Long-term follow-up of patients with chronic chagas disease and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic Chagas heart disease (ChHD) is associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Little is known about the effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ICD in patients with ChHD and to identify predictors of mortality and appropriate ICD shocks. METHODS: The cohort study included 65 patients with ChHD and ICD for primary and secondary prevention of sudden death. The Cox model was applied to evaluate the predictors of mortality, and survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The median age was 56 ± 11.9 years. The median follow-up was 40 ± 26.8 months. Among the patients 23 (36.5%) had appropriate shocks. A total of 13 (20%) patients died (6.1% of annual mortality rate), and there was no sudden death. In univariate Cox model, functional class IV (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.76; P = 0.034), primary prevention (HR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09-0.99; P = 0.048), lower education (HR = 2.51; 95% CI, 1.05-5.99; P = 0.038), and ejection fraction <30% (HR = 2.80; 95% CI, 1.09-7.18; P = 0.032) were predictors of worse prognosis (death). In the multivariate Cox model, an ejection fraction <30% and the low education remained predictors of poor prognosis. Predictors of appropriate shocks were not found. CONCLUSIONS: The ICD was effective for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic ChHD. An ejection fraction <30% and low education were predictors of poor prognosis.

SHORT-TERM EVALUATION BETWEEN POLYETHYLENE THICKNESS IN PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

Objective: The objective of the research was to carry out a comparative study between Smith & Nephew ® or Zimmer ® prostheses with thick versus thin polyethylene, in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, during a short-term follow-up. Thus, the objective was to analyze the survival of the implants in question under the clinical and radiographic aspect. Methods: The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 with thick polyethylene and group 2 with thin polyethylene. A clinical analysis of the patients was carried out and the implants were checked for loosening. Results: The groups were similar when compared. According to the Ahlbäck classification, 83% of the patients were in groups IV and V. The median functional score in the postoperative period was similar between the two groups. Postoperatively, the tibiofemoral angle fluctuated between 5 and 6 0 valgus on average. Two complications were observed in each group. None of the evaluated patients presented implant loosening. Conclusion: Patients treated with thick polyethylene had the same functional score as the control group, as well as the absence of radiographic changes in this short-term follow-up, with implant survival and a similar rate of complications between both groups. Level of evidence III, Retrospective study.

Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um estudo comparativo entre as próteses Smith & Nephew ® e Zimmer ®, com polietileno espesso versus o fino, em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total primária do joelho, durante um seguimento de curto prazo. Dessa forma, foi analisada a sobrevida dos implantes em questão sob o aspecto clínico e radiográfico. Métodos: A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo 1 com polietileno espesso e grupo 2 com polietileno fino. Foi realizada análise clínica dos pacientes e verificado se ocorreu soltura dos implantes. Resultados: Os grupos tiveram resultados semelhantes quando comparados. Segundo a classificação de Ahlbäck, 83% dos pacientes eram dos grupos IV e V. A mediana do escore funcional no pós-operatório foi similar entre os grupos. No pós-operatório o ângulo tíbio-femoral oscilou na média entre 5 e 6 0 de valgo. Foram observadas duas complicações em cada grupo. Nenhum dos pacientes avaliados apresentou soltura do implante. Conclusão: Os pacientes tratados com o polietileno espesso apresentaram o mesmo escore funcional do grupo controle, assim como ausência de alterações radiográficas nesse seguimento de curto prazo, com sobrevida do implante e índice de complicações similar entre ambos os grupos. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio and its association with conotruncal heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the thymic-thoracic ratio (TT ratio) on fetal ultrasound and its association with conotruncal heart defects. METHODS: A case control study was carried out to retrospectively assess the TT ratio on fetal echocardiograms performed between 19 and 39 weeks of gestation, showing congenital heart defects, from January to December 2018. The control group was comprised of fetuses with no echocardiogram evidence of congenital cardiac malformations. Cases of multiple pregnancies and patients where the TT ratio could not be established have been excluded. RESULTS: A total of 338 pregnancies have been analysed. Fifty-two pregnancies were diagnosed with fetal heart defects (15%), 17 of which showed conotruncal heart defects (32.7%). The TT ratio in normal fetuses (286 pregnancies) increased with gestational age, and had an average of 0.43 ± 0.06. Compared to the control group (normal fetuses), fetuses with conotruncal heart defects had significantly lower mean TT ratio (0.33 ± 0.07). Those that were diagnosed with nonconotruncal heart defects did not show any statistically significant difference in the TT ratios compared with the control group (0.40 ± 0.09 vs. 0.43 ± 0.06, respectively). CONCLUSION: The TT ratio was significantly lower in fetuses with conotruncal heart defects compared with both the control group (normal fetuses) and the fetuses with nonconotruncal heart defects.

Accuracy of the mid-trimester ultrasound scan in the detection of fetal congenital anomalies in a reference center in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a basic mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan protocol for the diagnosis of congenital anomalies by calculating its accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. METHODS: This longitudinal cohort study involved singleton pregnant women recruited at the mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan through the postnatal evaluation of congenital anomalies. Pregnant women who underwent a routine mid-trimester ultrasound scan for fetal abnormalities at 20-24 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this study. After childbirth, we searched their medical records on gestational outcomes and neonatal examination records, as well as complementary medical examinations, to assess the ultrasound performance in diagnosing congenital malformations. RESULTS: We included 967 pregnant women in the study population, and prenatal ultrasound scans detected congenital abnormalities in 67 fetuses (6.9%). Among newborns, 54 (5.6%) were postnatally diagnosed with malformations. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the mid-trimester ultrasound scan for congenital malformation detection were 61.1% and 96.3%, respectively, with an accuracy of 94.3% (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The mid-trimester ultrasound scan had good accuracy in the detection of congenital malformations, although the overall sensitivity does not support it as the only screening test for anomalies throughout pregnancy.

Syncope in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers.

INTRODUCTION: It is challenging to diagnose syncope in patients with pacemakers. Because these patients have increased morbidity and mortality risks, they require immediate attention to determine the causes in order to provide appropriate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the causes and predictive factors of syncope as well as the methods used to diagnose syncope in cardiac pacemaker patients. METHODS: Patients with pacemakers implanted owing to sinus node disease or atrioventricular block were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, endocavitary electrograms, and other tests based on the suspected causes of syncope. Mann- Whitney U tests were used to analyze continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was P<0.05. RESULTS: The study included 95 patients with pacemakers: 47 experienced syncope in the last 12 months and 48 did not. Of the 100 documented episodes of syncope, 48.9% were vasovagal syncopes, 17% had cardiac-related causes, 10.6% had unknown causes, and 8.5% had pacemaker failure. The multivariate analysis showed that a New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II was a significant factor for developing syncope (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: While the most common type of syncope in pacemaker patients was neurally mediated, it is important to perform detailed evaluations in this population as the causes of syncope can be life-threatening. The best diagnostic methods were stored electrogram analysis and the tilt table test. NYHA Functional Class II patients were found to have a higher risk for syncope.

Technical aspects and midterm patency of iliac branched devices.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents technical aspects and initial results with iliac bifurcated devices (IBDs). METHODS: Since 2006, 47 IBDs were scheduled for 37 patients who were followed up between 2 and 31 months. Iliac aneurysms were unilateral in 27 patients and bilateral in 10. Two patients with bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) did not have a simultaneous aortic aneurysm. Two patients underwent combined thoracoabdominal aneurysm treatment with branched stent grafts, and one underwent combined juxtarenal aneurysm repair with a fenestrated device. The helical iliac side branch device was used in 11 CIAA (23.4%), and the Zenith bifurcated iliac side branch device was used in the remaining 36 (76.6%). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 97.3% within the 47 intended-to-treat CIAAs (failure to introduce the delivery system in one case, converted to femorofemoral bypass). During follow-up, five (10.6%) hypogastric branch occlusions occurred in five patients. Two patients with bilateral repair had unilateral internal iliac artery side branch occlusions without ischemic symptoms. In contrast, of the three patients with unilateral side branch occlusion and simultaneous contralateral internal iliac artery occlusion (2 chronic and 1 coil embolization), persistent buttock claudication and sexual dysfunction developed in one. The secondary patency, including one redo case, was 87.3% at 22 months (standard error <10%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of branched stent grafts is a feasible procedure, including for patients with bilateral iliac aneurysmal disease or concomitant juxtarenal or thoracoabdominal aortic disease.

How to occlude a side branch on a branched stent-graft during an endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To present a means of occluding an unneeded side branch during deployment of custom-made branched stent-grafts for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. TECHNIQUE: When a side branch on a customized TAAA branched stent-graft is not needed, an oversized Amplatzer Vascular Plug II can be deployed inside the side branch after the other visceral artery branches have been deployed. The plug's distal disk is placed into the side branch from the aortic lumen, as though it were a bottle cap. Pulling the device backward deploys the remainder of the body inside the 18-mm-long side branch. The result is immediate and satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This technique should be known to any team performing TAAA repair with branched stent-grafts. It may also serve as a means of fitting a stent-graft to a different patient in an emergency setting, as in the case illustrated here.

The arch and beyond: bare stents in the ascending aorta.

PURPOSE: To describe the management of complications from an unsuccessful hybrid repair of an aortic arch aneurysm. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old man with acute type B dissection and retrograde dissection into the aortic arch underwent emergent hybrid repair, with partial debranching (ascending aorta to left carotid artery bypass) and proximal stent-graft deployment. At 3 months, computed tomography (CT) showed stent-graft migration, causing a large type I endoleak; flow through the patent left subclavian artery (LSA) caused a large type II endoleak. At a second operation, a bilateral subclavian-to-carotid transposition was performed; the LSA was ligated and a Zenith TX2 thoracic endograft was deployed to seal the leak. Recurrent type I endoleak a year later prompted the final endovascular solution: total supra-aortic vessel debranching, proximal stent-graft deployment, and the unprecedented use of bare Z stents in the ascending aorta. CT at 18 months confirmed stable stent-graft position and no endoleak. CONCLUSION: Based on this initial experience, bare Z stents can be used to enhance proximal aortic stent-graft fixation and accommodation within the aortic arch.

Short-term evaluation between polyethylene thickness in primary total knee arthroplasty / Avaliação a curto prazo entre a espessura do polietileno na artroplastia total primária do joelho

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the research was to carry out a comparative study between Smith & Nephew ® or Zimmer ® prostheses with thick versus thin polyethylene, in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, during a short-term follow-up. Thus, the objective was to analyze the survival of the implants in question under the clinical and radiographic aspect. Methods: The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 with thick polyethylene and group 2 with thin polyethylene. A clinical analysis of the patients was carried out and the implants were checked for loosening. Results: The groups were similar when compared. According to the Ahlbäck classification, 83% of the patients were in groups IV and V. The median functional score in the postoperative period was similar between the two groups. Postoperatively, the tibiofemoral angle fluctuated between 5 and 6 0 valgus on average. Two complications were observed in each group. None of the evaluated patients presented implant loosening Conclusion: Patients treated with thick polyethylene had the same functional score as the control group, as well as the absence of radiographic changes in this short-term follow-up, with implant survival and a similar rate of complications between both groups. Level of evidence III, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um estudo comparativo entre as próteses Smith & Nephew ® e Zimmer ®, com polietileno espesso versus o fino, em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total primária do joelho, durante um seguimento de curto prazo. Dessa forma, foi analisada a sobrevida dos implantes em questão sob o aspecto clínico e radiográfico. Métodos: A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo 1 com polietileno espesso e grupo 2 com polietileno fino. Foi realizada análise clínica dos pacientes e verificado se ocorreu soltura dos implantes. Resultados: Os grupos tiveram resultados semelhantes quando comparados. Segundo a classificação de Ahlbäck, 83% dos pacientes eram dos grupos IV e V. A mediana do escore funcional no pós-operatório foi similar entre os grupos. No pós-operatório o ângulo tíbio-femoral oscilou na média entre 5 e 6 0 de valgo. Foram observadas duas complicações em cada grupo. Nenhum dos pacientes avaliados apresentou soltura do implante. Conclusão: Os pacientes tratados com o polietileno espesso apresentaram o mesmo escore funcional do grupo controle, assim como ausência de alterações radiográficas nesse seguimento de curto prazo, com sobrevida do implante e índice de complicações similar entre ambos os grupos. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo.

Branched devices for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair: Early experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the initial clinical results and experience with the planning of branched stent grafts in high-risk patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: High-risk patients with TAAAs were considered for this study. Based on evaluation with computed tomography angiography (CTA), 21 custom-made branched stent grafts were designed for the selected patients. Two patients had associated bilateral aneurysms of the common iliac arteries, so an iliac branched device was also used. RESULTS: Between August 2006 and April 2008, 23 patients (10 women, 13 men) were selected to undergo endovascular TAAA repair. Mean age was 72 years old. Two patients were excluded after 1-mm-slice CTA analysis. Eleven patients have underdone TAAA repair so far. The mean follow-up period at present is 8 months (range, 18 days-21 months). Overall technical success was accomplished in all 11 patients. Two renal artery branches occluded. Operative times varied from 3 to 8 hours. Mean contrast volume was 193 mL (range, 48-420 mL). Eight patients required a stay of

Transport coefficients, Raman spectroscopy, and computer simulation of lithium salt solutions in an ionic liquid.

Lithium salt solutions of Li(CF3SO2)2N, LiTFSI, in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-2,3-dimethyl-imidazolium cation, BMMI, and the (CF3SO2)2N(-), bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, [BMMI][TFSI], were prepared in different concentrations. Thermal properties, density, viscosity, ionic conductivity, and self-diffusion coefficients were determined at different temperatures for pure [BMMI][TFSI] and the lithium solutions. Raman spectroscopy measurements and computer simulations were also carried out in order to understand the microscopic origin of the observed changes in transport coefficients. Slopes of Walden plots for conductivity and fluidity, and the ratio between the actual conductivity and the Nernst-Einstein estimate for conductivity, decrease with increasing LiTFSI content. All of these studies indicated the formation of aggregates of different chemical nature, as it is corroborated by the Raman spectra. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the coordination of Li+ by oxygen atoms of TFSI anions changes with Li+ concentration producing a remarkable change of the RTIL structure with a concomitant reduction of diffusion coefficients of all species in the solutions.

FATORES INTERVENIENTES NO TEMPO DE INTERNAÇÃO HOSPITALAR DE PACIENTES COM COVID-19 / INTERVENING FACTORS IN THE LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 / FACTORES QUE INTERVIENEN EN LA DURACIÓN DE LA ESTANCIA HOSPITALARIA DE LOS PACIENTES CON COVID-19

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores intervenientes no tempo de internação hospitalar de pacientes com COVID-19 internados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: Estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 119 pacientes internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva COVID-19 de um hospital público do nordeste brasileiro. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos e sua associação com o tempo de internação hospitalar foi testada pelo qui-quadrado de Pearson (p<0,05). A força dessa associação foi testada pela razão de chance, sendo a regressão logística (método backward) utilizada para ajuste do modelo. Resultados: A maioria (92,4%) dos participantes eram considerados do grupo de risco para a doença, sendo a Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (38,7%) e o Diabetes Mellitus (36,1%) as comorbidades mais prevalentes. Dos 119 pacientes internados, 75 (63%) permaneceram por até 10 dias. No modelo final da regressão, os pacientes do sexo masculino (p<0,001), em uso de cloroquina (p=0,013) e intubados (na admissão) permaneceram internados por tempo superior a 10 dias. Conclusões: No estudo, evidenciou-se, que o tempo de permanência hospitalar foi influenciado pelas variáveis sexo, tipo de tratamento utilizado e suporte de oxigenoterapia. Alguns pacientes, que já apresentavam comorbidades prévias, evoluíram para quadros graves da doença. No entanto, outros, conseguiram evoluir para cura. Conhecer esses fatores permite o aperfeiçoamento e a adequação das práticas assistenciais prestadas a esses pacientes, em especial nas estratégias que possam melhorar a qualidade do serviço e reduzir o tempo de internação. Palavras-chave: Coronavirus; Infecções por Coronavirus; Enfermagem; Tempo de Internação; Unidades de Terapia Intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the factors intervening in the length of hospital stay of patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with 119 patients admitted to a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and their association with length of hospital stay was tested by Pearson's chi-square (p<0.05). The strength of this association was tested by the odds ratio, and logistic regression (backward method) was used for model fitting. Results: The majority (92.4%) of participants were considered to be in the risk group for the disease, with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (38.7%) and Diabetes Mellitus (36.1%) being the most prevalent comorbidities. Of the 119 patients admitted, 75 (63%) stayed for up to 10 days. In the final regression model, male patients (p<0.001), using chloroquine (p=0.013) and intubated (at admission) remained hospitalized for longer than 10 days. Conclusions: The study showed that the length of hospital stay was influenced by the variables gender, type of treatment used and oxygen therapy support. Some patients, who already presented previous comorbidities, evolved to severe cases of the disease. However, others were able to progress to cure. Knowing these factors allows the improvement and adequacy of care practices provided to these patients, especially in strategies that can improve the quality of service and reduce the length of hospital stay. Keywords: Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Nursing; Length of Stay; Intensive Care Units

Objetivo: Analizar los factores que intervienen en la duración de la estancia hospitalaria de pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo transversal con 119 pacientes ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de COVID-19 de un hospital público del nordeste de Brasil. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos y se comprobó su asociación con la duración de la estancia hospitalaria mediante el chicuadrado de Pearson (p<0,05). La fuerza de esta asociación se comprobó mediante la odds ratio, y se utilizó la regresión logística (método regresivo) para el ajuste del modelo. Resultados: La mayoría (92,4%) de los participantes fueron considerados del grupo de riesgo para la enfermedad, siendo la Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (38,7%) y la Diabetes Mellitus (36,1%) las comorbilidades más prevalentes. De los 119 pacientes hospitalizados, 75 (63%) permanecieron hasta 10 días. En el modelo de regresión final, los pacientes varones (p<0,001), usuarios de cloroquina (p=0,013) e intubados (al ingreso) permanecieron hospitalizados más de 10 días. Conclusiones: En este estudio se evidenció que la duración de la estancia hospitalaria estuvo influenciada por las variables sexo, tipo de tratamiento utilizado y soporte oxigenoterápico. Algunos pacientes, que ya presentaban comorbilidades previas, evolucionaron a casos graves de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, otros consiguieron evolucionar hasta la curación. Conocer estos factores permite la mejora y adecuación de las prácticas asistenciales prestadas a estos pacientes, especialmente en estrategias que puedan mejorar la calidad del servicio y reducir la duración de la estancia hospitalaria

Assistência de enfermagem à saúde das populações indígenas: revisão de escopo / Nursing care for the health of indigenous populations: scoping review / Asistencia de enfermería para la salud de las poblaciones indígenas: una revisión de alcance

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar na literatura as ações de assistência de enfermagem à saúde das populações indígenas. Método: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, cuja busca foi realizada no mês de setembro de 2022 nas seguintes bases de dados: Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF), Catálogo de teses e dissertações da CAPES, Google Scholar, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (PUBMED) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de sumarização dos artigos selecionados. Resultados: as principais ações dirigidas à população indígena foram: consultas de enfermagem e atividades de promoção e prevenção da saúde. A principal dificuldade encontrada em relação aos povos indígenas é a barreira linguística. Conclusão: a equipe de enfermagem encontra dificuldades, como: a difícil localização das aldeias; alta sobrecarga de trabalho em decorrência da falta de profissionais médicos; barreira linguística; e condições inadequadas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify in the literature the nursing care actions for the health of indigenous populations. Method: this is a scoping review, whose search was conducted in September 2022 in the following databases: Nursing Database (BDENF), CAPES Theses and Dissertations Catalog, Google Scholar, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (PUBMED) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). The results were evaluated by summarizing the selected articles. Results: the main actions directed to the indigenous population were nursing consultations and health promotion and prevention activities. The main difficulty encountered in relation to indigenous peoples is the language barrier. Conclusion: the nursing team encounters difficulties, such as: the difficult location of the villages; high work overload due to the lack of medical professionals; language barrier; and inadequate conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar en la literatura las acciones de cuidados de enfermería para la salud de las poblaciones indígenas. Método: se trata de una revisión de alcance, cuya búsqueda fue realizada en septiembre de 2022 en las siguientes bases de datos: Base de Datos de Enfermería (BDENF), Catálogo de Tesis y Disertaciones de la CAPES, Google Scholar, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (PUBMED) y Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Los resultados se evaluaron resumiendo los artículos seleccionados. Resultados: las principales acciones dirigidas a la población indígena fueron: consultas de enfermería y actividades de promoción de la salud y prevención. La principal dificultad encontrada en relación a la población indígena es la barrera lingüística. Conclusión: el equipo de enfermería encuentra dificultades como: la difícil localización de las aldeas; la elevada sobrecarga de trabajo debido a la falta de profesionales médicos; la barrera lingüística; y las condiciones inadecuadas.

[Profile of drug administration errors in anesthesia among anesthesiologists from Santa Catarina]. / Perfil de erros de administração de medicamentos em anestesia entre anestesiologistas catarinenses.

INTRODUCTION: Anesthesiology is the only medical specialty that prescribes, dilutes, and administers drugs without conferral by another professional. Adding to the high frequency of drug administration, a propitious scenario to errors is created. OBJECTIVE: Access the prevalence of drug administration errors during anesthesia among anesthesiologists from Santa Catarina, the circumstances in which they occurred, and possible associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent to all anesthesiologists from Sociedade de Anestesiologia do Estado de Santa Catarina, with direct or multiple choice questions on responder demographics and anesthesia practice profile; prevalence of errors, type and consequence of error; and factors that may have contributed to the errors. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 91.8% reported they had committed administration errors, adding the total error of 274 and mean of 4.7 (6.9) errors per respondent. The most common error was replacement (68.4%), followed by dose error (49.1%), and omission (35%). Only 7% of respondents reported neuraxial administration error. Regarding circumstances of errors, they mainly occurred in the morning (32.7%), in anesthesia maintenance (49%), with 47.8% without harm to the patient and 1.75% with the highest morbidity and irreversible damage, and 87.3% of cases with immediate identification. As for possible contributing factors, the most frequent were: distraction and fatigue (64.9%) and misreading of labels, ampoules, or syringes (54.4%). CONCLUSION: Most respondents committed more than one error in anesthesia administration, mainly justified as a distraction or fatigue, and of low gravity.

Profile of drug administration errors in anesthesia among anesthesiologists from Santa Catarina.

INTRODUCTION: Anesthesiology is the only medical specialty that prescribes, dilutes, and administers drugs without conferral by another professional. Adding to the high frequency of drug administration, a propitious scenario to errors is created. OBJECTIVE: Access the prevalence of drug administration errors during anesthesia among anesthesiologists from Santa Catarina, the circumstances in which they occurred, and possible associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent to all anesthesiologists from Sociedade de Anestesiologia do Estado de Santa Catarina, with direct or multiple choice questions on responder demographics and anesthesia practice profile; prevalence of errors, type and consequence of error; and factors that may have contributed to the errors. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 91.8% reported they had committed administration errors, adding the total error of 274 and mean of 4.7 (6.9) errors per respondent. The most common error was replacement (68.4%), followed by dose error (49.1%), and omission (35%). Only 7% of respondents reported neuraxial administration error. Regarding circumstances of errors, they mainly occurred in the morning (32.7%), in anesthesia maintenance (49%), with 47.8% without harm to the patient and 1.75% with the highest morbidity and irreversible damage, and 87.3% of cases with immediate identification. As for possible contributing factors, the most frequent were distraction and fatigue (64.9%) and misreading of labels, ampoules, or syringes (54.4%). CONCLUSION: Most respondents committed more than one error in anesthesia administration, mainly justified as a distraction or fatigue, and of low gravity.

Clinical Course After Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: Chagasic Versus Ischemic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of Chagas disease patients after receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes after ICD implantation in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: Prospective study of a population of 153 patients receiving ICD (65 with CCC and 88 with IHD). The devices were implanted between 2003 and 2011. Survival rates and event-free survival were compared. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding sex, functional class and ejection fraction. Ischemic patients were, on average, 10 years older than CCC patients (p < 0.05). Patients with CCC had lower schooling and monthly income than IHD patients (p < 0.05). The number of appropriate therapies was 2.07 higher in CCC patients, who had a greater incidence of appropriate shock (p < 0.05). Annual mortality rate and electrical storm incidence were similar in both groups. There was no sudden death in CCC patients, and only one in IHD patients. Neither survival time (p = 0.720) nor event-free survival (p = 0.143) significantly differed between the groups. CONCLUSION: CCC doubles the risk of receiving appropriate therapies as compared to IHD, showing the greater complexity of arrhythmias in Chagas patients.

Syncope in patients with cardiac pacemakers

Abstract Introduction: It is challenging to diagnose syncope in patients with pacemakers. Because these patients have increased morbidity and mortality risks, they require immediate attention to determine the causes in order to provide appropriate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the causes and predictive factors of syncope as well as the methods used to diagnose syncope in cardiac pacemaker patients. Methods: Patients with pacemakers implanted owing to sinus node disease or atrioventricular block were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, endocavitary electrograms, and other tests based on the suspected causes of syncope. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was P<0.05. Results: The study included 95 patients with pacemakers: 47 experienced syncope in the last 12 months and 48 did not. Of the 100 documented episodes of syncope, 48.9% were vasovagal syncopes, 17% had cardiac-related causes, 10.6% had unknown causes, and 8.5% had pacemaker failure. The multivariate analysis showed that a New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II was a significant factor for developing syncope (P<0.01). Conclusion: While the most common type of syncope in pacemaker patients was neurally mediated, it is important to perform detailed evaluations in this population as the causes of syncope can be life-threatening. The best diagnostic methods were stored electrogram analysis and the tilt table test. NYHA Functional Class II patients were found to have a higher risk for syncope.

Development and Validation of Predictive Models of Cardiac Mortality and Transplantation in Resynchronization Therapy.

BACKGROUND: 30-40% of cardiac resynchronization therapy cases do not achieve favorable outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop predictive models for the combined endpoint of cardiac death and transplantation (Tx) at different stages of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: Prospective observational study of 116 patients aged 64.8 ± 11.1 years, 68.1% of whom had functional class (FC) III and 31.9% had ambulatory class IV. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables were assessed by using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The cardiac mortality/Tx rate was 16.3% during the follow-up period of 34.0 ± 17.9 months. Prior to implantation, right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), ejection fraction < 25% and use of high doses of diuretics (HDD) increased the risk of cardiac death and Tx by 3.9-, 4.8-, and 5.9-fold, respectively. In the first year after CRT, RVD, HDD and hospitalization due to congestive heart failure increased the risk of death at hazard ratios of 3.5, 5.3, and 12.5, respectively. In the second year after CRT, RVD and FC III/IV were significant risk factors of mortality in the multivariate Cox model. The accuracy rates of the models were 84.6% at preimplantation, 93% in the first year after CRT, and 90.5% in the second year after CRT. The models were validated by bootstrapping. CONCLUSION: We developed predictive models of cardiac death and Tx at different stages of CRT based on the analysis of simple and easily obtainable clinical and echocardiographic variables. The models showed good accuracy and adjustment, were validated internally, and are useful in the selection, monitoring and counseling of patients indicated for CRT.

Echocardiographic Predictors of Worse Outcome After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the recommended treatment by leading global guidelines. However, 30%-40% of selected patients are non-responders. OBJECTIVE: To develop an echocardiographic model to predict cardiac death or transplantation (Tx) 1 year after CRT. METHOD: Observational, prospective study, with the inclusion of 116 patients, aged 64.89 ± 11.18 years, 69.8% male, 68,1% in NYHA FC III and 31,9% in FC IV, 71.55% with left bundle-branch block, and median ejection fraction (EF) of 29%. Evaluations were made in the pre­implantation period and 6-12 months after that, and correlated with cardiac mortality/Tx at the end of follow-up. Cox and logistic regression analyses were performed with ROC and Kaplan-Meier curves. The model was internally validated by bootstrapping. RESULTS: There were 29 (25%) deaths/Tx during follow-up of 34.09 ± 17.9 months. Cardiac mortality/Tx was 16.3%. In the multivariate Cox model, EF < 30%, grade III/IV diastolic dysfunction and grade III mitral regurgitation at 6­12 months were independently related to increased cardiac mortality or Tx, with hazard ratios of 3.1, 4.63 and 7.11, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78. CONCLUSION: EF lower than 30%, severe diastolic dysfunction and severe mitral regurgitation indicate poor prognosis 1 year after CRT. The combination of two of those variables indicate the need for other treatment options.

Acute renal failure after coronary artery bypass surgery with extracorporeal circulation -- incidence, risk factors, and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of acute renal failure (ARF) in patients undergoing myocardial coronary artery bypass surgery with extracorporeal circulation. METHODS: All patients undergoing myocardial coronary artery bypass surgery were prospectively studied, and their clinical and laboratory variables were assessed using uni- and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). RESULTS: Acute renal failure occurred in 16.1% of the 223 patients studied; 4.9% of patients required dialysis. Risk factors associated with ARF in the univariate analysis were age > 63 years, OR 3.6 (95% CI=1.6 to 8.3); preoperative serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dL, OR 5.9 (95% CI=2.4 to 14.6); duration of extracorporeal circulation > 90 min, OR 2.1 (95% CI=1.0 to 4.4); use of intraaortic balloon, OR 2.6 (95% CI=1.2 to 5.5); need for inotropic drugs, OR 4.4 (95% CI=1.9 to 10.2). In the multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with ARF were: age > 63 years, OR 3.0 (95% CI=1.3 to 7.2); preoperative serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dL, OR 4.3 (95% CI=1.6 to 11.4); need for inotropic drugs, OR 3.2 (95% CI=1.3 to 8.0). Mortality in the patients with ARF was 25.0% compared with 1.1% in those without ARF and 63.6% in those who required dialysis. CONCLUSION: Acute renal failure after myocardial coronary artery bypass surgery is a frequent complication associated with a high mortality rate. The independent risk factors are age, previous renal failure, and the need for inotropic drugs.