The Scope of Practice for Primary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Expanded to Advanced Practice Providers: What Does the Data Show?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review aims to explore the available literature on the role of advance practice providers (APPs) in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). RECENT FINDINGS: CVD are the major cause of death and disease with the growing burden of direct and indirect costs. Globally, one out of every three deaths is due to CVD. A total of 90% of CVD cases are due to modifiable risk factors which are preventable; however, challenges are faced by the already overburdened healthcare systems where the shortage of workforce is a common constraint. Different CVD preventive programs are working but, in a silo, and with different approaches except in few of the high-income countries where specialized workforce such as advance practice providers (APPs) is trained and employed in practice. Such initiatives are already proven more effective in terms of health and economic outcomes. Through an extensive literature search of APPs' role in the primary prevention of CVD, we identified very few high-income countries where APPs' role has already been integrated into the primary healthcare system. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), no such roles are defined. In these countries, either the overburdened physicians or any other health professionals (not trained in primary prevention of CVD) sometimes provide brief advice on CVD risk factors. Hence, prompt attention is appealed by the current scenario of CVD prevention specifically in LMICs.

Can we predict and prevent the postthrombotic syndrome?

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) remains one of the major late complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a reported prevalence from 10 to 50%. Many factors were found to be related with the development and severity of PTS such as ipsilateral recurrent DVT, advanced age, obesity, ilio-femoral DVT and primary chronic venous disease presence. Some PTS prediction models have been proposed based on risk factor weight. However, it is still difficult to predict which patient with DVT will develop PTS and thus, the clinical application of these models remains limited. Among the identified problems the heterogeneity of the DVT patient population together with the variety of PTS clinical presentations and difficulties concerning PTS severity assessment should be mentioned. Difficulties on the implementation of the specific and objective PTS identification method have also the significant influence on the research focusing on PTS prevention modalities including risk factor modification, compression treatment, anticoagulation and invasive DVT treatment. In this review, the current approach and knowledge on PTS prediction and prevention are presented, including the conservative and invasive DVT treatment possibilities.

Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: a Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We systematically reviewed population-based studies of AF published from 1980 to 2010 from the 21 Global Burden of Disease regions to estimate global/regional prevalence, incidence, and morbidity and mortality related to AF (DisModMR software). Of 377 potential studies identified, 184 met prespecified eligibility criteria. The estimated number of individuals with AF globally in 2010 was 33.5 million (20.9 million men [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 19.5-22.2 million] and 12.6 million women [95% UI, 12.0-13.7 million]). Burden associated with AF, measured as disability-adjusted life-years, increased by 18.8% (95% UI, 15.8-19.3) in men and 18.9% (95% UI, 15.8-23.5) in women from 1990 to 2010. In 1990, the estimated age-adjusted prevalence rates of AF (per 100 000 population) were 569.5 in men (95% UI, 532.8-612.7) and 359.9 in women (95% UI, 334.7-392.6); the estimated age-adjusted incidence rates were 60.7 per 100 000 person-years in men (95% UI, 49.2-78.5) and 43.8 in women (95% UI, 35.9-55.0). In 2010, the prevalence rates increased to 596.2 (95% UI, 558.4-636.7) in men and 373.1 (95% UI, 347.9-402.2) in women; the incidence rates increased to 77.5 (95% UI, 65.2-95.4) in men and 59.5 (95% UI, 49.9-74.9) in women. Mortality associated with AF was higher in women and increased by 2-fold (95% UI, 2.0-2.2) and 1.9-fold (95% UI, 1.8-2.0) in men and women, respectively, from 1990 to 2010. There was evidence of significant regional heterogeneity in AF estimations and availability of population-based data. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence of progressive increases in overall burden, incidence, prevalence, and AF-associated mortality between 1990 and 2010, with significant public health implications. Systematic, regional surveillance of AF is required to better direct prevention and treatment strategies.

Efficacy Of Prophylactic Intrawound Application Of Vancomycin Powder In Preventing Surgical Site Infections In Spinal Instrumentation Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is always a matter of utmost concern in cases of spinal instrumentation in low-income countries. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of local intrawound application of vancomycin powder in reducing postoperative SSI following Thoracolumbar-Sacral spinal instrumentation. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was done in the Department of Neurosurgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2021. Seventy-eight patients of either gender with an age range from 15 to 65 years, who were planned for posterior spinal instrumentation surgery (transpedicular screw fixation), were included in the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups, A (Vanco group) and B (control group). In addition to standard systemic prophylaxis, 1 gm of Vancomycin powder was applied over the implant in Group A patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group A was 36±16.6 while the mean age of patients in the group was 33.7±15.9 years. A statistically significant reduction of surgical site infection was observed in those who received a prophylactic intra-wound application of vancomycin powder (Vanco group) (5.2%) compared to the control group (20.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Intrawound vancomycin powder administration significantly decreases SSI following spinal instrumentation surgeries. Patients at high risk of infection are highly recommended as a candidate for this technique.

Foreign Body Reaction After Hip Augmentation Surgery: A Case Report.

Hip augmentation cosmetic surgery is an increasingly popular procedure for patients seeking to enhance their body contour and improve their self-image. Despite its benefits, complications can arise, including the rare but serious foreign body reaction (FBR). We present a case of a 32-year-old patient with a history of hip augmentation cosmetic surgery who presented with persistent hip pain. A comprehensive clinical evaluation, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed a foreign body reaction associated with the cosmetic augmentation procedure. This case report aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of FBR in patients who have undergone hip augmentation cosmetic surgery. We will also discuss potential risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and intervention to avoid severe complications and improve patient outcomes. By sharing this case, we aim to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about this rare but significant complication of foreign body reaction and emphasize the need for close monitoring and timely intervention in patients who have undergone hip augmentation cosmetic surgery.

Algunos aspectos actualizados sobre la polineuropatía diabética / Some up-to-date aspects on the diabetic polyneuropathy

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad crónica que puede causar complicaciones multiorgánicas como la polineuropatía diabética, con el consecuente trastorno invalidante a quienes la padecen. Por tal motivo, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de actualizar algunos aspectos importantes sobre esta afección, tales como concepto, factores de riesgo, mecanismos patogénicos, clasificación, diagnóstico y tratamiento, entre otros. Se concluye que esta enfermedad se asocia con varios factores de riesgo, su diagnóstico es fundamentalmente clínico y como tratamiento se considera el control glucémico, el cuidado de los pies y el uso de fármacos.

The diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can cause multiorganic complications as the diabetic polyneuropathy, with the consequent invalidant disorder to whom suffer from it. For such a reason, an exhaustive literature review was carried out with the objective of upgrading some important aspects on this affection, such as concept, risk factors, pathogenic mechanisms, classification, diagnosis and treatment, among others. It was concluded that this disease is associated with several risk factors, its diagnosis is fundamentally clinical and the glycemic control, the care of feet and the use of medicines are considered as treatment.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes mellitus em indivíduos com covid-19: um estudo retrospectivo de óbitos em pernambuco, brasil / Prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus in individuals with covid-19: a retrospective study of deaths in pernambuco, brazil

Resumo Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes mellitus (DM) são dois dos principais fatores de risco para a mortalidade por COVID-19. Descrever a prevalência e o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de óbito por COVID-19 ocorridos em Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 12 de março e 14 de maio de 2020 entre pacientes que possuíam hipertensão arterial sistêmica e/ou diabetes mellitus como doenças prévias. Estudo observacional transversal. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: município de procedência, sexo, faixa etária, tempo entre o início dos sinais/sintomas e o óbito, sinais/sintomas, tipo de comorbidades e hábitos de vida. Variáveis categóricas foram descritas por meio de frequências e variáveis contínuas por meio de medidas de tendência central e de dispersão. Os testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados. Dos 1.276 registros incluídos no estudo, 410 apresentavam HAS e/ou DM. A prevalência de HAS foi 26,5% (n=338) e de DM foi 19,7% (n=252). Dos registros, 158 (12,4%) eram de pacientes que possuíam somente HAS, 72 (5,6%) somente DM e 180 (14,1%) apresentavam HAS e DM. Dos indivíduos com HAS, 53,3% apresentavam DM e 71,4% dos diabéticos apresentam HAS. A mediana (em dias) do tempo entre o início dos sinais/sintomas e o desfecho óbito foi 8,0 (IIQ 9,0), sem diferença significativa entre os grupos de comorbidades (p=0,633), sexo (p=0,364) e faixa etária (p=0,111). Observou-se maior prevalência de DM e HAS na população masculina (DM — 61,3% eram homens e 38,9% mulheres; HAS — 53,2% eram homens e 46,8% mulheres). Os sinais/sintomas mais frequentes foram dispneia (74,1%; n=304), tosse (72,2%; n=296), febre (68,5%; n=281) e saturação de O2<95% (66,1%; n=271). Dos hipertensos, 73,3% (n=100) apresentavam outras comorbidades/fatores de risco associados, e 54,2% (n=39) dos diabéticos apresentavam outras comorbidades/fatores de risco associados. Destacaramse as cardiopatias (19,5%; n=80), obesidade (8,3%; n=34), doença respiratória prévia (7,3%; n=30) e nefropatia (7,8%; n=32). A prevalência de tabagismo foi 8,8% (n=36) e de etilismo alcançou 3,4% (n=14). O estudo mostrou que a prevalência de HAS foi superior à prevalência de DM nos indivíduos que foram a óbito por COVID-19. Em idosos, a prevalência foi superior à observada em indivíduos não idosos.

Nivel de conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo y las medidas preventivas del cáncer de mama en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud / estudiantes de ciencias de la salud Level Of Knowledge On Risk Factors And Preventive Measures For Breast Cancer In Health Science Students

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es uno de los cánceres más comunes a nivel mundial y en el Perú, por ello es importante que los estudiantes en salud conozcan las medidas preventivas y factores de riesgo. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo y medidas de prevención para el cáncer de mama en estudiantes de la escuela de medicina de una universidad privada, 2019. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, se contó con una muestra de 319 estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo en el año 2019,que hayan estado matriculados en alguna de las escuelas profesionales. Se utilizó un cuestionario que constó de 18 preguntas, 5 ítems que abordaron datos sociodemográficos y 13 midieron el nivel de conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo y medidas de preventivas del cáncer de mama. Se usó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Después de la exclusión, se contó con 292 estudiantes, 72% fueron mujeres. La media de edad fue 20,5. 23,6 % fueron de segundo ciclo. Los factores de riesgo menos conocidos fueron beber alcohol, tener más de 45 años, menarquia antes de los 12 años y menopausia después de los 55 años, asimismo, las medidas de prevención menos conocidas fueron: edad correcta para realizar mamografía 71% y frecuencia para realizar autoexamen 63% en mayor porcentaje. Conclusión: El conocimiento sobre factores de riesgo y medidas de prevención de cáncer de mama fue adecuado.

Introduction: breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and in Peru. Health studentsneed to know preventive measures and risk factors. Objective: to assess the level of knowledge aboutrisk factors and prevention measures for breast cancer in students of the private medical school, 2019.Methods: a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 319 studentsfrom the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo in 2019, who havebeen enrolled in one of the professional schools. We used a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions, 5items that addressed sociodemographic data, and 13 measured the level of knowledge about risk factorsand preventive measures of breast cancer. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: After exclusion,there were 292 students, 72% were women. The mean age was 20.5, 23.6% were from the second year.The least known risk factors were drinking alcohol, being over 45 years of age, menarche before 12years of age, and menopause after 55 years of age, and the least known prevention measures were:correct age for mammography 71% and frequency for self-examination 63% in a higher percentage.Conclusion: knowledge about risk factors and breast cancer prevention measures was adequate.

COVID-19: Dados Atualizados e sua Relação Com o Sistema Cardiovascular / COVID-19: Updated Data and its Relation to the Cardiovascular System

Resumo Em dezembro de 2019, um novo coronavírus humano, chamado síndrome respiratória aguda grave do coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ou nomeado doença de coronavírus (COVID-19) pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, surgiu na cidade de Wuhan, China. Difundido globalmente, é atualmente considerado pandêmico, com aproximadamente 3 milhões de casos no mundo no final de abril. Seus sintomas incluem febre, tosse, dor de cabeça e falta de ar, esse último considerado o sintoma principal. Por sua vez, acredita-se que haja uma relação entre o COVID-19 e danos ao músculo cardíaco, e pacientes com hipertensão e diabetes, por exemplo, parecem apresentar prognóstico pior. Portanto, o COVID-19 pode piorar em indivíduos com condições adversas subjacentes. Um número não negligenciável de pacientes internados com este vírus tinham doenças cardiovasculares ou cerebrovasculares. A resposta inflamatória sistêmica e distúrbios do sistema imunológico durante a progressão da doença podem estar por trás dessa associação. Além disso, o vírus usa os receptores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA), mais especificamente da ECA2, para penetrar nas células; portanto, o uso de fármacos inibidores de ECA e bloqueadores de receptores de angiotensina pode causar um aumento nestes receptores, assim facilitando a entrada do vírus na célula. No entanto, não há evidências científicas que apóiem a interrupção desses medicamentos. Considerando que são fundamentais para o manejo de certas doenças crônicas, os riscos e benefícios da sua retirada devem ser cuidadosamente ponderados neste cenário. Finalmente, cardiologistas e profissionais de saúde devem estar cientes dos riscos de infecção e se proteger o máximo possível, dormindo adequadamente e evitando longos turnos de trabalho.

Abstract In December 2019, a new human coronavirus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization, emerged in the city of Wuhan, China. Spreading globally, it is now considered pandemic, with approximately 3 million cases worldwide at the end of April. Its symptoms include fever, cough, and headache, but the main one is shortness of breath. In turn, it is believed that there is a relationship between COVID-19 and damage to the heart muscle, and hypertensive and diabetic patients, for example, seem to have worse prognosis. Therefore, COVID-19 may worsen in individuals with underlying adverse conditions, and a not negligible number of patients hospitalized with this virus had cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases. Systemic inflammatory response and immune system disorders during disease progression may be behind this association. In addition, the virus uses angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors, more precisely ACE2, to penetrate the cell; therefore, the use of ACE inhibitor drugs and angiotensin receptor blockers could cause an increase in these receptors, thus facilitating the entry of the virus into the cell. There is, however, no scientific evidence to support the interruption of these drugs. Since they are fundamental for certain chronic diseases, the risk and benefit of their withdrawal in this scenario should be carefully weighed. Finally, cardiologists and health professionals should be aware of the risks of infection and protect themselves as much as possible, sleeping properly and avoiding long working hours.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle in Cardiac Surgery / "Bundle" de Prevenção de Sítio Cirúrgico em Cirurgia Cardíaca

Abstract Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are among the most prevalent infections in healthcare institutions, attributing a risk of death which varies from 33% to 77% and a 2- to 11-fold increase in risk of death. Patients submitted to cardiac surgery are more susceptible to SSI, accounting for 3.5% to 21% of SSI. The mortality rate attributable to these causes is as high as 25%. Prevention of SSI in cardiac surgery is based on a bundle of preventive measures, which focus on modifiable risks. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify SSI risk factors in clean cardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,846 medical records from patients who underwent clean cardiac surgery. Fisher's exact test was used for bivariate comparison, and Poisson regression was used for independent analysis of SSI risk, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The results of the study comprised a multivariate analysis. The variables that were associated with the diagnosis of SSI were: surgical risk index (OR: 2.575; CI: 1.224-5.416), obesity (OR: 2.068; CI: 1.457-2.936), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1,678; CI: 1.168-2.409), and blood glucose level (OR: 1.004; CI: 1.001-1.007). Conclusions: This study evidenced that complete adherence to the bundle was not associated with a reduction in the risk of surgical infections. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and surgical risk index assessment were, however, identified to increase association and consequently risk of SSI in cardiac surgery.

Resumo Fundamento: As infecções de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) estão entre as mais prevalentes nas instituições de saúde, atribuindo um risco de morte, variando de 33 a 77%, sendo associado a um aumento de 2 a 11 vezes para o desfecho de óbito. Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca são mais suscetíveis às ISC´s, correspondendo entre as taxas de ISC´s de 3,5% a 21%, e a taxa de mortalidade atribuível a estas causas chegam a 25%. A prevenção de infecção de sítio cirúrgico em cirurgia cardíaca está baseada em medidas preventivas conhecidas como "bundle", focados nos fatores de risco modificáveis. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores de risco para ISC´s em cirurgia cardíaca limpa. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo de Coorte analisando 1846 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca limpa. Foi utilizado o teste exato de Fischer para a comparação bivariada e regressão de Poisson para análise independente de risco para infecção de sítio cirúrgico. Foi considerado o nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados: O resultado do estudo compreendeu a uma análise multivariada, e as variáveis que se associaram com o diagnóstico de infecção de sítio cirúrgico foram: índice de risco cirúrgico (OR 2,575 IC 1,224-5,416), obesidade (OR 2,068 IC 1,457-2,936), diabete mellitus (OR 1,678 1,168-2,409); nível de glicemia (OR 1,004 IC 1,001-1,007). Conclusões: Foi evidenciado no estudo que a adesão completa ao "bundle" não se associou com a redução do risco de infecções cirúrgicas. Entretanto, foi identificado que o fato de ter diabetes mellitus, a obesidade e a avaliação através do índice de risco cirúrgico aumentam a associação e consequentemente ao risco de ISC em cirurgia cardíaca.

A closer examination of the interaction among risk factors for low back pain.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the interactions of risk factors and identify their most powerful discrimination pathway for the occurrence of low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Taiwan. SUBJECTS: Taiwanese population of 30 to 64 years old. MEASURES: A self-reported question, "Have you experienced LBP within the last 3 months?" was used to evaluate LBP. The study variables included demographics (age, gender, occupation, education level, marital status, and household income), biometric health measures (bone mineral density and body mass index), dietary habits (weekly milk, coffee, tea, and soybean consumption), and other lifestyle factors (smoking habits, alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, body weight control, exercise regularity, and stress management). ANALYSIS: Logistic regression and classification tree analyses. RESULTS: A total of 969 Taiwanese participants were analyzed. Primary logistic regression analysis identified three critical risk factors (gender, bone mineral density, and exercise regularity) for the occurrence of LBP. By classification tree analysis, demographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors had modifying effects on LBP. CONCLUSIONS: Various factors contribute to the risk of LBP. Interactions between risk factors should be considered when developing future strategies for the prevention and management of LBP.