Nursing training and retraining on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a theoretical-practical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the retention of knowledge and skills of nursing professionals following training and retraining on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHOD: This is an intervention, prospective, and analytical study in which 56 nursing professionals received theoretical and practical training in in-service cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Nine months after the first training (T1), these professionals participated in a retraining (T2). They were followed up for 18 months. The linear trend of knowledge and skills in the period following training was calculated and the Wilcoxon test was applied. RESULTS: Interventions increased the knowledge and skills of professionals significantly; however, in the subsequent period, skills decreased. Despite this, after a period of nine months, they were still higher than those identified before the study. There was a reduction of 18.2% in knowledge in the theoretical test after T1 vs 13.0% after T2 (p < 0.01) and a reduction of 7.6% in skills on the practical test after T1 vs 5.3% after T2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Nurses were able to retain more knowledge and skills on cardiopulmonary resuscitation after retraining, which stresses the importance of regular training and continuing education in health.

Effects of Coffee on Sirtuin-1, Homocysteine, and Cholesterol of Healthy Adults: Does the Coffee Powder Matter?

Background: Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally and contains several bioactive compounds that are relevant to human health. Many nutritional strategies modulate sirtuin-1, thereby impacting aging and cardiometabolic health. This study investigated the influence of different blended coffees on serum sirtuin-1, blood lipids, and plasma homocysteine. Methods: An eight-week randomized clinical trial that included 53 healthy adults of both sexes analyzed the effects of daily intake of 450 to 600 mL of pure Arabica or blended (Arabica + Robusta) coffee intake of filtered coffee on blood sirtuin-1, lipids, and homocysteine. Results: Both Arabica and blended coffees similarly increased serum sirtuin-1 concentration, from 0.51 to 0.58 ng/mL (p = 0.004) and from 0.40 to 0.49 ng/mL (p = 0.003), respectively, without changing plasma homocysteine, folic acid, glucose, and CRP. However, the blended coffee intake increased total cholesterol from 4.70 to 5.17 mmol/L (p < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol from 2.98 to 3.32 mmol/L (p < 0.001), as well as HDL-c from 1.26 to 1.36 mmol/L (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both coffee powders increased sirtuin-1 expression, but our results suggest that blended coffee had hypercholesterolemic effects which could increase cardiovascular risk. Therefore, preference should be given to Arabica coffee for the best cardiometabolic benefits of coffee.

Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills in Medical Students. / Retenção das Habilidades de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar nos Estudantes de Medicina.

BACKGROUND: Reduction of mortality and sequelae of cardiac arrest depends on an effective and fast intervention, started as soon as possible. Basic life support involves a series of steps that may be initiated out of the hospital setting and taught to any person in specific courses. However, it is important that the rescuers retain the knowledge and skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as one never knows when they will be required. Studies have shown that a loss of skills occurs as early as 30 days after the training course, with variations according to personal and professional characteristics. OBJECTIVES: to assess whether medical students are able to retain skills acquired in a BLS course for more than six months. METHODS: Prospective, case-control, observational study. Medical students attended a 40-hour course on sudden death and cardiac arrest. Skills acquired during the course were evaluated immediately after and six months after the course. Students' individual scores were compared between these time points, the percentage of correct answers was evaluated, and overall performance was rated as excellent, good, and poor. Observers and evaluation criteria were the same immediately after the course and six months later. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and the McNemar test. The 95% confidence interval was established, and a p < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifty students (27 female) in the first year of medical school aged from 18 to 24 years (mean of 21 years) attended the course. The number of steps successfully completed by the students at six months was significantly lower than immediately after the course (10.8 vs 12.5 p < 0.001). Neither sex nor age affected the results. Overall performance of 78% of the students was considered excellent immediately after the course, and this percentage was significantly higher than six months later (p < 0.01). After six months, the steps that the students failed to complete at six months were those related to practical skills (such as a correct hand positioning). CONCLUSION: A significant loss of skills was detected six months after the BLS course among medical students, compromising their overall performance.

FUNDAMENTO: A redução da mortalidade e das sequelas de uma vítima de parada cardíaca depende de um atendimento eficaz, rápido e iniciado o mais precocemente possível. O suporte básico de vida (SBV) compreende uma série de etapas que podem ser iniciadas fora do ambiente hospitalar, e ensinadas para qualquer pessoa em cursos específicos. Porém, é importante que o socorrista retenha o conhecimento e as habilidades, pois nunca se sabe quando será necessário realizar uma ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP). Entretanto, estudos mostram que existe uma perda das habilidades em executar uma RCP já com 30 dias após o treinamento, com variações segundo algumas características das pessoas e da atividade profissional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se os estudantes de medicina são capazes de reter as habilidades por mais de seis meses. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, caso controle, observacional. Estudantes de medicina realizaram um curso sobre morte súbita e parada cardíaca de 40 horas. A avaliação das habilidades foi realizada imediatamente após o curso e seis meses depois. Foram comparadas as notas individuais entre dois momentos, foi avaliada a porcentagem de acerto em cada etapa e uma análise global do atendimento foi classificado como ótimo, bom e ruim. Os avaliadores e critérios foram os mesmos nos dois momentos. Os dados foram analisados pelos teste-t pareado e teste de McNemar, onde para um nível de confiança de 95% o critério para significância foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta estudantes (27 do sexo feminino) do primeiro ano, com idade entre 18 e 24 anos (média 21), realizaram o curso. O número de etapas cumpridas de forma correta após seis meses foi significativamente menor que logo após o curso (10,8 vs 12,5 p < 0,001). O sexo e idade não interferiram nos resultados. A qualidade global foi considerada ótima em 78% dos atendimentos realizados logo após o curso, significativamente, maior que os 40% após seis meses (p < 0,01). Após seis meses, maior número de erros foi observado nas etapas relacionadas às habilidades mais práticas (como posicionamento das mãos). CONCLUSÃO: Seis meses após o curso observamos uma perda significativa das habilidades, entre estudantes de medicina, prejudicando a eficácia global do atendimento.

Advanced cardiac life support training improves long-term survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest.

CONTEXT: Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training was introduced to bring order and a systematic approach to the treatment of cardiac arrest by professional responders. In spite of the wide dissemination of ACLS training, it has been difficult to demonstrate improved outcome following such training. OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of formal ACLS training in improving survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multi-center, prospective cohort study examined patient outcomes after resuscitation efforts by in-hospital rescue teams with and without ACLS-trained personnel. A total of 156 patients, experiencing 172 in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest events over a 38-month period (January 1998 to March 2001) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoints included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital discharge, 30-day survival, and 1-year survival. RESULTS: The immediate success of resuscitation efforts for all patients was 39.7% (62/156). There was a significant increase in ROSC with ACLS-trained personnel (49/113; 43.4%) versus no ALCS-trained personnel (16/59; 27.1%; p=0.04). Likewise, patients treated by ACLS-trained personnel had increased survival to hospital discharge (26/82; 31.7% versus 7/34; 20.6%; p=0.23), significantly better 30-day survival (22/82; 26.8% versus 2/34; 5.9%; p<0.02), and significantly improved 1-year survival (18/82; 21.9% versus 0/34; 0%; p<0.002). CONCLUSION: The presence of at least one ACLS-trained team member at in-hospital resuscitation efforts increases both short and long-term survival following cardiac arrest.

Nursing training and retraining on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a theoretical-practical intervention / Entrenamiento y reentrenamiento sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar para enfermería: una intervención teórico-práctica / Treinamento e retreinamento sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar para enfermagem: uma intervenção teórico-prática

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the retention of knowledge and skills of nursing professionals following training and retraining on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Method: This is an intervention, prospective, and analytical study in which 56 nursing professionals received theoretical and practical training in in-service cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Nine months after the first training (T1), these professionals participated in a retraining (T2). They were followed up for 18 months. The linear trend of knowledge and skills in the period following training was calculated and the Wilcoxon test was applied. Results: Interventions increased the knowledge and skills of professionals significantly; however, in the subsequent period, skills decreased. Despite this, after a period of nine months, they were still higher than those identified before the study. There was a reduction of 18.2% in knowledge in the theoretical test after T1 vs 13.0% after T2 (p < 0.01) and a reduction of 7.6% in skills on the practical test after T1 vs 5.3% after T2 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Nurses were able to retain more knowledge and skills on cardiopulmonary resuscitation after retraining, which stresses the importance of regular training and continuing education in health.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la retención del conocimiento y habilidades de los profesionales de enfermería tras entrenamiento y reentrenamiento sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP). Método: Estudio de intervención, prospectivo y analítico en el cual 56 profesionales de enfermería recibieron entrenamiento teórico y práctico de RCP en servicio. Nueve meses tras el primer entrenamiento (E1), esos profesionales participaron de un reentrenamiento (E2). Ellos fueron acompanados por 18 meses. La tendencia lineal del conocimiento y habilidades en el período subsecuente a los entrenamientos fue calculada y se aplicó el test de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Las intervenciones aumentaron significativamente el conocimiento y las habilidades de los profesionales, sin embargo, en el periodo subsecuente las competencias se redujeron. A pesar de ello, tras un período de nueve meses ellas todavía se mantuvieron superiores a aquellas identificadas previamente al estudio. Hubo reducción del 18,2% tras E1 contra el 13,0% tras E2 (p < 0,01) del conocimiento en el test teórico y del 7,6% tras E1 contra el 5,3% tras E2 (p < 0,01) de las habilidades en el test práctico. Conclusión: Los profesionales de enfermería lograron retener más conocimiento y habilidades en RCP tras el reentrenamiento, lo que refuerza la importancia de la regularidad de cursos de capacitación y de la educación continua en salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a retenção do conhecimento e habilidades dos profissionais de enfermagem após treinamento e retreinamento sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Método: Estudo de intervenção, prospectivo e analítico no qual 56 profissionais de enfermagem receberam treinamento teórico e prático de RCP em serviço. Nove meses após o primeiro treinamento (T1), esses profissionais participaram de um retreinamento (T2). Eles foram acompanhados por 18 meses. A tendência linear do conhecimento e habilidades no período subsequente aos treinamentos foi calculada e aplicou-se o teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: As intervenções aumentaram significativamente o conhecimento e as habilidades dos profissionais; no entanto, no período subsequente, as competências reduziram. Apesar disso, após um período de nove meses elas ainda se mantiveram superiores àquelas identificadas previamente ao estudo. Houve redução de 18,2% após T1 vs 13,0% após T2 (p < 0,01) do conhecimento no teste teórico e de 7,6% após T1 vs 5,3% após T2 (p < 0,01) das habilidades no teste prático. Conclusáo: Os profissionais de enfermagem conseguiram reter mais conhecimento e habilidades em ressuscitação cardiopulmonar após o retreinamento, o que reforça a importância da regularidade das capacitações e da educação continuada em saúde.

Ischemic Heart Disease in German Immigrants and Their Descendants in a Region of Southern Brazil: A Comparison of Initial Symptoms Reported between two Generations

Abstract Background Nothing is known about ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the Germans who emigrated to Brazil during the last century. Objective We sought to compare age at diagnosis and IHD manifestations between German immigrants and their first-generation descendants in the region of Blumenau, Brazil. Methods We reviewed medical records of hospitals in Blumenau. Comparison of the groups in the evaluation times was made by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and comparison of two factors was made by two-way ANOVA. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results Study population comprised 68 patients who were born in Germany (group G) and 99 descendants (group D). Twenty-nine patients of group D had two German parents and 70 had one. Mean age at diagnosis was 66.8 ± 10.6 years, with a significant difference between the groups, four years higher in Group G than group D (69.0 ± 8.8 vs 65.4 ± 11.5 years old) (p = 0.025). There was no significant difference in risk factors or coronary angiography data between the groups. HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group G than in group D (48.4 ± 11.1 mg/dL vs 43.3 ± 11.2 mg/dL, p = 0.005). Conclusion At the time of first IHD diagnosis, mean age of the group G was significantly higher than group D, with no differences between groups in sex, risk factors, LDL levels, or clinical and angiographic manifestations. An earlier manifestation of the disease could be part of lifestyle changes in descendants, in this population that mantained eating habits characterized by high saturated fat consumption.

Retenção das Habilidades de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar nos Estudantes de Medicina / Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills in Medical Students

Resumo Fundamento A redução da mortalidade e das sequelas de uma vítima de parada cardíaca depende de um atendimento eficaz, rápido e iniciado o mais precocemente possível. O suporte básico de vida (SBV) compreende uma série de etapas que podem ser iniciadas fora do ambiente hospitalar, e ensinadas para qualquer pessoa em cursos específicos. Porém, é importante que o socorrista retenha o conhecimento e as habilidades, pois nunca se sabe quando será necessário realizar uma ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP). Entretanto, estudos mostram que existe uma perda das habilidades em executar uma RCP já com 30 dias após o treinamento, com variações segundo algumas características das pessoas e da atividade profissional. Objetivo Avaliar se os estudantes de medicina são capazes de reter as habilidades por mais de seis meses. Métodos Estudo prospectivo, caso controle, observacional. Estudantes de medicina realizaram um curso sobre morte súbita e parada cardíaca de 40 horas. A avaliação das habilidades foi realizada imediatamente após o curso e seis meses depois. Foram comparadas as notas individuais entre dois momentos, foi avaliada a porcentagem de acerto em cada etapa e uma análise global do atendimento foi classificado como ótimo, bom e ruim. Os avaliadores e critérios foram os mesmos nos dois momentos. Os dados foram analisados pelos teste-t pareado e teste de McNemar, onde para um nível de confiança de 95% o critério para significância foi p < 0,05. Resultados Cinquenta estudantes (27 do sexo feminino) do primeiro ano, com idade entre 18 e 24 anos (média 21), realizaram o curso. O número de etapas cumpridas de forma correta após seis meses foi significativamente menor que logo após o curso (10,8 vs 12,5 p < 0,001). O sexo e idade não interferiram nos resultados. A qualidade global foi considerada ótima em 78% dos atendimentos realizados logo após o curso, significativamente, maior que os 40% após seis meses (p < 0,01). Após seis meses, maior número de erros foi observado nas etapas relacionadas às habilidades mais práticas (como posicionamento das mãos). Conclusão Seis meses após o curso observamos uma perda significativa das habilidades, entre estudantes de medicina, prejudicando a eficácia global do atendimento.

Abstract Background Reduction of mortality and sequelae of cardiac arrest depends on an effective and fast intervention, started as soon as possible. Basic life support involves a series of steps that may be initiated out of the hospital setting and taught to any person in specific courses. However, it is important that the rescuers retain the knowledge and skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as one never knows when they will be required. Studies have shown that a loss of skills occurs as early as 30 days after the training course, with variations according to personal and professional characteristics. Objectives to assess whether medical students are able to retain skills acquired in a BLS course for more than six months. Methods Prospective, case-control, observational study. Medical students attended a 40-hour course on sudden death and cardiac arrest. Skills acquired during the course were evaluated immediately after and six months after the course. Students' individual scores were compared between these time points, the percentage of correct answers was evaluated, and overall performance was rated as excellent, good, and poor. Observers and evaluation criteria were the same immediately after the course and six months later. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and the McNemar test. The 95% confidence interval was established, and a p < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results Fifty students (27 female) in the first year of medical school aged from 18 to 24 years (mean of 21 years) attended the course. The number of steps successfully completed by the students at six months was significantly lower than immediately after the course (10.8 vs 12.5 p < 0.001). Neither sex nor age affected the results. Overall performance of 78% of the students was considered excellent immediately after the course, and this percentage was significantly higher than six months later (p < 0.01). After six months, the steps that the students failed to complete at six months were those related to practical skills (such as a correct hand positioning). Conclusion A significant loss of skills was detected six months after the BLS course among medical students, compromising their overall performance.

[Analysis of the intra-hospital attending of ventricular fibrilation/ventricular taquicardia simulated events]. / Análise do atendimento intra-hospitalar de eventos simulados de fibrilação ventricular/taquicardia ventricular.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the time intervals between the beginning of the Ventricular Fibrilation/Ventricular Taquicardia (VF/VT) and the main procedures made. METHODS: Twenty VF/VT simulations were performed and filmed in a hospital environment, using a static mannequin, on random days at random times. All teams had the same level of skills. The times (in sec.) related to basic life support (BLS) - arrival of the team (AT), confirmation of the arrest (CAT), beginning of the CPR (IT) and the times related to the advanced life support (ALS) - 1st defibrillation (DT), 1st dose of adrenalin (AT) and orotracheal intubation (OTIT). The variables were analyzed and compared in two groups: intensive care unit (ICU) and wards with telemetry (TLW). RESULTS: The results in both groups was in that order (GW x ICU ) - AT (70.2+38.7 x 38.6+49.2); CCA (89.4+57.1 x 71+63.9); SC (166.8+81.1 x 142+66.2); FD (282.5+142.8 x 108.4+52.5); FE (401.4+161.7 x 263.3+122.8) e OI (470.3+150.6 x 278.8+98.8). Shows the comparison of the average times between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The differences noted in relation to DT, AT and OTIT favorable to ICU are associated to the facility of performance of the ALS maneuvers in such environment. The BLS-related times were similar in both groups, which reinforce the need for the use of semi-automatic defibrillators, even in a hospital environment.

Preliminary in-hospital experience with a fully automatic external cardioverter-defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) are frequently present as initial rhythms during in-hospital cardiac arrest. Although ample evidence exists to support the need for rapid defibrillation, the response to in-hospital cardiac arrest remains without major advances in recent years. The delay between the arrhythmic event and intervention is still a challenge for clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the performance and safety of in-hospital use of a programmable, fully automatic external cardioverter-defibrillator (AECD). METHODS: We conducted a prospective study at the Emergency Department of a university hospital. A total of 55 patients considered to be at risk of sustained VT/VF were included. Patients underwent monitoring of their cardiac rhythm by the AECD. Upon detection of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the AECD was programmed to automatically deliver shock therapy. RESULTS: We recorded 19 episodes of VT/VF in 3 patients. The median time between the beginning of the arrhythmia and the first defibrillation was 33.4 s (21-65 s). One episode of spontaneous reversion of VT was documented 20 s after its origin and shock therapy was aborted. The defibrillation success was 94.4% (17/18) for the first shock and 100% (1/1) for the second shock. No case of inappropriate shock discharge was registered during the study period. CONCLUSION: The AECD has the feasibility to combine long-term monitoring with automatic defibrillation safely and effectively. It presents the possibility of providing rapid identification of, and response to, in-hospital ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Análise crítica da reperfusão precoce no infarto agudo com supradesnível de st: trombólise química e intervençãopercutânea primária / Analysis of early perfusion in myocardial infarction with st elevation: chemical thrombolysis and primary percutaneous intervention

O tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnível do segmento ST está consolidado no trinômio trombólise química-angioplastia primária-angioplastia de resgate. Dependendo do local de atendimento e da conduta local, essas estratégiasfuncionam e levam a reduções enormes de mortes e dano no miocárdio. É fundamental que o sistema de saúde se organize para estabelecer a melhor estratégia local para que se obtenha esse enorme benefício de abrir a artéria responsável pelo infarto ocluído, nomenor espaço de tempo...

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation is consolidated in the trinomialchemical thrombolysis – primary angioplasty – rescue angioplasty. Depending on where the procedure is carried out, and the local conduct, these strategies are effective, and enableenormous reductions in mortality and myocardial damage. It is essential for the health system to organize itself, to establish the best local strategy to obtain this enormous benefit of openingthe artery responsible for the occluded infarct related artery, in as short a time as possible...

Combination of amlodipine and enalapril in hypertensive patients with coronary disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients (pts) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can benefit from a decrease in the blood pressure (BP), according to recent studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination: amlodipine + enalapril, when compared to amlodipine in the normalization of the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) (<85 mmHg), in pts with CAD and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). METHODS: Double-blind and randomized study, with two groups of pts with DAP > or =90 and <110 mmHg and CAD. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, symptoms of heart failure or angina class III and IV, severe diseases and DAP > or =110 mmHg during the four-week wash-out with atenolol treatment alone, were excluded. After the wash-out, pts were randomly distributed for the use of the combination (A) or amlodipine (B) and were followed every four weeks up to 98 days. The initial doses (in mg) were, respectively: A- 2.5/10 and B- 2.5; the doses were increased when DAP > 85mmHg, at the visits. Statistical analysis was carried out with chi2, Fischer and analysis of variance, for p< 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 110 selected pts, 72 (A= 32, B= 40) were randomized. The decreases in DAP and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were significant (p< 0.01), but with no difference between the groups in mmHg: SAP, A (127.7 +/- 13.4) and B (125.3 +/- 12.6) (p= 0.45) and DAP, A (74.5 +/- 6.7 mmHg) and B (75.5 +/- 6.7 mmHg) (p= 0.32). Group A presented a lower incidence of lower-limb edema: (7.1% vs 30.6%, p=0.02) on the 98th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The fixed combination of enalapril and amlodipine, as well as isolated amlodipine, was effective in the normalization of BP in pts with CAD and SAH stages I and II, adding blockage of the renin-angiotensin system.

Insuficiência coronariana crônica / Chronic coronary disease

A história clínica é o passo mais importante na avaliação de um paciente com dor torácica, que, associada à presença dos chamados fatores de risco para doença aterosclerótica, permite ao clínico estimar a probabilidade de ser doença coronária. Após o diagnóstico, a estratificação de risco é fundamental por sua implicação terapêutica. Na avaliação do paciente levamos em conta o tipo de angina, alterações ao ECG convencional, refratariedade à medicação, função ventricular esquerda e provas funcionais de isquemia. O tratamento tem os seguintes objetivos: alívio dos sintomas, redução de eventos mórbidos, tratar as condições que promovam angina, modificar os fatores de risco e mudança no estilo de vida.Com relação ao tratamento medicamentoso, há medicações que reduzem eventos (antiagregantes plaquetários, b-bloqueadores, inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina, ivabradina e estatinas) e medicações para alívio dos sintomas (nitratos, b-bloqueadores, bloqueadores de canal de cálcio e trimetazidina), o que leva a melhora na qualidade de vida destes pacientes 27. Com relação ao tratamento direcionado por métodos invasivos, tem importância a presença de: isquemia em provas funcionais, disfunção ventricular esquerda, lesão de tronco de artéria coronária esquerda, sintomas não controlados com o tratamento medicamentoso e muita limitação das atividades habituais, idade biológica do paciente e experiência dos hemodinamicistas e cirurgiões do local. Por fim, é importante salientar que o uso indiscriminado de exames de métodos diagnósticos gera mais procedimentos que não necessariamente melhoram a qualidade de vida e, principalmente, podem não oferecer maior tempo de vida aos pacientes.

Combinação de anlodipino e enalaprila em pacientes hipertensos com doença coronariana / Combination of amlodipine and enalapril in hypertensive patients with coronary disease / Combinación de amlodipino y enalapril en pacientes hipertensos con enfermedad coronaria

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts) com doença coronariana (DAC) estável podem se beneficiar de menor pressão arterial (PA), conforme estudos recentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade da combinação fixa anlodipino + enalaprila, comparada a anlodipino na normalização da PA diastólica (PAD) (< 85 mmHg), em pts com DAC e HAS. MÉTODOS: Estudo duplo-cego, randomizado, com dois grupos de pts com PAD > 90 e <110 mmHg e DAC. Excluímos os com FEVE < 40%; sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca ou angina classe III e IV; doenças graves e PAD > 110 mmHg durante o wash-out de quatro semanas, em uso só de atenolol. Após wash-out randomizamos para combinação (A) ou anlodipino (B) e seguimos de quatro em quatro semanas até 98 dias. As doses (mg) iniciais foram, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 e B- 2,5, sendo incrementadas se PAD> 85mmHg, nas visitas. Estatística com χ2, Fischer e análise de variância, para p< 0,05. RESULTADOS:de 110 pts selecionados, randomizamos 72 (A= 32, B= 40). As reduções da PAD e da PA sistólica (PAS) foram intensas (p< 0,01), mas sem diferenças entre os grupos em mmHg: PAS, A (127,7 ± 13,4) e B (125,3 ± 12,6) (p= 0,45) e PAD, A (74,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) e B (75,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) (p= 0,32). Houve menos edema de membros inferiores no A (7,1% vs 30,6%, p=0,02) no 98º dia. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação fixa de enalaprila com anlodipino, tal qual anlodipino isolado, em pts com DAC e HAS estágios I e II foi eficaz na normalização da pressão, adicionando bloqueio ao sistema renina-angiotensina.

BACKGROUND: Patients (pts) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can benefit from a decrease in the blood pressure (BP), according to recent studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination: amlodipine + enalapril, when compared to amlodipine in the normalization of the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) (<85 mmHg), in pts with CAD and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). METHODS: Double-blind and randomized study, with two groups of pts with DAP >90 and <110 mmHg and CAD. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, symptoms of heart failure or angina class III and IV, severe diseases and DAP >110 mmHg during the four-week wash-out with atenolol treatment alone, were excluded. After the wash-out, pts were randomly distributed for the use of the combination (A) or amlodipine (B) and were followed every four weeks up to 98 days. The initial doses (in mg) were, respectively: A- 2.5/10 and B- 2.5; the doses were increased when DAP > 85mmHg, at the visits. Statistical analysis was carried out with χ2, Fischer and analysis of variance, for p< 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 110 selected pts, 72 (A= 32, B= 40) were randomized. The decreases in DAP and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were significant (p< 0.01), but with no difference between the groups in mmHg: SAP, A (127.7 ± 13.4) and B (125.3 ± 12.6) (p= 0.45) and DAP, A (74.5 ± 6.7 mmHg) and B (75.5 ± 6.7 mmHg) (p= 0.32). Group A presented a lower incidence of lower-limb edema: (7.1% vs 30.6%, p=0.02) on the 98th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The fixed combination of enalapril and amlodipine, as well as isolated amlodipine, was effective in the normalization of BP in pts with CAD and SAH stages I and II, adding blockage of the renin-angiotensin system.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts) con enfermedad coronaria (EAC) estable pueden beneficiarse con una menor presión arterial (PA), de acuerdo con estudios recientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la tolerancia de la combinación fija amlodipino + enalapril, comparada a el amlodipino en la normalización de la PA diastólica (PAD) (< 85 mmHg), en pts con EAC y HAS. MÉTODOS: Estudio doble ciego, randomizado, con dos grupos de pts con PAD >90 y <110 mmHg y EAC. Excluimos a los pts con FEVI < 40%; síntomas de insuficiencia cardiaca o angina clase III y IV; enfermedades graves y PAD >110 mmHg durante el wash-out de cuatro semanas, en uso sólo de atenolol. Después del wash-out randomizamos para combinación (A) o amlopidino (B) y seguimos de cuatro en cuatro semanas hasta 98 días. Las dosis (mg) iniciales fueron, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 y B- 2,5, siendo incrementadas si PAD> 85mmHg, en las visitas. Estadística con χ2, Fischer y análisis de varianza, para p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: De un total de 110 pts seleccionados, randomizamos a 72 (A= 32, B= 40). Las reducción de la PAD y de la PA sistólica (PAS) fueron intensas (p< 0,01), pero sin diferencias entre los grupos en mmHg: PAS, A (127,7 ± 13,4) y B (125,3 ± 12,6) (p= 0,45) y PAD, A (74,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) y B (75,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) (p= 0,32). Se registró menos edema de miembros inferiores en el A (7,1 por ciento vs 30,6%, p=0,02) en el 98º día. CONCLUSIÓN: La combinación fija de enalapril con amlodipino, tal como el amlodipino aislado, en pts con EAC y HAS estadios I y II fue eficaz en la normalización de la presión, agregando un bloqueo al sistema renina-angiotensina.