Profile of cardiovascular diseases and physiotherapeutic intervention in a hospital emergency service / Perfil das doenças cardiovasculares e atuação fisioterapeutica em um serviço de emergência hospitalar

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the lead-ing cause of death globally, with a high proportion of hospitalizations and costs. In view of this, it is essential to understand the main CVDs in patients admitted to hospital emergency services and the role of physiotherapists, in order to plan and direct health services, and to denote participation and encourage specific physiotherapy training in the context of tertiary care. Objective To outline the profile of cardiovascular emergencies and to evaluate physiotherapy in adult patients in the emergency department of a hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Methods This was an observational study which analyzed 1,256 on-call records over a period of eight months. The data collected included age, gender, cardiovascular diagnostic hypothesis and physiotherapy treatment carried out. Results A total of 75 patients with cardiovascular emergencies were included, the most prevalent of which were: heart failure (n = 21), acute coronary syndrome (n = 14), acute myocardial infarction (n = 13), bradyarrhythmia (n = 6) and hypertensive crisis (n = 5). Regarding physiotherapeutic actions and their applications, the most frequent were invasive mechanical ventilation management (n = 34), lung re-expansion maneuvers (n = 17), orotracheal intubation assistance (n = 17), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 14), bronchial hygiene maneuvers (n = 12), kinesiotherapy (n = 10) and sedation (n = 10). Conclusion Heart failure and acute coronary syndrome were the cardiovascular diseases that caused the most admissions to the hospital emergency department and that the procedures with an emphasis on the respiratory system were the most applied.

Resumo Introdução As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) repre-sentam a principal causa de morte global, destacando-se em internações e gastos. Diante disso, é essencial compreender as principais DCV em pacientes admitidos em serviços de emergência hospitalar e a atuação do fisioterapeuta para planejamento e direcionamento dos serviços de saúde e para denotar a participação e incentivar formações fisioterapêuticas específicas no contexto da atenção terciária. Objetivo Traçar o perfil de emergências cardiovasculares e avaliar a atuação fisioterapêutica em pacientes adultos de serviço de emergência de um hospital no interior do estado de São Paulo. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional, em que foram analisadas 1.256 fichas de passagem de plantão, no período de oito meses. Os dados coletados foram idade, sexo, hipótese diagnóstica cardiovascular e tratamento fisioterapêutico realizado. Resultados Foram incluídos 75 pacientes que apresentavam o perfil de emergências cardiovasculares, sendo as mais prevalentes: insuficiência cardíaca (n = 21), síndrome corona-riana aguda (n = 14), infarto agudo do miocárdio (n = 13), bradarritmia (n = 6) e crise hipertensiva (n = 5). Em relação à atuação fisioterapêutica e suas aplicações, as mais frequentes foram manejo da ventilação mecânica invasiva (n = 34), manobras de reexpansão pulmonar (n = 17), auxílio a intubação orotraqueal (n = 17), ventila-ção mecânica não invasiva (n = 14), manobras de higiene brônquica (n = 12), cinesioterapia (n = 10) e sedestação (n = 10). Conclusão A insuficiência cardíaca e a síndrome coronária aguda foram as doenças cardiovasculares que mais ocasionaram internação no serviço de emergência hospitalar e as condutas com ênfase no aparelho respiratório foram as mais aplicadas.

Access to emergency surgical treatment for congenital heart diseases in the state of São Paulo

Abstract Objective To analyze access to surgical care for congenital heart diseases in public specialized centers in the state of São Paulo before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and availability of surgical care in specialized hospitals, to identify bottlenecks in the care path for neonatal cardiac surgery. Methods This study included 1,437 children, under one year old, with congenital heart disease and formal referral to heart surgery between February 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021. Quantitative data analysis was performed using t-tests or the Mann-Whitney test. Results Approximately 30 % of children with urgent congenital heart disease could not access recommended care, mainly those needing complex surgeries (categories RACHS 4 to 6). The main diagnoses of neonates accessing care were patency of the ductus arteriosus (10.5 %) and coarctation of the aorta (10.1 %). Referral time for children in RACHS 1 to 3 was 4 days (median), while for those in categories 4 to 6, it was 7 days (p< 0.001). Longer referral time (20 days) was associated with court orders. During the pandemic, referral time decreased to 3 days, compared to 5 days (median) in the pre-pandemic period (p< 0.001). Conclusion The emergency surgical treatment supply for congenital heart diseases is insufficient compared to the current demand. Future research should evaluate if access to care in publicly funded hospitals could be improved by better access to prenatal care for pregnant women, increased diagnostic and therapeutic capacity in pediatric cardiology, and financial incentives for complex cardiac surgeries.

Dificuldades de deglutição nas diferentes formas de oferta de alimentação em lactentes cardiopatas congênitos: uma revisão sistemática / Swallowing difficulties in the different forms of food supply in congenital heart disease infants: a systematic review / Dificultades para tragar em las diferentes formas de su ministro de alimentos em lactantes com cardiopatias congénitas: una revisión sistemática

Introdução: A forma de alimentação mais segura nos bebês cardiopatas pode ser um desafio para escolha da equipe multiprofissional. Objetivo: Identificar as principais dificuldades de deglutição nas diferentes formas de oferta de alimentação em lactentes cardiopatas congênitos. Métodos: A questão norteadora foi: "Quais as principais dificuldades de deglutição nas diferentes formas de oferta de alimentação em lactentes cardiopatas congênitos?". A população foi delimitada como lactentes cardiopatas, considerando amamentação como exposição de interesse e alimentação em mamadeira considerado grupo comparação. Dificuldades de deglutição foram consideradas desfecho. Foram selecionados artigos sem restrição de idioma, independentemente do ano de publicação até abril de 2019, que apresentassem no título, resumo ou corpo do artigo relação com o objetivo da pesquisa e os critérios de elegibilidade, com delineamento observacional. Após a extração dos dados, as medidas foram transformadas em percentagem, e descritas em uma síntese qualitativa. Resultados: Foram encontrados 828 artigos ao total, sendo que após análises, foram incluídos 11 artigos ao total. As principais dificuldades apresentadas pelos lactentes cardiopatas em seio materno foram: tosse, engasgo, cianose, queda da saturação periférica de oxigênio e incoordenação entre sucção, respiração e deglutição. As dificuldades de deglutição mais encontradas na oferta de seio materno foram: tosse, engasgo, cianose, queda de saturação, incoordenação entre sucção-respiração-deglutição, fadiga, escape oral, tempo prolongado de alimentação, vedamento-labial inadequado, preensão inadequada do bico, e ausculta cervical alterada. Conclusão: Os lactentes cardiopatas apresentam dificuldades de deglutição tanto em seio materno quanto em mamadeira, sendo observada maior frequência de apresentações das dificuldades, com mamadeira. (AU)

Introduction: The safest way of feeding babies with heart disease can be a challenge for the multidisciplinary team to choose. Objective: To identify the main swallowing difficulties in the different forms of feeding in infants with congenital heart disease. Methods: The guiding question was: "What are the main swallowing difficulties in the different forms of feeding in infants with congenital heart disease?". The population was defined as infants with heart disease, considering breastfeeding as exposure of interest and bottle feeding considered a comparison group. Swallowing difficulties were considered the outcome. Articles without language restriction were selected, regardless of the year of publication until April 2019, which presented in the title, abstract or body of the article a relationship with the objective of the research and the eligibility criteria, with an observational design. After data extraction, the measurements were transformed into percentages and described in a qualitative synthesis. Results: A total of 828 articles were found, and after analysis, 11 articles were included in total. The main difficulties presented by infants with heart disease at the mother's breast were coughing, choking, cyanosis, drop in peripheral oxygen saturation and incoordination between sucking, breathing and swallowing. The swallowing difficulties most found in the offer of the mother's breast were: cough, choking, cyanosis, drop in saturation, incoordination between sucking-breathing-swallowing, fatigue, oral leakage, prolonged feeding time, inadequate lip sealing, inadequate nipple grip, and altered cervical auscultation. Conclusion: Infants with heart disease have swallowing difficulties both in the mother's breast and in the bottle, with a higher frequency of presentations of difficulties being observed with the bottle. (AU)

Introducción: La forma más segura de alimentación en bebés com enfermidades del corazón puede ser um desafío para el equipo multidisciplinario para elegir. Objetivo: Identificar las principales dificultades deglutorias em las diferentes formas de alimentación en lactantes com cardiopatías congénitas. Métodos: La pregunta orientadora fue: "¿Cuáles son las principales dificultades deglutorias em las diferentes formas de alimentación en lactantes com cardiopatías congénitas?" La población se definió como lactantes com cardiopatías, considerando la lactancia materna como exposición de interés y la alimentación com biberón considerada una grupo de comparación. Las dificultades para tragar se consideraron el desenlace. Se seleccionaron artículos sin restricción de idioma, independentemente del año de publicación hasta abril de 2019, que presentaran em el título, resumen o cuerpo del artículo relación com el objetivo de la investigación y los criterios de elegibilidad, com um diseño observacional. Después de la extracción de datos, las medidas se transformaron em porcentajes y se describieron en una sínteses cualitativa. Resultados: Se encontraron un total de 828 artículos, y después del análisis, se incluyeron 11 artículos en total. Las principales dificultades que presentaron los lactantes com cardiopatia em el pecho materno fueron: tos, ahogo, cianosis, caída de la saturación periférica de oxígeno y falta de coordinación entre la succión, la respiración y la deglución. Las dificultades de deglución más encontradas em la oferta del pecho de la madre fueron: tos, ahogo, cianosis, descenso de la saturación, descoordinación entre succión-respiración-deglución, fatiga, escape oral, tiempo de alimentación prolongado, sellado labial inadecuado, agarre inadecuado del pezón y auscultación cervical alterada. Conclusión: Los lactantes com cardiopatia presentan dificultades para la deglución tanto em el pecho materno como em el biberón, observándose una mayor frecuencia de presentaciones de dificultades con el biberón. (AU)

Characterization of the normal fetal circulatory system of the ductus venosus using sound complexity parameters

The aim of this study was to characterize the normality of the fetal circulatory system through the time between ventricular systoles of the ductus venosus in the three gestational trimesters in healthy fetuses using nonlinear methods of the complexity of the signal. A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) from December 2019 to May 2020. Pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks, with intrauterine pregnancy and healthy fetus were included. Patients with multiple gestation, positive screening for congenital malformation, including heart disease, and under 18 years of age were excluded. Doppler velocimetry ultrasonography of the ductus venosus was performed between the 11th and 14th weeks, 20th and 24th weeks, and 28th and 32nd weeks of gestation, and then the sound signal was extracted and segmented from the videos. To compare the means between the gestational trimesters of the approximate entropy (ApEn) and Lempel-Ziv complexity (CLZ) of the time between ventricular systoles, the Friedman test was used, with a significance level of 5%. No statistically significant difference was found between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters regarding the mean ApEn (P=0.281) and CLZ (P=0.595) of the time between ventricular systoles of the ductus venosus. Ductus venosus systolic time was not sensitive to differentiate fetal cardiovascular dynamics between gestational trimesters. This study pioneered the characterization of cardiovascular normality by nonlinear parameters of the fetal ductus venosus in all three trimesters.

Dementia risk in patients with heart disease and depression / Risco de demência em pacientes com doença cardíaca e depressão

ABSTRACT. The high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia is a growing concern for healthcare systems and patients. Objective: The primary objective of our study was to assess the association of depression and heart disease on the risk of dementias like Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia in patients. Methods: This retrospective study used electronic health records data that was provided by the HealthVerity™ Marketplace. The characteristics of the patient population were recorded and the risk of dementia was examined using adjusted logistic regression models. Results: The analysis included 49,735 participants and revealed that patients who have heart disease or depression had a higher risk of dementia. Patients who had both heart disease and depression were over three times more likely to have dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and over five times more likely to have vascular dementia compared to patients who only have a diagnosis of heart disease. Depression was associated with a fourfold increase in the risk of dementia. Participants with a diagnosis of most types of heart disease as well as depression had increased risk for developing dementia. Conclusion: This study revealed that patients with both heart disease and depression had increased odds of having dementia as well as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These findings may serve to support policies and healthcare decision-making to increase preventive measures for dementia and Alzheimer's disease among patients with both depression and heart disease.

RESUMO. A alta prevalência da doença de Alzheimer e demência é uma preocupação crescente para os sistemas de saúde e pacientes. Objetivo: O objetivo primário do nosso estudo foi avaliar a associação entre depressão e doença cardíaca no risco de demências como a doença de Alzheimer ou demência vascular. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo utilizou dados de registros eletrônicos de saúde fornecidos pelo HealthVerity™ Marketplace. As características da população de pacientes foram registradas e o risco de demência foi examinado usando modelos de regressão logística ajustados. Resultados: A análise incluiu 49.735 participantes e revelou que pacientes com doenças cardíacas ou depressão apresentavam maior risco de demência. Os pacientes que tinham doença cardíaca e depressão tinham mais de três vezes mais chances de ter demência e doença de Alzheimer, e mais de cinco vezes mais chances de ter demência vascular em comparação com pacientes que tinham apenas um diagnóstico de doença cardíaca. A depressão foi associada a um aumento de quatro vezes no risco de demência. Os participantes com diagnóstico da maioria dos tipos de doenças cardíacas, bem como depressão, apresentaram risco aumentado de desenvolver demência. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que pacientes com doenças cardíacas e depressão tinham maior probabilidade de ter demência, bem como demência vascular e doença de Alzheimer. Essas descobertas podem servir para apoiar as políticas e a tomada de decisões de saúde para aumentar as medidas preventivas para demência e doença de Alzheimer entre pacientes com depressão e doenças cardíacas.

Impacto de la rehabilitación cardiaca de 8 vs 12 semanas sobre la calidad de vida de personas con angioplastia. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Impact of an 8 and 12-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on the Perception of Quality of Life in Patients with Coronary Angioplasty. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introducción. La evaluación de la calidad de vida es un resultado de salud que comúnmente se asocia con la eficacia de los tratamientos derivados a los pacientes con enfermedad de las arterias coronarias. Específicamente, la literatura no es clara con respecto al papel de la rehabilitación cardíaca sobre la calidad de vida en población sometida a revascularización coronaria. Objetivo. Determinar si existen diferencias en la percepción de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, después de asistir a un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca de 8 semanas comparado con uno de 12 semanas en personas post revascularización percutánea. Métodos. Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, conformado por personas que asisten a rehabilitación cardíaca, divididas en dos grupos de estudio (8 y 12 semanas), quienes se evaluaron a través del Cuestionario SF-36.Resultados. La muestra estuvo conformada por 17 personas, con edad promedio de 63.1±6.9 años. Al comparar la evaluación pre y posttratamiento en cada grupo, se encontraron diferencias significativas en los dominios función física y rol físico en el grupo de 8 semanas; al realizar la comparación entre grupos hubo diferencias en el dominio emocional. Conclusión. Los resultados del estudio no evidenciaron diferencias en cuanto a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud entre los grupos de estudio en el resultado global del cuestionario SF-36. Sin embargo, al comparar las dos intervenciones, el grupo de 8 semanas demostró mejores valores sobre el rol emocional

Introduction. The evaluation of quality of life is a health outcome that is commonly associated with the efficacy of treatments derived from patients with coronary artery disease. The literature is unclear regarding the role of cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life in the population undergoing coronary revascularization.Aim. To determine if there are differences in perception of health-related quality of life after attending an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation program compared to a 12-week program in people after coronary angioplasty. Methods. Randomized controlled clinical trial that included people with coronary angioplasty, who attended a cardiac rehabilitation program, divided in two groups (8 and 12 weeks), who were evaluated through the 8 domains of Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results. The sample was made up of 17 people, with an average age of 63.1 ± 6.9 years. When comparing the evaluation before and after treatment in each group, sta-tistical differences were found in the physical-functioning and role-physical in 8 weeks group. Comparation between group show differences in role-emotional. Conclusion. The results of the present study did not show differences between the global score on health-related quality of life. However, when comparing the two in-terventions, the 8-week group showed better values on the role-emotional.

The care of the patients with hipoplastic left heart syndrome in places of social and economic vulneability. An ethical analysis / O cuidado de pacientes com síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico em localidades de vulnerabilidade social e econômica. Uma análise bioética

ABSTRACT The birth of a child means hope and joy, particularly for the parents and the healthcare team. When this child is born with a severe malformation and a poor prognosis, as in the case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the scenario is one of great uncertainty and emotional suffering. The role of the health team becomes fundamental for the identification of conflicts of values and for the search for shared decisions that promote the best benefit to the child. When the diagnosis is made during fetal life, it is necessary to develop counseling strategies appropriate to the context of each family. In places with limited care resources, precarious prenatal care and short temporal conditions, the recommended counseling is compromised. Indication of treatment requires technical competence and a detailed analysis of ethical issues, and consultation with institutional clinical bioethics services or commissions is important. The article proposes to address the moral conflicts of two clinical cases and the respective bioethical analysis that involves principles and values in contexts of vulnerability and uncertainty, contrasting two situations where the indication of treatment was based on accessibility to treatment.

RESUMO O nascimento de uma criança significa esperança e alegria, particularmente para os pais e para a equipe de saúde. Quando essa criança nasce com uma malformação grave e de prognóstico reservado, como acontece na SHCE, o cenário é de grande incerteza e sofrimento emocional. O papel da equipe de saúde torna-se fundamental para a identificação de conflitos de valores e para a busca de decisões compartilhadas que promovam o melhor benefício à criança. Quando o diagnóstico é feito em vida fetal, é necessário a elaboração de estratégias de aconselhamento adequadas ao contexto de cada família. Em locais com recursos assistenciais limitados, acompanhamento prénatal precário e condição temporal curta, o aconselhamento preconizado fica comprometido. A indicação do tratamento requer competência técnica e uma análise pormenorizada de questões éticas, sendo importante a consultoria aos serviços ou comissões de bioética clínica institucional. O artigo propõe a abordar os conflitos morais de dois casos clínicos e a respectiva análise bioética que envolve princípios e valores em contextos de vulnerabilidade e incertezas, contrapondo duas situações onde a indicação do tratamento baseou-se na acessibilidade ao tratamento.

Diagnóstico antenatal de cardiopatías congénitas por telemedicina: experiencia en CERPO, 2017-2022 / Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease by telemedicine: experience in CERPO, 2017-2022

Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas son las anomalías más frecuentes y la principal causa de muerte infantil y neonatal. El diagnóstico prenatal mejora el resultado perinatal determinando el lugar de nacimiento y el nivel de cuidado neonata. La telemedicina mediante videoconferencia en tiempo real permite mejorar la precisión diagnóstica y planificar el nacimiento. Objetivo: Determinar el diagnóstico y manejo perinatal de fetos con sospecha de cardiopatía congénitas, evaluadas a través de telemedicina en tiempo real atendidas en CERPO en el periodo 2017-2022. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de las evaluaciones mediante telemedicina en tiempo real realizadas en CERPO entre los años 2017 a 2022. Se revisó el resultado perinatal y se compararon los diagnósticos pre y postnatales, extraídos de la base de datos CERPO y Unidad de Neonatología del Hospital Luis Tisné Brousse. Resultados: La correlación del diagnóstico de cardiopatía congénita mediante telemedicina es de un 81,8% y de 89,8% con el diagnostico posnatal. Conclusiones: La evaluación por medio de telemedicina permite mejorar la precisión diagnostica de la cardiopatía congénita en áreas con escaso acceso a operadores experimentados en evaluación cardiaca fetal. Esto minimiza el impacto económico y social asociado al manejo perinatal de un feto con cardiopatía congénita en nuestro país.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease is the most common anomaly and the leading cause of infant and neonatal death. Prenatal diagnosis improves perinatal outcomes by choosing the right place of birth and level of neonatal care. Telemedicine by videoconferencing in real-time allows for improved diagnostic accuracy and birth planning. Objective: To determine the diagnosis and perinatal management of fetuses with suspected congenital heart disease, evaluated by telemedicine at CERPO in the period 2017-2022. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of evaluations via real-time videoconferencing performed at CERPO between 2017-2022. The perinatal outcome was reviewed, and pre and postnatal diagnoses were compared. The data was extracted from the CERPO database and the Neonatology Unit of the Luis Tisné Brousse Hospital. Results: The correlation of congenital heart disease diagnosis by telemedicine was 81.8% and 89.8% with postnatal diagnosis. Conclusions: Telemedicine assessment improves the diagnostic accuracy of congenital heart disease in areas with poor access to an experienced fetal cardiac specialist. This minimizes the economic and social impact associated with our countrys perinatal management of a fetus with congenital heart disease.

Fetal echocardiography audit in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

Delayed detection of congenital heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributes to the poor outcome of infants with cardiac anomalies. Fetal echocardiography (FE) can detect heart defects in-utero as early as the 18th gestational week (GA), giving parents and medical professionals time to prepare for the baby's delivery and appropriate treatment. University College Hospital, Nigeria, is one of the few centres in Nigeria where FE is performed. Objectives: To examine the indications for referral for FE and the diagnoses made in our first four years of performing FE. Methods: FE was performed in the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, using the GE Voluson P6 machine with a 2-6-RS probe. Demographic information was obtained from the antenatal clinic records of the women who had FE using a semi-structured questionnaire. FE diagnoses were retrieved from the FE register. Results: A total of 129 women whose records were available were studied. The mean age of the women was 31.7±5.5 years. Forty-two women (32.6%) were referred because of echogenic foci, making this the most common indication for FE. Twenty-nine (22.5%) fetuses had structural heart defects, the most common being Ventricular Septal Defect. Conclusion: There is a need for Obstetricians and Paediatricians to be aware of the indications for fetal echocardiography and refer women appropriately

Surgical management of neonatal coarctation of the aorta with aortic arch hypoplasia: A retrospective study in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To summarize the surgical treatment experience in neonates with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH). Methods     The neonates with CoA and AAH who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The postoperative complications, long-term survival rate, and freedom from aortic reobstruction were analyzed. Patients undergoing extended end-to-end anastomosis were allocated into an extended end-to-end group, those undergoing extended end-to-side anastomosis into an extended end-to-side group, and those undergoing pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty into a patch aortoplasty group. Results     Finally 44 patients were  enrolled, including 37 males and 7 females, aged 5.00-30.00 (19.34±7.61) days and weighted 2.00-4.50 (3.30±0.60) kg. There were 19 patients of extended end-to-end anastomosis, 19 patients of extended end-to-side anastomosis, and 6 patients of pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty. The mean values of the Z scores of the proximal, distal, and isthmus of the aortic arch were –2.91±1.52, –3.40±1.30, and –4.04±1.98, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 45.6±3.7 months. There were 2 early deaths and no late deaths. Aortic reobstruction occurred in 8 patients, and 3 patients underwent reoperation intervention. The 5-year rate of freedom from reobstruction was 78.8%. The Cox multivariable regression analysis showed that the related factors for postoperative reobstruction were the Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch (HR=0.152, 95%CI 0.038-0.601, P=0.007) and the postoperative left main bronchus compression (HR=15.261, 95%CI 1.104-210.978, P=0.042). Conclusion     Three surgical procedures for neonates with CoA and AAH are safe and effective, but the aortic reobstruction rate in long term is not low. The smaller Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch and the postoperative left main bronchus compression are risk factors for long-term aortic reobstruction.

Research progress of radionuclide labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors PET imaging in cardiac diseases / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Myocardial fibrosis is one of the important pathological mechanisms in cardiac diseases. Non-invasive evaluation of fibrosis is of great clinical significance. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is selectively expressed in the membrane of activated fibroblasts. Radionuclide labeled FAP inhibitors (FAPI) serve as novel imaging agents, which specifically target to the process of fibrotic remodeling. This article reviews the research progress of radionuclide labeled FAPI PET imaging in cardiac diseases.

Research progress of radiation protection in interventional diagnosis and treatment of pediatric heart disease / 中国基层医药

Interventional diagnosis and treatment of heart disease is the gold standard to evaluate the anatomy and physiology of children with congenital heart disease. It plays an important role in the treatment of congenital heart disease. However, ionizing radiation is inevitably harmful to the health of children and surgery operators to varying degrees. More and more attention has been paid by surgery operators to children's unique characteristics, protective awareness and skills. This paper reviews recent literature regarding the application, radiation hazards, and research status of interventional surgery in children with congenital heart disease, which hope to help people to better understand the importance of ionizing radiation protection.

Clinical Characteristics of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Pediatric Age Group

Background: The Symptomatic manifestation of pediatric arrhythmias varies according to the age. Patients with disturbances in cardiac rhythm have several complaints, but also could be totally asymptomatic. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics of Tachy and Brady arrhythmia in neonates, infant, children and adolescents of various age groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 253 patients of pediatric age below 18 years old presented with different types of tachyarrhythmia or bradyarrhythmia. All patients were subjected to clinical general examination of patient, vital data collection, local cardiac examination, 12 leads electrocardiography, ambulatory ECG Holter monitoring, exercise ECG stress testing if indicated and transthoracic echocardiography. Results: There was a significant relation between age of presentation of the study patients and classification of arrhythmia (P < 0.001). Palpitations was the most common presentations of arrhythmia in our study patients (32%) followed by dyspnea in 17.8 % of the patients. 20.6 % of the study patients with arrhythmias were asymptomatic. Congenital heart anomalies were in 43 % of the patients. Conclusion: Pediatric arrhythmia can be totally asymptomatic and discovered accidentally. Congenital cardiac anomalies and cardiac arrhythmias are closely correlated. Holter monitoring and exercise ECG testing can help in diagnosing pediatric arrhythmia. Untreated or persistent arrhythmia causes LV myopathy and dilatation. Antiarrhythmic drugs can have their harmful effect on the growing child.

Complicaciones cardiovasculares asociadas a la acromegalia. Estado del arte / Cardiovascular complications associated with acromegaly. A state-of-the-art

Resumen La acromegalia es una enfermedad rara, causada principalmente por un tumor hipofisiario secretor de hormona de crecimiento (GH), se caracteriza por tener progresión lenta y asociarse a un compromiso multisistémico, siendo el aparato cardiovascular uno de los más comprometidos, llegando, incluso, desde hace más de 10 años a representar la principal causa de muerte. Las complicaciones cardiovasculares se desarrollan como resultado de las concentraciones sanguíneas elevadas de la GH y del factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina tipo 1 (IGF-1), los cuales ejercen efectos directos e indirectos sobre el endotelio, grandes vasos, riñón y los cardiomiocitos; produciendo hipertensión arterial, enfermedad valvular, arritmia cardiaca y una cardiopatía propia de la acromegalia denominada miocardiopatía acromegálica. Luego de la revisión bibliográfica actualizada relacionada con la fisiopatología, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y tratamiento del compromiso cardiovascular, encontramos que desde el punto de vista cardiovascular los pacientes con acromegalia pueden variar desde un estado asintomático hasta presentar disfunción cardiaca severa, siendo los marcadores bioquímicos y exámenes de imagen herramientas diagnósticas que permiten evaluar el grado de afección cardiovascular para poder brindar un tratamiento individualizado. La normalización de los valores de la GH y del IGF-1 mejora los parámetros cardiovasculares y, por tanto, su pronóstico.

Abstract Acromegaly is a rare disease, mainly caused by a pituitary tumor secreting growth hormone. It is characterized by slow progression and is associated with a multisystemic involvement, being the cardiovascular system, one of the most involved, even reaching, more than 10 years ago, to represent the main cause of death. Cardiovascular complications develop as a result of elevated blood concentrations of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, which exert direct and indirect effects on the endothelium, large vessels, kidney and cardiomyocytes; causing arterial hypertension, valve disease, cardiac arrhythmia and a specific heart disease called acromegalic cardiomyopathy. After the literature overview related to the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular involvement, we found that from a cardiovascular point of view, patients with acromegaly can range from an asymptomatic state to severe cardiac dysfunction, being the biochemical markers and imaging studies diagnostic tools that allow assessment the degree of cardiovascular disease in order to provide individualized treatment. The normalization of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels improves cardiovascular parameters, and therefore its prognosis.

Características de las intervenciones en cirugía cardiaca en un hospital general de Lima, Perú

Objetivos: Describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y quirúrgicas de las intervenciones en cirugía cardiaca en un hospital general de Lima - Perú. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. La población estudiada fue de pacientes operados de cirugía cardiaca electivamente entre 2009 y 2019 en el Hospital María Auxiliadora. Se incluyeron 41 pacientes. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue 44 (rango intercuartílico: 26,5 - 58,5) años y el sexo femenino fue 75,6%. Los principales antecedentes patológicos fueron: arritmia cardiaca (56,1%), hipertensión arterial (36,6%), accidente cerebrovascular (24,4%) y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (14,6%). La cirugía realizada con más frecuencia fue el reemplazo valvular con válvula protésica (39%), principalmente de la válvula mitral; en segundo lugar, cirugías correctivas de defecto de tabique (26,8%), principalmente comunicación interauricular. Las complicaciones postoperatorias más frecuentes fueron: neumonía intrahospitalaria (14%), arritmia cardiaca nueva (14%) y síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco (12%). Las medias de los tiempos de circulación extracorpórea y tiempo de pinzamiento aórtico fueron de 97,5 ± 39,0 min y 68,1 ± 35,5 min, respectivamente. La media de la estancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos fue 4,1 ± 2,9 días y la media de la estancia hospitalaria fue 22,3 ± 10,9 días. No hubo mortalidad hasta 30 días del postoperatorio. Conclusiones: Los pacientes intervenidos fueron principalmente adultos jóvenes y a predominio del sexo femenino, con comorbilidades cardiovasculares importantes. La principal cirugía realizada fue el reemplazo de válvula cardiaca y las demás características clínico-quirúrgicas fueron similares a lo reportado en Latinoamérica.

SUMMARY Objective: To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and surgical characteristics of cardiac interventions in a general hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods : a retrospective and descriptive study was carried-out at Hospital Maria Auxiliadora from 2009-2019, 41 patients were included. Results: Median age was 44 years (IQR: 26.5-58.5); 75.6% were females. Underlying conditions were arrhythmias (56.1%); blood hypertension (36.6%); strokes (24.4%) and diabetes (14.6%). Valve replacement using prosthetic valves was the most frequent procedure (39%), mainly mitral valve replacement; followed by surgical repairs of septum abnormalities, mainly atrial defects (26.8%). The most common post-operative complications were nosocomial pneumonia (14%), new arrhythmia (14%) and low output syndrome (12%). Mean times of extracorporeal circulation and aortic clamping were 97.5 ± 39.0 min and 68.1 ± 35.5 min, respectively. Mean ICU and hospital stays were 4.1 ± 2.9 and 22.3 ± 10.9 days, respectively. No fatalities were recorded 30-days after the procedures. Conclusions: Young, predominantly female adults with significant comorbidities were surgically intervened in this setting. The main surgical procedure was valve replacement, no differences with reports from Latin America were found.

Programa educativo sobre sexualidad para adolescentes con cardiopatías congénitas en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler

Fundamento: las cardiopatías congénitas son malformaciones frecuentes y constituyen un problema de salud. Las personas con cardiopatías congénitas al llegar a la adolescencia muestran desconocimiento acerca de su sexualidad. El desconocimiento sobre estos temas promueve prácticas poco saludables y emociones negativas que afectan su bienestar. Objetivo: elaborar un programa educativo sobre sexualidad para adolescentes con cardiopatías congénitas que se atienden en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler de La Habana. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de tipo cualitativa que utiliza un paradigma dialéctico en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler durante el período del 2019 al 2021. Los instrumentos utilizados para la investigación fueron: observación, entrevista, grupo focal, análisis de documentos y registro de anécdotas. Se describió como categoría principal las necesidades educativas especiales sobre sexualidad, así como, aquellas dificultades en aspectos cognitivos, emocionales y psicosociales, que pueden tener las personas en su proceso de aprendizaje sobre la sexualidad con carácter temporal o duradero. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y el análisis de datos para profundizar en este fenómeno. Resultados: en los adolescentes estudiados se identificaron necesidades educativas especiales sobre sexualidad tales como: carencias de información, estereotipos y conocimientos limitados, dificultades para las relaciones personales y de pareja, afectaciones en los procesos autovalorativos, desconocimiento sobre género, salud sexual, cardiopatías congénitas, cambios en la adolescencia, anticoncepción y planificación familiar. Conclusiones: el programa propuesto constituye una herramienta para la modificación de conocimientos, actitudes y comportamientos hacia la sexualidad. Además, tiene la intención de contribuir al desarrollo de otras habilidades como la socialización, toma de decisiones y autonomía.

Background: congenital heart diseases are frequent malformations and constitute a health problem. People with congenital heart disease when they reach their adolescence show doubts about their sexuality. Ignorance about these issues promotes unhealthy practices and negative emotions that affect their well-being. Objective: to develop an educational program on sexuality for adolescents with congenital heart disease who are treated at the William Soler Pediatric Cardiocenter. Methods: a qualitative research was carried out using a dialectical paradigm at the William Soler Pediatric Cardiocenter during the period from 2019 to 2021. The used instruments in the research were: observation, interview, focus group, documents analysis and recording of anecdotes. Special educational needs on sexuality were described as the main category, as well as those difficulties in cognitive, emotional and psychosocial aspects that people may have in their learning process about sexuality on a temporary or lasting basis. Descriptive statistics and data analysis were used to delve into this phenomenon. Results: special educational needs on sexuality were identified in the adolescents studied, such as: lack of information, stereotypes and limited knowledge, difficulties in personal and couple relationships, affectations in self-assessment processes, lack of knowledge about gender, sexual health, congenital heart disease, changes in adolescence, contraception and family planning. Conclusions: the proposed program constitutes a tool for the knowledge modification, attitudes and behaviors towards sexuality. In addition, it is intended to contribute to the development of other skills such as socialization, decision-making and autonomy.

Critical Congenital Heart Disease Sadly Diagnosed at Autopsy in Calabar, South-South Nigeria

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect causing more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defect. Medical practice in a third-world country is faced with numerous challenges, created by poor health facilities and the unavailability of basic imaging studies at the community level where the majority of the poor resides. We present a case series of 4 neonates with a ratio of 1: 3 admitted into the neonatology unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Two of the patients were delivered at home by a traditional birth attendant via spontaneous vertex delivery and the rest two were booked cases in a private and obstetric unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Their age ranged were 18 hours to 27 days of life and their common presentation were poor sucking, difficulty in breathing, central cyanosis and failure to thrive. A fetal echocardiogram was carried out for one of the cases and there was strong clinical suspicion of congenital heart disease but the precise type is unknown. The other three could not afford the necessary investigations required. They were all oxygen-dependent till death. Pathologic-anatomic findings showed a rare Critical congenital heart defect of the univentricular heart chamber of various types for the three cases and a case of TGA. The Immediate cause of death for all four cases was congestive cardiac failure.

Acceptance of Low-Sodium Hospital Diet by Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of hospitalization. Dietary salt restriction is indicated as part of clinical treatment, however, it is not always well accepted by the patients, resulting in low food intake and malnutrition. Objective To compare acceptance of a low-sodium diet cooked with salt with a standard low-sodium diet in cardiac inpatients. Methods A randomized controlled crossover trial in patients with low-sodium diet prescriptions (Clinical Trials NCT03481322). Patients were given a control standard low sodium diet (cooked without salt; salt [2g per meal] added by the patient at the time of consumption) on one day and on the next day patients were given the intervention diet - a low sodium diet cooked with salt (2 grams of salt, divided between preparations). Dietary acceptance was evaluated by weighing leftover food and calculating intake. A questionnaire was used to verify reasons that influenced acceptance. For data analysis, parametric data are presented as mean and standard deviation, Student's t test was used to compare means, with significance defined as p<0.05. Results Sixty-four patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 66 ± 11.3 years; 64% were male. There were no differences in percentage acceptance between the standard low-sodium diet and the low-sodium diet cooked with salt at lunch (p= 0.876) or at dinner (p= 0.255). Around 80% of what was offered at each meal was consumed by the patients, with no significant difference between groups. Conclusions The low-sodium diet cooked with salt was well accepted, but there was no difference when compared with the standard low-sodium diet, which also had adequate acceptance.

Abnormalities of Cardiac Situs and Heart Disease Diagnosed by Echocardiography in Patients with Biliary Atresia

Abstract Background: Left isomerism (LI) is a common finding in patients with biliary atresia (BA), and it can be identified by echocardiography. Several comorbidities may be present in patients with LI, including heart disease. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of LI and heart disease in children (< 18 years of age) with BA followed-up at Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving patients diagnosed with BA between February 2016 and April 2020 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and, in case of situs abnormalities, also electrocardiography. Results: Our study recruited 58 patients (mean age: 3.08 years; female/male ratio: 1.5:1). The general prevalence of situs abnormalities was 8.6% (5/58) and the most common one was LI (4/5 or 80%). One patient had situs inversus. Among patients with situs abnormalities, the general prevalence of heart disease was 80% (4/5), apart from anomalies of the inferior vena cava), with pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) as the only change seen (75% of mild forms and 25% of moderate forms). Among patients with situs abnormalities, the prevalence of rhythm changes was 80% (4/5), and low atrial rhythm was the most common finding (3/4 or 75%). Conclusion: The prevalence of situs abnormalities in our sample was similar to that described in the literature. We observed an exclusive prevalence of PVS and a high prevalence of rhythm changes among patients with LI. Although the diagnosis of isomerism does not initially add much cardiovascular risk to the sample, possible late deterioration should be considered.