Sulforaphane Improves Redox Homeostasis and Right Ventricular Contractility in a Model of Pulmonary Hypertension.

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), imposing overload on the right ventricle (RV) and imbalance of the redox state. Our study investigated the influence of treatment with sulforaphane (SFN), found in cruciferous vegetables, on RV remodeling and redox homeostasis in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. Male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups: control (CTR); CTR + SFN; MCT; and MCT + SFN. PAH induction was implemented by a single dose of MCT (60 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Treatment with SFN (2.5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) started on the seventh day after the MCT injection and persisted for 2 weeks. After 21 days of PAH induction, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and oxidative stress evaluation was performed. The MCT group showed an increase in RV hypertrophy, RV systolic area, RV systolic, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and PVR and exhibited a decrease in the RV outflow tract acceleration time/ejection time ratio, RV fractional shortening, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion compared to CTR ( P < 0.05). SFN-treated PAH attenuated detrimental changes in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and PVR parameters. Catalase levels and the glutathione/Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio were diminished in the MCT group compared to CTR ( P < 0.05). SFN increased catalase levels and normalized the glutathione/GSSG ratio to control levels ( P < 0.05). Data express the benefit of SFN treatment on the cardiac function of rats with PAH associated with the cellular redox state.

Comparison of diuretics and fluid expansion in the initial treatment of patients with normotensive acute pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is the main cause of death in patients with normotensive acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The optimal management for this subset of patients remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the comparison of diuretics and fluid expansion in patients with acute PE presenting with RV dysfunction and haemodynamic stability. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines considering only RTCs. The authors searched the traditional and grey literature through 1 November 2022. Meta-analysis used open source packages in R. Inverse variance fixed-effects models with OR as the effect measure were used for primary analyses. The main outcomes defined in this review protocol included pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP), creatinine value changes and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide during the first 24 hours. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 452 patients met the inclusion criteria. The baseline characteristics of patients were similar across all studies. Overall, patients receiving diuretics had a significant 24 hours reduction in pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (standard mean difference of -41.97; 95% CI -65.79 to -18.15), and PASP (standard mean difference of -5.96; 95% CI -8.06 to -3.86). This group had significantly higher creatinine levels (standard mean difference of 7.74; 95% CI 5.04 to 10.45). The quality of the studies was heterogeneous; two had a low risk of bias, and the other two had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Very few studies have compared the efficacy and safety of diuretics and fluid expansion in normotensive patients with acute PE with RV failure. Overall, furosemide appears to reduce RV dysfunction in this subset of patients compared with fluid expansion. Further research is required to confirm these findings.

Unlocking the Potential: Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin and Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors for Right Ventricle Dysfunction in Heart Failure.

This review article examines the mechanism of action of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs) and Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2is) in managing chronic right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Despite advancements in heart failure (HF) treatment, RV dysfunction remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. This article explores the The article explores the impact of ARNIs and SGLT2is on RV function based on clinical and preclinical evidence, and the potential benefits of combined therapy. It highlights the need for further research to optimize patient outcomes and suggests that RV function should be considered in future clinical trials as part of risk stratification for HF therapies. This review underscores the importance of the early initiation of ARNIs and SGLT2is as per guideline-directed medical therapy for eligible HFrEF and HFpEF patients to improve co-existing RV dysfunction.

Clinical and functional effects of beta-blocker therapy discontinuation in patients with biventricular heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Nearly two-thirds of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have right ventricular dysfunction, previously identified as an independent predictor of reduced functional capacity and poor prognosis. Beta-blocker therapy (ß-BT) reduces mortality and hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF and is approved as first-line therapy regardless of concomitant right ventricular function. However, the exact role of sympathetic nervous system activation in right ventricular dysfunction and the potential usefulness (or harmfulness) of ß-BT in these patients are still unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the medium-term effect of ß-BT discontinuation on functional capacity and right ventricular remodelling based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), echocardiography and serum biomarkers in patients with clinically stable biventricular dysfunction. METHODS: In this single-centre, open-label, prospective trial, 16 patients were enrolled using the following criteria: patients were clinically stable without signs of peripheral congestion; NYHA II-III while on optimal medical therapy (including ß-BT); LVEF 40% or less; echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular dysfunction. Patients were randomized 1 : 1 either to withdraw (group 0) or continue (group 1) ß-BT. In group 0, optimal heart rate was obtained with alternative rate-control drugs. Echo and serum biomarkers were performed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months; CPET was performed at baseline and 6 months. Mann--Whitney U test was adopted to determine the relationships between ß-BT discontinuation and effects on right ventricular dysfunction. RESULTS: At 6 months' follow up, S' DTI improved (ΔS': 1.01 vs. -0.92 cm/s; P = 0.03), while estimated PAPs (ΔPAPs: 0.8 vs. -7.5 mmHg; P = 0.04) and echo left ventricular-remodelling (ΔEDVi: 19.55 vs. -0.96 ml/mq; P = 0.03) worsened in group 0. In absolute terms, the only variables significantly affected by ß-BT withdrawal were left ventricular EDV and ESV, appearing worse in group 0 (mean EDVi 115 vs. 84 ml/mq; mean ESVi 79 vs. 53.9 ml/mq, P = 0.03). No significant changes in terms of functional capacity were observed after ß-BT withdrawal. CONCLUSION: In HFrEF patients with concomitant right ventricular dysfunction, ß-BT discontinuation did not produce any beneficial effects. In addition, despite maintenance of optimal heart rate control, ß-BT discontinuation induced worsening of left ventricular remodelling. Our study corroborates the hypothesis that improvement in left ventricular function may likewise be a major determinant for improvement in right ventricular function, reducing pulmonary wedge pressure and right ventricular afterload, with only a marginal action of its negative inotropic effect. In conclusion, ß-BT appears beneficial also in heart failure patients with biventricular dysfunction.

Effects of chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin on right ventricular function in dogs.

Left ventricular dysfunction in dogs after the administration of doxorubicin (DOX) has been extensively examined. However, the effects of DOX on right ventricular (RV) function remain unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the chemotherapy treatment with DOX decreases RV function. Twelve dogs (five with multicentric lymphoma, four with hemangiosarcoma, two with thyroid cancer, and one with lung adenocarcinoma) that received at least two doses of DOX were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiography and the measurement of troponin I were performed prior to each administration of DOX and approximately one month after the last administration. Right ventricular function was assessed by the RV fractional area change and RV Tei index. Two (n=4), three (n=3), four (n=3), and five (n=2) doses of DOX were administered. While no significant differences were observed in the RV fractional area change, the RV Tei index was significantly impaired after two doses of DOX. Troponin I level significantly increased after four doses. Cumulative doses of DOX correlated with the RV Tei index (r=0.77, P<0.001). The present results demonstrated that the chemotherapy treatment with DOX decreased RV function in a dose-dependent manner in dogs.

Thrombolysis in acute pulmonary embolism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is an important cause of cardiovascular mortality, due mainly to hemodynamic instability. In these cases, the recommendation is to perform some reperfusion procedure, with systemic thrombolysis being the main therapy used. However, national data evaluating the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis are scarce. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a case series. We included 13 patients diagnosed with high-risk APE and 4 patients with intermediate-high risk from a single-center, who were treated with alteplase 100mg. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 55 years, most of them female (76.4%). Among the risk factors for VTE were immobilization (41.17%), contraceptive use (35.29%), cancer (17.63%), and previous history of DVT (11.76%). The most frequent clinical manifestations of APE were dyspnea (88.23%), hypoxia (82.35%), hypotension (82.35%), and tachycardia (64.70%). 82.35% of the patients had echocardiographic signs of right ventricular dysfunction, and 52.94% had increased troponin and BNP. Severe bleeding associated with thrombolysis occurred in 17.54% of cases. No patient died due to bleeding. There were 8 deaths from right ventricular failure (47%), 6 in the cases of patients presenting as high-risk APE (35.3%), and 2 in the cases of intermediate-high risk (11.8%). CONCLUSION Thrombolysis in patients with high-risk APE or intermediate-high risk had a severe bleeding rate of 17.6%. However, the high mortality of this population (47%) due to right ventricular failure justifies the use of this therapeutic modality.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS A embolia pulmonar aguda (EAP) é uma causa importante de mortalidade cardiovascular ao causar instabilidade hemodinâmica. Nesses casos, a recomendação é a realização de algum procedimento de reperfusão, sendo a trombólise sistêmica a principal terapia utilizada. No entanto, dados nacionais avaliando a eficácia e a segurança da trombólise são escassos. MÉTODO Análise retrospectiva de uma série de casos. Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com o diagnóstico de EAP de alto risco e quatro pacientes de risco intermediário-alto, de um único centro, e que foram tratados com alteplase 100 mg. RESULTADOS A média de idade dos pacientes foi 55 anos, sendo a maioria do gênero feminino (76,4%). Dos fatores de risco para TEV, estavam presentes a imobilização (41,17%), o uso de anticonceptivos (35,29%), câncer (17,63%) e história prévia de TVP (11,76%). As manifestações clínicas mais frequentes da EAP foram dispneia (88,23%), hipóxia (82,35%), hipotensão (82,35%) e taquicardia (64,70%); 82,35% dos pacientes apresentaram sinais ecocardiográficos de disfunção ventricular direita e 52,94% apresentaram aumento da troponina e BNP. Sangramento grave associado à trombólise ocorreu em 17,54% dos casos. Nenhum paciente faleceu em decorrência de sangramento. Houve oito mortes por insuficiência ventricular direita (47%): seis nos casos de paciente que se apresentaram como EAP de alto risco (35,3%) e duas nos casos de risco intermediário-alto (11,8%). CONCLUSÃO A trombólise nos pacientes com EAP de alto risco ou risco intermediário-alto apresentou uma taxa de sangramento grave de 17,6%. No entanto, a alta mortalidade dessa população (47%) por insuficiência ventricular direita justifica o uso desta modalidade terapêutica.

Trombo serpiginoso em átrio direito: apresentação atípica de tromboembolismo pulmonar. Relato de caso / Serpiginous thrombus in right atrium: atypical presentation of pulmonary thromboembolism. Case report

O tromboembolismo pulmonar é um grave problema de saúde pública devido ao subdiagnóstico e às elevadas morbidade e mortalidade. Quando a embolia pulmonar é maciça com repercussão hemodinâmica importante e a terapia adequada não ocorre nas primeiras horas, a mortalidade é superior a 85%. Na suspeita clínica de tromboembolismo pulmonar, a avaliação ecocardiográfica pode ter papel fundamental na avaliação da mobilidade e da estrutura do ventrículo direito, presença de hipertensão pulmonar e documentação da presença de trombo. A detecção ecocardiográfica de trombo móvel nas câmaras cardíacas direitas permite identificar um grupo de pacientes de alto risco, com mortalidade muito elevada, quando comparada ao tromboembolismo pulmonar em geral. Além da terapia clínica clássica, com heparinas e trombolíticos, as terapêuticas endovascular e cirúrgica devem ser consideradas e podem contribuir para o prognóstico desses pacientes. Relata-se um caso de uma paciente de 33 anos de idade admitida em uma unidade de emergência da no 8o dia de pós-operatório de apendicectomia, com queixas de dor torácica e dispneia de início súbito. Ecocardiograma transtorácico evidenciou presença de trombo serpiginoso solto em átrio direito, que ocluía intermitentemente a valva tricúspide durante o ciclo cardíaco. Diante das características ecocardiográficas atípicas do trombo e da significativa chance de embolização maciça, optou-se por intervenção cirúrgica de emergência.

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a serious public health problem due to misdiagnosis and high morbidity and mortality. When pulmonary embolism is massive with important hemodynamic repercussion, and the appropriate therapy does not take place in the early hours, mortality is higher than 85%. If there is clinical suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism, an echocardiographic evaluation may have a key role in the evaluation of mobility and structure of the right ventricle, presence of pulmonary hypertension, and documentation of the presence of thrombus. Echocardiographic detection of mobile thrombus in right cardiac chambers allows the identification of a group of high-risk patients with very high mortality when compared to pulmonary thromboembolism in general . In addition to the classical clinical therapy with heparins and thrombolytics, endovascular and surgical therapy should be considered and may contribute to these patients' prognosis. A case is reported of a 33-year-old female patient admitted to an Emergency Unit at 8th postoperative day (POD) of appendectomy, with complaints of chest pain and dyspnea of sudden onset. Transthoracic echocardiography showed the presence of a floating serpiginous thrombus in the right atrium, which intermittently occluded the tricuspid valve during the cardiac cycle. Due to the atypical echocardiographic features of the thrombus, and significant chance of massive embolization, an emergency surgery was chosen.

Impact on hospital mortality and morbidity of right ventricular involvement among patients with acute left ventricular infarction / Impacto do envolvimento do ventrículo direito na morbidade e mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com infarto agudo do ventrículo esquerdo

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty regarding the risk of major complications in patients with left ventricular (LV) infarction complicated by right ventricular (RV) involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on hospital mortality and morbidity of right ventricular involvement among patients with acute left ventricular myocardial infarction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study, at Emergency Care Unit of Hospital Central da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo. METHODS: 183 patients with acute myocardial infarction participated in this study: 145 with LV infarction alone and 38 with both LV and RV infarction. The presence of complications and hospital death were compared between groups. RESULTS: 21 percent of the patients studied had LV + RV infarction. In this group, involvement of the dorsal and/or inferior wall was predominant on electrocardiogram (p < 0.0001). The frequencies of Killip class IV upon admission and 24 hours later were greater in the LV + RV group, along with electrical and hemodynamic complications, among others, and death. The probability of complications among the LV + RV patients was 9.7 times greater (odds ratio, OR = 9.7468; 95 percent confidence interval, CI: 2.8673 to 33.1325; p < 0.0001) and probability of death was 5.1 times greater (OR = 5.13; 95 percent CI: 2.2795 to 11.5510; p = 0.0001), in relation to patients with LV infarction alone. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LV infarction with RV involvement present increased risk of early morbidity and mortality.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O risco das principais complicações em pacientes com infarto do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) associado ao comprometimento do ventrículo direito (VD) ainda é incerto. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto do envolvimento do ventrículo direito na morbidade e na mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com infarto agudo do ventrículo esquerdo. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo de coorte, realizado no Serviço de Emergência do Hospital Central da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 183 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio: 145 com infarto do VE e 38 com infarto do VE associado ao VD (VE + VD). Foram comparados entre os grupos a presença das complicações e óbitos no período hospitalar. RESULTADOS: 21 por cento dos pacientes estudados apresentavam infarto VE + VD. Predominou o comprometimento da parede dorsal e/ou inferior (ECG) no grupo com VE + VD (p < 0.0001). A freqüência da classe IV de Killip no momento da admissão e 24 h após foi maior no grupo VE + VD, assim como as complicações elétricas, hemodinâmicas, entre outras, e óbitos. A probabilidade de complicações em pacientes com infarto VE + VD foi 9.7 vezes maior (odds ratio, OR = 9.7468; 95 por cento intervalo de confiança, IC 95 por cento 2.8673 a 33.1325; p < 0.0001) e de óbito 5.1 vezes superior (OR = 5.1313; 95 por cento IC 2.2795 a 11.5510; p = 0.0001) em relação aos pacientes com infarto isolado do VE. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com infarto VE com envolvimento do VD apresentam risco aumentado de morbidade e mortalidade precoces.

Uso de iloprost inhalatorio para el manejo de hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes en riesgo de falla del ventrículo derecho aguda en el periodo perioperatorio de una cirugía cardiaca / Use of inhaled iloprost for the management of pulmonary hypertension in patients at risk of acute right ventricular failure in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente informe expone la evaluación iloprost respecto a su uso en el periodo perioperatorio de pacientes con diagnóstico de Hipertensión Pulmonar (PAPm > 25mmHg), o previo a una cirugia cardiaca o trasplante cardiaco, con el objetivo de prevenir falla aguda de ventrículo derecho (FAVD) y muerte. Aspectos Generales: La Falla Aguda del Ventrículo Derecho (FAVD) es una condición que se puede desencadenar en el periodo perioperatorio de pacientes con diagnóstico establecido de Hipertensión Pulmonar (HTP) que suele suceder por 3 mecanismos fisiopatológicos: a) Incremento de la presión de la aurícula izquierda transmitido a la circulación pulmonar; b) Remodelamiento vascula de la musculatura pulmonar en respuesta a la obstrucción crónica al drenaje venoso pulmonar y c) Vasoconstricción arterial pulmonar. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: iloprost: El iloprost es una solución inhalatoria, análogo sintético más estable de prostaciclina (PGI2), cuyo mecanismo de acción es la dilatación de los vasos arteriales predominantemente a nivel pulmonar. Se sabe que también afecta la agregación plaquetaria, pero la relevancia de este efecto en el tratamiento de Hipertensión Pulmonar plaquetaria, pero la relevancia de este efecto en el tratamiento de Hipertensión Pulmonar (HP) es aún desconocida. METODOLOGÍA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura a la eficacia y seguridad de iloprost en pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar o que desarrollasen FAVD en el periodo perioperatorio de cirugía cardiaca. Primero se identificó en colaboración con médicos del INCOR las patologías con más riesgo de desarrollar FAVD, posteriormente se realizó una búsqueda primaria de revisiones sistemáticas y Guias de Práctica Clínica en las bases: National Library of Medicine (Pubmed-Medline), Translating Research into Practive (TRIPDATABASE), Cochrane Library y National Guideline of Clearinghouse. RESULTADOS: Se realizó la búsqueda bibliográfica y de evidencia científica que sustente el uso de iloprost en los escenarios que puedan desencadenar la Falla Aguda del Ventrículo Derecho en el periodo perioperatorio de una cirugía cardiaca. Por cada uno de los siguientes escenarios clínicos com riesgo de desarrollo de FAVD i.e., Trasplante Cardiaco, Correcición de Valvulopatías Tromboendarterectomía y Cardiomiopatía isquémica con disfunción ventricular izquierda, se presenta la evidencia disponible en Guías de Práctica Clínica, Revisiones sistemáticas y Meta-análisis, Ensayos Clínicos y Estudios observacionales. CONCLUSIONES: El iloprost inhalado es un vasodilatador con acción local pulmonar que ha mostrado tener un efecto beneficioso en la prevención y manejo de la hipertensión pulmonar en el momento perioperatório de la cirugia cardiaca. Sin embargo, la evidencia científica que respalda este benefício del iloprost es limitada al provenir de estudios observacionales y ensayos clínicos con limitaciones metodológicas que no permiten reducir el riesgo de sesgos con potencial impacto en los hallazgos de dichos estudios. Así se aprueba el uso del iloprost para ser utilizado para el maejo de la hipertensión pulmonar aguda en pacientes que desarollan o están riesgo de desarrollar falla del ventrículo derecho aguda en el contexto perioperatorio o post-operatorio inmediato de una cirugía cardiaca. Dado que la evidencia que respalda este uso del iloprost es aún limitada, se recomienda la realización de estudios de epidemiología que sistematice la información clínica que se genere de la experiencia del uso de este medicamento bajo el contexto del presente Dictamen Preliminar en ESSALUD. Esta información será tomada em cuenta en la re-evaluación de este medicamento para efectos de un nuevo dictamen al terminar la vigencia del presente Dictamen Preliminar.