Evaluation of New Potential Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, is associated with an increase in mortality and morbidity due to its high potential to cause stroke and systemic thromboembolism. Inflammatory mechanisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of AF and its maintenance. We aimed to evaluate a range of inflammatory markers as potentially involved in the pathophysiology of individuals with nonvalvular AF (NVAF). A total of 105 subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups: patients with NVAF (n = 55, mean age 72 ± 8 years) and a control group of individuals in sinus rhythm (n = 50, mean age 71 ± 8 years). Inflammatory-related mediators were quantified in plasma samples by using Cytometric Bead Array and Multiplex immunoassay. Subjects with NVAF presented significantly elevated values of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-gamma, growth differentiation factor-15, myeloperoxidase, as well as IL-4, interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP-10), monokine induced by interferon-gamma, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and serum amyloid A in comparison with controls. However, after multivariate regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors, only IL-6, IL-10, TNF, and IP-10 remained significantly associated with AF. We provided a basis for the study of inflammatory markers whose association with AF has not been addressed before, such as IP-10, in addition to supporting evidence about molecules that had previously been associated with the disease. We expect to contribute to the discovery of markers that can be implemented in clinical practice hereafter.

High risk coronavirus disease 2019: The primary results of the CoronaHeart multi-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present high risk features during hospitalization, including cardiovascular manifestations. However, less is known about the factors that may further increase the risk of death in these patients. METHODS: We included patients with COVID-19 and high risk features according to clinical and/or laboratory criteria at 21 sites in Brazil from June 10th to October 23rd of 2020. All variables were collected until hospital discharge or in-hospital death. RESULTS: A total of 2546 participants were included (mean age 65 years; 60.3% male). Overall, 70.8% were admitted to intensive care units and 54.2% had elevated troponin levels. In-hospital mortality was 41.7%. An interaction among sex, age and mortality was found (p = 0.007). Younger women presented higher rates of death than men (30.0% vs 22.9%), while older men presented higher rates of death than women (57.6% vs 49.2%). The strongest factors associated with in-hospital mortality were need for mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.4-12.7), elevated C-reactive protein (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-2.9), cancer (OR 1.8, 95 %CI 1.2-2.9), and elevated troponin levels (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3). A risk score was developed for risk assessment of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort showed that patients with COVID-19 and high risk features have an elevated rate of in-hospital mortality with differences according to age and sex. These results highlight unique aspects of this population and might help identifying patients who may benefit from more careful initial surveillance and potential subsequent interventional therapies.

Atrial Fibrillation and Use of Rivaroxaban: Performance of the Prothrombin Time / INR as a Function of Time After Blood Collection

Abstract Background Traditionally, the most effective therapy in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been oral anticoagulation with vitamin K inhibitors, particularly warfarin, whose disadvantages and adverse effects have led to their replacement by "direct oral anticoagulants", as factor X inhibitor. Objectives This study aimed to conduct a brief approach on atrial fibrillation (AF) and use of Rivaroxaban, and to comparatively evaluate the prothrombin time / International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) in patients with AF in use of this oral anticoagulant, depending on the time elapsed between the last administration of the drug and the time of blood sample venipuncture. Methods We evaluated 34 patients with AF in use of Rivaroxaban by using PT / INR, distributed into a subgroup with blood collection time ≤ 12 hours (n = 7) and > 12 hours after the last drug intake (n = 27). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results An analysis as a function of time between the Rivaroxaban intake and blood collection, revealed that PT / INR suffers the greatest effect up to 12 hours after ingestion of the drug, dropping to levels close to normal in subsequent hours before the next dose. Conclusion We concluded that, in contrast to warfarin, the knowledge of the time interval between drug intake and blood collection from patients taking Rivaroxaban is essential to properly interpret a laboratory test to assess hemostasis, particularly PT and its derivatives. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Avaliação do Seguimento de 1 Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro da Prática Clínica em Pacientes de Alto Risco Cardiovascular (REACT) / Evaluation of 1-Year Follow-up of Patients Included in the Registry of Clinical Practice in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk (REACT)

Resumo Fundamento Na prática clínica, há evidências de falhas na prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, no Brasil, ainda são insuficientes os dados sobre a evolução ao longo de 1 ano desses pacientes. Objetivos Descrição no acompanhamento de 12 meses da utilização de terapias baseadas em evidência e da ocorrência de desfechos cardiovasculares maiores e seus principais preditores em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Métodos Estudo observacional prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos acima de 45 anos e de alto risco cardiovascular tanto em prevenção primária como secundária. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e avaliou-se a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência e a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM], acidente vascular cerebral [AVC], parada cardíaca e mortalidade por causa cardiovascular). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados De julho de 2010 até agosto de 2014, 5.076 indivíduos foram incluídos em 48 centros, sendo 91% dos 4.975 pacientes elegíveis acompanhados em centros de cardiologia e 68,6% em prevenção secundária. Em 1 ano, o uso concomitante de antiplaquetários, estatinas e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) reduziu de 28,3% para 24,2% (valor de p < 0,001). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,46%, e os preditores identificados foram: idade, pacientes em prevenção secundária e nefropatia diabética. Conclusões Neste grande registro nacional de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular, foram identificados preditores de risco semelhantes aos registros internacionais, porém a adesão da prescrição médica a terapias baseadas em evidência esteve abaixo dos dados da literatura internacional e apresentou piora significativa em 1 ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background In clinical practice, there is evidence of failure to prescribe evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, in Brazil, data on 1-year outcomes of these patients remain insufficient. Objectives To describe the use of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular outcomes and their major predictors in a 12-month follow-up of a Brazilian multicenter registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods This prospective observational study documented the outpatient clinical practice of managing patients over 45 years of age and of high cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the prescription of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death) were assessed. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results From July 2010 to August 2014, a total of 5076 individuals were enrolled in 48 centers, 91% of the 4975 eligible patients were followed-up in cardiology centers, and 68.6% were in secondary prevention. At 1 year, the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced from 28.3% to 24.2% (p < 0.001). Major cardiovascular event rate was 5.46%, and the identified predictors were age, patients in secondary prevention, and diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions In this large national registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk, risk predictors similar to those of international registries were identified, but medical prescription adherence to evidence-based therapies was inferior and significantly worsened at 1 year. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Rheumatic Fever: A Disease without Color / Febre Reumática: Uma Doença sem Cor

Abstract Background: Brazil has approximately 30.000 cases of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) annually. A third of cardiovascular surgeries performed in the country are due to the sequelae of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is an important public health problem. Objectives: to analyze the historical series of mortality rates and disease costs, projecting future trends to offer new data that may justify the need to implement a public health program for RF. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study with a time series analysis based on data from the Hospital Information System of Brazil from 1998 to 2016. Simple linear regression models and Holt's Exponential Smoothing Method were used to model the behavior of the series and to do forecasts. The results of the tests with a value of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: each year, the number of deaths due to RHD increased by an average of 16.94 units and the mortality rate from ARF increased by 215%. There was a 264% increase in hospitalization expenses for RHD and RHD mortality rates increased 42.5% (p-value < 0.05). The estimated mortality rates for ARF and RHD were, respectively, 2.68 and 8.53 for 2019. The estimated cost for RHD in 2019 was US$ 26.715.897,70. Conclusions: according to the Brazilian reality, the 1-year RHD expenses would be sufficient for secondary prophylaxis (considering a Benzatin Penicillin G dose every 3 weeks) in 22.574 people for 10 years. This study corroborates the need for public health policies aimed at RHD.

Resumo Fundamento: O Brasil tem aproximadamente 30.000 casos de febre reumática aguda (FRA) por ano. Um terço das cirurgias cardiovasculares realizadas no país se deve às sequelas da doença reumática cardíaca (DRC), a qual é um importante problema de saúde pública. Objetivos: Analisar as séries históricas de taxas de mortalidade e custos das doenças, projetando tendências futuras para oferecer novos dados que possam justificar a necessidade de implementação de um programa de saúde pública para FR. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com análise de séries temporais a partir de dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Brasil, de 1998 a 2016. Modelos de regressão linear simples e o método de suavização exponencial de Holt foram utilizados para modelar o comportamento das séries e fazer previsões. Os resultados dos testes com um valor de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados: A cada ano, o número de mortes por DRC aumentou em média 16,94 unidades, e a taxa de mortalidade por FRA aumentou em 215%. Houve um aumento de 264% nas despesas de hospitalização por DRC, e as taxas de mortalidade por DRC aumentaram 42,5% (p-valor < 0,05). As taxas de mortalidade estimadas para FRA e DRC foram, respectivamente, 2,68 e 8,53 para 2019. O custo estimado para a DRC em 2019 foi de US$ 26.715.897,70. Conclusões: De acordo com a realidade brasileira, o gasto relativo a 1 ano de DRC seria suficiente para a profilaxia secundária (considerando uma dose de penicilina G benzatina a cada 3 semanas) em 22.574 pessoas por 10 anos. Este estudo corrobora a necessidade de políticas públicas de saúde direcionadas à DRC.

Correção cirúrgica de aneurisma dissecante crônico da aorta ascendente: relato de caso / Surgical correction of dissecting aneurysm chronic ascending aorta: case report

As doenças da aorta apresentam elevada morbimortalidade. Um aneurisma é uma dilatação irreversível e ocorre quando o diâmetro da artéria aorta superar a 50% do previsto no segmento analisado. Observa-se o aumento da incidência de aneurismas dissecantes da aorta; provavelmente devido à maior sobrevida da população, à melhoria dos meios diagnósticos, ao maior número de pessoas atendidas pelos serviços de saúde e pelo aumento dos fatores causadores de dissecção. Pacientes com quadro de aneurisma de aorta apresentam prognóstico sombrio, podendo permanecer assintomáticos por anos. Na aorta ascendente, a dilatação progressiva de uma dissecção crônica pode levar à insuficiência valvar aórtica, ou à ruptura espontânea. O tratamento operatório da dissecção aórtica é um desafio para o cirurgião cardiovascular. Relatamos um caso abordando a correção cirúrgica de aneurisma dissecante crônico da aorta ascendente.

The diseases of the aorta with high morbidity and mortality. An aneurysm is a dilatation irreversible and occurs when the diameter of the aorta artery to overcome the 50% of predicted in segment analyzed. There is an increase in the incidence of aneurysm dissecting the aorta; probably due to the greater survival of the population, the improvement of diagnostic means, the greatest number of people served by health services and by the increase of the factors that cause of dissection. Patients with aortic aneurysms have poor prognosis, and may remain asymptomatic for years. In the ascending aorta, the progressive dilatation of a chronic dissection can lead to aortic valve insufficiency, or the spontaneous rupture. The surgical treatment of aortic dissection is a challenge for the cardiovascular surgeon. We report a case dealing with the surgical correction of dissecting aneurysm chronic ascending aorta.

Atorvastatin for high-risk statin-naïve patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: The Lowering the Risk of Operative Complications Using Atorvastatin Loading Dose (LOAD) randomized trial.

Preliminary evidence suggests that statins may prevent major perioperative vascular complications. METHODS: We randomized 648 statin-naïve patients who were scheduled for noncardiac surgery and were at risk for a major vascular complication. Patients were randomized to a loading dose of atorvastatin or placebo (80 mg anytime within 18hours before surgery), followed by a maintenance dose of 40 mg (or placebo), started at least 12hours after the surgery, and then 40 mg/d (or placebo) for 7days. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, and stroke at 30days. RESULTS: The primary outcome was observed in 54 (16.6%) of 326 patients in the atorvastatin group and 59 (18.7%) of 316 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.60-1.26, P=.46). No significant effect was observed on the 30-day secondary outcomes of all-cause mortality (4.3% vs 4.1%, respectively; HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.53-2.47, P=.74), nonfatal myocardial infarction (3.4% vs 4.4%, respectively; HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.35-1.68, P=.50), myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (13.2% vs 16.5%; HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.53-1.19, P=.26), and stroke (0.9% vs 0%, P=.25). CONCLUSION: In contrast to the prior observational and trial data, the LOAD trial has neutral results and did not demonstrate a reduction in major cardiovascular complications after a short-term perioperative course of statin in statin-naïve patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. We demonstrated, however, that a large multicenter blinded perioperative statin trial for high-risk statin-naïve patients is feasible and should be done to definitely establish the efficacy and safety of statin in this patient population.

Coinfecção por leishmaniose visceral e vírus da imunodeficiência humana: uma evolução clínica desfavorável / Visceral leishmaniasis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, an unfavorable clinical outcome: case report

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma zoonose endêmica na América Latina e 96% dos casos de LV são diagnosticados no Brasil. A coinfecção HIV-LV tem sido diagnosticada em áreas endêmicas e não endêmicas para LV. O aumento do número de casos de coinfecções em todo o mundo deve-se, em parte, à coincidência das áreas de circulação desses organismos. Deve-se ressaltar que a concomitância das duas infecções é potencialmente deletéria, portanto a associação dos dois patógenos constitui um desafio para o diagnóstico e controle da LV. A interação entre Leishmania e HIV é prejudicial, pois há o risco de progressão rápida de ambas as doenças por compartilharem mecanismos imunológicos semelhantes. Neste relato, é apresentado o caso de um paciente com infecção pelo HIV associada à LV, que evoluiu rapidamente para o óbito.

Human Tissue Kallikrein Activity in Angiographically Documented Chronic Stable Coronary Artery Disease / Atividade da Calicreína Tecidual Humana na Doença Coronariana Crônica Estável Angiograficamente Documentada

AbstractBackground:Human tissue kallikrein (hK1) is a key enzyme in the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS). hK1-specific amidase activity is reduced in urine samples from hypertensive and heart failure (HF) patients. The pathophysiologic role of hK1 in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.Objective:To evaluate hK1-specific amidase activity in the urine of CAD patientsMethods:Sixty-five individuals (18–75 years) who underwent cardiac catheterism (CATH) were included. Random midstream urine samples were collected immediately before CATH. Patients were classified in two groups according to the presence of coronary lesions: CAD (43 patients) and non-CAD (22 patients). hK1 amidase activity was estimated using the chromogenic substrate D-Val-Leu-Arg-Nan. Creatinine was determined using Jaffé’s method. Urinary hK1-specific amidase activity was expressed as µM/(min · mg creatinine) to correct for differences in urine flow rates.Results:Urinary hK1-specific amidase activity levels were similar between CAD [0.146 µM/(min ·mg creatinine)] and non-CAD [0.189 µM/(min . mg creatinine)] patients (p = 0.803) and remained similar to values previously reported for hypertensive patients [0.210 µM/(min . mg creatinine)] and HF patients [0.104 µM/(min . mg creatinine)]. CAD severity and hypertension were not observed to significantly affect urinary hK1-specific amidase activity.Conclusion:CAD patients had low levels of urinary hK1-specific amidase activity, suggesting that renal KKS activity may be reduced in patients with this disease.

ResumoFundamento:A calicreína tecidual humana (hK1) é enzima-chave do sistema calicreína-cinina (SCC). A atividade amidásica da hK1 está reduzida na urina de pacientes com hipertensão e insuficiência cardíaca (IC); seu papel na doença arterial (DAC) coronariana ainda não está esclarecido.Objetivo:Avaliar a atividade amidásica da hK1 na urina de pacientes com DAC.Métodos:Sessenta e cinco indivíduos (18 a 75 anos) que se submeteram ao cateterismo cardíaco (CAT) coletaram amostra do jato médio de urina imediatamente antes do CAT. Baseando-se na presença de lesões coronarianas, os pacientes eram classificados em dois grupos: DAC (43 pacientes) e sem DAC (22 indivíduos). A atividade amidásica da hK1 foi estimada com o substrato cromogênico D-Val-Leu-Arg-Nan. Creatinina foi determinada pelo método de Jaffé. A atividade amidásica específica da hK1 urinária foi expressa em µM/(min . mg de creatinina) para corrigir diferenças no fluxo urinário.Resultados:A atividade amidásica da hK1 urinária foi semelhante entre os pacientes com DAC [0,146 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] e aqueles sem DAC [0,189 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] (p = 0,803), e permaneceu entre os baixos valores previamente publicados para pacientes com hipertensão primária [0,210 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] e para aqueles com IC [0,104 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)], respectivamente. Nenhum efeito estatisticamente significativo da gravidade da DAC e da hipertensão sobre a atividade amidásica da hK1 urinária foi observado.Conclusão:A atividade amidásica da hK1 na urina estava reduzida nos pacientes com DAC, o que pode sugerir que a atividade do SCC renal esteja reduzida nessa doença.

Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular: estudo REACT / Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study

FUNDAMENTO: Dados de atendimento ambulatorial ao paciente de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil são insuficientes. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil e documentar a prática clínica do atendimento ambulatorial de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil, no que diz respeito à prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos de alto risco cardiovascular, que foi definido como a presença de um dos seguintes fatores: doença arterial coronariana, cerebrovascular e vascular periférica; diabetes; ou aqueles com pelo menos três dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, tabagismo, dislipidemia, maiores 70 anos, histórico familiar de doença arterial coronariana, nefropatia crônica ou doença carotídea assintomática. Foram avaliadas características basais e a taxa de prescrição das intervenções medicamentosas e não medicamentosas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.364 pacientes consecutivos, sendo 52,2% do gênero masculino, idade média de 66,0 anos (± 10,1). Dentre os pacientes incluídos, 78,3% utilizavam antiplaquetários, 77,0% estatinas e, dos pacientes com história de infarto do miocárdio, 58,0% receberam betabloqueadores. O uso concomitante destas três classes foi de 34%. Não atingiram as metas preconizadas pelas diretrizes 50,9% dos hipertensos, 67% dos diabéticos e 25,7% dos dislipidêmicos. Os principais preditores de prescrição de terapias com benefício comprovado foram centro com cardiologista e histórico de doença arterial coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: Este registro nacional e representativo identificou hiatos importantes na incorporação de terapias com benefício comprovado, oferecendo um panorama real dos pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

O portador de insuficiência renal crônica e sua dependência ao tratamento hemodialítico: compreensão fenomenológica / The holder of chronic kidney failure and its dependence on hemodialysis treatment: phenomenological understanding

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender o significado de ser um dependente do tratamento hemodialítico em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica.MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, seguindo a trajetória fenomenológica, realizado com oito pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise em hospital de Alfenas, MG. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se um gravador e uma questão norteadora, sendo transcritas as entrevistas na íntegra e a análise dos depoimentos constituiu-se de leituras sucessivas para a elaboração das unidades de significados, que foram assim nomeadas: recomeçando a viver com a hemodiálise, o convívio com as dificuldades na hemodiálise e a busca por uma vida melhor. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes relataram que a hemodiálise é indispensável para a sobrevivência, mas que o tratamento traz limitações e alterações do seu cotidiano como: alterações alimentares, mudanças nas atividades físicas e do trabalho e impossibilidade de realizar passeios e viagens. Eles sonham com o transplante para ter melhor qualidade de vida, porém tem consciência da dificuldade. CONCLUSÃO: Não basta apenas uma estrutura adequada e recursos tecnológicos avançados, e sim tudo isso somado a um relacionamento profissional/paciente/família adequado, já que isto valoriza e resgata o paciente, além de construir um ambiente humanizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the meaning of being a dependent of hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure. METHOD: This is a qualitative study, following the phenomenology was conducted with eight patients undergoing hemodialysis in a hospital Alfenas, MG. The study was approved by the Ethics in Research Unifenas. To collect data we used a tape recorder and a guiding question, and transcribed interviews in their entirety and the testimonies consisted of successive readings for the preparation of units of meaning, which were named: resuming live with hemodialysis old, living with the difficulties in hemodialysis, the search for a better life. RESULTS: Patients reported that hemodialysis is essential for survival, but this treatment has limitations and changes in their daily lives such as dietary changes, changes in physical activity and work and unable to make trips and travels. They dream of the transplant to have a better quality of life, however aware of the difficulty. CONCLUSION: Do not just an appropriate structure and advanced technology, but it all adds up to a professional relationship / patient / family appropriate, since this value and saves the patient, in addition to building a humane environment.

As principais complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes renais crônicos durante as sessões de hemodiálise / The main complications presented by the chronic renal patients during hemodialysis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Segundo a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia existem atualmente mais de 60 mil pacientes em tratamento renal substitutivo e, portanto, sujeitos a todas as suas possíveis complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as principais complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes renais crônicos durante as sessões de hemodiálise. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, desenvolvido em uma clínica de hemodiálise de um hospital universitário do município de Alfenas, MG, com 30 pacientes que se encontravam em tratamento no período de janeiro e fevereiro de 2006. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário com questões estruturadas e semiestruturadas. Após o levantamento dos dados, esses foram inseridos no software SPSS versão 10.0. RESULTADOS: Pode-se observar que, 73,33% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino; 36,66% tinham insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) há mais de 5 anos; 26,67% faziam hemodiálise há mais de 2 e menos de 3 anos; 86,66% encontravam-se aposentados ou com licença saúde; e 96,67% realizavam três sessões semanais. Quanto à ocorrência de complicações, 96,66% dos pacientes já tinham apresentado alguma complicação durante as sessões, decorrente do tratamento hemodialítico. As principais complicações foram: hipotensão arterial seguida de vômito, tontura, cefaleia, hipertensão arterial e arritmia cardíaca. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo observou-se que a ocorrência de complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes com IRC durante as sessões de hemodiálise foi frequente; assim, recomenda-se que a constante avaliação dessas complicações deva estar inserida em qualquer programa de controle da qualidade do tratamento por hemodiálise.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, according to Brazilian Society of Nephrology there are over than 60 thousand patients into substitutive kidney treatment and, therefore, subjected to all its complications. The objective of this research was identifying the mains complications suffered by patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) during hemodialysis sessions. METHOD: This is an descriptive, transversal and quantitative approaches developed in a hemodialysis clinic in a University Hospital in Alfenas, MG, with all 30 patients who were treated at the clinic between January and February 2006. Data were collected using a questionnaire with structured and semi-structured questions. After the collecting the data, they were entered into SPSS version 10.0. RESULTS: It can be observed that 73.33% of the patients were male, 36.66% had CKF for over 5 years, 26.67% of them were submitted to dialysis for more than 2 and less than 3 years, 86, 66% were retired or on sick leave, and 96.67% held three times a week. Considering the occurrence of complications, 96.66% of respondents had already experienced some complication during the sessions, due to hemodialysis. The main complications were: hypotension, followed by vomiting, dizziness, headache, arterial hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: In this study the occurrence of complications presented by patients with chronic renal failure during hemodialysis was common. Therefore it is proposed the constant evaluation of these complications included in any program of controlling the quality of care of those submitted to hemodialysis.

Digoxin's roles in heart failure patients: An overview / Los roles de digoxina en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca: Una revisión / Os papéis da digoxina em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca: Uma revisão geral

Digitalis, particularly digoxin, have played an important role in the treatment of heart failure (HF) for over 200 years. In the past three decades, with the greatest knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease, neurohumoral blockers were more effective in reducing morbidity and mortality and gained greater prominence. In addition, studies have suggested that digoxin does not reduce the risk of death and, in some cases, may even increase it. Thus, its use has been questioned and discouraged. This review aims to look at the pharmacology of digoxin, studies on its benefits and risks in patients with moderate to severe systolic HF and diastolic HF also. This review looks forward to answering the following question: Is there still room for the use of digitalis in HF?.

Los digitálicos, y digoxina en particular, han jugado un papel importante en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) por más de 200 años. En las últimas tres décadas, con un mayor conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, los bloqueadores neurohumorales se mostraron más eficaces en la reducción de la morbi-mortalidad y ganaron mayor prominencia. Además, los estudios han sugerido que digoxina no reduce el riesgo de muerte y, en algunos casos, puede incluso aumentarlo. De esta manera, su uso ha sido muy cuestionado y desalentado. Esta revisión trata de contemplar la farmacología de digoxina, los estudios sobre sus beneficios y los riesgos en pacientes con IC sistólica moderada a severa y también en la IC diastólica. Se busca con esta revisión, contestar la siguiente pregunta: ¿existe todavía espacio para el uso del digitálicos en la IC?.

Os digitais, e a digoxina em especial, têm desempenhado papel importante no tratamento da Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) há mais de 200 anos. Nas últimas três décadas, com o maior conhecimento da fisiopatologia da doença, os bloqueadores neuro-humorais mostraram-se mais eficazes em reduzir a morbi-mortalidade e ganharam maior destaque. Além disso, estudos sugeriram que a digoxina não reduz o risco de morrer e, em algumas situações, pode, inclusive, aumentá-lo. Desta forma, seu uso chegou a ser bastante questionado e desestimulado. Esta revisão procura contemplar a farmacologia da digoxina, os estudos sobre seus benefícios e riscos em pacientes com IC sistólica moderada a grave e também na IC diastólica. Procuramos, com esta revisão, responder à seguinte questão: ainda existe espaço para o uso de digitais na IC?.

Adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de uso diário de pacientes renais crônicos submetidos à hemodiálise / Adhesion of chronic renal hemodialysis patients to daily pharmacologic treatment

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o portador de nefropatia crônica em tratamento hemodialítico possui adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de uso diário.MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo, epidemiológico, descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, realizado nos 30 pacientes que se encontravam em tratamento hemodialítico em clínica do município de Alfenas, MG, no período de janeiro e fevereiro de 2006. Após a coleta, os dados foram inseridos no software SPSS versão 10.0, para sua tabulação e aplicação de teste estatístico (Qui-quadrado).RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes estudados fazem uso de medicamentos, sendo que 40% consomem de 4 a 6 fármacos e 73,33% não necessitam de ajuda para tomar os remédios. Os principais fármacos utilizados pelos renais crônicos são os anti-hipertensivos. Quanto à adesão ao tratamento, todos os pacientes informaram que usam diariamente esses fármacos; mas 16,66% já interromperam por conta própria o seu uso, alegando principalmente presença de reações adversas.CONCLUSÃO: Cabe aos profissionais que atendem os renais crônicos submetidos à hemodiálise identificar as barreiras que dificultam essa adesão, e oferecer informações necessárias para a manutenção do tratamento farmacológico.(AU)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the holder of chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis has pharmacological treatment of daily use.METHOD: This is a study, epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study conducted with all 30 patients who were on hemodialysis at a clinic hemodialysis Alfenas, MG, between January and February 2006. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS version 10.0, for the same tab and application of statistical analysis (Chi-square).RESULTS: All patients are using drugs, and 40% consume 4 to 6 drugs, and 73.33% do not need help to take the drugs. The main drugs used by chronic renal failure are antihypertensives. Regarding adherence to treatment, all patients reported taking these drugs every day, but 16.66% had interrupted their own use of drugs, mainly citing the presence of adverse reactions.CONCLUSION: It is the professionals who treat chronic renal patients undergoing hemodialysis identify the barriers to their adherence, and provide information necessary for the maintenance of drug therapy.(AU)

Perfil dos estudantes de Medicina frente à automedicação para redução do peso / Profile of Medical students in face of self-medication for weight loss

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Devido a obesidade ser considerada uma epidemia global, com cerca de 1,2 bilhões de pessoas acima do peso, e no Brasil um a cada três brasileiros estar com o peso acima da normalidade, a farmacoterapia para a sua redução vem sendo utilizada de maneira inadequada, indevida e sem controle médico. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o perfil dos estudantes de Medicina frente à automedicação para a redução do peso na Faculdade de Ciências de Médicas da UNIFENAS. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, realizado com 275 acadêmicos de Medicina do 1º ao 6º anos. Para a coleta utilizou-se um questionário contendo 21 questões estruturadas. Após a coleta, foram tabulados e apresentados em tabelas e gráficos com valores percentuais e absolutos e realizada comparação múltipla. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que 52% dos acadêmicos não estão satisfeitos com o peso corporal; enquanto 76% nunca fizeram tratamento para o controle do peso. Dentre os alunos que relataram utilizar algum método para emagrecer citaram a dieta como principal método (99%), seguido do uso de medicamentos (32%). Dos alunos que já fizeram ou fazem uso de medicamentos para emagrecer, 55% dos acadêmicos do 6º ano e 46% do 5º ano o fizeram ou fazem sem indicação médica. CONCLUSÃO: É necessário orientações aos graduandos de Medicina, assim como os demais cursos da área de saúde, para que os mesmos adotem meios adequados para a redução do peso, principalmente por meio do acompanhamento com especialistas.