Ambulatory Patients with Cardiometabolic Disease and Without Evidence of COVID-19 During the Pandemic. The CorCOVID LATAM Study.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has modified the cardiovascular care of ambulatory patients. The aim of this survey was to study changes in lifestyle habits, treatment adherence, and mental health status in patients with cardiometabolic disease, but no clinical evidence of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ambulatory patients with cardiometabolic disease using paper/digital surveys. Variables investigated included socioeconomic status, physical activity, diet, tobacco use, alcohol intake, treatment discontinuation, and psychological symptoms. Results: A total of 4,216 patients (50.9% males, mean age 60.3 ± 15.3 years old) from 13 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries were enrolled. Among the study population, 46.4% of patients did not have contact with a healthcare provider, 31.5% reported access barriers to treatments and 17% discontinued some medication. Multivariate analysis showed that non-adherence to treatment was more prevalent in the secondary prevention group: peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.55, CI 1.08-2.24; p = 0.018), heart failure (OR 1.36, CI 1.05-1.75; p = 0.017), and coronary artery disease (OR 1.29 CI 1.04-1.60; p = 0.018). No physical activity was reported by 38% of patients. Only 15% of patients met minimum recommendations of physical activity (more than 150 minutes/week) and vegetable and fruit intake. Low/very low income (45.5%) was associated with a lower level of physical activity (p < 0.0001), less fruit and vegetables intake (p < 0.0001), more tobacco use (p < 0.001) and perception of depression (p < 0.001). Low educational level was also associated with the perception of depression (OR 1.46, CI 1.26-1.70; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Patients with cardiometabolic disease but without clinical evidence of COVID-19 showed significant medication non-adherence, especially in secondary prevention patients. Deterioration in lifestyle habits and appearance of depressive symptoms during the pandemic were frequent and related to socioeconomic status.

Stents in the femoropopliteal territory: prevalence of fractures and their consequences.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment for femoropopliteal arterial disease has made revascularization procedures less invasive, but the self-expanding stents used can suffer great wear in arteries with extreme mobility. To evaluate the prevalence of fractures in stents implanted in the femoropopliteal segment, to identify predisposing factors and consequences on arterial patency. METHOD: between March and June 2019, thirty patients previously operated for femoropopliteal obstruction underwent stent X-rays in anteroposterior and lateral views to detect fractures and Doppler to analyze arterial patency. RESULTS: we observed 12 cases with fractures (33.3%): 1 type I (2.8%), 3 type II (8.3%), 5 type III (13.9%), 3 type IV (8.3%) and no type V. According to the TASC II we had 1 in group B (8.3%), 6 in group C (50%) and 5 in group D (41.6%) p <0.004. The number of stents per limb was 3.1 (± 1.3) in cases of fracture versus 2.3 (± 1.3) in cases without fracture (p = 0.08). The extension was 274.17mm (± 100.94) in cases of fracture and 230.83mm (± 135.44) in cases without fracture (p = 0.29). On Doppler we had: 17 patients (47.2%) without stenosis, 9 patients (25%) with stenosis> 50% and 10 patients (27.8%) with occlusion (p = 0.37). There was no correlation between fracture and arterial obstruction (p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: stent fractures are a frequent finding in the femoropopliteal area (33.3%), being more prevalent in cases of more advanced disease (C and D). There was no association between the finding of fracture and arterial obstruction.

Stents in the femoropopliteal territory: prevalence of fractures and their consequences / Stents no território fêmoro-poplíteo: prevalência de fraturas e suas consequências

ABSTRACT Endovascular treatment for femoropopliteal arterial disease has made revascularization procedures less invasive, but the self-expanding stents used can suffer great wear in arteries with extreme mobility. Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of fractures in stents implanted in the femoropopliteal segment, to identify predisposing factors and consequences on arterial patency. Method: between March and June 2019, thirty patients previously operated for femoropopliteal obstruction underwent stent X-rays in anteroposterior and lateral views to detect fractures and Doppler to analyze arterial patency. Results: we observed 12 cases with fractures (33.3%): 1 type I (2.8%), 3 type II (8.3%), 5 type III (13.9%), 3 type IV (8.3%) and no type V. According to the TASC II we had 1 in group B (8.3%), 6 in group C (50%) and 5 in group D (41.6%) p <0.004. The number of stents per limb was 3.1 (± 1.3) in cases of fracture versus 2.3 (± 1.3) in cases without fracture (p = 0.08). The extension was 274.17mm (± 100.94) in cases of fracture and 230.83mm (± 135.44) in cases without fracture (p = 0.29). On Doppler we had: 17 patients (47.2%) without stenosis, 9 patients (25%) with stenosis> 50% and 10 patients (27.8%) with occlusion (p = 0.37). There was no correlation between fracture and arterial obstruction (p = 0.33). Conclusion: stent fractures are a frequent finding in the femoropopliteal area (33.3%), being more prevalent in cases of more advanced disease (C and D). There was no association between the finding of fracture and arterial obstruction.

RESUMO Os tratamentos endovasculares para a doença arterial obstrutiva fêmoro-poplítea tornaram os procedimentos de revascularização menos invasivos, porém os stents metálicos autoexpansíveis utilizados podem sofrer grande desgaste em artérias com extrema mobilidade. Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de fraturas em stents implantados no segmento fêmoro-poplíteo, identificar fatores predisponentes e possíveis consequências sobre a patência arterial. Métodos: entre março a junho de 2019, trinta pacientes previamente operados por obstrução fêmoro-poplítea realizaram RX dos stents em incidências ântero-posterior e perfil para detectar fraturas e eco Doppler para analisar a patência arterial. Resultados: observamos 12 casos com fraturas (33,3%): 1 do tipo I (2,8%), 3 do tipo II (8,3%), 5 do tipo III (13,9%), 3 do tipo IV (8,3%) e nenhuma tipo V. Segundo a classificação TASC II, tivemos 1 no grupo B (8,3%), 6 no grupo C (50%) e 5 no grupo D (41,6%) p<0,004. O número de stents por membro foi de 3,1 (±1,3) nos casos de fratura contra 2,3 (±1,3) nos casos sem fratura (p = 0,08). A extensão tratada foi 274,17mm (±100,94) nos casos de fratura e 230,83mm (±135,44) nos casos sem fratura (p=0,29). No Doppler tivemos: 17 pacientes (47,2%) sem estenose, 9 pacientes (25%) com estenose>50% e 10 pacientes (27,8%) com oclusão (p=0,37). Não houve correlação entre fratura e obstrução arterial (p=0,33). Conclusão: as fraturas de stents são um achado frequente no setor fêmoro-poplíteo (33,3%) sendo mais prevalentes nos casos de doença mais avançada TASC II C e D. Não houve associação entre o achado de fratura e obstrução arterial.

Reversal of Lower-Extremity Intermittent Claudication and Rest Pain by Hydration.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment of disabling intermittent claudication or critical limb-threatening ischemia causing rest pain often fails or has partial response. METHODS: In this pilot study, 36 patients (12 females) affected by disabling intermittent claudication or rest pain of the lower extremities were exposed to a daily 3-L water intake for up to 6 weeks. Cutaneous foot temperature, ankle/brachial index, time and distance of claudication, and pain intensity were recorded before and at the completion of the hydration period. RESULTS: Patients with a mean ± SE age of 71 ± 2 years (range, 40-86) had disabling claudication (less than 100 meters) for more than 5 months while 11% reported pain at rest. A 6-week water intake of more than 2,500 mL/24 hr was achieved in 35 of the 36 patients enrolled in the study. Increased water intake was associated with significant improvements in median ankle/brachial index (from 0.60 to 0.76; P < 0.0001) and skin temperature (first dorsal right toe, from 29.95°C to 30.0°C, P < 0.001). Time and distance to report claudication of supervised treadmill exercise improved from 1.25 to 6.25 min (P < 0.0001) and from 100 meters to 535 meters (P < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that hydration attained by daily water consumption of more than 2.5 L has a robust impact on reducing the symptoms of disabling claudication and rest pain caused by peripheral vascular disease.

Plantas consideradas útiles como hipoglicemiantes, antihipertensivas o hipolipemiantes por pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas / Plants considered useful for hypoglycemic, antihypertensive or hypolipidemic treatments by patients with peripheral vascular diseases

Introducción: el conocimiento tradicional de los pacientes sobre la utilidad de las plantas medicinales puede servir de base para su educación en el uso racional de las preparaciones herbarias. Objetivo: caracterizar las plantas que los pacientes con enfermedades vasculares consideran útiles para el tratamiento de la diabetes, la hipertensión y como hipolipemiante. Métodos: se realizó una encuesta a los pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular entre febrero y abril de 2007. Las características del empleo de las plantas con fines medicinales y los nombres de las especies consideradas útiles para tratar la diabetes, la hipertensión arterial y la dislipidemia fueron tabulados. Resultados: doscientos cuarenta y cinco adultos voluntarios de ambos sexos (142 femeninos/103 masculinos, edad 44 a 72 años) fueron incluidos en el estudio. Más del 80 por ciento de ellos utilizaban las plantas medicinales al menos ocasionalmente y confiaban en su eficacia para tratar diferentes enfermedades. Quince especies, fundamentalmente Allium sativum L., Citrus aurantifolia Ch., Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Morinda citrifolia L., Ocinum sanctum L. y Salvia officinalis L., pertenecientes a 11 familias botánicas, fueron mencionadas por los participantes en la encuesta. La mayoría de los planteamientos de los pacientes sobre las propiedades de estas plantas tienen algún fundamento científico, sin embargo, las evidencias farmacológicas disponibles son fundamentalmente de tipo pre-clínico y los resultados de los ensayos clínicos efectuados no son concluyentes. La carencia de preparaciones derivadas de plantas estandarizadas, con principios activos identificados y efectividad clínica demostrada, son limitaciones para recomendar su utilización terapéutica. Conclusiones: esta es la...

Introduction: knowing patients ‘believes about the medicinal utility of plants may provide a basis for educating them for a rational use of herb preparations. Objective: to characterize the plants that are considered useful for antidiabetic, antihypertensive or hypolipidemic treatment among patients with peripheral vascular diseases. Methods: a survey was performed among patients of the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery from February through April 2007. The characteristics of the use of plants as medicinal remedies and the names of species considered useful for the treatment of diabetes, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia were recorded. Results: two hundred and forty five both sex adult volunteers (142 female/103 male), aged 44 to 72 years) were included in the study. More than 80 % of them used medicinal plants at least occasionally and confided on their efficacy to treat different illnesses Fifteen species, mainly Allium sativum L., Citrus aurantifolia Ch., Justicia pectoralis Jacq.., Morinda citrifolia L., Ocinum sanctum L and Salvia officinalis L, from 11 botanical families, were mentioned by participants. Most patients claims about plants´ properties have been scientifically supported in some extent, nevertheless, the majority of the pharmacological evidence relays on pre-clinical studies and results of clinical trials are not conclusive. The lack of standardized plant preparations with identified active principles and demonstrated clinical effectiveness are limitations for recommending their therapeutic use. Conclusion: this study has provided the first characterization of the use of plant products by patients with peripheral vascular diseases for medicinal purposes and confirmed that physicians should be aware about the possibility of herb-drug interactions that should be diagnosed. This information would aid the scientifically supported integration of Phytotherapy to the clinical practice(AU)

Plants considered useful for hypoglycemic, antihypertensive or hypolipidemic treatments by patients with peripheral vascular diseases / Plantas consideradas útiles como hipoglicemiantes, antihipertensivas o hipolipemiantes por pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas

INTRODUCTION: knowing patients 'believes about the medicinal utility of plants may provide a basis for educating them for a rational use of herb preparations. OBJECTIVE: to characterize the plants that are considered useful for antidiabetic, antihypertensive or hypolipidemic treatment among patients with peripheral vascular diseases. METHODS: a survey was performed among patients of the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery from February through April 2007. The characteristics of the use of plants as medicinal remedies and the names of species considered useful for the treatment of diabetes, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia were recorded. RESULTS: two hundred and forty five both sex adult volunteers (142 female/103 male), aged 44 to 72 years) were included in the study. More than 80 % of them used medicinal plants at least occasionally and confided on their efficacy to treat different illnesses Fifteen species, mainly Allium sativum L., Citrus aurantifolia Ch., Justicia pectoralis Jacq.., Morinda citrifolia L., Ocinum sanctum L and Salvia officinalis L, from 11 botanical families, were mentioned by participants. Most patients' claims about plants´ properties have been scientifically supported in some extent, nevertheless, the majority of the pharmacological evidence relays on pre-clinical studies and results of clinical trials are not conclusive. The lack of standardized plant preparations with identified active principles and demonstrated clinical effectiveness are limitations for recommending their therapeutic use. CONCLUSION: this study has provided the first characterization of the use of plant products by patients with peripheral vascular diseases for medicinal purposes and confirmed that physicians should be aware about the possibility of herb-drug interactions that should be diagnosed. This information would aid the scientifically supported integration of Phytotherapy to the clinical practice.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el conocimiento tradicional de los pacientes sobre la utilidad de las plantas medicinales puede servir de base para su educación en el uso racional de las preparaciones herbarias. OBJETIVO: caracterizar las plantas que los pacientes con enfermedades vasculares consideran útiles para el tratamiento de la diabetes, la hipertensión y como hipolipemiante. MÉTODOS: se realizó una encuesta a los pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular entre febrero y abril de 2007. Las características del empleo de las plantas con fines medicinales y los nombres de las especies consideradas útiles para tratar la diabetes, la hipertensión arterial y la dislipidemia fueron tabulados. RESULTADOS: doscientos cuarenta y cinco adultos voluntarios de ambos sexos (142 femeninos/103 masculinos, edad 44 a 72 años) fueron incluidos en el estudio. Más del 80 % de ellos utilizaban las plantas medicinales al menos ocasionalmente y confiaban en su eficacia para tratar diferentes enfermedades. Quince especies, fundamentalmente Allium sativum L., Citrus aurantifolia Ch., Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Morinda citrifolia L., Ocinum sanctum L. y Salvia officinalis L., pertenecientes a 11 familias botánicas, fueron mencionadas por los participantes en la encuesta. La mayoría de los planteamientos de los pacientes sobre las propiedades de estas plantas tienen algún fundamento científico, sin embargo, las evidencias farmacológicas disponibles son fundamentalmente de tipo pre-clínico y los resultados de los ensayos clínicos efectuados no son concluyentes. La carencia de preparaciones derivadas de plantas estandarizadas, con principios activos identificados y efectividad clínica demostrada, son limitaciones para recomendar su utilización terapéutica. CONCLUSIONES: esta es la primera caracterización del uso de productos de plantas con fines medicinales por pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas, y confirma que los facultativos deben conocer sobre la posibilidad de interacciones planta-medicamento que deben ser diagnosticadas. Esta información ayudaría a la integración de la Fitoterapia a la práctica clínica sustentada científicamente.

Tratamientos endovasculares para la enfermedad arterial de los miembros inferiores / Endovascular therapies for lower limb arterial disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La arteriopatía periférica (AP) dificulta el flujo sanguíneo arterial dirigido a las extremidades. La prevalencia oscila en un 4,6% entre los 49 a 59 años y un 14,7% en los mayores de 70 años y es más frecuente en varones. El objetivo del tratamiento es asegurar una óptima perfusión distal para calmar el dolor y ayudar a la curación de las lesiones tróficas. Éste se basa en la modificación de los factores de riesgo, asociado al uso de vasodilatores (pentoxifilina, cilostazol) para evitar o disminuir la claudicación intermitente, y de antiagregantes (aspirina, clopidogrel) para prevenir el riesgo de complicaciones trombóticas. La presencia de isquemia crítica implica la necesidad de tratamiento de revascularización por el elevado riesgo de pérdida de la extremidad. Su incidencia se calcula en 400 individuos por millón de habitantes al año. Las técnicas para revascularizar el miembro afectado son la cirugía de derivación femoro-distal -que es técnicamente compleja y se asocia con una mortalidad perioperatoria de entre el 1,8 y el 6%- y la angioplastia transluminal percutánea (ATP) con balón con altas tasas de re-estenosis arterial, entre un 40 a 70 % al año. Por estos motivos se han desarrollado la ATP con stent (con o sin drogas antiproliferativas) y la ATP con balón liberador de drogas, con el objeto de disminuir las tasas de re estenosis arterial y de re intervenciones. TECNOLOGÍA: La ATP se realiza a través de una punción de la arteria femoral por donde se introduce un catéter que tiene en la punta un balón que se lleva hasta la arteria afectada para dilatar el segmento ocluido. Mediante este procedimiento se pueden utilizar otras estrategias como la utilización de un balón liberador de drogas (BLD) en lugar de uno convencional, o la colocación de un stent metálico, un stent liberador de drogas (SLD) o un stent autoexpandible. Tanto los BLD como los SLD suelen contener paclitaxel o sirolimus, drogas que al liberarse lentamente tienen el objetivo de inhibir la proliferación y migración de las células musculares lisas y la formación de matriz extracelular. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura del uso de tratamientos endovasculares (angioplastia transluminal percutánea con balón liberador de drogas, con stent metálico o con stent liberador de drogas) para el tratamiento de la enfermedad vascular periférica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas (incluyendo Medline, Cochrane y CRD), en buscadores genéricos de Internet, agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECA), evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias y económicas, guías de práctica clínica y políticas de cobertura de otros sistemas de salud cuando estaban disponibles. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron estudios que comparen los tratamientos endovasculares evaluados con la cirugía de by-pass. Se incluyeron dos RS que comparaban los tratamientos endovasculares evaluados con ATP con balón, un ensayo clínico no incluido en las revisiones sistemáticas para BLD, nueve guías de práctica clínica, siete políticas de coberturas y tres estudios de costos.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) makes arterial blood flow towards the extremities difficult. Its prevalence is approximately 4.6% at 49-59 years old and approximately 14.7% over 70 years old, being more common in males. The treatment is aimed at ensuring optimal distal perfusion in order to relieve pain and help cure trophic lesions. This is based on risk factor modification, associated to the use of vasodilators (pentoxiphilin, cilostazole) to prevent or decrease intermittent claudication and of anti-platelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) to prevent the risk of thrombotic complications. The presence of critical ischemia results in the need for revascularization therapy due to the high risk of losing the limb. It is calculated that its incidence is 400 individuals every million inhabitants per year. The techniques used to revascularize the extremity involved include femorodistal bypass surgery -which is technically complex and is associated to a 1.8-6% perioperative mortality- and balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with high rates of arterial restenosis, which is 40 to 70% per year. This is why, stent PTA (with or without anti-proliferative drugs) and PTA with drug-eluting balloon have been developed to decrease the rates of arterial restenosis and reinterventions. TECHNOLOGY: PTA is carried out through a femoral artery puncture through which a catheter with a balloon in its end is introduced and advanced to the involved artery, to dilate the occluded segment. With this procedure, other strategies may be used such as using a drug-eluting balloon (DEB) rather than a conventional one or placing a metal stent, a drug-eluting stent (DES) or a self-expanding stent. Both DEB and DES usually contain paclitaxel or sirolimus; these are drugs which, when slowly released, are aimed at inhibiting smooth cell proliferation and migration and extracellular matrix buildup. PURPOSE: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and coverage policy related aspects on the use of endovascular therapies (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) with drug-eluting balloon, with metal stent or drug-eluting stent) for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out on the main databases (such as MEDLINE, Cochrane and CRD), in general Internet engines, in health technology assessment agencies and health sponsors. Priority was given to including systematic reviews; controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs); health technology assessments and economic evaluations; clinical practice guidelines and coverage policies of other health systems, when available. RESULTS: No studies comparing the endovascular therapies assessed versus bypass surgery have been found. Two SRs comparing the assessed endovascular therapies with PTA with balloon, one clinical trial not included in the systematic reviews for DEB, nine clinical practice guidelines, six coverage policies and three cost studies have been included. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence allowing to determine if endovascular therapies (angioplasty with different types of stent and DEB angioplasty) are more effective than bypass surgery has been found. As regards comparing these therapies against conventional balloon percutaneous angioplasty, the quality of the evidence found is high. For the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease, angioplasty with drug-eluting or conventional stent and drug-eluting balloons might reduce the rates of restenosis when compared with conventional percutaneous angioplasty with balloon. Additionally, angioplasty with DEB would decrease the need for new revascularization of the treated vessel. No benefits were shown in mortality in any of the therapies assessed. The CPGs recommend that choosing the right revascularization technique will depend on the patient's comorbidity and the risk-benefit ratio of bypass vs. endovascular therapies and the type of vascular lesion. They suggest the use of stent angioplasties in surface femoral artery lesions when balloon dilatation fails, not specifying the type of stent to be used. No recommendations on drug-eluting balloons have been found.

Comparação entre os métodos subjetivo e objetivo para avaliação da capacidade funcional durante tratamento clínico em pacientes com claudicação intermitente / Comparison between subjective and objective methods to assess functional capacity during clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJETIVO: Verificar se há relação entre a medida da capacidade funcional avaliada subjetiva e objetivamente em relação ao estado atual e após tratamento clínico em pacientes com claudicação intermitente. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 500 pacientes com claudicação intermitente. Todos realizaram exame clínico e foram submetidos a uma avaliação funcional por meio do método subjetivo (consulta clínica) e objetivo (teste de esteira). Adicionalmente, 50 pacientes foram selecionados para se avaliar o efeito do tratamento clínico, pelos métodos subjetivo e objetivo, em relação à capacidade funcional. RESULTADOS: Dos 500 pacientes selecionados, somente 60 (12,0%) apresentaram valores referidos e observados similares. Os demais pacientes, ou seja, 440 (88,0%) apresentaram valores relatados discordantes em relação àqueles obtidos no teste de esforço. Com relação ao efeito do tratamento clínico em relação à capacidade funcional, os resultados foram similares entre ambos os métodos (χ²=1,7; p=0,427). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de o método subjetivo superestimar os valores de capacidade funcional, quando comparados ao método objetivo, não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre ambos os métodos, quando se analisou o efeito do tratamento clínico. Assim, o método subjetivo fornece informações similares em comparação à medida objetiva no acompanhamento do tratamento clínico de pacientes com claudicação intermitente.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if there is any relation between functional capacity assessed by subjective and objective methods regarding the current state and after clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A total of 500 patients with intermittent claudication were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical examination and a functional evaluation by subjective (clinical visit) and objective method (treadmill test). Additionally, 50 patients were selected to evaluate the effect of clinical treatment by subjective and objective methods in relation to functional capacity. RESULTS: Out of 500 patients, only 60 (12.0%) had similar results in both methods. The remaining, that is 440 patients (88.0%) had subject values in disagreement with stress test findings. Regarding the clinical effect of the treatment on the functional outcomes, results were similar in both methods (χ²=1.7; p=0.427). CONCLUSION: Although the subjective method overestimates the functional capacity when compared to the objective method, no significant differences were observed between both methods when analyzing the effect of clinical treatment. Thus, the subjective method provides similar information as compared with objective method, in monitoring the clinical treatment of patients with intermittent claudication.

Comparison between subjective and objective methods to assess functional capacity during clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if there is any relation between functional capacity assessed by subjective and objective methods regarding the current state and after clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A total of 500 patients with intermittent claudication were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical examination and a functional evaluation by subjective (clinical visit) and objective method (treadmill test). Additionally, 50 patients were selected to evaluate the effect of clinical treatment by subjective and objective methods in relation to functional capacity. RESULTS: Out of 500 patients, only 60 (12.0%) had similar results in both methods. The remaining, that is 440 patients (88.0%) had subject values in disagreement with stress test findings. Regarding the clinical effect of the treatment on the functional outcomes, results were similar in both methods (χ²=1.7; p=0.427). CONCLUSION: Although the subjective method overestimates the functional capacity when compared to the objective method, no significant differences were observed between both methods when analyzing the effect of clinical treatment. Thus, the subjective method provides similar information as compared with objective method, in monitoring the clinical treatment of patients with intermittent claudication.

Glomangioma da artéria digital do polegar: relato de um caso / Glomus tumor of digital artery of thumb: case report

Os autores relatam um caso de tumor glômico em ramo da artéria radial que irriga o polegar direito, com história clínica de 4 meses. O doente referia o aparecimento de tumoração de aproximadamente 2,0 centímetros na região interdigital, entre o primeiro e o segundo quirodactilos da mão direita, sobre o músculo flexor curto do polegar, extremamente dolorosa e com dor em progressão. Os exames com aparelho de Doppler bidirecional e o eco-color-Doppler apresentaram, como diagnóstico presuntivo, malformação arteriovenosa, pelo turbilhonamento do fluxo e ausência de estenoses. A tumoração foi retirada por cirurgia aberta e encaminhada para exame histopatológico, com diagnóstico de glomangioma. Este relato descreve uma doença arterial pouco frequente, que causa extremo desconforto ao seu portador, mas que é solucionada pela exerese cirúrgica, sem sequelas.

We report on a case of glomus tumor in the branch of the radial artery of the right thumb. The tumor had a 4-year clinical history. The patient reported the development of a 2.0-cm tumor in the interdigital region between the first and second fingers of the right hand on the short flexor muscle of thumb. The patient also complained of severe and progressive pain. Tests using bidirectional Doppler and echo-color-Doppler revealed a presumptive diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation based on the turbulence of the flow and absence of stenosis. The tumor was removed by open surgery and sent for histopathological examination, which showed a diagnosis of glomangioma. The present report describes a rare arterial disease causing extreme discomfort to the patient, which may be treated with surgical resection without sequelae.

Nuevo enfoque para el tratamiento de las causas de ateroembolia / New approach in the treatment of the causes of ateroembolism

La ateroembolia es una entidad poco conocida y cuyo pronóstico es sombrío, especialmente en aquellos cuadros de ateroembolia diseminada, pero también en casos de ateroembolia distal que provoca un síndrome inflamatorio de respuesta sistémica. Durante 14 años recopilamos 31 casos de ateroembolia, 5 de ellas postoperatorias y 26 casos con orígenes distintos: 20 debido a aorta Shaggy y 6 a otras causas. De las 20 con aorta Shaggy, 10 presentaban ateroembolia. 22 de los 26 casos no iatrogénicos fueron tratados por vía endovascular, con una mortalidad del 9%. De acuerdo a nuestras observaciones, comentamos nuestra conducta y las variaciones en el tratamiento, proponiendo una clasificación que contemple los casos asintomáticos para el tratamiento precoz de estas lesiones aórticas, antes de producir complicaciones severas por ateroembolias o síndromes isquémicos de los miembros inferiores. Asimismo, comentamos aquellos trucos que aprendimos con la observación de los distintos casos reseñados.

A ateroembolia é uma entidade pouco conhecida e cujo prognóstico é sombrio, especialmente em quadros de ateroembolia disseminada, mas que também ocorre em casos de ateroembolia distal, o que provoca uma síndrome inflamatória de resposta sistêmica. Durante 14 anos recolhemos 31 casos de ateroembolia. 5 deles, postoperatórias e 26 casos com origens diferentes: 20 devido à aorta Shaggy e 6 por outras causas. Das 20 com aorta Shaggy, 10 apresentavam ateroembolia. 22 dos 26 casos não iatrogênicos foram tratados via endovascular, com uma mortalidade de 9%. De acordo com as nossas observações, comentamos as condutas e variações no tratamento, propondo uma classificação que inclua os casos assintomáticos para o tratamento precoce destas lesões aórticas, antes de produzir complicações severas por ateroembolias ou síndromes isquêmicos dos miembros inferiores. Comentamos os truques que aprendemos com a observação dos diferentes casos selecionados.

Ateroembolism is not a very well known entity and its prognosis is poor, especially in cases of disseminated ateroembolism, and also in cases of distal ateroembolism which causes aninflammatory syndrome of systemic response. 31 cases of ateroembolism were registered during 14 years, 5 were post-surgical and 26 due to different etiologies: 20 due to shaggy aorta and 6 due to other reasons. Of the 20 cases with shaggy aorta, 10 presented ateroembolism. 22 of the 26 non-iatrogenic cases were treated with the endovascular approach with a 9% mortality. According to our observations, we discussed our approach and treatment options, suggesting a classification which includes asymptomatic cases for early treatment of these aortic lesions, before they induce severe ateroembolic complications or lower limb ischemic syndromes. Likewise, we discuss some tips learnt during the observation of the different cases commented.

Angioplasty of a persistent sciatic artery: case report / Angioplastia de artéria isquiática persistente: relato de caso

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a good choice for the treatment of lower limb arterial occlusion. Although there are some guidelines addressing its indications, some situations are so unusual that there is no consensus on their management. The presence of a persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital anomaly of the circulatory system and may be associated with early atheromatous degeneration and occlusion. The authors describe the case of an 81-year-old woman that presented with a history of rest pain, atrophic lesion and no distal pulses. Angiogram depicted a persistent sciatic artery with segmental occlusion and distal disease. The therapeutic option was balloon angioplasty of the occluded segment, with technical and clinical success at mid-term follow-up.

A angioplastia transluminal com balão tem se mostrado uma boa alternativa no tratamento de oclusões arteriais em membros inferiores. Embora já existam algumas diretrizes quanto à sua indicação, algumas situações ainda são inusitadas e carecem de consenso pela sua raridade. A presença de artéria isquiática persistente é uma anomalia congênita rara do sistema circulatório e pode estar associada com doença ateromatosa precoce e oclusão. Os autores apresentam um caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino de 81 anos, com história de dor de repouso, lesão trófica e ausência de pulsos distais. A arteriografia mostrou persistência de artéria isquiática com oclusão segmentar e doença distal. A abordagem terapêutica escolhida foi angioplastia do segmento ocluído, e o seguimento de médio prazo mostrou sucesso técnico e clínico com esta técnica.

Synergistic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor double gene therapy in mouse limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has mostly been tested to treat ischemic diseases, although the outcomes obtained are not satisfactory. Our hypothesis is that the local transient expression of VEGF and stem cell mobilizer granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) genes in ischemic limbs can complement their activities and be more efficient for limb recovery. METHODS: Limb ischemia was surgically induced in mice and 50 microg of VEGF and/or G-CSF genes were locally transferred by electroporation. After 3-4 weeks, evidence of necrosis by visual inspection, capillary density, muscle mass, muscle force and hematopoietic cell mobilization were evaluated. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, 70% and 90% of the animals of the ischemic group (IG) and VEGF-treated group (VG), respectively, presented limb necrosis, in contrast to only 10% observed in the group of mice treated with both VEGF and G-CSF genes (VGG). Recovery of muscle mass and muscle force was higher than 60% in the VGG compared to the non-ischemic group. The mobilization of Sca1+ cells and neutrophils was also higher in the VGG, which may explain the lower level of necrosis observed in this group (22%, in contrast to 70% in the IG). Capillary density and degree of fibrosis were determined in weeks 3 and 4, and also showed a clear benefit as a result of the use of the G-CSF and VEGF genes together. CONCLUSIONS: Gene therapy using VEGF and G-CSF demonstrated a synergistic effect promoting vessel and tissue repair in mouse hind limb ischemia.

[Macrovascular diabetic complications: clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management]. / Complicações macrovasculares do diabetes melito: peculiaridades clínicas, de diagnóstico e manejo.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure, which are the main causes of death in these patients. Moreover, patients with DM and cardiovascular disease have a worse prognosis than nondiabetics, present lower short-term survival, higher risk of recurrence of the disease and a worse response to the treatments proposed. In the last decades, diagnostic and therapeutic progress had already shown benefits concerning cardiovascular risk reduction in these patients, but their absolute mortality risk is still twice that of non-diabetic patients. Because of this, the adoption of intensive treatment, with strict cardiovascular risk factor control, is a priority. The present study presents the main clinical characteristics and also the practical approach for screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetic macrovascular disease.

Complicações macrovasculares do diabetes melito: peculiaridades clínicas, de diagnóstico e manejo / Macrovascular diabetic complications: clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management

O diabetes melito (DM) é um fator de risco independente para doença arterial coronariana, acidente vascular cerebral, doença vascular periférica e insuficiência cardíaca, que são as principais causas de morte nesses pacientes. Além disso, pacientes com DM e doença cardiovascular têm pior prognóstico, por apresentarem menor sobrevida, maior risco de recorrência da doença e pior resposta aos tratamentos propostos. Os avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos das últimas décadas já mostram uma redução do risco de eventos cardiovasculares nesses pacientes, mas o risco absoluto desses é ainda duas vezes maior em relação ao dos pacientes não diabéticos. Portanto, é prioritária a adoção de um manejo intensivo, com controle rígido dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares. Esta revisão trata das principais características clínicas e apresenta uma abordagem prática do rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento da doença macrovascular nos pacientes com DM.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure, which are the main causes of death in these patients. Moreover, patients with DM and cardiovascular disease have a worse prognosis than nondiabetics, present lower short-term survival, higher risk of recurrence of the disease and a worse response to the treatments proposed. In the last decades, diagnostic and therapeutic progress had already shown benefits concerning cardiovascular risk reduction in these patients, but their absolute mortality risk is still twice that of non-diabetic patients. Because of this, the adoption of intensive treatment, with strict cardiovascular risk factor control, is a priority. The present study presents the main clinical characteristics and also the practical approach for screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetic macrovascular disease.

Insuficiencia arterial de extremidades inferiores / Peripheral vascular disease

La insuficiencia arterial de extremidades inferiores es la forma más frecuente de enfermedad arterial periférica. Clínicamente se presenta como un cuadro asintomático, como claudicación intermitente o finalmente como isquemia crítica de la extremidad. Esta última instancia, caracterizada por dolor de reposo, gangrena o úlcera isquémica de la extremidad, progresará hacia la amputación de no mediar una intervención. El tratamiento médico es básico en todos estos pacientes. Se deben corregir los factores de riesgo, poniendo énfasis en la suspensión del cigarrillo y buen control de la hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia y diabetes. El ejercicio de marcha supervisado es primordial. Hoy en día las opciones de revascularización son la cirugía abierta tradicional y la terapia endovascular. La decisión sobre cuál es ofrecida a los pacientes se basa en variables anatómicas de la lesión y del estado general del paciente. El ideal es tratar a todos los pacientes por vía endovascular dado la baja morbi mortalidad y rápida recuperación postoperatoria.

Peripheral vascular disease commonly affects the arteries supplying the legs. Most of these patients are asymptomatic, some complain of intermittent claudication and luckily few present with critical limb ischemia (rest pain, ulceration and gangrene). In the latter amputation is the only solution unless the limb is revascularised. Medical treatment is essential, based on control of risk factors as hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders. All patients should be advice to stop smoking and take a supervised exercise program. Nowadays the options for revascularization are endovascular procedures and surgery. Which one is suitable for every patient depends on anatomical and patient characteristics; however the best one seems to be the endovascular procedure due to low morbidity and mortality plus fast recovery

Repeated, but not single, VEGF gene transfer affords protection against ischemic muscle lesions in rabbits with hindlimb ischemia.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer-mediated angiogenesis has been proposed for peripheral artery disease. However, protocols using single administration have shown little benefit. Given that the transient nature of VEGF gene expression provokes instability of neovasculature, we hypothesized that repeated administration would provide efficient tissue protection. We thus compared single vs repeated transfection in a rabbit model of hindlimb ischemia by injecting a plasmid encoding human VEGF165 (pVEGF165) at 7 (GI, n=10) or 7 and 21 (GII, n=10) days after surgery. Placebo animals (GIII, n=10) received empty plasmid. Fifty days after surgery, single and repeated administration similarly increased saphenous peak flow velocity and quantity of angiographically visible collaterals. However, microvasculature increased only with repeated transfection: capillary density was 49.4+/-15.4 capillaries per 100 myocytes in GI, 84.6+/-14.7 in GII (P<0.01 vs GI and GIII) and 49.3+/-13.6 in GIII, and arteriolar density was 1.9+/-0.6 arterioles per mm2 in GI, 3.0+/-0.9 in GII (P<0.01 vs GI and GIII) and 1.5+/-0.6 in GIII. Muscle lesions were reduced only within repeated transfection. With single administration, gene expression peaked at 7 days and declined rapidly, but with repeated administration, it remained positive at 50 days. At 90 days of repeated transfection (additional animals), gene expression decreased significantly, but neovessel densities did not. Thus, repeated, but not single, VEGF gene transfection resulted in increased microvasculature, which, in turn, afforded effective protection against ischemic muscle damage.

Correlations between ankle circumference, symptoms, and quality of life demonstrate the clinical relevance of minimal leg swelling reduction: results of a study in 1,036 Argentinean patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical classification (C) of patients suffering from chronic venous disorders according to the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology Classification takes into account signs and symptoms, but the C3 (venous edema) class has been identified as poorly specific. Patients in whom physicians fail to observe significant edema (sign) frequently report a feeling of swelling (symptom). Previous studies of venoactive drugs have demonstrated significant reduction in leg volume, but the correlation with a clinical improvement was lacking. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical status of a sample of Argentinean patients presenting with venous symptoms and signs. To demonstrate the relationship between the reduction of leg swelling and the improvement of symptoms of chronic venous disorders (CVDs) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand thirty-six patients were included prospectively and submitted to medical interrogation and examination and specific and generic self-questionnaires. Patients included were reassessed using the same tools after phlebotropic treatment (Ruscus+hesperidin+ascorbic acid), the prescription of which was expected to induce variations in clinical status. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between ankle circumference reduction and improvement of all symptoms in C2 to C3 patients: heaviness, pain, paraesthesia, and cramps. Such correlations were found in C0 to C1 patients. There was a correlation between improvement attained in QoL and the physical dimension of the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the relevance of moderate ankle swelling, which is not usually described clinically as edema and is probably a typical symptom of chronic venous disorders. Future studies should focus on this insufficiently analyzed clinical feature and put to better use more specific QoL questionnaires.

Un año de experiencia en colgajos perforantes / One year of experience in perforator flap

El avance de la cirugía reconstructiva y especialmente de la microcirugía, nacida hace solamente tres décadas, ha sido exponencial. Hoy no sólo se busca cubrir defectos sin complicaciones vasculares, sino que el nuevo desafío es tratar de recuperar función y estética y, al mismo tiempo, conseguir la mínima morbilidad en el sitio donante. El mejor ejemplo de este desarrollo son los colgajos perforantes. Un colgajo perforante es un colgajo fascio cutáneo pediculizado únicamente por sus vasos perforantes. Su confiabilidad ha sido puesta en duda durante la última década por múltiples publicaciones que los catalogan como difíciles de realizar por el tamaño de los vasos así como por su errática anatomía. Este mito ha caído principalmente a punto de partida de publicaciones orientales y una mayor experiencia en occidente. Actualmente, el índice de supervivencia casi alcanza el 98 % debido al refinamiento de las técnicas y los instrumentos...La intención de este trabajo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en la utilización de estos colgajos, habiéndolos utilizado en una variedad de defectos tanto en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello como de partes blandas. En el último año se han realizado en nuestra institución un total de 16 colgajos perforantes, entre ellos el más común fue el ALT (antero lateral thigh) y con menor frecuencia el DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap), el TAP (thoraco dorsal artery perforator flap) y el TFLP (tensor fascia lata perforator flap). La tasa de éxito fue del 94 %, con mínima morbilidad en la zona dadora.

The avance of reconstructive surgery and specially of microsurgery, born only three decades ago has been exponential. Today we not only try to cover defects without vascular complications but we try to recover function and aesthetics with minimal door site morbidity. The best example of this development have been perforator flaps. A perforator flap is fascio cutaneos flap only vascularized by it's perforators. Their viability has been doubtged because of multiple publications that catalog then as dificult to perform because of the small pedicles and their erratic anatomy. This myth has fallen mainly because of asiatic publications and more experience in western countries. Today the succes rate reaches 98 %. The intention of this paper is to show our experience performing this kind of flaps, in a variety of defects. During the past year we have perfomed at our institution a total of 16 perforator flaps, among them the most common was the ALT (antero lateral thigh) and with less frecuency DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap), the TAP (thoraco dorsal artery perforator flap) and the TFLP (tensor fascia lata perforator flap). The succes rate was of 94 % with minimal donor site morbidity.