Mortality Trends from Cardiovascular Diseases in the State of Bahia, Brazil, between 2000 and 2015

Abstract Background: Mortality from cardiovascular diseases has reduced in Brazil in recent decades, but this phenomenon is not clear in the northeast region of the country. Objectives: To describe the mortality trends from cardiovascular disease in Bahia from 2000-2015, in total population and by sex and age groups, and by specific causes (ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, rheumatic heart disease and heart failure). Methods: This was a time series study. Data were obtained from SIM-DATASUS and IBGE, and the 10th revision of the ICD used for disease classification. Mortality rates (per 100,000 inhabitants) were calculated from total cardiovascular disease and specific causes, by sex and age groups. Direct standardization was used to adjust for age, using the population of 2010 as reference. Linear regression models estimated percentage variation. The significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: In Bahia, crude mortality rates from cardiovascular disease increased in the period; however, after standardization by age, mortality rates became stable for the total and female populations, with a slight reduction for the male population. An increase in mortality rates from cardiovascular disease was found in the elderly groups. For ischemic heart disease, a progressive increase in adjusted mortality rates was observed: 43%, 24% and 29% for the total, male, and female population, respectively. There was a progressive reduction in crude and age-standardized mortality rates from heart failure in all groups, a modest reduction in age-adjusted mortality rates from cerebrovascular diseases, and a slight reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from rheumatic heart disease, especially in the subgroup <40 years. Conclusions: Mortality from cardiovascular disease in Bahia did not follow the decreasing trend of other Brazilian states, especially in relation to ischemic heart disease, which showed an increase in mortality rates.

Rheumatic Fever: A Disease without Color / Febre Reumática: Uma Doença sem Cor

Abstract Background: Brazil has approximately 30.000 cases of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) annually. A third of cardiovascular surgeries performed in the country are due to the sequelae of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is an important public health problem. Objectives: to analyze the historical series of mortality rates and disease costs, projecting future trends to offer new data that may justify the need to implement a public health program for RF. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study with a time series analysis based on data from the Hospital Information System of Brazil from 1998 to 2016. Simple linear regression models and Holt's Exponential Smoothing Method were used to model the behavior of the series and to do forecasts. The results of the tests with a value of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: each year, the number of deaths due to RHD increased by an average of 16.94 units and the mortality rate from ARF increased by 215%. There was a 264% increase in hospitalization expenses for RHD and RHD mortality rates increased 42.5% (p-value < 0.05). The estimated mortality rates for ARF and RHD were, respectively, 2.68 and 8.53 for 2019. The estimated cost for RHD in 2019 was US$ 26.715.897,70. Conclusions: according to the Brazilian reality, the 1-year RHD expenses would be sufficient for secondary prophylaxis (considering a Benzatin Penicillin G dose every 3 weeks) in 22.574 people for 10 years. This study corroborates the need for public health policies aimed at RHD.

Resumo Fundamento: O Brasil tem aproximadamente 30.000 casos de febre reumática aguda (FRA) por ano. Um terço das cirurgias cardiovasculares realizadas no país se deve às sequelas da doença reumática cardíaca (DRC), a qual é um importante problema de saúde pública. Objetivos: Analisar as séries históricas de taxas de mortalidade e custos das doenças, projetando tendências futuras para oferecer novos dados que possam justificar a necessidade de implementação de um programa de saúde pública para FR. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com análise de séries temporais a partir de dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Brasil, de 1998 a 2016. Modelos de regressão linear simples e o método de suavização exponencial de Holt foram utilizados para modelar o comportamento das séries e fazer previsões. Os resultados dos testes com um valor de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados: A cada ano, o número de mortes por DRC aumentou em média 16,94 unidades, e a taxa de mortalidade por FRA aumentou em 215%. Houve um aumento de 264% nas despesas de hospitalização por DRC, e as taxas de mortalidade por DRC aumentaram 42,5% (p-valor < 0,05). As taxas de mortalidade estimadas para FRA e DRC foram, respectivamente, 2,68 e 8,53 para 2019. O custo estimado para a DRC em 2019 foi de US$ 26.715.897,70. Conclusões: De acordo com a realidade brasileira, o gasto relativo a 1 ano de DRC seria suficiente para a profilaxia secundária (considerando uma dose de penicilina G benzatina a cada 3 semanas) em 22.574 pessoas por 10 anos. Este estudo corrobora a necessidade de políticas públicas de saúde direcionadas à DRC.

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic valve disease

Abstract Objective: To assess heart rhythm and predictive factors associated with sinus rhythm after one year in patients with rheumatic valve disease undergoing concomitant surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Operative mortality, survival and occurrence of stroke after one year were also evaluated. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of 103 patients undergoing rheumatic mitral valve surgery and ablation of atrial fibrillation using uni- or bipolar radiofrequency between January 2013 and December 2014. Age, gender, functional class (NYHA), type of atrial fibrillation, EuroSCORE, duration of atrial fibrillation, stroke, left atrial size, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemia time and type of radiofrequency were investigated. Results: After one year, 66.3% of patients were in sinus rhythm. Sinus rhythm at hospital discharge, lower left atrial size in the preoperative period and bipolar radiofrequency were associated with a greater chance of sinus rhythm after one year. Operative mortality was 7.7%. Survival rate after one year was 92.3% and occurrence of stroke was 1%. Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation ablation surgery with surgical approach of rheumatic mitral valve resulted in 63.1% patients in sinus rhythm after one year. Discharge from hospital in sinus rhythm was a predictor of maintenance of this rhythm. Increased left atrium and use of unipolar radiofrequency were associated with lower chance of sinus rhythm. Operative mortality rate of 7.7% and survival and stroke-free survival contribute to excellent care results for this approach.

Evaluation of variables responsible for hospital mortality in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing double valve replacement / Avaliação de variáveis responsáveis pela mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes portadores de doença reumática submetidos à dupla troca valvar

Objective: To describe the hospital mortality and associated clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study of mortality, performed in a referral hospital in Salvador, Bahia. Records from patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery during the years 2007-2011 were analyzed. Results: The studied sample comprises 104 patients and 60 (57.7%) were male. The mean age was 38.04±14.45. Sixty five bioprostheses and 38 mechanical prostheses were used in these patients at the time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups, when we analyzed the following variables: the mean age (36.30±13.03 vs. 45.35±17.8 years-old, P=0.011), mean hemoglobin (11.10±2.19 vs. 9.22±2.26 g/dL, P=0.002), mean hematocrit (34.22±5.86 vs. 28.44±6.62%, P<0.001). New York Heart Association functional class III and IV (NYHA) (P=0.022) was statistically associated with mortality. Conclusion: We concluded that the mean hemoglobin/hematocrit level and the NYHA functional class was the major variables associated to the mortality among these patients. Based on these data one may concern about the patient best moment for surgery and the patient hemoglobin level. .

Objetivo: Descrever a mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes reumáticos submetidos à cirurgia de dupla troca valvar e sua relação com variáveis clínicas e ecocardiográficas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal. Foram estudados pacientes maiores que 18 anos, com valvopatia reumática que foram submetidos à cirurgia de DTV do período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2011 no Hospital Ana Nery - Salvador - Bahia. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de consulta aos prontuários dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram estudados 104 pacientes, 60 (57,7%) eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade da população estudada foi de 38,04±14,45 anos. Foram utilizadas 65 próteses biológicas e 38 próteses metálicas. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos comparados, pacientes que obtiveram alta versus pacientes que foram a óbito, em relação às seguintes variáveis: média de idade dos pacientes que receberam alta para casa e foram a óbito, respectivamente (36,30±13,03 vs. 45,35±17,8, P=0,011); média de hemoglobina, (11,10±2,19 vs. 9,22±2,26 g/dL, P=0,002); média do hematócrito, (34,22±5,86 vs. 28,44±6,62%, P<0,001). As classes funcionais III e IV (New York Heart Association) estiveram associadas estatisticamente com a mortalidade (P=0.022). Conclusão: Os dados encontrados no estudo apresentam uma população pouco estudada na qual os principais achados foram a média do nível de hemoglobina/hematócrito e classe funcional NYHA. Deve se levar em conta esses dados para a escolha do melhor momento de cirurgia para essa população. .

Endocarditis infecciosa: características clínicas, complicaciones y mortalidad en 506 pacientes y factores pronósticos de sobrevida a 10 años (1998-2008). Estudio cooperativo nacional en endocarditis infecciosa en Chile (ECNEI-2) / Clinical characteristics, complications and mortality in 506 patients with infective endocarditis and determinants of survival rate at 10 years

Background: Rates ofmorbidity and mortality in Infective Endocarditis (IE) remain high and prognosis in this disease is still difficult and uncertain. Aim: To study IE in Chile in its active phase during inpatient hospital stay and long term survival rates. Material and Methods: Observational prospective national cohort study of 506 consecutive patients included between June 1,1998 and July 31, 2008, from 37 Chilean hospitals (secondary and tertiary centers) nationwide. Results: The main findings were the presence of Rheumatic valve disease in 22.1 % of patients, a history of intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) only in 0.7%, the presence of Staphylo-coccus aureus in 29.2% of blood cultures, negative blood cultures in 33.2%, heart failure in 51.7% and native valve involvement in 86% ofpatients. Echocardiographic diagnosis was achieved in 94% of patients. Hospital mortality was 26.1% and its prognostics factors were persisting infection (Odds ratio (OR) 6.43, Confidence Interval (CI) 1.45-28.33%), failure of medical treatment and no surgical intervention (OR 48.8; CI 6.67-349.9). Five and 10 years survival rates were 75.6 and 48.6%, respectively. The significant prognostic factors for long term mortality, determined by multivariate analysis were the presence of diabetes, Staphylococcus aureus infection, sepsis, heart failure, renal failure and lack of surgical treatment during the IE episode. Conclusions: The microbiologic diagnosis of IE must be urgently improved in Chile. Mortality rates are still high (26.1%) partly because of a high incidence of negative blood cultures and the need for more surgical valve interventions during in-hospital period. Long term prognostic factors for mortality should be identified early to improve outcome.

Resultados tardios da plastia mitral em pacientes reumáticos / Late outcomes of mitral repair in rheumatic patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Os resultados tardios da plastia mitral em pacientes reumáticos são controversos na literatura. OBJETIVO: Estudo observacional e prospectivo que avalia os resultados tardios e identifica os fatores associados à reoperação e à mortalidade em pacientes reumáticos submetidos à plastia da valva mitral. MÉTODOS: Incluídos somente os pacientes com valvopatia mitral reumática submetidos a plastia, com insuficiência tricúspide associada ou não. Excluídos os pacientes com outros procedimentos associados. Um total de 104 pacientes foi estudado. Sobrevida e reoperação foram avaliadas pela analise de Kaplan-Meier e regressão logística de Cox. RESULTADOS: O tempo de seguimento foi de 63 ± 39 meses (IC 95 por cento 36 a 74 meses). A classe funcional III e IV estava presente em 65,4 por cento dos pacientes no pré-operatório. Foram realizadas 33 plastias do anel posterior, 21 comissurotomias, 50 comissurotomias e plastias do anel posterior. Não houve mortalidade operatória e a tardia foi de três (2,8 por cento) pacientes. A reoperação tardia esteve associada à insuficiência mitral residual no pós-operatório (P<0,001), presença de hipertensão pulmonar no pré-operatório (P< 0,01), idade (P<0,04) e classe funcional no pós-operatório (P<0,001). No seguimento, a probabilidade de estar livre de reoperação com 5 e 10 anos foi de 91,2 ± 3,4 por cento e 71,1 ± 9,2 por cento, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados tardios do reparo da valva mitral em pacientes reumáticos têm fatores associados à reoperação. O reparo da valva mitral reumática é seguro e com ótima sobrevida a longo prazo.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The long-term results after surgical repair of rheumatic mitral valve remain controversial in literature. Our aim was to determine the predictive factors which impact the long-term results after isolated rheumatic mitral valve repair and to evaluate the effect of those factors on reoperation and late mortality. METHODS: One hundred and four patients with rheumatic valve disease who had undergone mitral valve repair with or without tricuspid valve annuloplasty were included. All patients with associated procedures were excluded. The predictive variables for reoperation were assessed with Cox regression and Kaplan Meier survival curves. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 63 ± 39 months (CI 95 percent 36 to 74 months). The functional class III and IV was observed in 65.4 percent of all patients. The posterior ring annuloplasty was performed in 33 cases, comissutoromy in 21 cases, and comissurotomy with posterior ring annuloplasty in 50 patients. There was no operative mortality. The late mortality was 2.8 percent (three patients). The late reoperation was associated with residual mitral valve regurgitation after surgery (P<0.001), pulmonary hypertension at the pre-operative time (P<0.001), age (P<0.04) and functional class at the post-operative time (P<0.001). We observed freedom from reoperation rates at 5 and 10 years of 91.2 ± 3.4 percent and 71.1 ± 9.2 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: Repair of mitral valve in rheumatic valve disease is feasible with good long-term outcomes. Preoperative pulmonary hypertension, residual mitral valve regurgitation after surgery, age and functional class are predictors of late reoperation.

Evolução tardia da comissurotomia mitral em pacientes reumáticos com baixo escore ecocardiográfico / Long-term evolution of mitral commissurotomy in rheumatic patients with low echocardiographic score

INTRODUÇÃO: Os bons resultados da comissurotomia mitral a céu aberto são bem conhecidos e existe a hipótese de que se poderiam obter melhores resultados em pacientes selecionados pelo escore ecocardiográfico. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados tardios da comissurotomia mitral em pacientes selecionados pelo escore ecocardiográfico e identificar variáveis com influência nesses resultados. MÉTODOS: De janeiro de 1990 a agosto de 1994, 50 pacientes com estenose mitral reumática foram submetidos à comissurotomia mitral a céu aberto no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Foram incluídos pacientes com idade < 60 anos, classe funcional II, III ou IV (New York Heart Association) e escore ecocardiográfico 9. A idade média foi de 32,68 ± 8,29 anos, sendo 41 (82%) pacientes do sexo feminino. Três (6%) pacientes estavam em classe funcional II, 46 (92%) em III e um (2%) em IV. Quarenta e seis (92%) pacientes apresentavam ritmo sinusal e quatro (8%), fibrilação atrial. A área valvar mitral média foi de 0,9 ± 0,2 cm². RESULTADOS: Não houve mortalidade hospitalar. Ocorreram dois óbitos tardios, um relacionado à valvopatia. A sobrevida actuarial foi de 95,5 ± 3,1%, sobrevida livre de reoperação, 62,3 ± 11,8%, e sobrevida livre de tromboembolismo, 88,2 ± 5,0% em 18 anos. Não houve endocardite. O escore ecocardiográfico não teve influência significante em reoperações na evolução tardia. CONCLUSÃO: A comissurotomia mitral a céu aberto obteve resultados tardios excelentes nos pacientes com baixo escore ecocardiográfico.

INTRODUCTION: The good results of open mitral commissurotomy are well known and there is a hypothesis that it could provide better results in patients selected by echocardiographic score. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the late results with open mitral commissurotomy in patients selected by score and to identify variables influencing these results. METHODS: From January 1990 to August 1994, 50 patients were submitted to open mitral commissurotomy due to rheumatic mitral stenosis in Heart Institute of University of Sao Paulo Medical School. Patients with age < 60 years, in functional class II, III or IV (New York Heart Association) and echocardiographic score 9 were included. The mean age was 32.7 ± 8.3 years and 41 patients (82%) were female. The functional class was II in three patients (6%), III in 46 (92%) and IV in one (2%). Forty six patients (92%) were in sinus rhythm and four (8%) were in atrial fibrillation. The mean mitral valve area was 0.9 ± 0.2 cm². RESULTS: There was no hospital mortality. There were two late deaths, one related to valve disease. Actuarial survival was 95.5 ± 3.1 %, freedom from reoperation was 62.3 ± 11,8% and freedom from tromboembolism was 88,2 ± 5,0% in 18 years. There was no endocarditis. The grade of the echocardiographic score had no significant influence on the reoperations in late evolution. CONCLUSION: Open mitral commissurotomy presented excelent long term results in rheumatic patients with low echocardiographic score.

Valvuloplastía mitral percutánea: experiencia del Hospital San Juan de Dios / Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty: the San Juan de Dios Hospital experience

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados alejados de la valvuloplastía mitral percutánea (VMP), y analizar los factores asociados con eventos y reestenosis tardía. Métodos y resultados: De 252 VPM realizadas entre diciembre de 1987 y diciembre de 2006, 245 pacientes tuvieron un mínimo de 6 meses de seguimiento y evaluación ecocardiográfica antes y después del procedimiento (97 por ciento). La edad media fue de 46,3 +/- 11,37 años, las mujeres fueron 83,6 por ciento. La media de seguimiento fue de 35,25 +/- 28,84 meses, rango 6-132. La muerte cardiovascular, y el reemplazo de la válvula mitral o una segunda VMP fueron considerados como marcadores de peor resultado. El área de la válvula mitral aumentó de 1,0 +/- 0,17 cm2 a 1,71 +/- 0,31 cm2 (p <0,0001) después del procedimiento. Durante el seguimiento, 53 pacientes (21,6 por ciento) presentaron reestenosis, que fue predicha por un Score de Wilkins > 8 (p = 0,03). Cinco pacientes fallecieron (2,04 por ciento), 22 (8,9 por ciento) requirieron reemplazo de la válvula mitral y 11 (4,5 por ciento) una segunda VMP. No encontramos variables clínicas o ecocardiográficas capaces de predecir estos eventos. Conclusiones La VMP tuvo una tasa aceptable de complicaciones atribuibles al procedimiento. Las características ecocardiográficas de la válvula mitral se correlacionaron con la reestenosis. La incidencia de eventos tardíos es baja.

Objective: To evalúate the long-term results of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV), and analyze the factors associated with restenosis and late events. Methods and results: Of 252 PMV performed between December 1987 and December 2006, 245 patients with a minimum of 6 months follow-up and echocardiographic evaluation before and after the procedure, were selected for long-term follow-up (97 percent). The mean age was 46.3 +/- 11.37 years old, 83.6 percent women. The mean follow-up was 35.25 +/- 28.84 months, range 6-132. Cardiovascular death, and mitral valve replacement or second PMV, were considered as markers of worst outcome. The mitral valve area increased from 1.0+/-0.17cm2 to 1.71 +/- 0.31 cm2 (p <0.0001) after the first procedure. During follow up, 53 patients (21.6 percent) developed restenosis, which was predicted by a Wilkins score > 8 (p = 0.03). Five (2.04 percent) patients died. Twenty-two (8.9 percent) required mitral valve replacement and 11(4.5 percent) a second PMV. We found that no clinical or echocardiographic variables were able to predict these events. Conclusions: PMV had an acceptable rate of complications attributable to the procedure. The echocardiographic characteristics of the mitral valve correlated with restenosis. The incidence of late events is low.

Reemplazo valvular mitral en valvulopatía reumática: ¿es beneficioso conservar el velo posterior? / Valve replacement in rheumatic mitral valve disease: is it beneficial to preserve the posterior leaflet?

Introducción: La conservación del velo posterior en reemplazo valvular mitral (RVM) preservaría la función ventricular izquierda. Su utilidad es discutible en valvulopatía reumática. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del RVM por enfermedad reumática según la conservación del velo posterior. Método: Revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes sometidos a RVM en nuestro servicio entre 1990 y 2004 (N=212). Se dividen según conservación (grupo 1, N=119) o no (grupo 2, N=93) del velo posterior. Los grupos son comparables en sexo, edad y patología valvular. Se comparó la morbimortalidad operatoria y realizó análisis de regresión logística de factores asociados a mortalidad. Seguimiento clínico y sobrevida hasta el 31 de julio de 2007. Resultados: Hubo diferencias en la capacidad funcional (CF) preoperatoria entre los grupos (p<0.001). Hubo 9,4% de complicaciones en el grupo 1 y 46,2% en el grupo 2 (NS). Mortalidad operatoria fue 5.1% en grupo 1 y 15.2% en grupo 2 (p<0.012). Análisis de regresión logística mostró sólo a la CF como predictor independiente de mortalidad. Seguimiento promedio de 49 meses en grupo 1 y 73 meses en grupo 2. No hubo diferencias en la CF, diámetro de aurícula izquierda y presión de arteria pulmonar en el seguimiento. Sobrevida a 1, 5 y 10 años fue similar entre los grupos (p=0.226). Sólo la CF pre operatoria fue predictor independiente de sobrevida (p=0.04). Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, sólo la CF preoperatoria se asoció a mortalidad operatoria y sobrevida alejada en RVM. La conservación del velo posterior no influyó en la evolución de los pacientes.

Background: Preservation of the posterior leaflet in mitral valve replacement (MVR) has been advocated to avoid left ventricular dysfunction. This effect is debatable in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease. Aim: to evaluate results of MVR with preservation of the posterior leaflet in patients with rheumatic valve disease. Method: We reviewed the clinical records of 212 patients submitted to MVR from 1990 to 2004. The posterior leaflet was preserved in 119 patients (Group 1) and not preserved in 93 (Group 2). Both groups had similar age, gender distribution and valve pathology. Operative mortality rate and risk factors for mortality were analyzed using logistic regression. The follow-up period extended through July 31, 2007. Results: Functional class differed significantly among groups (p<0.001). Complications occurred in 29.4% in Group 1 and 46.2% in Group 2 (NS). Operative mortality rate was 5.1 percent in Group 1 (p<0.012). Functional class was the only risk factor mortality. The mean follow-up was 49 months in Group 1 and 73 months in Group 2. There was no difference between groups in functional class, left atrial diameter and pulmonary artery pressure during follow-up. Survival rates at 1,6 and 10 years were also similar between groups (p=0,226). Preoperative functional class was the only predictor of late survival (p=0.4). Conclusion: Preoperative functional class was the only predictor of operative and late mortality in patients undergoing MVR. Preservation of the posterior leaflet was not associated with better results in this series of patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.

Comparison of Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes After Valve Repair: Degenerative Versus Rheumatic Mitral Regurgitation

We compared clinical (30+/-24 months) and echocardiographic follow-up (22 +/- 20 months) data of 184 consecutive patients with myxomatous degenerative mitral regurgitation (Group A) and 85 consecutive patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation (Group B) after repair. Selection criteria for rheumatic etiology was predominant mitral regurgitation with valve area >or= 2.0 cm2 and with no significant calcification in valvular apparatus. Repair was successful in 93% of group A and in 92% of group B (p>0.05). There was no difference of operative mortality (1% vs 0%) and of the incidence of the second-pump valve replacement (4% vs 5%). The 4-yr survival, 4-yr event-free survival, and 4-yr mitral regurgitation-free survival rates in group A were 96 +/- 2%, 89 +/- 4%, and 76 +/- 5%, respectively, which were not different from those in group B (97 +/-2 %, 93 +/- 4%, and 68 +/-7 %, p >0.05). Independent determinants of development of at least moderate regurgitation in group A were no use of ring annuloplasty (hazards ratio 6.6, 95% CI 2.0 to 21.5) and new chordae formation (hazards ratio 3.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.7). In group B, no use of ring annuloplasty (hazards ratio 15.3, 95% CI 3.5 to 66.7) also was independent predictor. Valve repair is highly feasible in selected patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, and clinical course is not significantly different from that of patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation.

Tendencia en la mortalidad por fiebre reumática aguda y cardiopatía reumática crónica en Venezuela, 1955-1994 / Mortality trends for acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart disease in Venezuela, 1955-1994

Incluye defunciones por fiebre reumática aguda (FRA) y cardiopatia reumática crônica (CRC) registradas en Venezuela de 1955 a 1994, según edad y sexo. Se calcularon tasas de mortalidad por 100.000 habitantes, ajustadas según método directo a la población mundial estándar de la OMS. Se produjo un descenso en la tasa ajustada de mortalidad (TAM) por FR para ambos sexos de 7,68 a 1,08 (Variación Porcentual [VP] -85,9 por cento); sexo masculino de 7,53 a 0,84 (VP -88,8 por cento) y sexo femenino de 7,83 a 1,33 (VP -83,0 por cento). Las TAM fueron mayores en el sexo femenino. La proporción de muertes por FR sobre las producidas por enfermedades circulatorias (CIE-6 330-334,400-447; CIE-7 330-334,400-447; CIE-8 390-438; CIE-9 390-438) descendió en 88,5 por cento. Se observó, para ambos sexos, un descenso en las TAM por FRA (VP -93,5 por cento) y CRC (VP -85,1 por cento). El porcentaje de defunciones por FRA y CRC ocurridas en menores de 45 años mostró una tendencia ascendente. La reducción en las TAM por FR puede ser atribuible a mejoras socioeconómicas, así como a prevención con penicilina. La estabilización en las TAM a partir de 1980 podría explicarse por el deterioro socioeconómico experimentado en Venezuela y por la aparición de cepas más virulentas del EBHA.

Demanda hospitalaria, manifestaciones clínicas y prevención de fiebre reumática y cardiopatía en el Instituto de Salud del Niño 1989-1993 / Hospital demand, clinical sign and prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic cardiopathy in the Instituto de Salud del Niño 1989-1993

Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 66 pacientes hospitalizados en el Servicio de Cardiología del Instituto de Salud del Niño-entre 1989 y 1993- con el diagnóstico de fiebre reumática y cardiopatía reumática. Se encontró un aumento significativo en los 3 últimos años. El promedio en días de hospitalización se duplicó en 1993 respecto a 1989. El grupo etáreo más afectado fue entre los 11-15 años, con 39 pacientes (59 por ciento). El 74.5 por ciento tuvieron clase funcional III o IV, el 98 por ciento compromiso cardíaco; la lesión valvular más encontrada fue de insuficiencia aórtica (41 por ciento); la complicación más frecuente fue endocarditis infecciosa en 15 pacientes (23 por ciento). Fueron operados 8 pacientes sin mortalidad quirúrgica, 4 pacientes (6 por ciento) fallecieron de complicaciones clínicas. El severo compromiso cardiovascular mostrado en nuestra casuística se debe a una recurrencia elevada de carditis reumática por una ineficaz prevención. Ello hace imprescindible la implementación de un programa ampliado de prevención que considere la administración de fármacos y las condiciones sociales del enfermo para mejorar sus condiciones de vida.

La transición epidemiológica de las enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas en México / Epidemiological transition chronic and degerative diseases in Mexico

En México, en las últimas décadas se ha alcanzado un notable desarrollo que ha contribuido a que la frecuencia de la mayoría de las enfermedades transmisibles se reduzca y aumenta la de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, de origen multifactorial. El diagnóstico y manejo de las enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas ocupa mucho del amplio campo de la medicina interna y la cirugía, así como recursos en la investigación biomédica. Estas enfermedades tienen gran importancia en la economía de la salud, son tributarias de decisiones médicas de impacto poblacional y justifican un enfoque epidemiológico orientado a los servicios de salud. La esperanza de vida llegó a 69 años en 1990, hay un incremento proporcional de adultos y viejos, migración urbana y una transición epidemiológica que ha llevado a que las cardiopatías, los tumores malignos y la diabetes mellitus ocupen 3 de las 5 primeras causas de mortalidad general. El análisisi de la morbilidad es difícil por que no hay todavía datos consistentes, pero no hay duda de que las enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas son otra vez de primordial importancia. Las medidas de educación general y la promoción oportuna de cambio de actitudes frente a la nutrición, ejercicio y adicciones son de valor preventivo indiscutible. Los esfuerzos de muchos años nos dieron un nuevo panorama demográfico y epidemiológico que puede ser base de decisiones operativas en las que debemos comprometernos todos los médicos para lograr que la transición epidemiológica sea diferente si logramos generar conductas saludables, accesibles a toda la población, que permitan alcanzar no sólo una vida más prolongada sino una mejor calidad de vida

Sustitución valvular mitral: factores de riesgo operatorio / Mitral valve replacement surgery risk factors

Se realizo un estudio retrospectivo de 169 pacientes intervenidos de sustitución valvular mitral (SVM) para investigar los factores asociados con la mortalidad operatoria. Hubo 20 muuertes (11.8 por ciento). De ellos, ocho muurieron como consecuencia de bajo gasto cardiaco,siete por problemas técnicos, tres de mediastinitis y dos por falla multisistémica.De dieciocho característicasanalizadas las más importantes identificadas como factores de riesgo fueron:1) Las etapas avanzadas de la clase funcional de la New York Heart Association(NYHA) (p0.001).2) El tipo de valvulopatía mitral, sea que se trate de estenosis, insuficiencia predominante o doble lesion (p0.001).3) El antecedente de cirugía de la valvula mitral,(p 0.001).4) La fibrilación auricular,(p0.01)y5) La edad del paciente (p 0.01).La identificación de estos factores clínicos junto conn la valoración precisa de la reserva miocárdica quizás por mejores metodos de los que se dispone actualmente,deben permitir al cardiólogo y al cirujano el tomar una decisión racional en lo relativo al momento más oportuno para realizar la SVM por lo menos en lo que se refiere a la mortalidad operatoria.