Hybrid Magnetic Resonance Positron Emission Tomography Is Associated With Cardiac-Related Outcomes in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance (MR) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET allows complementary assessment of myocardial injury and disease activity and has shown promise for improved characterization of active cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) based on the combined positive imaging outcome, MR(+)PET(+). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate qualitative and quantitative assessments of hybrid MR/PET imaging in CS and to evaluate its association with cardiac-related outcomes. METHODS: A total of 148 patients with suspected CS underwent hybrid MR/PET imaging. Patients were classified based on the presence/absence of LGE (MR+/MR-), presence/absence of 18F-FDG (PET+/PET-), and pattern of 18F-FDG uptake (focal/diffuse) into the following categories: MR(+)PET(+)FOCAL, MR(+)PET(+)DIFFUSE, MR(+)PET(-), MR(-)PET(+)FOCAL, MR(-)PET(+)DIFFUSE, MR(-)PET(-). Further analysis classified MR positivity based on %LGE exceeding 5.7% as MR(+/-)5.7%. Quantitative values of standard uptake value, target-to-background ratio, target-to-normal-myocardium ratio (TNMRmax), and T2 were measured. The primary clinical endpoint was met by the occurrence of cardiac arrest, ventricular tachycardia, or secondary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) before the end of the study. The secondary endpoint was met by any of the primary endpoint criteria plus heart failure or heart block. MR/PET imaging results were compared between those meeting or not meeting the clinical endpoints. RESULTS: Patients designated MR(+)5.7%PET(+)FOCAL had increased odds of meeting the primary clinical endpoint compared to those with all other imaging classifications (unadjusted OR: 9.2 [95% CI: 3.0-28.7]; P = 0.0001), which was higher than the odds based on MR or PET alone. TNMRmax achieved an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.90 for separating MR(+)PET(+)FOCAL from non-MR(+)PET(+)FOCAL, and 0.77 for separating those reaching the clinical endpoint from those not reaching the clinical endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid MR/PET image-based classification of CS was statistically associated with clinical outcomes in CS. TNMRmax had modest sensitivity and specificity for quantifying the imaging-based classification MR(+)PET(+)FOCAL and was associated with outcomes. Use of combined MR and PET image-based classification may have use in prognostication and treatment management in CS.

Mitral valve prolapse morphofunctional features by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: more than just a valvular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valve (MV) prolapse (MVP) is a primary valvular abnormality. We hypothesized that additionally there are concomitant abnormalities of the left ventricle (LV) and MV apparatus in this entity even in the absence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR). OBJECTIVE: To characterize MV and LV anatomic and functional features in MVP with preserved LV ejection fraction, with and without significant MR, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: Consecutive MVP patients (n = 80, mean 52 years, 37% males) with preserved LV ejection fraction, and 44 controls (46 years, 52% males) by CMR were included, as well as 13 additional patients with "borderline" MVP. From cine images we quantified LV volumes, MV and LV anatomic measurements (including angle between diastolic and systolic annular planes, annular displacement, and basal inferolateral hypertrophy) and, using feature tracking, longitudinal and circumferential peak systolic strains. RESULTS: Significant MR was found in 46 (56%) MVP patients. Compared with controls, MVP patients had LV enlargement, basal inferolateral hypertrophy, higher posterior annular excursion, and reduced shortening of the papillary muscles. LV basal strains were significantly increased, particularly in several basal segments. These differences remained significant in patients without significant MR, and many persisted in "borderline" MVP. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MVP and preserved LV ejection fraction there is LV dilatation, basal inferolateral hypertrophy, exaggerated posterior annular displacement and increased basal deformation, even in the absence of significant MR or overt MVP. These findings suggest that MVP is a disease not only of the MV but also of the adjacent myocardium.

Iniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología: nuevo desafío práctico de enfermería / Human care initiatives in neonatology: new practical nursing challenge

Introducción: La atención en las unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal (UCIN) ha sido centrada en diversos equipos tecnológicos que han dejado a un lado la parte humana y el acercamiento de los padres en esta etapa vulnerable, es por ello que las iniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología se consideran como un método que permite humanizar el cuidado de estos bebés constituyéndose como la herramienta más apropiada los avances tecnológicos, en armonía con el contacto del entorno familiar.Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo que con la aplicación de instrumento tipo CAP y una guía de observación determinó los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los enfermeros sobre las iniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología en las UCIN en Valledupar. Resultados: La mayor parte de la población se ubica en edades entre 18- 30 años, femeninas en su totalidad, con experiencia laboral entre 1- 5 años y formación avanzada a nivel de diplomado en el área. El 100% de las enfermeras conocen las iniciativas de practicarlas. Solo el 16% interviene en el protocolo de mínima manipulación neonatal, y fomenta el neurodesarrollo del recién nacido. Discusión y conclusionesiniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología, tienen una actitud abierta a practicarlas, solo implementan el protocolo de mínima manipulación y fomentan el cuidado hacia el neurodesarrollo de los prematuros

Introduction: Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been focused on various technological equipment that has left aside the human touch, and the closeness of parents with children in this vulnerable stage. This is why the initiatives for Human Care Neonatology are considered as a method to humanize the care for these babies, of technological progress, in harmony with the touch of a family environment. Materials and methods: Descriptive study with the application of CAP instrument type. An observation guide determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses related to human care initiatives in neonatology in NICUs in Valledupar. Results: Participants ́ ages range between 18- 30 years, all women, with work experience between 1- 5 years, and post graduate training in the area (diplomado). 100% of nurses them. Only 16% is involved in neonatal minimal protocol handling, and encourages neurodevelopmental newborn. Discussion and conclusionsneonatology, have an open attitude to practice them, they only implement the protocol of minimal handling and foster care for premature neurodevelopment

Relationship between different doses of beta-blockers and prognosis in elderly patients with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers (BBs) remain underused in elderly patients with reduced ejection fraction (REF). Our aim was to determine the prognostic impact of different doses of BB in this setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single-center observational study was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age≥75 and EF≤0.35. Six months after diagnosis, patients were divided into 3 groups depending on BB dose: no BB (NBB), low dose (<50% of the target dose) (LD), and high dose (≥50%) (HD). Two different analytical approaches were employed: multivariate Cox model and propensity-score (PS) matching. Outcomes were all-cause death and heart failure (HF) admission. We included 559 patients (134 NBB, 259 LD, and 166 HD) with median follow-up of 29.9months. There were 212 deaths (NBB: 70 (52.2%); LD: 94 (36.3%); and HD: 48 (28.9%)) and 171 HF admissions (NBB: 42 (31.3%); LD: 85 (32.8%); and HD: 44 (26.5%)). On multivariate analysis, both LD and HD were associated with improved survival, with no differences between them (HD vs. NBB=0.67, 95% CI=[0.46-0.98], p=0.037; HD vs. LD=1.03, 95% CI=[0.72-1.46], p=0.894; and LD vs. NBB=0.65, 95% CI=[0.48-0.90], p=0.009). However, BB therapy failed to show benefits in HF admissions (p=NS, for each comparison). PS-matched analysis included 198 patients, with similar results to those mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: BB therapy was associated with a significant reduction in mortality among elderly patients with REF, regardless of dose. Nevertheless, it was not associated with a decrease in HF admissions. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal BB dose in these patients.

Intersectorialidad, interdisciplinariedad y educación en salud: Cuestión de responsabilidad social universitaria / Intersectorality, interdisciplinarity and health education: question of university social responsibility

Artículo de reflexión con el objetivo de señalar el valor de la intersectorialidad, la interdisciplinariedad y la educación en salud como pilares para desarrollar un modelo de responsabilidad social universitario cimentado en la conciencia social y cultura del valor de la otredad y de la alteridad. Surge de los resultados obtenidos de la investigación sobre percepción de riesgos que asumen los habitantes de mayor vulnerabilidad del área urbana de Valledupar con unos estilos de vida que pueden ser modelizados en bienestar saludable y a través del empoderamiento para desarrollar capacidad de autogestión para mejorar las condiciones de vida. El trabajo permite concluir es necesaria una mayor presencia institucional que de manera coordinada potencie los esfuerzos estatales y privados, en donde la universidad tiene un gran compromiso para promover proyectos con pertinencia y conciencia social.

The objective of this article of reflection was to point out the value of the intersectorality, interdisciplinarity and health education as pillars to develop a University social responsibility model founded on social awareness and culture of the value of otherness. It comes from the results of the research made about the perception of risks the inhabitants of greater vulnerability of the urban area of Valledupar take who have life styles that can be modelled through empowerment and healthy well-being to develop the capacity for self-management to improve living conditions. It can be concluded that it is required to have a greater institutional presence that enhances State and private efforts, where the University has a strong commitment to promote projects with relevance and social awareness.