Fatores contribuintes para doença renal crônica em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada / Contributing factors to chronic kidney disease in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) aumenta significativamente o risco de desenvolvimento de doença renal crônica (DRC), afetando adversamente desfechos clínicos como mortalidade prematura, morbidade, complicações multiorgânicas e custos de saúde. Este estudo investiga fatores que contribuem para a deterioração da função renal em pacientes com ICFEP, visando aprimorar o entendimento da doença e as estratégias de manejo. MÉTODOS: Em uma análise transversal, dados clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos de pacientes ambulatoriais com suspeita de ICFEP foram avaliados. A probabilidade de ICFEP foi determinada usando os escores H2FPEF e HFA-PEFF. A função renal foi avaliada por níveis de eGFR, creatinina e microalbuminúria. Modelos de regressão logística multivariada foram utilizados para identificar fatores associados ao declínio da função renal. RESULTADOS: Dados de 569 pacientes (idade mediana: 64 anos; 66% feminino) foram analisados. Observamos uma correlação inversa entre eGFR mediano e escores de risco de ICFEP. O escore HFA-PEFF demonstrou um valor preditivo ligeiramente superior para DRC (OR: 1.8; IC 95%: 1.6-2.0) em comparação ao escore H2FPEF (OR: 1.5; IC 95%: 1.3-1.7). Maiores chances de DRC (eGFR< 60 mL/min/1.73m²) foram vinculadas ao escore HFA-PEFF com o marcador NT-ProBNP, independentemente de fibrilação atrial (FA - OR: 6.5; IC 95%: 3.1-14.1; Ritmo sinusal - OR: 3.4; IC 95%: 2.0-5.7), e com marcadores ecocardiográficos de disfunção diastólica (OR: 1.9; IC 95%: 1.4-2.7). O escore H2FPEF foi associado com idade (OR: 4.6; IC 95%: 2.8-7.9), hipertensão (OR: 3.2; IC 95%: 1.3-9.6), disfunção diastólica (OR: 2.0; IC 95%: 1.3-3.0) e fibrilação atrial (OR: 1.3; IC 95%: 1.1-1.5). Notavelmente, análises adicionais indicaram que um declínio no débito cardíaco foi associado com maiores chances de desenvolver DRC (OR: 1.6; IC 95%: 1.2-2.1). No entanto, fatores de risco tradicionais como obesidade, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) e dislipidemia não mostraram associação significativa com o desenvolvimento de DRC nesta população. CONCLUSÃO: Associações significativas foram identificadas entre o declínio da função renal e escores de risco de ICFEP, destacando idade, hipertensão, disfunção diastólica e fibrilação atrial como fatores cruciais associados ao aumento do risco de DRC em pacientes com ICFEP. Estes resultados enfatizam o papel crucial da deterioração da função cardíaca na contribuição para o desenvolvimento de DRC em indivíduos em risco para ICFEP.

Prevalencia, caracterización y pronóstico de pacientes con sospecha de insuficiencia cardíaca en atención primaria de salud en Chile / Characterization and prognosis of patients with suspected heart failure at primary health care institutions in Chile

Introducción: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) tiene alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Su diagnóstico temprano en atención primaria de salud (APS) es un reto dada la baja especificidad de sus criterios clínicos y las limitaciones en acceso a técnicas diagnósticas. Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de IC, subtipos y pronóstico de pacientes con disnea y/o edema de extremidades inferiores que consultan en APS. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo de 340 pacientes en APS, sin diagnóstico previo de IC. Se realizó una evaluación clínica, electrocardiograma, NT-proBNP "point-of-care", ecocardiografía con interpretación telemática por cardiólogos. Utilizando los algoritmos HFA-PEFF y H2FPEF se clasificaron los pacientes como :1) IC con fracción de eyección (FE) reducida (ICFER); 2) IC con FE preservada (ICFEP) y 3) pacientes sin diagnóstico de IC. Se efectuó un análisis de sobrevida de los diferentes grupos. Resultados: La prevalencia de ICFER fue 8%, ICFEP por HFA-PEFF 42% y por H2FPEF 8%. Los algoritmos sugieren efectuar un estudio complementario en el 47% con HFA-PEFF y 76% con H2FPEF (p<0.05). La sobrevida global a 36 meses fue 90±2% y cardiovascular 95±1%. Usando HFA-PEFF, los pacientes con IC tuvieron menor sobrevida que aquellos sin IC (HR 2.3, IC95% 1.14.9; p=0.029). No hubo diferencias de mortalidad con H2FPEF. Conclusiones: En pacientes de APS que consultan por disnea y/o edema de extremidades inferiores sometidos a evaluación con NT-proBNP y ecocardiografía, se observó una prevalencia de IC de hasta 50%, 8% de ICFER y 42% de ICFEP. La caracterización de IC utilizando HFA-PEFF está asociada al pronóstico vital.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Its early diagnosis in primary health care (PHC) represents a substantial challenge, considering its non-specific clinical manifestations and the limitations on timely access to diagnostic techniques. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of HF, characterize subtypes and determine the prognosis of patients consulting in PHC for dyspnea Edema of the lower extremities. Methods: Prospective study in 340 patients who consulted in PHC, without previous diagnosis of HF. Clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram, NT-proBNP point-ofcare and echocardiography with telematic interpretation by cardiologists were performed. Using the HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF algorithms patients were classified as: 1) HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF); 2) HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and 3) No HF. Actuarial survival analyses were performed. Results: We observed a prevalence of HFREF of 8%, high probability of HFPEF by HFA-PEFF in 42% and by H2FPEF in 8%. Intermediate probability of HFPEF, requiring complementary study, was observed in 47% of patients with HFA-PEFF and 76% of patients with H2FPEF (p<0.05). Overall survival at 36 months was 90±2% and cardiovascular survival at 36 months was 95±1%. Using HFA-PEFF, patients with HF presented lower overall survival compared to patients with no HF (HR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1-4.9; p=0.029). We did not observe mortality differences with H2FPEF. Conclusions: In patients consulting for dyspnea and/or lower extremity edema at PHC and undergoing evaluation with NT-proBNP and echocardiography, we observed a HF prevalence of 50%. HF classification through HFA-PEFF was associated with lower survival rates.

Vena cava izquierda persistente, inusual anatomía para la resincronización cardíaca: experiencia de implante y posterior cambio de generador / Unusual persistent left vena cava, anatomic implications for cardiac resynchronization: implant experience and subsequent generator change

Introducción: La presencia de una vena cava superior izquierda persistente, durante el implante de electrodos endocavitarios para la resincronización cardíaca, representa una anomalía poco habitual de gran relevancia, que puede presentarse de forma inesperada durante el abordaje venoso superior habitual. Planteando desafíos técnicos en su implante y dudas sobre su eficacia o seguridad a corto y largo plazo; existiendo aislados casos publicados. Caso clínico: Presentamos un caso complejo con esta inusual anomalía llevado a implante de este dispositivo de forma exitosa, con funcionamiento normal durante su seguimiento de 7 años, llevado posteriormente a cambio de generador. Conclusiones: La vena cava superior izquierda persistente es la anomalía del retorno venoso cardiaco más frecuente, aunque su prevalencia es baja, presenta una gran relevancia en el implante y posicionamiento de electrodos endocavitarios necesarios para la terapia de resincronización cardiaca. Existe una evidencia creciente sobre su factibilidad y seguridad a corto y largo plazo a pesar de sus dificultades técnicas asociadas.

Introduction: The presence of a persistent left superior vena cava, during the implantation of endocavitary electrodes for cardiac resynchronization, represents an unusual anomaly of great relevance, which can occur unexpectedly during the usual superior venous approach. It constitutes a technical challenge in your implant and doubts about its effectiveness or safety in the short and long term. There are isolated published cases. We present a complex case with this unusual anomaly that led to successful implantation of this device, with a normal functio during its 7-year follow-up It was followed by uneventul generator change. Conclusions: Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common cardiac venous return anomaly. Although its prevalence is low, it is of great relevance in the implantation and positioning of endocavitary electrodes necessary for cardiac resynchronization therapy. There is growing evidence about its feasibility and safety in the short and long term despite.

Dimensions of quality of life in patients with heart failure and sarcopenia: a scoping review protocol / Dimensões da qualidade de vida em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e sarcopenia: um protocolo de revisão de escopo

Objective: To map the dimensions of quality of life in patients with heart failure (HF) and sarcopenia. Methods: The scoping review will adhere to the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis methodology and will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches will encompass MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE/Elsevier, LILACS, IBECS, BDENF (BVS), SciELO, Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics), CINAHL, Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), PsycINFO (APA), Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, and academic search engines: Google Scholar and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), without language or date restrictions. Inclusion criteria: Population ­ adults with HF and sarcopenia; Concept ­ Dimensions of quality of life including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression ­ defined based on the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire; Context ­ any health care setting. Two independent reviewers will select studies and extract data, with a third reviewer consulted in cases of discrepancies. Findings will be presented graphically with a narrative summary. Expected results: We aim to uncover key dimensions of quality of life in individuals with HF and sarcopenia through this scoping review. Anticipated outcomes include insights into mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression across diverse health care settings. Relevance: This review sheds light on the interplay between HF and sarcopenia and its impact on quality of life. The findings may guide interventions, inform evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to targeted strategies to improve the wellbeing of individuals managing both conditions. Review registration: Open Science Framework [https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-jn387-v1]. (AU)

Catheter ablation versus medical therapy for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The benefit of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare catheter ablation and medical therapy (antiarrhythmics for rhythm or rate control) in patients with AF and HFpEF. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central. Outcomes were the composite endpoints of death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization, all-cause-death, cardiovascular death, all-cause-rehospitalization and HF hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using the R program (version 4.3.2). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. RESULTS We included 20,257 patients from 8 studies. Of those, 3 were derived from RCTs, either through post-hoc analysis or subgroup analysis, and 5 were observational studies. The median follow-up ranged from 24.6 to 61.2 months. As compared to medical therapy, catheter ablation was associated with a statistically significant lower risk of death or HF hospitalization (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.47 - 0.83; p=0.001; I2 =66%), all-cause-death (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.46 - 0.99; p=0.047; I2 =61%), cardiovascular death (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.21 - 0.84; p=0.014; I2 =22%) and HF hospitalization (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 - 0.82; p=0.011; I2 =87%). CONCLUSION In this meta-analysis, catheter ablation was associated with lower risk of the all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization and all-cause-rehospitalization in comparison to medical of patients with AF and HFpEF.

Pericardite crônica constritiva de etiologia incomum: um relato de caso / Chronic constrictive pericarditis of uncommon etiology: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO: Várias etiologias podem levar à inflamação pericárdica, sendo as mais frequentes a tuberculosa e viral. O pericárdio inflamado e também o processo reparativo incluindo fibrose e espessamento subsequente estão relacionados a quadros de constricção e insuficiência cardíaca. Descrevemos um caso em que a etiologia da pericardite constrictiva (PC) foi incomum, secundária à trauma do coração. CASO CLÍNICO: Homem, 69 anos, trabalhador rural, ex-tabagista, sem outras comorbidades. Há 3 meses passou a apresentar dispneia aos moderados esforços e edema de membro inferiores. À avaliação, apresentava sinais de congestão sistêmica, como turgência jugular e ascite, além de pulso paradoxal e sinal de kussmaul. Negou febre, perda de peso, sudorese noturna ou uso de medicações. Em radiografia de tórax, evidenciou-se radiopacidade em silhueta cardíaca sugestiva de calcificação. Ecocardiograma transtorácico evidenciou trombo em átrio direito e pericárdio espesso, associado à imagem hiperrefringrente sugestiva de "massa" com sinais de compressão extrínseca do ventrículo direito e rechaçamento em direção ao ventrículo esquerdo (VE), com retificação do septo interventricular e diminuição da cavidade do VE, resultando em uma disfunção diastólica acentuada, mantendo função sistólica biventricular preservada. Realizado estudo tomográfico, que confirmou intensa calcificação pericárdica com imagem de "pseudotumor" de contornos irregulares, gerando intensa constricção e confirmando o diagnóstico de PC. Paciente foi submetido à pericardiectomia, que evidenciou grande quantidade de trombo calcificado no interior do "pseudo-tumor", com posterior resolução do quadro clínico. Após excluir múltiplas etiologias de pericardite e revisar história clínica, paciente relatou trauma torácico contundente por cabeçada bovina há cerca de 10 anos, que cursou com dor torácica e dispneia por meses, sem atendimento médico na ocasião, sendo a provável etiologia do quadro. CONCLUSÃO: A pericardite constrictiva, diagnóstico infrequente, está ligada a elevada morbimortalidade e pode ser secundária a qualquer comprometimento pericárdico, incluindo trauma torácico. Portanto, faz-se necessário diagnosticar e tratar situações que podem cursar com pericardite aguda e, possivelmente, com PC.

Trinta anos de evolução de transplante cardíaco ortotópico: relato de caso / Thirty years of evolution of orthotopic heart transplantation: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: O transplante cardíaco (Tx) é a opção terapêutica de escolha para o tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca grave apesar do tratamento clínico otimizado. Está associado à sobrevida média de 12 anos. Complicações precoces como falência do enxerto, infecções oportunísticas e rejeição aguda; e tardias como doença vascular do enxerto e neoplasias limitam a sobrevida a longo prazo. Descrevemos caso de paciente (P) que sobrevive há 30 anos e 6 meses após tx cardíaco. MÉTODO: estudo retrospectivo e observacional RELATO DE CASO: masculino, 66 anos de idade, branco, com antecedentes de doença reumática, com duas trocas valvares mitral e aórtica em 1972 e 1981. Evoluiu com disfunção ventricular grave e Insuficiência Cardíaca CF III/IV refratária à terapêutica otimizada e função renal normal.Em 1992, aos 34 anos, submetido a TX cardíaco ortotópico biatrial doador masculino de maior peso corporal. Apresentou como única complicação no pós operatório precoce quadro psicótico relacionado a corticoesteróides. Foi medicado com ciclosporina e dose baixa de azatioprina. Não apresentou quadro de rejeição aguda nem infecção oportunista. Nos primeiros 20 anos de TX, não teve qualquer complicação e função renal normal. Em 2012, evidenciou-se aneurisma de aorta ascendente de 52mm, além do nível de sutura da aorta. Optado por observação clínica. Apesar de átrios muito aumentados, (AE de 71MM e vol index de 96ml/m2) não foi registrado nenhum episódio de arritmia atrial e a função biventricular permaneceu normal durante toda evolução. A partir de 2012 foi evidenciada proteinúria de em torno de 183mg/dl até 916mg/dl em amostra isolada. Em 2021 apresentou pré-síncope e foi evidenciado insuficiência tricúspide importante. Vem evoluindo com Insuficiência cardíaca direita e piora da função renal. Realizou implante de tricvalve e evoluiu sem melhora. COMENTÁRIOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sobrevida a longo prazo com boa qualidade de vida é possível após o transplante cardíaco ortotópico. Neste paciente, não ocorreram nem as clássicas complicações precoces nem tardias. A grande dilatação atrial pela técnica biatrial não foi correlacionada à ocorrência de arritmias atriais mas sim à dilatação anular tricúspide e ocorrência de Insuficiência tricúspide tardia que limita atualmente a qualidade de vida do paciente.

Embedded cyber-physical system for physiological control of ventricular assist devices

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) play a crucial role in both bridging to transplantation and serving as destination therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF) management. This study aims to address the limitations of existing control strategies for VADs, specifically their inability to adapt automatically to hemodynamic changes. It proposes a novel embedded cyber-physical system (CPS) based on real-time data processing, reconfigurable architecture, and communication protocols aligned with Health 4.0 concepts to enhance physiological control over VADs (PC-VAD). The research employs a multi-objective PC-VAD approach within a hybrid cardiovascular simulator. An embedded CPS is introduced to overcome challenges related to differences in controller characteristics between computers and embedded systems. The study assesses the performance of the embedded CPS by comparing it with a computer-based control system. The embedded CPS demonstrates outcomes comparable to the computer-based control system, maintaining mean arterial pressure and cardiac output at physiological levels. Even in the face of variations in ejection fraction, the embedded CPS dynamically adjusts the pump's rotational speed based on simulated clinical conditions. Notably, there is no aortic reflux to the ventricle through the VAD during testing. These findings affirm the satisfactory control performance of the embedded CPS in regulating VADs. The study concludes that the embedded CPS effectively addresses the limitations of current VAD control strategies, exhibiting control performance comparable to computer-based systems. However, further experimentation and in vivo studies are necessary to validate and ensure its applicability in real-world scenarios.

Adaptive servo-ventilation for sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (ADVENT-HF): a multicentre, multinational, parallel-group, open-label, phase 3 randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, sleep-disordered breathing, comprising obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA), is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and sleep disruption. We hypothesised that treating sleep-disordered breathing with a peak-flow triggered adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) device would improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, multinational, parallel-group, open-label, phase 3 randomised controlled trial of peak-flow triggered ASV in patients aged 18 years or older with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%) who were stabilised on optimal medical therapy with co-existing sleep-disordered breathing (apnoea-hypopnoea index [AHI] ≥15 events/h of sleep), with concealed allocation and blinded outcome assessments. The trial was carried out at 49 hospitals in nine countries. Sleep-disordered breathing was stratified into predominantly OSA with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 10 or lower or predominantly CSA. Participants were randomly assigned to standard optimal treatment alone or standard optimal treatment with the addition of ASV (1:1), stratified by study site and sleep apnoea type (ie, CSA or OSA), with permuted blocks of sizes 4 and 6 in random order. Clinical evaluations were performed and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and New York Heart Association class were assessed at months 1, 3, and 6 following randomisation and every 6 months thereafter to a maximum of 5 years. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of the composite of all-cause mortality, first admission to hospital for a cardiovascular reason, new onset atrial fibrillation or flutter, and delivery of an appropriate cardioverter-defibrillator shock. All-cause mortality was a secondary endpoint. Analysis for the primary outcome was done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01128816) and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN67500535), and the trial is complete. FINDINGS: The first and last enrolments were Sept 22, 2010, and March 20, 2021. Enrolments terminated prematurely due to COVID-19-related restrictions. 1127 patients were screened, of whom 731 (65%) patients were randomly assigned to receive standard care (n=375; mean AHI 42·8 events per h of sleep [SD 20·9]) or standard care plus ASV (n=356; 43·3 events per h of sleep [20·5]). Follow-up of all patients ended at the latest on June 15, 2021, when the trial was terminated prematurely due to a recall of the ASV device due to potential disintegration of the motor sound-abatement material. Over the course of the trial, 41 (6%) of participants withdrew consent and 34 (5%) were lost to follow-up. In the ASV group, the mean AHI decreased to 2·8-3·7 events per h over the course of the trial, with associated improvements in sleep quality assessed 1 month following randomisation. Over a mean follow-up period of 3·6 years (SD 1·6), ASV had no effect on the primary composite outcome (180 events in the control group vs 166 in the ASV group; hazard ratio [HR] 0·95, 95% CI 0·77-1·18; p=0·67) or the secondary endpoint of all-cause mortality (88 deaths in the control group vs. 76 in the ASV group; 0·89, 0·66-1·21; p=0·47). For patients with OSA, the HR for all-cause mortality was 1·00 (0·68-1·46; p=0·98) and for CSA was 0·74 (0·44-1·23; p=0·25). No safety issue related to ASV use was identified. INTERPRETATION: In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction and sleep-disordered breathing, ASV had no effect on the primary composite outcome or mortality but eliminated sleep-disordered breathing safely.

Conduction system pacing versus biventricular pacing in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Conduction system pacing (CSP) has emerged as a promising alternative to biventricular pacing (BVP) heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and ventricular dyssynchrony, but its benefits are still uncertain. In this study, we aim to evaluate clinical outcomes of CSP versus BVP for cardiac resynchronization in patients with HFrEF. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CSP to BVP for resynchronization therapy in patients with HFrEF. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used for all outcomes. We included 7 RCTs with 408 patients, of whom 200 (49%) underwent CSP. Compared to biventricular pacing, CSP resulted in a significantly greater reduction in QRS duration (MD -13.34 ms; 95% CI -24.32 to -2.36, p=0.02; I2=91%) and NYHA functional class (SMD -0.37; 95% CI -0.69 to -0.05;p=0.02; I2=41%), and a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD 2.06%; 95% CI 0.16 to 3.97; p=0.03; I2=0%). No statistical difference was noted for LVESV (SMD -0.51 mL; 95% CI -1.26 to 0.24; p=0.18; I2=83%), lead capture threshold (MD -0.08 V; 95% CI -0.42 to 0.27; p=0.66; I2=66%), and procedure time (MD 5.99 min; 95% CI -15.91 to 27.89; p=0.59; I2=79%). These findings suggest that CSP may have electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and symptomatic benefits over biventricular pacing for patients with HFrEF requiring cardiac resynchronization.

Diagnóstico y manejo de la congestión en insuficiencia cardíaca aguda / Diagnosis and management of congestion in acute heart failure / Diagnóstico e tratamento da congestão na insuficiência cardíaca aguda

La congestión en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca representa una manifestación de diversos procesos estructurales y funcionales cardiovasculares, asociada a alta morbimortalidad y reducción de calidad de vida, se considera la principal causa de ingreso a hospitalización y reingreso por insuficiencia cardíaca. Durante las últimas décadas, se ha logrado un mejor entendimiento de los diversos eventos fisiopatológicos desencadenantes, lo cual ha mejorado su pronóstico, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Por estos constantes avances, es necesaria su frecuente revisión y análisis. La atención del paciente con insuficiencia cardíaca y episodios de congestión es compleja y crucial. Su abordaje inicia con el reconocimiento temprano de las manifestaciones clínicas, uso de métodos no invasivos diagnósticos, delimitación del perfil de congestión; consecuentemente, es necesario brindar un manejo oportuno, intensivo y eficaz que contemple el empleo temprano de diuréticos intravenosos, la evaluación de metas de descongestión y, en casos específicos, terapia diurética combinada e incluso medicamentos vasoactivos o ultrafiltración continua.

Congestion in patients with heart failure represents a manifestation of various cardiovascular structural and functional processes, associated with high morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life, being considered the main cause of hospitalization and readmission due to heart failure. During the last decades, a better understanding of the various triggering pathophysiological events has been achieved, modifying their prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Due to these constant advances, its frequent review and analysis is necessary. The care of patients with heart failure and episodes of congestion is complex and crucial. Its approach begins with early recognition of clinical manifestations, use of non-invasive diagnostic methods, delimitation of the congestion profile; followed by timely, intensive, and effective management that contemplates the early use of intravenous diuretics, evaluation of decongestion goals and, in specific cases, combined diuretic therapy, and even vasoactive medications or continuous ultrafiltration.

A congestão em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca representa manifestação de diversos processos cardiovasculares estruturais e funcionais, associada a elevada morbidade e mortalidade e redução da qualidade de vida, é considerada a principal causa de internação e reinternação por insuficiência cardíaca. Durante as últimas décadas, conseguiu-se uma melhor compreensão dos vários eventos fisiopatológicos desencadeantes, o que melhorou o seu prognóstico, diagnóstico e tratamento. Devido a esses constantes avanços, sua revisão e análise frequente se fazem necessárias. O cuidado de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e episódios de congestão é complexo e crucial. Sua abordagem inicia-se com reconhecimento precoce das manifestações clínicas, utilização de métodos diagnósticos não invasivos, delimitação do perfil de congestão. Consequentemente, é necessário proporcionar manejo oportuno, intensivo e eficaz que inclua o uso precoce de diuréticos intravenosos, a avaliação das metas de descongestão e, em casos específicos, terapia diurética combinada e até mesmo medicações vasoativas ou ultrafiltração contínua.

Insuficiencia cardíaca de alto gasto asociada a fístula arteriovenosa: caso clínico / High output heart failure associated with arteriovenous fistula: clinical case / Insuficiência cardíaca de alto débito associada a fístula arteriovenosa: caso clínico

La creación de una fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) determina un incremento del gasto cardíaco, cuya magnitud está relacionada con el tamaño del cortocircuito. En el escenario adecuado esta puede conducir al desarrollo de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) con alto gasto cardiaco. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que desarrolla IC luego de la confección de una FAV para hemodiálisis crónica y sus implicancias clínicas posteriores. Se revisan aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos referidos a la IC de alto gasto.

The creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) determines an increase in cardiac output, the magnitude of which is related to the size of the shunt. In the right scenario, this can lead to the development of heart failure (HF) with high cardiac output. The case of a patient who develops HF after creating an AVF for chronic hemodialysis and its subsequent clinical implications is presented. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects related to high-output HF are reviewed.

A criação de uma fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) determina aumento do débito cardíaco, cuja magnitude está relacionada ao tamanho do shunt. No cenário certo, isso pode levar ao desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com alto débito cardíaco. É apresentado o caso de um paciente que desenvolve IC após confecção de FAV para hemodiálise crônica e suas subsequentes implicações clínicas. Aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos relacionados à IC de alto débito são revisados.

Valoración del índice leucoglucémico como predictor de complicaciones del infarto agudo de miocárdico con ST elevado / Assessment of the leuko-glycemic index as a predictor of complications of the myocardial infraction with elevated ST

Introducción: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y prospectiva con la intención de definir el valor pronóstico del índice leucoglucémico en pacientes portadores de síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del ST. Objetivo: Valorar la importancia de la utilización del índice leucoglucémico como factor predictivo de complicaciones en el infarto agudo de miocardio con ST elevado. Métodos: Se estudió una muestra de 60 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Amalia Simoni, de Camagüey, durante el año 2021, a los que se les llenó un cuestionario, de donde se obtuvieron: edad, color de la piel, antecedentes patológicos personales, hábitos tóxicos, complicaciones ocurridas, estado al alta y resultados del índice leucoglucémico. Los datos extraídos fueron manejados según estadística descriptiva, para obtener resultados en número y porciento, que conllevaron a las conclusiones finales. Resultados: Predominaron mujeres blancas mayores de 56 años de edad, hipertensas y diabéticas, asociadas al hábito de fumar en un gran porciento, con la aparición de múltiples complicaciones. También predominaron el cuadro de insuficiencia cardiaca y las arritmias en más de dos tercios de los casos, y hubo un número alto de fallecidos con índice leucoglucémico elevado. Conclusiones: Los resultados derivados de esta investigación apoyan el fundamento teórico-práctico de la utilización del índice leucoglucémico como predictor de complicaciones a corto plazo en el infarto agudo de miocardio con ST elevado, apreciado por su sencillez, amplia disponibilidad y bajo costo(AU)

Introduction: A descriptive and prospective research was carried out with the intention of defining the prognostic value of the leuko-glycemic index in patients carrying acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation. Objective: To assess the importance of the use of the leuko-glycemic index as a predictive factor of complications in acute myocardial infarction with elevated ST. Methods: A sample of 60 patient was studied; they entered the Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital Amalia Simoni, of Camaguey, during 2021, and filled out a questionnaire from which age, color of skin, personal pathological antecedents, toxic habits, complications, status at discharge and results of the leuko-glycemic index were obtained. The extracted data were managed according to descriptive statistic to obtain results in number and percentage, which led to the final conclusions. Results: White women over 56 years old, hypertensive and diabetic predominated, associated with smoking in a large percent, and with the appearance of multiple complications. Heart failure and arrhythmias also predominated in more than two thirds of the cases, and there were a high number of deaths with high leuko-glycemic index. Conclusions: The results derived from this research support the theoretical-practical foundation of the use of the leuko-glycemic index as a predictor of short term complications in acute myocardial infarction with elevated ST, appreciated for its simplicity, wide availability and low cost(AU)

Multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging after a recent heart failure admission: the MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. RESULTS: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS and relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome.

Intra-myocardial dissecting hematoma: late complication of cocaine-induced myocardial infarction

Intra-myocardial dissecting hematoma (IDH) is a rare and unusual form of myocardial rupture that can be secondary to complicate acute myocardail infarction (MI). It is usually caused by a hemorrhagic dissection between the layers of myocardial fibers that can occur during the acute injury or the remodeling process. This case demonstrates a patient with a history of cocaine-induced ischemic cardiomyopathy complicated with an extensive IDH. Case description A 38-year-old man with a past medical history of hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and cocaine abuse disorder, presents to the emergency department complaining of worsening shortness of breath. Six months before the current hospitalization, the patient had been diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, left heart Cath showed a severe three-vessel coronary artery disease, but it was non-suitable for revascularization. The transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed significant left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 28% and a thrombus in the left ventricle. Four days before the current admission, the patient started complaining of worsening exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, and peripheral edema. His vital signs were BP 90 x 62mmhg, HR 104 bpm, SatO2 90% and afebrile. His physical examination revealed an increased jugular venous pressure, significant symmetric peripheral edema (3+/4), and cold extremities. Cardiac auscultation revealed a regular rhythm, S3, without murmrs. A pulmonary exam revealed bilateral crackles on the inferior 1/3 of the lungs. EKG showed sinus tachycardia and prior inferior necrosis. Renal function was normal, but lactate acid was elevated (2.6mg/dL). The patient was started with noninvasive ventilation, along with IV diuretic therapy, vasopressor, and inotropic support (dobutamine). A TTE was performed which showed an intra-myocardial dissecting hematoma in the inferior left ventricle (LV) wall, along with a large thrombus in the LV chamber and severe biventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction was 23%). Our patient responded well to the medical treatment. Due to his severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the IDH was managed conservatively. He was discharged on standard medication for HFrEF and oral anticoagulation. Discussion this case demonstrates IDH as a late complication following a cocaine-induced MI. Two-dimensional echocardiography is useful in the diagnosis of IDH as well as in ruling out potential differential diagnoses. Conservative treatment is a viable option, especially for those patients not suitable for cardiac revascularization with severely reduced left ventricular ejection.

Síndrome cardiorrenal: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Cardiorenal syndrome: diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardíacas y renales coexisten con frecuencia. El síndrome cardiorrenal es una entidad compleja; en ella, la disfunción primaria cardíaca produce daño renal (tipos 1 y 2) y viceversa (tipos 3 y 4) o efecto de una enfermedad sistémica que afecta a ambos órganos (tipo 5). Objetivo: Actualizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con síndrome cardiorrenal. Métodos: Se utilizan métodos teóricos y empíricos para realizar análisis del conocimiento actualizado sobre el tema. Se ha definido la existencia de un síndrome cardiorrenal que compromete a ambos órganos, con interacción bidireccional. En su detección, el diagnóstico clínico es insuficiente y requiere marcadores bioquímicos; estas herramientas, junto con la medición del sodio urinario, permite vigilar la efectividad terapéutica. Otro recurso es la ultrafiltración, según complicaciones. Conclusiones: Se debe indicar tratamiento con base en la evidencia para mejorar la calidad de vida, reducir la mortalidad y retrasar el deterioro de la función renal y cardíaca a largo plazo; el trasplante renal se debe considerar en pacientes en diálisis con disfunción ventricular severa. Idealmente, deberían recibir un trasplante combinado: cardíaco y renal, lo cual es difícil; algunos pacientes sometidos exclusivamente a trasplante renal presentan una mejoría notable en su fracción de eyección y en la sobrevida.

Introduction: heart and kidney diseases frequently coexist. Cardiorenal syndrome is a complex entity in which primary cardiac dysfunction causes a kidney damage (types 1 and 2) and vice versa (types 3 and 4) or an effect of a systemic disease that affects both organs (type 5). Objective: to update the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiorenal syndrome. Methods: theoretical and empirical methods are used to carry out the analysis of updated knowledge on the subject. The existence of a cardiorenal syndrome that compromises both organs has been defined with bidirectional interaction. In its detection, clinical diagnosis is insufficient and requires biochemical markers; these tools, together with the measurement of urinary sodium, allow us to monitor therapeutic effectiveness. Another resource is ultrafiltration, according to complications. Conclusions: evidence-based treatment should be indicated to improve quality of life, reduce mortality, and delay the deterioration of renal and cardiac function in the long term; kidney transplantation should be considered in dialysis patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. Ideally, they should receive a combined transplant: heart and kidney, which is difficult; some patients undergoing exclusively a renal transplantation show a notable improvement in their ejection fraction and survival.

Enzima convertidora de angiotensina homóloga (ECA2) y actividad de ROCK en la falla cardíaca experimental / ACE 2 and ROCK activity in experimental congestive heart failure

Antecedentes: La ECA2 ha mostrado ser un regulador esencial de la funcionalidad cardíaca. En un modelo experimental de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) con Fier, modelo de coartación de aorta (COA), se encontró activación de la vía Rho-kinasa. La inhibición de esta vía con fasudil no mejoró el remodelado cardíaco ni la disfunción sistólica. Se desconoce en este modelo, si el deterioro de la función cardíaca y activación de la vía rho-kinasa se asocia con una disminución de la ECA2 cardíaca y si la inhibición de Rho-kinasa tiene un efecto sobre la expresión de ECA2. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es determinar si en la falla cardaca experimental por coartación aórtica, los niveles proteicos de ECA2 en el miocardio se asocian a disfunción sistólica y cual es su interacción con la actividad de ROCK en el miocardio. Métodos: Ratones C57BL6J machos de 7-8 semanas se randomizaron en 3 grupos experimentales. Grupo COA por anudación de la aorta + vehículo; Grupo COA + Fasudil (100 mg/Kg día) por bomba osmótica desde la semana 5 post-cirugía; y grupo control o Sham. Se determinaron las dimensiones y función cardíaca por ecocardiografía. Posterior a la eutanasia, se determinaron los niveles de ECA2 del VI por Western-blot y actividad de la Rho-kinasa Resultados: En los grupos COA+vehículo y COA-FAS hubo deterioro de la función cardíaca, reflejada por la reducción de la FE (47,9 ± 1,53 y 45,5 ± 2,10, p < 0,05, respectivamente) versus SHAM (68,6 ± 1,19). Además, aumentaron las dimensiones cardíacas y hubo desarrollo de hipertrofia (0,53 ± 0,02 / 0,53 ± 0,01, p < 0,05) medida por aumento de la masa cardíaca relativa respecto del grupo SHAM (0,40 ± 0,01). En los grupos COA+vehículo y COA-FAS se encontró una disminución significativa del 35% en la expresión de ECA2 cardíaca respecto al grupo control. Conclusiones: La disfunción sistólica por coartación aórtica se asocia con aumento de la actividad de Rho-kinasa y significativa disminución de la expresión de ECA2. La inhibición de Rho-kinasa no mejoró el remodelado cardíaco, la disfunción sistólica y tampoco modificó los niveles de ECA2 cardíaca.

Background: ACE2 has been described as an essential regulator of cardiac function. In an experimental model of heart failure (HF) and heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the aortic coarctation (COA) model, activation of the Rho-kinase pathway of cardiac remodeling was found. Inhibition of this pathway did not improve cardiac remodeling or systolic ventricular dysfunction. It is unknown in this model whether the impairment of cardiac function and activation of the rho-kinase pathway is associated with a decrease in ACE2 and whether rho-kinase inhibition has an effect on ACE2 expression. Objective: To determine if in experimental heart failure due to aortic coarctation, ACE2 protein levels in the myocardium are associated with systolic dysfunction and what is its interaction with ROCK activity in the myocardium. Methods: Male C57BL6J mice aged 7-8 weeks were divided into 3 groups and anesthetized: One group underwent COA+ vehicle; A second group COA + Fasudil (100 mg/Kg/d) by osmotic pump from week 5 post-surgery and; the third group, control(SHAM). Echocardiograms were performed to determine cardiac dimensions and systolic function. Rats were then euthanized. Ventricular expression of ACE2, activity of the Rho-kinase pathway by MYPT-1 phosphorylation, relative cardiac mass, area and perimeter of cardiomyocytes were determined by Western blot. Results: In both COA+vehicle and COA+FAS groups there was deterioration of cardiac function, reflected in the reduction of EF (47.9 ± 1.53 and 45.5 ± 2.10, p < 0.05, respectively) versus the SHAM group (68.6 ± 1.19). In addition, cardiac dimensions and hypertrophy increased (0.53 ± 0.02 / 0.53 ± 0.01, p < 0.05) due to increased relative cardiac mass compared to the SHAM group (0.40 ± 0.01). In the COA+vehicle and COA+FAS groups a significant decrease of 35% in cardiac ACE2 expression was found compared to the control group. Conclusions: Systolic dysfunction due to aortic coarctation is associated with increased Rhokinase activity and a significant decrease in ACE2 expression. Rho-kinase inhibition did not improve cardiac remodeling, systolic dysfunction, nor did it change cardiac ACE2 levels.

El papel de la Ivabradina y la titulación de los betabloqueadores en la insuficiencia cardíaca: una serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / The role of Ivabradine and beta-blocker titration in heart failure: a case series and literature review

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos : La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es una preocupación creciente de salud pública. Si bien los betabloqueantes (BB) son la base del tratamiento, lograr reducciones objetivo de frecuencia cardíaca puede ser difícil debido a los efectos secundarios y la tolerancia limitada. La ivabradina, un inhibidor único de la corriente If, ofrece un enfoque complementario para controlar la frecuencia cardíaca sin afectar la contractilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de agregar ivabradina a la terapia BB en pacientes con IC. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en un hospital privado en San José, Costa Rica se analizaron 7 casos de pacientes tratados con BB a los cuales posteriormente se les adicionó ivabradina. Se recopilaron datos demo- gráficos, las características clínicas, la frecuencia cardíaca previa y posterior a la ivabradina, la clase funcional NYHA y los valores de laboratorio seleccionados. Resultados: La ivabradina redujo significativamente la frecuencia cardíaca en reposo en un promedio de 26,87 latidos por minuto. El 42,86% alcanzó la dosis meta de su BB inicial después de agregar ivabradina. La clase funcional NYHA se mantuvo estable o mejoró en todos los casos. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que agregar ivabradina a la terapia BB puede ser una estrategia eficaz para optimizar el control de la frecuencia cardíaca en pacientes con IC. Este enfoque puede mejorar la tolerabilidad de BB, lo que lleva a un mayor manejo de la dosis meta y posiblemente mejores resultados clínicos.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern. While beta-blockers (BBs) are the cornerstone of treatment, achieving target heart rate reductions can be difficult due to side effects and limited tolerance. Ivabradine, a unique inhibitor of the If current, offers a complementary approach to controlling heart rate without affecting contractility. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding ivabradine to BB therapy in patients with HF. Methods : A retrospective observational study was conducted at a private hospital in San José, Costa Rica. Seven cases of patients treated with BBs who were subsequently added to ivabradine were analyzed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, heart rate before and after ivabradine, NYHA functional class, and selected laboratory values were collected. Results : Ivabradine significantly reduced resting heart rate by an average of 26.87 beats per minute. Forty-two-point eight-six percent (42.86%) achieved the target dose of their initial BB after adding ivabradine. NYHA functional class remained stable or improved in all cases. Conclusions: These results suggest that adding ivabradine to BB therapy may be an effective strategy to optimize heart rate control in patients with HF. This approach may improve BB tolerability, leading to greater target dose management and possibly better clinical outcomes.

Conhecimento, autocuidado e adesão terapêutica dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e o impacto nas internações / Knowledge, self-careand therapeutic adherence of patients with heart failure and the impact on hospitalizations

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento, autocuidado e adesão terapêutica dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC), e o impacto nas internações. Método:Estudo exploratório, descritivo, prospectivo, transversal,quantitativo, com 84 pacientes que responderam ao questionário de conhecimento da IC; autocuidado e de adesão terapêutica, após aprovação do comitê de ética em pesquisa. Para avaliar a correlação entre as escalas utilizou-se a Correlação de Pearson, e para os fatores associados regressão linear. Resultados:Prevaleceu idosos, sexo masculino, casados, com baixa escolaridade, hipertensos, com dislipidemia ou diabetes e submetidos a angioplastia. A fração de ejeção mediana foi 28%, com sintomas moderados ou graves. O escore de acerto para conhecimento dainsuficiência cardíaca foi de 7.4 ± 2.2, autocuidado 43.6 ± 7.0 e Morisky 5.7 ± 1.9. Conclusão:Não se observou associação entre as escalas de conhecimento da insuficiência cardíaca, autocuidado e adesão terapêutica e houve correlação da internação com o diagnóstico de etiologia valvar.