ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Heart failure is the leading cause of cardiac-related hospitalizations. Limited access to reevaluations and outpatient appointments restricts the application of modern therapies. Telemedicine has become an essential resource in the healthcare system because of its countless benefits, such as higher and more frequent appointments and faster titration of medications. This narrative review aimed to demonstrate the evidence and unresolved issues related to the use of telemedicine in patients with heart failure. No studies have examined heart failure prevention; however, several studies have addressed the prevention of decompensation with positive results. Telemedicine can be used to evaluate all patients with heart failure, and many telemedicine platforms are available. Several strategies, including both noninvasive (phone calls, weight measurement, and virtual visits) and invasive (implantable pulmonary artery catheters) strategies can be implemented. Given these benefits, telemedicine is highly desirable, particularly for vulnerable groups. Although some questions remain unanswered, the development of new technologies can complement remote visits and improve patient care.
ABSTRACT
Resumo Fundamento As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. Regiões brasileiras geograficamente remotas e de baixa renda carecem de consultas especializadas. Não se tem conhecimento total acerca do manejo por telemedicina dessa população por parte de cardiologistas. Objetivos Analisar a teleconsulta cardiológica na região brasileira com maior número de municípios isolados. Métodos Entre fevereiro de 2020 e outubro de 2021, pacientes da Região Norte do Brasil avaliados por médicos generalistas locais foram encaminhados para avaliação cardiológica por telemedicina. Foram analisados os motivos do encaminhamento, dados demográficos, histórico clínico, exames físicos, exames complementares, medicamentos e prescrições pré e pós-telemedicina (considerou-se p<0,05 como estatisticamente significativo). Resultados Analisamos 653 pacientes. A taxa de frequência foi de 85,7% (53,1% do sexo feminino, idade média: 54,2±6,5 anos). Os principais motivos de encaminhamento foram sintomas cardiovasculares (58,1%) e fatores de risco entre pacientes assintomáticos (13,3%). Apenas 12,6% apresentava alguma doença diagnosticada. A maioria dos pacientes havia passado por exame físico e eletrocardiogramas regulares. Poucos tinham exames complementares recentes. A prescrição de bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina (BRA), bloqueadores dos canais de cálcio e estatinas aumentou significativamente, enquanto a de digoxina, betabloqueadores não cardíacos e ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) diminuiu na primeira teleconsulta. A maioria dos exames complementares solicitados era de baixa complexidade e custo: eletrocardiograma (28,2%), radiografia de tórax (14%), ecocardiograma (64,5%) e exames de sangue (71,8%). Para 2,1% dos pacientes, foram indicadas intervenções, e 8% recebeu alta após a primeira consulta. Conclusão A teleconsulta cardiológica sob demanda contribui para a otimização do tratamento das doenças cardíacas. A maioria dos pacientes foi encaminhada com diagnósticos sindrômicos sem exames complementares prévios. A avaliação especializada solicitada geralmente estava disponível localmente e com baixo custo, mas impedia a alta precoce. Capacitação local poderia otimizar o encaminhamento.
Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of adult mortality. Geographically remote and low-income Brazilian regions lack specialized consultations. The telemedicine management of this population by cardiologists is not fully known. Objectives To analyze cardiology teleconsultation in the Brazilian region with the highest number of isolated cities. Methods From February 2020 to October 2021, patients from the North Region of Brazil evaluated by local general practitioners were referred for cardiological evaluation by telemedicine. Referral reasons, demographics, clinical history, physical examinations, tests, medications, and prescriptions pre- and post-telemedicine were analyzed (p<0.05 was considered statistically significant). Results We analyzed 653 patients. The attendance rate was 85.7% (53.1% female, mean age: 54.2±6.5 years). The main reasons for referral were cardiovascular symptoms (58.1%) and risk factors among asymptomatic patients (13.3%). Only 12.6% had a diagnosed disease. Most patients had regular physical examinations and electrocardiograms. Few had recent complementary tests. The prescription of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and statins was significantly increased, while that of digoxin, noncardiac beta-blockers and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was decreased at the first teleconsultation. Most of the tests requested were of low complexity and cost: electrocardiogram (28.2%), chest X-ray (14%), echocardiogram (64.5%) and blood tests (71.8%). For 2.1% of patients, interventions were indicated, and 8% were discharged after the first consultation. Conclusion On-demand cardiology teleconsultation contributes to heart disease treatment optimization. Most patients were referred with syndromic diagnoses without previous complementary tests. The specialist workup requested was usually available locally and at a low cost but precluded early discharge. Local training could optimize the referral.
ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis is the process through which new capillaries form from pre-existing capillaries and venules. Its occurrence depends on the migration of vascular endothelial cells which is inhibited by high levels of cAMP. Such levels can be regulated by the degradation caused by the phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Therefore, by inhibiting the action of PDEs it is assumed that angiogenesis can be inhibited with the prevention of migration of these cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect PDE inhibitors on angiogenesis in mice by using nonspecific inhibitors (aminophylline) and selective inhibitors of PDE4 (roflumilast) and PDE5 (sildenafil). BALB/c mice were used as a model; under anesthesia, the mice had a sponge of 0.5 x 0.5 cm introduced into their dorsal subcutaneous tissue; they were then divided into 4 groups and daily gavage treated: 1) control group (n=13) – treated with 0.3 mL of saline solution; 2) aminophylline group (n=16) – 50 mg/kg; 3) roflumilast group (n=14) – 5mg/kg; 3) sildenafil group (n=12) –100 mg/kg. After 7 days, with the animals anesthetized, a blood sample was drawn for hemoglobin (Hb) measurement, the sponge implant was removed, and its content was obtained in 2 mL of saline solution for hemoglobin measurement. Absorbance levels (A), the amount of Hb from the sponge (S) and the total blood Hb concentration levels from each mouse were evaluated. According to the results obtained, we concluded that aminophylline, roflumilast and sildenafil (phosphodiesterase inhibitors) did not cause any alteration in the angiogenesis evaluated by the sponge-implantation method.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Oral cavity malignant neoplasms have a high mortality rate. For this reason, preventive campaigns have been developed, both to educate the population and to diagnose lesions at an early stage. However, there are studies that contest the validity of these endeavors, principally because the target audience of the campaigns may not conform to the group at highest risk for oral malignancy. Objective: To describe the profile of patients who avail themselves of the preventive campaign, identify the presence of oral lesions in that population, and compare that data with the epidemiological profile of patients with oral cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional historical cohort study performed by analysis of epidemiological data of the campaign "Abra a Boca para a Saúde" collected in the years from 2008 to 2013. Results: In the years analyzed, 11,965 people were treated and 859 lesions were diagnosed, all benign. There was a female predominance (52.7%), with mean age of 44 years (±15.4 years); 26% were smokers and 29% reported alcohol consumption. It is known that the group at highest risk to develop oral cancer is 60to 70-year-old men, who are alcoholic smokers. Conclusion: The population that seeks preventive campaigns is not the main risk group for the disease. This fact explains the low number of lesions and the lack of cancer detection. .
Introdução: As neoplasias malignas de cavidade oral possuem alta taxa de mortalidade. Por essa razão, existem diversas campanhas de prevenção do câncer bucal, visando orientar a população e diagnosticar lesões em estágio precoce. Contudo, vários estudos contestam a validade dessas iniciativas, uma vez que o público alvo atingido pode não representar o verdadeiro grupo de risco. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes que procuraram a campanha de prevenção, identificar a presença de lesões orais e comparar os dados com o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes portadores de câncer bucal. Método: Coorte histórica transversal. Foram levantados os dados epidemiológicos da campanha "Abra a boca para a saúde" dos anos de 2008 a 2013. Resultados: Nos anos avaliados, 11965 pessoas foram atendidas e 859 lesões diagnosticadas, todas benignas. A predominância foi do sexo feminino (52,7%), com média de idade de 44 anos (± 15,4 anos), 26% eram tabagistas e 29% relatavam uso de álcool. Sabe-se que o grupo de risco corresponde a homens, entre 60 e 70 anos, tabagistas e etilistas. Conclusão: A população que procura a campanha não é o principal grupo de risco para a doença, fato que explica o baixo número de lesões detectadas e nenhum câncer. .