Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with preexisting dementia: a large multicenter propensity-matched Brazilian cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although dementia has emerged as an important risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, results on COVID-19-related complications and mortality are not consistent. We examined the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19 in a multicentre cohort of in-hospital patients, comparing those with and without dementia. METHODS: This retrospective observational study comprises COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients aged ≥ 60 years admitted to 38 hospitals from 19 cities in Brazil. Data were obtained from electronic hospital records. A propensity score analysis was used to match patients with and without dementia (up to 3:1) according to age, sex, comorbidities, year, and hospital of admission. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We also assessed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), kidney replacement therapy (KRT), sepsis, nosocomial infection, and thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Among 1,556 patients included in the study, 405 (4.5%) had a diagnosis of dementia and 1,151 were matched controls. When compared to matched controls, patients with dementia had a lower frequency of dyspnoea, cough, myalgia, headache, ageusia, and anosmia; and higher frequency of fever and delirium. They also had a lower frequency of ICU admission (32.7% vs. 47.1%, p < 0.001) and shorter ICU length of stay (7 vs. 9 days, p < 0.026), and a lower frequency of sepsis (17% vs. 24%, p = 0.005), KRT (6.4% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and IVM (4.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.002). There were no differences in hospital mortality between groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 differ between older inpatients with and without dementia. We observed that dementia alone could not explain the higher short-term mortality following severe COVID-19. Therefore, clinicians should consider other risk factors such as acute morbidity severity and baseline frailty when evaluating the prognosis of older adults with dementia hospitalised with COVID-19.

Mechanical ventilation and death in pregnant patients admitted for COVID-19: a prognostic analysis from the Brazilian COVID-19 registry score.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of clinical prognosis of pregnant COVID-19 patients at hospital presentation is challenging, due to physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Our aim was to assess the performance of the ABC2-SPH score to predict in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation support in pregnant patients with COVID-19, to assess the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and characteristics of pregnant women who died. METHODS: This multicenter cohort included consecutive pregnant patients with COVID-19 admitted to the participating hospitals, from April/2020 to March/2022. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation support and in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were pregnancy outcomes. The overall discrimination of the model was presented as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Overall performance was assessed using the Brier score. RESULTS: From 350 pregnant patients (median age 30 [interquartile range (25.2, 35.0)] years-old]), 11.1% had hypertensive disorders, 19.7% required mechanical ventilation support and 6.0% died. The AUROC for in-hospital mortality and for the composite outcome were 0.809 (95% IC: 0.641-0.944) and 0.704 (95% IC: 0.617-0.792), respectively, with good overall performance (Brier = 0.0384 and 0.1610, respectively). Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but poor for the composite outcome. Women who died had a median age 4 years-old higher, higher frequency of hypertensive disorders (38.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001) and obesity (28.6% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.025) than those who were discharged alive, and their newborns had lower birth weight (2000 vs. 2813, p = 0.001) and five-minute Apgar score (3.0 vs. 8.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ABC2-SPH score had good overall performance for in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but it was poor for the composite outcome. Therefore, the score may be useful to predict in-hospital mortality in pregnant patients with COVID-19, in addition to clinical judgment. Newborns from women who died had lower birth weight and Apgar score than those who were discharged alive.

Temporal validation of the MMCD score to predict kidney replacement therapy and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury has been described as a common complication in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, which may lead to the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in its most severe forms. Our group developed and validated the MMCD score in Brazilian COVID-19 patients to predict KRT, which showed excellent performance using data from 2020. This study aimed to validate the MMCD score in a large cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in a different pandemic phase and assess its performance to predict in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This study is part of the "Brazilian COVID-19 Registry", a retrospective observational cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in 25 Brazilian hospitals between March 2021 and August 2022. The primary outcome was KRT during hospitalization and the secondary was in-hospital mortality. We also searched literature for other prediction models for KRT, to assess the results in our database. Performance was assessed using area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and the Brier score. RESULTS: A total of 9422 patients were included, 53.8% were men, with a median age of 59 (IQR 48-70) years old. The incidence of KRT was 8.8% and in-hospital mortality was 18.1%. The MMCD score had excellent discrimination and overall performance to predict KRT (AUROC: 0.916 [95% CI 0.909-0.924]; Brier score = 0.057). Despite the excellent discrimination and overall performance (AUROC: 0.922 [95% CI 0.914-0.929]; Brier score = 0.100), the calibration was not satisfactory concerning in-hospital mortality. A random forest model was applied in the database, with inferior performance to predict KRT requirement (AUROC: 0.71 [95% CI 0.69-0.73]). CONCLUSION: The MMCD score is not appropriate for in-hospital mortality but demonstrates an excellent predictive ability to predict KRT in COVID-19 patients. The instrument is low cost, objective, fast and accurate, and can contribute to supporting clinical decisions in the efficient allocation of assistance resources in patients with COVID-19.

Subclinical vascular, hemodynamic and arterial stiffness changes in adults with cystic fibrosis: cross-sectional observational study.

Cardiovascular diseases can be an emerging complication in cystic fibrosis (CF), as the median life expectancy has improved considerably. The objective of this study was to compare vascular, hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness in adult CF patients with healthy participants pared by sex and age, and to assess the factors associated with arterial stiffness in the CF group. This is a cross-sectional observational study. The evaluation of cardiovascular parameters was performed non-invasively using Mobil-O-Graph. 36 individuals with CF and 35 controls were evaluated. The mean arterial pressure (96.71 ± 10.98 versus 88.61 ± 7.40 mmHg, p = 0.0005), cardiac output (4.86 ± 0.57 versus 4.48 ± 0.44 L/min, p = 0.002) and systolic volume (64.30 ± 11.91 versus 49.02 ± 9.31 ml, p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the CF group. The heart rate was higher in the CF when compared to the control (77.18 ± 10.47 versus 93.56 ± 14.57 bpm, p < 0.0001). The augmentation index (AIx@75) was higher in the CF than control (29.94 ± 9.37 versus 16.52 ± 7.179%, p < 0.0001). In the multivariate model controlled by body mass index and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second, central systolic blood pressure and reflection coefficient directly related to AIx@75. Negatively related to AIx@75 were age and systolic volume. The adjusted determination coefficient was 87.40%. Individuals with CF presented lower arterial blood pressures and changes in cardiac function with lower stroke volume and cardiac output. The AIx@75, an indirect index of arterial stiffness and direct index of left ventricular overload, is increased in this population. The subclinical findings suggest the need for earlier cardiovascular assessment in this population due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease.

AB2CO risk score for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units.

PURPOSE: To develop a mortality risk score for COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and to compare it with other existing scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included consecutive adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICUs of 18 hospitals from nine Brazilian cities, from September 2021 to July 2022. Potential predictors were selected based on the literature review. Generalized Additive Models were used to examine outcomes and predictors. LASSO regression was used to derive the mortality score. RESULTS: From 558 patients, median age was 69 years (IQR 58-78), 56.3 % were men, 19.7 % required mechanical ventilation (MV), and 44.8 % died. The final model comprised six variables: age, pO2/FiO2, respiratory function (respiratory rate or if in MV), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity. The AB2CO had an AUROC of 0.781 (95 % CI 0.744 to 0.819), good overall performance (Brier score = 0.191) and an excellent calibration (slope = 1.063, intercept = 0.015, p-value = 0.834). The model was compared with other scores and displayed better discrimination ability than the majority of them. CONCLUSIONS: The AB2CO score is a fast and easy tool to be used upon ICU admission.

Corrigendum: Assessment of risk scores to predict mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1130218.].

Factors associated with pulmonary infection in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the etiology of and factors associated with pulmonary infection in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a single-center case-control study conducted between December of 2017 and March of 2020 at a referral center for kidney transplantation in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The case:control ratio was 1:1.8. Cases included kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients hospitalized with pulmonary infection. Controls included kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients without pulmonary infection and matched to cases for sex, age group, and donor type (living or deceased). RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the study. Of those, 70 were cases and 127 were controls. The mean age was 55 years (for cases) and 53 years (for controls), with a predominance of males. Corticosteroid use, bronchiectasis, and being overweight were associated with pulmonary infection risk in the multivariate logistic regression model. The most common etiologic agent of infection was cytomegalovirus (in 14.3% of the cases), followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (in 10%), Histoplasma capsulatum (in 7.1%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (in 7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid use, bronchiectasis, and being overweight appear to be risk factors for pulmonary infection in kidney/kidney-pancreas transplant recipients, endemic mycoses being prevalent in this population. Appropriate planning and follow-up play an important role in identifying kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients at risk of pulmonary infection.

Assessment of the ABC2-SPH risk score to predict invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients and comparison to other scores.

Background: Predicting the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is important for the allocation of human and technological resources, improvement of surveillance, and use of effective therapeutic measures. This study aimed (i) to assess whether the ABC2-SPH score is able to predict the receipt of IMV in COVID-19 patients; (ii) to compare its performance with other existing scores; (iii) to perform score recalibration, and to assess whether recalibration improved prediction. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort, which included adult laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted in 32 hospitals, from 14 Brazilian cities. This study was conducted in two stages: (i) for the assessment of the ABC2-SPH score and comparison with other available scores, patients hospitalized from July 31, 2020, to March 31, 2022, were included; (ii) for ABC2-SPH score recalibration and also comparison with other existing scores, patients admitted from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, were enrolled. For both steps, the area under the receiving operator characteristic score (AUROC) was calculated for all scores, while a calibration plot was assessed only for the ABC2-SPH score. Comparisons between ABC2-SPH and the other scores followed the Delong Test recommendations. Logistic recalibration methods were used to improve results and adapt to the studied sample. Results: Overall, 9,350 patients were included in the study, the median age was 58.5 (IQR 47.0-69.0) years old, and 45.4% were women. Of those, 33.5% were admitted to the ICU, 25.2% received IMV, and 17.8% died. The ABC2-SPH score showed a significantly greater discriminatory capacity, than the CURB-65, STSS, and SUM scores, with potentialized results when we consider only patients younger than 80 years old (AUROC 0.714 [95% CI 0.698-0.731]). Thus, after the ABC2-SPH score recalibration, we observed improvements in calibration (slope = 1.135, intercept = 0.242) and overall performance (Brier score = 0.127). Conclusion: The ABC2-SPHr risk score demonstrated a good performance to predict the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 hospitalized patients under 80 years of age.

Assessment of risk scores to predict mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Objectives: To assess the ABC2-SPH score in predicting COVID-19 in-hospital mortality, during intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and to compare its performance with other scores (SOFA, SAPS-3, NEWS2, 4C Mortality Score, SOARS, CURB-65, modified CHA2DS2-VASc, and a novel severity score). Materials and methods: Consecutive patients (≥ 18 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICUs of 25 hospitals, located in 17 Brazilian cities, from October 2020 to March 2022, were included. Overall performance of the scores was evaluated using the Brier score. ABC2-SPH was used as the reference score, and comparisons between ABC2-SPH and the other scores were performed by using the Bonferroni method of correction. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: ABC2-SPH had an area under the curve of 0.716 (95% CI 0.693-0.738), significantly higher than CURB-65, SOFA, NEWS2, SOARS, and modified CHA2DS2-VASc scores. There was no statistically significant difference between ABC2-SPH and SAPS-3, 4C Mortality Score, and the novel severity score. Conclusion: ABC2-SPH was superior to other risk scores, but it still did not demonstrate an excellent predictive ability for mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Our results indicate the need to develop a new score, for this subset of patients.

Reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise test in healthy adults in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX) test, which measures peak arm exercise capacity, in healthy adults in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, involving presumably healthy individuals ≥ 30 years of age who completed questionnaires and underwent spirometry. All of the individuals underwent two UULEX tests 30-min apart. The outcome measure was the maximum time (in min) to completion of the test. RESULTS: We included 100 individuals between 30 and 80 years of age. The mean test completion time was 11.99 ± 1.90 min among the women and 12.89 ± 2.15 min among the men (p = 0.03). The test completion time showed statistically significant correlations with age (r = -0.48; p < 0.001), gender (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), body mass index (BMI, r = -0.20; p = 0.05), and height (r = 0.28; p = 0.005). Linear regression analysis showed that the predictors of UULEX completion time were age (p = 0.000), BMI (p = 0.003), and gender (p = 0.019), which collectively explained 30% of the total variability. The mean UULEX completion time was 6% lower for the women than for the men. CONCLUSIONS: The present study was able to establish reference values for the UULEX test in healthy adults in Brazil. The values were influenced by age, gender, and BMI.

Factors associated with pulmonary infection in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients: a case-control study / Fatores associados a infecção pulmonar em pacientes que receberam transplante de rim ou rim-pâncreas: estudo de caso-controle

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the etiology of and factors associated with pulmonary infection in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients. Methods: This was a single-center case-control study conducted between December of 2017 and March of 2020 at a referral center for kidney transplantation in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The case:control ratio was 1:1.8. Cases included kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients hospitalized with pulmonary infection. Controls included kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients without pulmonary infection and matched to cases for sex, age group, and donor type (living or deceased). Results: A total of 197 patients were included in the study. Of those, 70 were cases and 127 were controls. The mean age was 55 years (for cases) and 53 years (for controls), with a predominance of males. Corticosteroid use, bronchiectasis, and being overweight were associated with pulmonary infection risk in the multivariate logistic regression model. The most common etiologic agent of infection was cytomegalovirus (in 14.3% of the cases), followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (in 10%), Histoplasma capsulatum (in 7.1%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (in 7.1%). Conclusions: Corticosteroid use, bronchiectasis, and being overweight appear to be risk factors for pulmonary infection in kidney/kidney-pancreas transplant recipients, endemic mycoses being prevalent in this population. Appropriate planning and follow-up play an important role in identifying kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients at risk of pulmonary infection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a etiologia da infecção pulmonar e os fatores a ela associados em pacientes que receberam transplante de rim ou rim-pâncreas. Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico de caso-controle realizado entre dezembro de 2017 e março de 2020 em um centro de referência em transplantes de rim em Belo Horizonte (MG). A proporção caso:controle foi de 1:1,8. Os casos foram pacientes que haviam recebido transplante de rim ou rim-pâncreas e que foram hospitalizados em virtude de infecção pulmonar. Os controles foram pacientes que haviam recebido transplante de rim ou rim-pâncreas e que não apresentaram infecção pulmonar, emparelhados com os casos pelo sexo, faixa etária e tipo de doador (vivo ou falecido). Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 197 pacientes. Destes, 70 eram casos e 127 eram controles. A média de idade foi de 55 anos (casos) e 53 anos (controles), com predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino. O uso de corticosteroides, bronquiectasias e sobrepeso relacionaram-se com risco de infecção pulmonar no modelo de regressão logística multivariada. O agente etiológico de infecção mais comum foi o citomegalovírus (em 14,3% dos casos), seguido de Mycobacterium tuberculosis (em 10%), Histoplasma capsulatum (em 7,1%) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (em 7,1%). Conclusões: O uso de corticosteroides, bronquiectasias e sobrepeso parecem ser fatores de risco de infecção pulmonar em pacientes que receberam transplante de rim ou rim-pâncreas, e as micoses endêmicas são prevalentes nessa população. O planejamento e acompanhamento adequados desempenham um papel importante na identificação de pacientes transplantados de rim/rim-pâncreas nos quais haja risco de infecção pulmonar.

Esclerose lateral amiotrófica em Belo Horizonte, Brasil entre 2010 e 2020: um estudo clínico epidemiológico / Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Belo Horizont, Brazil between 2010 and 2020: a clinical epidemiological study

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico de indivíduos com Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) de um hospital de referência na cidade de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal retrospectivo com coleta de dados de prontuários eletrônicos de indivíduos com diagnóstico definido de ELA entre 2010 e 2020, no setor de referência em Distrofias Musculares de um hospital de uma capital brasileira. Resultados: Foram incluídos 103 indivíduos com ELA, com idade média de 60±12 anos, idade média de diagnóstico de 56±12 anos e tempo médio de evolução da doença de 3±3 anos. Além disso, 70% eram do sexo masculino, 88% com ELA esporádica, com envolvimento bulbar semelhante entre leve (32%), moderado (27%) e grave (28%), e com maior taxa de diagnóstico de 50 a 70 anos de idade. Conclusão: Os dados epidemiológicos deste estudo são muito semelhantes aos da literatura. No entanto, a heterogeneidade da doença, a complexidade do diagnóstico e a diversidade de formas que cada estudo traz para a doença, e principalmente a rápida progressão, dificultam a discussão de um quadro mais extenso. Traçar esse perfil é importante para uma clínica mais focada e um manejo mais adequado, e para isso são necessários mais estudos.

Objective: To describe the clinical profile of individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from a reference hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Method: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study with data collection from electronic medical records of individuals with a defined diagnosis of ALS between 2010 and 2020, in the Muscular Dystrophies reference sector of a hospital in a Brazilian capital. Results: A total of 103 individuals with ALS were included, with a mean age of 60±12 years, mean diagnostic age 56±12 years, and mean time of disease progression of 3±3 years. Furthermore, 70% were male, 88% with sporadic ALS, with a similar bulbar involvement between mild (32%), moderate (27%) and severe (28%), and with a higher rate of diagnosis from 50 to 70 years of age. Conclusion: The epidemiological data from this study are very similar to those in the literature. However, the heterogeneity of the disease, the complexity of the diagnosis and the diversity of forms that each study brings to the disease, and especially the rapid progression, make a more extensive picture difficult to be discussed. Tracing this profile is important for a more focused clinic and a more adequate management, and for that, further studies are needed.

Reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise test in healthy adults in Brazil / Valores normativos para o teste Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise para adultos saudáveis no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX) test, which measures peak arm exercise capacity, in healthy adults in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, involving presumably healthy individuals ≥ 30 years of age who completed questionnaires and underwent spirometry. All of the individuals underwent two UULEX tests 30-min apart. The outcome measure was the maximum time (in min) to completion of the test. Results: We included 100 individuals between 30 and 80 years of age. The mean test completion time was 11.99 ± 1.90 min among the women and 12.89 ± 2.15 min among the men (p = 0.03). The test completion time showed statistically significant correlations with age (r = −0.48; p < 0.001), gender (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), body mass index (BMI, r = −0.20; p = 0.05), and height (r = 0.28; p = 0.005). Linear regression analysis showed that the predictors of UULEX completion time were age (p = 0.000), BMI (p = 0.003), and gender (p = 0.019), which collectively explained 30% of the total variability. The mean UULEX completion time was 6% lower for the women than for the men. Conclusions: The present study was able to establish reference values for the UULEX test in healthy adults in Brazil. The values were influenced by age, gender, and BMI.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer valores normativos para o teste Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX), que mede o pico de exercício de membros superiores, em adultos saudáveis no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo indivíduos com idade ≥ 30 anos considerados saudáveis após serem submetidos a questionários e espirometria. Os indivíduos realizaram dois testes UULEX com intervalo de 30 min entre eles. A variável de desfecho foi o tempo máximo de realização do teste em min. Resultados: Foram incluídos 100 indivíduos com idade entre 30 e 80 anos. As médias de tempo de realização do teste foram de 11,99 ± 1,90 min e 12,89 ± 2,15 min em homens e mulheres, respectivamente (p = 0,03). Houve uma correlação estatisticamente significante entre o tempo de execução do UULEX e idade (r = −0,48; p < 0,001), sexo (r = 0,28; p = 0,004), índice de massa corpórea (IMC; r = −0,20; p = 0,05) e altura (r = 0,28; p = 0,005). A análise de regressão linear mostrou que as variáveis idade (p < 0,001), IMC (p = 0,003) e sexo (p = 0,019) são preditoras do UULEX, explicando 30% da variabilidade total no tempo de realização do teste. A média do tempo de realização do UULEX foi 6% menor nas mulheres que nos homens. Conclusões: O presente estudo foi capaz de fornecer valores normativos para o teste UULEX em adultos saudáveis no Brasil. Esses valores foram influenciados pela idade, sexo e IMC.

Respiratory function and functional capacity in chronic stroke patients 1 / Avaliação respiratória e capacidade funcional em pacientes com AVE crônico

Abstract Introduction: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke results in weakness of the trunk muscles and physical unfitness. Objectives: To evaluate respiratory changes caused by stroke and correlate them with the functional capacity of chronic stroke patients who were treated at the Clinical Center of Physical Therapy of the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Betim. Methods: Fifteen patients were recruited for assessment of respiratory function and functional capacity. We measured maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow (PEF), vital capacity (VC), and functional capacity using the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Test results were compared with reference values using an unpaired Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Respiratory variables were correlated with the distance walked in the 6MWT using Spearman's correlation test. Results: The sample had a mean age of 58.2 ± 13.4 years, and most patients had a diagnosis of ischemic stroke and left hemiparesis. The following values were obtained: MIP (47.7 ± 22.2 cmH2O); MEP (47.5 ± 20.3 cmH2O); PEF (351.3 ± 90.8 L/min); VC (3.0 ± 0.91 L); and 6MWT (222.4 ± 101.6 m). The MIP, MEP, PEF, and 6MWT values measured in this study were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the reference values. There was no statistically significant correlation between the distance walked in the 6 MWT and respiratory variables (p > 0.005). Conclusion: Our results suggest that, despite the decrease in respiratory muscle strength, PEF, and VC, these variables did not correlate with the functional capacity of the chronic stroke patients assessed in this study.

Resumo Introdução: O acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) resulta em fraqueza dos músculos do tronco e descondicionamento físico. Objetivos: Avaliar as alterações respiratórias e correlacioná-las com a capacidade funcional de pacientes pós AVE crônicos do Centro Clínico de Fisioterapia da PUC Minas Betim. Métodos: Foram recrutados 15 pacientes para avaliação respiratória e da capacidade funcional. Foram avaliadas a pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx), pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx), pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE), capacidade vital (CV) e a capacidade funcional a partir do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M). Os resultados foram comparados com os valores de referência utilizando os testes t de Student não pareado ou teste Mann-Whitney. As variáveis respiratórias foram correlacionadas com a distância percorrida no TC6M por meio do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: A amostra apresentou idade média de 58,2 ± 13,4 anos, sendo que o diagnóstico da maioria foi AVE isquêmico e hemiparesia à esquerda. Os valores obtidos foram PImáx (47,722,2 cmH2 O); PEmáx (47,5 20,3 cmH2 O); PFE (351,390,8 L/min); CV (3,00,91 L) e TC6m (222,4101,6 m). Quando comparados com os valores de referência, os valores de PImáx, PEmáx, PFE e TC6M foram estatisticamente menores (p < 0,001). Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre a distância percorrida no TC6M e as variáveis respiratórias (p > 0,005). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que apesar de existir o declínio da força muscular respiratória, do PFE e da CV, esses não se correlacionaram com a capacidade funcional dos pacientes pós AVE crônicos avaliados.

Variabilidade da frequência cardíaca durante a utilização de espirômetros de incentivo / Heart rate variability while using incentive spirometers

Fundamentos: Devido à influência da respiração sobre o sistema autonômico, alguns estudos têm avaliado a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) durante a realização de técnicas utilizadas pela fisioterapia respiratória. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar os efeitos da execução da espirometria de incentivo (EI) a fluxo e a volume na VFC de indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo cruzado, com 33 voluntários (25,88±4,65 anos). Os indivíduos realizaram EI a fluxo e a volume de forma randomizada. A VFC foi registrada em um único dia durante cinco momentos: repouso inicial, primeiro EI, repouso, segundo EI e repouso final, com duração de 5 minutos cada um. Foram analisadas as variáveis pNN50 e rMSSD. A comparação entre os efeitos da EI a fluxo e a volume na VFC foi realizada pelo ANOVA two way, seguida da análise post hoc pelo teste de Tukey, quando necessário. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05.Resultados: O pNN50 aumentou significativamente durante ambos EI quando comparado aos seus respectivos tempo de repouso inicial (fluxo: 8,11±7,31%vs. 13,12±7,15 % p<0,001; volume: 7,12±5,39 % vs. 13,44±6,79 %, p<0,001). O mesmo ocorreu com o índice rMSSD (fluxo: 36,56±19,34 ms vs. 50,91±20,48 ms, p<0,001; volume: 34,93±13,48 ms vs. 50,75±18,93 ms, p<0,001). Entretanto, não houve diferenças significativas entre os tipos de EI. Conclusão: A realização da EI ocasiona aumento da modulação vagal de indivíduos saudáveis, que ocorre de forma similar nos dispositivos a fluxo e a volume.

Background: Due to the influence of breathing on the autonomic system, some studies have evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) while using respiratory physiotherapy techniques. Objectives: To assess and compare the effects of flow-oriented (FIS) and volume-oriented (VIS) incentive spirometry on HRV in healthy subjects. Methods: A crossover prospective study with 33 volunteers (25.88 ± 4.65 years old). The subjects underwent FIS and VIS randomly. Their HRV was recorded during a day at five moments: initial rest, first incentive spirometry, at rest, second incentive spirometry and final rest, with each phase lasting five minutes. The pNN50 and rMSSD variables were analyzed, comparing the effects of FIS and VIS on HRV through two-way variance analysis, followed by post-hoc analysis using the Tukey test, when necessary. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05.Results: During both incentive spirometry sessions, the pNN50 increased significantly compared to the respective initial rest time (FIS: 8.11±7.31% vs. 13.12±7.15%, p<0.001; VIS: 7.12±5.39% vs. 13.44±6.79%, p<0.001;) The same occurred with the rMSSD rating (FIS: 36.56±19.34ms vs. 50.91±20.48ms, p<0.001; VIS: 34.93±13.48ms vs. 50.75±18.93ms, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the types of incentive spirometry. Conclusion: Incentive spirometry causes increased vagal modulation in healthy individuals, occurring similarly in the flow and volume devices.

Comparação entre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca de jovens tabagistas e não tabagistas / Comparison of heart rate variability between young smokers and non smokers

Fundamentos: As alterações na modulação autonômica do coração podem se manifestar precocemente em fumantes. Objetivo: Comparar a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em repouso de jovens fumantes e não fumantes, e a modulação autonômica cardíaca durante a manobra de Valsalva (MV).Métodos: Foram estudados 37 indivíduos saudáveis com média de idade de 20,6±3,6 anos (18 fumantes e 19 não fumantes). A VFC foi registrada em duas etapas: em repouso e durante a MV. Foram avaliados índices de VFC no domínio do tempo (rMSSD e PNN50) e da frequência (HF, LF e LF/HF). O efeito da MV na modulação autonômica foi avaliada pela variação relativa dos índices de HRV.Resultados: Foram observados menores valores de rMSSD (p=0,011) e pNN50 (p=0,010) no grupo de fumantes em repouso; a frequência cardíaca de repouso foi significativamente menor no grupo não fumante (p=0,035 ). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos para as outras variáveis em repouso. Também não houve diferenças na variação relativa dos índices de VFC induzidas pela MV. Conclusões: O hábito de fumar provoca alterações na modulação autonômica cardíaca de indivíduos jovens, que são caracterizadas pela redução da resposta parassimpática ao repouso.

Background: Changes in cardiac autonomic modulation may appear early among smokers.Objective: To compare heart rate variability (HRV) at rest among young smokers and non-smokers, and cardiac autonomic modulation during the Valsalva maneuver (VM).Methods: 37 healthy subjects were studied, aged 20.6±3.6 years old (18 smokers and 19 nonsmokers). The HRV was recorded in two stages: at rest and during VM. HRV rates were evaluated by time (rMSSD and PNN50) and frequency (HF, LF and LF/HF). The effect of the MV on autonomic modulation was evaluated by the relative variation in the HRV rates.Results: Lower rMSSD (p=0.011) and pNN50 (p=0.010) values were observed at rest in the smokers group, while resting heart frequency was significantly lower in the non-smoker group (p=0.035). There were no significant differences between the groups for other variables at rest, nor any differences in the relative variation of the HRV rates induced by MV. Conclusions: Smoking causes changes in cardiac autonomic modulation among young people, characterized by reduced parasympathetic responses at rest.