Clinical Features, Genetic Findings, and Risk Stratification in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Data From a Brazilian Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare inherited disease, causes ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure (HF). We investigated ARVC clinical features, genetic findings, natural history, and the occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmic events (LTAEs), HF death, or heart transplantation (HF-death/HTx) to identify risk factors. METHODS: The clinical course of 111 consecutive patients with definite ARVC, predictors of LTAE, HF-death/HTx, and combined events were analyzed in the entire cohort and in a subgroup of 40 patients without sustained ventricular arrhythmia before diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative probability of LTAE was 30% and HF-death/HTx was 10%. Predictors of HF-death/HTx were reduced right ventricle ejection fraction (HR: 0.93; P=0.010), HF symptoms (HR: 4.37; P=0.010), epsilon wave (HR: 4.99; P=0.015), and number of leads with low QRS voltage (HR: 1.28; P=0.001). Each additional lead with low QRS voltage increased the risk of HF-death/HTx by 28%. Predictors of LTAE were prior syncope (HR: 1.81; P=0.040), number of leads with T wave inversion (HR: 1.17; P=0.039), low QRS voltage (HR: 1.12; P=0.021), younger age (HR: 0.97; P=0.006), and prior ventricular arrhythmia/ventricular fibrillation (HR: 2.45; P=0.012). Each additional lead with low QRS voltage increased the risk of LTAE by 17%. In patients without ventricular arrhythmia before clinical diagnosis of ARVC, the number of leads with low QRS voltage (HR: 1.68; P=0.023) was independently associated with HF-death/HTx. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the characteristics of a specific cohort with a high prevalence of arrhythmic burden at presentation, male predominance, younger age and HF severe outcomes. Our main results suggest that the presence and extension of low QRS voltage can be a risk predictor for HF-death/HTx in ARVC patients, regardless of the arrhythmic risk. This study can contribute to the global ARVC risk stratification, adding new insights to the international current scientific knowledge.

Favorable Safety Experience of Local Dental Anesthesia in ICD Recipients with Cardiac Channelopathies

Abstract Background Dental anesthetic management in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients with cardiac channelopathies (CCh) can be challenging due to the potential risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and appropriate ICD therapies during procedural time. Objectives The present study assessed the hypothesis that the use of local dental anesthesia with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or without a vasoconstrictor can be safe in selected ICD and CCh patients, not resulting in life-threatening events (LTE). Methods Restorative dental treatment under local dental anesthesia was made in two sessions, with a wash-out period of 7 days (cross-over trial), conducting with a 28h - Holter monitoring, and 12-lead electrocardiography, digital sphygmomanometry, and anxiety scale assessments in 3 time periods. Statistical analysis carried out the paired Student's t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In all cases, a significance level of 5% was adopted. All patients were in stable condition with no recent events before dental care. Results Twenty-four consecutive procedures were performed in 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with CCh and ICD: 7 (58.3%) had long QT syndrome (LQTS), 4 (33.3%) Brugada syndrome (BrS), and 1 (8.3%) Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Holter analysis showed no increased heart rate (HR) or sustained arrhythmias. Blood pressure (BP), electrocardiographic changes and anxiety measurement showed no statistically significant differences. No LTE occurred during dental treatment, regardless of the type of anesthesia. Conclusion Lidocaine administration, with or without epinephrine, can be safely used in selected CCh-ICD patients without LTE. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger population with ICD and CCh.

Trombo Atrial Esquerdo e Contraste Espontâneo Denso no Uso de Anticoagulante Oral de Ação Direta em Fibrilação Atrial: Visão de Centro Referenciado / Left Atrial Thrombus and Dense Spontaneous Contrast in Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Reference Center

Resumo Fundamento No tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA), a arritmia sustentada mais frequente, com ablação por cateter (ABL) ou cardioversão elétrica (CVE), o período periprocedimento é uma das fases mais críticas. Atualmente, o uso de novos anticoagulantes orais de ação direta (DOAC) é cada vez mais frequente, no entanto, no mundo real, ainda existem poucos dados de estudos sobre a incidência de trombo no átrio esquerdo (TrAE) ou contraste espontâneo denso (CE) no ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). Objetivo Analisar a prevalência de TrAE, por ETE, em pacientes em uso de DOAC submetidos à CVE/ABL. Secundariamente: avaliar a associação de comorbidades com a presença de trombos e CE. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, unicêntrico, com pacientes do Ambulatório de Arritmia (InCor-HCFMUSP). Foram selecionados e analisados dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos no prontuário da instituição de pacientes com indicação de procedimentos e em uso de DOACs. Considerado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 354 pacientes, no total de 400 procedimentos, de março de 2012-março de 2018. TrAE foi encontrado em 11 pacientes (2,8%), associado com idade avançada (p=0,007) e CHA2DS2-VASc maior (p<0,001). Foi encontrado CE no AE no procedimento antes da ETE em 29 pacientes (7,3%), com menor FEVE (p <0,038) e maior dimensão do AE (p <0,0001). Conclusão A incidência de TrAE e CE em pacientes em uso de DOAC no contexto de CVE/ABL de FA, embora pequena, não é desprezível. Pacientes com escore CHA2DS2-VASc maior, principalmente mais idosos e com diâmetro do AE maior, são mais propensos a esses achados ecocardiográficos.

Abstract Background In the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequently sustained arrhythmia, with catheter ablation (CA) or electrical cardioversion (ECV), the periprocedural period is one of the most critical phases. Currently, the use of new direct action oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is increasingly frequent; however, in the real world, there are still few data on studies on the thrombus incidence in the left atrium (TrLA) or dense spontaneous contrast (DSC) on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Objective To evaluate the prevalence of events and association with risk factors in patients using DOACs. Primary objective: to analyze the prevalence of thrombus in the LA by TEE in patients using DOAC undergoing ECV/CA. Second, evaluate the association of comorbidities with the presence of thrombi and DSC. Methods Retrospective cohort, single-center study with patients followed at the Arrhythmia Outpatient Unit (InCor-HCFMUSP). Patients indicated for procedures and using DOACs were selected, and their clinical/echocardiographic data were analyzed. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results 354 patients were included, a total of 400 procedures, from March 2012-March 2018. Thrombus in the LA was found in 11 patients (2.8%), associated with advanced age (p=0.007) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc (p<0.001) score. DSC in the LA before TEE was found in 29 patients (7.3%), with lower LVEF (p<0.038) and greater LA dimension (p<0.0001). Conclusion The incidence of LA thrombus and DSC in patients using DOC in the context of AF ECV/CA, although small, is not negligible. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, especially older and with larger LA diameter, are more prone to these echocardiographic findings.

Peculiaridade dos pacientes com arritmias hereditárias na pandemia pela COVID-19 / Peculiar aspects of patients with Inherited arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Desde dezembro de 2019, observamos o rápido avanço da síndrome respiratória aguda grave causada pelo coronavírus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da evolução clínica de uma infecção respiratória é pouco conhecido em pacientes portadores de arritmias hereditárias, devido à baixa prevalência dessas doenças. Os pacientes que apresentam quadros infecciosos podem exacerbar arritmias primárias ocultas ou bem controladas, por diversos fatores, tais como febre, distúrbios eletrolíticos, interações medicamentosas, estresse adrenérgico e, eventualmente, o próprio dano miocárdico do paciente séptico. O objetivo desta revisão é destacar os principais desafios que podemos encontrar durante a pandemia pela Covid 19, especificamente nos pacientes com arritmias hereditárias, com destaque para a síndrome do QT longo congênito (SQTL), a síndrome de Brugada (SBr), a taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica (TVPC) e a cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito.

Abstract Since December 2019 we have observed the rapid advance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the clinical course of a respiratory infection is little known in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, due to the low prevalence of these diseases. Patients who present with infectious conditions may exacerbate hidden or well-controlled primary arrhythmias, due to several factors, such as fever, electrolyte disturbances, drug interactions, adrenergic stress and, eventually, the septic patient's own myocardial damage. The aim of this review is to highlight the main challenges we may encounter during the Covid 19 pandemic, specifically in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, with emphasis on the congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (SBr), ventricular tachycardia polymorphic catecholaminergic (CPVT) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Is It Safe for Patients With Cardiac Channelopathies to Undergo Routine Dental Care? Experience From a Single-Center Study.

Background Brugada syndrome and long-QT syndrome may account for at least one third of unexplained sudden cardiac deaths. Dental care in patients with cardiac channelopathies is challenging because of the potential risk of life-threatening events. We hypothesized that the use of local dental anesthesia with lidocaine with and without epinephrine is safe and does not result in life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with channelopathies. Methods and Results We performed a randomized, double-blind pilot trial comparing the use of 2% lidocaine without a vasoconstrictor and with 1:100 000 epinephrine in 2 sessions of restorative dental treatment with a washout period of 7 days (crossover trial). Twenty-eight-hour Holter monitoring was performed, and 12-lead electrocardiography, digital sphygmomanometry, and anxiety scale assessments were also conducted at 3 time points. Fifty-six dental procedures were performed in 28 patients (18 women, 10 men) with cardiac channelopathies: 16 (57.1%) had long-QT syndrome, and 12 (42.9%) had Brugada syndrome; 11 (39.3%) of patients had an implantable defibrillator. The mean age was 45.9±15.9 years. The maximum heart rate increased after the use of epinephrine during the anesthesia period from 82.1 to 85.8 beats per minute (P=0.008). In patients with long-QT syndrome, the median corrected QT was higher, from 450.1 to 465.4 ms (P=0.009) at the end of anesthesia in patients in whom epinephrine was used. The other measurements showed no statistically significant differences. No life-threatening arrhythmias occurred during dental treatment. Conclusions The use of local dental anesthesia with lidocaine, regardless of the use of a vasoconstrictor, did not result in life-threatening arrhythmias and appears to be safe in stable patients with cardiac channelopathies. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03182777.

Effects of anthracycline, cyclophosphamide and taxane chemotherapy on QTc measurements in patients with breast cancer.

AIM: Acute and subacute cardiotoxicity are characterized by prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) and other measures derived from the QTc interval, such as QTc dispersion (QTdc) and transmural dispersion of repolarization (DTpTe). Although anthracyclines prolong the QTc interval, it is unclear whether breast cancer patients who undergo the ACT chemotherapy regimen of anthracycline (doxorubicin: A), cyclophosphamide (C) and taxane (T) may present with QTc, QTdc and DTpTe prolongation. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with breast cancer were followed prospectively during ACT chemotherapy and were analyzed according to their QT measurements. QTc, QTdc and DTpTe measurements were determined by a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) prior to chemotherapy (baseline), immediately after the first phase of anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) treatment, and immediately after T treatment. Serum troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also measured. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, the QTc interval was significantly prolonged after the AC phase (439.7 ± 33.2 ms vs. 472.5 ± 36.3 ms, p = 0.001) and after T treatment (439.7 ± 33.2 ms vs. 467.9 ± 42.6 ms, p < 0.001). Troponin levels were elevated after the AC phase (23.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-85.0] vs. 6.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-22.0], p < 0.001) and after T treatment (25.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-80.0] vs. 6.0 pg/mL [min-max: 6.0-22.0], p < 0.001) compared to baseline values. CONCLUSION: In this prospective study of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer who underwent ACT chemotherapy, significant QTc prolongation and an elevation in serum troponin levels were observed.

Compound Heterozygous SCN5A Mutations in a Toddler - Are they Associated with a More Severe Phenotype? / Heterozigose Composta no Gene SCN5A em Criança - Há Associação com Gravidade da Doença?

Abstract Compound heterozygosity has been described in inherited arrhythmias, and usually associated with a more severe phenotype. Reports of this occurrence in Brugada syndrome patients are still rare. We report a study of genotype-phenotype correlation after the identification of new variants by genetic testing. We describe the case of an affected child with a combination of two different likely pathogenic SCN5A variants, presenting sinus node dysfunction, flutter and atrial fibrillation, prolonged HV interval, spontaneous type 1 Brugada pattern in the prepubescent age and familiar history of sudden death.

Resumo A heterozigose composta é descrita em arritmias hereditárias, geralmente associada a um fenótipo mais grave. Relatos dessa ocorrência em pacientes com síndrome de Brugada ainda são raros. Neste estudo, descrevemos o caso de uma criança com a combinação de duas novas variantes distintas no gene SCN5A, apresentando disfunção do nó sinusal, flutter e fibrilação atrial, intervalo HV prolongado, padrão tipo 1 espontâneo de Brugada na idade pré-puberal e história familiar de morte súbita.

Arritmias genéticas: como investigar e como tratar? / Inherited arrhythmias: how to investigate and how to treat?

As arritmias hereditárias são responsáveis por uma proporção significante de mortes cardíacas súbitas em indivíduos jovens aparentemente saudáveis. As canalopatias, como síndrome de Brugada, síndrome do QT longo/curto e taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica, contribuem com essa incidência e não são marcadas por anomalias estruturais. A cardiomiopatia genética, como cardiomiopatia arritmogênica doventrículo direito e cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, também são causas de morte súbita por arritmia. Novos consensos têm sido publicados para orientar melhor as ferramentas dediagnóstico, os escores de estratificação e o tratamento. Os testes genéticos têm papel importante no diagnóstico, na estratificação de risco e no tratamento de pacientes e de suas famílias. Os avanços da genética molecular nas duas últimas décadas revelaram a base genética subjacente da doença, e podem levar a tratamentos mais personalizados...

Inherited arrhythmias account for a significant proportion of sudden cardiac deaths in apparently healthy and young individuals. Ion channelopathies such as Brugada syndrome, long/short QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardiacontribute to this incidence and are marked by no structural abnormalities. Genetic cardiomyopathy such as Right Ventricular Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and HypertrophicCardiomyopathy are also causes of arrhythmogenic sudden death. New consensuses are published to better guide the diagnostic tools, stratification scores and treatment. Genetic testing plays somehow an important role in the diagnosis, risk-stratification and treatment of patients and family members. Molecular genetic advances in the last 2 decades have revealed the underlying genetic basis and these may lead to a personalized medicine...

Late Outcome of a Randomized Study on Oral Magnesium for Premature Complexes / Evolução Tardia de Estudo Randomizado com Uso de Magnésio Via Oral em Extrassístoles Sintomáticas

Background: Ventricular and supraventricular premature complexes (PC) are frequent and usually symptomatic. According to a previous study, magnesium pidolate (MgP) administration to symptomatic patients can improve the PC density and symptoms. Objective: To assess the late follow-up of that clinical intervention in patients treated with MgP or placebo. Methods: In the first phase of the study, 90 symptomatic and consecutive patients with PC were randomized (double-blind) to receive either MgP or placebo for 30 days. Monthly follow-up visits were conducted for 15 months to assess symptoms and control electrolytes. 24-hour Holter was performed twice, regardless of symptoms, or whenever symptoms were present. In the second phase of the study, relapsing patients, who had received MgP or placebo (crossing-over) in the first phase, were treated with MgP according to the same protocol. Results: Of the 45 patients initially treated with MgP, 17 (37.8%) relapsed during the 15-month follow-up, and the relapse time varied. Relapsing patients treated again had a statistically significant reduction in the PC density of 138.25/hour (p < 0.001). The crossing-over patients reduced it by 247/hour (p < 0.001). Patients who did not relapse, had a low PC frequency (3 PC/hour). Retreated patients had a 76.5% improvement in symptom, and crossing-over patients, 71.4%. Conclusion: Some patients on MgP had relapse of symptoms and PC, indicating that MgP is neither a definitive nor a curative treatment for late follow-up. However, improvement in the PC frequency and symptoms was observed in the second phase of treatment, similar to the response in the first phase of treatment. .

Fundamento: Extrassístoles (ES) ventriculares e supraventriculares são frequentes e muitas vezes sintomáticas. Segundo estudo prévio, a administração de pidolato de magnésio (PMg) a pacientes sintomáticos pode resultar na melhora da densidade das ES e dos sintomas relacionados. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados dessa intervenção clínica inicial no seguimento tardio de pacientes recebendo PMg ou placebo. Métodos: Noventa pacientes com ES, sintomáticos e consecutivos foram randomizados (duplo-cego) para receber PMg ou placebo por 30 dias. Visitas mensais de seguimento (15 meses) foram realizadas para avaliar a sintomatologia e controlar eletrólitos. O Holter de 24 horas foi realizado sempre que sintomáticos, ou duas vezes, independentemente dos sintomas. Na segunda fase do estudo, os pacientes cujos sintomas recidivassem, seja do grupo PMg ou placebo (crossing over), receberam PMg seguindo-se o mesmo protocolo. Resultados: Dos 45 pacientes que receberam inicialmente o PMg, 17 (37,8%) apresentaram recidiva dos sintomas em tempo variável nos 15 meses. Os pacientes com recidiva e tratados uma segunda vez apresentaram redução estatisticamente significante na densidade de ES de 138,25/hora (p < 0,001). Os pacientes de crossing reduziram em 247/hora (p < 0,001). Nos pacientes que não apresentaram recidiva, a frequência de ES foi baixa (3 ES/hora). A melhora dos sintomas foi de 76,5% nos retratados e de 71,4% nos de crossing. Conclusão: Houve recorrência de sintomas e das ES em alguns pacientes que usaram PMg, deixando claro não ser essa uma forma de tratamento definitivo ou curativo no seguimento tardio. Contudo, houve também melhora na frequência de ES e de sintomas em uma segunda etapa de tratamento, semelhante à resposta na primeira etapa. .

Redução da densidade de extrassístoles e dos sintomas relacionados após administração de magnésio por via oral / Successful improvement of frequency and symptoms of premature complexes after oral magnesium administration

FUNDAMENTO: As extrassístoles ventriculares e supraventriculares (EV e ESSV) são frequentes e muitas vezes sintomáticas. O íon magnésio (Mg) desempenha um papel importante na fisiologia do potencial de ação transmembrana celular e do ritmo cardíaco. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a administração do pidolato de magnésio (PMg) em pacientes com EV e ESSV tem desempenho superior ao uso do placebo (P) na melhora dos sintomas e densidade das extrassístoles (DES). MÉTODOS: Estudo duplo-cego, randomizado, com 60 pacientes sintomáticos consecutivos, com mais de 240/EV ou ESSV ao Holter de 24 horas e selecionados para receber P ou PMg. Para avaliar a melhora da sintomatologia, foi feito um questionário categórico e específico de sintomas relacionados às extrassístoles. Após o tratamento, foi considerada significante uma redução de mais de 70% na DES por hora. A dose do PMg foi de 3,0 g/dia por 30 dias, equivalente a 260 mg do elemento Mg. Nenhum paciente tinha cardiopatia estrutural ou insuficiência renal. RESULTADOS: Dos 60 pacientes estudados, 33 eram do sexo feminino (55%). A faixa etária variou de 16 a 70 anos. No grupo PMg, 76,6% dos pacientes tiveram redução maior que 70%, 10% deles maior que 50% e somente 13,4% tiveram redução menor que 50% na DES. No grupo P, 40% dos pacientes tiveram melhora de apenas 30% na frequência de extrassístoles (p < 0,001). A melhora dos sintomas foi alcançada em 93,3% dos pacientes do grupo PMg, comparada com somente 16,7% do grupo P (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação de Mg via oral reduziu a DES, resultando em melhora dos sintomas.

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular and supraventricular complexes (PVC and PsVC) are frequent and often symptomatic. The magnesium (Mg) ion plays a role in the physiology of cell membranes and cardiac rhythm. OBJECTIVE:We evaluated whether the administration of Mg Pidolate (MgP) in patients with PVC and PsVC is superior to placebo (P) in improving symptoms and arrhythmia frequency. METHODS: Randomized double-blind study with 60 consecutive symptomatic patients with more than 240 PVC or PsVC on 24-hour Holter monitoring who were selected to receive placebo or MgP. To evaluate symptom improvement, a categorical and a specific questionnaire for symptoms related to PVC and PsVC was made. Improvement in premature complex density (PCD) per hour was considered significant if percentage reduction was >70% after treatment. The dose of MgP was 3.0 g/day for 30 days, equivalent to 260mg of Mg element. None of the patients had structural heart disease or renal failure. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 33 were female (55%). Ages ranged from 16 to 70 years old. In the MgP group, 76.6% of patients had a PCD reduction >70%, 10% of them >50% and only 13.4% <50%. In the P group, 40% showed slight improvement, <30%, in the premature complexes frequency (p < 0.001). Symptom improvement was achieved in 93.3% of patients in the MgP group, compared with only 16.7% in the P group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Oral Mg supplementation decreases PCD, resulting in symptom improvement.

Peptídeos natriuréticos / Natriuretic peptides

Os peptídeos natriuréticos são biomarcadores liberados pelo coração e endotélio vascular, que têm importante função na regulação da homeostase. Participam da fisiologia renal e cardíaca, bem como possuem papel fisiopatológico na insuficiência cardíaca, na hipertensão e na doença renal. Dentre os peptídeos natriuréticos atrial (ANP) e o peptídeo natriurético cerebral (BNP). Atualmente, diversas pesquisas demonstram sua importancia na avaliação de dispneia como sintoma de insuficiência cardíaca, seja ela por disfunção ventricular sistólica ou diastólica. O principal sinal para a liberação do ANP é a distensão das paredes dos átrios cardíacos. A ativação do BNP é regulada em resposta a aumentos de pressão nos átrios e ventrículos cardíacos. A concentração do BNP na corrente sanguínea pode ser influênciada por diversos fatores, como doenças cardíacas, idade insuficiência renal e sepse. Estudos iniciais com BNP na avaliação de dispneia demonstraram que sua dosagem consistia em importante preditor de insuficiência cardíaca quando comparado à dispneia de outras causas, com ponto de corte de 100 pg/ml; valores acima de 400 pg/ml têm alto valor predictivo positivo...

Natriuretic peptides are biomarkers released by the heart and vascular endothelium, with an important role in homeostasis regulation. They participate in the physiology of the kidneys and the heart and play a pathophysiological role in heart failure, hypertension and kidney disease. Among the natriuretic peptides, the most important are the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Currently, several studies have shown its importance in assessing dyspnea as a symptom of heart failure, due to systolic or diastolic ventricular dysfunction. The main sign for ANP release is the distension of atrial walls. BNP activation is regulated in response to pressure increases in the atria and ventricles. BNP blood concentration may be influenced by different factors, such as heart diseases, age, renal failure and sepsis. Early studies with BNP in the assessment of dyspnea have shown that its dosage was an important heart failure predictor when compared to dyspnea due to other causes, with a cutoff of 100 pg/ml; values higher than 400 pg/ml have a high positive predictive value for the diagnosis of dyspnea of cardiac origin. BNP may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in heart failure. Its blood concentration is directly related to the New York Heart Association functional class and higher values are associated with poor survival, independent of the severity of left ventricular ejection fraction. The treatment of heart failure guided by BNP levels may improve the morbidity and mortality of chronic heart failure.

Hipolipemiantes e câncer / Lipid-lowering drugs and cancer

Os hipolipemiantes são medicamentos de eficácia comprovada no tratamento dos distúrbios do metabolismo dos lipídeos. Essas drogas reduzem a morbidade e a mortalidde em eventos cardiovasculares de forma notória. A suspeita de que esses agentes podem aumentar o risco de câncer tem sido questionada desde o início de seu uso, gerando intensos debates e reanálises de ensaios clínicos sobre o assunto. Recentemente, os resultados do estudo Sinvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) despertaram novo interesse por esse tema, pois os pacientes submetidos a terapia hipolipemiante intensiva tiveram número aumentado de câncer em comparação com o grupo controle. Este artigo visa a revisar os estudos em busca de evidência sobre associação do uso de hipolipemiantes e baixos níveis de colesterol com incidência de câncer. Até o momento não há evidências concretas de meta-análises, seja com estatinas ou, mais recentemente, com ezetimiba, que indiquem que esses medicamentos induzam o aparecimento de neoplasias ou que elevem o risco de mortalidade pelo câncer.

The efficacy of lipid-lowering agents in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders is well established. These drugs markedly reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular events. The hypothesis that lipid-lowering drugs might increase the risk of cancer has been questioned from the very beginning of their use and has been subject of intense debate and several attempts to reanalyze clinical trial data. Recently, the results of the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis Study (SEAS) has sparked new interest on this issue, since patients undergoing intense lipid-lowering therapy had a higher rate of cancer than the control group. This article gives an overview of the clinical evidence on the association of lipid-lowering drugs and low cholesterol levels with the incidence of cancer. So far there are no clear evidences from metanalyses, whether with statins or more recently with ezetimibe, indicating that these drugs induce the development of cancer or increase the risk of mortality due to cancer.