Predictive Value of Myocardial injury in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to a Quaternary Hospital in the City of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Background In Brazil the factors involved in the risk of death in patients with COVID-19 have not been well established. Objective To analyze whether elevations of high-sensitivity troponin I (hTnI) levels influence the mortality of patients with COVID-19. Methods Clinical and laboratory characteristics of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were collected upon hospital admission. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyzes were performed to assess the factors that influence mortality. P-value<0.05 was considered significant. Results This study analyzed192 patients who received hospital admission between March 16 and June 2, 2020 and who were discharged or died by July 2, 2020. The mean age was 70±15 years, 80 (41.7%) of whom were women. In comparison to those who were discharged, the 54 (28.1%) who died were older (79±12 vs 66±15years; P=0.004), and with a higher Charlson´s index (5±2 vs 3±2; P=0.027). More patients, aged≥60years (P <0.0001), Charlson´s index>1 (P=0.004), lung injury>50% in chest computed tomography (P=0.011), with previous coronary artery disease (P=0.037), hypertension (P=0.033), stroke (P=0.008), heart failure (P=0.002), lymphocytopenia (P=0.024), high D-dimer (P=0.024), high INR (P=0.003), hTnI (P<0.0001), high creatinine (P<0.0001), invasive mechanical ventilation (P<0.0001), renal replacement therapy (P<0.0001), vasoactive amine (P<0.0001), and transfer to the ICU (P=0.001), died when compared to those who were discharged. In logistic regression analysis, elevated hTnI levels (OR=9.504; 95% CI=1.281-70.528; P=0.028) upon admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation during hospitalization (OR=46.691; 95% CI=2.360-923.706; P=0.012) increased the chance of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion This study suggests that in COVID-19 disease, myocardial injury upon hospital admission is a harbinger of poor prognosis.

Talk the talk and walk the walk! Association between Weekly Exercise Load and Knowledge about Recommendations for Fighting Innactivity

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as a weekly "target dose" of exercise 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise. Public health policies have prioritized the practice of exercise as a strategy for disease prevention and health promotion, with health professionals as their main promoters. Objective: To assess the interaction between the amount of exercise per week and the knowledge about recommendations for fighting a sedentary lifestyle among health care professionals attending a congress of cardiology. Methods: Participants of the 2017 Rio de Janeiro Society of Cardiology Congress were interviewed. Knowledge about the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fighting a sedentary lifestyle was assessed by asking participants the question: "How much weekly exercise is recommended by the WHO?" Responders were stratified by the weekly exercise load reported. A multivariate logistic model was created to determine independent predictors of knowledge. Results: A total of 426 participants were interviewed (45.5% men, median age 31 years, 37.8% physicians, 65.8% of the physicians were cardiologists). The overall knowledge level was 44.6%; 38.1%, 52.7% and 56.6% among non-physicians, non-cardiologists and cardiologists, respectively (p = 0.002). Of all participants, 21.8% were inactive, 15% were lightly active, 34.7% moderately active and 28.4% highly active, and the percentage of individuals who gave a correct answer to the question on exercise recommendations was 30.1%, 42%, 48% and 52.9% respectively (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, being highly active (OR = 2.25, IC95%, 1.238 - 4.089), moderately active (OR = 1.93, IC 95% 1.105 - 3.39) and being a cardiologist (OR = 2.01, IC 95% 1.243 - 3,267) were predictors of knowledge. Conclusions: There was a linear association between exercise level and knowledge about the WHO recommendations on exercise. Policies to stimulate the practice of exercise among health professionals can positively impact campaigns for reducing sedentary lifestyle in the general population

Impact of simulation training on a telestroke network.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, where there are significant imbalances in access to specialized stroke care. Telemedicine networks allow patients to receive neurological evaluation and intravenous thrombolysis in underserved areas, where performance measures are challenging. AIMS: To describe the impact caused by adequate stroke care training, using realistic simulation, in a developing country telestroke network. METHODS: Retrospective observational study comparing the number of all stroke diagnoses, thrombolysis rate, door-to-needle time and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis, during one year providing just algorithms and orientation in stroke care to spoke facilities (phase 1), with the results achieved along one year after the beginning of ongoing live training sessions (phase 2). RESULTS: The mean number of patients diagnosed with stroke increased from 7.5 to 16.58 per month (P = 0.019) rising from 90 patients during phase 1 to 199 in phase 2. There was a reduction in the mean door-to-needle time from 137.1 to 95.5 min (-41.58; 95% CI -62.77 to -20.40). The thrombolysis and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates had a non-significant decrease from 21.31% to 18.18% (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.71) and 12.5% to 7.69% (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.046 to 7.425), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Realistic simulation stroke care training provided by stroke centers to spoke facilities seems to significantly reduce door-to-needle time and enhance adherence in a telestroke network.

Impact of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program.

OBJECTIVE: Glycemic control has been increasingly recognized as a critical element in inpatient care, but optimal management of blood glucose in the hospital setting remains challenging. The aims of this study were to describe and evaluate the impact of the implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program on glucose control in hospitalized patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records and glucose monitoring data obtained by point- of-care testing (POCT) in hospitalized patients before (May 2014) and after (June 2015 and May 2017) the implementation of the program. RESULTS: We analyzed 6888, 7290, and 7669 POCTs from 389, 545, and 475 patients in May 2014, June 2015, and May 2017, respectively. Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/ dL) occurred in 23.5%, 19.6%, and 19.3% POCTs in May 2014, June 2015, and May/2017, respectively (p < 0.001), while severe hyperglycemia (≥ 300 mg/dL) was observed in 2.5%, 2.2%, and 1.8% of them, respectively (p = 0.003). Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/dL) reduced significantly from May 2014 to June 2015 (16.3%, p < 0.001) and from May 2014 to May 2017 (178%, p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in hypoglycemic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program led to significant reductions in hyperglycemic events. The key elements for this achievement were the development of institutional inpatient glycemic control protocols, establishment of a multidisciplinary team, and continuing educational programs for hospital personnel. Altogether, these actions resulted in improvements in care processes, patient safety, and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients.

Impact of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program

ABSTRACT Objective: Glycemic control has been increasingly recognized as a critical element in inpatient care, but optimal management of blood glucose in the hospital setting remains challenging. The aims of this study were to describe and evaluate the impact of the implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program on glucose control in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records and glucose monitoring data obtained by point- of-care testing (POCT) in hospitalized patients before (May 2014) and after (June 2015 and May 2017) the implementation of the program. Results: We analyzed 6888, 7290, and 7669 POCTs from 389, 545, and 475 patients in May 2014, June 2015, and May 2017, respectively. Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/ dL) occurred in 23.5%, 19.6%, and 19.3% POCTs in May 2014, June 2015, and May/2017, respectively (p < 0.001), while severe hyperglycemia (≥ 300 mg/dL) was observed in 2.5%, 2.2%, and 1.8% of them, respectively (p = 0.003). Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/dL) reduced significantly from May 2014 to June 2015 (16.3%, p < 0.001) and from May 2014 to May 2017 (178%, p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in hypoglycemic parameters. Conclusions: The implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program led to significant reductions in hyperglycemic events. The key elements for this achievement were the development of institutional inpatient glycemic control protocols, establishment of a multidisciplinary team, and continuing educational programs for hospital personnel. Altogether, these actions resulted in improvements in care processes, patient safety, and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients.

'Choosing Wisely' culture among Brazilian cardiologists.

OBJECTIVE: (i) To describe how aligned the 'Choosing Wisely' concept is with the medical culture among Brazilian cardiologists and (ii) to identify predictors for physicians' preference for avoiding wasteful care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Brazilian Society of Cardiology. PARTICIPANTS: Cardiologists who agree to fill a web questionary. INTERVENTION: A task force of 12 Brazilian cardiologists prepared a list of 13 'do not do' recommendations, which were made available on the Brazilian Society of Cardiology website for affiliates to assign a supported score of 1 to 10 to each recommendation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Score average for supporting recommendations. RESULTS: Of 14 579 Brazilian cardiologists, 621 (4.3%) answered the questionnaire. The top recommendation was 'do not perform routine percutaneous coronary intervention in asymptomatic individuals' (mean score = 8.0 ± 2.9) while the one with the lowest support was 'do not use an intra-aortic balloon pump in infarction with cardiogenic shock' (5.8 ± 3.2). None of the 13 recommendations presented a mean grade >9 (strong support); 7 recommendations averaged 7-8 (moderate support) followed by 6 recommendations with an average of 5-7 (modest support). Multivariate analysis independently identified predictors of the score attributed to the top recommendation; being an interventionist and time since graduation were both negatively associated with support. CONCLUSIONS: (i) The support of Brazilian cardiologists for the 'Choosing Wisely' concept is modest to moderate, and (ii) older generations and enthusiasm towards the procedure one performs may be factors against the 'Choosing Wisely' philosophy.

BNP was Associated with Ischemic Myocardial Scintigraphy and Death in Patients at Chest Pain Unit / Associação de BNP com Isquemia na Cintilografia Miocárdica e Morte em Pacientes da Unidade de Dor Torácica

Background: Recent studies have suggested that B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is an important predictor of ischemia and death in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Increased levels of BNP are seen after episodes of myocardial ischemia and may be related to future adverse events. Objectives: To determine the prognostic value of BNP for major cardiac events and to evaluate its association with ischemic myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). Methods: This study included retrospectively 125 patients admitted to the chest pain unit between 2002 and 2006, who had their BNP levels measured on admission and underwent CPM for risk stratification. BNP values were compared with the results of the MPS. The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables and the Student t test, for quantitative variables. Survival curves were adjusted using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by using Cox regression. The significance level was 5%. Results: The mean age was 63.9 ± 13.8 years, and the male sex represented 51.2% of the sample. Ischemia was found in 44% of the MPS. The mean BNP level was higher in patients with ischemia compared to patients with non-ischemic MPS (188.3 ± 208.7 versus 131.8 ± 88.6; p = 0.003). A BNP level greater than 80 pg/mL was the strongest predictor of ischemia on MPS (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 70%, accuracy = 66%, PPV = 61%, NPV = 70%), and could predict medium-term mortality (RR = 7.29, 95% CI: 0.90-58.6; p = 0.045) independently of the presence of ischemia. Conclusions: BNP levels are associated with ischemic MPS findings and adverse prognosis in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency room, thus, providing important prognostic information for an unfavorable clinical outcome. .

Fundamentos: Recentes estudos sugeriram que o peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (BNP) seja um importante fator preditivo de isquemia e morte em pacientes com suspeita de síndrome coronariana aguda. Níveis elevados de BNP são observados após episódios de isquemia miocárdica e podem estar relacionados a futuros eventos adversos. Objetivos: Determinar o valor prognóstico do BNP para eventos cardíacos maiores e avaliar sua associação com cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica (CPM) isquêmica. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu retrospectivamente 125 pacientes admitidos na unidade de dor torácica entre 2002 e 2006, quando seus níveis de BNP foram medidos, tendo sido submetidos a CPM para estratificação de risco. Os níveis de BNP foram comparados com os resultados da CPM. O teste do qui-quadrado foi usado para avaliar as variáveis qualitativas e o teste t de Student, para as quantitativas. Curvas de sobrevida foram ajustadas usando-se o método de Kaplan-Meier e analisadas com regressão de Cox. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A idade média foi de 63,9 ± 13,8 anos, e o sexo masculino correspondeu a 51,2% da amostra. Isquemia foi identificada em 44% das CPM. O BNP médio foi maior em pacientes com isquemia do que naqueles sem isquemia na CPM (188,3 ± 208,7 versus 131,8 ± 88,6; p = 0,003). Um nível de BNP acima de 80 pg/ml mostrou-se o mais forte fator preditivo de isquemia na CPM (sensibilidade = 60%, especificidade = 70%, acurácia = 66%, VPP = 61%, VPN = 70%), tendo sido capaz de predizer morte em médio prazo (RR = 7,29, IC 95%: 0,90-58,6; p = 0,045) independentemente da presença de isquemia. Conclusões: Os níveis de BNP estão associados com achados isquêmicos na CPM e prognóstico adverso em pacientes que se apresentam no setor de emergência queixando-se de dor torácica aguda, fornecendo, portanto, importante informação prognóstica para um desfecho clínico desfavorável. .

BNP was associated with ischemic myocardial scintigraphy and death in patients at chest pain unit.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is an important predictor of ischemia and death in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Increased levels of BNP are seen after episodes of myocardial ischemia and may be related to future adverse events. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prognostic value of BNP for major cardiac events and to evaluate its association with ischemic myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). METHODS: This study included retrospectively 125 patients admitted to the chest pain unit between 2002 and 2006, who had their BNP levels measured on admission and underwent CPM for risk stratification. BNP values were compared with the results of the MPS. The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables and the Student t test, for quantitative variables. Survival curves were adjusted using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by using Cox regression. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The mean age was 63.9 ± 13.8 years, and the male sex represented 51.2% of the sample. Ischemia was found in 44% of the MPS. The mean BNP level was higher in patients with ischemia compared to patients with non-ischemic MPS (188.3 ± 208.7 versus 131.8 ± 88.6; p = 0.003). A BNP level greater than 80 pg/mL was the strongest predictor of ischemia on MPS (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 70%, accuracy = 66%, PPV = 61%, NPV = 70%), and could predict medium-term mortality (RR = 7.29, 95% CI: 0.90-58.6; p = 0.045) independently of the presence of ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: BNP levels are associated with ischemic MPS findings and adverse prognosis in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency room, thus, providing important prognostic information for an unfavorable clinical outcome.

[Analysis of barriers to the use of thrombolytics in ischemic stroke in a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Análise das barreiras à utilização de trombolíticos em casos de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico em um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological sequelae and death. The correct use of thrombolytic therapy faces several barriers. The objective was to discuss barriers to thrombolytic therapy in a private hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke entering the emergency department of a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. 257 patients were admitted with suspected ischemic stroke. Among the 156 patients with confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke, 18 (11.5%) received thrombolytic therapy. Of the 30 patients with ischemic stroke within the therapeutic window and meeting NIHSS criteria for thrombolysis, 20 were not thrombolysed. Nine of these were due to administrative barriers (45%). In the current study, the thrombolysis rate was higher than in the United States, but barriers prevented treating 47.6% of patients with indication for thrombolysis. Importantly, this study was conducted in a private hospital, and the situation may be even more unfavorable in the public health system.

Análise das barreiras à utilização de trombolíticos em casos de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico em um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Analysis of barriers to the use of thrombolytics in ischemic stroke in a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Análisis de las barreras para el uso de trombolíticos en los casos de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en un hospital privado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) é uma importante causa de sequela e morte. A correta utilização do trombolítico enfrenta várias barreiras. O objetivo foi discutir as barreiras à terapia trombolítica em pacientes que chegam, com sintomas de AVCi agudo, à emergência de um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes entre 2009 e 2011. Foram admitidos 257 pacientes com suspeita de AVCi. Dos pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado (156), 11,5% (18) foram trombolisados. Dos 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de AVCi, dentro da janela terapêutica e com NIHSS na faixa para trombólise, 20 não foram trombolisados, 9 por barreiras administrativas (45%). Neste trabalho o percentual de trombólise foi superior ao observado nos Estados Unidos, mas barreiras impediram o tratamento de 45% dos pacientes com indicação à trombólise. Imagina-se que na rede pública brasileira a situação seja ainda mais desfavorável.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological sequelae and death. The correct use of thrombolytic therapy faces several barriers. The objective was to discuss barriers to thrombolytic therapy in a private hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke entering the emergency department of a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. 257 patients were admitted with suspected ischemic stroke. Among the 156 patients with confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke, 18 (11.5%) received thrombolytic therapy. Of the 30 patients with ischemic stroke within the therapeutic window and meeting NIHSS criteria for thrombolysis, 20 were not thrombolysed. Nine of these were due to administrative barriers (45%). In the current study, the thrombolysis rate was higher than in the United States, but barriers prevented treating 47.6% of patients with indication for thrombolysis. Importantly, this study was conducted in a private hospital, and the situation may be even more unfavorable in the public health system.

El accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (AVCi) es una causa importante de daño en tejidos y muerte. El uso correcto de trombolíticos se enfrenta a varios obstáculos. El objetivo fue analizar las barreras para el tratamiento trombolítico en pacientes que llegaran con síntomas de AVCi agudo al servicio de urgencias de un hospital privado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de los pacientes, entre los años 2009 y 2011. 257 pacientes fueron ingresados con sospecha de AVCi. De los pacientes con casos confirmados (156), 11,5% (18) fueron trombolizados. De los 30 pacientes con un accidente cerebrovascular isquémico dentro de la ventana terapéutica y NIHSS correcto para la trombólisis, 20 no se trombolizaron, 9 por obstáculos. En nuestro estudio el porcentaje de trombólisis fue mayor que en los Estados Unidos, pero las barreras impidieron el tratamiento de un 45% de los pacientes con una indicación de trombólisis.

Embolia pulmonar: tratamento da fase aguda / Pulmonary embolism: acute phase treatment

O tratamento da embolia pulmonar em sua fase aguda tem como objetivos a manutenção da estabilidade clínica e a reperfusão das artérias pulmonares. Nessa fase, quando ocorre o maior número de óbitos, é fundamental que estratégias terapêuticas adequadas a cada caso sejam implementadas. A gravidade da apresentação clínica, relacionada ao grau de comprometimento vascular e ao estado cardiopulmonar prévio dos pacientes, é o principal aspecto a definir o modelo de tratamento

Treatment of pulmonary embolism in its acute phase aims at maintaining stability and clinical reperfusion pulmonary arteries. In this phase, where there is the largest number of deaths, it is essential that appropriate therapeutic strategies are implemented in each case. The severity of clinical presentation, related to the degree of vascular compromise and prior to cardiopulmonary status of patients, the main aspect is to define the model of treatment

Prevalence of induced ischemia by mental distress.

BACKGROUND: The myocardial radionuclide imaging with mental distress seems to induce ischemia through a particular physiopathology when compared to radionuclide imaging with physical or pharmacological distress. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of induced myocardial ischemia by mental distress in patients with thoracic pain and radionuclide imaging with normal conventional distress, with 99mTc-Sestamibi. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were admitted with thoracic pain at emergency or were referred to the nuclear medicine service of our institution, where myocardial radionuclide imaging of distress or rest without ischemic alterations was carried out. The patients were, then, invited to go through an additional phase with mental distress induced by color conflict (Strop Color Test) with the objective of detecting myocardial ischemia. Two cardiologists and nuclear physicians performed the blind analysis of perfusional data and consequent quantification through Summed Difference Score (SDS), punctuating the segments that were altered after mental distress and comparing it to the rest period image. The presence of myocardial ischemia was considered if SDS > or = 3. RESULTS: The prevalence of mental distress-induced myocardial ischemia was 40% (9 positive patients). Among the 22 studied patients, there were no statistical differences with regard to the number of risk factors, mental distress-induced hemodynamic alterations, usage of medications, presented symptoms, presence or absence of coronary disease and variations of ejection fraction and final systolic volume of Gated SPECT. CONCLUSION: In a selected sample of patients with thoracic pain and normal myocardial radionuclide imaging, the research of myocardial ischemia induced by mental distress through radionuclide imaging may be positive in up to 40% of cases.

Prevalência de isquemia induzida por estresse mental / Prevalence of induced ischemia by mental distress

FUNDAMENTOS: A cintilografia miocárdica com estresse mental parece induzir isquemia através de uma fisiopatologia particular quando comparada com a cintilografia, utilizando o estresse físico ou farmacológico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de isquemia miocárdica induzida por estresse mental, em pacientes com dor torácica e cintilografia com estresse convencional normal, utilizando 99mTc-Sestamibi. MÉTODOS: 22 PAcientes foram admitidos com dor torácica na emergência, ou foram encaminhados ambulatorialmente ao serviço de medicina nuclear da nossa instituição, onde realizaram cintilografia miocárdica de estresse e repouso sem alterações isquêmicas. Então, foram convidados a realizar uma fase adicional com indução de estresse mental através do conflito de cores (Stroop Color Test) com o objetivo de detectar isquemia miocárdica. Dois cardiologistas e médicos nucleares realizaram a análise cega dos dados perfusionais e consequente quantificação através do SDS (Summed Diference Score), pontuando os segmentos com alteração perfusional após o estresse mental e comparando com a imagem de repouso. A presença de isquemia miocárdica foi considerada com SDS > 3. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de isquemia miocárdica induzida por estresse mental foi de 40 por cento (9 pacientes positivos). Nos 22 pacientes estudados não houve diferença estatística quanto ao número de fatores de risco, alterações hemodinâmicas induzidas pelo estresse mental, uso de medicações, sintomas apresentados, presença ou ausência de doença coronariana e variações da fração de ejeção e volume sistólico final do Gated SPECT. CONCLUSÃO: EM Uma amostra selecionada de pacientes com dor torácica e cintilografia miocárdica convencional normal, a pesquisa de isquemia miocárdica induzida pelo estresse mental através de cintilografia pode ser positiva em até 40 por cento dos casos.

BACKGROUND: The myocardial radionuclide imaging with mental distress seems to induce ischemia through a particular physiopathology when compared to radionuclide imaging with physical or pharmacological distress. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of induced myocardial ischemia by mental distress in patients with thoracic pain and radionuclide imaging with normal conventional distress, with 99mTc-Sestamibi. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were admitted with thoracic pain at emergency or were referred to the nuclear medicine service of our institution, where myocardial radionuclide imaging of distress or rest without ischemic alterations was carried out. The patients were, then, invited to go through an additional phase with mental distress induced by color conflict (Strop Color Test) with the objective of detecting myocardial ischemia. Two cardiologists and nuclear physicians performed the blind analysis of perfusional data and consequent quantification through Summed Difference Score (SDS), punctuating the segments that were altered after mental distress and comparing it to the rest period image. The presence of myocardial ischemia was considered if SDS > 3. RESULTS: The prevalence of mental distress-induced myocardial ischemia was 40 percent (9 positive patients). Among the 22 studied patients, there were no statistical differences with regard to the number of risk factors, mental distress-induced hemodynamic alterations, usage of medications, presented symptoms, presence or absence of coronary disease and variations of ejection fraction and final systolic volume of Gated SPECT. CONCLUSION: In a selected sample of patients with thoracic pain and normal myocardial radionuclide imaging, the research of myocardial ischemia induced by mental distress through radionuclide imaging may be positive in up to 40 percent of cases.

Predictors of hospital mortality in hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is associated with high mortality in patients with hypotension or circulatory shock. However, the association between some clinical variables and mortality is still unclear in hemodynamically stable patients. OBJECTIVES: To derive an in-hospital mortality risk stratification model in hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism. METHODS: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study of 582 consecutive patients admitted in emergency units or intensive care units with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism and whose diagnosis was confirmed by one or more of the following tests: pulmonary arteriography, spiral CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, Doppler echocardiography, pulmonary scintigraphy, or venous duplex scan. Data on demographics, comorbidities and clinical manifestations were collected and included in a logistic regression analysis so as to build the prediction model. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 14.1%. The following parameters were identified as independent death risk variables: age > 65 years, bed rest > 72h, chronic cor pulmonale, sinus tachycardia, and tachypnea. After risk stratification, mortalities of 5.4%, 17.8%, and 31.3% were found in the low, moderate and high-risk subgroups, respectively. The model showed 65.5% sensitivity and 80% specificity, with a 0.77 area under the curve. CONCLUSION: In hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism, age > 65 years, bed rest > 72h, chronic cor pulmonale, sinus tachycardia and tachypnea were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. However, further validation of the prediction model in other populations is required so that it can be incorporated into the clinical practice.

Embolia pulmonar: registro multicêntrico da prática clínica em hospitais terciários / Pulmonary embolism: multicenter registry in tertiary hospitals

INTRODUÇÃO: O perfil clínico e as estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas nos pacientes com embolia pulmonar demonstram a prática clínica na abordagem da doença. Essas informações, escassas nos estudos nacionais, possibilitam melhor conhecimento da embolia pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo multicêntrico de 727 pacientes admitidos em unidades de emergência ou terapia intensiva, com o diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar confirmado por um ou mais dos seguintes exames: arteriografia pulmonar angiotomografia computadorizada helicoidal angioressonância magnética, ecodopplercardiograma, cintilografia pulmonar ou duplex-scan venoso. Dados demográficos, comorbidades, manifestações clínicas e métodos complementares foram analisados. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 68 anos, sendo 42 por cento homens. Os fatores de risco mais prevalentes foram: idade > 40 anos, repouso no leito e neoplasia. A dispnéia, taquipnéia, taquicardia, dor torácica, foram as manifestações clínicas mais frequentes. O eletrocardiograma apresentou alterações em 30 por cento, a radiografia de tórax em 45 por cento, o duplex-scan venoso em 69 por cento e o ecodopplercardiograma em 37 por cento. O D-dímero a troponina e a CKMB foram positivos em respectivamente 93, 9 e 8 por cento. Os métodos mais utilizados para o diagnóstico foram: tomografia computadorizada: 47 por cento, duplex-scan venoso: 14 por cento e cintilografia pulmonar: 14 por cento. As formas mais freqüentes de tratamento foram: heparina não fracionada 50 por cento, heparina de baixo peso molecular 30 por cento e trombolítico 12 por cento. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 19,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se que a idade > 40 anos, imobilização prolongada e neoplasia foram os fatores de risco de maior prevalência e a dispnéia a apresentação clínica mais freqüente. A angiotomografia computadorizada helicoidal foi o método mais utilizado para o diagnóstico e a heparina não fracionada a principal forma de tratamento.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical profile as well as the therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for patients with pulmonary embolism, describes clinical practice in the approach of the disease. Such information, scarce in national studies, enables a better understanding of pulmonary embolism. METHODS: A multicenter trial included 727 patients with pulmonary embolism who were admitted in emergency or intensive care unit. Diagnostic criteria for inclusion were: 1. Visibility of thrombus in the pulmonary artery at pulmonary arteriography, helical computer tomography, magnetic resonance or echocardiogram. 2. High probability at pulmonary scintigraphy. 3. Venous duplex-scan with thrombus and clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism. Clinical and complementary exams were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 68 years, 42 percent were male. Most prevalent risk factors were: age>40 years, bed rest and neoplasm. More frequent signs and symptoms were: dyspnea, tachypnea, sinus tachycardia, and chest pain. Changes were observed at electrocardiogram in 30 percent, at chest X-ray in 45 percent, at venous duplex-scan in 67 percent, at transthoracic echocardiogram in 37 percent. . D-dimer, troponin I and CKMB were positive in, respectively, 93, 9 and 8 percent. Most frequently used methods to confirm diagnosis were helical computer tomography and non-fractioned heparin was the treatment most used. In-hospital mortality was 19.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that age>40 years, prolonged rest and neoplasms were the most prevalent risk factors and dyspnea and tachypnea were the more frequent clinical manifestations. Helical computer tomography was the most often used method to confirm diagnosis and non-fractioned heparin was the main form of treatment.

Preditores de mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com embolia pulmonar estáveis hemodinamicamente / Predictores de mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con embolia pulmonar estables hemodinámicamente / Predictors of hospital mortality in hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism

FUNDAMENTO: A embolia pulmonar apresenta alta mortalidade em pacientes com hipotensão arterial ou choque circulatório. Entretanto, em pacientes hemodinamicamente estáveis, a associação de algumas variáveis clínicas com a mortalidade ainda não está claramente estabelecida. OBJETIVOS: Derivar um modelo de estratificação do risco de mortalidade intra-hospitalar em pacientes com embolia pulmonar hemodinamicamente estáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte multicêntrico prospectivo de 582 pacientes consecutivos que foram admitidos em unidades de emergência ou de terapia intensiva, com suspeita clínica de embolia pulmonar, e que tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado por meio de um ou mais dos seguintes exames: arteriografia pulmonar, angiotomografia computadorizada helicoidal, angioressonância magnética, ecodopplercardiograma, cintilografia pulmonar ou duplex-scan venoso. Os dados sobre características demográficas, comorbidades e manifestações clínicas foram coletados e incluídos em uma análise de regressão logística para compor o modelo de predição. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade global foi de 14,1 por cento. Foram identificadas como variáveis independentes de risco de óbito: idade > 65 anos; repouso no leito > 72h; cor pulmonale crônico; taquicardia sinusal e taquipnéia. Após a estratificação por faixas de risco, observaram-se mortalidades de 5,4 por cento, 17,8 por cento e 31,3 por cento, respectivamente nos subgrupos de baixo, moderado e alto riscos. O modelo mostrou sensibilidade de 65,5 por cento e especificidade de 80 por cento, com uma área sob a curva de 0,77. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes hemodinamicamente estáveis com embolia pulmonar, a idade > 65 anos, o repouso no leito > 72h, o cor pulmonale crônico, a taquicardia sinusal e a taquipnéia foram preditores independentes da mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Entretanto o modelo de predição necessita ser validado em outras populações para sua incorporação à prática clínica.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is associated with high mortality in patients with hypotension or circulatory shock. However, the association between some clinical variables and mortality is still unclear in hemodynamically stable patients. OBJECTIVES: To derive an in-hospital mortality risk stratification model in hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism. METHODS: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study of 582 consecutive patients admitted in emergency units or intensive care units with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism and whose diagnosis was confirmed by one or more of the following tests: pulmonary arteriography, spiral CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, Doppler echocardiography, pulmonary scintigraphy, or venous duplex scan. Data on demographics, comorbidities and clinical manifestations were collected and included in a logistic regression analysis so as to build the prediction model. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 14.1 percent. The following parameters were identified as independent death risk variables: age > 65 years, bed rest > 72h, chronic cor pulmonale, sinus tachycardia, and tachypnea. After risk stratification, mortalities of 5.4 percent, 17.8 percent, and 31.3 percent were found in the low, moderate and high-risk subgroups, respectively. The model showed 65.5 percent sensitivity and 80 percent specificity, with a 0.77 area under the curve. CONCLUSION: In hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism, age > 65 years, bed rest > 72h, chronic cor pulmonale, sinus tachycardia and tachypnea were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. However, further validation of the prediction model in other populations is required so that it can be incorporated into the clinical practice.

FUNDAMENTO: La embolia pulmonar presenta alta mortalidad en pacientes con hipotensisn arterial o shock circulatorio. Sin embargo, en pacientes hemodinamicamente estables, la asociacisn de algunas variables clmnicas con la mortalidad todavma no esta claramente establecida. OBJETIVO: Derivar un modelo de estratificacisn del riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con embolia pulmonar hemodinamicamente estables. MITODOS: Estudio de cohorte multicintrico prospectivo de 582 pacientes consecutivos que ingresaron en unidades de emergencia o de terapia intensiva, con sospecha clmnica de embolia pulmonar, y que tuvieron el diagnsstico confirmado por medio de uno o mas de los examenes: arteriografma pulmonar, angiotomografma computadorizada helicoidal, angiorresonancia magnitica, ecocardiografma doppler, centellografma pulmonar o duplex scan venoso. Los datos sobre caractermsticas demograficas, comorbilidades y manifestaciones clmnicas se recolectaron e se incluyeron en un analisis de regresisn logmstica para componer el modelo de prediccisn. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad global fue del 14,1 por ciento. Se identificaron como variables independientes de riesgo de sbito: edad > 65 aqos; reposo en la cama > 72h; cor pulmonale crsnico; taquicardia sinusal y taquipnea. Tras la estratificacisn por franjas de riesgo, se observaron mortalidades del 5,4 por ciento, el 17,8 por ciento y el 31,3 por ciento, respectivamente en los subgrupos de bajo, moderado y alto riesgos. El modelo revels sensibilidad del 65,5 por ciento y especificidad del 80 por ciento, con un area bajo la curva de 0,77. CONCLUSISN: En pacientes hemodinamicamente estables con embolia pulmonar, la edad > 65 aqos, el reposo en la cama > 72h, el cor pulmonale crsnico, la taquicardia sinusal y la taquipnea fueron predictores independientes de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Sin embargo, el modelo de prediccisn necesita validarse en otras poblaciones para su incorporacisn a la practica ...