Remote monitoring of outpatients discharged from the emergency cardiac care department

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shown the need for the development of telemedicine technologies, especially remote follow-up using vital sign telemonitoring. In the Russian Federation, this approach is also justified by the remoteness factor with a shortage of medical workers in distant areas of the country.Aim. To study the potential of remote monitoring in outpatients discharged after acute decompensated heart failure and acute coronary syndrome.Material and methods. The study included 392 patients randomized to active follow-up groups with remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring (group 1, n=197) and standard management (group 2, n=195). The follow-up period lasted 3 months.Results. During the follow-up period, patients managed with BP and heart rate telemonitoring tended to decrease in systolic BP from 132 (interquartile range (IQR), 121-139) mm Hg up to 125 (IQR, 115-130) mm Hg (p=ns). On the contrary, the 2nd group patients had a slight increase in systolic BP from 127 (IQR, 115-137) mm Hg up to 132 (IQR, 124-142) mm Hg (p=ns).The patients of group 2 were more likely to receive diuretics and nitrates after 3-month follow-up, which can be considered a negative factor. This may indicate no improvement in the course of heart failure and chronic coronary artery disease with the absence of therapy correction over time.During follow-up, four patients from group 1 were hospitalized due to decompensated heart failure or an episode of acute coronary syndrome with a total duration of 30 days, compared with 13 hospitalizations for the same reasons in group 2 (p=0,027; OR 3,4; 95% CI 1,1-10,8). In total, six patients died during the follow-up period in group 1, and eleven patients died in group 2 (p=0,226; OR 1,9; 95% CI 0,7-5,3). At the same time, three patients in the 1st group and one patient from the 2nd group died during the follow-up period due to COVID-19. Thus, cardiovascular mortality consisted of 3 and 10 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0,052; OR 3,5; 95% CI 0,9-12,9).Conclusion. Three-month remote management of patients after decompensated heart failure or acute coronary syndrome, including BP monitoring, showed a significant reduction in the hospitalization rate and a trend towards a decrease in cardiovascular mortality

Validation of the SIRENA score for assessing the risk of inhospital mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism in an independent sample

Aim. To validate the SIRENA score  in assessing the risk of inhospital mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) in an independent sample.Material and methods. This retrospective, single-center study was based on the Samara Regional Cardiology Center. The risk of inhospital mortality was assessed using the SIRENA score, which includes such parameters as left ventricular ejection fraction <40%,  immobilization in prior 12 months, creatinine clearance <50 ml/min, syncope, cyanosis on admission. For each positive sign, 1 point is assigned. Low risk is set at score of 0-1, high — ≥2.Results. The study included 452 patients with PE hospitalized from 2004 to 2019, of which 221 (48,9%) were men (mean age, 60,0 years (50,5-70,0)).  With SIRENA score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, inhospital mortality was 4,1%, 10,8%, 18,8%, 40,0%, and 100%, respectively. Mortality at SIRENA low risk (<2) was 7,1%, and at high risk (≥2) — 20,5% (odds ratio (OR), 3,34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1,74-6,43; p<0,001).  The predictive sensitivity and specificity for inhospital mortality for the SIRENA score were 70,5% and 60,8%, respectively. Area under the ROC-curve for the SIRENA score was 0,71 (95% CI, 0,63-0,79), while for Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) — 0,69 (95%  CI, 0,60-0,77).  With high risk on both scales (sPESI and SIRENA), inhospital mortality was 24,2% (OR, 4,09, 95% CI, 2,07-8,09; p<0,001).Conclusion. On an independent sample, the SIRENA score  showed  a high predictive ability in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with PE with a sensitivity of 70,5% and a specificity of 60,8% (AUC=0,71, 95% CI, 0,63-0,79), comparable with the sPESI

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a mask of acute coronary syndrome: a case series

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or Yamaguchi syndrome is a relatively rare subtype of HCM characterized by a left ventricular apex localization of the hypertrophy. In this case, chest pain can be erroneously interpreted as a manifestation of coronary artery disease. This article presents two cases of apical HCM in patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Electrocardiogram revealed repolarization disorder and giant T wave inversion (up to 10 mm) in the precordial leads. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed local symmetric hypertrophy of the left ventricular apex, which made it possible to diagnose apical HCM. The coronary arteries in both patients were intact. The presented cases demonstrate a variant of apical HCM with chest pain as the leading clinical syndrome, which can often be the cause of overdiagnosis of acute coronary syndrome

Experimental models of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) ranks third in the structure of acute cardiovascular diseases. Every year there is a rapid increase in morbidity and mortality from PE. Laboratory biomarkers for PE diagnosis do not have the necessary specificity, and therefore are ineffective. PE requires timely active treatment, in particular for the prevention of serious complications. In this regard, further research is needed to study and search for novel promising biomarkers for the early detection of PE, pathophysiological mechanisms and targets for therapeutic effects. To a large extent, novel data on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including PE, scientists receive from experimental studies using animal models. In this review, we summarize the main existing experimental models of PE, describe the principles and methods for modeling this disease. There are following models of PE: intravenous thrombin infusion, adenosine diphosphate-induced PE, PE induction by thromboplastin, recombinant human tissue factor or high molecular weight polyphosphates, collagen/adrenaline-induced PE, ex vivo thrombus intravenous administration, surgical model. This publication also presents our own experience in creating an artificial model of PE in animals using an intravenous thrombus. In our model, confirmation of PE was obtained during pathological examination and an increase in the level of following biomarkers: troponin, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and D-dimer. In this pilot study, a PE model was created to study the pathogenesis and novel treatment options for this disease. To confirm the effectiveness of the model, future studies are required

Thrombolytic Therapy in Normotensive Patients with Pulmonary Embolism (Data from the Retrospective Study)

Background. The thrombolytic therapy is absolutely recommended for patients in shock or hypotension because the benefits are clearly outweighing the risks. However, in hemodynamically stable patients, including those with acute right ventricular dysfunction and/or myocardial damage, thrombolysis has a significantly lower evidence level.Aim. To study the criteria based on which doctors decide to conduct thrombolytic therapy in normotensive patients in real clinical practice according to the retrospective data.Material and methods. A single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of patients hospitalized in 2006-2017 with a verified diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) and who had a systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg at the time of admission.Results. The present study population included 299 patients with a verified diagnosis of PE from 2006 to 2017 years. Patients were divided into two groups: with thrombolysis (group 1) and without thrombolysis (group 2). Logistic regression analysis showed that age younger than 60 years, the presence of varicose veins of the lower extremities, skin cyanosis, syncope in the debut of PE were independent clinical factors that significantly influence the doctor's decision to perform thrombolysis. Increased troponin I, right ventricular dysfunction, and the severity of PE according to the PESI score showed no significant impact on this decision. In-hospital mortality in the group 2 was 1.9% (5 patients), while there were no deaths in the group 1. But the analysis of the association of thrombolysis with survival was difficult to perform due to the low incidence of deaths and the small number of patients in the group with thrombolysis (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.03-8.18; р=0.856). No major bleeding was registered in any group.Conclusion. We were not able to clearly identify independent clinical or instrumental factors that influence the decision to perform thrombolysis in patients with PE outside the framework of evidence-based medicine. Further research is needed

Thrombolysis versus unfractionated heparin for hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Currently, thrombolytic therapy (TLT) for pulmonary embolism (PE) is recommended only for patients with high-risk PE. At the same time, in real practice, TLT is often performed in hemodynamically stable patients. The main contradiction arises due to the different risk-benefit ratio of TLT in comparison with anticoagulant monotherapy.Aim. To assess the benefits of TLT, compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) monotherapy, in hemodynamically stable patients with PE in reducing mortality, recurrence of PE and risk of bleeding.Material and methods. Randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Of the 3050 publications found, 100 papers were selected for a detailed study. As a result of detailed analysis, 7 randomized clinical trials (n=1611) remained according to established criteria.Results. TLT in hemodynamically stable patients with PE, in comparison with UFH, showed a tendency to decrease in the inhospital death rate: 2,39% vs 3,68 (odds ratio (OR): 0,73; 95% confidence interval (СI): 0,34-1,57), and a decrease in the composite endpoint (death and/or recurrent PE): 3,14% vs 5,15% (OR: 0,61; CI: 0,37-1,01). There was a significant increase in the number of major bleeding: 8,81% vs 2,70% (OR: 3,35; 95% CI: 2,06-5,45). TLT in hemodynamically stable patients with PE to a greater extent can reduce the pulmonary blood pressure, perfusion defects according to lung scintigraphy, as well as the need for therapy intensification. However, the heterogeneity of studies and the small number of participants require caution when interpreting their results.Conclusion. TLT in patients with PE and stable hemodynamics tends to reduce mortality and/or recurrence of PE, but increases the incidence of major bleeding. Further studies need to determine the phenotypes of hemodynamically stable patients with PE who would benefit from TLT

Prognostic Value of ECG in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism

Aim. To study the significance of electrocardiography (ECG) signs for determining the hospital prognosis in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).Material and methods. 472 consecutive patients (49.6% men; average age 58.06±14.28 years) with PE, hospitalized to our center from 23.04.2003 to 18.09.2014 were enrolled into the study. In all cases PE was confirmed by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and rarely by pulmonary angiography, or by pathology. Patients management was in accordance with appropriate European guidelines. Data of patients' history, clinical symptoms, biochemical markers and instrumental methods (ECG, echocardiography) were analyzed by one-dimensional logistic regression. The end points were: death, shock and hypotension, right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, positive cardiac biomarkers.pulmonary embolism, electrocardiography, prognosis, collapse, hypotension, dysfunction of the right ventricle. 443 patients (93.9%) without fatal outcome were the first group and 29 patients (6.1%) with a fatal outcome – the second group. SIQIII pattern (33 vs 55.2%; p=0.015), non-complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) (16.3 vs 37.9%; p=0.001), ST segment elevation in lead III (9.7 vs 20.7%, p=0.034), atrial fibrillation (12.9 vs 37.9%, p=0.048) were observed more frequently among patients of group 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that SIQIII pattern (odds ratio [OR] 2.26; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.046-4.868; p=0.038) and RBBB (OR 2.84; 95%CI 1.272-6.327; p=0.011) were associated with worse prognosis. The SIQIII pattern was significantly associated with a fatal outcome with a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 33% (AUC=0.611) according to ROC-analysis. Risk of hypotension was related to the following ECG-signs: the p-pulmonale (OR 1.76; 95%CI 1.001-3.088; p=0.049), negative T-wave in lead III (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.035-3.144; p=0.037). Inversion of the T wave in lead III was associated with the development of shock (OR 1.98; 95%CI 0.891-4.430; p=0.043).ECG-signs were also associated with the development of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension: right axis deviation (OR 1.035; 95%CI 1.008-1.062; p=0.01), ST-segment elevation in the AVR lead (OR 3.769; 95%CI 1.018-13.955; p=0.047), negative T wave in leads III, V1-V3 (OR 1.015; 95%CI 1.008-1.023; p=0.001 and OR 1.014; 95%CI 1.005-1.022; p=0.001, respectively), RBBB (OR 1.013; 95%CI 1.003- 1.024; p=0.012), p-pulmonale (OR 1.015; 95%CI 1.007-1.023; p=0.001), deep S in leads V5-V6 (OR 1.015; 95%CI 1.006-1.024; p=0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between ECG signs and cardiac biomarkers (troponin I and BNP).Conclusions. SIQIII pattern, RBBB and inversion of the T wave in lead III have prognostic value in unselected population of patients with PE

Novel biological markers for the diagnosis and prediction of mortality risk in patients with pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) ranks third in the structure of death causes among all cardiovascular diseases after myocardial infarction and stroke. That is why the timely and earliest possible diagnosis of venous thromboembolism is of particular importance, which will help improve both short-term and long-term patient prognosis. Given the low specificity of current laboratory parameters, such as D-dimer, NT-proBNP, cardiac troponin I, there is an urgent need to search for new biomarkers that can improve the quality of detection and stratification of VTE, including PE. A diagnostic and prognostic test for PE must be accurate, safe, easily accessible and inexpensive, as well as reproducible and non-invasive.This review presents the currently available literature data on the latest laboratory parameters that characterize right ventricular dysfunction due to PE and provide an evidence base for stratification of the death risk in this category of patients

GRACE score in assessing the risk of hospital outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism

Aim. To compare the PESI and GRACE scores in assessing the risk of hospital outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism.Material and methods. The study included 383 patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), hospitalized during the period of April 4, 2003 on September 18, 2014; 190 (49,6%) are men, the average age is 57,4 years±14,4 years. We considered the patient’s anamnesis, complaints, results of biochemical and instrumental tests, as well as the treatment carried out to the patients.Results. According to the risk stratification of PESI score, 86 (22,5%) patients had a very low risk of death, 88 (22,9%) had a low risk, 94 (24,5%) had an intermediate risk, 60 (15,%) — high risk and 55 (14,4%) patients have a very high risk. The combination of three ECG signs (SI-QIII, right bundle branch block and T-wave inversion in V1-V3) was significantly more common in patients with a very high PE risk — 14,5% (p=0,025). The most reliable sign of the most echographic (echoCG) criteria was dilatation of right ventricle (RV) (p=0,009) in a group of patients with a very high PE risk. According to the GRACE scale, 112 (29,2%) patients were assigned to the low risk group, and 271 (70,8%) patients — to the high risk group. ECG signs were observed more frequently in the high risk group: SI-QIII, T-wave inversion in III, V1-V3 leads, right bundle branch block (p<0,05). Pulmonary hypertension and RV dilatation according to echoCG prevailed in the high risk group (98,4% and 85,1%, respectively), p<0,05. The minimum value of points on the GRACE score for the deceased patients was 118 points. The GRACE scale showed high predictive ability with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 63% (AUC=0,811, CI 95% 0,0738-0,884). However, the PESI score had a slightly greater predictive value with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 53% (AUC=0,879 compared with AUC=0,811 for the GRACE scale). Analysis of the PESI and GRACE scores showed a moderate correlation between them (r=0,668).Conclusion. The GRACE score showed a high predictive value for adverse outcomes in PE patients with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 63%. The minimum score on the GRACE score for deceased patients was 118 points

Thrombolytic Therapy in Treatment in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism not High-risk: SIRENA Registry Data

Aim. To study the features of the use of thrombolytic therapy (TLT) in normotensive patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) in real clinical practice in Russian hospitals.Material and Methods. From 04/1 5/2018 to 04/15/2019 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of PE consistently were included in the Russian multicenter observational prospective register "SIRENA” (RusSIan REgistry of pulmoNAry embolism).Results. For 12 months in the registry was included 609 patients with a lifetime confirmed diagnosis of PE. TLT was performed in 152 patients with PE (25.0%), of which only 51 (33.8%) were indicated as "high risk" (shock or hypotension). In 101 not high risk patients, the indications for TLT were: severe shortness of breath/respiratory failure - 19 (18.8%), massive venous thrombosis - 7 (6.9%), signs of massive/submassive PE - 10 (9.9%), intermediate-high risk - 14 (13.9%), suspicion of acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation - 3 (2.9%), high pulmonary hypertension -2 (2.0%). The other 46 (45.5%) non-high-risk patients had no clear indication of the reasons for TLT in their medical history. To study the features of management of patients with not high-risk PE who received TLT (group 1), a selection of pairs of patients from the "SIRENA” registry, comparable in gender and age, in a ratio of 1:1 of patients with not high-risk PE who did not perform TLT (group 2). Hospital mortality was 4 (4%) patients in the TLT group and 6 (5.9%) patients in group 2 (р=0,748). Logistic regression analysis showed that floating blood clot in the veins of the lower extremities, syncopes in the debut of PE, respiratory rate over 22 per minute were independent clinical factors that significantly influence the doctor's decision to perform thrombolysis, and probability of completion TLT decreased in the presence of a history of bleeding, chronic kidney disease, surgery in the previous 12 months, increase in the size of the right atrium on EchoCG (statistical significance of the model x2=51.574; p<0.001). The development of bleeding during hospitalization was recorded only in 10 (9.9%) patients of group 1, including severe (3 stage on the BARC scale) in 2 patients. Patients without TLT more often developed an acute heart failure (25.9% vs. 8.5%, p=0.043).Conclusion. In real clinical practice, there is a high frequency of TLT in patients with not high-risk PE. Floating blood clot in the veins of the lower extremities, syncope in the debut of PE, respiratory rate over 22 per minute were independent clinical factors that significantly influence the doctor's decision to perform thrombolysis