O caminho do desenvolvimento de um aplicativo móvel para enfermeiros intensivistas sobre drogas cardioativas / The way to develop a mobile application for intensive care nurses about cardioactive drugs / La forma de desarrollar una aplicación móvil para enfermeras de cuidados intensivos sobre fármacos cardioactivos

Objetivo: Evidenciar as etapas do desenvolvimento de um aplicativo móvel para enfermeiros intensivistas sobre drogas cardioativas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de desenvolvimento experimental de um aplicativo, realizado no período de setembro de 2019 a março de 2020. Para tal, foi constituído por duas etapas, a saber: metodológica, composta pela seleção e construção do conteúdo por dois pesquisadores, com posterior validação do conteúdo do aplicativo por 16 especialistas das áreas de enfermagem e farmácia; e tecnológica, realizada por um docente e quatro graduandos da área de computação, por meio da Plataforma Google Flutter, resultando no protótipo Cardio Help. Resultados: O aplicativo foi elaborado com 62 telas, sendo 02 (duas) telas principais (identificação do aplicativo; e apresentação dos cardioativos e o ícone de informações); 10(dez) telas secundárias (nome do cardiotônico e menu específico por cardiotônico (classificação/efeitos; uso terapêutico; eventos adversos; detalhes; interações medicamentosas e cuidados). Conclusão: Foram evidenciadas as etapas de desenvolvimento do aplicativo móvel sobre drogas cardioativas para enfermeiros intensivistas, que se apresenta como uma proposta promissora para a tomada de decisão e sobretudo com a finalidade de promover a segurança do paciente. (AU)

Objective: Show the stages of development of a mobile application for intensive care nurses about cardioactive drugs. Methods: This is an experimental development study of an application, carried out from September 2019 to March 2020. For this purpose, it consisted of two stages, namely: methodological, consisting of the selection and construction of the content by two researchers, with subsequent validation of the application's content by 16 specialists from the fields of nursing and pharmacy; and technological, carried out by a professor and four undergraduate students in the field of computing, through the Google Flutter Platform, resulting in the Cardio Help prototype. Results: The application was developed with 62 screens, being 02 (two) main screens (application identification; and presentation of cardioactive drugs and the information icon); 10 (ten) secondary screens (name of the cardiotonic and specific menu by cardiotonic (classification/effects; therapeutic use; adverse events; details; drug interactions and care). Conclusion: The stages of development of the mobile application on cardioactive drugs for nurses were highlighted intensivists, which presents itself as a promising proposal for decision-making and, above all, with the purpose of promoting patient safety. (AU)

Objetivo: Demostrar las etapas de desarrollo de una aplicación móvil para enfermeras de cuidados intensivos sobre fármacos cardioactivos. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio de desarrollo experimental de una aplicación, realizado entre septiembre de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Para ello, consta de dos etapas, a saber: metodológica, consistente en la selección y construcción de contenido por dos investigadores, con posterior validación del contenido de la aplicación por 16 especialistas de los campos de enfermería y farmacia; y tecnológico, realizado por un profesor y cuatro estudiantes de pregrado en el área de informática, a través de la plataforma Google Flutter, dando como resultado el prototipo Cardio Help. Resultados: La aplicación se desarrolló con 62 pantallas, siendo 02 (dos) pantallas principales (identificación de la aplicación; presentación de fármacos cardioactivos y el icono de información); 10 (diez) pantallas secundarias (nombre del cardiotónico y menú específico por cardiotónico (clasificación / efectos; uso terapéutico; eventos adversos; detalles; interacciones farmacológicas y cuidados). Conclusión: Las etapas de desarrollo de la aplicación móvil sobre fármacos cardioactivos para enfermeiras. Se destacaron los intensivistas, que se presenta como una propuesta prometedora para la toma de decisiones y, sobre todo, con el propósito de promover la seguridad del paciente. (AU)

EXPRESS: Effectiveness of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on inflammation and metabolic markers in the US-Mexico border Hispanic population.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are commonly used for dyslipidemia management to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an emerging systematic low-grade inflammatory marker associated with atherosclerotic CVD development. Despite racial/ethnic disparities in the use and response of statins and the anti-inflammatory effects of statins, the effectiveness of statins on inflammation and metabolic markers is unknown among Hispanics. We performed a retrospective cohort study using 150 adult patients scheduled for an annual physical exam at a family medicine clinic between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Effect size with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using adjusted regression analyses. Among 150 patients, 52 (34.67%) received statins. Patients who received statins had significantly reduced median hs-CRP (1.9 vs. 3.2, p=0.007), mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (101.18 vs. 124.6, p<0.001), and total cholesterol (172.6 vs. 194.5, p<0.001) concentrations compared to those who did not receive statins. In the propensity-scores matched analysis, lower concentrations of log-transformed hs-CRP (regression coefficient [RC], -0.48; 95%CI: -0.89, -0.07), LDL-C (RC, -19.57; 95%CI: -33.04, -6.1), and total cholesterol (RC, -23.47; 95%CI: -38.96, -7.98) were associated with statin use. In addition, hepatic steatosis (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=0.25; 95%CI: 0.08, 0.78, p= 0.017) was significantly lower among patients with the use of statins. Our study suggests that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may help reduce inflammation among Hispanic patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension. These findings have useful implications for preventing risk and disparities associated with cardiovascular and other inflammatory-induced diseases among the fastest-growing US Hispanic minorities.

Adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit: the contribution of the VIS score and the RACHS-1 / Eventos adversos em pós-operatório cardíaco em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica: a contribuição do escore VIS e do RACHS-1

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit and to find any patient characteristics that can predict such events. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of patients recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit for the first 7 days after cardiac surgery between April and December 2019, by reviewing the medical records. The following were reviewed: demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics; patient severity scores; and selected adverse events, grouped into device-related, surgical, and nonsurgical. Results: A total of 238 medical records were included. At least one adverse event occurred in 110 postoperative patients (46.2%). The total number of adverse events was 193 (81%). Vascular catheters were the most common cause, followed by cardiac arrest, bleeding, and surgical reexploration. In the univariate analysis, the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score, age, Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM-2), cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping duration were significantly associated with adverse events. In the multivariate analysis, VIS ≥ 20 (OR 2.90; p = 0.004) and RACHS-1 ≥ 3 (OR 2.11; p = 0.019) were significant predictors, while age and delayed sternal closure showed only trends toward significance. To predict the occurrence of adverse events from VIS and RACHS-1, the area under the curve was 0.73 (95%CI 0.66 - 0.79). Conclusion: Adverse events were quite frequent in children after cardiac surgery, especially those related to devices. The VIS and RACHS-1, used together, predicted the occurrence of adverse events well in this pediatric sample.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de eventos adversos em pós-operatório cardíaco em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica e estabelecer eventuais associações das características dos pacientes e a possibilidade de predizer tais eventos. Métodos: Coorte histórica de 7 dias de pós-operatório cardíaco, de abril a dezembro de 2019, por revisão de prontuários de pacientes com recuperação em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Foram revisados: características demográficas e clínico-laboratoriais, escores de gravidade dos pacientes e eventos adversos selecionados agrupados em: relacionados a dispositivos, a aspectos cirúrgicos e a aspectos não cirúrgicos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 238 prontuários. Ocorreu pelo menos um evento adverso em 110 pós-operatórios (46,2 %). O número total de eventos adversos foi 193 (81%), sendo mais frequente a complicação com cateteres vasculares, seguida de parada cardíaca, sangramento e reexploração cirúrgica. Na análise univariada, escore vasoativo-inotrópico (VIS- vasoactive-inotropic score), Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score, idade, Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM-2), tempo de circulação extracorpórea e de clampeamento aórtico foram estatisticamente significantes com eventos adversos. Na análise multivariável, VIS ≥ 20 (OR 2,90; p = 0,004) e RACHS-1 ≥ 3 (OR 2,11; p = 0,019) mostraram-se relevantes e com significância estatística, enquanto idade e fechamento tardio do esterno possuíam apenas tendência a essa associação. Considerando a previsão de ocorrência de eventos adversos a partir dos valores de escore vasoativo-inotrópico e de RACHS-1, a área sob a curva mostrou valor de 0,73 (IC95% 0,66 - 0,79). Conclusão: A frequência de eventos adversos foi expressiva e aqueles relacionados a dispositivos foram os mais frequentes. O VIS e o RACHS-1, utilizados em conjunto, foram capazes de predizer a ocorrência de eventos adversos nesta amostra pediátrica.

Polypill-based strategy vs. usual care for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the impact of a polypill-based strategy (PBS) on therapeutic adherence and cardiovascular outcomes compared with usual care for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS AND RESULTS: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases from inception to January 2023, including RCTs comparing PBS with usual care in patients with prior CVD. We assessed efficacy outcomes of therapeutic adherence, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and safety outcomes of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4.1 and R Version 4.2.1. A total of 8 RCTs with a population of 6541 individuals were included, of whom 3318 (50.7%) were treated with the PBS. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 60 months. The polypill-based strategy was associated with a significantly increased therapeutic adherence [risk ratio (RR) 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.34; P < 0.001]. Cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44-0.85; P = 0.004), SBP [mean difference (MD) -1.47 mmHg; 95% CI -2.86 to -0.09; P = 0.04], and LDL-C (MD -3.83 mg/dL; 95% CI -6.99 to -0.67; P = 0.02) were significantly lower in the PBS group. The incidence of all-cause mortality was similar between groups (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.54-1.29; P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: In patients with pre-existing CVD, a PBS is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality and improved therapeutic adherence, along with a modest decrease in SBP and LDL-C compared with usual care. Thus, a PBS may be considered a preferred option for this patient population.

Adherence to medical therapy plays a critical role in the prevention of atherosclerotic events. Previous studies have shown that a polypill-based strategy (PBS) increases treatment adherence in the context of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of this strategy in secondary prevention is yet to be determined. Herein, we demonstrate the following: Polypill-based strategy improved therapeutic adherence and reduced LDL-cholesterol and systolic blood pressure levels.There was a reduction in cardiovascular mortality with the use of the PBS; however, no significant difference was found in all-cause mortality between groups.

COVID-19 y complicaciones cardiovasculares / COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el COVID - 19 y complicaciones cardiovasculares. Método: revisión sistemática. Análisis de los resultados: Una gran proporción de pacientes tiene enfermedad cardiovascular subyacente y factores de riesgo cardíaco. Los factores asociados con la mortalidad incluyen el sexo masculino, la edad avanzada y la presencia de comorbilidades como las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La lesión cardíaca aguda determinada por niveles elevados de troponina de alta sensibilidad se observa comúnmente en casos graves y está fuertemente asociada con la mortalidad, al igual que el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. Conclusión: La infección por el SARS-CoV-2 presenta una baja mortalidad en la mayoría de los casos, pero un porcentaje significativo de los infectados sufren una enfermedad pulmonar con diferentes grados de afección sistémica que sí conlleva mayor mortalidad. Estos pacientes presentan grados variables de afección miocárdica, tanto directa por el virus como por la situación sistémica grave, que incrementan el riesgo de muerte.

Objective: To analyze COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications. Methods: Systematic review. Analysis of results: A large proportion of patients have underlying cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk factors. Factors associated with mortality include male sex, advanced age and the presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Acute cardiac injury as determined by elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels is commonly seen in severe cases and is strongly associated with mortality, as is acute respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection has a low mortality in most cases, but a significant percentage of those infected have pulmonary disease with varying degrees of systemic involvement that does lead to increased mortality. These patients have varying degrees of myocardial involvement, both direct from the virus and from the severe systemic situation, which increase the risk of death.

Intensive care patients receiving vasoactive medications: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Vasoactive medications are high-risk drugs commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs), which have wide variations in clinical management. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the patient population, treatment, and clinical characteristics of patients who did and did not receive vasoactive medications while in the ICU and to develop a predictive tool to identify patients needing vasoactive medications. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a level three tertiary referral ICU over a 12-month period from October 2018 to September 2019 was undertaken. Data from electronic medical records were analysed to describe patient characteristics in an adult ICU. Chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse data relating to patients who did and did not receive vasoactive medications. Univariate analysis and Pearson's r2 were used to determine inclusion in multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1276 patients in the cohort, 40% (512/1276) received a vasoactive medication for haemodynamic support, with 84% (428/512) receiving noradrenaline. Older patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001) with higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III scores (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.04; p < 0.001) were more likely to receive vasoactive medications than those not treated with vasoactive medications during an intensive care admission. A model developed using multivariable analysis predicted that patients admitted with sepsis (OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.43-4.12; p = 0.001) or shock (OR = 4.05; 95% CI = 2.68-6.10; p < 0.001) and managed on mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.76; 95% CI = 2.81-5.02; p < 0.001) were more likely to receive vasoactive medications. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanically ventilated patients admitted to intensive care for sepsis and shock with higher APACHE III scores were more likely to receive vasoactive medications. Predictors identified in the multivariable model can be used to direct resources to patients most at risk of receiving vasoactive medications.

Parámetros Cardiovasculares y su Variación Posterior a una Atención de Urgencia Odontológica

RESUMEN: La atención de urgencia dental se desenvuelve en un contexto de estrés que afecta el comportamiento cardiovascular de los pacientes, expresado como cambios en Frecuencia Cardiaca y Presión Arterial. Se espera que posterior a la atención, estos parámetros varíen conforme se controla el cuadro clínico o se presenten complicaciones. Un estudio observacional retrospectivo recopiló los registros de Frecuencia Cardiaca y Presión Arterial de pacientes atendidos en la urgencia dental del Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco en dos ocasiones, estando la segunda consulta vinculada al primer ingreso, tanto como control post tratamiento o complicaciones derivadas. Datos fueron registrados en Microsoft Excel™ y analizados en SciStat™. 466 pacientes consultaron en dos ocasiones, concentrados entre tercera y quinta década. Los mayores registros de Presión Arterial fueron reportados en controles post atención de Pericoronaritis, infecciones de espacios anatómicos faciales y en complicaciones post tratamiento por Pulpitis, TDA e Infección de espacios anatómicos faciales. En segundas consultas por control de Pulpitis, Alveolitis, TDA, Fracturas faciales y Hemorragias post exodoncia hubo disminución. Frecuencia Cardiaca fue el parámetro con mayor variación existiendo disminución en controles y complicaciones entre consultas. El papel exacto del dolor en la respuesta cardiovascular no está bien delimitado, la interpretación de las investigaciones destinadas a estudiar esto resulta difícil, pues estímulos nociceptivos son sólo uno de los activadores de la respuesta sistémica al estrés. En el postoperatorio el dolor juega un papel importante estudiado a 48 horas, más no, en mediano y largo plazo. Existen variaciones estadísticamente significativas en algunos parámetros estudiados, los cuales pueden presentar significancia clínica a considerar en pacientes hipertensos o cardiópatas. Son necesarios estudios sobre la incidencia particular que tienen los procedimientos odontológicos en la expresión de otros marcadores del estado sistémico.

ABSTRACT: Emergency dental care develops in a context of stress that affects the cardiovascular behavior of patients, expressed as changes in heart rate and blood pressure. After care, these parameters are expected to vary as the clinical picture is controlled or complications occur. A retrospective observational study compiled the heart rate and blood pressure records of patients seen in the dental emergency of the Barros Luco Care Complex on two occasions, the second consultation being linked to the first admission, as well as post-treatment control or derived complications. Data was recorded in Microsoft Excel ™ and analyzed in SciStat ™. 466 patients consulted on two occasions, concentrated between the third and fifth decade. Higher Blood Pressure records were reported in post-care controls for Pericoronitis, infections of facial anatomical spaces and in post-treatment complications due to Pulpitis, ADD and Infection of facial anatomical spaces. In second consultations for control of Pulpitis, Alveolitis, ADT, facial fractures and post- extraction hemorrhages there was a decrease. Heart rate was the parameter with the greatest variation, with a decrease in controls and complications between consultations. The exact role of pain in the cardiovascular response is not well defined, the interpretation of the research aimed at studying this is difficult, since nociceptive stimuli are only one of the activators of the systemic response to stress. In the postoperative period, pain plays an important role, studied at 48 hours, but not in the medium and long term. There are statistically significant variations in some parameters studied which may present clinical significance to be considered in hypertensive or heart disease patients. Studies are needed on the particular incidence that dental procedures have on the expression of other markers of the systemic state.

Antiparasitic Properties of Cardiovascular Agents against Human Intravascular Parasite Schistosoma mansoni.

The intravascular parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, a disease of great global public health significance. Praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis and there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Adopting a phenotypic drug screening strategy, here, we evaluated the antiparasitic properties of 46 commercially available cardiovascular drugs against S. mansoni. From these screenings, we found that amiodarone, telmisartan, propafenone, methyldopa, and doxazosin affected the viability of schistosomes in vitro, with effective concentrations of 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) values ranging from 8 to 50 µM. These results were further supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Subsequently, the most effective drug (amiodarone) was further tested in a murine model of schistosomiasis for both early and chronic S. mansoni infections using a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg daily for five consecutive days. Amiodarone had a low efficacy in chronic infection, with the worm and egg burden reduction ranging from 10 to 30%. In contrast, amiodarone caused a significant reduction in worm and egg burden in early infection (>50%). Comparatively, treatment with amiodarone is more effective in early infection than praziquantel, demonstrating the potential role of this cardiovascular drug as an antischistosomal agent.

Single-dose del nido cardioplegia vs. blood cardioplegia in aortic valve replacement surgery

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to compare Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) with blood cardioplegia (BC) in aortic valve replacement. Methods: A two-year single-institute retrospective cohort study was accomplished. Subjects who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery were divided into two groups (DNC and BC) and outcomes were compared. Results: Preoperative demographics and clinical data of the patients in both groups were similar. The time until cardiac arrest following administration of the first dose of cardioplegia was statistically significantly shorter in the BC group (47.0 sec. 25-103) than in the DNC group (63.0 sec. 48-140) (P=0.012). Cross-clamping time was longer in the BC group (48.7±12.3 min. vs. 41.5±11.8 min.) (P=0.041). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was statistically significantly shorter in the DNC group (BC 60.8±18.5 min., DNC 53.7±15.2 min.) (P=0.046). The rate of postoperative use of intravenous positive inotropic support drugs (dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine, etc.) for more than two hours was significantly higher in the BC group (20 [23.5%] in the BC group and nine [17.3%] in the DNC group) (P=0.035). Creatine kinase myocardial band and troponin I levels were slightly lower in patients receiving DNC, but no statistically significant difference was detected. Conclusion: Del Nido cardioplegia is safe and can be used efficiently as an alternative to blood cardioplegia in isolated aortic valve replacement surgery.

Single-Dose Del Nido Cardioplegia vs. Blood Cardioplegia in Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to compare Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) with blood cardioplegia (BC) in aortic valve replacement. METHODS: A two-year single-institute retrospective cohort study was accomplished. Subjects who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery were divided into two groups (DNC and BC) and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative demographics and clinical data of the patients in both groups were similar. The time until cardiac arrest following administration of the first dose of cardioplegia was statistically significantly shorter in the BC group (47.0 sec. 25-103) than in the DNC group (63.0 sec. 48-140) (P=0.012). Cross-clamping time was longer in the BC group (48.7±12.3 min. vs. 41.5±11.8 min.) (P=0.041). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was statistically significantly shorter in the DNC group (BC 60.8±18.5 min., DNC 53.7±15.2 min.) (P=0.046). The rate of postoperative use of intravenous positive inotropic support drugs (dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine, etc.) for more than two hours was significantly higher in the BC group (20 [23.5%] in the BC group and nine [17.3%] in the DNC group) (P=0.035). Creatine kinase myocardial band and troponin I levels were slightly lower in patients receiving DNC, but no statistically significant difference was detected. CONCLUSION: Del Nido cardioplegia is safe and can be used efficiently as an alternative to blood cardioplegia in isolated aortic valve replacement surgery.

O uso de inibidores do Sistema Renina-Angiotensina pode aumentar a suscetibilidade à infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)? / Can the use of Renin-Angiotensin System inhibitors increase the susceptibility to SARSCoV-2 infection (COVID-19)?

Diante do contexto pandêmico da COVID-19, esforços têm sido direcionados ao desenvolvimento de medidas terapêuticas seguras e eficazes no combate à doença. Entretanto, divergências entre as condutas adotadas nesses pacientes tem sido frequentes. Em especial, fármacos inibidores do Sistema Renina-Angiotensina, como os Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina e Bloqueadores do Receptor da Angiotensina, são foco de grande discussão. Diversos autores questionam uma possível relação de risco aumentado entre o uso de tais medicações e o desenvolvimento de formas mais graves da doença, ao correlacionar a regulação positiva da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina 2 induzida por esses fármacos com o fato do SARS-CoV-2 usar essa enzima como receptor celular. Enquanto isso, outros autores defendem que essa modulação atue como fator protetor à gravidade da infecção, levando em consideração a promoção de efeitos vasodepressores, anti-fibróticos e anti-inflamatórios. Dada a alta prevalência do uso desses anti-hipertensivos, a presente revisão analisa o funcionamento do Sistema Renina-Angiotensina; aspectos moleculares do novo coronavírus; e a inibição da Angiotensina 2 no contexto dessa infecção, para discutir qual conduta seria mais adequada no manejo da hipertensão arterial e doenças cardiovasculares, dada a pandemia da COVID-19.

In the face of the pandemic context of the COVID-19, efforts have been directed to the development of safe and effective therapeutic actions in combating the disease. However, divergences between management of these patients have been frequent. Especially, Renin-Angiotensin System inhibitors, as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, are the focus of great discussion. Several authors question a possible increased risk relation between the use of that medication and the development of the most severe disease form, when correlating AngiotensinConverting Enzyme 2 upregulation induced by those drugs with the fact that SARS-CoV-2 uses this enzyme as its cellular receptor. Meanwhile, other authors defend that the referred modulation acts as a protective factor to infection severity, considering the induction of vasodepressor, antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Given the high prevalence of the use of those antihypertensive drugs, the present review analyses the Renin-Angiotensin System functionning; molecular aspects of the novel coronavirus; and the Angiotensin 2 inhibition in the context of this infection, in order to discuss which conduct would be more appropriate in the management of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evolución clínica de niños con shock séptico refractario a fluidos tratados con dopamina o adrenalina. Estudio retrospectivo en un servicio de emergencias pediátrico de Argentina / Clinical outcome of children with fluid-refractory septic shock treated with dopamine or epinephrine. A retrospective study at a pediatric emergency department in Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la evolución clínica de niños con shock séptico refractario a volumen tratados inicialmente con dopamina o adrenalina. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con ámbito en un servicio de urgencias pediátrico de un hospital de tercer nivel. Población: niños ingresados con shock séptico refractario a volumen. Se comparó la evolución clínica entre 2 grupos: Grupo Dopamina y Grupo Adrenalina. Las variables de interés fueron: uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva, días de inotrópicos, estancia hospitalaria, estancia en cuidados intensivos y mortalidad. Para variables numéricas y categóricas utilizamos medidas de tendencia central y para comparación las pruebas de U Mann Whitney y χ2 test. Resultados: Incluimos 118 pacientes. El 58,5% recibió dopamina y 41,5% adrenalina. El uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva fue 38,8% para adrenalina versus 40,6% para dopamina (p = 0,84) con una mediana de 4 días para adrenalina y 5,5 para dopamina (p = 0,104). La mediana para días de inotrópicos fue de 2 días para ambos grupos (p = 0,714). La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 11 para adrenalina y 13 para dopamina (p = 0,554) y de estancia en cuidados intensivos se registró una mediana de 4 días (0 - 81 días) siendo igual en ambos grupos (p = 0,748). La mortalidad fue de 5% para el Grupo Adrenalina versus 9% para el Grupo Dopamina (p = 0,64). Conclusiones: En nuestro centro, no observamos diferencias en uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva y tiempo de inotrópicos, estancia hospitalaria y cuidados intensivos y mortalidad entre niños ingresados al servicio de urgencias pediátrico con diagnóstico de shock séptico refractario a volumen tratados inicialmente con dopamina o adrenalina.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the clinical outcome of children with fluid-refractory septic shock initially treated with dopamine or epinephrine. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital. Population: children admitted because of fluid-refractory septic shock. Clinical outcome was compared between two groups: Dopamine and Epinephrine. Variables evaluated were use of invasive mechanical ventilation, days of inotropic therapy, length of hospital stay, intensive care stay, and mortality. For numerical and categorical variables, we used measures of central tendency. They were compared by the Mann-Whitney U-test and the (2 test. Results: We included 118 patients. A total of 58.5% received dopamine and 41.5% received epinephrine. The rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was 38.8% for epinephrine versus 40.6% for dopamine (p = 0.84), with a median of 4 days for the Epinephrine Group and 5.5 for the Dopamine Group (p = 0.104). Median time of inotropic therapy was 2 days for both groups (p = 0.714). Median hospital stay was 11 and 13 days for the Epinephrine and Dopamine groups, respectively (p = 0.554), and median stay in intensive care was 4 days (0 - 81 days) in both groups (p = 0.748). Mortality was 5% for the Epinephrine Group versus 9% for the Dopamine Group (p = 0.64). Conclusions: At our center, no differences in use of invasive mechanical ventilation, time of inotropic therapy, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, or mortality were observed in children admitted to the pediatric emergency department with a diagnosis of fluid-refractory septic shock initially treated with dopamine versus epinephrine.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Medication Use in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy account for approximately 22% of all maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. Pharmacotherapies play an important role in preventing and reducing the occurrence of adverse outcomes. However, the patterns of medications used for treating women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) living in this country is unclear. A population-based birth cohort study including 4262 women was conducted to describe the pattern of use of cardiovascular agents and acetylsalicylic acid between women with and without HDP in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. The prevalence of maternal and perinatal outcomes in this population was also assessed. HDP were classified according to Ministry of Health recommendations. Medications were defined using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System and the substance name. In this cohort, 1336 (31.3%) of women had HDP. Gestational hypertension was present in 636 (47.6%) women, 409 (30.6%) had chronic hypertension, 191 (14.3%) pre-eclampsia, and 89 (6.7%) pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. Approximately 70% of women with HDP reported not using any cardiovascular medications. Methyldopa in monotherapy was the most frequent treatment (16%), regardless of the type of HDP. Omega-3 was the medication most frequently reported by women without HDP. Preterm delivery, caesarean section, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care admissions were more prevalent in women with HDP. Patterns of use of methyldopa were in-line with the Brazilian guidelines as the first-line therapy for HDP. However, the large number of women with HDP not using medications to manage HDP requires further investigation.

The use of terpenes and derivatives as a new perspective for cardiovascular disease treatment: a patent review (2008-2018).

INTRODUCTION: Terpenes are a class of secondary metabolites that can be found in a variety of animal and plants species. They are considered the most structurally diversified and abundant of all natural compounds. Several studies have shown the application of terpenes, such as carvacrol, linalool, and limonene in many pharmaceutical and medicinal fields, including cardiovascular disorders, the leading cause of death worldwide. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors outlined patents from the last 10 years relating to the therapeutic application of terpenes for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular diseases found in different databases, emphasizing the possibility of these compounds becoming new drugs that may help to decrease the burden of these disorders. EXPERT OPINION: There has been a growing awareness over recent years of the therapeutic use of terpenes and their derivatives as new pharmaceutical products. Patents involving the use of terpenes have been especially important in the technological development of new strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by bringing new scientific knowledge into the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the development of biotechnologies using natural products should be encouraged in order to increase the variety of drugs available for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Nuevos enfoques farmacológicos en el manejo de la angina de pecho estable / New pharmacological approaches in the management of stable angina

RESUMEN En años recientes han sido introducidos nuevos antianginosos al mercado con mecanismos de acción novedosos, complementarios a los del arsenal farmacoterapéutico existente. Aunque el tratamiento de primera línea continúan siendo los betabloqueadores, antagonistas de canales de calcio y nitratos, el descubrimientos de nuevos aspectos fisiopatológicos de la enfermedad permitieron el desarrollo de blancos terapéuticos innovadores a nivel celular y molecular. El nicorandil, la trimetazidina, la ivabradina y la ranolazina se consideran nuevos fármacos antianginosos y constituyen la segunda línea de tratamiento de la angina de pecho estable; están indicados en pacientes que persisten sintomáticos a pesar del manejo de primera línea o en aquellos que presentan intolerancia o contraindicación a los betabloqueadores o antagonistas de canales de calcio. La trimetazidina, a través de su mecanismo de acción metabólico, mejora la tolerancia al ejercicio y puede ser útil en pacientes con falla cardíaca y contraindicación al uso de digitales; la ivabradina tiene un efecto cronotrópico negativo sin afectar el inotropismo ni la tensión arterial por lo que se puede usar en pacientes con taquiarritmias o falla cardíaca concomitante; en contraste, la ranolazina no afecta el cronotropismo por lo que se usa en pacientes con bradiarritmias aunque puede generar prolongación del intervalo QTc. La elección de alguno de estos medicamentos antianginosos de primera o segunda línea debe ser individualizado para cada paciente y se basa en las comorbilidades, contraindicaciones y preferencias del paciente. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):79-93.

ABSTRACT In recent years, new antianginal agents with novel mechanisms of action have been launched to the market, as a complement to the existing therapeutic arsenal. Even though the beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates continue to be the first line of treatment, recent discoveries of pathophysiological aspects of the disease led to the development of innovative therapeutic targets on both cellular and molecular level. Nicorandil, trimetazidine, ivabradine and ranolazine are novel antianginal drugs and constitute the second line of treatment of stable angina; these drugs are indicated for those patients who persist symptomatic despite treatment with first line agents or in those with contraindication or intolerance to beta-blockers o calcium channel blockers. Trimetazidine, through its metabolic mechanism of action, improves exercise tolerance and might be useful in patients with concomitant heart failure and contraindication to digitalis; ivabradine can be used in patients with concomitant tachyarrhythmias due to its negative chronotropic effect without affecting inotropism or blood pressure; in contrast, ranolazine doesn't affect chronotropism and can be used in patients with bradyarrhythmias, however, it might cause prolongation of the QTc interval. The choice of treatment with either of the first line or second line antianginal agents must be individualized for each patient and based on comorbidities, contraindications and patient's preference. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):79-93.

Management of patients with heart failure / Manuseio do paciente portador de insuficiência cardíaca

The treatment of heart failure (HF) has advanced greatly in recent decades. Today, based on evidence, it includes beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and spironolactone. For symptomatic patients, we must add a diuretic and/or digitalis. For these medications to be effective they must be used in full doses. The objective of this study was the correct treatment modifies the natural history of the disease, reducing its morbidity and mortality. To check its effectiveness, symptoms reduction, reversal of, increase of ejection fraction and reduction of heart rate are assessed. When there is no improvement of these characteristics, or the treatment is inadequate and must be improved, or the clinical picture is very serious, there is a poor prognosis. Early detection of HF allows measures to be taken in order to modify the natural history of the disease. Thus, we should encourage the correct treatment since early stages of the disease, preventing progression to advanced and refractory forms.

O tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca (IC) avançou muito nas últimas décadas. Hoje, baseado em evidências inclui o uso de betabloqueadores, inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina,bloqueadores do receptor da angiotensina II e espironolactona.Para os pacientes sintomáticos devem-se acrescentar um diurético e/ou digital. Para que esses fármacos sejam efetivos devem ser empregados em doses plenas. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o tratamento correto modifica a história natural da doença, reduzindo sua morbidade e mortalidade. Para verificar sua efetividade,avalia-se a melhora dos sintomas, reversão da dilatação cardíaca,aumento da fração de ejeção e redução da frequência cardíaca.Quando não há melhora destas características, ou o tratamento é insuficiente e deve ser melhorado ou que o quadro clínico é muito grave e o paciente terá, então, um prognóstico sombrio. A detecção precoce da insuficiência cardíaca permite que medidas sejam tomadas a fim de modificar a história natural da doença.Deve-se, portanto encorajar o tratamento correto desde os estágios iniciais da doença, prevenindo a progressão para formas avançadas e refratárias.

Hipertensión Arterial Resistente / Resistant hypertension

Se define a la hipertensión resistente como la presión arterial que se mantiene por encima de los niveles establecidos a pesar de estar usándose tres medicamentos antihipertensivos en dosis óptimas; y una de estas tres drogas debiera ser un diurético. Los pacientes cuya presión arterial se mantiene controlada pero que requieran 4 o más medicamentos también son considerados como resistentes al tratamiento. Los análisis realizados en estudios a gran escala de medicamentos antihipertensivos apuntan a una prevalencia de 10 a 20% para la hipertensión resistente al tratamiento en la población general de hipertensos. Los pacientes con hipertensión resistente tienen una probabilidad de 50% o más de experimentar un evento adverso cardiovascular en comparación con aquellos con hipertensión controlada que están usando tres o menos agentes antihipertensivos. Los estudios indican que un 5 a un 10% de los pacientes con hipertensión resistente tienen una causa secundaria subyacente para su presión arterial elevada, una prevalencia significativamente mayor comparada con lo observado en la población general de hipertensos. La mejor evidencia disponible sustenta el empleo de espironolactona en dosis bajas como el cuarto medicamento antihipertensivo preferible si los niveles séricos de potasio de los pacientes estuvieran bajos. Si tales valores fueran más elevados, deberá considerarse una intensificación de una terapia con diuréticos del grupo de las tiazidas. La terapia de denervación simpática renal, siendo una intervención invasiva, potencialmente podría estimular un cambio de paradigmas en el manejo de la hipertensión resistente.

Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains above target in spite of using three optimally dosed antihypertensive drugs of different classes, and one of the three drugs should be a diuretic. Patients whose blood pressure is controlled but requiring 4 or more drugs are also considered as resistant to treatment. Analyses of large scale trials of antihypertensive drugs point to a 10-20% prevalence of resistant hypertension in the general hypertensive population. Patients with resistant hypertension are almost 50% more likely to experience an adverse cardiovascular event compared with those with controlled blood pressure using three or less antihypertensive agents. Studies indicate that 5-10% of patients with resistant hypertension have an underlying secondary cause for their elevated blood pressure - a prevalence significantly greater compared to that of the general hypertensive population. The best available evidence supports the use of low dose spironolactone as the preferred fourth antihypertensive drug if the patient's blood potassium level is low. With higher blood potassium levels, intensification of thiazide-like diuretic therapy should be considered. Renal sympathetic denervation therapy, as a device based intervention, could potentially stimulate a paradigm shift in the management of resistant hypertension.

Cardiovascular and hematologic effects produced by chronic treatment with etoricoxib in normotensive rats / Efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com etoricoxib em ratos normotensos

PURPOSE: Evaluate the cardiovascular and hematological effects produced by chronic treatment with two dosis of etoricoxib in Wistar normotensive rats. METHODS: Thirty rats have been used and divided into one control group and two etoricoxib (10mg/kg and 30mg/kg) treatments groups for 60 days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was taken during the whole experimental period and at the end of this period, under anesthesia blood samples were taken, and further the withdrawn of the aorta, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys for the anatomopathologic study. RESULTS: The treatment with etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produced a significant increase of the MAP from the 28th day of the experiment and from the platelets when compared to the control group and to the group treated with 10mg/Kg, besides producing a highly significant difference in hematocrit and in the red blood cells in relation to the control group. On the other hand the treatment with etoricoxib has not caused histopathological changes when compared to the control. CONCLUSION: These data show that the chronic treatment with etoricoxib leads to increase of the MAP, and to important hematological changes which seem to be associated to the hemoconcentration although not producing anatomopathological significant changes.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com duas doses de etoricoxib em ratos Wistar normotensos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 ratos divididos em um grupo controle e dois grupos tratamentos (10mg/kg e 30mg/kg) de etoricoxib por 60 dias. A pressão arterial média (PAM) dos animais foi aferida durante todo o período experimental e, ao final deste, sob anestesia, foram coletadas amostras de sangue, além da retirada da aorta, coração, cérebro, fígado e rins para estudo anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produziu aumento significativo da PAM a partir do 28º dia do experimento e das plaquetas quando comparado ao grupo controle e ao grupo tratado com etoricoxib 10 mg/Kg, além de produzir diferença altamente significativa no hematócrito e nas hemácias em relação ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, o tratamento com etoricoxib, não produziu alterações histopatológicas quando comparado ao controle. CONCLUSÃO: Estes dados indicam que o tratamento crônico com etoricoxib produz aumento da PAM, além de importantes alterações hematológicas que parecem estar associadas à hemoconcentração, porém sem produzir alterações anatomopatológicas significativas.(AU)

Cardiovascular and hematologic effects produced by chronic treatment with etoricoxib in normotensive rats / Efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com etoricoxib em ratos normotensos

PURPOSE: Evaluate the cardiovascular and hematological effects produced by chronic treatment with two dosis of etoricoxib in Wistar normotensive rats. METHODS: Thirty rats have been used and divided into one control group and two etoricoxib (10mg/kg and 30mg/kg) treatments groups for 60 days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was taken during the whole experimental period and at the end of this period, under anesthesia blood samples were taken, and further the withdrawn of the aorta, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys for the anatomopathologic study. RESULTS: The treatment with etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produced a significant increase of the MAP from the 28th day of the experiment and from the platelets when compared to the control group and to the group treated with 10mg/Kg, besides producing a highly significant difference in hematocrit and in the red blood cells in relation to the control group. On the other hand the treatment with etoricoxib has not caused histopathological changes when compared to the control. CONCLUSION: These data show that the chronic treatment with etoricoxib leads to increase of the MAP, and to important hematological changes which seem to be associated to the hemoconcentration although not producing anatomopathological significant changes.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com duas doses de etoricoxib em ratos Wistar normotensos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 ratos divididos em um grupo controle e dois grupos tratamentos (10mg/kg e 30mg/kg) de etoricoxib por 60 dias. A pressão arterial média (PAM) dos animais foi aferida durante todo o período experimental e, ao final deste, sob anestesia, foram coletadas amostras de sangue, além da retirada da aorta, coração, cérebro, fígado e rins para estudo anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produziu aumento significativo da PAM a partir do 28° dia do experimento e das plaquetas quando comparado ao grupo controle e ao grupo tratado com etoricoxib 10 mg/Kg, além de produzir diferença altamente significativa no hematócrito e nas hemácias em relação ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, o tratamento com etoricoxib, não produziu alterações histopatológicas quando comparado ao controle. CONCLUSÃO: Estes dados indicam que o tratamento crônico com etoricoxib produz aumento da PAM, além de importantes alterações hematológicas que parecem estar associadas à hemoconcentração, porém sem produzir alterações anatomopatológicas significativas.

Avaliação cardiovascular de cães submetidos a associações anestésicas fundamentadas em fármacos dissociativos / Cardiovascular evaluation of dogs submitted to the anesthetic associations based on dissociative drugs

Avaliaram-se as variações caridiovasculares de 30 cães submetidos a anestesia com atropina-xilazina-cetamina, levomepromazina-zolazepam-tiletamina e levopromazima-midazolam-cetamina. A monitoração foi realizada em momentos distribuídos entre: M0, imediatamente antes da administração de medicação pré-anestésica; M1, 15 minutos após a associação anestésica; e M2 a M7, realizadas em intervalos de 10 minutos após a administração da associação anestésica. Diante dos resultados, conclui-se que as três associações anestésicas promovem queda progressiva da temperatura retal. As associações anestésicas levomepromazina-zolazepam-tiletamina e levopromazima-midazolam-cetamina, elevaram a freqüência cardíaca além dos parâmetros fisiológicos. O fármaco xilazina apresentou-se eficiente no controle da taquicardia pelos fármacos dissociativos e elevou a pressão arterial logo após sua administração

It was evaluated the caridiovascular variations of 30 mongrel dogs submitted to anesthesia with atropine-quetamina-xilazine, levomepromazine-tiletamine-zolazepam and levomepromazine-midazolan-ketamine. The monitoring was done by some moments distributed among: M0, immediately before the administration of the daily preanesthetic medication; M1,15 minutes after the administration of the M7, applied in intervals of 10 minutes after the administration of the anesthetic association. From the results, one can conclude that the three anesthetic associations promote a gradual decrease in retal temperature. The anesthetic associations levomepromazine-tiletamine-zolazepam and levomepromazine-midazolan-quetamina had raised the cardiac frequency beyond the physiological parameters. The xilazine was revealed efficient in the control of the tachycardia caused by the dissociative drugs and it raised arterial pressure soon after its administration, with posterior reduction