Data-driven coaching to improve statewide outcomes in CABG: before and after interventional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of quality improvement initiatives program (QIP) on coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) remains scarce, despite improved outcomes in other surgical areas. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a package of QIP on mortality rates among patients undergoing CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the multicenter database Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II), spanning from July 2017 to June 2019. Data from 4018 isolated CABG adult patients were collected and analyzed in three phases: before-implementation, implementation, and after-implementation of the intervention (which comprised QIP training for the hospital team). Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the groups of 2170 patients each for a comparative analysis of the following outcomes: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ≤30 days, cerebrovascular accident, acute kidney injury, ventilation time >24 h, length of stay <6 days, length of stay >14 days, morbidity and mortality, and operative mortality. A multiple regression model was constructed to predict mortality outcomes. RESULTS: Following implementation, there was a significant reduction of operative mortality (61.7%, P =0.046), as well as deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ( P <0.001), sepsis ( P =0.002), ventilation time in hours ( P <0.001), prolonged ventilation time ( P =0.009), postoperative peak blood glucose ( P <0.001), total length of hospital stay ( P <0.001). Additionally, there was a greater use of arterial grafts, including internal thoracic ( P <0.001) and radial ( P =0.038), along with a higher rate of skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSIONS: QIP was associated with a 61.7% reduction in operative mortality following CABG. Although not all complications exhibited a decline, the reduction in mortality suggests a possible decrease in failure to rescue during the after-implementation period.

The First Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Atrial Fibrillation: Primary Results of the RECALL Study.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 1.5 million people in Brazil; however, epidemiological data are limited. We sought to evaluate the characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes in patients with AF in Brazil by creating the first nationwide prospective registry. METHODS: RECALL was a multicenter, prospective registry that included and followed for 1 year 4,585 patients with AF at 89 sites across Brazil from April 2012 to August 2019. Patient characteristics, concomitant medication use, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable models. RESULTS: Of 4,585 patients enrolled, the median age was 70 (61, 78) years, 46% were women, and 53.8% had permanent AF. Only 4.4% of patients had a history of previous AF ablation and 25.2% had a previous cardioversion. The mean (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.2 (1.6); median HAS-BLED score was 2 (2, 3). At baseline, 22% were not on anticoagulants. Of those taking anticoagulants, 62.6% were taking vitamin K antagonists and 37.4% were taking direct oral anticoagulants. The primary reasons for not using an oral anticoagulant were physician judgment (24.6%) and difficulty in controlling (14.7%) or performing (9.9%) INR. Mean (SD) TTR for the study period was 49.5% (27.5). During follow-up, the use of anticoagulants and INR in the therapeutic range increased to 87.1% and 59.1%, respectively. The rates/100 patient-years of death, hospitalization due to AF, AF ablation, cardioversion, stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding were 5.76 (5.12-6.47), 15.8 (14.6-17.0), 5.0 (4.4-5.7), 1.8 (1.4-2.2), 2.77 (2.32-3.32), 1.01 (0.75-1.36), and 2.21 (1.81-2.70). Older age, permanent AF, New York Heart Association class III/IV, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia were independently associated with increased mortality while the use of anticoagulant was associated with lower risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: RECALL represents the largest prospective registry of patients with AF in Latin America. Our findings highlight important gaps in treatment, which can inform clinical practice and guide future interventions to improve the care of these patients.

Prevalence and clinical course of patients with chronic heart failure secondary to chronic Chagas heart disease associated with obstructive coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and the outcomes of patients with chronic Chagas heart disease with obstructive coronary artery disease (CCHD-CAD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) with precordial chest pain are unsettled. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical course of patients with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD. METHODS: Patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and systolic CHF were included; those with precordial chest pain and at least two risk factors for CAD underwent coronary arteriogram. RESULTS: In total 262 patients were included in the investigation; 234 (89%) had CHF secondary to CCHD alone, and 28 (11%) with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD, as observed at coronary arteriogram. The survival probability of patients with CHF secondary to CCHD alone at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 mo was 79%, 64%, 54%, 44% and 33%, respectively, whereas survival probability for patients with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 mo was 96%, 80%, 71%, 66% and 57%, respectively (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CCHD with CHF, the prevalence of CAD of 11% is not neglectable in those with precordial chest pain. The outcome for patients with precordial chest pain with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD is better than that observed in patients with CHF secondary to CCHD alone.

The arrival of COVID-19 in Brazil and the impact on coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: This study analyzed the arrival of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Brazil and its impact on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing isolated CABG in six hospitals in Brazil were divided into two periods: pre-COVID-19 (March-May 2019, N = 468) and COVID-19 era (March-May 2020, N = 182). Perioperative data were included on a dedicated REDCap platform. Patients with clinical and tomographic criteria and/or PCR (+) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were considered COVID-19 (+). Logistic regression analysis was performed to create a multiple predictive model for mortality after CABG in COVID-19 era. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, in 2020, CABG surgeries had a 2.8-fold increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-7.6, p = .041), patients who evolved with COVID-19 had a 11-fold increased mortality risk (95% CI: 2.2-54.9, p < .003), rates of morbidities and readmission to the intensive care unit. The surgical volume was decreased by 60%. The model to predict mortality after CABG in the COVID-19 era was validated with good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow = 1.43) and discrimination (receiver operating characteristic = 0.78). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on mortality, morbidity and volume of patients undergoing CABG.

Prediction of Death After Noncardiac Surgery: Potential Advantage of Using High-Sensitivity Troponin T as a Continuous Variable.

Background Increased high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) above the upper reference limit (URL) after noncardiac surgery identifies patients at risk for mortality. Prior studies have not analyzed hs-cTnT as a continuous variable or probed age- and sex-specific URLs. This study compared the prediction of 30-day mortality using continuous postoperative hs-cTnT levels to the use of the overall URL and age- and sex-specific URLs. Methods and Results Patients (876) >40 years of age who underwent noncardiac surgery were included. Hs-cTnT was measured on postoperative day 1. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare associations between 30-day mortality and using hs-cTnT as a continuous variable, or above the overall or age- and sex-specific URLs. Comparisons were performed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Mortality was 4.2%. For each 1 ng/L increase in postoperative hs-cTnT, there was a 0.3% increase in mortality (P<0.001). Patients with postoperative hs-cTnT >14 ng/L were 37% of the cohort, while those above age- and sex-specific URLs were 25.3%. Both manifested higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.19; 95% CI, 1.20-8.49; P=0.020) and (HR, 2.76; P=0.009) than those with normal levels. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 using hs-cTnT as a continuous variable, 0.87 for age- and sex-specific URLs, and 0.86 for the overall URL. Conclusions Hs-cTnT as a continuous variable was independently associated with 30-day mortality and had the highest accuracy. Hs-cTnT elevations using overall and/or age- and sex-specific URLs were also associated with higher mortality.

Predisposing factors for recurrence of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis: a retrospective observational cohort study from a tertiary referral center in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of posttraumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) is increasing despite new treatment strategies. Assessment of patients' outcomes following PTO is challenging due to multiple variables. The study goals are to determine the frequency of recurrence following PTO treatment and identify factors predisposing patients to treatment failure. METHODS: Between August 01, 2007 to August 30, 2012, a single-center retrospective cohort study was performed among 193 patients diagnosed with PTO following orthopedic surgery for fracture care. Bone and soft tissues were collected for cultures and PTO was defined according to CDC/NHSN criteria. Patient, injury, surgery-associated variables, and microbiological records were reviewed for risk factors associated to recurrence of PTO. Univariate and multivariable analyses using logistic regression were performed, with p <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (20%) of 192 diagnosed and treated for PTO failed their treatment. Factors associated with recurrence were age between 61 and 80 years [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.086, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.459;15.061, p = <0.001], age above 80 years [HR = 9.975 (95% CI = 3.591;27.714), p = <0.001], intraoperative blood transfusion [HR = 2.239 (95% CI = 1.138;4.406), p = 0.020], and positive culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa [HR = 2.700 (95% CI = 1.370;5.319), p = 0.004]. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors associated with recurrence of PTO are difficult to measure. The present study revealed that elderly patients, intraoperative blood transfusions, and infection due to P. aeruginosa were independently associated with recurrence of PTO. These factors should warn clinicians of a higher failure rate following treatment of PTO. Trial registration: ISRCTN71648577. Registered 18 May 2017. Retrospectively registered.

Alpha-synuclein A53T mutation is not frequent on a sample of Brazilian Parkinson's disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) involves both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, with focus on the mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA).Objective To analyse the polymorphism SNCA-A53T in patients with familial PD (FPD) and sporadic PD (SPD). METHOD: A total of 294 individuals were studied, regardless of sex and with mixed ethnicity. The study group with 154 patients with PD, and the control group included 140 individuals without PD. The genotyping of SNCA-A53T was performed by PCR/RFLP. Significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among all patients, 37 (24%) had FPD and 117 (75.9%) had SPD. The absence of SNCA-A53T mutation was observed in all individuals. CONCLUSION: SPD is notably observed in patients. However, the SNCA-A53T mutation was absent in all individuals, which does not differ controls from patients. This fact should be confirmed in a Brazilian study case with a more numerous and older population.

Alpha-synuclein A53T mutation is not frequent on a sample of Brazilian Parkinson’s disease patients / Mutação A53T da alfa-sinucleína não é frequente em amostra de população brasileira com doença de Parkinson

Introduction The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, with focus on the mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA).Objective To analyse the polymorphism SNCA-A53T in patients with familial PD (FPD) and sporadic PD (SPD).Method A total of 294 individuals were studied, regardless of sex and with mixed ethnicity. The study group with 154 patients with PD, and the control group included 140 individuals without PD. The genotyping of SNCA-A53T was performed by PCR/RFLP. Significance level was p < 0.05.Results Among all patients, 37 (24%) had FPD and 117 (75.9%) had SPD. The absence of SNCA-A53T mutation was observed in all individuals.Conclusion SPD is notably observed in patients. However, the SNCA-A53T mutation was absent in all individuals, which does not differ controls from patients. This fact should be confirmed in a Brazilian study case with a more numerous and older population.

Introdução A patogênese da doença de Parkinson (DP) envolve fatores ambientais e suscetibilidade genética, destacando-se a mutação de alfa-sinucleína (SNCA.)Objetivos Analisar a variante genética SNCA-A53T em pacientes com DP familiar (DPF) e DP esporádica (DPE).Método Foram estudados 294 indivíduos, independente de sexo, com etnia miscigenada, sendo 154 com DP e 140 sem a doença (grupo controle). A genotipagem de SNCA-A53T foi realizada por PCR/RFLP. Nível de significância para p < 0,05.Resultados Entre os pacientes, 37(24%) tinham DPF e 117 (75,9%) DPE. A ausência da mutação SNCA-A53T em todos os indivíduos.Conclusão DPE é destacada entre os pacientes, no entanto a mutação SNCA-A53T ausente em todos os indivíduos, não diferenciando os grupo controle e pacientes, o que deve ser confirmado em população brasileira, considerando uma ampla casuística, além da ancestralidade.

Prognostic value of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery according to kidney disease: improving global outcomes definition and staging (KDIGO) criteria.

OBJECTIVES: The definition of acute renal failure has been recently reviewed, and the term acute kidney injury (AKI) was proposed to cover the entire spectrum of the syndrome, ranging from small changes in renal function markers to dialysis needs. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with AKI (based on KDIGO criteria) in patients after cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting or cardiac valve surgery) and to determine the value of this feature as a predictor of hospital mortality (30 days). METHODS: From January 2003 to June 2013, a total of 2,804 patients underwent cardiac surgery in our service. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between the development of AKI and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,175 (42%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for AKI based on KDIGO classification during the first 7 postoperative days: 978 (35%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for stage 1 while 100 (4%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for stage 2 and 97 (3%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for stage 3. A total of 63 (2%) patients required dialysis treatment. Overall, the 30-day mortality was 7.1% (2.2%) for patients without AKI and 8.2%, 31% and 55% for patients with AKI at stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The KDIGO stage 3 patients who did not require dialysis had a mortality rate of 41%, while the mortality of dialysis patients was 62%. The adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that AKI based on KDIGO criteria (stages 1-3) was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (P<0.001 for all. Hazard ratio = 3.35, 11.94 and 24.85). CONCLUSION: In the population evaluated in the present study, even slight changes in the renal function based on KDIGO criteria were considered as independent predictors of 30-day mortality after cardiac surgery.

Impact of genetic variants of apolipoprotein E on lipid profile in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) seems to involve genetic susceptibility to neurodegeneration. APOE gene has been considered a risk factor for PD. This study aimed to evaluate the association of APOE polymorphism with PD and its influence on lipid profile. We studied 232 PD patients (PD) and 169 individuals without the disease. The studied polymorphism was analyzed by PCR/RFLP. The Fisher's exact test, chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test (P < 0.05) were applied. The APOE3/3 genotype was prevalent in PD patients and Controls (P = 0.713) followed by APOE3/4 (P = 0.772). Both groups showed recommended values for lipid profile, with increase in the values of total cholesterol and LDLc, as well as decreased values of triglycerides in PD patients compared with Controls (P < 0.05 for all of them). Increased levels of HDLc, in PD patients, were associated with the APOE3/3 versus APOE-/4 genotypes (P = 0.012). The APOE polymorphism does not distinguish PD patients from Controls, as opposed to the lipid profile alone or in association with APOE. Furthermore, a relationship between increase of HDLc levels and APOE3 in homozygous was found in PD patients only.

Exposure to pesticides and heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I are associated to Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the frequency of GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism and to estimate its association with toxic substances in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: A study group with 154 patients - subdivided into familial and sporadic PD groups - and 158 elderly individuals without the disease (control group) were evaluated. GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Patients were significantly more exposed to pesticides compared with the control group (p=0.0004), and the heterozygote genotype associated to exposure to pesticides also prevailed in patients (p=0.0001). Wild homozygote genotype was related to tobacco use (p=0.043) and alcoholism (p=0.033) in familial PD patients. CONCLUSION: Exposure to pesticides is associated to PD, whose effect can be enhanced when combined with the heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I. Also, large genetic and environmental studies considering tobacco use, alcoholism, GSTP1 and PD are necessary to confirm our findings.

Exposure to pesticides and heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I are associated to Parkinson's disease / Exposição a pesticidas e genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I associam-se à doença de Parkinson

Objective This study aimed to analyze the frequency of GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism and to estimate its association with toxic substances in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods A study group with 154 patients - subdivided into familial and sporadic PD groups - and 158 elderly individuals without the disease (control group) were evaluated. GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results Patients were significantly more exposed to pesticides compared with the control group (p=0.0004), and the heterozygote genotype associated to exposure to pesticides also prevailed in patients (p=0.0001). Wild homozygote genotype was related to tobacco use (p=0.043) and alcoholism (p=0.033) in familial PD patients. Conclusion Exposure to pesticides is associated to PD, whose effect can be enhanced when combined with the heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I. Also, large genetic and environmental studies considering tobacco use, alcoholism, GSTP1 and PD are necessary to confirm our findings. .

Objetivo Analisar a frequência do polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I, assim como estimar sua associação com substâncias tóxicas na doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos A casuística avaliada foi composta por um grupo de estudo, com 154 pacientes, subdivididos em DP familial e esporádica, e outro com 158 idosos sem a doença (grupo controle). O polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I foi analisado por reação em cadeia da polimerase/polimorfismo de comprimento do fragmento de restrição (PCR/RFLP). Resultados Os pacientes foram significativamente mais expostos a pesticidas, comparados com o grupo controle (p=0,0004), e o genótipo heterozigoto associado a exposição a pesticidas também prevaleceu nos pacientes (p=0,0001). O genótipo homozigoto selvagem apresentou relação com tabagismo (p=0,043) e etilismo (p=0,033) em pacientes com DP familial. Desse modo, a exposição a pesticidas está associada à DP, cujo efeito pode ser potencializado quando combinado ao genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I. Estudos genético-ambientais envolvendo tabagismo, etilismo, GSTP1 e DP devem ser realizados em casuísticas numerosas, confirmando essa associação. .

Effect of genetic variants related to lipid metabolism as risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery in Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: The manifestation of cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery may depend on genetic factors related to lipid metabolism, including apolipoprotein E (APOE) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene polymorphisms. METHODS: We investigated the association between APOE HhaI and CETP TaqIB polymorphisms [PCR-RFLP] and occurrence of cholelithiasis over up to 8 months of follow-up after gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 220 patients distributed in Group 1 (G1) 114 with cholelithiasis postoperatively and Group 2 (G2) 106 without cholelithiasis, including biochemical and anthropometric profiles analyses. RESULTS: In our series, the allelic and genotypic distributions of CETP TaqIB and APOE HhaI polymorphisms were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). The subgroup analysis evidenced that 54% of the patients from G1, APOE*4 allele carriers compared with APOE*3/3 carriers, presented altered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) serum levels (P = 0.022) before bariatric surgery. The B1 allele for CETP was associated to more quickly elevation of HDL cholesterol levels just in individuals without cholelitiasis (P < 0.0001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrates correlation between APOE*4 allele, higher total cholesterol (TC) serum levels and prediposition to cholelitiasis in preoperative period. However, the presence of postoperative cholelithiasis was not associated with altered lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: The CETP TaqIB and APOE HhaI polymorphisms do not seem to have association with gallstones in the late postoperative bariatric surgery, considering that these genetic variants do not differ subgroups of patients who are eligible to routine prophylactic cholecystectomy, at least in Brazilian population.

Syphilitic coronary artery ostial stenosis resulting in acute myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Cardiovascular abnormalities are well-known manifestations of tertiary syphilis infections which although not frequent, are still causes of morbidity and mortality. A less common manifestation of syphilitic aortitis is coronary artery ostial narrowing related to aortic wall thickening. We report a case of a 46-year-old male admitted due to acute anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention successfully. Coronary angiography showed a suboccluded ostial lesion of left main coronary artery. VDRL was titrated to 1/512. The patient was discharged with treatment including benzathine penicillin. Previous case reports of acute myocardial infarction in association with syphilitic coronary artery ostial stenosis have been reported, but the fact that the patient was treated by percutaneous coronary intervention is unique in this case.

Acute Myocardial Infarction due to Coronary Artery Embolism in a Patient with Mechanical Aortic Valve Prosthesis.

Previous cases of coronary embolism as a cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in association with prosthetic mechanical valves have been reported, but the fact that the patient was not aware of the importance of maintaining anticoagulation therapy is relevant in this case. A 16-year-old female was referred for primary coronary intervention due to subacute anterolateral ST elevation MI, after she decided to discontinue warfarin therapy three weeks before. Coronary angiography showed distal occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery with an image suggesting embolic material. Conventional echocardiography demonstrated akinesia of anteroseptal, inferior, and posterior segments of the left ventricle, with severe systolic dysfunction, beyond the intraventricular thrombus. The presence of mechanic aortic prosthesis and no anticoagulation therapy are highly suggestive of coronary embolism as the cause of MI. This case report confirms that patient education is vital in our struggle to prevent this complication in high-risk patients.

Spontaneous Bacterial Pericarditis and Coronary Sinus Endocarditis Caused by Oxacillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

This paper describes a case of a 44-year-old male patient previously healthy admitted with an unusual spontaneous acute bacterial pericarditis associated with coronary sinus mass. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed large loculated pericardial effusion with signs of diastolic restriction and an image suggesting vegetation in topography of the right atrium coronary sinus. Pericardial drainage, coronary sinus vegetation resection, and antibiotic therapy with Oxacillin were performed due to Oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus identified on the pericardial effusion and blood culture. This is a rare condition and a unique combination of a spontaneous acute bacterial pericarditis with coronary sinus endocarditis without cardiac valve compromise.