Clinical value of myocardial performance index in patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction.

AIMS: The Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) has been considered as a diagnostic and prognostic Doppler marker for many different clinical conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of traditional Pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD-MPI) and Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI-MPI) and the degree of agreement between these methods in patients with grade-I diastolic dysfunction (DDI) and a normal ejection fraction. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive ambulatory patients with DDI were compared to 51 healthy subjects with normal echocardiograms. All subjects underwent measurement of time intervals and MPI with PWD and pulsed TDI. RESULTS: TDI-MPI and PWD-MPI were significantly higher in patients with DDI than in control subjects: 0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001) and 0.45 ± 0.11 vs. 0.37 ± 0.08 (P < 0.001), respectively. Cutoff values of TDI-MPI > 0.42 and PWD-MPI > 0.40 identified DDI subjects, with sensitivities of 74 and 64%; specificities of 61 and 69%; positive likelihood ratios of 1.9 and 2.0; and negative likelihood ratios of 0.42 and 0.53, respectively; no significant difference was noted between the areas under the ROC curves of TDI-MPI and PWD-MPI (P = 0.77). Bland-Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement between these indices: - 0.17 to 0.23 in healthy subjects and - 0.24 to 0.32 in DDI patients. CONCLUSION: PWD-MPI and TDI-MPI showed poor clinical agreement and were not reliable parameters for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function.

Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospital Admissions and In-Hospital Lethality From Cardiovascular Diseases in Brazil: An Ecological and Time Series Study.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil, several government policies have been taken. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital lethality for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Brazil in 2020. An ecological and time-series study on hospitalizations and deaths from CVD in Brazil was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020.The hospital admission rate for CVD reduced by 17.1%, with a significant decreasing trend between January and May 2020 (Annual Percent Change: -8,7%; P-value < 0.001). The in-hospital lethality rate increased from 8.2% in 2018 to 9.3% in 2020. During this period, Brazil totaled 21.8 million days of hospital stay. Indicators of hospital admissions and lethality from CVD in Brazil were impacted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways in the regions and depending on the nature of the indicator.

Ankle-brachial Index and associated factors in individuals with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the association between ABI and the main risk factors for coronary artery disease in coronary patients. METHODS: Were selected 156 adult patients from a hospital in Maceió, Alagoas. Were evaluated with risk factors age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia. PAOD screening was performed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used. Confidence Interval of 95% and a significance of 5%. RESULTS: 67.3% (n=105) males, 52.6% (n=82) elderly, 23.1% (n = 34) obese, 72.4% 6% (n=113) hypertensive, 34.6% (n=54) diabetics, 53.2% (n=83) smokers, 34.6% (n=54) dyslipidemic and 70.5% (n=110) with a family history of CAD. 16.7% (n=26) of the individuals presented PAOD. Three factors were associated with PAOD: age group ≥ 60 years (OR:3.656; p=0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2.625; p=0.024) and hypertension (OR:5.528; p=0.008). No significant difference was observed in the variables smoking, dyslipidemia, family history of CAD, and obesity. CONCLUSION: The independent risk factors for PAOD were age, diabetes mellitus, and systemic arterial hypertension.

Correlation of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy criteria with left ventricular mass by echocardiogram in obese hypertensive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity are important cardiovascular risk factors. This study evaluates the influence of obesity on the diagnostic performance of the most used electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in hypertensive patients. METHODS: One thousand two hundred four outpatients from the Hypertensive Unit of the Hospital São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, were studied. All underwent 12-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. The most known electrocardiographic criteria for LVH were assessed and compared with the left ventricular mass index obtained by echocardiogram in obese and nonobese groups of hypertensive patients. RESULTS: The population's mean age was 57.4 +/- 4.7 years; 351 were men (29.1%) and 853 women (70.8%). Cornell voltage, Cornell duration, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Romhilt-Estes criteria, and R wave in aVL 11 mm or higher showed a positive correlation with left ventricular mass index (P < .05). Notwithstanding, there were no changes regarding specificity for obese or nonobese characteristics. However, sensitivity had a statistically significant decrease in obese patients in regard to Sokolow-Lyon voltage and Romhilt-Estes criteria and strain pattern (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Cornell voltage and Cornell duration criteria, Perugia score, R wave in aVL, and QTc variable had no significant changes in diagnostic sensitivity in the obese patients.

[Nurses's view of their work process in medication prescription in the Family Health Strategy]. / Olhares dos enfermeiros acerca de seu processo de trabalho na prescrição medicamentosa na Estratégia Saúde da Família.

One of the advances in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is the prescription of medication by nurses, which has brought the discussion together with the medical category. This study aimed at analysing nurse's perception about this act as well as its regulation. The study is of qualitative approach, having as subjects four Nurses who perform in FHS in Sobral, Ceará. A questionnaire and the technique of focus group were used to collect data. The totality of the sample works in the rural zone and that only two had specialization. Nurses reported they are unsatisfied and unsecure related to the act of prescribing medication since the municipal protocols did not correspond to local reality. A review of the current nursing protocol for the municipality is suggested, making it suitable to complaints in the community, but without abandoning the priority of the preventive and community model that nursing performs.

Electrocardiogram Performance in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, and its detection usually begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) in hypertensive patients in the diagnostic performance of LVH by ECG. METHODS: A total of 2,240 hypertensive patients were studied. All of them were submitted to an ECG and an echocardiogram (ECHO). We evaluated the most frequently used electrocardiographic criteria for LVH diagnosis: Cornell voltage, Cornell voltage product, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Sokolow-Lyon product, RaVL, RaVL+SV3, RV6/RV5 ratio, strain pattern, left atrial enlargement, and QT interval. LVH identification pattern was the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obtained by ECHO in all participants. RESULTS: Mean age was 11.3 years ± 58.7 years, 684 (30.5%) were male and 1,556 (69.5%) were female. In patients without CLBBB, ECG sensitivity to the presence of LVH varied between 7.6 and 40.9%, and specificity varied between 70.2% and 99.2%. In participants with CLBBB, sensitivity to LVH varied between 11.9 and 95.2%, and specificity between 6.6 and 96.6%. Among the criteria with the best performance for LVH with CLBBB, Sokolow-Lyon, for a voltage of ≥ 3,0mV, stood out with a sensitivity of 22.2% (CI 95% 15.8 - 30.8) and specificity of 88.3% (CI 95% 77.8 - 94.2). CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with CLBBB, the most often used criteria for the detection of LVH with ECG showed significant decrease in performance with regards to sensitivity and specificity. In this scenario, Sokolow-Lyon criteria with voltage ≥3,0mV presented the best performance.

Ankle-brachial Index and associated factors in individuals with coronary artery disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Analyzing the association between ABI and the main risk factors for coronary artery disease in coronary patients. METHODS Were selected 156 adult patients from a hospital in Maceió, Alagoas. Were evaluated with risk factors age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia. PAOD screening was performed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used. Confidence Interval of 95% and a significance of 5%. RESULTS 67.3% (n=105) males, 52.6% (n=82) elderly, 23.1% (n = 34) obese, 72.4% 6% (n=113) hypertensive, 34.6% (n=54) diabetics, 53.2% (n=83) smokers, 34.6% (n=54) dyslipidemic and 70.5% (n=110) with a family history of CAD. 16.7% (n=26) of the individuals presented PAOD. Three factors were associated with PAOD: age group ≥ 60 years (OR:3.656; p=0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2.625; p=0.024) and hypertension (OR:5.528; p=0.008). No significant difference was observed in the variables smoking, dyslipidemia, family history of CAD, and obesity. CONCLUSION The independent risk factors for PAOD were age, diabetes mellitus, and systemic arterial hypertension.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre o ITB e os principais fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana em indivíduos coronariopatas. MÉTODOS Foram selecionados 156 pacientes adultos de um hospital de Maceió, Alagoas. Foram avaliados como fatores de risco idade, obesidade, hipertensão, diabetes mellitus, tabagismo e dislipidemia. A triagem da DAOP foi realizada pelo índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB). Foram utilizados os testes de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher. Intervalo de Confiança de 95% e significância de 5%. RESULTADOS 67,3% (n=105) do sexo masculino, 52,6% (n=82) idosos, 23,1% (n=34) obesos, 72,4% (n=113) hipertensos, 34,6% (n=54) diabéticos, 53,2% (n=83) tabagistas, 34,6% (n=54) dislipidêmicos e 70,5% (n=110) com história familiar de DAC; 16,7% (n=26) dos indivíduos apresentaram DAOP. Três fatores foram associados à DAOP: faixa etária ≥60 anos (OR:3,656; p=0,005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2,625; p=0,024) e (OR:5,528; p=0,008). Não foi observada diferença significativa nas variáveis tabagismo, dislipidemia, história familiar de DAC e obesidade. CONCLUSÃO Os fatores de risco independentes para DAOP foram idade, diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica.

Efeitos cardíacos agudos da pré-eclâmpsia grave / Acute cardiac effects of severe pre-eclampsia

Introdução: A pré-eclâmpsia com características graves (PECG) é uma síndrome específica da gravidez caracterizada por hipertensão grave e disfunção de órgãos-alvo e está associada a eventos cardiovasculares adversos a curto prazo, incluindo insuficiência cardíaca, edema pulmonar e acidente vascular cerebral. Objetivos: Os autores tiveram como objetivo caracterizar as alterações ecocardiográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais de curto prazo em mulheres com PEC, concentrando-se na pressão sistólica do ventrículo direito (PSVD) e nos parâmetros diastólico, sistólico e de rastreamento diastólico, sistólico e de salpicos derivados do ecocardiograma. Métodos: Neste estudo observacional prospectivo, os autores recrutaram 63 mulheres com PEC e 36 pacientes controle grávidas. Resultados: A coorte PEC apresentou maior PSVD (31,0 ± 7,9 mm Hg vs. 22,5 ± 6,1 mm Hg; p <0,001) e diminuição da tensão sistólica longitudinal global do VD (RVLSS) (19,6 ± 3,2% vs. 23,8 ± 2,9% [p < 0,0001]) quando comparado com a coorte controle. Para os parâmetros cardíacos do lado esquerdo, houve diferenças (p <0,001) na velocidade e 'septal mitral (9,6 ± 2,4 cm / s vs. 11,6 ± 1,9 cm / s), relação E / e' septal (10,8 ± 2,8 vs. 7,4 ± 1,6), tamanho da área atrial esquerda (20,1 ± 3,8 cm2 vs. 17,3 ± 2,9 cm2) e espessura da parede posterior e septal (mediana [intervalo interquartil]: 1,0 cm [0,9 a 1,1 cm] vs. 0,8 cm [0,7 a 0,9 cm] e 1,0 cm [0,8 a 1,2 cm] vs. 0,8 cm [0,7 a 0,9 cm]). Oito mulheres (12,7%) com PEC apresentaram disfunção diastólica grau II e 6 mulheres (9,5%) apresentaram edema pulmonar periparto. Conclusões: Mulheres com PEC apresentam maior PSVD, maiores taxas de função diastólica anormal, menor RVLSS global, maior remodelamento da câmara do lado esquerdo e maiores taxas de edema pulmonar periparto, quando comparadas a mulheres grávidas saudáveis.

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia with severe features (PEC) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by severe hypertension and end-organ dysfunction, and is associated with short-term adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, pulmonary edema, and stroke. Objectives: The authors aimed to characterize the short-term echocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory changes in women with PEC, focusing on right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP) and echocardiographic-derived diastolic, systolic, and speckle tracking parameters. Methods: In this prospective observational study, the authors recruited 63 women with PEC and 36 pregnant control patients. Results: The PEC cohort had higher RVSP (31.0 ± 7.9 mm Hg vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and decreased global RV longitudinal systolic strain (RVLSS) (19.6 ± 3.2% vs. 23.8 ± 2.9% [p < 0.0001]) when compared with the control cohort. For left-sided cardiac parameters, there were differences (p < 0.001) in mitral septal e' velocity (9.6 ± 2.4 cm/s vs. 11.6 ± 1.9 cm/s), septal E/e' ratio (10.8 ± 2.8 vs. 7.4 ± 1.6), left atrial area size (20.1 ± 3.8 cm2 vs. 17.3 ± 2.9 cm2 ), and posterior and septal wall thickness (median [interquartile range]: 1.0 cm [0.9 to 1.1 cm] vs. 0.8 cm [0.7 to 0.9 cm], and 1.0 cm [0.8 to 1.2 cm] vs. 0.8 cm [0.7 to 0.9 cm]). Eight women (12.7%) with PEC had grade II diastolic dysfunction, and 6 women (9.5%) had peripartum pulmonary edema. Conclusions: Women with PEC have higher RVSP, higher rates of abnormal diastolic function, decreased global RVLSS, increased left-sided chamber remodeling, and higher rates of peripartum pulmonary edema, when compared with healthy pregnant women. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;72:1­11) © 2018 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Tratamento não farmacológico da hipertensão arterial / Nonpharmacologic treatment of arterial hypertension

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma doença multifatorial caracterizada por níveis elevados e sustentados de pressão arterial (PA). Vários são os fatores de risco implicados em sua expressão clínica, dentre eles: herança genética, idade, gênero, etnia, excesso de peso, ingestão excessiva de sal e de álcool, sedentarismo, entre outras. Nesta revisão são abordadas as modificações no estilo de vida (MEV) como fatores associados não apenas à prevenção, mas ao próprio tratamento de uma moléstia muito prevalente na população geral, de grande impacto socioeconômico e responsável por significativa morbimortalidade cardiovascular

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial disease characterized by elevated and sustained blood pressure (BP) levels. There are several risk factors involved in its clinical expression, among them: genetic inheritance, age, gender, ethnicity, excess weight, excessive intake of salt and alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, among others. In this review, lifestyle modifications are addressed as factors associated not only with prevention, but also with the treatment of a very prevalent disease in the general population, with a high socioeconomic impact and responsible for significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Left ventricular mass and cardiothoracic index in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic renal disease (CRD) on hemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVE: To show the usefulness of chest radiography in the diagnosis of LVH in CRD patients on HD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 100 patients (58 men and 42 women), mean age 46.2 ± 14.0 years, with CRD of all causes, for at least six months on HD. Were obtained echocardiogram and chest x-rays of patients, always up to one hour after the end of HD sessions. RESULTS: LVH was detected in 83 patients (83%), of whom 56 (67.4%) had the concentric pattern and 27 (32.6%) with eccentric pattern of LVH. Cardiomegaly - defined by cardiothoracic index (CTI) > 0.5 - was present in 61 patients (61%). The following were the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, respectively, for the variable ICT: 66.2%, 70.5% and 68.0%. The Pearson correlation between ICT and index of left ventricular mass (LVMI) was 0.552 (p < 0.05) and positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. CONCLUSION: Chest radiography is a safe and useful as a diagnostic tool of LVH in CKD patients on HD.

A social and ecological assessment of tropical land uses at multiple scales: the Sustainable Amazon Network.

Science has a critical role to play in guiding more sustainable development trajectories. Here, we present the Sustainable Amazon Network (Rede Amazônia Sustentável, RAS): a multidisciplinary research initiative involving more than 30 partner organizations working to assess both social and ecological dimensions of land-use sustainability in eastern Brazilian Amazonia. The research approach adopted by RAS offers three advantages for addressing land-use sustainability problems: (i) the collection of synchronized and co-located ecological and socioeconomic data across broad gradients of past and present human use; (ii) a nested sampling design to aid comparison of ecological and socioeconomic conditions associated with different land uses across local, landscape and regional scales; and (iii) a strong engagement with a wide variety of actors and non-research institutions. Here, we elaborate on these key features, and identify the ways in which RAS can help in highlighting those problems in most urgent need of attention, and in guiding improvements in land-use sustainability in Amazonia and elsewhere in the tropics. We also discuss some of the practical lessons, limitations and realities faced during the development of the RAS initiative so far.

Electrocardiogram Performance in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block / Desempenho do Eletrocardiograma no Diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Pacientes Hipertensos na Presença de Bloqueio de Ramo Esquerdo

Abstract Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, and its detection usually begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Objective: To evaluate the impact of complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) in hypertensive patients in the diagnostic performance of LVH by ECG. Methods: A total of 2,240 hypertensive patients were studied. All of them were submitted to an ECG and an echocardiogram (ECHO). We evaluated the most frequently used electrocardiographic criteria for LVH diagnosis: Cornell voltage, Cornell voltage product, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Sokolow-Lyon product, RaVL, RaVL+SV3, RV6/RV5 ratio, strain pattern, left atrial enlargement, and QT interval. LVH identification pattern was the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obtained by ECHO in all participants. Results: Mean age was 11.3 years ± 58.7 years, 684 (30.5%) were male and 1,556 (69.5%) were female. In patients without CLBBB, ECG sensitivity to the presence of LVH varied between 7.6 and 40.9%, and specificity varied between 70.2% and 99.2%. In participants with CLBBB, sensitivity to LVH varied between 11.9 and 95.2%, and specificity between 6.6 and 96.6%. Among the criteria with the best performance for LVH with CLBBB, Sokolow-Lyon, for a voltage of ≥ 3,0mV, stood out with a sensitivity of 22.2% (CI 95% 15.8 - 30.8) and specificity of 88.3% (CI 95% 77.8 - 94.2). Conclusion: In hypertensive patients with CLBBB, the most often used criteria for the detection of LVH with ECG showed significant decrease in performance with regards to sensitivity and specificity. In this scenario, Sokolow-Lyon criteria with voltage ≥3,0mV presented the best performance.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é importante fator de risco para eventos cardiovasculares, e sua identificação se inicia, geralmente, pela realização do eletrocardiograma (ECG). Objetivo: Avaliar, em hipertensos, o impacto do bloqueio completo do ramo esquerdo (BCRE) no desempenho diagnóstico da HVE pelo ECG. Métodos: Foram estudados 2.240 pacientes hipertensos. Todos realizaram ECG e ecocardiograma (ECO). Foram avaliados os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados para o diagnóstico de HVE: Cornell voltagem, Cornell voltagem produto, Sokolow-Lyon voltagem, Sokolow-Lyon produto, RaVL, RaVL produto, RaVL+SV3, Relação RV6/RV5, padrão strain, aumento atrial esquerdo e o intervalo QT. O padrão de identificação da HVE foi o índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) obtido pelo ECO em todos participantes. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 11,3 anos ± 58,7 anos, 684 (30,5%) homens e 1.556 (69,5%) mulheres. Nos participantes sem BCRE, a sensibilidade do ECG para a presença de HVE variou de 7,6 a 40,9%, e a especificidade de 70,2 a 99,2%. Nos participantes com BCRE, a sensibilidade para a HVE variou de 11,9 a 95,2%, e a especificidade de 6,6 a 96,6%. Dentre os critérios com melhor desempenho para HVE com BCRE, destacou-se o de Sokolow-Lyon para voltagem ≥ 3,0mV com sensibilidade de 22,2% (IC 95% 15,8 - 30,8) e especificidade de 88,3% (IC 95% 77,8 - 94,2). Conclusão: Nos hipertensos com BCRE, os critérios mais utilizados para detecção da HVE pelo ECG apresentaram diminuição significativa de desempenho da sensibilidade e especificidade. Nesse cenário, o critério de Sokolow-Lyon com voltagem ≥3,0mV apresentou melhor comportamento.

Electrocardiogram sensitivity in left ventricular hypertrophy according to gender and cardiac mass.

BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3%) and 609, females (69.7%). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.

[Assessment of resistant hypertension with home blood pressure monitoring]. / Avaliação da hipertensão arterial resistente pela monitorização residencial da pressão arterial.

BACKGROUND: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered the gold standard for the diagnostic confirmation of resistant hypertension (RH). However, home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has been considered an option, because of its lower cost and greater comfort. OBJECTIVE: to compare the values obtained by HBPM with those obtained by ABPM in the identification of patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: a total of 51 consecutive patients with resistant hypertension were selected. All were adults of both genders and were undergoing treatment in an outpatient referral clinic from January 2007 to September 2009. Casual office blood pressure (BP), 24-hour ABPM, and HBPM were performed according to current guidelines, with a maximum two-week interval between the methods. RESULTS: the comparison of ABPM (mean daytime) with HBPM showed a good correlation between them, both for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and for diastolic blood pressure (DBP): SBP r = 0.70, CI = 0.51-0.82, DBP r = 0.69, CI = 0.52-0.81. RH was confirmed by ABPM in 33 patients and by HBPM in 37, with no significant difference between the methods. CONCLUSION: according to the results obtained, we conclude that HBPM is a method that can be used as an alternative to ABPM for the diagnostic confirmation of RH.

[Duchenne muscular dystrophy: electrocardiographic analysis of 131 patients]. / Distrofia muscular de Duchenne: análise eletrocardiográfica de 131 pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac involvement is known to occur in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The electrocardiogram (ECG) shows some typical changes in DMD, which makes it a useful test for the diagnosis of cardiac lesion in this disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in patients with DMD and to correlate these changes with the age of the population studied. METHODS: ECG of 131 patients diagnosed with DMD were examined. Several electrocardiographic variables were analyzed, and the patients were divided into two groups - one with and one without changes, for each variable studied. The correlation between the two groups and the age of the patients was analyzed. Garson's criteria were used to establish the electrocardiographic parameters of normality. RESULTS: ECG was abnormal in 78.6% of the patients. All showed normal sinus rhythm. The following percentages were found for the main variables studied: short PR interval = 18.3%; abnormal R waves in V1 = 29.7%; abnormal Q waves in V6 = 21.3%; abnormal ventricular repolarization = 54.9%; abnormal QS waves in inferior and/or upper lateral wall = 37.4%; conduction disturbances in right bundle branch = 55.7%; prolonged QT C interval = 35.8%, and wide QRS = 23.6%. Unpaired t test was used to establish the correlation between age and the electrocardiographic variables studied in the two groups. Statistically significant differences were found only for the abnormal repolarization variable. CONCLUSION: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in DMD, revealing early cardiac involvement. Only the abnormal ventricular repolarization variable was more frequent, however at a lower age range (p < 0.05).

Análise da incidência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico em cirurgias oncológicas do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza / Analysis of the incidence of surgical site infection in oncologic surgeryof the digestive tract in Hospital Geral de Fortaleza

Trata-se de um estudo caracterizado como retrospectivo, analítico, com abordagem quantitativa, com delineamento de pesquisa não experimental. Objetivo: Analisar os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza quanto ao aparecimento de infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) e sugerir medidas de prevenção. Material e Métodos: Foram submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestório 196 indivíduos, no período de 01/10/2011 a 30/09/2012, e, analisados os possíveis fatores de risco, ligados ao paciente, ao procedimento cirúrgico e à incisão. Resultados: evidenciou-se 26 casos de infecção, com uma prevalência global de ISC de 13,26%. As seguintes variáveis apresentaram associação relevante de risco: duração do procedimento, tempo de internação pré-operatório, comorbidades, tabagismo, etilismo, uso de drenos e sondagem vesical. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco apontados neste estudo descrevem um grupo de indivíduos com maior risco de ISC, nos quais os protocolos de prevenção devem ser aplicados rigorosamente...

This is a study characterized as retrospective, analytical and quantitative approach with non-experimental research design. Objective: Analyze patients undergoing cancer surgery of the digestive tract in Hospital Geral de Fortaleza for the appearance of surgical site infection (SSI) and suggest preventive measures. Material and Methods: Underwent cancer surgery of the digestive tract 196 individuals in the period from 10/01/2011 to 09/30/2012 and analyzed the possible risk factors related to the patient, to the surgical procedure and the incision. Results: Showed up 26 cases of infection, with anoverall SSI prevalence of 13,26%. The following variables showed significant association of risk: duration of procedure, duration of preoperative hospitalization, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol consumption,use of drains and bladder catheterization. Conclusion: The risk factors indicated in this study describe a group of individuals with increased risk of SSI, in which prevention protocols should be rigorously applied...

Electrocardiography in the diagnosis of ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, and its characterization and prevalence in chronic renal disease (CRD) should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnosis of LVH in patients with stage-5 CRD using six different electrocardiographic criteria, and to correlate them with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) as obtained by echocardiography. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 100 patients (58 men and 42 women, mean age 46.2 + or - 14.0 years) with CRD of all causes undergoing hemodialysis (HD) for at least six months. Electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography were performed in all patients, always up to one hour after the end of the HD sessions. RESULTS: LVH was detected in 83 patients (83%), of whom 56 (67.4%) had the concentric pattern and 27 (32.6%) the eccentric pattern of LVH. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of all the electrocardiographic methods studied were higher than 50%. Using Pearson's linear correlation for LVMI, only the Sokolow-Lyon voltage criterion did not show a > or = 0.50 coefficient. Calculation of the likelihood ratio, in turn, showed that ECG has a discriminatory power for the diagnosis of LVH in the population studied, with emphasis on the Cornell-product and Romhilt-Estes criteria. No correlation was observed between LVMI and QTc and QTc dispersion. CONCLUSION: ECG is a useful, efficient, and highly reproducible method for the diagnosis of LVH in HD patients. In this population, the Cornell-product proved to be the most reliable criterion for the detection of LVH.

Massa ventricular esquerda e índice cardiotorácico em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Left ventricular mass and cardiothoracic index in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis

Introdução: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um fator preditor independente de risco cardiovascular em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD). Objetivo: Mostrar a utilidade da radiografia de tórax no diagnóstico de HVE em pacientes com DRC em HD. Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 100 pacientes (58 homens e 42 mulheres), idade média de 46,2 ± 14,0 anos, com DRC de todas as etiologias, há pelo menos seis meses em HD. Foram obtidos ecocardiograma e radiografia de tórax dos pacientes, sempre até uma hora após o término das sessões de HD. Resultados: A HVE foi detectada em 83 pacientes (83%), dos quais 56 (67,4%) apresentavam o padrão concêntrico e 27 (32,6%) a padrão excêntrico de HVE. Cardiomegalia - definida por índice cardiotorácico (ICT) > 0,5 - esteve presente em 61 pacientes (61%). Foram os seguintes os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia, respectivamente, para a variável ICT: 66,2%, 70,5% e 68,0%. A correlação de Pearson entre ICT e índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) foi de 0,552 (p < 0,05) e razão de verossimilhança positivo de 2,2. Conclusão: A radiografia de tórax é um exame seguro e útil como ferramenta diagnóstica de HVE em pacientes com DRC em HD. .

Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic renal disease (CRD) on hemodialysis (HD). Objective: To show the usefulness of chest radiography in the diagnosis of LVH in CRD patients on HD. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 100 patients (58 men and 42 women), mean age 46.2 ± 14.0 years, with CRD of all causes, for at least six months on HD. Were obtained echocardiogram and chest x-rays of patients, always up to one hour after the end of HD sessions. Results: LVH was detected in 83 patients (83%), of whom 56 (67.4%) had the concentric pattern and 27 (32.6%) with eccentric pattern of LVH. Cardiomegaly - defined by cardiothoracic index (CTI) > 0.5 - was present in 61 patients (61%). The following were the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, respectively, for the variable ICT: 66.2%, 70.5% and 68.0%. The Pearson correlation between ICT and index of left ventricular mass (LVMI) was 0.552 (p < 0.05) and positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. Conclusion: Chest radiography is a safe and useful as a diagnostic tool of LVH in CKD patients on HD. .

Avaliação da massa ventricular esquerda em hipertensos com tolerância à glicose diminuída / Evaluation of left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients with decreased glucose tolerance

Fundamentos: cresce em importância a relação entre níveis glicêmicos aumentados, porém não diabéticos (tolerância à glicose diminuída - TGD), fator de risco cardiovascular e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE). Objetivo: avaliar a massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE) em pacientes hipertensos sob tratamento ambulatorial e com TGD. Materiais e métodos: foram avaliados 358 pacientes hipertensos (com média de idade 59 ± 11 anos), divididos em três grupos: grupo I (hipertensos); grupo II (hipertensos com TGD) e grupo III (hipertensos com diabetes tipo 2). Em todos os pacientes foi realizado o ecocardiograma e utilizada a fórmula de Devereux para o cálculo da massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE). Para o índice de MVE (IMVE) foram considerados valores normais de até 89 e 103 g/m² para mulheres e homens, respectivamente. Utilizou-se o teste estatístico ANOVA complementado pelo teste de Tukey e Bonferroni para detectar diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: a média do IMVE foi de 110,2 ± 33,0; 117,6 ± 30,1 e 128,0 ± 46,8 g/m² nos grupos I, II e III, respectivamente, sendo que 65,1% (grupo I), 74,6% (grupo II) e 80,5% (grupo III) dos pacientes apresentaram aumento do IMVE. Não houve diferença estatística no aumento de IMVE entre os grupos I e II, mas foi significantemente maior no grupo III, quando comparado com o grupo I. Conclusões: o grupo dos pacientes hipertensos com TGD (grupo II) não apresentou aumento de MVE estatisticamente significante em relação aos não intolerantes (grupo I) e o grupo de pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos apresentou aumento significante da MVE em relação ao grupo de hipertensos (grupo I).

Background: It is growing in importance the correlation between elevated glycemic levels (impaired glucose tolerance) but no overt diabetes and the risk factor of cardiovascular disease and increased cardiac mass. Objective: We sought to determine the left ventricular mass (LVM) in hypertensive patients under treatment and with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Materials and methods: 358 patients were evaluated (mean age 59 ± 11 years) separated in three groups: group I (hypertension); group II (hypertension and IGT) and group III (hypertension and diabetes mellitus 2). Echocardiograms were performed in all patients and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated using the Devereux's criteria and values greater than 110 and 134 g/m² for women and man, respectively, were considered for left ventricular hypertrophy. The statistic methods ANOVA together with Tukey and Bonferroni tests were executed to detect differences among groups. Results: 110,2 ± 33,0; 117,6 ± 31,0 and 128,0 ± 46,8 g/m² were the mean of LVMI for groups I, II and III, respectively. The increasing of LVM was 65,1% (group I), 74,6% (group II) and 80,5% (group III). There was not statistic difference between groups I and II in relation to increasing of LVMI, but it was significantly greater in group III. Conclusions: The increasing of LVMI was not observed in the impaired glucose tolerance hypertensive patients when compared with normoglycemic hypertensive patients and the increasing of LVMI was significant in diabetic hypertensive patients.