Major Cardiac-Psychiatric Drug-Drug Interactions: a Systematic Review of the Consistency of Drug Databases.

PURPOSE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders (AD) are both highly prevalent among individuals with arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. There should be increased support for MDD and AD diagnosis and treatment in individuals with cardiac diseases, because treatment rates have been low. However, cardiac-psychiatric drug interaction can make pharmacologic treatment challenging. METHODS: The objective of the present systematic review was to investigate cardiac-psychiatric drug interactions in three different widely used pharmacological databases (Micromedex, Up to Date, and ClinicalKey). RESULTS: Among 4914 cardiac-psychiatric drug combinations, 293 significant interactions were found (6.0%). When a problematic interaction is detected, it may be easier to find an alternative cardiac medication (32.6% presented some interaction) than a psychiatric one (76.9%). Antiarrhythmics are the major class of concern. The most common problems produced by these interactions are related to cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest), increased exposure of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates, or reduced renal clearance of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) substrates and include hypertensive crisis, increased risk of bleeding, myopathy, and/or rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, there is considerable inconsistency among the databases searched, such that a clinician's discretion and clinical experience remain invaluable tools for the management of patients with comorbidities present in psychiatric and cardiac disorders. The possibility of an interaction should be considered. With a multidisciplinary approach, particularly involving a pharmacist, the prescriber should be alerted to the possibility of an interaction. MDD and AD pharmacologic treatment in cardiac patients could be implemented safely both by cardiologists and psychiatrists. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Systematic Review Registration Number: CRD42018100424.

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.

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.

The Heart and COVID-19: What Cardiologists Need to Know. / O Coração e a COVID-19: O que o Cardiologista Precisa Saber.

In face of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the management of patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease is challenging. The cardiovascular complications evidenced in patients with COVID-19 derive from several mechanisms, ranging from direct viral injury to complications secondary to the inflammatory and thrombotic responses to the infection. The proper care of patients with COVID-19 requires special attention to the cardiovascular system aimed at better outcomes.

Frente à pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus (COVID-19), o manejo do paciente com fator de risco e/ou doença cardiovascular é desafiador nos dias de hoje. As complicações cardiovasculares evidenciadas nos pacientes com COVID-19 resultam de vários mecanismos, que vão desde lesão direta pelo vírus até complicações secundárias à resposta inflamatória e trombótica desencadeada pela infecção. O cuidado adequado do paciente com COVID-19 exige atenção ao sistema cardiovascular em busca de melhores desfechos.

High ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol predicts extensive coronary disease.

UNLABELLED: An abnormal ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) indicates an atherogenic lipid profile and a risk for the development of coronary disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between lipid levels, specifically TG/HDL-c, and the extent of coronary disease. METHODS: High-risk patients (n=374) submitted for coronary angiography had their lipid variables measured and coronary disease extent scored by the Friesinger index. RESULTS: The subjects consisted of 220 males and 154 females, age 57.2+/-11.1 years, with total cholesterol of 210+/-50.3 mg/dL, triglycerides of 173.8+/-169.8 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) of 40.1+/-12.8 mg/dL, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) of 137.3+/-46.2 mg/dL, TG/HDL-c of 5.1+/-5.3, and a Friesinger index of 6.6+/-4.7. The relationship between the extent of coronary disease (dichotomized by a Friesenger index of 5 and lipid levels (normal vs. abnormal) was statistically significant for the following: triglycerides, odds ratio of 2.02 (1.31-3.1; p=0.0018); HDL-c, odds ratio of 2.21 (1.42-3.43; p=0.0005); and TG/HDL-c, odds ratio of 2.01(1.30-3.09; p=0.0018). However, the relationship was not significant between extent of coronary disease and total cholesterol [1.25 (0.82-1.91; p=0.33)] or LDL-c [1.47 (0.96-2.25; p=0.0842)]. The chi-square for linear trends for Friesinger >4 and lipid quartiles was statistically significant for triglycerides (p=0.0017), HDL-c (p=0.0001), and TG/HDL-c (p=0.0018), but not for total cholesterol (p=0.393) or LDL-c (p=0.0568). The multivariate analysis by logistic regression OR gave 1.3+/-0.79 (p= .0001) for TG/HDL-c, 0.779+/-0.074 (p= .0001) for HDL-c, and 1.234+/-0.097 (p=0.03) for LDL. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves showed that only TG/HDL-c and HDL-c were useful for detecting extensive coronary disease, with the former more strongly associated with disease. CONCLUSIONS: Although some lipid variables were associated with the extent of coronary disease, the ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol showed the strongest association with extent.

Statins in adult patients with HIV: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV have been found to suffer from lipid abnormalities, including elevated levels of total and LDL-cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are significant causes of mortality among the general population. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of statins classes on HIV patients. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English up to 31 December 2017, and which include direct and/or indirect evidence, will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching four electronic databases and cross-referencing. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will all-cause mortality, new event of acute myocardial infarction, stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome and urgent revascularization procedures and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes will be assessment of the differences in change of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment instrument for RCTs and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument for observational studies. Network meta-analysis will be performed using multivariate random-effects meta-regression models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to provide a hierarchy of statins that reduce cardiovascular mortality in HIV patients. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42017072996).

Epicardial adipose tissue and carotid artery disease: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is now widely recognized as a multifactorial disease with outcomes that arise from complex factors such as plaque components, blood flow, and inflammation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot, abundant in proinflammatory cytokines, and has been correlated with the extent and severity of carotid artery disease (CD). The locations most frequently affected by carotid atherosclerosis are the proximal internal carotid artery (ie, the origin) and the common carotid artery bifurcation. Progression of atheromatous plaque at the carotid bifurcation results in luminal narrowing, often accompanied by ulceration. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between EAT and CD. The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with CD in different ages and sex. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that (1) examined the association between EAT and CD, (2) focus on cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, (3) will conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) will published as original articles written in English or other languages, and (6) have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: We propose the current protocol to evaluate the evaluation of EAT with ED. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will not need ethical approval, because it does not involve human beings. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083458).

Epicardial adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome: An update protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, there are no systematic analyses, or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and (MetS). The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS: The update systematic review, and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that firstly, examined the association between EAT and MetS, secondly, focus on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, thirdly, were conducted among in adults aged between 40 and 70 years, fourth, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, fifth, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and sixth, have been published until January year 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. This study will provide a high quality synthesis on the association of EAT and MetS. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to assess whether there is a strong association of EAT and MetS, and its components.

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083465).

Metabolic syndrome and risk of stroke: Protocol for an update systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The metabolic syndrome is composed of several cardiovascular risk factors and has a high prevalence throughout the world. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and stroke. The aim of this study is to examine this association of metabolic syndrome with stroke in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that examined the association between metabolic syndrome and stroke, had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design, were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and have been published until December 2017 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The findings from this study could be useful for assessing metabolic syndrome risk factors in stroke, and determining approaches for prevention of stroke in the future.

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.

Value of adenosine infusion for infarct size determination using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial contrast echocardiography has been used for determination of infarct size (IS) in experimental models. However, with intermittent harmonic imaging, IS seems to be underestimated immediately after reperfusion due to areas with preserved, yet dysfunctional, microvasculature. The use of exogenous vasodilators showed to be useful to unmask these infarcted areas with depressed coronary flow reserve. This study was undertaken to assess the value of adenosine for IS determination in an open-chest canine model of coronary occlusion and reperfusion, using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE). METHODS: Nine dogs underwent 180 minutes of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion. PESDA (Perfluorocarbon-Exposed Sonicated Dextrose Albumin) was used as contrast agent. IS was determined by RTMCE before and during adenosine infusion at a rate of 140 mcg.Kg(-1).min(-1). Post-mortem necrotic area was determined by triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. RESULTS: IS determined by RTMCE was 1.98 +/- 1.30 cm2 and increased to 2.58 +/- 1.53 cm2 during adenosine infusion (p = 0.004), with good correlation between measurements (r = 0.91; p < 0.01). The necrotic area determined by TTC was 2.29 +/- 1.36 cm2 and showed no significant difference with IS determined by RTMCE before or during hyperemia. A slight better correlation between RTMCE and TTC measurements was observed during adenosine (r = 0.99; p < 0.001) then before it (r = 0.92; p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: RTMCE can accurately determine IS in immediate period after acute myocardial infarction. Adenosine infusion results in a slight better detection of actual size of myocardial damage.

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.

Predominance of STEMI and severity of coronary artery disease in a cohort of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome: a report from ABC Medical School.

INTRODUCTION: acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a widely prevalent health issue with high mortality in Brazil and worldwide. The severity of ACS is not known in patients in the city of São Bernardo do Campo a municipality contiguous and adjacent to the city of São Paulo. OBJECTIVES: to study the profile of coronary disease in patients hospitalized with ACS who underwent coronary angiography in the emergency room between 2012 and 2013. METHODS: this is an observational study that included consecutive patients with ACS admitted to the emergency room of a hospital. Data collection was performed using medical records with the following variables: sex, age, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, coronary angiography. RESULTS: the sample in this period included 131 patients, of which 64.8% were men. The most prevalent diagnosis was ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (57.2%) followed by non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (22.1%) and unstable angina (UA) (20.6%). There were no significant differences in the epidemiology and risk factors between the diagnoses, except that heart failure was more prevalent in patients with UA. DISCUSSION: there were no differences between groups regarding the coronaries involved; however, STEMI patients showed similar numbers of multi- and singlevessel lesions, NSTEMI patients showed more multivessel lesions, and UA patients showed more multivessel lesions or lesion-free arteries. Although multivessel lesions were prevalent in all groups, STEMI patients showed a significantly higher number of single-vessel lesions compared with the other acute coronary syndromes. CONCLUSION: the study demonstrated a predominance of STEMI in the studied population, which differs from the usual results in ACS.

O Coração e a COVID-19: O que o Cardiologista Precisa Saber / The Heart and COVID-19: What Cardiologists Need to Know

Resumo Frente à pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus (COVID-19), o manejo do paciente com fator de risco e/ou doença cardiovascular é desafiador nos dias de hoje. As complicações cardiovasculares evidenciadas nos pacientes com COVID-19 resultam de vários mecanismos, que vão desde lesão direta pelo vírus até complicações secundárias à resposta inflamatória e trombótica desencadeada pela infecção. O cuidado adequado do paciente com COVID-19 exige atenção ao sistema cardiovascular em busca de melhores desfechos.

Abstract In face of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the management of patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease is challenging. The cardiovascular complications evidenced in patients with COVID-19 derive from several mechanisms, ranging from direct viral injury to complications secondary to the inflammatory and thrombotic responses to the infection. The proper care of patients with COVID-19 requires special attention to the cardiovascular system aimed at better outcomes.