Manuel Martinez Selles

• Professor
• Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Background: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion produced by excessive and prolonged professional stress. Its prevalence is unclear, and figures from 2 to 81% have been reported, although studies focused on this issue are scarce and inconsistent definitions and the absence of validated measurement tools make comparisons...

We examined current evidence regarding the effects of anti-inflammatory therapies in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, inflammatory markers, natriuretic peptides, and renal function. Despite growing evidence that inflammation plays a pivotal role in both the development and progression of heart failure,...

Background Clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate a reduced reinfarction risk with invasive management in older patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This study investigated whether similar benefits might be observed in frail patients. Methods The coMOrbilidades Síndrome Coronario Agudo - FRAIL (MOSCA-FRAIL) tr...

Background and Aims Meteorin‐like protein (Metrnl) has been recently suggested as a new adipokine with protective cardiovascular effects. Its circulating levels in patients seem to be associated with heart failure (HF), although with contradictory results. Our aim was to ascertain whether this adipokine could estimate the prognosis of HF in de novo...

Unlabelled: Introduction y objectives: Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS) is a cardiac condition that mimics acute coronary syndrome, characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction in the absence of culprit coronary artery stenosis. Although its etiology remains unknown, reversible microvascular dysfunction secondary to an adrenergic surge is thou...

Background Sex‐related differences in Takotsubo syndrome have been described, but no information is available in patients who develop cardiogenic shock. Methods and Results Of 412 patients with Takotsubo syndrome with cardiogenic shock, 71 (17.2%) were men. Male patients were older (71.1±12.2 versus 65.3±17.1 years, P <0.001), more frequently smok...

Introduction and objectives: The impact of preoperative left ventricular (LV) unloading on postoperative outcomes in patients bridged with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to heart transplantation (HT) is unknown. Our aim was to compare posttransplant outcomes in patients bridged to HT with VA-ECMO, with or without the us...

Ageism is still acceptable in our society, as age-focused criticism during the last American presidential campaign shows. Media and social media discourse on ageism, sexism, and racism shows the need of raising the awareness of ageism. We present Eugene Braunwald as an example of excellence at an advanced age. Dr. Braunwald, aged 95, has just publi...

Background Self-care and empowerment promotion in patients with heart failure (HF) is essential for improving their prognosis, but there is limited information concerning the patients' depth of knowledge about this pathology as well as patient satisfaction within heart failure units (HFUs). Our objective was to assess both aspects in a cohort of pa...

Introduction and objectives: Invasive management in frail patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remains controversial. We investigated the impact of various geriatric conditions. Methods: The MOSCA-FRAIL trial included 167 adults aged ≥ 70 years with frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] ≥ 4 points) and NSTEMI, wh...

Background and Aims Acute heart failure (AHF) promotes inflammatory activation, which is associated with worse outcomes. Colchicine has proven effective in other cardiovascular conditions characterized by inflammatory activation, but has never been evaluated in the setting of AHF. Methods This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-con...

Purpose Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve endocarditis (SAPVE) is a serious infection with high mortality. The main objective of this study was to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Methods From January 2008 to December 2021, consecutive patients from a Spanish cohort of infective endocarditis with a definitive diagnosis...

Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), also known as GAS, is a Gram-positive bacterium. It can be easily identified in the microbiology laboratory by its ability to hemolyse blood in culture media. This bacterium is highly virulent due to its production of enzymes and toxins, and its ability to cause immunologically mediated diseases such...

Background Previous studies have reported the benefit of statins after Heart Transplant (HT). However, the use of high-dose statins might be limited in some HT patients due to intolerance and interactions with immunosuppression or might not be enough to achieve Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goals. Hyperlipidemia has been associated with...

Introduction Increasing evidence supports the implementation of geriatric assessment in the workup of older patients with aortic stenosis (AS). In 2012, an online European survey revealed that geriatricians were rarely involved in the assessment of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). After a “call to action” for early inv...

Background: There is limited recent evidence about infective endocarditis (IE) in HIV-infected patients. Our aim was to compare IE according to HIV infection presence. Methods: Consecutive inclusion of IE patients at 46 Spanish hospitals between 2008 and 2021. Results: From 5667 patients, 99 were HIV-infected (1·7%; 50 intravenous drugs users)...

Background A circadian rhythm of myocardial infarction has been described but there is little data on its relation with seasons and months. Methods From June 2013 to June 2018, we analyzed the alerts for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a Spanish region with 6.64 million inhabitants, universal health coverage, and an org...

Aims Heart failure (HF) elicits a pro‐inflammatory state, which is associated with impaired clinical outcomes, but no anti‐inflammatory therapies have demonstrated a clinical benefit yet. Inflammatory pathways related with the interleukin‐1 axis are overactivated during episodes of acute HF. Colchicine, an anti‐inflammatory drug with proven benefit...

Background Stroke is a common complication of infective endocarditis (IE). Our aim was to describe the prevalence and prognostic impact of stroke in a national prospective cohort of IE. Methods Consecutive inclusion at 46 Spanish hospitals between 2008 and 2021. Results Out of 5667 IE cases, 1125 had acute stroke (19.8%): 811 ischemic strokes (61...

Purpose of review Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a growing global health burden. This review explores the intersection of HF, diabetes mellitus, and sex, highlighting epidemiological patterns, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment implications. Recent findings Despite similar HF prevalence in men and women, diabetes...

Aims There is a lack of specific studies assessing the impact of natriuretic peptide monitoring in the post‐discharge management of patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), throughout the vulnerable phase following acute HF hospitalization. The NICE study aims to assess the clinical benefit of incorporating N‐termin...

Meningococcal meningitis (MM) and invasive meningococcal disease remain a major public health problem that generates enormous public alarm. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a Gram-negative diplococcus with an enormous capacity for acute and rapidly progressive disease, both episodic and epidemic in nature, with early diagnosis and treatment...

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent evidence on female-specific risk factors related to reproductive status or pregnancy. Recent Findings Pregnancy-related factors, including hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes, increase the risk of heart failure in women, while breastfeeding and hormone the...

Background Recently, abnormal thyroid function was shown to be common in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), being classified into “endocrine-type” and “stress-type” responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between thyroid homeostasis and TTS in a larger international registry. Methods In total 288 patients with TTS...

Purpose. Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve endocarditis (SAPVE) is a serious infection with high mortality. The main objective of this study was to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Methods. From January 2008 to December 2021, consecutive patients from a Spanish cohort of infective endocarditis with a definitive diagnosis...

With population aging and the subsequent accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors, a growing proportion of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are octogenarian (aged between 80 and 89). The marked heterogeneity of this population is due to several factors like age, comorbidities, frailty, and other geriatric conditions. All th...

Objectives: To determine the presence of negative stereotypes of old age in new medical intern residents (MIR) of the Community of Madrid. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study of first year MIRs was carried out anonymously during the process of registration at the Madrid College of Physicians between 25/03 and 26/05 o...

Background The role of age in the short‐ and long‐term prognosis of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate age‐related differences and prognostic implications among patients with TTS. Methods and Results In total, 2492 consecutive patients with TTS enrolled in an international registry were stratifi...

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) during the peripartum period is a relevant cause of morbidity in this population; its clinical course and prognosis, compared to the general TTS population, is yet to be elucidated. Our aim was to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of peripartum TTS in a nationwide prospective specifically oriented registry databas...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major public health problem that has undergone significant changes in recent years. First of all, it has become easier to diagnose with highly reliable and rapidly available confirmatory tests. This has led to a better understanding of its epidemiology and RSV has gone from being a disease of the pediatric age...

Despite having emerged from pandemic status, the incidence of COVID-19 episodes has recently increased in Spain, including pediatric cases and admissions to Intensive Care Units. Several recombinant variants are circulating among us, particularly XBB arising from two Omicron BA.2 sublineages with mutations in the genes encoding the spicule proteins...

Interatrial block (IAB) is defined by the presence of a P-wave ≥120 ms. Advanced IAB is diagnosed when there is also a biphasic morphology in inferior leads. The cause of IAB is complete block of Bachmann’s bundle, resulting in retrograde depolarization of the left atrium from areas near the atrioventricular junction. The anatomic substrate of adva...

Background/Introduction The optimal Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia remains debated. In REALITY, the largest randomized trial to date in this population (n=666), a restrictive compared with a liberal transfusion strategy resulted in a noninferior rate of major adverse cardiovasc...

Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mortality and carries a dismal neurological outcome (NO) among patients admitted alive to acute cardiac care units (ACCU). A big share of SCD are found in ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF waveform is dynamic and it can be characterized by spectral analysis at the very time of ACCU admissi...

This document is the result of the deliberations of the Committee on Emerging Pathogens and COVID-19 of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) regarding the current situation of tuberculosis, particularly in Spain. We have reviewed aspects such as the evolution of its incidence, the populations currently most exposed and...

Introduction and objectives: Posttransplant outcomes among recipients with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) remain controversial. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a nationwide registry of first-time recipients undergoing isolated heart transplant between 1984 and 2021. One-year and 5-year mor...

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Infective endocarditis (IE) has experienced enormous changes in recent decades [...]

Background: Little is known about the incidence of influenza among admissions to the cardiac-intensive care unit (C-ICU), accuracy of clinical suspicion, and influenza vaccination uptake. We evaluated the incidence of influenza at C-ICU admission during the influenza season, potential underdiagnosis, and vaccination uptake. Methods: Prospective...

The risk of recurrence in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) appears to be low, although previous studies have shown conflicting results and factors associated with recurrences are unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and predictors of TTS recurrences. Adult patients included in the Spanish Multicenter REgistry of TAKOtsubo syndrome (R...

Assessment of frailty before heart transplant (HT) is recommended but is not standard in most HT protocols. Our objective was to evaluate frailty at inclusion in HT list and during follow-up and to assess the influence of baseline frailty on prognosis. A prospective multicenter study in all adults included in the nonurgent HT waiting list. Frailty...

Background: Previous studies suggest variability in the management of cardiogenic shock (CS). Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to Spanish hospitals. Results: We obtained 50 answers, mainly from cardiologists (36–72%). The annual average of ECMOs is 16.7 ± 11.3 applications in CS patients and of Impellas is 8.7 ± 8.3 applications in CS patients...

Purpose of Review Heart failure (HF) entails poor prognosis, with high morbidity and mortality burden, particularly in elderly patients. Notably, important sex differences have been described between men and women with HF. In this regard, some biological and sociocultural aspects related to sex may play a key role in the different development and p...

Pharmacotherapy is the cornerstone treatment for patients with heart failure (HF) that uses drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan. This article revie...

Background: High-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) is a known complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to determine the prevalence and prognostic impact of HAVB in a contemporary cohort of STEMI. Methods: Data were collected from the DIAMANTE registry that included STEMI patients admitted to our cardiac int...

Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is the most frequent type of acute coronary syndrome in the elderly. Antithrombotic therapy is the cornerstone of pharmacological therapy in the setting of an acute ischemic event, a clinical scenario in which thrombotic and bleeding risks ought to be considered, particularly in older patients...

Background Takotsubo syndrome is usually triggered by a stressful event. The type of trigger seems to influence the outcome and should therefore be considered separately. Methods and Results Patients included in the GEIST (German‐Italian‐Spanish Takotsubo) registry were categorized according to physical trigger (PT), emotional trigger (ET), and no...

We address the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the mandatory use of masks in health centers and nursing homes in the current epidemiological situation in Spain and after the declaration of the World Health Organization on May 5, 2023 of the end of COVID-19 as public health emergency. We advocate for prudence and flexibility, respecting...

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health problem. The problems inherent to their diagnosis, treatment and prevention have to do not only with their nature, but also with organizational issues and overlapping competencies of the different health authorities in Spain. The real situation of STI in Spain, at present, is poorly kn...

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is the main underlying cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to recommended targets after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is of utmost importance as it is associated with a reduction of mortality and further cardiovascular events. Unfortunately, there are c...

Recent studies suggest that up to a quarter of physicians in training suffer from burnout and psychological disorders. Scientist-physicians, cardiologists, cardiology residents, and first-year medical residents seem to be more prone to developing varying degrees of emotional distress. Concerned about the new generations of clinicians and researcher...

Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is one of the leading rhythm alterations documented at the time of medical assistance in patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD). There is an urgent need to improve current diagnostic tools to early predict neurological outcome in patients admitted alive to intensive care units. Objective To investigate th...

Introduction and objectives: We aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of the use of the CentriMag acute circulatory support system as a bridge to emergency heart transplantation (HTx). Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of the clinical outcomes of consecutive HTx candidates included in a multicenter retrospective registry who were tr...