Efectividad de la administración de urea para el tratamiento de la hiponatremia en la insuficiencia cardiaca / Effectiveness of urea administration for the treatment of hyponatremia in heart failure

Objetivos Valorar la eficacia y la seguridad de la urea en pacientes con hiponatremia e insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Métodos y resultados Se trata de un estudio observacional retrospectivo analítico de pacientes con IC e hiponatremia (Na+ <135mmol/l). Se incluyeron 49 pacientes tratados con urea y 47 pacientes que no recibieron urea, todos ellos bajo tratamiento estándar (según práctica clínica habitual) de la IC, con seguimiento en el hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro de Vigo entre enero de 2013 y mayo de 2022. En el estudio se evaluó la normalización de los niveles de sodio (Na >135mmol/l). La natremia al inicio del tratamiento con urea oral era de 127±5,22mmol/l, a las 24horas el sodio era de 128±2,47 (p<0,009) y la media el día de la normalización fue de 135,19±4,23mmol/l (p<0,005). Los días de media para conseguir la normalización del sodio fueron 5,03±2,37. La uremia al inicio del tratamiento con urea era de 73±46,93mg/dl y la media el día de la normalización del Na+ fue de 116,05±63,64mg/dl (p<0,002). La dosis media de urea oral fue 22,5g/día. No se observaron efectos adversos relevantes, ni cambios en cuanto a las cifras de creatinina. Conclusiones El tratamiento con urea oral añadido al tratamiento estándar, durante cortos periodos de tiempo, es seguro y eficaz para corregir la natremia en pacientes con IC hipervolémica con hiponatremia.

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of urea in patients with hyponatremia and heart failure (HF). Methods and results This is a retrospective observational analytical study of patients with HF and hyponatremia (Na+ <135mmol/L). Forty-nine patients treated with urea and 47 patients who did not receive urea, all under standard treatment (according to usual clinical practice) for HF, were included and followed up at Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital in Vigo (Spain) between January 2013 and May 2022. The study evaluated the normalization of sodium levels (Na >135mmol/L). The initial natremia at the start of oral urea treatment was 127±5.22 mmol/L, at 24h the sodium level was 128±2.47 (P<.009), and the mean on the day of normalization was 135.19±4.23mmol/L (P<.005). The average number of days to achieve sodium normalization was 5.03±2.37 days. The initial uremia at the start of urea treatment was 73±46.93mg/dL, and the mean on the day of Na+ normalization was 116.05±63.64mg/dL (P<.002). The average oral urea dose was 22.5g/day. No relevant adverse effects were observed, nor were there significant changes in creatinine levels. Conclusions Oral urea treatment, when added to standard treatment for short periods of time, is safe and effective in correcting natremia in patients with hypervolemic HF with hyponatremia. (AU)

Uso de carboximaltose férrica no tratamento de deficiência de ferro em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca na perspectiva da saúde suplementar: análise de custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário / Ferric carboxymaltose for treatment of iron deficiency in heart failure patients from the supplementary health care system perspective: cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact analysis

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação de custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário (AIO) do tratamento de deficiência de ferro (DF), com ou sem anemia, em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com fração de ejeção reduzida NYHA II e III, com uso de carboximaltose férrica (CMF), comparada ao placebo (não intervenção), sob a perspectiva pagadora da saúde suplementar (SS). Métodos: No modelo econômico, foi utilizada a árvore de decisão, no horizonte temporal de 52 semanas, na perspectiva da SS, sendo mensurados os benefícios clínicos e os custos associados à intervenção. Também foram executadas análises de sensibilidade determinística e probabilística para avaliar possíveis incertezas futuras. A elaboração da AIO foi realizada considerando o horizonte temporal de cinco anos, a população a ser tratada, os diferentes cenários de market share e os custos diretos envolvidos no tratamento atual e no tratamento proposto. Resultados: A razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) foi de -R$ 20.517,07 para um ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade (QALYs). O impacto da incorporação da CMF na SS gerou uma economia em cinco anos de -R$ 43.945.225. Conclusões: A análise apresentada mostrou que o tratamento com CMF reduziu o custo de hospitalização, o número de consultas ambulatoriais e o custo de outros medicamentos relacionados à IC e proporcionou uma economia anual. Considerando um horizonte de tempo de 52 semanas, a terapia intravenosa com CMF resultou em uma estratégia de redução de custos, quando comparada ao tratamento proposto para a DF em pacientes com IC.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact (AIO) of iron carboxymaltose (CMF) for treatment of iron deficiency (ID), with or without anemia, in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction NYHA II and III compared to placebo (non-intervention), from the perspective of paying supplementary health (SS). Methods: In the economic model, the decision tree was used, with a time horizon of 52 weeks, from the SS perspective, measuring the clinical benefits and costs associated with the intervention. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyzes were also performed to assess possible future uncertainties. The elaboration of the AIO was carried out considering a time horizon of five years, population to be treated, different market share scenarios and direct costs involved in the current treatment and in the proposed treatment. Results: The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was -R$ 20,517.07 for 1 quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The budget impact of incorporation of the CMF in SSprovided savings in five years of -R$ 43,945,225. Conclusions: The presented analysis showed that treatment with CMF reduced the cost of hospitalization, the number of outpatient visits and the cost of other HF-related medications and provided annual savings. Considering a time horizon of 52 weeks, intravenous therapy with CMF resulted in a cost-saving strategy when compared to the proposed treatment for DF in patients with HF.

Population-based evaluation of the impact of socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure in integrated care settings.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the influence of SES on health outcomes after a quality of care improvement intervention for the management of HF integrating hospital and primary care resources in a health care area of 209 255 inhabitants. METHODS: We conducted a population-based pragmatic evaluation of the implementation of an integrated HF program by conducting a natural experiment using health care data. We included all individuals consecutively admitted to hospital with at least one ICD-9-CM code for HF as the primary diagnosis and discharged alive in Catalonia between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. We compared outcomes between patients exposed to the new HF program and those in the remaining health care areas, globally and stratified by SES. RESULTS: A total of 77 554 patients were included in the study. Death occurred in 37 469 (48.3%), clinically-related hospitalization in 41 709 (53.8%) and HF readmission in 29 755 (38.4%). On multivariate analysis, low or very low SES was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and clinically-related hospitalization (all Ps <.05). The multivariate models showed a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.812; 95%CI, 0.723-0.912), clinically-related hospitalization (HR, 0.886; 95%CI, 0.805-0.976) and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.838; 95%CI, 0.745-0.944) in patients exposed to the new HF program compared with patients exposed to the remaining health care areas and this effect was independent of SES. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive transitional HF management program improved clinical outcomes, both overall and across SES strata.

Impacto de um Programa de Redução do Estresse, Meditação e Mindfulness em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Crônica: Um Ensaio Clínico Randomizado / Impact of a Stress Reduction, Meditation, and Mindfulness Program in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Resumo Fundamento A Insuficiência Cardíaca é um importante problema de saúde pública, que leva à alta carga de sintomas físicos e psicológicos, apesar da terapia otimizada. Objetivo Avaliar primariamente o impacto de um Programa de Redução de Estresse, Meditação e Atenção plena na redução do estresse de pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado que avaliou o impacto de um programa de redução de estresse comparado ao atendimento multidisciplinar convencional, em dois centros especializados no Brasil. O período de coleta de dados ocorreu entre abril e outubro de 2019. Um total de 38 pacientes foram alocados nos grupos de intervenção ou controle. A intervenção aconteceu ao longo de 8 semanas. O protocolo consistiu na avaliação das escalas de estresse percebido, depressão, qualidade de vida, ansiedade, atenção plena, qualidade do sono, teste de 6 minutos de caminhada e biomarcadores por um grupo cego, considerando um p-valor <0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A intervenção resultou em redução significativa no estresse percebido de 22,8 ± 4,3 para 14,3 ± 3,8 pontos na escala de estresse percebido no grupo de intervenção vs. 23,9 ± 4,3 para 25,8 ± 5,4 no grupo controle (p-valor<0,001). Foi observada melhora significativa na qualidade de vida (p-valor=0,013), atenção plena (p-valor=0,041), qualidade do sono (p-valor<0,001) e no teste de 6 minutos de caminhada (p-valor=0,004) no grupo sob intervenção comparado com o controle. Conclusão O Programa de Redução de Estresse, Meditação e Atenção plena reduziu efetivamente o estresse percebido e melhorou desfechos clínicos em pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

Abstract Background Heart Failure is a significant public health problem leading to a high burden of physical and psychological symptoms despite optimized therapy. Objective To evaluate primarily the impact of a Stress Reduction, Meditation, and Mindfulness Program on stress reduction of patients with Heart Failure. Methods A randomized and controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of a stress reduction program compared to conventional multidisciplinary care in two specialized centers in Brazil. The data collection period took place between April and October 2019. Thirty-eight patients were included and allocated to the intervention or control groups. The intervention took place over 8 weeks. The protocol assessed the scales of perceived stress, depression, quality of life, anxiety, mindfulness, quality of sleep, a 6-minute walk test, and biomarkers analyzed by a blinded team, considering a p-value <0.05 statistically significant. Results The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in perceived stress from 22.8 ± 4.3 to 14.3 ± 3.8 points in the perceived stress scale-14 items in the intervention group vs. 23.9 ± 4.3 to 25.8 ± 5.4 in the control group (p-value<0.001). A significant improvement in quality of life (p-value=0.013), mindfulness (p-value=0.041), quality of sleep (p-value<0.001), and the 6-minute walk test (p-value=0.004) was also observed in the group under intervention in comparison with the control. Conclusion The Stress Reduction, Meditation, and Mindfulness Program effectively reduced perceived stress and improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic Heart Failure.

Déficit de Hierro en Insuficiencia Cardíaca: Un Nuevo Horizonte Terapéutico

La Insuficiencia Cardíaca (IC) es un síndrome clínico complejo en el que convergen múltiples comorbilidades que deben ser abordadas y tratadas de una manera holística, lo que redunda en resultados favorables en términos de morbimortalidad. El déficit de hierro es una más de estas comorbilidades a las que nos enfrentan estos pacientes, teniendo un papel clave en su fisiopatología. Se recomienda su detección de forma sistemática y su seguimiento con el fin de realizar un tratamiento con hierro suplementario en forma oportuna y óptima con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes, su deterioro funcional, con la consiguiente mejora en morbimortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios. Se presenta una revisión clínica de los aspectos más relevantes del concepto de déficit de hierro en Insuficiencia Cardíaca asi como su abordaje diagnóstico y de tratamiento.

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome in which multiple comorbidities converge, which must be approached and treated in a holistic way, resulting in favorable results in terms of morbidity and mortality. Iron deficiency is one of many comorbidities we find in these patients, which have a key role in their pathophysiology. Systematic detection and follow-up are recommended in order to treat it with supplemental iron in a timely and optimal manner, thus improving our patients' quality of life and their functional deterioration, which will subsequentially lead to an improvement in morbidity, mortality and hospital readmissions. A clinical review of the most relevant aspects of the concept of iron deficiency in Heart Failure is presented, as well as its diagnosis and treatment approach.

A Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome clínica complexa em que convergem múltiplas comorbidades que devem ser abordadas e tratadas de forma holística, resultando em resultados favoráveis ​​em termos de morbimortalidade. A deficiência de ferro é uma dessas comorbidades que esses pacientes enfrentam, tendo papel fundamental em sua fisiopatologia. Recomenda-se a sua detecção e acompanhamento sistemáticos, a fim de realizar um tratamento com suplementação de ferro de forma oportuna e ideal, a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, sua deterioração funcional, com a consequente melhora da morbimortalidade e reinternações. É apresentada uma revisão clínica dos aspectos mais relevantes do conceito de deficiência de ferro na Insuficiência Cardíaca, bem como sua abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica.

Plasma acylcarnitines and risk of incident heart failure and atrial fibrillation: the Prevención con dieta mediterránea study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Fatty acid metabolic dysregulation in mitochondria is a common mechanism involved in the development of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We evaluated the association between plasma acylcarnitine levels and the incidence of HF or AF, and whether the mediterranean diet (MedDiet) may attenuate the association between acylcarnitines and HF or AF risk. METHODS: Two case-control studies nested within the Prevención con dieta mediterránea (PREDIMED) trial. High cardiovascular risk participants were recruited in Spain: 326 incident HF and 509 AF cases individually matched to 1 to 3 controls. Plasma acylcarnitines were measured with high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate multivariable OR and 95%CI. Additive and multiplicative interactions were assessed by intervention group, obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), and type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Elevated levels of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines were associated with increased HF risk (adjusted ORperDE, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.09-1.51 and adjusted ORperDE, 1.21; 95%CI, 1.04-1.42, respectively). A significant association was observed for AF risk with long-chain acylcarnitines: 1.20 (1.06-1.36). Additive interaction of the association between long-chain acylcarnitines and AF by the MediDiet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (P for additive interaction=.036) and by obesity (P=.022) was observed in an inverse and direct manner, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals at high cardiovascular risk, elevated long-chain acylcarnitines were associated with a higher risk of incident HF and AF. An intervention with MedDiet+extra-virgin olive oil may reduce AF risk associated with long-chain acylcarnitines. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com (Identifier: ISRCTN35739639).

Morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with heart failure managed with a comprehensive care model vs. usual care: The UMIPIC program.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with heart failure (HF) have a high degree of comorbidity which leads to fragmented care, with frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. This study evaluated the benefit of a comprehensive continuous care model (UMIPIC program) in elderly HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively analyzed data from the RICA registry on 2862 patients with HF treated in internal medicine departments. They were divided into two groups: one monitored in the UMIPIC program (UMIPIC group, n: 809) and another which received conventional care (RICA group, n: 2.053). We evaluated HF readmissions during 12 months of follow-up and total mortality after episodes of HF hospitalization. UMIPIC patients were older with higher rates of comorbidity and preserved ejection fraction than the RICA group. However, the UMIPIC group had a lower rate of HF readmissions (17% vs. 26%, p < .001) and mortality (16% vs. 27%, respectively; p < .001). In addition, we selected 370 propensity score-matched patients from each group and the differences in HF readmissions (15% UMIPIC vs. 30% RICA; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.60; p < .001) and mortality (17% UMIPIC vs. 28% RICA; hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI 0.42-0.79; p = .001) were maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the UMIPIC program, based on comprehensive continuous care of elderly patients with HF and high comorbidity, markedly reduce HF readmissions and total mortality.

Entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca: una revisión de revisiones / Inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure: a review of reviews

RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta revisión fue conocer la influencia del entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio (EMI) sobre la capacidad aeróbica y la fuerza muscular inspiratoria (FMI) en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). Realizamos una revisión de revisiones sistemáticas en PubMed y Web of Science hasta agosto de 2019. Se identificaron un total de 2053 artículos, de los cuales 4 se seleccionaron para esta revisión. Se utilizó la herramienta 'Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2' (AMSTAR-2) para evaluar la calidad de los estudios. En los estudios incluidos se examinaron un total de 10 intervenciones diferentes con 250 pacientes (rango edad media= 53-76 años). Todos los estudios presentaron nivel de confianza alto (AMSTAR-2). El EMI presentó mejoras significativas sobre la capacidad aeróbica (test de la marcha de 6 minutos: 46.66-71.04 metros; p<0.05 y VO2pico: 2.59-2.65 mL/kg-1/min-1; p<0.01) y la FMI (presión inspiratoria máxima: 16.57-23.36 cmH2O, p<0.05) en comparación al grupo control. Programas de intervención de EMI con una duración de 12 semanas reportaron mayores mejorías sobre la capacidad aeróbica y la FMI en comparación a programas de intervención de menor duración. El EMI es un tratamiento importante y necesario en la rehabilitación cardíaca de pacientes con IC. Son necesarios más estudios que analicen los efectos de diferentes rangos en las características del EMI.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this review was to understand the influence of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on aerobic capacity and inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) in patients with heart failure (HF). We conducted a review of systematic reviews in PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2019. A total of 2053 articles were identified, of which 4 were selected for this review. The 'Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2' (AMSTAR-2) tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. In the included studies, a total of 10 different interventions with 250 patients (mean age range = 53-76 years) were examined. All the studies presented high confidence level (AMSTAR-2). IMT showed significant improvements in aerobic capacity (6-minute walk test: 46.66-71.04 meters; p<0.05 and VO2peak: 2.59-2.65 mL/kg-1/min-1; p<0.01) and IMS (maximal inspiratory pressure: 16.57-23.36 cmH2O, p<0.05) in this population compared to the control group and IMF in this population. IMT intervention programs lasting 12 weeks reported greater improvements in aerobic capacity and IMS compared to shorter intervention programs. IMT is an important and necessary treatment in cardiac rehabilitation of patients with HF. More studies are needed to analyze the effects of different ranges of the IMT characteristics.

Effect of vitamin D supplements on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of death worldwide. Among CVDs, heart failure (HF) is known to be the most common cause of hospitalization in patients over 65. Despite all proposed treatments for CVDs, mortality and morbidity still remain high. There are controversial reports available on vitamin D efficacy in patients with HF. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate whether vitamin D is effective at enhancing ejection fraction (EF) in patients with HF. We performed a systematic search across different databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, SciELO and Google Scholar) up to 1 Jan 2020 without any language or location limitations. Our suggested Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome/Type of study (PICOT) was P: patients with HF, I: vitamin D, C: placebo or no treatment, O: EF and T: clinical trials. To achieve the highest sensitivity, only keywords associate with P and I were selected for the search query. A total number of 5397 primary studies were found, of which 13 were elected for data synthesis. Clinical trials were published and available since 2005 up to 2019 and a total number of 1215 patients were included. Our results showed that vitamin D can significantly enhance left ventricular EF in HF patients by 3.304% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.954, 5.654, p=0.006). Based on our observations, we conclude that before conducting a large number of high quality clinical trials and further meta-analysis, vitamin D should be prescribed to all patients with HF.

[Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients with increased inflammatory activity]. / Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y actividad inflamatoria elevada.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: inflammatory activity (IA) is a cause of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Objectives: the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether an AI modulator treatment contributes to correcting albuminemia in this context. Methods: in this clinical trial 43 patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin  3.4 g/dl), and elevated IA [C-reactive protein (CRP)  25 mg/l] were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids (4 g daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Albuminemia and CRP were reassessed at weeks 1 and 4. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed. Results: mean age was 75.6 ± 8.8 years, 72.1 % were male, and the most frequent etiology was ischemic (46.5 %). The two groups were homogeneous in their baseline characteristics. A significant increase in albumin concentration was found at week 4 from baseline (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups at week 1 or week 4. CRP decreased significantly in week 1 (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups in either week 1 or week 4. Conclusion: in patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated AI albuminemia normalizes in week 4, while CRP already drops significantly during the first week. In this context both effects are independent of the addition of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la actividad inflamatoria (AI) es causa de hipoalbuminemia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar si un tratamiento modulador de la AI contribuye a corregir la albuminemia en este contexto. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico, 43 pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia (albúmina sérica ≤ 3,4 g/dl) y AI elevada [proteína C-reactiva (PCR)  25 mg/l] fueron asignados aleatoriamente a recibir ácidos grasos omega-3 (4 g diarios) o placebo durante 4 semanas. La albuminemia y la PCR se reevaluaron en las semanas 1 y 4. Se realizó un análisis de la varianza para medidas repetidas. Resultados: la edad media era de 75,6 ± 8,8 años, el 72,1 % eran varones y la etiología más frecuente era la isquémica (46,5 %). Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en sus características basales. Se encontró un incremento significativo de la concentración de albúmina en la semana 4 con respecto a la basal (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se hallaran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. La PCR descendió significativamente ya en la semana 1 (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se encontraran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. Conclusión: en los pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia y AI elevada, la albuminemia se normaliza en la semana 4 mientras que la PCR desciende significativamente en la primera semana. En este contexto, ambos efectos son independientes de la adición de altas dosis de ácidos grasos omega-3.

Prescripción de ejercicio durante la rehabilitación cardiaca de pacientes con Insuficiencia Cardiaca / Exercise prescription in patients with heart failure during cardiac rehabilitation

Resumen La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es una patología cardiovascular con elevada morbi-mortalidad, sus causas más frecuentes se asocian a la cardiopatía isquémica y la hipertensión arterial. La rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) ha demostrado ser efectiva para mejorar la sintomatología, la capacidad funcional, el número de internamientos y la mortalidad en personas con dicha enfermedad. A pesar de esto, se ha documentado que la RC y el ejercicio físico como uno de sus componentes, siguen siendo subutilizados. Se revisa la evidencia científica y guías de práctica clínica disponibles, con el objetivo de valorar la seguridad, la respuesta y los beneficios del ejercicio en personas con IC, incluyendo las recomendaciones sobre prescripción, modalidades de entrenamiento (HIIT, músculos respiratorios y electroestimulación muscular funcional) y finalmente las consideraciones especiales durante el proceso de RC.

Abstract Exercise prescription in patients with heart failure during cardiac rehabilitation. Heart Failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. The most frequent causes are associated with ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to be an effective method in improving symptoms, functional capacity, also in reduce of the number of hospitalizations and mortality in people with this disease. Despite this, it has been documented that CR and physical exercise continue to be underused. The scientific evidence and available clinical practice guidelines are reviewed, in order to assess the safety, response, and benefits of exercise in people with HF, including recommendations on prescription, training modalities (HIIT, respiratory muscles, and functional muscle electrostimulation) and finally the special considerations during the CR process.

Medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Recommendations of the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Type 2 diabetes is a big health concern due to its high prevalence and morbi-mortality. Medical treatment has a growing complexity which is focus on patients' clinical situations. This article contains a consensus statement about recommendations on medical treatment of type-2 diabetes from the Working Group of Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition of Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. The aim of this consensus is to facilitate therapeutic decision-making to improve the diabetes patients care. The document prioritizes treatments with cardiovascular, especially heart failure, and real benefits.

Intravenous iron in heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Intravenous iron therapy is increasingly being used worldwide to treat anemia in chronic kidney disease and more recently iron deficiency in heart failure. Promising results were obtained in randomized clinical trials in the latter, showing symptomatic and functional capacity improvement with intravenous iron therapy. Meanwhile, confirmation of clinical benefit in hard-endpoints such as mortality and hospitalization is expected in large clinical trials that are already taking place. In chronic kidney disease, concern about iron overload is being substituted by claims of direct cardiovascular benefit of iron supplementation, as suggested by preliminary studies in heart failure. We discuss the pitfalls of present studies and gaps in knowledge, stressing the known differences between iron metabolism in heart and renal failure. Systemic and cellular iron handling and the role of hepcidin are reviewed, as well as the role of iron in atherosclerosis, especially in view of its relevance to patients undergoing dialysis. We summarize the evidence available concerning iron overload, availability and toxicity in CKD, that should be taken into account before embracing aggressive intravenous iron supplementation.

Medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Recommendations of the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. / Tratamiento médico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2: recomendaciones del Grupo de Diabetes, Obesidad y Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem with high prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and its medical treatment is growing in complexity due to patients' diverse clinical conditions. This article presents a consensus document by the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, with recommendations for the medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The main objective of this article is to facilitate the therapeutic decision-making process to improve the care of patients with diabetes. The document prioritises treatments with cardiovascular benefits, especially those that benefit patients with heart and renal failure.

Chagas cardiomyopathy and heart failure: From epidemiology to treatment.

Chagas disease is among the neglected tropical diseases recognized by the World Health Organization that have received insufficient attention from governments and health agencies. Chagas disease is endemic in 21 Latin America regions. Due to globalization and increased migration, it has crossed borders and reached other regions including North America and Europe. The clinical presentation of the disease is highly variable, from general symptoms to severe cardiac involvement that can culminate in heart failure. Chagas heart disease is multifactorial, and can include dilated cardiomyopathy, thromboembolic phenomena, and arrhythmias that may lead to sudden death. Diagnosis is by methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the degree of cardiac involvement should be investigated with complementary exams including ECG, chest radiography and electrophysiological study. There have been insufficient studies on which to base specific treatment for heart failure due to Chagas disease. Treatment should therefore be derived from guidelines for heart failure that are not specific for this disease. Heart transplantation is a viable option with satisfactory success rates that has improved survival.