Clinical outcomes and progression rate of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study aimed to identify the impact of functional TR on clinical outcomes and predictors of progression in a large population of patients with RHD. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with RHD were enrolled, mean age of 47±12 years, 85% female. Functional TR was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. TR progression was defined either as worsening of TR degree from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram or severe TR at baseline that required surgery or died. Incidence of TR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks. RESULTS: Functional TR was absent in 3.4%, mild in 83.7%, moderate in 8.5% and severe in 4.3%. Moderate and severe functional TR was associated with adverse outcome (HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.2) for moderate, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.28 to 4.13) for severe TR, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Event-free survival rate at 3-year follow-up was 91%, 72% and 62% in patients with no or mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. During mean follow-up of 4.1 years, TR progression occurred in 83 patients (13%) with an overall incidence of 3.7 events (95% CI 2.9 to 4.5) per 100 patient-years. In the Cox model, age (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.17), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.30), right atrial area (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.84) were predictors of TR progression. By considering competing risk, the effect of RV dysfunction on TR progression risk was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RHD, functional TR was frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. TR may progress over time, mainly related to right-sided cardiac chambers remodelling.

Comparative study between suprasternal and apical windows: a user-friendly cardiac output measurement for the anesthesiologist

Abstract Introduction Transthoracic echocardiography is a safe and readily available tool for noninvasive monitoring of Cardiac Output (CO). The use of the suprasternal window situated at the sternal notch can be an alternative approach for estimating blood flow. The present study aimed to compare two methods of CO calculation. We compared the descending aorta Velocity-Time Integral (VTI) measurement from the suprasternal window view with the standard technique to determine CO that uses VTI measurements from the LVOT (Left Ventricular Outflow Tract) view. We also aimed to find out whether after basic training a non-echocardiographer operator can obtain reproducible measurements of VTI using this approach. Methods In the first part of the study, 26 patients without known cardiovascular diseases were evaluated and VTI data were acquired from the suprasternal window by a non-echocardiographer and an echocardiographer. Next, 17 patients were evaluated by an echocardiographer only and VTI and CO measurements were obtained from suprasternal and apical windows. Data were analyzed using the Bland and Altman method (BA), correlation and regression. Results We found a strong correlation between measurements obtained by a non-expert and an expert echocardiographer and detected that an inexperienced trainee can acquire VTI measurements from the suprasternal window view. Regarding agreement between CO measurements, data obtained showed a positive correlation and the Bland and Altman analysis presented a total variation of 38.9%. Conclusion Regarding accuracy, it is likely that TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiogram) measurements of CO from the suprasternal window view are comparable to other minimally invasive techniques currently available. Due to its user-friendliness and low cost, it can be a convenient technique for obtaining perioperative hemodynamic measurements, even by inexperienced operators.

Schistosome-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Review Emphasizing Pathogenesis.

Schistosomiasis, especially due to Schistosoma mansoni, is a well-recognized cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The high prevalence of this helminthiasis makes schistosome-related PAH (Sch-PAH) one of the most common causes of this disorder worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying Sch-PAH remain largely unknown. Available evidence suggests that schistosome eggs reach the lung via portocaval shunts formed as a consequence of portal hypertension due to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Once deposited into the lungs, the eggs elicit an immune response resulting in periovular granuloma formation. Immune mediators drive transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) release, which gives rise to pulmonary vascular inflammation with subsequent remodeling and development of angiomatoid and plexiform lesions. These mechanisms elicited by the eggs seem to become autonomous and the vascular lesions progress independently of the antigen. Portopulmonary hypertension, which pathogenesis is still uncertain, may also play a role in the genesis of Sch-PAH. Recently, there have been substantial advances in the diagnosis and treatment of PAH, but it remains a difficult condition to recognize and manage, and patients still die prematurely from right-heart failure. Echocardiography is used for screening, and the formal diagnosis requires right-heart catheterization. The experience in treating Sch-PAH is largely limited to the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, with evidence suggesting that these vasodilators improve symptoms and may also improve survival. Considering the great deal of uncertainty about Sch-PAH pathogenesis, course, and treatment, the aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on this condition emphasizing its pathogenesis.

The REBECGA brazilian registry of pregnancy and heart disease: rationale and design

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality rates in Brazil remain above the goals established by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Heart disease is estimated to affect 4% of all pregnancies and remains by itself the main indirect obstetric cause of maternal death. In the last decades, a significant improvement in the prognosis of heart diseases has made pregnancy possible in women with heart disease and provided better maternal and fetal outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To establish a multicenter Brazilian Registry of pregnant women with heart disease; to study the causes of immediate and late maternal mortality; and to assess the prevalence of heart disease in the country's macro-regions. METHODS: This is an observational study, with retrospective and prospective stages, of the clinical and obstetric progression of pregnant women with heart disease. These women consecutively received care during pregnancy and will be followed up for up to a year after delivery at public and private hospitals with infrastructure for the execution of this project, a principal investigator, and approval by Ethics and Research Committees. RESULTS: Our results will be presented after data collection and statistical analysis, aiming to demonstrate immediate and late maternal mortality rates, as well as the prevalence of heart disease in the country and its cardiovascular and obstetric complications during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: REBECGA will be the Brazilian Registry of heart disease and pregnancy and it will contribute to planning preventive measures, raising financial resources for the improvement of high-risk prenatal care, and reducing immediate and late maternal mortality due to heart disease.

Lipid accumulation product index in HIV-infected patients: a marker of cardiovascular risk

ABSTRACT The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index is an emerging cardiovascular risk marker. We aimed to assess the accuracy of this index as a marker of cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients. A cross-sectional study of 133 HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral drugs and 20 non-infected controls was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a referral center of infectious and parasitic diseases. Evaluations included LAP index, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, glucose tolerance test, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Body mass index (BMI) was similar in both groups; however, waist circumference was greater in the HIV-infected patients. Triglyceride levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) and HDL cholesterol levels were lower in HIV-infected patients (p < 0.001). Plasma glucose (p = 0.01) and insulin (p = 0.005) levels two hours after a glucose load, HOMA-IR index (p < 0.001) and LAP index (p < 0.001) were higher in the HIV-infected patients. A positive and significant correlation was found between HOMA-IR index and LAP (r = 0.615; p < 0.01), BMI (r = 0.334; p < 0.01) and waist circumference (r = 0.452; p < 0.01) in the HIV-infected patients. In male HIV-infected patients and controls, ROC curve analyses revealed that the best cut-off value of LAP to define the presence of insulin resistance was 64.8 (sensitivity 86%, specificity 77% and area under the curve 0.824). These results confirm that insulin resistance is more common in HIV-patients on antiretroviral drugs than in HIV-negative controls. A positive and significant correlation was found between the LAP index and the HOMA index, with LAP ≥ 64.8 constituting an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease in male HIV patients.

Risk Prediction of Cardiovascular Complications in Pregnant Women With Heart Disease / Predição de Risco de Complicações Cardiovasculares em Gestantes Portadoras de Cardiopatia

Abstract Background: Heart disease in pregnancy is the leading cause of non- obstetric maternal death. Few Brazilian studies have assessed the impact of heart disease during pregnancy. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with cardiovascular and neonatal complications. Methods: We evaluated 132 pregnant women with heart disease at a High-Risk Pregnancy outpatient clinic, from January 2005 to July 2010. Variables that could influence the maternal-fetal outcome were selected: age, parity, smoking, etiology and severity of the disease, previous cardiac complications, cyanosis, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class > II, left ventricular dysfunction/obstruction, arrhythmia, drug treatment change, time of prenatal care beginning and number of prenatal visits. The maternal-fetal risk index, Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy (CARPREG), was retrospectively calculated at the beginning of prenatal care, and patients were stratified in its three risk categories. Results: Rheumatic heart disease was the most prevalent (62.12%). The most frequent complications were heart failure (11.36%) and arrhythmias (6.82%). Factors associated with cardiovascular complications on multivariate analysis were: drug treatment change (p = 0.009), previous cardiac complications (p = 0.013) and NYHA class III on the first prenatal visit (p = 0.041). The cardiovascular complication rates were 15.22% in CARPREG 0, 16.42% in CARPREG 1, and 42.11% in CARPREG > 1, differing from those estimated by the original index: 5%, 27% and 75%, respectively. This sample had 26.36% of prematurity. Conclusion: The cardiovascular complication risk factors in this population were drug treatment change, previous cardiac complications and NYHA class III at the beginning of prenatal care. The CARPREG index used in this sample composed mainly of patients with rheumatic heart disease overestimated the number of events in pregnant women classified as CARPREG 1 and > 1, and underestimated it in low-risk patients (CARPREG 0).

Resumo Fundamento: Cardiopatia na gravidez é a primeira causa de morte materna não obstétrica. Poucos estudos brasileiros avaliaram o impacto da cardiopatia na gestação. Objetivo: Determinar os fatores de risco associados às complicações cardiovasculares e neonatais. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 132 gestantes cardiopatas, acompanhadas em um Setor de Gestação de Alto Risco, de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2010. Foram selecionadas variáveis que poderiam influenciar no desfecho materno/fetal: idade, paridade, tabagismo, etiologia, gravidade da cardiopatia, complicações cardíacas prévias, cianose, classe funcional New York Heart Association (NYHA) > II, disfunção/obstrução do ventrículo esquerdo, arritmia, mudança de tratamento, início e número de consultas de pré-natal. Foi calculado, retrospectivamente, o índice de risco materno-fetal de acordo com o Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy (CARPREG) no início do pré-natal. As pacientes foram estratificadas nas três categorias de risco do CARPREG. Resultados: A cardiopatia reumática foi a cardiopatia mais prevalente (62,12%). As complicações mais frequentes foram descompensação cardíaca (11,36%) e arritmias (6,82%). Fatores associados às complicações cardiovasculares na análise multivariada foram mudança do tratamento (p = 0,009), complicações cardíacas prévias (p = 0,013) e classe funcional III NYHA na primeira consulta pré-natal (p = 0,041). O porcentual de complicação cardiovascular foi 15,22% no grupo CARPREG 0; 16,42% no CARPREG 1; e 42,11% no CARPREG >1 − diferentemente do estimado pelo índice original: 5%, 27% e 75%, respectivamente. Na amostra, tivermos 26,36% de prematuridade. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco para complicação cardiovascular nessa população foram a mudança de tratamento, as complicações cardíacas prévias e a classe funcional III NYHA no início do acompanhamento pré-natal. O índice CARPREG, nesta amostra, composta principalmente por pacientes com cardiopatia reumática, superestimou o número de eventos em gestantes classificadas como CARPREG 1 e > 1, e subestimou o risco em pacientes de baixo risco (CARPREG 0).

Risk Prediction of Cardiovascular Complications in Pregnant Women With Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Heart disease in pregnancy is the leading cause of non- obstetric maternal death. Few Brazilian studies have assessed the impact of heart disease during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with cardiovascular and neonatal complications. METHODS: We evaluated 132 pregnant women with heart disease at a High-Risk Pregnancy outpatient clinic, from January 2005 to July 2010. Variables that could influence the maternal-fetal outcome were selected: age, parity, smoking, etiology and severity of the disease, previous cardiac complications, cyanosis, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class > II, left ventricular dysfunction/obstruction, arrhythmia, drug treatment change, time of prenatal care beginning and number of prenatal visits. The maternal-fetal risk index, Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy (CARPREG), was retrospectively calculated at the beginning of prenatal care, and patients were stratified in its three risk categories. RESULTS: Rheumatic heart disease was the most prevalent (62.12%). The most frequent complications were heart failure (11.36%) and arrhythmias (6.82%). Factors associated with cardiovascular complications on multivariate analysis were: drug treatment change (p = 0.009), previous cardiac complications (p = 0.013) and NYHA class III on the first prenatal visit (p = 0.041). The cardiovascular complication rates were 15.22% in CARPREG 0, 16.42% in CARPREG 1, and 42.11% in CARPREG > 1, differing from those estimated by the original index: 5%, 27% and 75%, respectively. This sample had 26.36% of prematurity. CONCLUSION: The cardiovascular complication risk factors in this population were drug treatment change, previous cardiac complications and NYHA class III at the beginning of prenatal care. The CARPREG index used in this sample composed mainly of patients with rheumatic heart disease overestimated the number of events in pregnant women classified as CARPREG 1 and > 1, and underestimated it in low-risk patients (CARPREG 0).

Miocardiopatia periparto / Peripartum cardiomyopathy

A miocardiopatia periparto (MCPP) é doença rara, reconhecida como entidade distinta das cardiomiopatias preexistentes, de ocorrência em mulheres previamente saudáveis, durante o período periparto. É pouco conhecida em relação a sua etiologia, risco e prognóstico. As manifestações clínicas mais comuns são as da insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. Sua terapia farmacológica convencional inclui diuréticos, digoxina, inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina, bloqueadores dos receptores de angiotensina e bloqueadores beta-adrenérgicos. Os pacientes refratários à terapia farmacológica convencional requerem o suporte circulatório mecânico e o transplante cardíaco. Não existe consenso sobre os riscos de futuras gravidezes em pacientes com MCPP prévia.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease, recognized as a distinct entity from preexisting cardiomyopathy. It occurs in previously healthy woman, during the peripartum period. PPCM is still a little known disease concerning its etiology, risk and prognosis. The most common clinical manifestations are those of systolic heart dysfunction. The objective of the study is to review the scientific literature about the several aspects of PPCM. A total of 19 publications were evaluated. The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure includes diuretics, digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and beta-adrenergic blockers. For those patients who are resistant to all conventional pharmacological therapy, the viable options are cardiac transplant and mechanical circulation support. There is no consensus about the recommendations on risk of future pregnancies in these patients. Results demonstrate the need for more studies to the understanding of this disease etiology, epidemiology and prognosis.

Miocardiopatia periparto: aspectos relevantes / Peripartum cardiomyopathy: relevant aspects

A miocardiopatia periparto constitui entidade clínica rara, caracterizada por dilatação cardíaca e manifestações de insuficiência cardíaca grave, capaz de evoluir de forma fatal. Ocorre nos meses finais da gestação ou precocemente no puerpério. Sua etiologia e epidemiologia ainda são pouco conhecidas. Há grande discrepância nos prognósticos observados em relatos de caso, variando desde recuperação completa da função ventricular até fatalidade. Neste artigo é relatada a apresentação da doença de forma típica. O objetivo é enfatizar sua importância para que seja instituída precocemente sua terapêutica, evitando assim sua progressão para formas graves.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare clinical condition characterized by cardiac dilation and signs of severe heart failure and can be fatal. Its main characteristic is to affect women in the final months of pregnancy or early puerperium. Although the high morbidity and mortality, its etiology and epidemiology are poorly known. However, the outcome reports differ widely from complete recovery to death. The article reports a case to illustrate a typical manifestation of the disease. Our objective is to emphasize the importance of the theme not only to cardiologists but also to obstetricians, as the early therapy is the most important way to prevent the progression to severe conditions. Therefore the diagnosis of PPCM requires a lot of care and attention, and preventive counseling after PPCM is important due the increased risk for recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy.