Atingimento das Metas de Colesterol LDL em Pacientes com Histórico de Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio: Estudo Transversal do Mundo Real / Attainment of LDL-Cholesterol Goals in Patients with Previous Myocardial Infarction: A Real-World Cross-Sectional Analysis

Resumo Fundamento: As diretrizes da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia recomendam um nível de colesterol LDL (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL para pacientes com doença cardiovascular estabelecida. Embora a fórmula de Friedewald ainda seja amplamente utilizada para estimar o LDL-C, a fórmula mais recente de Martin-Hopkins mostrou maior precisão. Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar: A) a proporção de pacientes que atingiram a meta de LDL-C e as terapias utilizadas em um centro terciário; B) o impacto da utilização do método de Martin-Hopkins em vez do método de Friedewald na proporção de pacientes controlados. Métodos: Estudo transversal monocêntrico, incluindo pacientes consecutivos pós-infarto do miocárdio, acompanhados por 20 cardiologistas, em um hospital terciário. Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente de consultas clínicas realizadas após abril de 2022. Para cada paciente, os níveis de LDL-C e o atingimento das metas foram estimados a partir de um perfil lipídico ambulatorial, utilizando as fórmulas de Friedewald e Martin-Hopkins. Um valor-p bicaudal < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo para todos os testes. Resultados: Foram incluídos 400 pacientes (com 67 ± 13 anos, 77% do sexo masculino). Utilizando a fórmula de Friedewald, a mediana de LDL-C sob terapia foi de 64 (50-81) mg/dL, e 31% tinham LDL-C dentro da meta. Estatinas de alta intensidade foram usadas em 64% dos pacientes, 37% estavam em uso de ezetimiba e 0,5% estavam em uso de inibidores de PCSK9. A terapia combinada de estatina de alta intensidade + ezetimiba foi utilizada em 102 pacientes (26%). A aplicação do método de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um total de 31 pacientes (7,8%). Entre aqueles considerados controlados pela fórmula de Friedewald, 27 (21,6%) teriam LDL-C estimado por Martin-Hopkins acima da meta. Conclusões: Menos de um terço dos pacientes pós-infarto do miocárdio apresentaram LDL-C dentro da meta. A aplicação da fórmula de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um quinto dos pacientes presumivelmente controlados no grupo de pacientes não controlados.

Abstract Background: The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend an LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL for patients with established cardiovascular disease. While the Friedewald equation to estimate LDL-C is still widely used, the newer Martin-Hopkins equation has shown greater accuracy. Objectives: We aimed to assess: A) the proportion of patients reaching LDL-C goal and the therapies used in a tertiary center; B) the impact of using the Martin-Hopkins method instead of Friedewald's on the proportion of controlled patients. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study including consecutive post-myocardial infarction patients followed by 20 cardiologists in a tertiary hospital. Data was collected retrospectively from clinical appointments that took place after April 2022. For each patient, the LDL-C levels and attainment of goals were estimated from an ambulatory lipid profile using both Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins equations. A two-tailed p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results: Overall, 400 patients were included (aged 67 ± 13 years, 77% male). Using Friedewald's equation, the median LDL-C under therapy was 64 (50-81) mg/dL, and 31% had LDL-C within goals. High-intensity statins were used in 64% of patients, 37% were on ezetimibe, and 0.5% were under PCSK9 inhibitors. Combination therapy of high-intensity statin + ezetimibe was used in 102 patients (26%). Applying the Martin-Hopkins method would reclassify a total of 31 patients (7.8%). Among those deemed controlled by Friedewald's equation, 27 (21.6%) would have a Martin-Hopkins' LDL-C above goals. Conclusions: Less than one-third of post-myocardial infarction patients had LDL-C within the goal. Applying the Martin-Hopkins equation would reclassify one-fifth of presumably controlled patients into the non-controlled group.

Effectiveness and Safety of P2Y12 Inhibitor Pretreatment for Primary PCI in STEMI: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been shown to be associated with better outcomes. Yet, there is uncertainty regarding the optimal timing for its initiation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence on pretreatment with P2Y12 inhibitors in combination with aspirin in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We performed a systematic search of electronic databases PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus until April 2022. Studies were eligible if they compared P2Y12 inhibitor upstream administration with downstream use in patients with STEMI submitted to PCI. Studies with patients receiving fibrinolysis or medical therapy only were excluded. Outcomes were assessed at the shortest follow-up available. Of 2491 articles, 3 RCT and 16 non-RCT studies were included, with a total of 79,300 patients (66.1% pretreated, 66.0% treated with clopidogrel). Pretreatment was associated with reduction in definite stent thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.61 [0.38-0.98]), all-cause death (OR 0.77 [0.60-0.97]), and cardiogenic shock (OR 0.60 [0.48-0.75]). It was also associated with a lower incidence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3 pre-PCI (OR 0.78 [0.67-0.92]). However, incidence of recurrent MI was not significantly reduced (OR 0.93 [0.57-1.52]). Regarding safety, pretreatment was not associated with a higher risk of major bleeding events (OR 0.83 [0.75-0.92]). Pretreatment with dual antiplatelet therapy, including a P2Y12 inhibitor, was associated with better pre-PCI coronary perfusion, lower incidence of definite stent thrombosis, cardiogenic shock, and, possibly, all-cause mortality with no sign of potential harm encountered.

Polypill use for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: A position paper.

Cardiovascular (CV) guidelines stress the need for global intervention to manage risk factors and reduce the risk of major vascular events. Growing evidence supports the use of polypill as a strategy to prevent cerebral and cardiovascular disease, however it is still underused in clinical practice. This paper presents an expert consensus aimed to summarize the data regarding polypill use. The authors consider the benefits of polypill and the significant claims for clinical applicability. Potential advantages and disadvantages, data regarding several populations in primary and secondary prevention, and pharmacoeconomic data are also addressed.

Características clínicas y laboratoriales de la infección por el virus Chikungunya en pacientes en edad pediátrica del Instituto de Medicina Tropical

Introducción: La fiebre chikungunya (FCHIK) es una enfermedad febril transmitida por mosquitos, que en el niño tiene manifestaciones clínicas diferentes, dependiendo del grupo de edad. Objetivo: el presente trabajo tiene el propósito de identificar las características clínicas y evolutivas de la FCHIK en pacientes ≤15 años, que acudieron al Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT). Materiales y método: estudio observacional, descriptivo retrospectivo, basado en revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes de 0 y 15 años, que consultaron al IMT, entre noviembre/2022 y marzo/ 2023, con diagnóstico de FCHIK. Resultados: de 2050 pacientes febriles que consultaron al IMT entre noviembre/2022 y marzo/2023, 301 fueron casos de FCHIK, 10,6% (32/301) requirió hospitalización, de estos el 62,5% (20/32) era ≤1 año. La presencia de vómitos (p<0.0001.OR= 5,5 IC95% 2.2-13.2), dolor abdominal (p<0.0001.OR=40.5,5 IC95% 4.5-364.3); erupción maculo-papular-ampollar p<0.008. OR=3.5, IC95% 1.3 - 9.1), fue significativamente más frecuente en los hospitalizados. El 37.5% (12/32) fue hospitalizado en UCI y 15,6% (5/32) requirió ARM, 18.7%(6/32) presentó miocarditis; 15.6%(5/32) encefalitis, y 3.1%(1/32) encefalitis y miocarditis. No se registraron óbitos. Conclusiones: La décima parte de los pacientes con FCHIK requirieron hospitalización, de estos más de la mitad fueron <1 año. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron fiebre, exantema, vómitos, irritabilidad, artralgias, lesiones ampollares. La leucopenia fue significativamente más frecuente en ≤1 año. La edad <3 meses, así como vómitos, exantema vesículo-ampollar, presencia de choque, irritabilidad, convulsiones, dolor abdominal y dificultad respiratoria se asociaron significativamente al requerimiento de hospitalización. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron el choque, la miocarditis y la encefalitis.

Introduction: Chikungunya fever (CHKF) is a febrile disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which presentes different clinical manifestations in children, depending on their age group. Objective: to describe the clinical and outcome characteristics of CHKF in patients ≤15 years old, who presented to the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM). Materials and methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive and observational study, based on the review of medical records of patients between 0 and 15 years of age, who were evaluated at the ITM, between November/2022 and March/2023, who were diagnosed with CHKF. Results: of 2050 febrile patients who consulted at the ITM between November/2022 and March/2023, 301 were cases of CHKF, 10.6% (32/301) required hospitalization, of which 62.5% (20/32) were ≤ 1 year of age. The presence of vomiting (p<0.0001, OR= 5.5, 95% CI 2.2-13.2), abdominal pain (p<0.0001, OR=40.5.5, 95% CI 4.5-364.3); maculo-papular-bullous rash (p<0.008, OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.3 - 9.1), was significantly more frequent in hospitalized patients. 37.5% (12/32) were hospitalized in the ICU and 15.6% (5/32) required ARM, 18.7% (6/32) presented myocarditis; 15.6%(5/32) encephalitis, and 3.1%(1/32) had both encephalitis and myocarditis. No deaths were registered. Conclusions: One tenth of the patients with CHKF required hospitalization, of which more than half were <1 year of age. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fever, rash, vomiting, irritability, arthralgia, and bullous lesions. Leukopenia was significantly more frequent in those ≤1 year of age. Age <3 months, as well as vomiting, vesicular-bullous rash, shock, irritability, seizures, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress were significantly associated with the need for hospitalization. The most frequent complications were shock, myocarditis and encephalitis.

Pretreatment with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and delay to coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: 2020 ESC guidelines for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) recommend against the pretreatment with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (P2Y12i) in patients undergoing early invasive management (<24 h). The rationale is, in part, to prevent bleeding complications and the delay of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with suitable coronary anatomy. This study aimed to analyze the theoretical impact of pretreatment with a P2Y12i on delay to CABG surgery in a real-world population with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing invasive evaluation in 2019. Those with previous CABG or nonobstructive coronary disease were excluded. RESULTS: The total cohort included 262 patients (mean age 68±12 years, 69% male, 15% with unstable angina and mean GRACE score 134±35). Median time from FMC to angiography was 2 (1-4) days. Overall, 168 (64%) patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 47 (18%) were proposed for CABG and the remainder received conservative management. All patients considered for CABG received pretreatment with P2Y12i (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). The median time from angiography to CABG was 12 (7-15) days. Six patients experienced recurrent angina (13%) and 2 (4%) died before surgery due to refractory ventricular fibrillation. Those who underwent CABG under P2Y12i effect were more likely to receive blood and platelets transfusions (64.7% vs. 28.6%, P=0.017 and 82.4% vs. 21.4%, P<0.001, respectively), although there were no differences regarding major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with P2Y12i was a potential but not the sole driver of CABG delay in our cohort. Adopting the new recommendations of withholding pretreatment might decrease this delay, but other factors must be considered.

Cost-Effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill Strategy Compared With Separate Monocomponents in Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease in Portugal: The MERCURY Study.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases remain a leading and costly cause of death globally. Patients with previous CV events are at high risk of recurrence. Secondary prevention therapies improve CV risk factor control and reduce disease costs. Objectives: To assess the cost-effectiveness of a CV polypill strategy (CNIC-Polypill) compared with the loose combination of monocomponents to improve the control of CV risk factors in patients with previous coronary heart disease or stroke. Methods: A Markov model cost-utility analysis was developed using 4 health states, SMART risk equation, and 3-month cycles for year 1 and annual cycles thereafter, over a lifetime horizon from the perspective of the National Health System in Portugal (base case). The NEPTUNO study, Portuguese registries, mortality tables, official reports, and the literature were consulted to define effectiveness, epidemiological costs, and utility data. Outcomes were costs (estimated in 2020 euros) per life-year (LY) and quality-adjusted LY (QALY) gained. A 4% discount rate was applied. Alternative scenarios and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested the consistency and robustness of results. Results: The CNIC-Polypill strategy in secondary prevention provides more LY and QALY, at a higher cost, than monocomponents. The incremental cost-utility ratio is €1557/QALY gained. Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €30 000/QALY gained, there is a 79.7% and a 44.4% probability of the CNIC-Polypill being cost-effective and cost-saving, respectively, compared with the loose combination of monocomponents. Results remain consistent in the alternative scenarios and robust in the sensitivity analyses. Discussion: The model reflects increments in the number of years patients would live and in quality of life with the CNIC-Polypill. The clinical effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill strategy initially demonstrated in the NEPTUNO study has been recently corroborated in the SECURE trial. The incremental cost of the CNIC-Polypill strategy emerges slightly above the comparator, but willingness-to-pay estimates and sensitivity analyses indicate that the CNIC-Polypill strategy is consistently cost-effective compared with monocomponents and remains within acceptable affordability margins. Conclusion: The CNIC-Polypill is a cost-effective secondary prevention strategy. In patients with histories of coronary heart disease or stroke, the CNIC-Polypill more effectively controls CV risk factors compared with monocomponents.

Pectoralis major muscle quantification by cardiac MRI is a strong predictor of major events in HF.

Clinical overt cardiac cachexia is a late ominous sign in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The main goal of this study was to assess the feasibility and prognostic significance of muscle mass quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HF with reduced LVEF. HF patients with LVEF < 40% (HFrEF) referred for CMR were retrospectively identified in a single center. Key exclusion criteria were primary muscle disease, known infiltrative myocardial disease and intracardiac devices. Pectoralis major muscles were measured on standard axial images at the level of the 3rd rib anteriorly. Time to all-cause death or HF hospitalization was the primary endpoint. A total of 298 HF patients were included (mean age 64 ± 12 years; 76% male; mean LVEF 30 ± 8%). During a median follow-up of 22 months (IQR: 12-33), 67 (22.5%) patients met the primary endpoint (33 died and 45 had at least 1 HF hospitalization). In multivariate analysis, LVEF [Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.950; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.917-0.983; p = 0.003), NYHA class I-II vs III-IV (HR: 0.480; CI: 0.272-0.842; p = 0.010), creatinine (HR: 2.653; CI: 1.548-4.545; p < 0.001) and pectoralis major area (HR: 0.873; 95% CI: 0.821-0.929; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint, when adjusted for gender and NT-pro-BNP levels. Pectoralis major size measured by CMR in HFrEF was independently associated with a higher risk of death or HF hospitalization. Further studies to establish appropriate age and gender-adjusted cut-offs of muscle areas are needed to identify high-risk subgroups.

Pre- and postoperative comparative analysis of the spinopelvic and global sagittal parameters of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Análise comparativa pré e pós-operatória dos parâmetros espino-pélvicos e sagital global dos pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente / Análisis comparativo pre y postoperatorio de los parámetros espino-pélvicos y sagital global en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the pre- and postoperative spinopelvic parameters and global sagittal balance of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) divided into 3 groups (Group 1 - thoracic arthrodesis, Group 2 - thoracolumbar arthrodesis, and Group 3 - lumbar arthrodesis), observing differences in these two moments and whether the parameter values are maintained or not over a period of up to 2 years following surgery. Methods: We analyzed the radiographs from a single-center database of 99 patients who underwent arthrodesis with posterior instrumentation. Pelvic incidence, pelvic version, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal vertical axis values were measured in the pre- and postoperative radiographies of each patient. Results: The parameters of pelvic incidence, pelvic version, sacral slope, and sagittal vertical axis did not show statistically significant differences among the 3 groups. There was a difference in preoperative lumbar lordosis between the 3 groups (p = 0.049). Thoracic kyphosis showed differences both in the pre- (p = 0.015) and postoperative (p = 0.042) values, in addition to demonstrating a relationship of dependence between the pre- and postoperative values in the final statistical analysis. Conclusion: The evaluation of the parameters analyzed shows that the study groups have similar values of individual balance, with the exception of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, which are measurements that depend on the surgical technique and compensatory mechanisms, but remained within normal ranges. These factors allow the surgeon to be attentive to both the coronal and sagittal planes when planning the correction in order to achieve the equilibrium of the trunk in addition to correction of the deformity. Level of Evidence IIIA: Comparative retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar parâmetros espino-pélvicos e equilíbrio sagital de pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA) no pré e pós-operatório em três grupos (grupo 1 - artrodese torácica, grupo 2 toracolombar e grupo 3 - artrodese lombar), observando diferenças nesses dois momentos e se os parâmetros são mantidos ou não por um período de até dois anos de pós-operatório. Métodos: Foram avaliadas radiografias de 99 pacientes de um banco de dados de um único centro, que foram submetidos a artrodese por via posterior. Foram aferidos valores da incidência pélvica, versão pélvica, inclinação sacral, lordose lombar, cifose torácica e eixo vertical sagital nas radiografias pré e pós-operatória. Resultados: Os parâmetros de incidência pélvica, versão pélvica, inclinação sacral e do eixo vertical sagital não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos três grupos. A lordose lombar apresentou diferença entre os três grupos no pré-operatório (p = 0,049). A cifose torácica apresentou diferenças tanto no pré (p = 0,015) quanto no pós-operatório (p = 0,042), além de demonstrar relação de dependência nos valores do pré e pós na análise estatística final. Conclusões: A avaliação dos parâmetros analisados mostra que os grupos estudados apresentam valores semelhantes de equilíbrio do indivíduo, com exceção da cifose torácica e lordose lombar que são medidas dependendo da técnica cirúrgica e dos mecanismos compensatórios, porém mantendo-se dentro da faixa normal. Esses fatores permitem ao cirurgião ficar atento no planejamento da correção tanto no plano coronal quanto no plano sagital para conseguir, além da correção da deformidade, o equilíbrio do tronco. Nível de Evidência IIIA; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los parámetros espino-pélvicos y el equilibrio sagital de pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA) en el pre y postoperatorio divididos en 3 grupos (grupo 1 - artrodesis torácica, grupo 2 - toracolumbar y grupo 3 - artrodesis lumbar), observando las diferencias en estos dos momentos y si los parámetros se mantienen o no durante un periodo de hasta 2 años en el postoperatorio. Métodos: Se evaluaron las radiografías de 99 pacientes de una base de datos de un solo centro, a quienes se les realizó artrodesis por vía posterior. Se midieron los valores de incidencia pélvica, versión pélvica, inclinación sacra, lordosis lumbar, cifosis torácica y eje vertical sagital en las radiografías pre y postoperatorias de cada paciente. Resultados: Los parámetros de incidencia pélvica, versión pélvica, inclinación sacra y eje vertical sagital no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los 3 grupos. La lordosis lumbar presentó una diferencia entre los 3 grupos en el preoperatorio (p = 0,049). La cifosis torácica presentó diferencias tanto en el pre (p = 0,015) como en el postoperatorio (p = 0,042), además de presentar una relación de dependencia entre los valores del pre y postoperatorios en el análisis estadístico final. Conclusiones: La evaluación de los parámetros analizados muestra que los grupos estudiados presentan valores de equilibrio individual similares, con excepción de la cifosis torácica y la lordosis lumbar, que se miden en función de la técnica quirúrgica y de los mecanismos compensatorios, pero manteniéndose dentro del rango normal. Estos factores permiten al cirujano estar atento a la hora de planificar la corrección tanto en el plano coronal como en el sagital, para lograr, además de corregir la deformidad, el equilibrio del tronco. Nivel de evidencia IIIA; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.

Monitoring and Managing Lorlatinib Adverse Events in the Portuguese Clinical Setting: A Position Paper.

Rearrangements in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase ROS (ROS1) genes characterise two distinct molecular subsets of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumours. Lorlatinib is a third-generation ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) shown to have systemic and intracranial activity in treatment-naive patients and in those who progressed on first- and second-generation TKIs. Despite being generally well tolerated, lorlatinib has a unique and challenging safety profile that includes hyperlipidaemia and central and peripheral nervous system adverse events (AEs). This article summarises a set of strategies designed to monitor and manage lorlatinib-related AEs that were agreed upon by a multidisciplinary panel of specialists in a meeting held in July 2020. Among the recommendations hereby described, special emphasis was placed on communication: prescribing physicians should inform patients and their families/caregivers about the likelihood and nature of lorlatinib AEs, encouraging them to report any symptoms, while at the same time reassuring them that most events are manageable and resolve spontaneously and have little to no interference with cancer treatment. Importantly, all patients should undergo a set of baseline assessments, including biochemical analysis, evaluation of cardiovascular risk, electrocardiogram (ECG), neurological evaluation and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, which should be repeated regularly during lorlatinib treatment. Supportive medications to treat or relieve lorlatinib AEs were also discussed, as were the conditions requiring specialist consultations and/or adjustments in lorlatinib therapy. The overall goal of this article is to serve as a practical guide for oncologists to systematically and effectively approach lorlatinib AEs.

Major clinical impact of patent foramen ovale after HeartMate3 implantation: periprocedural diagnosis and its pitfalls.

We report a clinically significant right-to-left intracardiac shunt through a patent foramen ovale, diagnosed during investigations for hypoxemia and left ventricular dilation on the late postoperative period of a HeartMate3 implantation. We discuss diagnostic pitfalls and haemodynamic influences in this scenario, as well as the possibility of successful percutaneous treatment.

Endomyocardial biopsy: a 21st century diagnostic tool.

The question of the utility of Endomyocardial Biopsy (EMB) often and recurrently raises. It is claimed that the image techniques provide identical results without the risks of an invasive procedure. It is a fact that the impressive technico-scientific development of cardiovascular imagological methodologies covers a broad spectrum of diagnosis. It is also a fact that endomyocardial biopsy is not completely risk-free. Yet, when performed by experienced professionals in reference centres, endomyocardial biopsies my disclose a final unexpected nosologic entity, confirm or exclude a proposed diagnosis and, even when not showing specific lesions in the examined samples, EMB may point to a multifocal involvement of the heart that eventually skipped the fragments collected [1, 2, 3].

Complicaciones asociadas a trombocitopenia severa en pacientes con dengue

Resumen Introducción. La plaquetopenia severa representa un reconocido signo de alarma del dengue. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre el recuento de plaquetas y severidad del dengue en niños. Metodología. Niños menores de 15 años hospitalizados con el diagnóstico de dengue entre los años 2007-2018 fueron evaluados en el recuento de plaquetas y severidad de la enfermedad. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos, según que el recuento de plaquetas fuera mayor o menor de 100.000/mm3. Resultados. Ochocientos ochenta y dos pacientes hospitalizados con dengue fueron incluidos en el estudio, con una edad media 9,7 ± 4,6 años, e igual distribución de sexo: 437 (49,5%) del sexo femenino y 445 (50,5%) del sexo masculino. El 62,4% (550 pts) presentaron plaquetas ≤100.000/mm3. No hubo diferencias en la frecuencia de fiebre (99% vs 98%), cefalea (54% vs 62%), exantema (38% vs 34%) y mialgias (42% vs 47%) entre aquellos pacientes con plaquetas 100.000/mm3. Sin embargo, la frecuencia de sangrados (28% vs 26%, p3 veces lo normal) (10% vs 2%; p<0,0001; OR=7,41; 95% IC 2,93-18,70), la presencia de extravasación (49% vs 4%; p<0,0001; OR 27,7; 95% IC 14,86-51,57), e ingreso a UTI (11% vs 0,4%, p<0,0001; OR 41,29; 95% IC 5,69-299,33) fue mayor en los pacientes con plaquetas <100.000/mm3. Conclusiones. El presente estudio muestra que la severidad del dengue es mayor en pacientes con dengue con plaquetas <100.000/mm3 y que las complicaciones están influenciadas por la misma.

Abstract Introduction. Severe platelet disease is a recognized warning sign of dengue. Objective. To determine the relationship between platelet count and dengue severity in children. Methodology. Children younger than 15 years hospitalized with the diagnosis of dengue between 2007-2018 were evaluated for the platelet`s count and severity of the disease. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to whether the count o platelets was greater or less than 100,000 / mm3. Results. Eight hundred eighty two hospitalized patients with dengue were included in the study, with a mean age of 9.7 ± 4.6 years, and the same sex distribution: (437 (49.5%) female and 445 (50.5%) male. Sixty-two % (550 pts) presented platelets ≤100,000 / mm3. There were no differences in the frequency of fever (99% vs. 98%), headache (54% vs. 62%), rash (38% vs. 34%) and myalgia (42% vs. 47%) among those patients with platelets 100,000 / mm3. However, the frequency of bleeding (28% vs 26%, p 3 times normal) (10% vs 2%; p <0.0001; OR = 7.41, 95% CI 2.93-18.70), the presence of extravasations (49% vs. 4%; p <0.0001; OR 27.7, 95% CI 14.86-51.57), and admission to ICU (11% vs. 0.4%, p <0.0001; OR 41.29, 95 % CI 5.69-299.33) it was higher in patients with platelets <100,000 / mm3. Conclusions. The present study shows that dengue severity is higher in dengue patients with platelets <100,000 / mm3 and those complications are influenced by it.

Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis: A Rare and Life-Threatening Presentation of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.

We describe a case of fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis as the first presentation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, promptly managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This case highlights the multidisciplinary work involving all health care professionals in the acute management of these patients and discusses it from an educational point of view. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Use of alar-iliac s2 screw technique in scoliosis secondary to myelomeningocele / Utilização da técnica de parafuso s2 alar-ilíaco na escoliose secundária à mielomeningocele / Utilización de la técnica de tornillo s2 alar-iliaco en la escoliosis secundaria a mielomeningocele

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate retrospectively the results related to the use of pelvic fixation with alar-iliac S2 screw in individuals with myelomeningocele. Methods: Retrospective study of cases surgically treated with this technique, between January 2015 and March 2018 at the Pequeno Principe Children's Hospital. Radiographic images and clinical records were analyzed in search of complications. Results: Twelve patients with mean age of 13.3 years were treated at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 11.5 months. The mean of the highest magnitude curve measured by the Cobb angle in the preoperative period was 83.8°; while in the last postoperative follow-up was 29.5° (correction of 65%). The mean pelvic obliquity was 23.1° in the preoperative period and in the postoperative was 7.1° (correction of 69%). Only 2 cases (17%) with complications associated with material failure at the level of sacroiliac fixation, due to the unilateral release of the head of the polyaxial S2 iliac screw. Conclusions: The technique of pelvic fixation in the scoliosis secondary to myelomeningocele with the use of S2 alar-iliac screws has shown satisfactory results, with only two complications (17%) directly related to pelvic fixation in the operated cases. Level of Evidence IV; Series of Cases.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do uso da fixação pélvica com o parafuso S2 alar-ilíaco em indivíduos portadores de mielomeningocele. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo dos casos tratados cirurgicamente através desta técnica entre janeiro de 2015 e março de 2018 no Hospital Infantil Pequeno Príncipe. Foram analisados as imagens radiográficas e registro clínico no prontuário à procura de complicações. Resultados: Foram tratados 12 pacientes com média de idade de 13,3 anos no momento da cirurgia. A média de seguimento foi de 11,5 meses. A média da curva de maior magnitude medida pelo ângulo de Cobb no pré-operatório foi de 83,8°; enquanto que no último seguimento pós-operatório foi de 29,5° (correção de 65%). A média da obliquidade pélvica foi de 23,1° no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório de 7,1° (correção de 69%). Foram observados apenas dois casos (17%) com complicações associadas à falha do material ao nível da fixação sacroilíaca, devido soltura unilateral da cabeça do parafuso poliaxial de S2 alar-ilíaco. Conclusão: A técnica de fixação pélvica na escoliose secundária à mielomeningocele com uso de parafusos em S2 alar-ilíacos tem demonstrado resultados satisfatórios, havendo apenas duas complicações (17%) diretamente relacionada à fixação pélvica nos casos operados. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de Casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar retrospectivamente los resultados del uso de la fijación pélvica con el tornillo S2 alar-ilíaco en individuos con mielomeningocele. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de los casos tratados quirúrgicamente a través de esta técnica entre enero de 2015 y marzo de 2018 en el Hospital Infantil Pequeno Príncipe. Fueron analizadas las imágenes radiográficas y los prontuarios en busca de complicaciones. Resultados: Se trataron quirúrgicamente a 12 pacientes con promedio de edad de 13,3 años. El promedio de seguimiento fue de 11,5 meses. El promedio de la curva de mayor magnitud medida por el ángulo de Cobb en el preoperatorio fue de 83,8°, mientras que en el último seguimiento postoperatorio fue de 29,5° (corrección del 65%). El promedio de la oblicuidad pélvica fue de 23,1° en el preoperatorio y en el postoperatorio de 7,1° (corrección del 69%). Se observaron sólo 2 casos (17%) con complicaciones asociadas a la falla del material al nivel de la fijación sacroilíaca, debido a la soltura unilateral de la cabeza del tornillo poliaxial S2 alar-ilíaco. Conclusiones: La técnica de fijación pélvica en la escoliosis secundaria a la mielomeningocele con uso de tornillos en S2 alar-ilíacos ha demostrado resultados satisfactorios, habiendo apenas dos complicaciones (17%) directamente relacionada a la fijación pélvica en los casos operados. Conclusiones (17%) directamente relacionadas a la fijación pélvica en los casos operados. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

Systemic exposure to intracameral vs topical mydriatic agents: in cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare systemic exposure to tropicamide/phenylephrine following intracameral or topical administration before cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mydriatics exposure was calculated in patients randomized to intracameral fixed combination of mydriatics and anesthetic ([ICMA]: tropicamide 0.02%, phenylephrine 0.31%, and lidocaine 1%, N=271) or mydriatic eye drops ([EDs]: tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%, N=283). Additional doses were permitted if required. Mydriatic plasma levels were determined by mass spectrometric HPLC in 15 patients per group before and after administration. RESULTS: Most ICMA patients (73.6%) received a single dose (200 µL) representing an exposure to tropicamide of 0.04 mg and phenylephrine of 0.62 mg. None of these patients received additional mydriatics. In the control group (three administrations), the exposure was 0.45 (11.3-fold higher than ICMA) and 10.2 (16.5-fold higher) mg. When additional ED was used in this group (9.2% of patients), it was 37.5-fold higher for tropicamide (10 drops, 1.5 mg) and 54.8-fold higher for phenylephrine (10 drops, 34 mg) than the recommended ICMA dose. Tropicamide plasma levels were not detectable at any time point in ICMA patients while it was detectable in all ED patients at 12 and 30 minutes. Phenylephrine was detectable in 14.3% of ICMA patients compared to all ED patients at least at one time point. More ED patients experienced a meaningful increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate (11.2% vs 6.0% of ICMA patients; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Systemic exposure to tropicamide/phenylephrine was lower and cardiovascular (CV) effects were less frequent with ICMA. This could be of particular significance in patients at CV risk.