-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Basal left atrial volume (LAV) indexed to body surface area (LAVI) predicts adverse events in patients with organic mitral regurgitation, but information is lacking regarding change in left atrial volume during follow-up. METHODS: One hundred forty-four asymptomatic patients (mean age, 71 ± 12 years; 66% women; mean ejection fraction, 66 ± 4.8%) with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation were prospectively included, with a median follow-up period of 2.76 years (interquartile range, 1.86-3.48 years). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (37.50%) reached the combined end point of dyspnea and/or systolic dysfunction. Both basal and change in LAV were independently associated with the combined end point on multivariate analysis: for basal LAVI ≥ 55 mL/m(2), odds ratio, 2.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.88; P = .038), and for change in LAV ≥ 14 mL, odds ratio, 7.32 (95% confidence interval, 3.25-16.48; P < .001), adjusted for effective regurgitant orifice area and deceleration time. Combined event-free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was significantly less in patients with basal LAVI ≥ 55 mL/m(2) (75%, 58%, and 43%) than in those with basal LAVI < 55 mL/m(2) (95%, 89%, and 77%) (log-rank test = 15.38, P = .0001). The incidence of the combined end point was highest (88%) in patients with basal LAVI ≥ 55 mL/m(2) and change in LAV ≥ 14 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of basal LAV and its increase during follow-up predict an adverse course in patients with moderate and severe asymptomatic mitral regurgitation. Hence, its assessment could be incorporated into the currently used algorithm for risk stratification and decision making in this group of patients.
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography: official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography 04/2013; · 2.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To know the relationship between "vascular age" (VA) and the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis could improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Objectives: 1) to know the VA in a primary prevention population, and 2) to determine the relationship between VA and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We calculated VA based on body mass index (BMI). We obtained the difference between VA and chronological age (Delta). The screening of CAP was done by ultrasound. We analyzed the association between quintiles of VA and Delta with the presence of CAP. ROC analysis was performed. RESULTS: In total, 411 patients were included (age 47 [10] years, 54% men). The VA and Delta were 55 (15) and 7 (9) years respectively. In 75% of the patients VA was higher than the chronological age (50%≥6 years). Subjects with CAP had significantly higher VA (66 [11] versus 50 [14] years, P<.0001) and Delta (13 [9] versus 5 [7] years, P<.0001) than subjects without CAP. We observed a positive association of quintiles of VA and Delta with the prevalence of CAP. The area under de curve and the optimal cutoff point of VA for the detection of CAP were 0.813 and 60 years, respectively, and for Delta, 0,771 and 11 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The VA based on BMI could be a simple tool to estimate the presence of CAP and improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients in primary prevention.
Medicina Clínica 10/2012; · 1.38 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The traditional Framingham score underestimates cardiovascular risk in certain populations. Extending its time-scale to 30 years and assessing its relationship with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque may improve risk stratification. The objectives were: a) to determine the percentage of patients previously classified with the traditional score who were reclassified when using Framingham 30-year risk score; b) to analyze the prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque; and c) to determine the diagnostic potential of the 30-year score to detect carotid plaque.
A carotid Doppler ultrasound study was performed and the Framingham 10-year risk score and 30-year score (based on lipids and body mass index) for "hard" cardiovascular events were calculated in a population of primary prevention patients. Prevalence of carotid plaque was determined. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted.
In total, 305 subjects were included (age 48 [11] years, 52% men). The 30-year scores based on lipids and on body mass index reclassified 70% and 63% of the population, respectively. Prevalence of carotid plaque was 28.5% and associated gradually with risk category. The area under the curve and optimal cutoff points of the 30-year score to detect carotid plaque were 0.862 and 26% (based on lipids) and 0.845 and 22% (based on body mass index), respectively.
The 30-year score reclassified a large number of patients and discriminated between those with or without evidence of carotid plaque.
Revista Espa de Cardiologia 03/2011; 64(4):305-11. · 2.53 Impact Factor
-
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 02/2007; 9(3):621. · 3.72 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To identify the learning styles of a group of cardiology residents (R) undergoing a training program at the University of Buenos Aires and to identify correlations of these styles.
Statistical data were obtained through a 120-question survey developed by Vermunt and colleagues, which identified four different learning styles: construction-directed; reproduction-directed; application-directed; and undirected. Four variables were identified [gender, previous experience as a teaching assistant (TA) in medical school, university final average (FA) and the public or private institution/centre of origin] in order to analyse level of correlation with learning styles (LS). Between April 2001 and April 2002, 149 residents (R) completed the survey. Average age was 29 (+/-2.7) years old; with 63% being men.
The predominant LS were oriented toward knowledge application. In terms of variables, no differences regarding gender were detected; the R with TA showed undirected LS characteristics; those with a low FA registered a tendency towards reproduction-directed LS; and those residents at public/state medical centres indicated construction-directed LS tendencies.
An application-directed learning style predominates in this group of residents. Information regarding learning styles can provide foundations upon which arguments can be made for changes in education that are traditionally not evidence-based.
Education for Health 12/2006; 19(3):289-97.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To date, few studies have evaluated asymptomatic patients with organic mitral regurgitation (MR). The goal of the present study was to assess the presence of independent predictive factors for progression of symptoms and/or left ventricular dysfunction (SLVSD) in this population.
We prospectively evaluated 128 consecutive patients (mean age 60 +/- 8 years, 68% men; ejection fraction 66 +/- 3%) who were asymptomatic, with severe organic MR. Mean follow-up was 29 +/- 12 months. The combined end point was SLVSD. Clinical and echocardiographic variables were evaluated. Follow-up data were also estimated considering the annualized rate (?) of the echocardiographic indices.
Thirty-seven patients (29%) had SLVSD during follow-up. Cox regression model identified the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) >55 mm2 (risk ratio 6.3, 95% CI 2.3-8.1, P < .001) and end-systolic diameter >22 mm/m2 (risk ratio 4.5, 95% CI, 1.8-9.4, P < .02) as the only independent predictors of SLVSD. When the follow-up data were added, the ?EROA (>15 mm2/y) was independently associated with the end point.
In asymptomatic patients with organic MR, the EROA and the end-systolic diameter are independent predictors of SLVSD and allow a better risk stratification in this group of patients. ANALYTICAL SUMMARY: The goal of this study was to determine the presence of independent predictors of symptomatic progression, and/or left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation. We prospectively evaluated 128 consecutive patients (mean age 60 +/- 8 years, 68% male; ejection fraction 66 +/- 3%). During follow-up (mean 29 +/- 12 months). The end point occurred in 37 patients (29%). Multivariate analysis using Cox model identified the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) >55 mm2 (RR: 6.3; 95% CI: 2.3-8.1; P < .001) and an end-systolic diameter (ESD) >22 mm/m2 (RR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.8-9.4; P < .02) as the only independent predictors of the end point. When the follow-up data were added, the annualized change rate of the EROA (>15 mm2/year) was independently associated with the end point. In asymptomatic patients with organic mitral regurgitation, the EROA and ESD at study entry were independent predictors of the combined end point and allowed a better risk stratification in this group of patients.
American heart journal 11/2006; 152(5):1004.e1-8. · 4.65 Impact Factor
-
Daniel H Berrocal,
Mauricio G Cohen,
Alejandro D Spinetta,
Marta García Ben,
Carlos A Rojas Matas,
José M Gabay,
José M Magni,
Gustavo Nogareda,
Pablo Oberti,
Cristian Von Schulz,
Hernán Doval,
Oscar O Bazzino, Arturo Cagide,
Raul Oliveri,
Liliana R Grinfeld
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become an alternative to thrombolytic therapy as a reperfusion strategy for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
The main goal of this study was to determine whether PCI and thrombolytic therapy achieve comparable reperfusion rates, as evidenced by ST-segment resolution. Secondary end points included infarct vessel patency rates before hospital discharge and short- and long-term outcomes. Patients with ischemic chest pain with duration < or =12 hours and no contraindication for thrombolytic therapy were included.
Between October 1993 and August 1995, 58 patients were randomly assigned to streptokinase (SK) and 54 patients to primary PCI. Baseline clinical characteristics and infarct location were well balanced in both groups. Median age (interquartile range) was 68 (58, 75) years, 29% were women, and 78% of the patients met at least one criterion for "not low risk" AMI (anterior location, age >70 years old, previous MI, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, and/or heart rate >100 bpm). The median time from symptom onset to random assignment was 217 (139, 335) minutes in the PCI group and 210 (145, 334) minutes in the SK group. Median random assignment to balloon time was 82 (55, 100) minutes, and median random assignment to needle time was 15 (10, 26) minutes (P <.0001). TIMI grade 3 flow after primary PCI was obtained in 85% of patients. The proportion of patients with ST-segment resolution > or =50% at 120 minutes was 80% in the PCI group and 50% in the SK group (P =.001). The predischarge angiogram showed the presence of TIMI 3 flow in 96% of patients who received PCI and 65% of patients who received SK (P <.001). A composite of in-hospital death, reinfarction, severe heart failure, stroke, and major bleeding occurred in 15% of patients who received PCI and 21% of patients who received SK (P =.4). At 3 years, freedom from the composite end point of AMI, postdischarge revascularization, and death was 61% in the PCI group and 40% in the SK group (P =.025).
Our study shows that primary PCI, as compared with SK, is associated with more effective ST-segment resolution, higher patency rates in the infarct vessel at 7 days, and more favorable clinical outcomes at 3 years of follow-up.
American heart journal 12/2003; 146(6):E22. · 4.65 Impact Factor
