GRACE (the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events): the real world side of the cardiovascular clinical practice in acute coronary syndromes

Introduction

Data on clinical efficacy can be obtained from randomized trials; however, data truly reflecting the clinical practice on acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may only be acquired through registries.

Objectives

To collect, analyze and disseminate data on the ACS management during the hospital phase, and to evaluate the causes of suboptimal outcomes for improving health care.

Method

GRACE is an multinational, prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in 14 countries (three continents), evaluating demography, treatment, diagnosis, procedures and outcomes in ACS patients.

Results

See Table.

Table

Conclusion

There were higher proportions of female patients in Brazil and World groups, a higher proportion of patients in the STEMI group received aspirin, fewer patients received β-blocker in the UA group at HIAE, and more patients received LMWH, cardiac catheterization and PCI at HIAE. Also, there were substantial differences in the treatments, procedures, and death rates among the three ACS. Based on these preliminary results we may optimize the clinical practice aiming at improving cardiovascular outcomes.