Impact of weight adjusted high frequency low tidal volume ventilation and atrial pacing in lesion metrics in high-power short-duration ablation: Results of a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Lesion size index (LSI) was introduced with the use of Tacticath™ and as a surrogate of lesion quality. The metric used to achieve the predetermined values involves combined information of contact force (CF), power and radiofrequency time. Rapid atrial pacing (RAP) and high-frequency low-tidal volume ventilation (HFLTV) independently or in combination improve catheter stability and CF and quality of lesions. Data of the impact of body weight adjusted HFLTV ventilation strategy associated with RAP in the lesion metrics still lacking. The study aimed to compare the results of high-power short-duration (HPSD) atrial fibrillation ablation using simultaneous weight adjusted HFLTV and RAP and standard ventilation (SV) protocol. METHODS: Prospective, nonrandomized study with 136 patients undergoing de novo ablation divided into two groups; 70 in RAP (100 ppm) + HFLTV with 4 mL/kg of tidal volume and 25 breaths/min (group A) and 66 patients with SV in intrinsic sinus rhythm (group B). Ablation using 50 W, CF of 5-10 g/10-20 g and 40 mL/minute flow rate on the posterior and anterior left atrial wall, respectively. RESULTS: No procedure-related complications. Group A: Mean LSI points 70 ± 16.5, mean total lower LSI 3.4 ± 0.5, mean total higher LSI 8.2 ± 0.4 and mean total LSI 5.6 ± 0.6. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LSI was 6.0 ± 0.4 and 4.2 ± 0.3, respectively. Mean local impedance drop (LID) points were 118.8 ± 28.4, mean LID index (%) 12.9 ± 1.5, and mean LID < 12% points 55.9 ± 23.8. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LID index were 13.6 ± 2.0 and 11.9 ± 1.7, respectively. Recurrence in 11 (15.7%) patients. Group B: Mean LSI points 56 ± 2.7, mean total lower LSI 2.9 ± 0.7, mean total higher LSI 6.9 ± 0.9, and mean total LSI 4.8 ± 0.8. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LSI was 5.1 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.5, respectively. Mean LID points were 111.4 ± 21.5, mean LID index (%) 11.4 ± 1.2, and mean LID < 12% points 54.9 ± 25.2. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LID index were 11.8 ± 1.9 and 10.3 ± 1.7, respectively. Recurrence in 14 (21.2%) patients. Mean follow up was 15.2 ± 4.4 months. CONCLUSION: Weight adjusted HFLTV ventilation with RAP HPSD ablation produced lower recurrence rate and better LSI and LID parameters in comparison to SV and intrinsic sinus rhythm.

Distal Transradial Access in the Anatomical Snuffbox for Interventional Coronary Procedures: Analysis of Access Site Pain and Complications.

INTRODUCTION: A novel arterial access distally on the radial artery through the anatomical snuffbox has been recently described for coronary interventional procedures. However, there is insufficient data comparing the advantages and limitations of distal transradial access (dTRA), conventional transradial access (TRA), and transfemoral access (TFA). The aim of this study was to compare the three access sites regarding local pain and complications during or after coronary interventional procedures. METHODS: This prospective observational single-center study included 211 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention, divided into three groups: dTRA (n=69), TRA (n=71), and TFA (n=71). The access site was chosen at the discretion of three operators. We administered a questionnaire to all patients, addressing local pain or discomfort during or after the procedure and the occurrence of possible complications such as distal pallor, local bleeding, and purple color on the access site. RESULTS: Pain on the access site during the procedure was reported more frequently in the TRA group (dTRA 15.9% vs. TRA 32.4% vs. TFA 15.5%). There were no differences in the occurrence of local pain after the procedure in all three groups (29.6% in the dTRA group, 28.2% in the TRA group, and 26.8% in the TFA group). Pain intensity, when it occurred, was higher in the dTRA group (dTRA 5.8 vs. TRA 4.8 vs. TFA 4.6 on a 1-10 scale), as was its duration (dTRA 13.7 vs. TRA 7.6 vs. TFA 8.2 days). Only two local bleeding events were reported, both in the TFA group. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of local pain on the puncture site after coronary interventional procedures did not differ among the three groups. The dTRA group presented a lower incidence of pain during the procedure when compared to TRA and a lower incidence of purple color when compared to TFA. However, pain intensity and duration were higher in the dTRA group when pain was reported. Using dTRA for coronary procedures is a feasible and safe strategy in selected cases.

Incidental parasympathetic cardiac denervation during atrial fibrillation ablation using high power short duration: a marker of long-term success.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple factors in both technique and substrate that lead to recurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation. We sought to examine whether the degree of heart rate increase (HRI) caused by concurrent high-power-short-duration (HPSD) incidental parasympathetic denervation during AF ablation predicts long term success. Between December 2018 and December 2021, prospectively enrolled 214 patients who presented in sinus rhythm at AF ablation. Used 50 W of power and contact force (CF) of 5-15 g and 10-20 g at a flow rate of 40 mL/min on the anterior and posterior left atrial walls, respectively. RESULTS: Males were 143 (66.8%) and paroxysmal was 124 (57.9%) patients. Mean age 61.1 ± 12.3 years and follow-up time was 32.8 ± 13.2 months. Arrhythmia occurred after 90 days in 39 (18.2%) patients, 19 (48.7%) from the paroxysmal and 20 (51.3%) from the persistent AF patients. Recurrence group showed a lower HRI from a mean of 57 ± 7.7 to 64.4 ± 10.4 bpm (12.3%) while in success group HRI was from 53.8 ± 9.7 to 66.8 ± 11.6 bpm [(24.2%) p = 0.04]. We divided HRI in 3 percentiles of ≤ 8%, > 8 ≤ 37% and > 37%. A predictor of recurrence was identified in those in the first (< 8%, p = 0.006) and a predictor of success in the later (> 37%, p = 0.01) HRI percentile. CONCLUSION: Atrial fibrillation ablation with HPSD incidental cardiac parasympathetic denervation identified that patients with lower heart rate increase are prone to recurrence while those with higher heart rate increase had higher maintenance of sinus rhythm at a long-term follow-up.

Inflammation as a Prognostic Marker in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic cardiac disease of great importance worldwide and responsible for one-fifth of hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Pro-inflammatory mediators are involved in the pathophysiology of HF. However, the impact of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of the disease remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate inflammation as a prognostic marker in chronic HF. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, observational cohort study conducted from June 2018 through December 2019, we included outpatients with HF from a specialized service of a teaching hospital. Patients with decompensated HF requiring hospitalization in the last 30 days were excluded. At the time of inclusion, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin were collected and the presence of inflammation was defined as CRP/albumin ≥1.2. Patients with CRP/albumin ratio <1.2 (group A) and CRP/albumin ratio ≥1.2 (group B) were compared. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospitalization for decompensated HF, number of hospitalizations, and number of days of hospitalization in the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: We included 77 patients, 49 (63.3%) in group A and 28 (3.4%) in group B. Six patients in group A (12.2%) and 10 patients in group B (35.7%) required at least one hospitalization during follow-up (p=0.01). The rate of hospitalizations for decompensated HF for every 100 patients was 16.3 in group A vs 50.0 in group B (p=0.0001) and the average in-hospital length of stay was 12.2 vs 14.2 days per hospitalized patient (p=0.36) in groups A and B, respectively. The mortality rate was 6.1% in group A vs 7.1% in group B (p=0.86). CONCLUSION: In HF outpatients with inflammation evidentiated by the CRP/albumin ratio ≥1.2, the risk of death was similar to patients without inflammation criteria. However, the presence of inflammation led to a three-fold higher risk of hospitalization for HF decompensation.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Giant Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm.

Left ventricle pseudoaneurysm is usually a severe complication of acute myocardial infarction, caused by rupture of the myocardial wall with pericardium bleeding. Mortality can reach 50 to 80% within a week if not properly treated. Hemodynamic instability, cardiac tamponade, and cardiac arrest are life-threatening presentations that require surgical treatment. We report a case of a man with a left ventricle chronic giant pseudoaneurysm and unspecific symptoms. After critical judgement on a heart team basis, surgical treatment was successfully performed, with a good long-term clinical outcome.

Anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity in adults: systematic review on the cardioprotective role of beta-blockers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at assessing the role of beta-blockers on preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in adults. METHODS: A systematic review was performed on electronic databases, including relevant studies that analysed beta-blockers as cardioprotective agents before the use of anthracyclines by adult oncologic patients. RESULTS: After application of eligibility and selection criteria, eight articles were considered as high quality, complying with the proposed theme; all eight clinical trials, four of them placebo-controlled, with a total number of 655 patients included. From this sample, 281 (42.9%) used beta-blocker as intervention, and carvedilol was the most frequent (167 patients - 25.5%). Six studies were considered positive regarding the cardioprotection role played by beta-blockers, although only four demonstrated significant difference on left ventricle ejection fraction after chemotherapy on groups that used beta-blockers compared to control groups. Carvedilol and nebivolol, but not metoprolol, had positive results regarding cardioprotection. Other beta-blockers were not analysed in the selected studies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the potential cardioprotective effect of beta-blockers, as demonstrated in small and unicentric clinical trials, its routine use on prevention of anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity demands greater scientific evidence.

Perfuração coronária durante intervenção coronária percutânea: descrição de uma técnica de salvamento / Coronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention: description of a salvage technique

A perfuração de artéria coronária durante intervenção coronária percutânea é um evento incomum (0,43%), porém potencialmente grave e com elevado risco de tamponamento cardíaco e morte. Perfurações graves exigem implante de stent recoberto, muitas vezes indisponível. Descrevemos uma técnica alternativa e simples de tratamento, que pode ser realizada com uso de politetrafluoretileno de um balão amarrado sobre um stent coronário.

A coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention is an uncommon (0.43%) but potentially severe event, with high risk of cardiac tamponade and death. Severe perforations require placing a covered stent, which is often unavailable. We describe an alternative and simple treatment technique, which can be performed using polytetrafluoroethylene from a balloon tied over a coronary stent.

Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Objectives To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher's test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane's T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients < 60 years of age, 5.7% in patients between 60 and 70 years, and 5.2% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

Qualidade de vida em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca: análise de três anos em um serviço especializado

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) apresenta elevada morbimortalidade, além de exercer grande impacto sobre a qualidade de vida (QV). O Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) é um escore que avalia a QV dos pacientes portadores dessa síndrome, no qual uma maior pontuação reflete uma menor QV. Objetivo. Avaliar a QV dos pacientes com IC após três anos de seguimento em um serviço ambulatorial especializado de um hospital-escola. Métodos. Estudo unicêntrico, descritivo e prospectivo em que se aplicou o MLHFQ, de modo voluntário e sigiloso, a pacientes com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida acompanhados ambulatorialmente na clínica de IC. Foram analisados os resultados dos MLHFQ dos pacientes comparando-se o momento da inclusão no estudo, em 2014, e após o seguimento de três anos, em 2017/18. Resultados. Dos 76 pacientes inicialmente entrevistados, 74 (97,4%) responderam ao questionário e foram incluídos no estudo, em 2014. Após seguimento de três anos, 39,2% (29/74) dos pacientes responderam novamente ao questionário e em 59,8% (45/74) não se pôde aplicar o MLHFQ pela segunda vez (óbitos: 11; perda de acompanhamento no serviço: 21; não localizados: 13). O escore médio obtido pelo MLHFQ foi de 40,3 ± 21 pontos no momento da inclusão e 31,6 ± 23 pontos após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço (p=0,001). Conclusão. Observou-se baixa QV em pacientes com IC incluídos no estudo, havendo melhora significativa após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço especializado. As clínicas de IC podem aumentar expressivamente a QV dos pacientes portadores de IC, proporcionando potencial benefício prognóstico.

Background. Heart failure (HF) presents high morbidity and mortality, besides having great impact on quality of life (QoL). The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is a score that assesses the QoL of patients with this syndrome, in which the higher scores indicates lower QoL. Objective. To analyze the QoL of HF patients after three years of follow-up at the specialized outpatient service of a teaching hospital. Methods. Unicentric, descriptive, prospective study that voluntarily and confidentially applied MLHFQ in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction followed at the HF clinic. The results of the patients MLHFQ compared at the time of inclusion in the study in 2014 and after the three-year follow-up in 2017/18 were analyzed. Results. Of 76 interviewed patients, 74 (97.4%) answered the questionnaire and were included in the study in 2014. After three years, 39.2% (29/74) answered the questionnaire again and in 59.8% (45/74) cannot apply MLHFQ a second time (deaths: 11; loss of follow-up at the service: 21; not found: 13). The mean score reached by the MLHFQ was 40.3 ± 21 points after inclusion and 31.6 ± 23 points after three years of follow-up at the service (p=0.001). Conclusion. We observed low QoL in the patients with HF included on this study, providing improvement of QoL after three years of follow-up at the specialized service. The HF clinics may significantly increase the QoL of HF patients, providing potential prognostic benefit.

Introducción. La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) tiene una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, además de tener un gran impacto en la calidad de vida (CV). El cuestionario Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) es un score de puntos que evalúa la CV de los pacientes con este síndrome, en la que una puntuación más alta refleja una menor CV. Objetivo. Evaluar la CV de pacientes con IC tras tres años de seguimiento en un servicio ambulatorio especializado de un hospital universitario. Métodos. Estudio unicéntrico, descriptivo y prospectivo en el que se aplicó el MLHFQ, de forma voluntaria y confidencial, a pacientes con IC con fracción de eyección reducida seguidos de forma ambulatoria en la clínica de IC. Los resultados del MLHFQ de los pacientes se analizaron comparando el tiempo de inclusión en el estudio, en 2014, y después de los tres años de seguimiento, en 2017/18. Resultados. De los 76 pacientes entrevistados inicialmente, 74 (97,4%) respondieron el cuestionario y fueron incluidos en el estudio en 2014. Después de un seguimiento de tres años, el 39,2% (29/74) de los pacientes respondieron el cuestionario nuevamente y en el 59,8% (45/74) no se pudo aplicar el MLHFQ por segunda vez (muertes: 11; pérdida de seguimiento en el servicio: 21; no localizado: 13). La puntuación media obtenida por el MLHFQ fue de 40,3 ± 21 puntos en el momento de la inclusión y de 31,6 ± 23 puntos tras tres años de seguimiento en el servicio (p=0,001). Conclusión. Se observó baja CV en los pacientes con IC incluidos en el estudio, con mejoría significativa a los tres años de seguimiento en el servicio especializado. Las clínicas de IC pueden aumentar significativamente la CV de los pacientes con IC, proporcionando un beneficio pronóstico potencial.

Hemoglobina e sódio séricos:: marcadores prognósticos precoces na insuficiência cardíaca descompensada

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. Marcadores prognósticos clínicos e laboratoriais foram identificados, porém a influência precoce da hemoglobina (Hb) e do sódio (Na) séricos é pouco conhecida. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características clínicas e desfechos em pacientes internados por IC descompensada, conforme dosagem sérica de Hb e Na nas primeiras 24 horas. Material e métodos. Estudo prospectivo observacional que avaliou pacientes adultos internados por IC descompensada acompanhados por até 30 dias após a alta. Os grupos analisados foram: Hb e Na iniciais normais (grupo 1), Hb inicial < 10,0 mg/dl (grupo 2), Na inicial < 135 mEq/l (grupo 3), ou ambas as alterações (grupo 4). O desfecho primário avaliado foi óbito hospitalar ou até 30 dias após a alta. Resultados. Da amostra total de 40 pacientes, 37,5% eram do grupo 1, 35,0% do grupo 2, 7,5% do grupo 3 e 20,0% do grupo 4. A média de idade nos grupos foi de 67,2 ±15 vs 66,4 ±13 vs 59,0 ±11 vs 55,7 ±14 anos (p=0,08). Eram do sexo masculino 60,0%, 35,7%, 100% e 62,5% (p=0,08). Os desfechos observados para cada grupo foram, respectivamente, mortalidade de 6,7% vs 21,4% vs 0% vs 37,5% (p=0,007), reinternação em 30 dias 6,7% vs 28,6% vs 0% vs 12,5% (p=0,12), insuficiência renal aguda 20,0% vs 42,8% vs 33,3% vs 25,0% (p=0,04), necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva 13,3% vs 7,1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0,41) e tempo de internação 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 dias (p=0,03). Conclusões. Nos pacientes com IC descompensada, Hb < 10 mg/dl nas primeiras 24 horas da internação associou-se à ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda. A combinação de Hb < 10 mg/dl e Na < 135 mEq/l associou-se a maior mortalidade hospitalar e a aumento do tempo de internação.

Background. Acute decompensated heart failure (HF) has high morbidity and mortality. Clinical and laboratory prognostic markers have been identified, although the early influence of serum hemoglobin (Hb) and sodium (Na) is not precisely known. This study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes in patients with decompensated HF, according to serum dosage of Hb and Na within the first 24 hours of admission. Material and methods. Prospective observational study that included hospitalized patients with decompensated HF followed for up to 30 days after discharge. Groups were analyzed as follows: normal Hb and Na (group 1), initial Hb < 10.0 mg/dl (group 2), initial Na < 135 mEq/l (group 3), or both alterations (group 4). The primary outcome was in-hospital or 30-days death. Results. From the total 40 patients sample, 37.5% were in group 1, 35.0% group 2, 7.5% group 3, and 20.0% group 4. Average age was 67.2 ±15 vs 66.4 ±13 vs 59.0 ±11 vs 55.7 ±14 (p=0.08). Male subjects were 60.0%, 35.7%, 100% and 62.5% (p=0.08). Outcomes for each respective group were: mortality 6.7% vs 21.4% vs 0% vs 37.5% (p=0.007), 30-days re-admission 6.7% vs 28.6% vs 0% vs 12.5% (p=0.12), acute renal failure 20.0% vs 42.8% vs 33.3% vs 25.0% (p=0.04), invasive mechanical ventilation 13.3% vs 7.1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0.41), and length of hospitalization 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 days (p=0.03). Conclusions. In patients with acute decompensated HF, Hb < 10 mg/dl within the first 24 hours of admission was associated to the occurrence of acute renal failure. The combination of Hb < 10 mg/dl and was associated to higher mortality and higher length of hospitalization.

Hemoglobina y sodio séricos:: marcadores pronósticos precoces en la insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada

Introducción. La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) descompensada presenta una elevada morbimortalidad. Si bien los marcadores pronósticos clínicos y de laboratorio se han identificados, la influencia precoz de la hemoglobina (Hb) y del sodio (Na) séricos es poco conocida. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características clínicas y resultados en pacientes internados por IC descompensada, conforme a la dosificación sérica de Hb y Na en las primeras 24 horas. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo observacional que evaluó pacientes adultos internados por IC descompensada seguidos por hasta 30 días después del alta hospitalaria. Los grupos analizados fueron: Hb y Na iniciales normales (grupo 1), Hb inicial < 10,0 mg/dl (grupo 2), Na inicial < 135 mEq/l (grupo 3), o ambas alteraciones (grupo 4). El resultado primario evaluado fue muerte hospitalaria hasta 30 días después del alta. Resultados. De la muestra total de 40 pacientes, el 37,5% eran del grupo 1, el 35,0% del grupo 2, el 7,5% del grupo 3 y el 20,0% del grupo 4. La media de edad en los grupos fue 67,2 ±15 vs 66,4 ±13 vs 59,0 ±11 vs 55,7 ±14 (p=0,08). Eran del sexo masculino 60,0%, 35,7%, 100% y 62,5% años (p=0,08). Los resultados observados para cada grupo fueron, respectivamente, mortalidad de 6,7% vs 21,4% vs 0% vs 37,5% (p=0,007), readmisión en 30 días: 6,7% vs 28,6% vs 0% vs 12,5% (p=0,12), insuficiencia renal aguda: 20,0% vs 42,8% vs 33,3% vs 25,0% (p=0,04), necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva: 13,3% vs 7,1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0,41) y tiempo de internación: 16±10 vs 17±12 vs 24±11 vs 33±19 días (p=0,03). Conclusiones. En los pacientes con IC descompensada, Hb <10 mg/dl en las primeras 24 horas de la internación se ha asociado a la aparición de insuficiencia renal aguda. La combinación de Hb <10 mg/dl y Na <135 mEq/l se ha asociado a mortalidad más alta y a tiempo de internación más prolongado.

Insuficiência cardíaca na população geriátrica: dados de um registro unicêntrico / Heart failure in the older population: data from a single-center registry

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil e o seguimento clínico de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, que comparou a população geriátrica (≥ 65 anos) com o restante da amostra (18 a 64 anos). Todos eram acompanhados ambulatorialmente em clínica especializada de um hospital-escola e foram incluídos consecutivamente entre abril e novembro de 2013, tendo sido acompanhados por 3 anos ou óbito. RESULTADOS: Da amostra total de 100 pacientes, 56% eram idosos. Na comparação entre idosos (média de 74±7 anos) e não idosos (média de 52±8 anos), houve diferença significativa quanto a peso corporal (72,6±16 kg vs. 80,8±19kg; p=0,02), índice de massa corporal (28,6±5,7kg/m2 vs. 32,6±5,9kg/m2; p=0,001), fibrilação atrial (35,7% vs. 11,3%; p=0,005) e doença renal crônica (28,5% vs. 13,6%; p=0,04). A prescrição de betabloqueadores e de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina ou bloqueadores do receptor de angiotensina não diferiu entre os grupos, e nem os dados ecocardiográficos e a ocorrência de desfechos no seguimento clínico. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos foram a maioria dentre pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e apresentaram maior prevalência de doença renal crônica e fibrilação atrial, além de menores peso e índice de massa corporal. Tais diferenças não resultaram em maior incidência de desfechos adversos na evolução de médio prazo. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical profile and follow-up of patients with heart failure. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study that compared the geriatric population (≥ 65 years old) with the remaining portion of the sample (18 to 64 years old). All of them were assisted in a specialized outpatient clinic of a university hospital, and were included consecutively from April to November 2013, being followed for three years or until death. RESULTS: From the sample of 100 patients, 56% were older people. In the comparison between older people (average 74 ± 7 years old) and non-older people (average 52 ± 8 years old), a significant difference was found for body weight (72.6 ± 16Kg vs. 80.8 ± 19Kg, p=0.02), body mass index (28.6 ± 5.7Kg/m2 vs. 32.6 ± 5.9 Kg/m2, p=0.001), atrial fibrillation (35.7% vs. 11.3%, p=0.005), and chronic kidney disease (28.5% vs. 13.6%, p=0.04). The prescription of beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers did not differ between the groups, neither did the echocardiographic values and the occurrence of outcomes at clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: Older people were the majority among patients with heart failure, and presented a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation, and lower body weight and body mass index. Those differences did not result in greater incidence of adverse outcomes at mid-term follow-up. (AU)

Anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity in adults: systematic review on the cardioprotective role of beta-blockers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES This study aimed at assessing the role of beta-blockers on preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in adults. METHODS A systematic review was performed on electronic databases, including relevant studies that analysed beta-blockers as cardioprotective agents before the use of anthracyclines by adult oncologic patients. RESULTS After application of eligibility and selection criteria, eight articles were considered as high quality, complying with the proposed theme; all eight clinical trials, four of them placebo-controlled, with a total number of 655 patients included. From this sample, 281 (42.9%) used beta-blocker as intervention, and carvedilol was the most frequent (167 patients - 25.5%). Six studies were considered positive regarding the cardioprotection role played by beta-blockers, although only four demonstrated significant difference on left ventricle ejection fraction after chemotherapy on groups that used beta-blockers compared to control groups. Carvedilol and nebivolol, but not metoprolol, had positive results regarding cardioprotection. Other beta-blockers were not analysed in the selected studies. CONCLUSIONS Despite the potential cardioprotective effect of beta-blockers, as demonstrated in small and unicentric clinical trials, its routine use on prevention of anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity demands greater scientific evidence.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o papel dos betabloqueadores na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade induzida pelas antraciclinas em adultos. MÉTODOS Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática em bases de dados eletrônicos, incluindo os estudos relevantes que analisaram fármacos betabloqueadores como agentes cardioprotetores antes do início do uso de antraciclinas por pacientes oncológicos adultos. RESULTADOS Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade e seleção, foram obtidos oito artigos considerados de boa qualidade, que se adequavam à temática proposta, sendo todos ensaios clínicos, quatro placebo-controlados, totalizando 655 pacientes incluídos. Destes, 281 (42,9%) fizeram uso de algum betabloqueador como intervenção, sendo o carvedilol o mais utilizado (167 pacientes - 25,5%). Seis estudos foram considerados positivos quanto à cardioproteção exercida pelos betabloqueadores, porém apenas quatro demonstraram diferença na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo após a quimioterapia nos grupos que usaram betabloqueadores em relação aos grupos controle. O carvedilol e o nebivolol, mas não o metoprolol, tiveram resultados positivos quanto à cardioproteção. Outros betabloqueadores não foram avaliados nos estudos incluídos. CONCLUSÕES Apesar de haver um potencial efeito cardioprotetor dos betabloqueadores, conforme demonstrado em ensaios clínicos pequenos e unicêntricos, sua utilização rotineira na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade associada às antraciclinas requer maiores comprovações científicas.

Acompanhamento de Gestante Portadora de Síndrome de Marfan com Tubo Valvado Metálico Aórtico / Management of Pregnant Woman with Marfan Syndrome and Mechanical Aortic Valved Conduit

Relata-se o acompanhamento de paciente gestante, 29 anos, primigesta, portadora da Síndrome de Marfan e tubo valvado metálico aórtico encaminhada ao cardiologista com sete semanas de gestação.Ao ecodopplercardiograma apresentava diâmetro da raiz da aorta de 35 mm, tubo valvado e prótese aórtica metálica normofuncionante. Realizou acompanhamento cardiológico especializado desde então. Na 38a semana de gestação foi submetida ao parto cesariana com anestesia geral, profilaxia de endocardite infecciosa, monitorização cardíaca no centro cirúrgico e pós-operatório na unidade coronariana por 24 horas. Os períodos gestacional e puerpério transcorreram sem eventos hemorrágicos. O acompanhamento clínico e obstétrico de gestantes com Síndrome de Marfan é desafiador, e a condição de prótese valvar mecânica previamente implantada aumenta o risco destas paciente

Impacto da clínica de insuficiência cardíaca no teste de caminhada de seis minutos / Impact of heart failure clinic on six-minute walk test

Fundamentos: O teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) é de fácil aplicação e baixo custo, utilizado paraavaliar objetivamente o grau de limitação funcional e prognóstico da insuficiência cardíaca (IC).Objetivo: Avaliar os TC6M de indivíduos com IC recém-diagnosticada, realizados na consulta admissional e apósseis meses, analisando a diferença mínima importante (Minimal important difference - MID) entre os dois testes.Métodos: Estudo tipo coorte histórico. O primeiro TC6M foi avaliado em pacientes com IC sistólica referenciadosà Clínica de IC entre julho de 2012 e outubro de 2014 e o segundo TC6M após seis meses. O grupo que atingiu adistância MID no segundo teste foi comparado com o que não a atingiu. Delta-distância e necessidade dehospitalizações foram avaliados conforme adesão ao tratamento, classe funcional (CF) da New York Heart Associationna primeira consulta e grau de disfunção ventricular esquerda.Resultados: A diferença de distância percorrida entre os TC6M foi 48,79 m na população estudada, e distânciaMID calculada de 49 m. Trinta pacientes (58,8%) apresentaram delta-distância menor que a MID, com média deidade maior que o outro grupo (p=0,01). A média do delta-distância foi significativamente maior nos pacientesaderentes ao tratamento e nos que estavam em CF III na primeira consulta.Conclusão: Houve aumento geral da distância média percorrida do primeiro para o segundo TC6M nos pacientescom IC, porém menos da metade dos pacientes obteve incremento significativo.

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is an easy-to-use low-cost test that is employed to objectively evaluate the degreeof functional limitation and the prognosis of heart failure (HF).Objective: To evaluate the 6MWT of individuals with newly diagnosed HF, performed on admission and after six months, analyzingthe minimal important difference — MID between the two tests.Methods: Historical cohort study. The first 6MWT was evaluated in patients with systolic HF referred to the HF clinic from July2012 to October 2014 and the second 6MWT after six months. The group that reached the MID distance in the second test wascompared to the group that did not reach it. Delta-distance and need for hospitalizations were assessed as adherence to treatment,functional class (FC) of the New York Heart Association at the first visit and degree of left ventricular dysfunction.Results: The difference in the distance covered between the 6MWT was 48.79 m in the study population and the MID distancecalculated was 49 m. Thirty patients (58.8%) had lower delta-distance than the MID distance, with an average age higher than theother group (p=0.01). The average delta-distance was significantly higher in patients adhering to treatment and in those who werein FC III at the first visit.Conclusion: There was general increase in the average distance covered from the first to the second 6MWT in patients with HF,but less than half of patients achieved significant incremente.

Study on Lifestyles and Stress Levels in Medicine Student / Estudo sobre Estilos de Vida e Níveis de Estresse em Estudantes de Medicina

Estilos de vida pouco saudáveis são fatores de risco preveníveis para doenças crônicas. Intervir sobre eles constitui estratégia fundamental de saúde preventiva. Objetivo: Avaliar o estilo de vida, os níveis de estresse, as doenças e os fatores de risco cardiovascular de estudantes de medicina. Métodos: Estudo transversal, observacional, com alunos de uma escola de medicina estratificados em: Grupo 1(G1) - do 1º ao 4º período do curso, Grupo 2 (G2) - do 5º ao 8º e Grupo 3 (G3) - do 9º ao 12º. Foram aplicados dois questionários: Estilo de vida Fantástico e outro relacionado a níveis de estresse, doenças e fatores de risco cardiovascular. Resultados: Foram avaliados 482 estudantes, média de idade 21,7±2,7 anos. A pontuação média no questionário Estilo de vida Fantástico classificou o G1 e o G3 em Muito bom (72,1 e 71,3 pontos, respectivamente) e o G2 em Bom (69,2 pontos) (p=0,007). Quanto aos níveis de estresse, responderam Alto ou Muito Alto 22,3% no G1, 34,9%no G2 e 30,7% no G3 (p=0,008). As doenças mais prevalentes foram dislipidemia (7,4%), hipertensão arterial (2,6%)e transtorno depressivo (2,2%). Conclusões: Houve piora considerável do estilo de vida e dos níveis de estresse a partir do 5º período, com melhora parcial nos dois últimos anos do curso. Observou-se expressiva prevalência de dislipidemia, hipertensão e transtorno depressivo...

Unhealthy lifestyles are preventable risk factors for chronic diseases. Intervening on them is a fundamental strategy of preventive health. Objective: To evaluate lifestyle, stress levels, diseases and cardiovascular risk factors of medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study with students from a medical school stratified into: Group 1 (G1) - from the 1st to the 4th period of the course, Group 2 (G2) - from the 5th to the 8th and Group 3 (G3) - from the 9th to the 12th. Two questionnaires were given: Fantastic Lifestyle and another one related to stress levels, diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The study included 482 students, average age 21.7±2.7 years. The average score on the Fantastic Lifestyle questionnaire ranked G1 and G3 at Very good (72.1 and 71.3 points, respectively) and G2 in Good (69.2 points) (p=0.007). As for the stress levels, they responded High or Very High 22.3% in G1, 34.9% in G2 and 30.7% in G3 (p=0.008). The most prevalent diseases were dyslipidemia (7.4%), hypertension (2.6%) and depressive disorder (2.2%). Conclusions: There was considerable worsening of lifestyle and stress levels from the 5th period, with partial improvement in the last two years of the course. There was a significant prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension and depressive disorder...

Análise da qualidade de vida em homens e mulheres portadores de insuficiência cardíaca / Quality of life analysis among men and women with heart failure

Fundamentos: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é capaz de exercer grande impacto sobre a qualidade de vida (QV), e as diferenças na QV de homens e mulheres portadores de IC são pouco conhecidas. O Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) é uma ferramenta que avalia a QV dos portadores de IC. Objetivo: Avaliar a QV de pacientes com IC, comparando os sexos masculino e feminino. Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico transversal e descritivo, no qual se aplicou o MLHFQ a pacientes com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida, acompanhados na clínica de IC de hospital universitário entre outubro 2012 e março 2013. Foram analisados os resultados do MLHFQ dos pacientes incluídos comparando-os por sexo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 74 pacientes: sexo masculino (n=42; 56,8 %) e sexo feminino (n=32; 43,2 %). Comparando-se os dois grupos, não houve diferença nas características clínicas e nas medicações utilizadas. No grupo masculino ocorreram 0,27 internações/paciente/ano vs. 0,17 internações/paciente/ano no grupo feminino (p=0,32). O escore médio obtido pelo MLHFQ foi 35,6±18,9 para homens e 47,8±24, para mulheres (p=0,02). Conclusão: Apesar do menor número de internações hospitalares, observou-se pior QV em pacientes com IC do sexo feminino em comparação ao masculino.

Background: Heart failure (HF) can severely impact the quality of life (QOL), and little is known about QOL and differences between men and women with HF. The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is tool that assesses the QOL of HF patients. Objective: To assess the QOL of HF patients, comparing men and women. Methods: A single-center transversal descriptive study applying the MLHFQ to HF patients with reduced ejection fraction monitored at the HF Clinic of a University Hospital between October 2012 and March 2013. The MLHFQ findings were analyzed for these patients and compared by gender. Results: This study encompassed 74 patients: male (n=42; 56.8%) and female (n=32; 43.2%). A comparison of these two groups revealed no differences in their clinical characteristics and medications. The male group presented 0.27 hospitalizations/patient/year vs. 0.17 hospitalizations/patient/year in the female group (p=0.32). The average MLHFQ score was 35.6±18.9 for men and 47.8±24.0 for women (p=0.02). Conclusions: Despite fewer hospitalizations, a poorer QOL was noted among female HF patients, compared to the male group.