Predictors of bleeding and thrombotic events among patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer: insights from the ACTION randomized clinical trial.

Therapeutic anticoagulation showed inconsistent results in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and selection of the best patients to use this strategy still a challenge balancing the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic outcomes. The present post-hoc analysis of the ACTION trial evaluated the variables independently associated with both bleeding events (major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) and the composite outcomes thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, or major adverse limb events). Variables were assessed one by one with independent logistic regressions and final models were chosen based on Akaike information criteria. The model for bleeding events showed an area under the curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53 to 0.73), while the model for thrombotic events had an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.79). Non-invasive respiratory support was associated with thrombotic but not bleeding events, while invasive ventilation was associated with both outcomes (Odds Ratio of 7.03 [95 CI% 1.95 to 25.18] for thrombotic and 3.14 [95% CI 1.11 to 8.84] for bleeding events). Beyond respiratory support, creatinine level (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.01 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02 for every 1.0 mg/dL) and history of coronary disease (OR 3.67; 95% CI 1.32 to 10.29) were also independently associated to the risk of thrombotic events. Non-invasive respiratory support, history of coronary disease, and creatinine level may help to identify hospitalized COVID-19 patients at higher risk of thrombotic complications.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04394377.

Therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration (ACTION): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with a prothrombotic state leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Whether therapeutic anticoagulation improves outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation in this population. METHODS: We did a pragmatic, open-label (with blinded adjudication), multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, at 31 sites in Brazil. Patients (aged ≥18 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, and who had COVID-19 symptoms for up to 14 days before randomisation, were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was in-hospital oral rivaroxaban (20 mg or 15 mg daily) for stable patients, or initial subcutaneous enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice per day) or intravenous unfractionated heparin (to achieve a 0·3-0·7 IU/mL anti-Xa concentration) for clinically unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban to day 30. Prophylactic anticoagulation was standard in-hospital enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. The primary efficacy outcome was a hierarchical analysis of time to death, duration of hospitalisation, or duration of supplemental oxygen to day 30, analysed with the win ratio method (a ratio >1 reflects a better outcome in the therapeutic anticoagulation group) in the intention-to-treat population. The primary safety outcome was major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding through 30 days. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04394377) and is completed. FINDINGS: From June 24, 2020, to Feb 26, 2021, 3331 patients were screened and 615 were randomly allocated (311 [50%] to the therapeutic anticoagulation group and 304 [50%] to the prophylactic anticoagulation group). 576 (94%) were clinically stable and 39 (6%) clinically unstable. One patient, in the therapeutic group, was lost to follow-up because of withdrawal of consent and was not included in the primary analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was not different between patients assigned therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation, with 28 899 (34·8%) wins in the therapeutic group and 34 288 (41·3%) in the prophylactic group (win ratio 0·86 [95% CI 0·59-1·22], p=0·40). Consistent results were seen in clinically stable and clinically unstable patients. The primary safety outcome of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 26 (8%) patients assigned therapeutic anticoagulation and seven (2%) assigned prophylactic anticoagulation (relative risk 3·64 [95% CI 1·61-8·27], p=0·0010). Allergic reaction to the study medication occurred in two (1%) patients in the therapeutic anticoagulation group and three (1%) in the prophylactic anticoagulation group. INTERPRETATION: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, in-hospital therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or enoxaparin followed by rivaroxaban to day 30 did not improve clinical outcomes and increased bleeding compared with prophylactic anticoagulation. Therefore, use of therapeutic-dose rivaroxaban, and other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in these patients in the absence of an evidence-based indication for oral anticoagulation. FUNDING: Coalition COVID-19 Brazil, Bayer SA.

Highlights from the fifth international symposium of thrombosis and anticoagulation (ISTA V), October 18-19, 2012, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

To discuss and share knowledge about advances in the care of patients with thrombotic disorders, the Fifth International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation was held in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on October 18-19, 2012. This scientific program was developed by clinicians for clinicians and was promoted by three major clinical research institutes: the Brazilian Clinical Research Institute, the Duke Clinical Research Institute of the Duke University School of Medicine, and Hospital do Coração Research Institute. Comprising 2 days of academic presentations and open discussion, the symposium had as its primary goal to educate, motivate, and inspire internists, cardiologists, hematologists, and other physicians by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders, and dedicated clinician-scientists. This paper summarizes the symposium proceedings.

Factors That Impact the Decision to Perform Left Ventriculography in Coronary Artery Disease. / Fatores que Impactam a Decisão de Realizar Ventriculografia Esquerda em Doença Arterial Coronariana.

BACKGROUND: Left ventriculography is an invasive method for assessment of left ventricular systolic function. Since the advent of noninvasive methods, its use has been questioned, as it carries some risk to the patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess which factors are independently associated with the decision to perform ventriculography in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Analytical, retrospective, database review study of electronic medical records comparing 21 predefined variables of interest among patients undergoing coronary angiography. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We evaluated 600 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Left ventriculography was performed in the majority of cases (54%). After multivariate analysis, patients with chronic coronary syndrome (OR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.20-2.46; p < 0.01) were more likely to undergo the procedure. Patients with known ventricular function (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40-0.85; p < 0.01); those with a history of CABG (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14-0.69; p < 0.01) or hypertension (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36-0.94; p = 0.02); and those with higher creatinine levels (OR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26-0.69; p < 0.01) had greater odds of not undergoing ventriculography. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing coronary angiography, a diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome was independently associated with greater likelihood of left ventriculography, while having previously determined ventricular function, a history of hypertension or CABG, and higher creatinine levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing this procedure.

FUNDAMENTO: A ventriculografia esquerda é um método invasivo para avaliar a função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo. Depois do advento de métodos não invasivos, o seu uso tem sido questionado por resultar em algum risco para o paciente. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar quais fatores associam-se independentemente com a decisão de realizar ventriculografia em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo analítico, retrospectivo, avaliando prontuários eletrônicos e banco de dados e comparando 21 variáveis de interesse pré-definidas entre pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariografia. Foi considerado significante p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 600 pacientes consecutivos, e a ventriculografia esquerda foi realizada na maioria dos pacientes submetidos a uma cineangiocoronariografia (54%). Depois da análise multivariada, os pacientes com síndromes coronarianas crônicas ( odds ratio [OR] 1,72; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%]: 1,20­2,46; p < 0,01) tiveram maior chance de serem submetidos ao procedimento. Os pacientes com função ventricular conhecida (OR = 0,58; IC 95%: 0,40­0,85; p < 0,01), os revascularizados (OR 0,31; IC 95% 0,14­0,69; p < 0,01), os hipertensos (OR 0,58; IC 95%: 0,36­0,94; p = 0,02) e aqueles com maiores valores de creatinina (OR 0,42; IC 95% 0,26­0,69; p < 0,01) tiveram maior chance de não realizar ventriculografia. CONCLUSÕES: Nos pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariografia, o diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana crônica associou-se de modo independente com uma maior realização da técnica, enquanto ter a função ventricular previamente conhecida, ser hipertenso, ter sido submetido a revascularização cirúrgica prévia e ter valores de creatinina mais elevados associaram-se a uma maior chance de não realizar o método.

Factors Associated with Recurrence in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by a temporary systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) related to a stressful event. However, the factors associated with its recurrence are still not well established. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the main factors associated with TTS recurrence. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA model. Observational studies, published between January 2008 and October 2017, which presented a recurrence rate of at least 3% and/or 5 or more patients with recurrence, and who met at least 80% of the STROBE criteria were included. RESULTS: six articles reached the criteria to compose this systematic review. The recurrence rate ranged from 1 to 3.5% per year (global recurrence rate 3.8%). One study associated higher recurrence rate with the female gender, four reported the time between the first and second episodes, one study associated body mass index (BMI) and hypercontractility of the LV middle anterior wall to a higher recurrence rate. No association between recurrence and electrocardiographic changes were determined. Beta-blockers use was not associated with recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, time from the first episode of the syndrome, low BMI and midventricular obstruction were reported as potential predictors of TTS recurrence.

Evaluation of the Bleeding Intensity of Patients Anticoagulated with Warfarin or Dabigatran Undergoing Dental Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic disorders remain one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Dabigatran appeared as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The risk associated with bleeding due to its use has been documented in several randomized clinical trials, but no large study has examined in detail the risk of bleeding during dental extraction and other dental procedures involving bleeding. OBJECTIVE: To compare the intensity of bleeding in individuals taking dabigatran or vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) and undergoing dental procedures. METHODS: Prospective, single-center, controlled study with one single observer. Patients diagnosed with nonvalvular AF, on warfarin or dabigatran, cared for at a cardiology referral center, and requiring single or multiple dental extractions, were evaluated up to seven days post-extraction. The following outcomes were assessed: bleeding time between the beginning and the end of suture and complete hemostasis; bleeding before the procedure, after 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, during and after suture removal (late); p<0.05 was defined as of statistical relevance. RESULTS: We evaluated 37 individuals, 25 in the warfarin group and 12 in the dabigatran group. Age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, color, schooling, family income and comorbidities were similar between the two groups. Regarding bleeding after 24 hours of the procedure, no one in the dabigatran group had bleeding, whereas 32% in the warfarin group had documented bleeding (p = 0.028). The other variables analyzed did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, regarding dental extraction, there is no statistically significant difference in the intensity of bleeding of patients taking dabigatran as compared to those taking warfarin. Bleeding 24 hours after the procedure was less frequent among patients on dabigatran.

Implementation of a Regional Network for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Care and 30-Day Mortality in a Low- to Middle-Income City in Brazil: Findings From Salvador's STEMI Registry (RESISST).

BACKGROUND: Few data exist on regional systems of care for the treatment of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in developing countries. Our objective was to describe temporal trends in 30-day mortality and identify predictors of mortality among STEMI patients enrolled in a prospective registry in Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2011 to June 2013, 520 patients who received initial STEMI care at 23 nonspecialized public health units or hospitals, some of whom were transferred to a public cardiology referral center, were identified through a regional STEMI network supported by telemedicine and the local prehospital emergency medical service. We stratified patients into five 6-month periods based on presentation date. Mean age (±SD) of patients was 62.0 (±12.2) years, and 55.6% were men. The mean Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score was 145 (±34). Overall mortality at 30 days was 15.0%. Use of dual antiplatelet therapy and statins increased significantly from baseline (January 2011) to period 5 (June 2013): 61.8% to 93.6% (P<0.001) and 60.4% to 79.7% (P<0.001), respectively. Rates of primary reperfusion also increased (29.1%-53.8%; P<0.001), and more patients were transferred to the referral center (44.7%-76.3%; P=0.001). Thirty-day mortality rates decreased from 19.8% to 5.1% (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with 30-day mortality were higher GRACE score, history of previous stroke, lack of transfer to the referral center, and lack of use of optimized medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a regional STEMI system was associated with lower mortality and higher use of evidence-based therapies.

Dysautonomia Evaluation by Holter in Chagas Heart Disease

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac death is the main lethal mechanism associated with Chagas cardiomyopathy. Studies suggest that dysautonomia may represent a relevant, intense, independent, and early phenomenon in the natural history of the disease, even when ventricular systolic function is preserved, and may also be the mechanism that triggers malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Objective To evaluate the degree of dysautonomia and its possible association with ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy, according to different categories of mortality risk, as defined by the score proposed by Rassi, used as a surrogate outcome for death. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 43 patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy stratified into risk categories based on the Rassi score, with 23 being classified as low risk and 20 as intermediate-to-high risk. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using Holter monitoring for long-term recordings of 24 hours (time domain) and for short-term recordings of 5 minutes (frequency domain) at rest and after autonomic tests: deep breathing and Valsalva maneuver. The HRV variables were compared between the groups using the Student's t-test and α=0.05. Results Comparison of the results between the risk stratification groups showed no differences in HRV indexes, either in the time or frequency domain. However, results showed a significant increase in the number of arrhythmias as a function of increased risk (p=0.02). Conclusion There was no association between the degree of dysautonomia, evaluated by Holter monitoring, and the categories of mortality risk, despite a direct association between the rate of arrhythmias and the higher risk group.

Decompensated chagasic heart failure versus non-chagasic heart failure at a tertiary care hospital: Clinical characteristics and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (DHF), with a comparison between Chagas and non-Chagas disease. METHOD: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 136 patients consecutively admitted with DHF between January 1 and December 31, 2011, with the following outcomes: acute renal failure, cardiogenic shock, rehospitalization, and hospital death. Individuals aged ≥ 18 years with DHF were included while those with more than 10% of missing data regarding outcomes were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi-squared test was used to compare proportions. Student's T test was used to compare means. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time. RESULTS: Chagasic and non-chagasic patients were compared. The first had lower mean systolic blood pressure (111.8±18.4 versus 128.8±24.4, p<0.01), lower mean diastolic blood pressure (74.5±13.6 versus 82.0±15.2, p<0.01) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (26.5±6.2 versus 41.5±18.9, p<0.01). In all, 20 patients with Chagas (50.1%) were rehospitalized, compared to 35 patients in the non-Chagas group (35.4%, p=0.04). Log rank test = 4.5 (p<0.01) showed that rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time (Kaplan-Meier curves) differed. CONCLUSION: Chagas disease was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The rehospitalization rate was higher in Chagas disease.

Characteristics of training and motivation of physicians working in emergency medicine.

INTRODUCTION:: Emergency medicine is an area in which correct decisions often need to be made fast, thus requiring a well-prepared medical team. There is little information regarding the profile of physicians working at emergency departments in Brazil. OBJECTIVE:: To describe general characteristics of training and motivation of physicians working in the emergency departments of medium and large hospitals in Salvador, Brazil. METHOD:: A cross-sectional study with standardized interviews applied to physicians who work in emergency units in 25 medium and large hospitals in Salvador. At least 75% of the professionals at each hospital were interviewed. One hospital refused to participate in the study. RESULTS:: A total of 659 physicians were interviewed, with a median age of 34 years (interquartile interval: 29-44 years), 329 (49.9%) were female and 96 (14.6%) were medical residents working at off hours. The percentage of physicians who had been trained with Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support courses was 5.2, 18.4 and 11.0%, respectively, with a greater frequency of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training among younger individuals (23.6% versus 13.9%; p<0.001). Thirteen percent said they were completely satisfied with the activity, while 81.3% expressed a desire to stop working in emergency units in the next 15 years, mentioning stress levels as the main reason. CONCLUSION:: The physicians interviewed had taken few emergency immersion courses. A low motivational level was registered in physicians who work in the emergency departments of medium and large hospitals in Salvador.

Fatores que Impactam a Decisão de Realizar Ventriculografia Esquerda em Doença Arterial Coronariana / Factors That Impact the Decision to Perform Left Ventriculography in Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento A ventriculografia esquerda é um método invasivo para avaliar a função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo. Depois do advento de métodos não invasivos, o seu uso tem sido questionado por resultar em algum risco para o paciente. Objetivos Avaliar quais fatores associam-se independentemente com a decisão de realizar ventriculografia em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana. Métodos Tratou-se de um estudo analítico, retrospectivo, avaliando prontuários eletrônicos e banco de dados e comparando 21 variáveis de interesse pré-definidas entre pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariografia. Foi considerado significante p < 0,05. Resultados Avaliamos 600 pacientes consecutivos, e a ventriculografia esquerda foi realizada na maioria dos pacientes submetidos a uma cineangiocoronariografia (54%). Depois da análise multivariada, os pacientes com síndromes coronarianas crônicas ( odds ratio [OR] 1,72; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%]: 1,20-2,46; p < 0,01) tiveram maior chance de serem submetidos ao procedimento. Os pacientes com função ventricular conhecida (OR = 0,58; IC 95%: 0,40-0,85; p < 0,01), os revascularizados (OR 0,31; IC 95% 0,14-0,69; p < 0,01), os hipertensos (OR 0,58; IC 95%: 0,36-0,94; p = 0,02) e aqueles com maiores valores de creatinina (OR 0,42; IC 95% 0,26-0,69; p < 0,01) tiveram maior chance de não realizar ventriculografia. Conclusões Nos pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariografia, o diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana crônica associou-se de modo independente com uma maior realização da técnica, enquanto ter a função ventricular previamente conhecida, ser hipertenso, ter sido submetido a revascularização cirúrgica prévia e ter valores de creatinina mais elevados associaram-se a uma maior chance de não realizar o método.

Abstract Background Left ventriculography is an invasive method for assessment of left ventricular systolic function. Since the advent of noninvasive methods, its use has been questioned, as it carries some risk to the patient. Objective To assess which factors are independently associated with the decision to perform ventriculography in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Analytical, retrospective, database review study of electronic medical records comparing 21 predefined variables of interest among patients undergoing coronary angiography. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results We evaluated 600 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Left ventriculography was performed in the majority of cases (54%). After multivariate analysis, patients with chronic coronary syndrome (OR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.20-2.46; p < 0.01) were more likely to undergo the procedure. Patients with known ventricular function (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40-0.85; p < 0.01); those with a history of CABG (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14-0.69; p < 0.01) or hypertension (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36-0.94; p = 0.02); and those with higher creatinine levels (OR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26-0.69; p < 0.01) had greater odds of not undergoing ventriculography. Conclusions In patients undergoing coronary angiography, a diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome was independently associated with greater likelihood of left ventriculography, while having previously determined ventricular function, a history of hypertension or CABG, and higher creatinine levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing this procedure.

Agreement between three perioperative risk scores.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between the three scores proposed by the II Guideline for Perioperative Evaluation of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC): the American College of Physicians algorithm (ACP), the Multicenter Study of Perioperative Evaluation (EMAPO) and Lee's Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI). METHOD: Patients evaluated preoperatively for non-cardiac surgery by the anesthesiology service were classified as low, moderate or high-risk according to the 3 algorithms suggested by the II Guideline. To calculate the strength of agreement between the scores, the kappa agreement index was used. RESULTS: Four hundred and one patients were included in the sample. Cohen's kappa inter-rater agreement between scores was 0.270 (CI: 0.222 to 0.318), corresponding to a weak agreement. Analyzing in pairs, the best correlation was between EMAPO and ACP, with kappa = 0.327. Lee's score was the one that classified more patients as low-risk: 98.3%, while EMAPO and ACP classified as low risk 91.3% and 92.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is poor correlation among the risk scores proposed by the II Perioperative Evaluation Guideline of the SBC.

Factors Associated with Recurrence in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review / Fatores Associados à Recorrência na Síndrome de Takotsubo: Uma Revisão Sistemática

Abstract Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by a temporary systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) related to a stressful event. However, the factors associated with its recurrence are still not well established. Objective: To analyze the main factors associated with TTS recurrence. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA model. Observational studies, published between January 2008 and October 2017, which presented a recurrence rate of at least 3% and/or 5 or more patients with recurrence, and who met at least 80% of the STROBE criteria were included. Results: six articles reached the criteria to compose this systematic review. The recurrence rate ranged from 1 to 3.5% per year (global recurrence rate 3.8%). One study associated higher recurrence rate with the female gender, four reported the time between the first and second episodes, one study associated body mass index (BMI) and hypercontractility of the LV middle anterior wall to a higher recurrence rate. No association between recurrence and electrocardiographic changes were determined. Beta-blockers use was not associated with recurrence rates. Conclusions: Female gender, time from the first episode of the syndrome, low BMI and midventricular obstruction were reported as potential predictors of TTS recurrence.

Resumo Fundamento: A síndrome de Takotsubo (STT) é caracterizada por uma disfunção sistólica temporária do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) relacionada a um evento estressante. No entanto, os fatores associados à sua recorrência ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: Analisar os principais fatores associados à recorrência da STT. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada usando o modelo PRISMA. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais, publicados entre janeiro de 2008 e outubro de 2017, que apresentaram uma taxa de recorrência de pelo menos 3% e/ou 5 ou mais pacientes com recidiva e que preencheram pelo menos 80% dos critérios STROBE. Resultados: Seis artigos atenderam aos critérios para esta revisão sistemática. A taxa de recorrência variou de 1 a 3,5% ao ano (taxa de recorrência global 3,8%). Um estudo associou maior taxa de recorrência ao sexo feminino, quatro relataram o tempo entre o primeiro e o segundo episódio, um estudo associou o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a hipercontratilidade da parede anterior média do VE a uma maior taxa de recorrência. Não foi determinada associação entre recorrência e alterações eletrocardiográficas. O uso de betabloqueadores não foi associado a taxas de recorrência. Conclusões: Sexo feminino, tempo desde o primeiro episódio da síndrome, baixo IMC e obstrução ventricular foram relatados como possíveis preditores de recorrência da STT.

Effect of Hospital Accreditation Process in Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background: Hospital accreditation has as goal the standardization of patient care, aiming quality improvement. On 2015, a cardiology reference hospital was evaluated and got level 3 from ONA in care given to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients. Objetive: To compare length of stay (LOS) at Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and the total LOS at the hospital of ACS patients before and after ONA 3 accreditation. Other clinical outcomes were also analyzed. Methods: Systematic and prospective registry of admitted ACS patients at CCU, whose population was divided into pre-accreditation (period 1) and post-accreditation (period 2). Descriptive analysis was performed. For statistical analysis the Mann-Whitney test, chi-squared, Fisher's exact test and Multiple Linear Regression were performed. P value was considered statistically significant when < 0,05. Results: 372 patients were admitted with ACS, 186 in period 1, of which 47 (25,3%) with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), and 186 in period 2, of which 70 (37,6%) with STEMI. The mean age was 65,9 years (± 12,2). About the CCU LOS, there was a reduction from 3 (IQR: 2-4) to 2,5 days (IQR: 2-4; p value = 0,088). Regarding the hospital LOS, there was also a reduction from 8 (IQR: 5-12,25) to 6 days (IQR:4-11; p value = 0,004). Analyzing the type of ACS, there was a significant reduction only at the hospital LOS in non-STEMI patients: 8 to 6 days (p value = 0,001). Other hospitalization length of stay and clinical outcomes did not present a significant reduction in the comparison. Conclusion: After the ONA 3 accreditation, there was a reduction of hospital LOS. There were no significant differences in the other outcomes analyzed.

Evaluation of the Bleeding Intensity of Patients Anticoagulated with Warfarin or Dabigatran Undergoing Dental Procedures / Avaliação da Intensidade de Sangramento de Procedimentos Odontológicos em Pacientes Anticoagulados com Varfarina ou Dabigatrana

Abstract Background: Thrombotic disorders remain one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Dabigatran appeared as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The risk associated with bleeding due to its use has been documented in several randomized clinical trials, but no large study has examined in detail the risk of bleeding during dental extraction and other dental procedures involving bleeding. Objective: To compare the intensity of bleeding in individuals taking dabigatran or vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) and undergoing dental procedures. Methods: Prospective, single-center, controlled study with one single observer. Patients diagnosed with nonvalvular AF, on warfarin or dabigatran, cared for at a cardiology referral center, and requiring single or multiple dental extractions, were evaluated up to seven days post-extraction. The following outcomes were assessed: bleeding time between the beginning and the end of suture and complete hemostasis; bleeding before the procedure, after 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, during and after suture removal (late); p<0.05 was defined as of statistical relevance. Results: We evaluated 37 individuals, 25 in the warfarin group and 12 in the dabigatran group. Age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, color, schooling, family income and comorbidities were similar between the two groups. Regarding bleeding after 24 hours of the procedure, no one in the dabigatran group had bleeding, whereas 32% in the warfarin group had documented bleeding (p = 0.028). The other variables analyzed did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that, regarding dental extraction, there is no statistically significant difference in the intensity of bleeding of patients taking dabigatran as compared to those taking warfarin. Bleeding 24 hours after the procedure was less frequent among patients on dabigatran.

Resumo Fundamento: Distúrbios trombóticos permanecem como uma das principais causas de morte no mundo ocidental. A dabigatrana surgiu como alternativa à varfarina para a anticoagulação no tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA). O risco associado a eventos hemorrágicos com a sua utilização foi documentado em vários ensaios clínicos randomizados, mas nenhum grande estudo analisou detalhadamente o risco de hemorragia durante a extração dentária e em outros procedimentos odontológicos que envolvam sangramentos. Objetivo: Em indivíduos submetidos a procedimentos odontológicos, avaliar a intensidade de sangramento com o uso de dabigatrana em comparação ao uso de anticoagulante oral antagonista da vitamina K (varfarina). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, controlado, unicêntrico, observador único. Pacientes com diagnóstico de FA não valvar atendidos em um centro de referência em cardiologia e com indicação de anticoagulação que necessitavam de tratamento odontológico para exodontia única ou múltipla, estando em uso de varfarina ou dabigatrana e avaliados até sete dias pós-exodontia. Foram avaliados os efeitos sobre: tempo de sangramento entre o início e o fim da sutura e hemostasia completa; sangramento antes do procedimento, após 24 e 48 horas, 7 dias, durante e após a remoção da sutura (tardio), sendo considerado como estatisticamente significativo valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 indivíduos, sendo 25 no grupo varfarina e 12 no dabigatrana. Idade, sexo, peso, altura, pressão arterial, cor, escolaridade, renda familiar e comorbidades foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Em relação ao sangramento 24 horas após o procedimento, ninguém do grupo dabigatrana apresentou sangramento, que esteve presente em 32% do grupo varfarina (p = 0,028). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos em relação às outras variáveis analisadas. Conclusões: Os dados deste estudo permitem sugerir que, em indivíduos submetidos a procedimento odontológico de exodontia, não há diferença estatisticamente significante na intensidade de sangramento em uso de dabigatrana em comparação ao uso de varfarina. Há uma menor frequência de sangramento 24 horas após o procedimento nos indivíduos em uso de dabigatrana.

Use of beta-blockers for the treatment of cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced Life Support guidelines recommend the use of epinephrine during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as to increase coronary blood flow and perfusion pressure through its alpha-adrenergic peripheral vasoconstriction, allowing minimal rises in coronary perfusion pressure to make defibrillation possible. Contrasting to these alpha-adrenergic effects, epinephrine's beta-stimulation may have deleterious effects through an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption and a reduction of subendocardial perfusion, leading to postresuscitation cardiac dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The present paper consists of a systematic review of the literature regarding the use of beta-blockade in cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). METHODS: Studies were identified through MEDLINE electronic databases research and were included those regarding the use of beta-blockade during CPR. RESULTS: Beta-blockade has been extensively studied in animal models of CPR. These studies not only suggest that beta-blockade could reduce myocardial oxygen requirements and the number of shocks necessary for defibrillation, but also improve postresuscitation myocardial function, diminish arrhythmia recurrences and prolong survival. A few case reports described successful beta-blockade use in patients, along with two prospective human studies, suggesting that it could be safe and effectively used during cardiac arrest in humans. CONCLUSION: Even though the existing literature points toward a beneficial effect of beta-blockade in patients presenting with cardiac arrest due to VF/pulseless VT, high quality human trials are still lacking to answer this question definitely.

1st Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on processes and skills for education in cardiology in Brazil--executive summary.

This article summarizes the "1st Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on Processes and Skills for Education in Cardiology in Brazil," which can be found in full at: . The guideline establishes the education time required in Internal Medicine and Cardiology with Specialization through theoretical and practical training. These requirements must be available at the center forming Specialists in Cardiology and the Cardiology contents.