Density of Chlamydia pneumoniae is increased in fibrotic and calcified areas of degenerative aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The process of aortic degeneration associated with calcified aortic stenosis shares many similarities with coronary artery atherosclerosis. Inflammation and infection are involved in both diseases. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been identified in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the studies about the presence of C. pneumoniae in degenerative aortic stenotic valves are not conclusive. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether an association exists between the density of C. pneumoniae and fibrosis or calcification in aortic stenosis. DESIGN: Autopsy and surgical specimens were divided into 3 groups: Normal, 11 normal autopsy valves Atherosclerosis, 10 autopsy valves from patients with systemic atherosclerosis and no aortic stenosis and Aortic stenosis, 14 surgical specimens of aortic valves replaced due to aortic stenosis. SETTING: Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School. PATIENTS: Aortic valves from patients aged 52+/-16 years, 69+/-9 years, and 71+/-8 years. INTERVENTION: Specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemical technique (to detect C. pneumoniae antigens), in situ hybridization, and electron microscopy (to quantify the density of C. pneumoniae in the valves). MEASUREMENTS: The aortic stenosis group was analyzed according to 3 subregions: aortic stenosis-preserved, peripheral preserved regions; aortic stenosis-fibrosis, peri-calcified fibrotic tissue; and aortic stenosis-calcification, calcified nodules. RESULTS: The median values of C. pneumoniae antigens were 0.09, 0.30, 0.18, 1.33, and 3.3 in groups Normal, Atherosclerosis, Aortic stenosis-preserved, Aortic stenosis-fibrosis, and Aortic stenosis-calcification, respectively. The amount of C. pneumoniae was greater in the Atherosclerosis and Aortic stenosis-calcification groups than in the Normal group (P<0.05). C. pneumoniae was greater in the Aortic stenosis group in the calcified and fibrotic regions than in preserved region (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: An association was found between the higher density of C. pneumoniae and fibrosis/calcification in stenotic aortic valves.

Depression as a Clinical Determinant of Dependence and Low Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: The aging process promotes a progressive increase in chronic-degenerative diseases. The effect of these diseases on the functional capacity has been well recognized. Another health parameter concerns "quality of life related to health". Among the elderly population, cardiovascular diseases stand out due to the epidemiological and clinical impact. Usually, these diseases have been associated with others. This set of problems may compromise both independence and quality of life in elderly patients who seek cardiologic treatment. These health parameters have not been well contemplated by cardiologists. OBJECTIVE: Evaluating, among the elderly population with cardiovascular disease, which are the most relevant clinical determinants regarding dependence and quality of life. METHODS: This group was randomly and consecutively selected and four questionnaires were applied: HAQ, SF-36, PRIME-MD e Mini Mental State. RESULTS: The study included 1,020 elderly patients, 63.3% women. The group had been between 60 and 97 years-old (mean: 75.56 ± 6.62 years-old). 61.4% were independent or mild dependence. The quality of life total score was high (HAQ: 88.66 ± 2.68). 87.8% of patients had a SF-36 total score > 66. In the multivariate analysis, the association between diagnoses and high degrees of dependence was significant only for previous stroke (p = 0.014), obesity (p < 0.001), lack of physical activity (p = 0.016), osteoarthritis (p < 0.001), cognitive impairment (p < 0.001), and major depression (p < 0.001). Analyzing the quality of life, major depression and physical illness for depression was significantly associated with all domains of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: Among an elderly outpatient cardiology population, dependence and quality of life clinical determinants are not cardiovascular comorbidities, especially the depression.

Predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: Though elderly persons with chronic atrial fibrillation have more comorbidities that could limit indications for the chronic use of anticoagulants, few studies have focused on the risk of falls within this particular group. To evaluate the predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed. METHODS: From 295 consecutive patients aged 60 years or older with a history of atrial fibrillation who were enrolled within the last 2 years in the cardiogeriatrics outpatient clinic of the Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 107 took part in this study. Their age was 77.9±6.4 years, and 62 were female. They were divided into two groups: a) no history of falls in the previous year and b) a history of one or more falls in the previous year. Data regarding the history of falls and social, demographic, anthropometric, and clinical information were collected. Multidimensional assessment instruments and questionnaires were applied. RESULTS: At least one fall was reported in 55 patients (51.4%). Among them, 27 (49.1%) presented recurrent falls, with body lesions in 90.4% and fractures in 9.1% of the cases. Multivariate logistic regression showed that self-reported difficulty maintaining balance, use of amiodarone, and diabetes were independent variables associated with the risk of falls, with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 44.9%. CONCLUSION: In a group of elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were relatively independent and able to attend an outpatient clinic, the occurrence of falls with recurrence and clinical consequences was high. Difficulty maintaining balance, the use of amiodarone and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of the risk for falls. Thus, simple clinical data predicted falls better than objective functional tests.

Depression as a Clinical Determinant of Dependence and Low Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Disease / Depressão como Determinante Clínico de Dependência e Baixa Qualidade de Vida em Idosos Cardiopatas

Background: The aging process promotes a progressive increase in chronic-degenerative diseases. The effect of these diseases on the functional capacity has been well recognized. Another health parameter concerns “quality of life related to health”. Among the elderly population, cardiovascular diseases stand out due to the epidemiological and clinical impact. Usually, these diseases have been associated with others. This set of problems may compromise both independence and quality of life in elderly patients who seek cardiologic treatment. These health parameters have not been well contemplated by cardiologists. Objective: Evaluating, among the elderly population with cardiovascular disease, which are the most relevant clinical determinants regarding dependence and quality of life. Methods: This group was randomly and consecutively selected and four questionnaires were applied: HAQ, SF-36, PRIME-MD e Mini Mental State. Results: The study included 1,020 elderly patients, 63.3% women. The group had been between 60 and 97 years-old (mean: 75.56 ± 6.62 years-old). 61.4% were independent or mild dependence. The quality of life total score was high (HAQ: 88.66 ± 2.68). 87.8% of patients had a SF-36 total score > 66. In the multivariate analysis, the association between diagnoses and high degrees of dependence was significant only for previous stroke (p = 0.014), obesity (p < 0.001), lack of physical activity (p = 0.016), osteoarthritis (p < 0.001), cognitive impairment (p < 0.001), and major depression (p < 0.001). Analyzing the quality of life, major depression and physical illness for depression was significantly associated with all domains of the SF-36. Conclusion: Among an elderly outpatient cardiology population, dependence and quality of life clinical determinants are not cardiovascular comorbidities, especially the depression. .

Fundamento: Com o envelhecimento, a prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas sofreu aumento progressivo. A repercussão dessas doenças sobre a capacidade funcional foi reconhecida. Outro parâmetro de saúde é a “qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde”. Na população idosa, as doenças cardiovasculares destacam-se pelo impacto epidemiológico e clínico. Elas, geralmente, vêm associadas a outras afecções. Esse conjunto de problemas pode comprometer a independência e a qualidade de vida do idoso que busca tratamento cardiológico. Objetivo: Avaliar, em uma população de idosos cardiopatas, quais são os determinantes clínicos mais relevantes de dependência e de qualidade de vida. Métodos: O grupo foi selecionado aleatória e consecutivamente, sendo aplicados quatro questionários: HAQ, SF-36, PRIME‑MD e Mini Exame do Estado Mental. Resultados: Incluiu-se 1020 idosos, 63,3% mulheres. O grupo tinha em média 75,56 ± 6,62 anos. 61,4% mostrou-se independente ou com dependência leve. O escore de qualidade de vida foi elevado (HAQ: 88,66 ± 2,68). 87,8% dos pacientes apresentou escore total do SF-36 ≥ 66. À análise multivariada, a associação entre os diagnósticos e graus elevados de dependência foi significante apenas para acidente vascular cerebral prévio (p = 0,014), obesidade (p < 0,001), sedentarismo (p = 0,016), osteoartrite (p < 0,001), déficit cognitivo (p < 0,001), e depressão maior (p < 0,001). Ao analisarmos a qualidade de vida, a depressão maior e a depressão por doença física associou-se significativamente com todos os domínios do SF-36. Conclusão: Em uma população de idosos cardiopatas, os determinantes clínicos mais relevantes de prejuízos para dependência e qualidade de vida foram as comorbidades não cardiovasculares, particularmente a depressão. .

Predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: Though elderly persons with chronic atrial fibrillation have more comorbidities that could limit indications for the chronic use of anticoagulants, few studies have focused on the risk of falls within this particular group. To evaluate the predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed. METHODS: From 295 consecutive patients aged 60 years or older with a history of atrial fibrillation who were enrolled within the last 2 years in the cardiogeriatrics outpatient clinic of the Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 107 took part in this study. Their age was 77.9±6.4 years, and 62 were female. They were divided into two groups: a) no history of falls in the previous year and b) a history of one or more falls in the previous year. Data regarding the history of falls and social, demographic, anthropometric, and clinical information were collected. Multidimensional assessment instruments and questionnaires were applied. RESULTS: At least one fall was reported in 55 patients (51.4%). Among them, 27 (49.1%) presented recurrent falls, with body lesions in 90.4% and fractures in 9.1% of the cases. Multivariate logistic regression showed that selfreported difficulty maintaining balance, use of amiodarone, and diabetes were independent variables associated with the risk of falls, with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 44.9%. CONCLUSION: In a group of elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were relatively independent and able to attend an outpatient clinic, the occurrence of falls with recurrence and clinical consequences was high. Difficulty maintaining balance, the use of amiodarone and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of the risk for falls. Thus, simple clinical data predicted falls better than objective functional tests.

Determinantes clínicos de dependência e qualidade de vida em idosos atendidos em um ambulatório de cardiologia / Dependence and quality of life clinical determinants in elderly attended in an outpatient cardiologic service

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o envelhecimento da população, a prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas sofreu aumento progressivo. A repercussão dessas doenças sobre a capacidade funcional foi reconhecida. Outro parâmetro de saúde é a "qualidade de vida" ou, preferivelmente, "qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. A avaliação destes parâmetros emergiu como parte importante do exame clínico do idoso. Na população idosa, as doenças cardiovasculares destacam-se pelo enorme impacto epidemiológico e clínico. Elas, geralmente, vêm associadas a outras afecções, inclusive neuropsiquiátricas. Esse conjunto de problemas pode comprometer a independência e a qualidade de vida do idoso que busca tratamento cardiológico. Esses parâmetros de saúde têm sido relativamente pouco contemplados pelos cardiologistas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, em uma população de idosos atendidos em um ambulatório de cardiologia de um hospital de referência, se os determinantes clínicos mais relevantes de dependência e de qualidade de vida são doenças e fatores de risco cardiovascular ou ainda comorbidades, particularmente as neuropsiquiátricas. MÉTODOS: Os idosos deste estudo foram selecionados aleatória e consecutivamente. Aqueles com déficit cognitivo não foram considerados para o cálculo da qualidade de vida. A avaliação clínica dos pacientes foi feita por uma única médica de acordo com os dados obtidos em seus prontuários clínicos. Os pacientes foram ainda atendidos por uma única psicóloga que aplicou um conjunto de quatro questionários: HAQ, SF-36, PRIME-MD e Mini Exame do Estado Mental. RESULTADOS: O estudo incluiu 1020 idosos, 646 (63,3%) mulheres e 374 (36,6%) homens, entre 60 e 97 anos (média: 75,56 ± 6,62 anos). Nesta população, 61,4% mostrou-se independente ou com dependência leve. O escore total de qualidade de vida foi elevado (HAQ: 88,66 ± 2,68). 87,7% dos pacientes apresentou escore total do SF-36 > 66. No domínio emocional, 44,7% apresentou índices elevados de qualidade de vida...

INTRODUCTION: The population aging promotes a progressive increase of chronic-degenerative diseases. The repercussion of these diseases on the functional capacity was well recognized. Another health parameter concerns quality of life or, rather, quality of life related to health. Such parameters evaluation emerged as an important part of the elderly clinical examination. Among the elderly population, cardiovascular diseases stand out due to a huge epidemiological and clinical impact. Usually, these diseases have been associated with others, including neuro-psychiatric ones. This set of problems may compromise both independence and quality of life in elderly patients who look for a cardiologic treatment. These health parameters havent been well contemplated by cardiologists. OBJECTIVE: Evaluating, among the elderly population attended in an outpatient cardiologic service, if the clinical determinants more relevant concerning dependence and quality of life are cardiologic diseases or cardiologic risk factors or even comorbidities, especially the neuro-psychiatric ones. METHODS: The elderly in this study have been selected randomly and consecutively. People with cognitive impairment have not been considered for accountability matters of quality of life. The clinical evaluation has been made by a physician according to the hospital clinical notes. The patients have also been evaluated by a psychologist who applied a set of four questionnaires: HAQ, SF-36, PRIME-MD e Mini Mental State. RESULTS: The population consisted of 1020 elderly, 63.3% women and 36.6% men, between 60 and 97 years of age (75.56 ± 6.62 years of age). Among these elderly, 61.4% were independent or slightly dependent. The quality of life total score was high (HAQ: 88.66 ± 2.68). 87.7% of the patients had SF-36 total score > 66. Regarding emotional domain, 44.7% had high quality of life scores (SF-36 > 66). Elderly between 90 and 97 years had SF-36 scores above the average: 66.66 ± 4.59...