Accuracy of the Verbal Autopsy questionnaire in the diagnosis of COVID-19 deaths in a Brazilian capital.

The Verbal Autopsy (VA) is a questionnaire about the circumstances surrounding a death. It was widely used in Brazil to assist in postmortem diagnoses and investigate excess mortality during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of investigating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using VA. This is a cross-sectional study with prospective data collected from January 2020 to August 2021 at the Death Verification Service of Sao Luis city, Brazil. VA was performed for suspected COVID-19 deaths, and one day of the week was randomly chosen to collect samples from patients without suspected COVID-19. Two swabs were collected after death and subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Of the 250 cases included, the VA questionnaire identified COVID-19-related ARDS in 67.2% (52.98% were positive for COVID-19). The sensitivity of the VA questionnaire was 0.53 (0.45-0.61), the specificity was 0.75 (0.64-0.84), the positive predictive value was 0.81 (0.72-0.88), and the negative predictive value was 0.44 (0.36-0.53). The VA had a lower-than-expected accuracy for detecting COVID-19 deaths; however, because it is an easily accessible and cost-effective tool, it can be combined with more accurate methods to improve its performance.

Adequacy of Fatty Acids Consumption Among Individuals in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention. / Adequação do Consumo de Ácidos Graxos entre Pacientes em Prevenção Cardiovascular Secundária.

BACKGROUND: Adhering to a diet adequate in macronutrients is crucial for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of adherence to recommendations for the consumption of dietary fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and to estimate whether the presence of certain cardiovascular risk factors would be associated with adherence. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using baseline data from 2,358 participants included in the "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Adequate intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was considered as ≥10% of total daily energy intake; for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 20%; and for saturated fatty acids (SFA), <7% according to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. A significance level of 5% was considered in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: No participant adhered to all recommendations simultaneously, and more than half (1,482 [62.9%]) did not adhere to any recommendation. Adherence exclusively to the SFA recommendation was the most prevalent, fulfilled by 659 (28%) participants, followed by adherence exclusively to the PUFA (178 [7.6%]) and MUFA (5 [0.2%]) recommendations. There was no association between the number of comorbidities and adherence to nutritional recommendations (p = 0.269). Participants from the Brazilian Northeast region showed a higher proportion of adherence to SFA consumption recommendations (38.42%) and lower adherence to PUFA intake (3.52%) (p <0.001) compared to other regions. CONCLUSIONS: Among the evaluated sample, there was low adherence to nutritional recommendations for dietary fatty acid consumption.

FUNDAMENTO: A adesão à uma alimentação adequada em macronutrientes é fundamental para a prevenção secundária de doenças cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de adesão às recomendações de consumo de ácidos graxos para prevenção e tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares, e estimar se a presença de determinados fatores de risco cardiovascular estaria associada à adesão. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com os dados de linha de base de 2358 participantes do estudo "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dados de consumo alimentar, e fatores de risco cardiovascular foram avaliados. Foi considerada, de acordo com a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, uma ingestão adequada de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) ≥10% do consumo total de energia diária, para ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), 20% e para ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), <7%. Na análise estatística foi considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Nenhum participante aderiu a todas as recomendações de forma simultânea e mais da metade (1482 [62,9%]) não aderiu a nenhuma recomendação. A adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGS foi a mais prevalente, sendo cumprida por 659 (28%) dos participantes, seguida da adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGP (178 [7,6%]) e de AGM (5 [0,2%]). Não houve associação entre o número de comorbidades e a adesão às recomendações nutricionais (p =0,269). Os participantes da região Nordeste do país apresentaram maior proporção de adesão às recomendações para consumo de AGS (38,42%), e menor para ingestão de AGPI (3,52%) (p <0,001) em comparação às demais. CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra avaliada, evidenciou-se baixa adesão às recomendações nutricionais para consumo de ácidos graxos.

Adequação do consumo de ácidos graxos entre pacientes em prevenção cardiovascular secundária / Adequacy of Fatty Acids Consumption Among Individuals in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention

FUNDAMENTO: A adesão à uma alimentação adequada em macronutrientes é fundamental para a prevenção secundária de doenças cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de adesão às recomendações de consumo de ácidos graxos para prevenção e tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares, e estimar se a presença de determinados fatores de risco cardiovascular estaria associada à adesão. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com os dados de linha de base de 2358 participantes do estudo "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dados de consumo alimentar, e fatores de risco cardiovascular foram avaliados. Foi considerada, de acordo com a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, uma ingestão adequada de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) ≥10% do consumo total de energia diária, para ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), 20% e para ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), <7%. Na análise estatística foi considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Nenhum participante aderiu a todas as recomendações de forma simultânea e mais da metade (1482 [62,9%]) não aderiu a nenhuma recomendação. A adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGS foi a mais prevalente, sendo cumprida por 659 (28%) dos participantes, seguida da adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGP (178 [7,6%]) e de AGM (5 [0,2%]). Não houve associação entre o número de comorbidades e a adesão às recomendações nutricionais (p =0,269). Os participantes da região Nordeste do país apresentaram maior proporção de adesão às recomendações para consumo de AGS (38,42%), e menor para ingestão de AGPI (3,52%) (p <0,001) em comparação às demais. CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra avaliada, evidenciou-se baixa adesão às recomendações nutricionais para consumo de ácidos graxos.

Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background The implementation of intensive therapy protocols increases the probability of adverse events in patients with breast cancer (BC). Components of metabolic syndrome (MS) are among these events. Objective To verify the prevalence of MS and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in female BC survivors. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. Our sample comprised 60 women without BC (G1) and 60 women who had survived BC (G2). We collected sociodemographic, anthropometric, tumor, and clinical data. After variable analysis, the participants received positive or negative MS diagnoses and a 10-year CVD risk stratification. The significance level adopted for the analyses was 5% ( p < 0.05) and the confidence interval (CI) was 95%. For comparing categorical data, we used the chi-squared, Fisher's exact, or G tests; for comparing continuous data, we used the parametric Student's t-test and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results Both groups presented overweight and an increased waist-to-hip ratio. Weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, hip circumference, and low-density cholesterol were variables that presented statistically significant differences between groups. MS was diagnosed in 32% of women in G1 and 45% of those in G2. Regarding the 10-year risk for CVD, most women were in the low-risk stratum: the mean total risk of CVD occurrences was 7.48% in G1 and 7.70% in G2. Conclusion We observed a higher prevalence of MS among women who survived BC, possibly due to overweight, as well as a low 10-year risk for CVD after cancer treatment. Although we did not observe a statistically significant difference, we suggest the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and rigorous control of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Implications for Clinical Practice from a Multicenter Survey of Heart Failure Management Centers.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Myocardium. / Doença de Coronavírus-19 e o Miocárdio.

Infection with the coronavirus known as COVID-19 has promoted growing interest on the part of cardiologists, emergency care specialists, intensive care specialists, and researchers, due to the study of myocardial involvement based on different clinical forms resulting from immunoinflammatory and neurohumoral demodulation.Myocardial involvement may be minimal and identifiable only by electrocardiographic changes, mainly increased cardiac troponins, or, on the other side of the spectrum, by forms of fulminant myocarditis and takotsubo syndrome.The description of probable acute myocarditis has been widely supported by the observation of increased troponin in association with dysfunction. Classical definition of myocarditis, supported by endomyocardial biopsy of inflammatory infiltrate, is rare; it has been observed in only one case report to date, and the virus has not been identified inside cardiomyocytes.Thus, the phenomenon that has been documented is acute myocardial injury, making it necessary to rule our obstructive coronary disease based on increased markers of myocardial necrosis, whether or not they are associated with ventricular dysfunction, likely associated with cytokine storms and other factors that may synergistically promote myocardial injury, such as sympathetic hyperactivation, hypoxemia, arterial hypotension, and microvascular thrombotic phenomena.Systemic inflammatory and myocardial phenomena following viral infection have been well documented, and they may progress to cardiac remodeling and myocardial dysfunction. Cardiac monitoring of these patients is, therefore, important in order to monitor the development of the phenotype of dilated myocardiopathy.This review presents the main etiological and physiopathological findings, a description of the taxonomy of these types of cardiac involvement, and their correlation with the main clinical forms of the myocardial component present in patients in the acute phase of COVID-19.

Doença de Coronavírus-19 e o Miocárdio / Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Myocardium

Resumo A infecção pelo coronavírus denominada COVID-19 promoveu crescente interesse de cardiologistas, emergencistas, intensivistas e pesquisadores, pelo estudo do acometimento miocárdico partindo de diferentes formas clínicas decorrentes de desmodulação imunoinflamatória e neuro-humoral.O acometimento miocárdico pode ser mínimo e apenas identificado a partir de alterações eletrocardiográficas, principalmente por aumento de troponinas cardíacas, ou no outro lado do espectro pelas formas de miocardite fulminante e síndrome de takotsubo.A descrição de provável miocardite aguda tem sido comumente apoiada pela observação da troponina elevada em associação com disfunção. A clássica definição de miocardite, respaldada pela biópsia endomiocárdica de infiltrado inflamatório é rara, e foi observada em um único relato de caso até o momento, não se identificando o vírus no interior dos cardiomiócitos.Assim, o fenômeno que se tem documentado é de injúria miocárdica aguda, sendo obrigatório afastar doença coronária obstrutiva a partir da elevação de marcadores de necrose miocárdica, associada ou não à disfunção ventricular, provavelmente associada à tempestade de citoquinas e outros fatores que podem sinergicamente promover lesão miocárdica, tais como hiperativação simpática, hipoxemia, hipotensão arterial e fenômenos trombóticos microvasculares.Fenômenos inflamatórios sistêmicos e miocárdicos após infecção viral estão bem documentados, podendo evoluir para remodelamento cardíaco e disfunção miocárdica. Portanto, será importante a cardiovigilância desses indivíduos para monitorar o desenvolvimento do fenótipo de miocardiopatia dilatada.A presente revisão apresenta os principais achados etiofisiopatológicos, descrição da taxonomia desses tipos de acometimento cardíaco e sua correlação com as principais formas clínicas do componente miocárdico presente nos pacientes na fase aguda de COVID-19.

Abstract Infection with the coronavirus known as COVID-19 has promoted growing interest on the part of cardiologists, emergency care specialists, intensive care specialists, and researchers, due to the study of myocardial involvement based on different clinical forms resulting from immunoinflammatory and neurohumoral demodulation.Myocardial involvement may be minimal and identifiable only by electrocardiographic changes, mainly increased cardiac troponins, or, on the other side of the spectrum, by forms of fulminant myocarditis and takotsubo syndrome.The description of probable acute myocarditis has been widely supported by the observation of increased troponin in association with dysfunction. Classical definition of myocarditis, supported by endomyocardial biopsy of inflammatory infiltrate, is rare; it has been observed in only one case report to date, and the virus has not been identified inside cardiomyocytes.Thus, the phenomenon that has been documented is acute myocardial injury, making it necessary to rule our obstructive coronary disease based on increased markers of myocardial necrosis, whether or not they are associated with ventricular dysfunction, likely associated with cytokine storms and other factors that may synergistically promote myocardial injury, such as sympathetic hyperactivation, hypoxemia, arterial hypotension, and microvascular thrombotic phenomena.Systemic inflammatory and myocardial phenomena following viral infection have been well documented, and they may progress to cardiac remodeling and myocardial dysfunction. Cardiac monitoring of these patients is, therefore, important in order to monitor the development of the phenotype of dilated myocardiopathy.This review presents the main etiological and physiopathological findings, a description of the taxonomy of these types of cardiac involvement, and their correlation with the main clinical forms of the myocardial component present in patients in the acute phase of COVID-19.

Caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica de homens com câncer de próstata / Sociodemographic and clinical characterization of men with prostate cancer / Caracterización sociodemográfica y clinica de hombres con cáncer de próstata

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar aspectos socioeconómicos, demográficos, de saúde e clínicos de homens com câncer de próstata no Maranhão. Metodologia Estudo prospectivo, descritivo de base primária. Resultados: Do total de 226 homens com câncer de próstata,44,2% tinham entre 71-80 anos, 82,3% autoreferiram a raça parda, 62,8% não eram aposentados, 90,3% tinham renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos, 63,7% tinham menos de oito anos de estudo, 80,5% eram casados, 61,9% eram do interior do estado, 76,1% não praticavam atividade física, 53,1% procuravam assistência em saúde apenas quando apresentavam algum problema, 51,3% realizaram a cirurgia de retirada de próstata. Conclusão Ferramentas e estratégias devem ser desenvolvidas voltadas para o público masculino, focadas na promoção e prevenção do câncer de próstata, observando características inerentes dos homens por região possibilitando um diagnóstico precoce e consequente possibilidade de cura.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize socioeconomic, demographic, health and clinical aspects of men with prostate cancer in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Methodology Prospective, descriptive primary study. Results Of 226 men with prostate cancer, 44.2% were aged 71-80 years, 82.3% self-reported as mestizo, and 62.8% were not retired. Moreover, 90.3% had a monthly income of up to two minimum wages, 63.7% had less than eight years of schooling, 80.5% were married, 61.9% were from the interior of the state, and 76.1% did not practice physical activity. Regarding their health, 53.1% sought health care only when they presented a problem and 51.3% underwent prostatectomy. Conclusion Tools and strategies developed for the male public should focus on the promotion and prevention of prostate cancer, taking into account the inherent characteristics of men by region, thus enabling early diagnosis and consequent possibility of cure.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Caracterizar aspectos socioeconómicos, demográficos, de salud y clínicos de hombres con cáncer de próstata en el estado de Maranhão, Brasil. Metodología Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo de fuente primaria. Resultados Del total de 226 hombres con cáncer de próstata, 44,2% tenían entre 71-80 años, 82,3% se auto-describían como mestizos, 62,8% no eran jubilados, el 90,3% tenían ingresos mensuales de hasta dos salarios mínimos, el 63,7% tenían menos de ocho años de estudio, el 80,5% estaban casados, el 61,9% eran del interior del estado, el 76,1% no practicaba actividad física, el 53,1% buscaban asistencia en salud solo cuando se presentaba algún problema, y el 51,3% se realizó prostatectomía. Conclusión Las herramientas y estrategias desarrolladas y dirigidas al público masculino deben enfocarse en la promoción y prevención del cáncer de próstata, teniendo en cuenta las características inherentes de los hombres por región, posibilitando así el tratamiento oportuno de la enfermedad y aumentando la posibilidad de curación.(AU)

Alterations in postmenopausal plasmatic lipidome.

BACKGROUND: Menopause consists of a physiological process in women between 40 and 50 years of age, and it has substantial consequences for health, ranging from disturbances in lipid and glycidic metabolism to psychological stress and sleep alterations, thereby increasing women's risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we attempted to identify potential lipid alterations not identified by the classic methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the serum lipid profile in 40 women in pre- and post-menopause using a lipidomic approach and mass spectrometry. Lipid species presented increased concentrations, with a difference of more than 25% post-menopause and with the ceramides (N.C23:0.Cer, N.C23:0(OH).Cer and N.C24:0(OH).Cer) standing out with a fold change of 1.68, 1.59, and 1.58, respectively. It was also observed that 14 metabolites presented a significant difference in the average concentrations between pre- and post-menopause, especially the ceramide species. Strong and positive correlations were identified between various metabolites and fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Of note were the association ceramide (N.C10:0.Cer) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE.a.C18:0) between fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin. CONCLUSION: This study detected lipid alterations, especially in ceramides, post-menopause, as well as correlations with glycidic and lipid markers, which may in the future be useful to investigate diseases associated with menopause.

Síndrome metabólica e resistência insulínica pelo Homa-IR no climatério / Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR in menopause

Fundamento: Síndrome metabólica é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, e sua prevalência aumenta após a menopausa. Ainda é incerto, porém, se a menopausa é fator de risco independente para a síndrome metabólica. Uma das bases fisiopatológicas para síndrome metabólica é a resistência insulínica, que pode ser calculada pelo método Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resitance (HOMA-IR), sendo pouco conhecida a relação entre resistência insulínica e menopausa. Objetivos: Avaliar a relação entre síndrome metabólica e resistência insulínica em mulheres climatéricas. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, que avaliou 150 mulheres, com idades entre 40 e 65 anos, atendidas em um ambulatório de ginecologia em um hospital terciário público, entre maio e dezembro de 2013. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos, sendo o Grupo I com pacientes na pré-menopausa e o II com pacientes na pós-menopausa. Foi avaliada a presença de síndrome metabólica, bem como de seus componentes, além da ocorrência de resistência insulínica nos dois grupos. A associação do estado menopausal e as variáveis estudadas foi realizada com os testes Mann-Whitney, qui quadrado e exato de Fisher. O nível de significância foi de 5%. A análise estatística foi feita por meio do STATA 12.0. Resultados: A síndrome metabólica foi mais prevalente nas mulheres pós-menopausa, bem como todos seus componentes tiveram maior frequência também nesse grupo. As mulheres pós-menopausa também apresentaram maior prevalência de resistência insulínica, mas não foi observada relação estatística entre os achados. Conclusão: O estado menopausal não se associou significativamente com síndrome metabólica e resistência insulínica. A resistência insulínica foi considerada fator de risco independente para o desenvolvimento de síndrome metabólica apenas no grupo pós-menopausa

Background: Metabolic syndrome is an important cardiovascular risk factor, and its prevalence increases after menopause. However, it is still uncertain whether menopause is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome. One of the pathophysiological basis for metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, which can be calculated by the Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) method, and the association between insulin resistance and menopause is little known. Objective: To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in menopausal women. Method: Descriptive study, which evaluated 150 women, aged 40 to 65, treated at a Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary public hospital, from May to December of 2013. The sample was divided into two groups: Group I, comprising women in the premenopausal period and Group II, comprising women in the post-menopausal period. The presence of metabolic syndrome and its components were evaluated, as well as occurrence of insulin resistance in both groups. The association of menopausal status and the assessed variables was assessed using the Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The significance level was set at 5%. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0. Results: Metabolic syndrome and its components were more prevalent in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women also had a higher prevalence of insulin resistance, but no statistical association was observed between the findings. Conclusion: The menopausal status was not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was considered an independent risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome only in the postmenopausal group

Fatores de risco cardiovascular em mulheres climatéricas com doença arterial coronariana / Cardiovascular risk factors in climacteric women with coronary artery disease

Fundamentos: O aumento da incidência de doenças cardiovasculares em mulheres ocorre durante o período do climatério, especialmente após a menopausa. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores de risco cardiovasculares entre as mulheres climatéricas com e sem doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado no Serviço de Hemodinâmica do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, no período de março de 2012 a julho de 2013. Foram incluídas 31 mulheres climatéricas que compareceram ao setor para realização do cateterismo cardíaco, separadas em grupos após resultados do cateterismo, Grupo I (com DAC) e Grupo II (sem DAC). Análise estatística: as variáveis categóricas foram descritas por meio de frequências e porcentagem, as numéricas por meio de média ± desvio padrão ou mediana (Quartil.3 ­ Quartil.1); o teste Shapiro-Wilk para verificar a normalidade dos dados quantitativos, o teste Exato de Fisher para comparações de dados categóricos; para dados contínuos o Test-T para amostras não pareadas ou o Mann-Whitney; foi considerado estatisticamente significativo o valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Avaliaram-se grupos com DAC (n = 13) e sem DAC (n = 18), os resultados apontaram média de idade entre os grupos de 57,92 ± 5,15 e 51,72 ± 4,63 anos, respectivamente; dentre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares, os mais prevalentes entre as mulheres com DAC foram: a menopausa (84,62%), a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) (69,23%) e o sedentarismo (69,23). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que, além da menopausa propriamente dita, a HAS e o sedentarismo foram os fatores de risco cardiovasculares mais prevalentes entre as mulheres com DAC

Background: The increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in women occurs during the climacteric period, especially after menopause. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors among climacteric women with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Method: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Catheterization Laboratory at the Federal University Hospital of Maranhão, in the Northeast region of Brazil, between March 2012 and July 2013. We included 31 climacteric women who went to the care center for cardiac catheterization. They were divided into groups after catheterization results: Group I (with DAC) and Group II (without CAD). Statistical analysis: Categorical variables were described by means of frequencies and percentages, numerical variables by mean ± standard deviation or median (Quartile.3 - Quartile.1); the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to verify the normality of quantitative data. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical data comparisons. For continuous data, we used Student's test or the Mann-Whitney for unpaired samples; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: We evaluated groups with CAD (n = 13) and without CAD (n = 18). The results showed a mean age between the groups of 57.92 ± 5.15 and 51.72 ± 4.63 years, respectively. Among the cardiovascular risk factors, the most prevalent among women with CAD were menopause (84.62%), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) (69.23%) and sedentary life style (69.23%). Conclusion: We concluded that, in addition to menopause itself, SAH and sedentary lifestyle were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors among women with CAD

Intake of fibers and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals on a secondary prevention for cardiovascular diseases: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Among the non-pharmacologic measures for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the first cause of death worldwide, the adequate intake of dietary fibers (DF) has shown an important role. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the intake of DF and the cardio-metabolic risk factors in individuals on a secondary prevention for CVD. METHODS: Transversal study with basal data of the study's DICA Br participants belonging to collaborative centers in the states of Maranhão (MA), Bahia (BA) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Sociodemographic and clinical data were used, as well as the daily intake of DF in individuals of both sexes, with age ≥ 45 years and manifest evidence of arteriosclerosis. The association between the intake of dietary fibers and the cardio-metabolic risk factors was obtained through Poisson's regression model. RESULTS: With 141 evaluated individuals, high frequency of non-appropriateness of DF intake was observed. The participants in the centers of RJ (PR = 0.63; CI 95% = 0.49-0.80) and BA (PR = 0.79; CI 95% = 0.66-0.95), former smokers (PR = 0.59; CI 95% = 0.45-0.78) and non-smokers (PR = 0.62; CI 95% = 0.66-0.95) had fewer chances of having non appropriate intake of DF. On the other hand, overweight individuals showed 28.0% more chances of non-appropriate intake of DF. CONCLUSION: Results showed that the majority of the observed population presented non-appropriate intake of DF and that this low intake was significantly associated with overweight, smoking and location of the collaborative center.

Avaliação da Função Endotelial em Mulheres Climatéricas com Doença Arterial Coronariana / Evaluation of Endothelial Function in Pre-Menopausal Women With Coronary Arterial Disease

Fundamentos: O endotélio desempenha importante função reguladora vascular. Sua disfunção é um marcador precoce de risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, existem poucos estudos em nosso meio que avaliem a função endotelial em mulheres climatéricas. Objetivo: Avaliar a função endotelial em mulheres climatéricas na presença ou ausência de doença arterial coronariana utilizando-se um método biofísico (espessura médio-intimal das carótidas) e um método bioquímico (níveis séricos de PCR-US). Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou o espessamento médio-intimal da artéria carótida e níveis séricos de PCR-US de 31 mulheres climatéricas submetidas a cineangiocoronariografia, no Serviço de Hemodinâmica do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, no período de março de 2012 a julho de 2013. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Considerou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados:A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos, de acordo com presença de doença arterial coronariana (DAC): grupo com DAC (n = 13) e grupo sem DAC (n = 18). As médias de idades para os grupos foram 57,92 ± 5,17 e 51,72 ± 4,63 anos, respectivamente (p = 0,001). A EMI esteve alterada em 29,03% na população geral. A espessura médio- intimal foi de 1,55 ± 0,78 mm no grupo geral, 1,92 ± 0,94 mm no grupo com DAC e 1,18 ± 0,71 mm no grupo sem DAC (p = 0,001). As pacientes com DAC apresentaram predomínio de alteração da EMI quando comparadas aquelas sem DAC: 36,46% vs. 22,22%, respectivamente. Observou-se uma sensibilidade de 38%, especificidade de 77%, com um valor preditivo positivo de 0,55 e valor preditivo negativo de 0,63 com razão de verossimilhança para teste positivo (likelihood ratio) de 1,73. As pacientes com EMI alterado apresentaram níveis mais elevados de PCR-US, porém sem significância estatística. As pacientes com DAC apresentaram níveis mais elevados de PCR-US, porém sem significância estatística. Conclusão: Na população estudada, a avaliação da função endotelial pelo método da EMI apresentou maior sensibilidade e especificidade para o diagnóstico de DAC quando comparada a mensuração dos níveis de PCR-US em mulheres climatéricas

Background: The endothelium plays an important vascular regulatory function. Its dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular risk. However, there are few studies in our community that assess endothelial function in pre-menopausal women. Objective: To assess endothelial function in pre-menopausal women in the presence or absence of coronary artery disease, using a biophysical method (carotid intima media thickness) and a biochemical method (serum levels of hsCRP). Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated carotid intima-media thickness and serum levels of hsCRP of 31 pre-menopausal women undergoing coronary angiography at the Hemodynamics Service of Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão from March 2012 to July 2013. The data were sent to statistical analysis and a statistical significance level of 5% was considered. Results: The sample was divided into two groups according to the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD group (n = 13) and group without CAD (n = 18). The average ages for the groups were 57.92 ± 5.17 and 51.72 ± 4.63 years, respectively (p = 0.001). CIMT was abnormal in 29.03% in the general population. Carotid intima-media thickness was 1.55 ± 0.78 mm in the general group, 1.92 ± 0.94 mm in the CAD group and 1.18 ± 0.71 mm in the group without CAD (p = 0.001). CAD patients had predominance of abnormal CMIT compared those without CAD: 36.46% vs. 22.22%, respectively. There was a sensitivity of 38%, specificity of 77% with a positive predictive value of 0.55 and a negative predictive value of 0.63 with likelihood ratio of 1.73. Patients with abnormal CIMT presented higher levels of hsCRP, but without statistical significance. CAD patients had higher levels of hsCRP, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: In the population studied, assessment of endothelial function using the CIMT method showed higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CAD compared to the measurement of hsCRP levels in menopausal women