adenoma avanzado en 5 (8,2%) y carcinoma colorrectal (CCR) en 4 (6,6%). Entre los supervivientes al episodio de endocarditis con seguimiento ≥ 2 anos, se diagnostico otro caso de CCR. Por otro lado, solo 6 colonoscopias (13,3%) se llevaron a cabo entre pacientes con foco claro de la EIEF, y se hallo NCR en 1 (16,7%). La prevalencia de adenomas era ligeramente mayor que en la poblacion general espanola de la misma franja de edad, mientras que la prevalencia del CCR resulto 17 veces mayor. Conclusiones Se diagnostico NCR a mas de la mitad de los pacientes con EIEF y foco desconocido a los que se realizo una colonoscopia. Estos resultados indican que se debe recomendar la realizacion de una colonoscopia a todo paciente con EIEF y foco no claro.

Introduction and objectives The association between Streptococcus bovis group infective endocarditis and colorectal neoplasm (CRN) is well-known. However, no studies have assessed the association between Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis (EFIE) and CRN. We aimed to determine whether the prevalence of CRN is higher in patients with EFIE and an unclear source of infection than in patients with EFIE and a known source of infection or in the general population. Methods Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 154 patients with definite EFIE (109 with an unclear source of infection and 45 with an identified source) from 2 Spanish teaching hospitals to determine the prevalence of CRN and other colorectal diseases. Results In the group with an unknown source of infection, 61 patients (56%) underwent colonoscopy; of these, 31 (50.8%) had CRN. Nonadvanced colorectal adenoma was detected in 22 patients (36%), advanced adenoma in 5 (8.2%), and colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in 4 (6.6%). Among patients who survived the EFIE episode with ≥ 2 years of follow-up, 1 case of CRC was subsequently diagnosed. Only 6 patients (13.3%) with an identified focus of infection underwent colonoscopy; 1 of these patients (16.7%) was diagnosed with CRN. The prevalence of adenomas was slightly higher than that of the Spanish population in the same age range, whereas that of CRC was 17-fold higher. Conclusions CRN was found in more than half of patients with EFIE and an unclear focus of infection who underwent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy should be recommended in patients with EFIE and an unclear source of infection.

Objective: To investigate the rate of colorectal neoplasms (CRNs) in patients who have Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis (EFIE) with available colonoscopies and to assess whether this is associated with the identification of a focus the infection. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from a prospective multicenter study involving 35 centers who are members of the Grupo de Apoyo para el Manejo de la Endocarditis en Espana [Support Group for the Management of Infective Endocarditis in Spain] cohort. A specific set of queries regarding information on colonoscopy and histopathology of colorectal diseases was sent to each participating center. Four-hundred sixty-seven patients with EFIE were included from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, from whom data on colonoscopy performance and results were available in 411 patients. Results: One hundred forty-two (34.5%) patients had a colonoscopy close to the EFIE episode. The overall rate of colorectal diseases was 70.4% (100 of 142), whereas the prevalence of CRN (advanced adenomas and colorectal carcinoma) was 14.8% (21 of 142), with no significant differences between the group of EFIE of unknown focus and that with an identified focus. Conclusion: Our study adds to prior evidence suggesting a much higher rate of CRN among patients with EFIE than in the general population of the same age and sex. In addition, our findings suggest that this phenomenon might take place both in EFIE with an unknown and an identified source of infection.

To evaluate the course of left-sided infective endocarditis (LsIE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) analyzing its influence on mortality and the impact of surgery.Prospective cohort study, conducted from 1984 to 2013 in 26 Spanish hospitals.A total of 3.136 patients with LsIE were enrolled and 308 had LC: 151 Child-Pugh A, 103 B, 34 C and 20 were excluded because of unknown stage. Mortality was significantly higher in the patients with LsIE and LC (42.5% vs. 28.4%; p0.01) and this condition was in general an independent worse factor for outcome (HR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23-1.85; p0.001). However, patients in stage A had similar mortality to patients without cirrhosis (31.8% vs. 28.4% p = NS) and in this stage heart surgery had a protective effect (28% in operated patients vs. 60% in non-operated when it was indicated). Mortality was significantly higher in stages B (52.4%) and C (52.9%) and the prognosis was better for patients in stage B who underwent surgery immediately (mortality 50%) compared to those where surgery was delayed (58%) or not performed (74%). Only one patient in stage C underwent surgery.Patients with liver cirrhosis and infective endocarditis have a poorer prognosis only in stages B and C. Early surgery must be performed in stages A and although in selected patients in stage B when indicated.

The three human coronaviruses that emerged (E-CoVs) in the last two decades, i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pose a serious threat to global health. They share some characteristics, including the fact that although the most affected organ is the lung, human E-CoVs often cause a hyperinflammatory multiorgan disease. As in the case of many other viruses, coronaviruses cause cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular system is predominantly affected in the case of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as their primary receptor. Yet, available evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is the one with higher avidity for the cardiovascular system and greater capacity to cause cardiac injury and thromboembolic events, along with a plethora of cardiovascular manifestations. This chapter provides a clinically oriented summary of the most relevant features of viral infections in relation to the cardiovascular system and the virology and pathophysiological characteristics of E-CoVs, as well as the risk factors, associated clinical manifestations, and current evidence for the management of cardiovascular complications caused by COVID-19.

Background: There is little information concerning infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Currently, IE antibiotic prophylaxis (IEAP) is not recommended for these conditions. Objectives: This study sought to describe the clinical and microbiological features of IE in patients with BAV and MVP and compare them with those of IE patients with and without IEAP indication, to determine the potential benefit of IEAP in these conditions. Methods: This analysis involved 3,208 consecutive IE patients prospectively included in the GAMES (Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis infecciosa en España) registry at 31 Spanish hospitals. Patients were classified as high-risk IE with IEAP indication (high-risk group; n = 1,226), low- and moderate-risk IE without IEAP indication (low/moderate-risk group; n = 1,839), and IE with BAV (n = 54) or MVP (n = 89). Results: BAV and MVP patients had a higher incidence of viridans group streptococci IE than did high-risk group and low/moderate-risk group patients (35.2% and 39.3% vs. 12.1% and 15.0%, respectively; all p < 0.01). A similar pattern was seen for IE from suspected odontologic origin (14.8% and 18.0% vs. 5.8% and 6.0%; all p < 0.01). BAV and MVP patients had more intracardiac complications than did low/moderate-risk group (50% and 47.2% vs. 30.6%, both p < 0.01) patients and were similar to high-risk group patients. Conclusions: IE in patients with BAV and MVP have higher rates of viridans group streptococci IE and IE from suspected odontologic origin than in other IE patients, with a clinical profile similar to that of high-risk IE patients. Our findings suggest that BAV and MVP should be classified as high-risk IE conditions and the case for IEAP should be reconsidered. Sin financiación 18.639 JCR (2018) Q1, 3/136 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 9.280 SJR (2018) Q1, 1/365 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2018 UEM

Background: Despite recent data suggest similar postoperative survival after cardiac surgery for HIV-infected patients and general cardiac surgical population, no studies have comprehensively addressed the impact of epidemiological changes observed during the last three decades affecting the profile of these patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the baseline characteristics, immune status and HIV treatment, surgical aspects and prognosis of consecutive HIV-infected patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution. Findings: Between 1985 and 2014, 72 patients underwent 87 operations. Median follow-up was 1650 days (IQR 357-3600). Most common indication for surgery was infective endocarditis (left-sided/mixed in 86%), with 40·2% of operations. Epidemiological changing pattern along the study periods was observed: from young (median age 27 years), intravenous drug users (100%) with infective endocarditis (88·2%), untreated and recent HIV diagnosis (

We investigated whether the addition of fosfomycin or cloxacillin to daptomycin provides better outcomes in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) experimental aortic endocarditis in rabbits. Five MRSA strains were used to perform in vitro time-kill studies using standard (10 6 ) and high (10 8 ) inocula. Combined therapy was compared to daptomycin monotherapy treatment in the MRSA experimental endocarditis model. A human-like pharmacokinetics model was applied, and the equivalents of cloxacillin at 2 g/4 h, fosfomycin at 2 g/6 h, and daptomycin at 6 to 10 mg/kg/day were administered intravenously. A combination of daptomycin and either fosfomycin or cloxacillin was synergistic in the five strains tested at both inocula. A bactericidal effect was detected in four of five strains tested with both combinations. The MRSA-277 strain (vancomycin MIC, 2 μg/ml) was used for the experimental endocarditis model. Daptomycin plus fosfomycin significantly improved the efficacy of daptomycin monotherapy at 6 mg/kg/day in terms of both the proportion of sterile vegetations (100% versus 72%, P = 0.046) and the decrease in the density of bacteria within the vegetations ( P = 0.025). Daptomycin plus fosfomycin was as effective as daptomycin monotherapy at 10 mg/kg/day (100% versus 93%, P = 1.00) and had activity similar to that of daptomycin plus cloxacillin when daptomycin was administered at 6 mg/kg/day (100% versus 88%, P = 0.48). Daptomycin nonsusceptibility was not detected in any of the isolates recovered from vegetations. In conclusion, for the treatment of MRSA experimental endocarditis, the combination of daptomycin plus fosfomycin showed synergistic and bactericidal activity.

The Enterococcus species is the third main cause of infective endocarditis (IE) worldwide, and it is gaining relevance, especially among healthcare-associated cases. Patients with enterococcal IE are older and have more comorbidities than other types of IE. Classical treatment options are limited due to the emergence of high-level aminoglycosides resistance (HLAR), vancomycin resistance and multidrug resistance in some cases. Besides, few new antimicrobial alternatives have shown real efficacy, despite some of them being recommended by major guidelines (including linezolid and daptomycin). Ampicillin plus ceftriaxone 2 g iv./12 h is a good option for Enterococcus faecalis IE caused by HLAR strains, but randomized clinical trials are essential to demonstrate its efficacy for non-HLAR EFIE and to compare it with ampicillin plus short-course gentamicin. The main mechanisms of resistance and treatment options are also reviewed for other enterococcal species.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose, its treatment is complex and expensive, and mortality is high (around 20%). In the field of IE, the most recent changes are epidemiological and include an increased number of cases of IE in patients with prosthetic valves and intracardiac devices and in the population receiving health care, an increased number of cases of Staphylococcus aureus IE, and changes in antibiotic sensitivity patterns with a particular impact on vancomycin. Infective endocarditis requires prolonged hospitalization and resourceintensive treatment because antibiotic therapy, intensive care, and surgical treatment form part of the therapeutic approach. Between 40% and 50% of patients require surgical treatment in the acute phase. In the year when IE is diagnosed, mortality is 30% with or without intervention. Mortality is high among certain groups, such as patients with prosthetic valves and especially those with intracranial hemorrhage. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. Low suspicion of IE can delay effective treatment and increase mortality. In our experience, an appropriate therapeutic approach has a mean delay of 27 days when the patient is referred from another institution. The treatment of IE is a paradigm of collaboration. Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) dedicated to IE have pioneered the organization of tertiary hospital care devoted to the disease. In the last decade, the International Collaboration in Endocarditis group has had a strong impact on understanding IE. The British Heart Valve Society has recommended the collaboration of specialists in valvular heart disease and IE and recent reports have supported this model.

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most frequent form of heart failure in ambulatory patients with new-onset symptoms. We previously showed that lung function abnormalities are highly prevalent in HFPEF patients. In this observational, longitudinal study, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of airflow limitation and/or arterial hypoxemia predicts mortality and/or cardiovascular hospitalizations during follow-up in HFPEF outpatients. Materials and methods HFPEF was diagnosed following the international recommendations. Forced spirometry and arterial blood gases were measured at recruitment according to international recommendations. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality and the secondary one was any cardiovascular hospitalization. Results We included in the analysis all consecutive outpatients newly diagnosed of HFPEF in our clinic between April 2009 and January 2013 (n = 71). Patients were prospectively followed up for a mean of 4 years (range 10 months to 5.8 years). All-cause mortality was 18.3%. It was higher in patients with airflow limitation (30%) than those with normal spirometry (10%) or other spirometric defects (19%) (p = 0.036). The presence of arterial hypoxemia did not predict mortality (p = 0.179) but was significantly related to cardiovascular hospitalizations during follow-up (p = 0.038). Conclusions The presence of airflow limitation or arterial hypoxemia identify a group of patients with HFPEF at higher risk of death or cardiovascular hospitalizations, respectively. Given that both airflow limitation and arterial hypoxemia are treatable, we propose that lung function should be routinely evaluated in the outpatient management of HFPEF patients.

The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the efficacy of vancomycin at standard doses (VAN-SD) to that of VAN at adjusted doses (VAN-AD) in achieving a VAN area under the curve/MIC ratio (AUC/MIC) of ≥400 against three methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains with different microdilution VAN MICs in an experimental endocarditis model. The valve vegetation bacterial counts after 48 h of VAN therapy were compared, and no differences were observed between the two treatment groups for any of the three strains tested. Overall, for VAN-SD and VAN-AD, the rates of sterile vegetations were 15/45 (33.3%) and 21/49 (42.8%) ( P = 0.343), while the medians (interquartile ranges [IQRs]) for log 10 CFU/g of vegetation were 2 (0 to 6.9) and 2 (0 to 4.5) ( P = 0.384), respectively. In conclusion, this VAN AUC/MIC pharmacodynamic target was not a good predictor of vancomycin efficacy in MRSA experimental endocarditis.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether the clinical presentation of lead-associated endocarditis (LAE) is related to the size of lead vegetations and how size is related to bacteriology and clinical outcomes. Background Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection may present as either local pocket infection or bloodstream infection with or without LAE. LAE is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods The clinical presentation and course of LAE were evaluated by the MEDIC (Multicenter Electrophysiologic Device Cohort) registry, an international registry enrolling patients with CIED infection. Consecutive LAE patients enrolled in the MEDIC registry between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012 were analyzed. The clinical features and outcomes of 2 groups of patients were compared based on the size of the lead vegetation detected by echocardiography (> or Results There were 129 patients with LAE enrolled into the MEDIC registry. Of these, 61 patients had a vegetation Conclusions The clinical presentation of LAE is influenced by the size of the lead vegetation. Prompt recognition and management of LAE depends on obtaining blood cultures and echocardiography, including transesophageal echocardiography, in CIED patients who present with either signs of local pocket or systemic infection.

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most prevalent form of heart failure in outpatients. Yet, the pathophysiology of this syndrome is unclear and pharmacological treatment does not improve prognosis. Because breathlessness during activities of daily living is the most frequent complaint of patients with HFPEF, we hypothesised that lung function may be often abnormal in these patients due to either a direct effect of HFPEF and/or shared risk factors. In this study we explore the frequency, type and severity of lung function abnormalities in HFPEF. Methods We measured forced spirometry, static lung volumes, pulmonary diffusing capacity (DL CO ) and arterial blood gases in 69 outpatients with newly diagnosed symptomatic HFPEF. Results We found that 94% of the patients showed abnormalities in at least one of the lung function measurements obtained: spirometry was abnormal in 59%, DL CO in 83% and arterial hypoxaemia was present in 62%. Their severity varied between patients, they were more prevalent in patients with NYHA functional class III/IV, and most often they were undiagnosed and untreated. Conclusions Lung function abnormalities are very frequent in HFPEF patients. A greater awareness among clinicians may contribute to improve their management and health status.

The development of high-level daptomycin resistance (HLDR; MIC of ≥256 mg/liter) after exposure to daptomycin has recently been reported in viridans group streptococcus (VGS) isolates. Our study objectives were as follows: to know whether in vitro development of HLDR after exposure to daptomycin was common among clinical isolates of VGS and Streptococcus bovis ; to determine whether HLDR also developed during the administration of daptomycin to treat experimental endocarditis caused by the daptomycin-susceptible, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus mitis strain S. mitis 351; and to establish whether combination with gentamicin prevented the development of HLDR in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies were performed with 114 VGS strains (mitis group, 92; anginosus group, 10; mutans group, 8; and salivarius group, 4) and 54 Streptococcus bovis strains isolated from 168 consecutive patients with infective endocarditis diagnosed between 1995 and 2010. HLDR was only observed after 24 h of exposure to daptomycin in 27% of the mitis group, including 27% of S. mitis isolates, 47% of S. oralis isolates, and 13% of S. sanguis isolates. In our experimental model, HLDR was detected in 7/11 (63%) and 8/12 (67%) isolates recovered from vegetations after 48 h of daptomycin administered at 6 mg/kg of body weight/24 h and 10 mg/kg/24 h, respectively. In vitro , time-kill experiments showed that daptomycin plus gentamicin was bactericidal against S. mitis 351 at tested concentrations of 0.5 and 1 times the MIC and prevented the development of HLDR. In vivo , the addition of gentamicin at 1 mg/kg/8 h to both daptomycin arms prevented HLDR in 21 out of 23 (91%) rabbits. Daptomycin plus gentamicin was at least as effective as vancomycin plus gentamicin. In conclusion, HLDR develops rapidly and frequently in vitro and in vivo among mitis group streptococci. Combining daptomycin with gentamicin enhanced its activity and prevented the development of HLDR in most cases.

Enterococci are the third most common etiologic agent of infective endocarditis worldwide after staphylococci and streptococci and cause 10% to 15% of cases.1 Enterococcal infections are increasingly relevant, especially among the elderly and patients with comorbid conditions in the healthcare setting.2,3 Approximately 90% of cases of enterococcal endocarditis are caused by Enterococcus faecalis , with 3-month history of symptoms before diagnosis.4 The gentamicin dose schedule (3 mg/kg per 24 hours IV …

ResumenObjetivosa) Valorar la aplicabilidad de una consulta de alta resolución (CAR) para el diagnóstico de pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) de inicio; b) caracterizar a los pacientes con IC y fracción de eyección preservada (ICFE-P) comparados con los de fracción de eyección reducida (ICFE-R), y c) determinar el nivel de péptido natriurético tipo B (PNB) para identificar la IC en esta población.DiseñoEstudio longitudinal observacional descriptivo.EmplazamientoAtención primaria especializada.Participantes y medicionesCiento cuarenta y tres pacientes con síntomas iniciales de IC fueron incluidos en una CAR-IC con evaluación clínica, electrocardiograma, radiografía de tórax, PNB y ecocardiograma.ResultadosSe diagnosticó IC en 65,7% de los pacientes: 67% ICFE-P y 33% ICFE-R. La mayoría de pacientes con ICFE-P eran mujeres (71,4 versus 38,7%; p=0,002), con más edemas maleolares (61,9% versus 35,5%; p=0,016) e índice de masa corporal (29,8±5,1 versus 27,2±5,0; p=0,021). Ambos presentaron signos ecocardiográficos de disfunción diastólica e hipertensión pulmonar, con PNB (153,3±123,1 versus 400,8±579,8; p=0,025) y troponina I (0,024±0,019 versus 0,071±0,12; p=0,037) más elevados en ICFE-R. Resultaron predictores de ICFE-P el sexo femenino y los edemas maleolares, mientras que la onda Q, los valores elevados de PNB y la frecuencia cardíaca lo fueron de ICFE-R. El punto de corte de PNB=60,12 pg/ml identificó IC con sensibilidad del 83% y especificidad del 84% (ABC=0,898; IC 95% [0,848-0,948]; p

Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation is becoming the standard of care for inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis and a valid alternative for those at high surgical risk. Since the first percutaneous transcatheter aortic-valve implantation in humans in 2002, over 50,000 transcatheter aortic valves have been implanted in the last decade, with progressive improvement in the available devices. Overall, there are two main families of transcatheter prosthesis: self-expandable and nonself-expandable. The self-expandable devices, for which CoreValve(®) (Medtronic CV Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Luxembourg) represents the prototype, are characterized by a structure composed of shape memory materials, usually nitinol, which acquire its final shape once released. By contrast, the non-self-expandable prostheses, mainly represented by the Edwards(®) valve (Edwards Life Sciences, Inc., CA, USA), require balloon dilatation to reach its final shape. Although several publications have already provided positive data on both technologies, new clinical studies with improved systems are currently being conducted in order to provide more solid data and potentially expand the spectrum of patients who can benefit from this therapy. Thus, the aim of the present paper is to review the salient features of the two most used systems today (third-generation CoreValve and Edwards SAPIEN XT(®)) as well as to provide data on other emerging valves and future perspectives.

Background Host factors and complications have been associated with higher mortality in infective endocarditis ( IE ). We sought to develop and validate a model of clinical characteristics to predict 6‐month mortality in IE . Methods and Results Using a large multinational prospective registry of definite IE (International Collaboration on Endocarditis [ ICE ]–Prospective Cohort Study [ PCS ], 2000–2006, n=4049), a model to predict 6‐month survival was developed by Cox proportional hazards modeling with inverse probability weighting for surgery treatment and was internally validated by the bootstrapping method. This model was externally validated in an independent prospective registry ( ICE ‐ PLUS , 2008–2012, n=1197). The 6‐month mortality was 971 of 4049 (24.0%) in the ICE ‐ PCS cohort and 342 of 1197 (28.6%) in the ICE ‐ PLUS cohort. Surgery during the index hospitalization was performed in 48.1% and 54.0% of the cohorts, respectively. In the derivation model, variables related to host factors (age, dialysis), IE characteristics (prosthetic or nosocomial IE , causative organism, left‐sided valve vegetation), and IE complications (severe heart failure, stroke, paravalvular complication, and persistent bacteremia) were independently associated with 6‐month mortality, and surgery was associated with a lower risk of mortality (Harrell's C statistic 0.715). In the validation model, these variables had similar hazard ratios (Harrell's C statistic 0.682), with a similar, independent benefit of surgery (hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.89). A simplified risk model was developed by weight adjustment of these variables. Conclusions Six‐month mortality after IE is ≈25% and is predicted by host factors, IE characteristics, and IE complications. Surgery during the index hospitalization is associated with lower mortality but is performed less frequently in the highest risk patients. A simplified risk model may be used to identify specific risk subgroups in IE .

Background Left atrial (LA) dysfunction has been related to symptom onset in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the potential prognostic role of LA function has been scarcely studied in outpatients with new-onset HF symptoms. Methods Consecutive outpatients with suspected HF onset evaluated at a one-stop clinic were screened. HF diagnosis was performed according to current guidelines. LA function was analyzed in patients in sinus rhythm by speckle-tracking echocardiography, determining LA peak strain rate after atrial contraction (LASRa) as a surrogate of atrial contractile function. Yearly prospective follow-up was conducted to report cardiovascular hospital admission or death. Patients without HF in sinus rhythm were followed as a control group. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results One hundred fifty-four outpatients were included (mean age, 74 ± 10 years; 67% women) with a median follow-up duration of 44.4 months (interquartile range, 31–58 months). Final diagnosis was 29.9% non-HF and 70.1% HF. More than two in five patients with HF (44.4%) had AF ( n = 48), and 55.6% ( n = 60) were in sinus rhythm. The latter were divided according to LASRa tertile: highest, −1.93 ± 0.39 sec −1 ; middle, −1.08 ± 0.21 sec −1 ; and lowest, −0.47 ± 0.18 sec −1 . At the end of follow-up, patients with atrial fibrillation had a low event-free survival rate (56.3%), similar to those in the lower LASRa tertile (55.0%). The non-HF group had the best prognosis, and the higher and middle LASRa tertiles had intermediate prognoses (event-free survival, 85%, 75%, and 70%, respectively). Conclusions The study of contractile LA function in outpatients with new-onset HF provides prognostic stratification. The early identification of patients at higher risk on the basis of their atrial function would allow focusing on them independently of their final diagnoses.

Antecedentes La duracion del tratamiento antibiotico endovenoso de la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) oscila entre 2 y 6 semanas. Aunque varios estudios indican que el tratamiento antibiotico a domicilio endovenoso (TADE) es seguro para el tratamiento domiciliario de la EI sobre valvula nativa no complicada por estreptococos del grupo viridans (EGV) la experiencia en Espana con TADE en la EI es limitada y los datos sobre otros tipos de endocarditis y TADE son escasos en todo el mundo. Metodos Estudio unicentrico, prospectivo, de una cohorte de todos los pacientes con EI admitidos en el programa TADE en el Hospital Clinico de Barcelona entre enero de 1997 y diciembre de 2006. Resultados Durante el periodo de estudio se diagnosticaron 392 episodios consecutivos de EI en pacientes no consumidores de drogas, de los cuales 73 episodios (19%) fueron admitidos en el programa de TADE: 42 EI sobre valvula nativa, 23 EI sobre valvula protesica y 8 EI sobre cable de marcapasos. El porcentaje de inclusion en la TADE fue mayor para la EI por EGV o Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) (32%) que para el resto de etiologias (14%; p < 0,001). Doce pacientes (16%) fueron reingresados debido a las complicaciones de los cuales tres fallecieron (4%). El uso de glucopeptidos fue el unico factor predictor de reingreso hospitalario (OR [intervalo de confianza del 95%] 4,5 [1,2; 16,8] p = 0,026). No se observaron diferencias entre las EI por EGV y S. bovis y las EI estafilococicas (Staphylococcus aureus y estafilococos coagulasa-negativos) incluidas en el TADE. Los pacientes incluidos estuvieron una mediana de 17 dias en tratamiento domiciliario (rango intercuartilico de 11 a 26,5), lo que permitio un ahorro de 1.466 dias de estancia hospitalaria. Conclusiones Estos datos sugieren que la TADE en la EI es una estrategia terapeutica segura y eficaz en el tratamiento domiciliario de pacientes seleccionados con EI por EGV y otras etiologias, aunque los pacientes que reciben glucopeptidos precisan un mayor control clinico

Introduction and objectives: To assess the impact of a program integrating cardiology and primary care in clinical practice, compared with usual care. The integrated care consists of a hospital cardiologist in each primary care clinic, shared clinical history, joint practice guidelines, consultation sessions, and other coordinating tools. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study of 2 series of chronic outpatients: conventional and integrated care. We analyzed patient distribution and the impact on good clinical practice indicators in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, along with primary care practitioner satisfaction and use of resources. Results: We included 3194 patients (1572 usual care, 1622 integrated care). Integrated care changed the patient distribution, allowing the cardiologist to focus on serious pathologies while cardiovascular risk factors and stable patients were monitored in primary care. In ischemic heart disease, improvement was observed in cholesterol management and blood pressure control; optimal medical treatment was more frequently prescribed and ventricular function evaluated more often. In heart failure, b-blockers treatment increased and functional class was assessed more often. In atrial fibrillation, an increase in anticoagulation prescription and echocardiography evaluation was observed. Satisfaction parameters improved with integrated care. The use of resources was not increased. Conclusions: Using our integration model, follow-up and chronic treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were improved. Monitoring of chronic patients was

ResumenEl efecto tercera persona (ETP) se refiere a la tendencia a creer que los demas son mas influidos por una comunicacion persuasiva que uno mismo. Se llevo a cabo un estudio (N = 80) en el que se presentaba una de dos versiones (calidad: fuerte vs. debil) de una campana de promocion de la salud. A la mitad se le pidio que juzgara la influencia sobre ellos mismos (1a persona) y al resto, la influencia sobre la gente (3a persona). Todos los participantes estimaron la influencia de esa campana (estimacion especifica) y de las campanas de promocion de la salud en general (estimacion abstracta). Los resultados muestran que la magnitud del ETP aumenta cuando la pregunta es abstracta y el mensaje es debil, mientras que cuando la pregunta es especifica y el mensaje es fuerte se invierte, apareciendo el efecto primera persona. Los resultados sugieren que el nivel de abstraccion de la estimacion puede condicionar la aparicion del ETP.

Resumen Fundamento y objetivo : Evaluar la eficacia de una intervencion multifactorial en el alta hospitalaria de pacientes de edad avanzada con insuficiencia cardiaca para mejorar el cumplimiento del tratamiento y disminuir tanto los reingresos como los dias de hospitalizacion, ademas de valorar su impacto sobre la calidad de vida. Pacientes y metodo Se ha realizado un ensayo clinico aleatorizado, de caracter prospectivo, con analisis del subgrupo de pacientes mayores de 70 anos, que se asignaron aleatoriamente a 2 grupos: intervencion y control. Se efectuaron visitas de seguimiento a los 6 y 12 meses. La intervencion incluyo informacion sobre la enfermedad, tratamiento, dieta y seguimiento telefonico. Se evaluaron el cumplimiento del tratamiento, los reingresos, los dias de hospitalizacion, la mortalidad y la calidad de vida. Resultados Se incluyo a 103 pacientes (53 en el grupo de intervencion y 50 controles), con edad media de 79 anos y funcion ventricular mayoritariamente conservada, sin diferencias en las caracteristicas basales. A los 6 meses en el grupo de intervencion se observo mayor cumplimiento terapeutico (un 91,2 frente al 68,0%; p = 0,04) y el porcentaje de pacientes que reingresaron fue menor (un 22,6 frente a un 42,0%; p = 0,03), con menor numero de reingresos por paciente (0,3 frente a 0,8; p = 0,02) y menos dias de hospitalizacion (2,6 frente a 5,9; p = 0,01). A los 12 meses se mantuvo la tendencia favorable al grupo de intervencion, pero sin significacion estadistica. No se hallaron diferencias significativas en mortalidad ni calidad de vida. La curva de supervivencia para la probabilidad de no reingresar en los 12 meses mostro el beneficio de la intervencion (p = 0,02), con una razon de riesgo de 0,51 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,27-0,95). Conclusiones En una poblacion de edad avanzada con insuficiencia cardiaca, una intervencion educativa en el alta mejora el cumplimiento terapeutico, disminuye los reingresos y los dias de hospitalizacion, sin diferencia en la calidad de vida.

En 1996 se implemento en el Hospital General de Vic la consulta inmediata ambulatoria de alta resolucion en cardiologia, con el objetivo de dar respuesta rapida a los pacientes y realizar el mismo dia la visita especializada y las exploraciones complementarias indicadas, fundamentalmente ecocardiograma, prueba de esfuerzo o Holter. Se expone la experiencia de 10 anos de seguimiento, con un total de 19.515 visitas. La media de espera para la visita fue de 3 dias. Se analizan los motivos de consulta, las exploraciones efectuadas y la disminucion de visitas sucesivas e ingresos hospitalarios. La satisfaccion de la atencion primaria aumento con este modelo asistencial. La consulta de alta resolucion resulto aplicable en la practica real y perdurable en el seguimiento. El modelo es beneficioso para el paciente y satisfactorio para la atencion primaria, reduce los contactos paciente-hospital y posiblemente evita ingresos hospitalarios.