bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHA2DS2-VASc score in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Santos H , Santos M , Almeida I , Miranda H , Sa C , Chin J , Almeida S , Sousa C , Almeida L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are common and several scores were proposed to identify high-risk patients that presented worse prognosis in short and long-term follow up. CHA2DS2-VASc score is the score used to decide the initiation of anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. It is an easy and convenient score, used by physicians in clinical practice, which is helpful to apply in ACS predicting the high-risk patients.

Objective
CHA2DS2-VASc score as a prognosis method in ACS.

Methods
Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. CHA2DS2-VASc test as a predictor of AF with a receiver operating characteristic curve. Logistic regression to access if the score was a predictor of AF. According with a punctuation of CHA2DS2-VASc as 0, 1 and ≥2, was performed a Kaplan-Meier test to establish the survival rates and cardiovascular admission at one year of follow-up.

Results
25271 patients had ACS, 1023 patients (4.2%) presented de novo AF. CHA2DS2-VASc score was a median predictor of de novo AF (Area Under Curve: 0.642, confidence interval (CI) 0.625-0.659), with a 66.7% sensibility and 55.1% specificity. Logistic regression revealed that the CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor of de novo AF in ACS (odds ratio (OR) 2.07, p &lt; 0.001, CI 1.74-2.47). Mortality rates at one year of follow-up, even showing higher mortality rates associated with higher CHA2DS2-VASc punctuation, do not revealed to be significant, p = 0.099. On the other hand, the score exhibited a significant value, p = 0.050, for re-admission for all causes, according to the classification as 0, 1 or ≥2. Regarding re-admission for cardiovascular causes at one year of follow-up was associated with the score classification, with a Kaplan-Meier test of p = 0.011.

Conclusions
CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor of de novo AF in ACS and can be used as a prognostic method for all causes of re-admission and, in special, for cardiovascular cause of re-admission.
Angiographic profiles in patients of persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation from a tertiary care center in north india
Authors: Batta A , Sharma YP , Makkar K , Panda P , Gawalkar A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) with coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established. Atrial ischemia due to obstructive CAD has been identified as one of the key risk factors, leading to AF. However, sufficient evidence exists as to the presence of myocardial ischemia on stress imaging, even without the presence of obstructive CAD in AF patients. Slow flow and coronary tortuosity on angiogram can lead to downstream myocardial ischemia independent of CAD.

Purpose
We aimed to delineate the angiographic profiles in AF patients with attention to slow flow and tortuosity leading to ischemia in those without obstructive CAD.

Methods
The study was a nonrandomised, prospective, single-centre observational study of consecutive patients of persistent non valvular AF. Symptomatic patients despite optimal medical therapy (OMT) for 3 months were recruited and all underwent coronary angiograms (CAG). Patients with known CAD or prior history of myocardial infarction were excluded. Further angiographic analysis was done in those without obstructive CAD to determine incidence of slow flow (&gt;27 corrected TIMI frame count) and tortuosity (presence of ≥3 fixed bends in an epicardial artery).

Results
A total of 70 patients were recruited and followed for a mean duration of 12 ± 1.4 months. The mean age of the study group was 66.07 (±11.49). Hypertension (74%) was the commonest comorbidity followed by obesity (35%) and diabetes (30%). At CAG, 32/70 (45%) had obstructive CAD, 17/70 (24%) had non obstructive (&lt;50-70% stenosis) CAD and 21/70 (30%) had normal coronaries without atherosclerosis. Amongst patients without obstructive CAD (n = 38) slow flow was seen in 16/38 (42%) and coronary tortuosity in 11/38 (29%) patients. There ware no differences in terms of death, HF and FVR hospitalisations or stroke at follow up between the obstructive CAD vs no obstructive CAD. However in patients without obstructive CAD, hospitalisations for FVR was significantly increased in those having slow flow on CAG, 9/12 (75%) vs 7/26 (27%) in those without slow flow (p value = 0.005). The mean TIMI frame count was also significantly higher in those with FVR hospitalisations 35.3 ± 11 vs 25.8 ± 8.9 (p value = 0.005). TIMI frame count &gt;31 had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 69% for predicting hospitalisations for FVR on ROC curve(AUC = 0.71).

Conclusions
CAD is closely related to AF and majority (70%) of our patients had evidence of atherosclerotic CAD on CAG in our study. A large proportion of patients with no evidence of obstructive CAD on CAG had slow flow or coronary tortuosity. Significantly increased hospitalisation for FVR seen in the slow flow group shows its significance and may lead to newer treatment modalities in future. Further larger studies looking at these aspects on CAG may give further insight as to the nature and prognosis of these entities.
Same-day discharge for atrial fibrillation ablation: use of suture-mediated vascular closure device
Authors: Portoles-Hernandez A , Toquero-Ramos J , Garcia-Gomez S , Castro-Urda V , Garcia-Izquierdo E , Jimenez-Sanchez D , Segura-Dominguez M , Aguilera-Agudo C , Veloza-Urrea D , Fernandez-Lozano I 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
The most frequent complications of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures are those related to the vascular access site, which are associated with increased morbidity and length of hospital stay. Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of venous access site closure with a suture-mediated vascular closure device (SVD), as well as the feasibility of early mobilization and same-day discharge protocol after AF ablation procedures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all consecutive AF ablation patients in whom a SVD was employed to achieve hemostasis after each venous puncture. The ablation was performed under conscious sedation, using 7 to 12-F introducer sheaths. Anticoagulation was uninterrupted but for the last dose prior to the procedure. Intraprocedural heparin was not reversed. Groin ultrasound was performed in the first 10 patients with adequate SVD deployment. Three conditions were required for the same-day discharge protocol application: 1) uncomplicated procedure, 2) successful SVD deployment and 3) adequate recovery. Recovery followed a three-phase protocol: bed rest (two hours), sitting (one hour) and ambulation. Follow-up included phone call and clinical examination. Patients were offered contact to the electrophysiologist if needed. Results: 63 ablation procedures with SVD closure were performed from May 2019 to October 2020, with a total of 132 access sites analysed. Patient characteristics are shown in the table. The SVD was successfully deployed in 125 (94.7%) and hemostasis immediately achieved. In the remaining 5.3%, failure was attributed to a deficient technique, which missed to advance the knot to the vein. First 10 patients were ultrasound evaluated 24 hours later (no early discharge), showing total absence of complications. 35 subsequent patients (55.6% of the remaining 53) were discharged the same day without ultrasound control. The remaining 18 stayed overnight for reasons not related to the access site (hemodynamic surveillance, initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs or loss of phrenic capture), allowing in any case early mobilization (three hours after the procedure). Mean follow-up was 272 ± 160 days, with no adverse events recorded. Conclusion: SVD are safe and effective in achieving rapid hemostasis, making the early mobilization and same-day discharge protocol after AF ablation feasible in selected patients. Age 63 (57-71) Male 46 (73%) Body mass index (kg/m&sup2;) 27,5 (24,2-31,6) Previous anticoagulation- Vitamin K antagonist- Direct oral anticoagulation 50 (79,4%)14 (28%)36 (72%)
Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndrome - early onset impact on MACE
Authors: Santos M , Santos H , Almeida I , Miranda H , Sa C , Chin J , Almeida S , Sousa C , Tavares J , Santos L , Almeida ML 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) complicates approximately 10% of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on ACS patients’ (pts) prognosis.

Objective
To evaluate early onset (≤48h) de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) as predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and in-hospital complications.

Methods
Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 8/01/2019. Pts were divided in two groups: A – early onset de novo AF (EOAF), and B – late onset de novo AF (LOAF). Patients without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess if LOAF in ACS was a predictor of MACE or complications.

Results
29851 pts had ACS. EOAF occurred in 584 pts (2.0%) and LOAF in 360 pts (1.2%). EOAF were younger (73 ± 13 vs 77 ± 10, p &lt; 0.001) and smokers (21.3% vs 12.1%, p &lt; 0.001). LOAF had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (40.1% vs 30.2%, p &lt; 0.001), angina (30.8% vs 21.4%, p &lt; 0.001), previous ACS (22.5% vs 15.4%, p = 0.006), previous revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention 14% vs 9.5%, p = 0.032; coronary artery bypass surgery 8.4% vs 3.9%, p = 0.004). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) rates were higher in EOAF (56.8% vs 46.9%, p = 0.003) and were admitted directly to the cath lab more often (21.7% vs 13.4%, p = 0.001). Non-ST elevation MI rates were higher in LOAF (44.2% vs 37.7%, p = 0.048). LOAF times from first symptoms to admission were longer (420min vs 183%, p &lt; 0.001), mean brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher (579 vs 447, p = 0.009) and diuretics usage was more frequent (72.8% vs 54.3%, p &lt; 0.001). EOAF had higher rates of heart failure (32.1% vs 17.2%, p &lt; 0.001), atrioventricular block (10.5% vs 7.8%, p = 0.006) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (8.1% vs 3.1%, p = 0.001). LOAF had higher in-hospital mortality (14.2% vs 9.6%, p = 0.031) and longer hospital stay (12 days vs 7 days, p &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that EOAF was predictive of in-hospital heart failure (p &lt; 0.001, OR 2.15) and atrioventricular block (p = 0.008, OR 7.46). Regarding 1 year-follow-up, EOAF had poorer prognosis comparing to LOAF (59.3% vs 73.0%, p = 0.018, OR 1.62, CI 1.09-2.42)

Conclusion
EOAF is predictive of MACE, namely heart failure and atrioventricular block, and is associated to poorer prognosis comparing to LOAF.
Rapid atrial fibrillation increases cardiac biomarkers: decision to perform coronary angiography based on novel high-sensitivity Troponin I peak
Authors: Esteves AF , Parreira L , Fonseca M , Farinha JM , Pinheiro A , Ferreira J , Coelho R , Mesquita D , Amador P , Fonseca N , Santos R , Seixo F , Costa C , Caria R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Since January 2018 the availability of high sensitivity Troponin I (hsTnI) has improved ischemia diagnosis. In patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (AF), the decision to undergo coronary angiography is usually due to elevated cardiac biomarkers. However, evidence to support the rentability of this approach is sparse.

Purpose
Evaluate if hsTnI in patients with rapid AF and elevated cardiac biomarkers has a good discriminative power to predict a positive coronary angiography.

Methods
We retrospectively studied consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) between January 2018 and December 2019 with rapid AF that underwent coronary angiography and had multiple hsTnI values obtained. We analysed risk factors, initial and peak hsTnI, time from ED admission to peak hsTnI and ST-T segment abnormalities (ST depression and/or T wave inversion). We evaluated the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis with the need of revascularization at coronary angiography. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to obtain the Odds Ratio (OR, 95% CI, p-value) for significant coronary artery disease (CAD).
Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were obtained to determine the discriminative power of peak hsTnI as predictor of a positive coronary angiography. Optimal cut-point value was obtained (Youden index) and patients were divided according to this value.

Results
From 1407 patients admitted to the ED with rapid AF, 30 patients, 60% male, median age 74 (IQR 61.25-80.75) years, were submitted to coronary angiography. Significant coronary artery stenosis was present in 17 (57%) patients.
Age, ST-T segment abnormalities and peak hsTnI were predictors of significant CAD, respectively 1.203, 1.064-1.361, 0.003; 25.00, 3.522-177.477, 0.001; and 1.000, 1.000-1.001, 0.015.
Optimal cut-point value for predicting the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis at coronary angiography was a peak hsTnI of 359 pg/mL (AUC 0.869, p-value 0.001, 95% CI 0.742-0.995). The two groups with hsTnI &lt; 359 and hsTnI &gt;359 differed in age and ST-T segment abnormalities (see Table).
After adjustment, peak hsTnI &gt;359 pg/mL was the only independent predictor of significant CAD (23.894, 1.310-435.669, 0.032).

Conclusion
In this group of patients with rapid AF, peak hsTnI &gt;359 pg/mL was the only independent predictor of significant coronary artery disease. Therefore, those patients should undergo coronary angiography. Abstract Figure.
Long-term impact of transient atrioventricular block during atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia ablation
Authors: Marco Clement I , Cossiani Martinez M , Castrejon Castrejon S , Alvarez Ortega C , Martin Polo L , Merino Argos C , Tebar D , Poveda ID , Arbas E , Caro Codon J , Lopez-De-Sa E , Peinado Peinado R , Merino Llorens JL 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Ablation of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is an extremely safe procedure, being complete atrioventricular (AV) block the most feared complication. Transient AV or ventriculoatrial (VA) block during ablation is considered a risk marker of immediate AV permanent block.

Purpose
To study whether TB (transient block) during AVNRT ablation is associated with a higher risk of AV permanent block and pacemaker implantation during long term follow-up.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent ablation for AVNRT in our center and had a minimum five years follow-up. Patients carrying a cardiac pacing device were excluded. Data was extracted from electronic medical records and follow-up was performed by telephone contact. TB was defined as AV or VA loss of conduction of at least 1 beat during energy delivery.

Results
We included 689 patients who underwent AVNRT ablation from March 1995 to December 2015: mean age 52.6 ± 18.6 years; 240 (34.8%) male; 677 radiofrequency and 12 cryotherapy ablations. TB was observed in 106 (15,4%) patients. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1. Within the TB group, 44 (41.5%) patients presented with AV block, 60 (56.6%) with VA block, and 2 patients presented with both. TB concerned more than one beat in 65 (61.9%) cases and persisted after cessation of energy delivery in 15 (14.2%) cases. Two patients did not recover AV conduction, requiring pacemaker implantation before discharge.
During a median 12.5 years follow-up (IQR 9.5-16.6), 3 of the remaining 104 TB patients required pacemaker implantation due to AV block. All 3 had presented AV TB and had undergone radiofrequency ablation; they were not significantly older (67.0 ± 9.3 vs 48.8 ± 19.8, p = 0.12) but presented longer basal PR (237.0 ± 115.2 vs 152.6 ± 26.5, p &lt; 0.001) and HV (57.3 ± 6.7 vs 44.2 ± 7.6, p = 0.004) intervals. When compared to the non-TB group, there were no differences in pacemaker implantation due to AV block during follow-up (7 (1.2%) p = 0.19). However, median time to pacemaker implantation was shorter in TB patients than in non-TB: 0.7 [0.1-1.4] vs 13.7 [5.2-22.0], p = 0.02.

Conclusion
Long term incidence of permanent AV block did not differ between TB and non-TB groups, however AV block occurred significantly earlier in TB patients. Non-TB group(n = 583) TB group(n = 106) p Age (mean ± SD) 53.2 ± 18.3 49.3 ± 19.8 0.05 PR (mean ± SD) 153.0 ± 28.4 155.0 ± 33.8 0.54 AH (mean ± SD) 83.3 ± 23.6 82.1 ± 22.2 0.64 HV (mean ± SD) 44.4 ± 7.8 44.6 ± 7.9 0.76
Can we use the CHA2DS2VASc score in Atrial Flutter?
Authors: Brito J , Rodigues T , Nunes-Ferreira A , Silverio Antonio P , Couto Pereira S , Valente Silva B , Alves Da Silva P , Barreiros C , Lima Da Silva G , Carpinteiro L , Cortez-Dias N , J Pinto F , Sousa J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
CHA2DS2VASc score is a well stablished prognostic score in atrial fibrillation population. However, considering patients with isolated atrial flutter no prognostic score are defined, regarding the embolic risk of this population.

Purpose
To evaluate the capacity of CHA2DS2VASc score to predict cardiovascular death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in flutter patients (pts).

Methods
Single-center retrospective study of pts submitted to CTA between 2015 and 2019, comprising two groups: I – pts with lone AFL; II – patients with AFL and prior AF. Clinical records were analyzed to determine the occurrence of MACE during the long-term follow up, defined as death (of cardiovascular or unknown cause), stroke, clinically relevant bleed or hospitalization due to heart failure or arrhythmic events. CHA2DS2VASc score was categorized into 3 groups: 0-1; 2-3; &gt;4. Kaplan Meier survival curves were used to estimate the risk of events and the groups were compared using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results
A total of 476 pts (66 ± 12 years, 80% males) underwent CTA: group I – 284 pts (60%), II – 192 pts (40%). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for age with group I pts being older (68 ± 12, 64 ± 11, p &lt; 0.01). The mean baseline CHA2DS2VASc was 2.3 ± 1.5 and the median post-CTA follow-up was 2.8 year. Considering global population, CHA2DS2VASc score was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (OR: 1.49 95%CI 1.09-1.79, p = 0.08) and was a predictor of MACE even after adjustment for the diagnose of prior AF (OR 1.88, 95% IC 1.094-3.249, p = 0.022). Considering only the pts in group I CHA2DS2VASc score was a predictor of MACE (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.112-8.278, p = 0.03) after adjustment for sex and age. Regarding the different MACE components, the score was a predictor of stroke (OR 4.45, IC 1.66-13.39, p = 0.04). In flutter pts CHA2DS2VASc score did not predict cardiovascular death.

Conclusions
In our population CHA2DS2VASc score was able to predict MACE events and stroke in patients with isolated atrial flutter. This suggests that in the future CHA2DS2VASc score could be applied to establish embolic risk in atrial flutter. Abstract Figure.
Syncope: call for the missed diagnosis
Authors: Araujo Leite Medeiros P , Martins J , Campos I , Oliveira C , Pires C , Flores R , Mane F , Silva R , Rodrigues J , Arantes C , Magalhaes S , Rebelo A , Rocha S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Syncope is a common reason for emergency department attendance. This entity may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality and its differential diagnosis is not straightforward. Arrhythmic causes include tachycardia and bradycardia; the later may require pacemaker implantation. Many hospitals lack a dedicated syncope unit to approach these patients. So, patients’ triage may fall into medical or surgical (trauma) areas.

Purpose
To describe the population of patients that required permanent pacemaker implantation in the year of 2019, particularly those who had a previous visit to the emergency department with syncope or presyncope.

Methods
Single-center descriptive analysis of patients that implanted a permanent pacemaker in 2019 (inclusion criteria). Additional information was collected in patients with emergency department visits in the 365 days that preceded the device implantation.

Results
In 2019, a total of 398 patients were admitted for pacemaker implantation in 2019, 55% male (n = 218), 45% female (n = 180), with mean age of 79 years. Regarding indications for pacing, 41% (n= 156) had complete atrioventricular (AV) block, 26% (n = 105) had a second degree AV block, 16% (n = 64) had sinus node dysfunction, 13.5% (n = 53) had atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular conduction, and 3.5% (n = 14) had other indications.
Twenty-two percent (n = 88) of patients had a previous visit to the emergency department (other than the ones that triggered the pacemaker implantation) with complaints of syncope (60%) or presyncope (40%). Of these, 73% (n = 64) were referred to a medical area and 27% (n = 24) were referred to a surgical area; 40 patients presented with traumatic lesions (68% cranioencephalic trauma and 32% other traumas). Of the 88 patients, only 67% (n = 59) performed an ECG and only 23% (n = 20) were referred for observation by a cardiologist in the emergency department.
Comparing medical and surgical triage, we observe that patients referred to the surgical area were less likely to perform an ECG and to be observed by a cardiologist (with statistical significance).

Conclusions
Our work describes a common problem in hospitals without dedicated syncope evaluation units. As all the patients ended up implanting a pacemaker, it is interesting to observe that 22%of these had a "warning" visit to the emergency and 33% of the last did not get and ECG. Also, trauma-oriented approaches result in a lower likelihood of performing a complete evaluation of the cause of the syncopal event. This analysis highlights the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach of patients presenting with syncope and presyncope to promote early identification and treatment of arrhythmic causes, reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs.