Uso de digoxina em paciente com difícil desmame de dobutamina: um relato de caso / Use of digoxin in a patient difficult to wean from dobutamine: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO: A digoxina é um medicamento da classe dos digitálicos responsável em aumentar a força contrátil miocárdica, melhorando a fração de ejeção (FEVE) do ventrículo esquerdo naqueles pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr). No contexto de ICFEr, a digoxina não tem papel na redução de mortalidade, porém é capaz de reduzir internações relacionadas a descompensação de insuficiência cardíaca. Por ser uma medicação que não é responsável por reduzir a mortalidade e apresentar riscos de intoxicação, passa a ser subutilizada. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente, sexo feminino, 28 anos, sem comorbidades prévias, internada por quadro de dispneia aos mínimos esforços de início há 4 meses, dispneia paroxística noturna, edema de membros inferiores e ascite, evoluiu em estado grave, realizado ecocardiograma transtorácico, o qual evidenciou FEVE 21% e sinais de miocardiopatia dilatada sem etiologia definida, clinicamente apresentando sinais de baixo débito. Paciente fez uso de doses crescentes de dobutamina e furosemida, com baixa resposta, optado por instalar balão intra-aórtico, o qual fez uso por 11 dias. Durante sua internação, foi otimizada terapia para ICFEr, porém paciente apresentou falha em desmame de dobutamina. Nesse contexto, paciente teve indicação de cuidados paliativos devido à refratariedade terapêutica e contraindicação ao transplante cardíaco, necessitou de morfina e midazolam em bomba infusão contínua. Após otimização medicamentosa com vasodilatadores, optou-se por iniciar digoxina 0,125mg/dia. Assim, paciente evoluiu com desmame de dobutamina em 5 dias após início de digoxina e melhora sintomática, com ausência de sinais de baixo débito, edema de membros inferiores e dispneia, recebendo alta hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Relatamos um caso de ICFEr com difícil desmame de inotrópicos, evoluindo em estado grave, com proposta de seguir tratamento paliativo. Porém, ao ser introduzido a digoxina com proposta de melhorar atividade inotrópica, paciente teve melhora progressiva de sintomas, possibilitando alta hospitalar. O presente relato visa levantar discussão do uso da digoxina em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca avançada como meio de auxiliar em desmame de dobutamina, possibilitando alta hospitalar

Conduction system pacing versus biventricular pacing in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials I

BACKGROUND: Biventricular pacing (BVP) has proven efficacy in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and ventricular dyssynchrony. Conduction system pacing (CSP), encompassing His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle area pacing (LBAP), has emerged as a promising alternative, but its benefits are still uncertain. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CSP to BVP for resynchronization therapy in patients with HFrEF and reported the outcomes of (1) paced QRS interval duration; (2) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); and (3) New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA). Heterogeneity was examined with I² statistics. A random-effects model was used for all outcomes. RESULTS: We included 7 RCTs with 408 patients, of whom 200 (49%) underwent CSP. In patients undergoing CSP, there was significantly lower paced QRS duration (MD -13.34; 95% CI -24.32 to -2.36; p=0.02; Figure 1) and NYHA functional class (SMD -0.37; 95% CI -0.69 to -0.05; p=0.02; Figure 2). There was also a significant increase in LVEF in the CSP group (MD 2.06; 95% CI 0.16 to 3.97; p=0.03; Figure 3). No statistical difference was noted for LVESV (SMD -0.51; 95% CI -1.26 to 0.24; p=0.18; I²=83%), threshold for lead capture (MD -0.08; 95% CI -0.42 to 0.27; p=0.66; I²=66%), and procedure time (MD 5.99; 95% CI -15.91 to 27.89; p=0.59; I²=79%). Hospitalizations for HF were only noted in three studies, and no difference was observed between groups (9 vs 7; RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.21 to 4.90; p=0.98; I²=46%). Differences in mortality did not reach statistical significance (3 vs 8; RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.62; p=0.219; I²=0%). In subgroup analysis per CSP technique, there were no significant differences between groups for QRS duration and LVEF. LBAP was the main contributor for the significant difference observed in the NYHA functional class with a trend towards subgroup difference (p interaction=0.06). Although no significant difference was noted for the overall lead threshold, the LBAP subgroup had significantly lower values compared to HBP (p interaction=0.03). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CSP may have symptomatic, echocardiographic and electrophysiologic benefits for HFrEF patients requiring resynchronization.

Dapaglifozina na insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção levemente reduzida ou preservada - deliver / Dapagliflozin in heart failure with mildly reduced orpreserved ejection fraction ­ deliver trial

Os resultados do estudo DELIVER indicam que a dapagliflozina foi superior ao placebo na melhora dos resultados de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) entre pacientes sintomáticos e estáveis com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) levemente reduzida ou preservada (FE>40%), independentemente do status de diabetes, duração do uso de diurético basal para IC, níveis basais de NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic pep-tide), uso basal de betabloqueadores e entre pacientes com hipertensão aparentemente resistente ao tratamento. O benefício foi impulsionado principalmente pela redução das hospitalizações por IC e não pela mortalidade. O benefício foi consistente em todos os subgrupos pré-especificados.

The Relationship between Nocturnal Dipping Status, Morning Blood Pressure Surge, and Hospital Admissions in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure. / A Relação entre o Estado Dipping Noturno, Aumento da Pressão Arterial Matinal e Internações Hospitalares em Pacientes com a Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a known risk factor for developing heart failure. However, there is limited data to investigate the association between morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), dipping status, echocardiographic parameters, and hospital admissions in patients with systolic heart failure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between morning blood pressure surge, non-dipper blood pressure pattern, echocardiographic parameters, and hospital admissions in patients with systolic heart failure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 206 consecutive patients with hypertension and a left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%. We divided the patients into two groups according to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) results: dippers (n=110) and non-dippers (n=96). Morning blood pressure surge was calculated. Echocardiographic findings and hospital admissions during follow-up were noted. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study group comprised 206 patients with a male predominance and mean age of 63.5 ± 16.1 years. The non-dipper group had significantly more hospital admissions compared to dippers. There was a positive correlation between MBPS and left atrial volume index (r=0.331, p=0.001), the ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and flow propagation velocity (r= 0.326, p=0.001), and the ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/Em) (r= 0.314, p=0.001). Non-dipper BP, MBPS, and E/Em pattern were found to be independently associated with increased hospital admissions. CONCLUSION: MBPS is associated with diastolic dysfunction and may be a sensitive predictor of hospital admission in patients with systolic heart failure.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertensão é um fator de risco conhecido para o desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, há dados limitados para investigar a associação entre pico de pressão arterial matinal (PPAM), estado dipper, parâmetros ecocardiográficos e internações hospitalares em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a relação entre aumento matinal da pressão arterial, padrão de pressão arterial não-dipper, parâmetros ecocardiográficos e internações hospitalares em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente os dados de 206 pacientes consecutivos com hipertensão e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo abaixo de 40%. Dividimos os pacientes em dois grupos de acordo com os resultados da monitoramento ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) de 24 horas: dippers (n=110) e não-dippers (n=96). O aumento matinal da pressão arterial foi calculado. Achados ecocardiográficos e internações hospitalares durante o acompanhamento foram anotados. A significância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O grupo de estudo foi composto por 206 pacientes com predominância do sexo masculino e idade média de 63,5 ± 16,1 anos. O grupo não-dipper teve significativamente mais internações hospitalares em comparação com os dippers. Houve correlação positiva entre PPAM e índice de volume do átrio esquerdo (r=0,331, p=0,001), relação entre velocidade de influxo mitral precoce e velocidade de propagação do fluxo (r= 0,326, p=0,001) e relação entre influxo mitral precoce velocidade e velocidade diastólica inicial do anel mitral (E/Em) (r= 0,314, p=0,001). Verificou-se que a PA não-dipper, PPAM e o padrão E/Em estão independentemente associados ao aumento das admissões hospitalares. CONCLUSÃO: O PPAM está associado à disfunção diastólica e pode ser um preditor sensível de internação hospitalar em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica.

Congestão pulmonar em insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida: comparação entre o ultrassom de pulmão e o dispositivo dielétrico remoto / Pulmonary congestion in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: comparison between lung ultrasound and remote dielectric sensing

INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação de congestão pulmonar ambulatorial em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFER) pode minimizar internações por descompensação e otimizar o uso de diuréticos. OBJETIVO: Comparar o dispositivo dielétrico remoto (DDR), equipamento validado para detectar líquido extravascular pulmonar, com parâmetros clínicos, medidas de ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) e ultrassom de pulmão (ULSP). MÉTODOS: Incluímos 38 pacientes do ambulatório de miocardiopatias (63±12 anos; 21 homens). Todos foram submetidos, num período de 24 horas, à avaliação clínica com descrição de dispneia paroxística noturna, edema de membros inferiores (EMI), presença de tonturas; avaliação laboratorial de NT-ProBNP; avaliação pelo DDR e ETT com análise de parâmetros de congestão sistêmica pela veia cava inferior, função do ventrículo direito e de congestão pulmonar, como a avaliação das pressões de enchimento por meio E/e' médio e volume indexado do átrio esquerdo. O ULSP foi realizado com o protocolo de 8 quadrantes anteriores, com contagem de linhas B em um ciclo respiratório. RESULTADOS: 22 pacientes apresentavam DDR ≥ 35% (congestão pulmonar) e 16 pacientes DDR < 35%. Parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos foram comparados com o DDR ≥ 35%. Na análise multivariada, as variáveis superfície corpórea (SC), linhas B e EMI se associaram a DDR ≥ 35%. NT-ProBNP foi semelhante e elevado em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O acompanhamento ambulatorial de ICFER para controle volêmico pode ser sensibilizado pela presença de linhas B no ULSP, que apresenta boa correlação com DDR ≥ 35%. NT-ProBNP não foi capaz de diferenciar pacientes com maior grau de congestão detectado pelo DDR.

BACKGOUND: Outpatient assessment of pulmonary congestion in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) can minimize hospitalizations due to decompensation and optimize the use of diuretics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the remote dielectric sensor (REDS), a validated device for detecting pulmonary extravascular fluid, with clinical parameters, transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and lung ultrasound (ULSP). METHODS: We included 38 patients from heart failure clinic (63±12 years; 21 men). All were submitted within 24 hours to clinical evaluation with description of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, leg edema (LE), presence of dizziness; laboratory evaluation of NT-ProBNP; evaluation by SDR and TTE with analysis of parameters of systemic congestion by the inferior vena cava evaluation, function of the right ventricle and of pulmonary congestion, such as evaluation of filling pressures by average of E/e' and indexed left atrial volume. The ULSP was performed using the 8 points anterior quadrants protocol, counting B lines in one respiratory cycle. RESULTS: 22 patients had REDS ≥ 35% (indicative of pulmonary congestion) and 16 patients REDS < 35%. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared with REDS ≥ 35%. In the multivariate analysis, the variables body surface area, B lines and LE were associated with REDS ≥ 35%. NT-ProBNP was similar and elevated in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient monitoring of HFREF for volume control can be sensitized by the presence of B lines on the ULSP with good correlation to REDS ≥ 35%. NT pro BNP was not able to differentiate patients with congestion detected by REDS.

Advanced HFrEF patient with very low NT PRO BNP AND LOW VO2

BACKGROUND: Advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is rarely (HFrEF) associated with very low values of NT-pro-BNP, and its evidence poses a challenge to the true cause of the dysphnea and fatigue experienced by the patients. CASE: 48 year old male, BMI 25,17, with dilated cardiomiopathy, presented with NYHA class III, ecocardiography demonstrating EF of 34%, diastolic dysfunction grade 1 and a normal right ventricule function. His EKG showed a sinus rythm with a left bundle branch block, with QRS duration of 150 ms. Despite optimized medical therapy, patient maintained symptoms to a minimum effort, and his NT-pro-BNP blood levels were never higher than 60 pg/ml. DECISION-MAKING: Patient underwent a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) after one year follow up. A recent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) showed a VO2max of 12 ml/kg/min, RER = 1,1, a VE/VCO2 slope of 37,8 and no evidence of pulmonary disfunction. Right heart catheterization (RHC) without the usage of inotropes demonstrated a cardiac output of 3,79 liters/minute and a pulmonary resistence of 1,85 Wood. Due to the persistence of symptoms, without clinical improvement, the patient was placed on the waiting list for heart transplantation despite his low blood levels of NT-pro-BNP. CONCLUSION: Heart transplantation in HFrEF requires an individual approach and the patientʼs clinical presentation must not be overlooked independently of NT-pro-BNP values. Further controlled trials are still needed to provide clear guidelines on the management of HFrEF patients presenting very low values of NT-proBNP.

Dapagliflozina para o tratamento adicional de pacientes adultos com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (FEVE≤40%), NYHA II-IV e sintomáticos apesar do uso de terapia padrão com inibidor da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina (IECA) ou Antagonista do Receptor da angiotensina II (ARA II), com betabloqueadores, diuréticos e antagonista do receptor de mineralocorticoides / Dapagliflozin for the additional treatment of adult heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF≤40%), NYHA II-IV and symptomatic despite the use of standard Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor therapy (ACEI) or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (ARA II), with beta-blockers, diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists

INTRODUÇÃO: A IC é uma síndrome clínica complexa, na qual o coração é incapaz de bombear sangue de forma a atender às necessidades metabólicas tissulares representando um desafio pelo caráter progressivo da doença, a limitação da qualidade de vida e a alta mortalidade. É a principal causa de re-hospitalização no Brasil, com elevada mortalidade em cinco anos e se constatando que uma em cada cinco pessoas tem chance de desenvolvê-la ao longo da vida. A dapagliflozina age por inibição do cotransportador sódio-glicose 2 (SGLT2) melhorando o controle glicêmico em pacientes com diabetes mellitus e promovendo benefícios cardiovasculares. A inibição do SGLT2 promove redução da absorção de glicose do filtrado glomerular no túbulo renal proximal, com diminuição da reabsorção de sódio, levando à excreção urinária da glicose e diurese osmótica. Desta forma, aumenta a entrega de sódio ao túbulo distal, o qual aumenta a retroalimentação no túbulo glomerular e reduz a pressão intraglomerular. Este efeito combinado com a diurese osmóticaleva a uma redução na sobrecarga de volume, redução na pressão

Obesidad en la mortalidad de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida / Obesity in the mortality of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Introducción: La asociación entre obesidad y menor mortalidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo es controversial. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre obesidad y mortalidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de cohorte prospectivo en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida en el período comprendido entre enero del 2010 y diciembre de 2020. La muestra quedó conformada por 173 pacientes. Se evaluó la supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier, para estimar el efecto del pronóstico de la variable obesidad sobre la mortalidad. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión de Cox. Resultados: Se observó que los pacientes obesos al año de seguimiento tuvieron mejor supervivencia que los que presentaron normopeso (0,6 versus 0,8) a los cinco años presentaron similar supervivencia los tres subgrupos de índice masa corporal (0,6), la mayor mortalidad la presentaron los pacientes bajo peso. La curva de éstos últimos, se distancia del resto de las categorías de IMC, Log Rank p= 0,001. En el modelo de regresión de Cox la obesidad presentó un odd ration OR=´1,159 p=0,648 (intervalo de confianza de 0,615-2,181). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida no se observó el fenómeno de obesidad paradójica en relación a la mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: The association between obesity and lower mortality in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction is controversial. Objective: To evaluate the association between obesity and mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was carried out, from January 2010 to December 2020, in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The sample was made up of 173 patients. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the prognostic effect of the obesity variable on mortality. Cox regression model was used. Results: It was observed that obese patients at one year of follow-up had better survival than those with normal weight (0.6 versus 0.8). At five years, the three subgroups of body mass index (0.6) showed similar survival and the highest mortality was observed by low weight patients. The curve of the latter differs from the rest of the BMI categories, Log Rank p=0.001. In the Cox regression model, obesity had an odds ratio OR=´1.159 p=0.648 (confidence interval 0.615-2.181). Conclusions: In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the phenomenon of paradoxical obesity was not observed in relation to mortality(AU)

Aerobic exercise and telomere length in patients with systolic heart failure: protocol study for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a syndrome that leads to fatigue and reduced functional capacity due to disease-related pathophysiological mechanisms. Aerobic exercise (AERO) plays a key role in improving HF outcomes, such as an increase in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). In addition, HF promotes cell senescence, which involves reducing telomere length. Several studies have shown that patients with a worse prognosis (i.e., reduced VO2 peak) also have shorter telomeres. However, the effects of AERO on telomere length in patients with HFrEF are still unknown. In an attempt to fill this gap, we designed a study to determine the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training (32 sessions) on telomere length in HFrEF patients. METHODS: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, men and women between 50 and 80 years old will be allocated into two different groups: a moderate-intensity aerobic training and a control grouTelomere length, functional capacity, echocardiographic variables, endothelial function, and walking ability will be assessed before and after the 16-week intervention period. DISCUSSION: Understanding the role of physical exercise in biological aging in HFrEF patients is relevant. Due to cell senescence, these individuals have shown a shorter telomere length. AERO can delay biological aging according to a balance in oxidative stress through antioxidant action. Positive telomere length results are expected for the aerobic training group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03856736 . Registered on February 27, 2019.

Diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis.

AIMS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are prevalent in CKD, but their prognostic relevance is debatable. We intent to verify whether LVDD and LVSD are independently predictive of all-cause mortality and if they have comparable or different effects on outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the echocardiographic data of 1285 haemodialysis patients followed up until death or transplantation. LVDD was classified into 4 grades of severity. Endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 30 months, 419/1285 (33%) patients died, 224 (53%) due to CV events. LVDD occurred in 75% of patients, grade 1 DD was the prevalent diastolic abnormality, and pseudonormal pattern was the predominant form of moderate-severe DD. Moderate-severe LVDD (HR 1.379, CI% 1.074-1.770) and LVSD (HR 1.814, CI% 1.265-2.576) independently predicted death; a graded, progressive association was found between LVDD categories and the risk of death; and the impact of isolated severe-moderate LVDD on the risk of death was comparable to that exercised by isolated compromised LV systolic function. CONCLUSION: Moderate-severe LVDD and LVSD were independently associated with a higher probability of death and had a similar impact on survival. A progressive association was observed between LVDD grades and mortality.

Factores asociados con mortalidad intrahospitalaria en falla cardíaca aguda: un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Factors Associated with in-hospital Mortality in Acute Heart Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study / Fatores associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar na insuficiência cardíaca aguda: estudo retrospectivo

Introducción: La falla cardiaca es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia mundial y de gran interés para la salud pública. En Colombia constituye una de las principales causas de mortalidad de origen cardiovascular, por lo cual es importante determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria en estos pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó a 260 pacientes con diagnóstico de falla cardiaca aguda atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Tunja (Colombia) entre enero de 2019 y enero de 2022. Con un análisis univariado y bivariado se construyó un modelo de regresión de Cox para determinar los factores asociados con mortalidad intrahospitalaria, y como desenlaces secundarios se determinó la incidencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 10 días, el reingreso y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: La incidencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria a los 10 días fue del 10 %, el reingreso hospitalario se presentó en el 21,2 % de los pacientes, la media de estancia hospitalaria fue de 9,31 días. Los factores de riesgo para mortalidad intrahospitalaria estadísticamente significativos fueron la clasificación clínica de Stevenson C o L (HR: 3,2; IC: 1,12-9,39; p = 0,03) y la clase funcional del paciente a su ingreso NYHA III o IV (HR: 2,76; IC: 1,02-7,53; p = 0,04). Conclusiones: La clasificación clínica de Stevenson C o L y la clase funcional según NYHA III o IV demostraron ser factores de riesgo independientes de mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Se sugiere identificar tempranamente a estos pacientes, ya que podría asegurar una mayor supervivencia

Introduction: Heart failure is an illness of high prevalence at world level, and therefore one of great interest for public health. In Colombia, it is one of the leading causes of death from cardiovascular cause. For this reason, it is important to determine the risk factors associated to intrahospital morta-lity in these patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study that included 260 patients diagnosed with acute heart failure treated in San Rafael University Hospital in Tunja between January 2019 and January 2022. A univariate and a bivariate analysis were carried out calculating Hazard Ratio and p values. With these results, a Cox regression model was made to determine the associated factors in intrahos-pital mortality; in addition, the incidence of intrahospital mortality 10 days after admission; readmis-sions; and length of hospital stay were determined as secondary outcomes. Results: The incidence of intrahospital mortality 10 days after admission was of 10%; hospital read-missions occurred for 21.2% of the patients; the mean in hospital stay was of 9.31 days; the statis-tically significant risk factors for intrahospital mortality were Stevenson's clinical classification C or L (HR: 3.2; IC: 1.12-9.39; p = 0.03] and the patient's functional class at the time of admission NYHA III or IV (HR: 2.76; IC: 1.02-7.53; p = 0.04]. Conclusion: Stevenson's clinical classification C or L and the functional class NYHA III or IV emerge as independent risk factors for intrahospital mortality. Early identification of these patients is suggested for an increased rate of survival.

Introdução: a insuficiência cardíaca é uma doença de elevada prevalência em todo o mundo e que suscita grades preocupações em termos de saúde pública. Na Colômbia, esta é uma das principais causas de mortalidade cardiovascular, pelo que é importante determinar os fatores de risco associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar nestes pacientes. Materiais e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que inclui 260 pacientes com diagnostico de insuficiência cardíaca aguda tratados no Hospital Universitário San Rafael da cidade de Tunja (Colômbia) entre janeiro de 2019 e janeiro de 2022. Foi construído um modelo de regressão de Cox utilizando análises univariada e bivariada para determinar os fatores associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar. A inci-dência de mortalidade intra-hospitalar aos 10 dias, a readmissão e a duração do internamento foram determinados como resultados secundários. Resultados: A incidência de mortalidade intra-hospitalar aos 10 dias foi de 10%, a readmissão ocorreu em 21,2% dos pacientes e o tempo médio de internamento foi de 9,31 dias. Os fatores de risco estatis-ticamente significativos para a mortalidade intra-hospitalar foram a classificação clínica de Stevenson C ou L (HR: 3,2; IC: 1,12-9,39; p = 0,03) e a classe funcional do paciente na admissão NYHA III ou IV (HR: 2,76; IC: 1,02-7,53; p = 0,04). Conclusões: A classificação clínica C ou L de Stevenson e a classe funcional III ou IV da NYHA provaram ser fatores de risco independentes para a mortalidade intra-hospitalar. A identificação precoce destes pacientes é sugerida, uma vez que pode assegurar uma sobrevivência mais longa

Comparação entre classificação funcional e fração de ejeção em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca na Doença de Chagas / Functional classification versus ejection fraction in patients with heart failure and Chagas Disease

Introdução: A doença de Chagas é uma infecção causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi. É considerada um importante problema de saúde do mundo, tendo como manifestações a dilatação cardíaca, arritmias e morte. A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome complexa e de elevada morbimortalidade, que evolui com complicações semelhantes. Para categorizar a gravidade da insuficiência cardíaca, utilizamos a classificação funcional da New York Heart Association, para estratificar risco e terapias para cardiopatias. Além disso, a reduzida fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, medida pelo ecocardiograma, tem relação direta com mau prognóstico. Objetivo: Comparar a relação entre a classificação funcional pela New York Heart Association e a medida da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo em pacientes ambulatoriais chagásicos e não chagásicos. Metódos: Estudo de corte transversal na coorte, composto de pacientes acompanhados em ambulatório de insuficiência cardíaca. Foram realizadas avaliação de prontuários, entrevista clínica e verificação da classificação funcional e da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo pelo ecocardiograma. Os dados foram arquivados em banco de dados e analisados pelo Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Resultados: No período de agosto de 2018 a julho de 2019, foram selecionados 127 indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca. Destes, 34 (26,8%) eram portadores da doença de Chagas e 93 (73,3%) eram não Chagas. Observou-se predominância do sexo masculino (53,5%) e de idade >60 anos (61,4%). Houve predomínio da classe funcional II nos grupos. Em relação à fração de ejeção dos pacientes chagásicos e não chagas, observou-se que, respectivamente, 71% contra 93% dos pacientes tinham fração de ejeção reduzida, 21% versus 6% tinham fração de ejeção intermediária e 8% versus 1% fração de ejeção preservada. Conclusão: Houve associação entre classe funcional avançada e reduzida fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo principalmente em chagásicos, podendo ser usada para acompanhamento evolutivo ambulatorial. (AU)

Introduction: Chagas disease, an infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important health problem worldwide that causes cardiac dilation, arrhythmias, and death. Heart failure is a complex syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates that progresses with similar complications. The New York Heart Association functional classification is used to categorize heart failure severity and stratify heart disease risks and therapies. A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction measured by echocardiography is directly related to a poor prognosis. Objective: To compare the relationship between New York Heart Association functional classification and left ventricular ejection fraction in Chagas versus no Chagas disease outpatients. Methods: Cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients followed at a heart failure clinic. Medical records, clinical interviews, functional classification, and left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiography were analyzed. The data were filed in a database and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 127 patients with heart failure were selected from August 2018 to July 2019. Of them, 34 (26.8%) had Chagas disease and 93 (73.3%) had no Chagas disease. There was a predominance of men (53.5%) and patients aged > 60 years (61.4%). There was also a predominance of functional class II. Of the Chagas and no Chagas disease patients, 71% versus 93% had a reduced ejection fraction, 21% versus 6% had a mid-range ejection fraction, and 8% versus 1% had a preserved ejection fraction, respectively. Conclusion: There was an association between advanced functional class and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, especially in Chagas patients, information that can be used for outpatient follow-up. (AU)

Evaluación funcional de un programa de entrenamiento físico en pacientes infartados con disfunción sistólica severa del ventrículo izquierdo / Functional evaluation of a physical training programme in myocardial infarction patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad y los efectos sobre la capacidad funcional de un programa de entrenamiento físico supervisado, aplicado en pacientes con disfunción sistólica severa del ventrículo izquierdo después de infarto agudo de miocardio. Métodos: Se estudiaron 37 pacientes, de ambos sexos y sin límites de edad, con diagnóstico de disfunción sistólica severa del ventrículo izquierdo, después de haber sufrido un infarto agudo de miocardio, que consecutivamente se incorporaron al programa ambulatorio del Centro de Rehabilitación del Instituto de Cardiología. Se hicieron pruebas de esfuerzo máximas limitadas por síntomas con determinación de consumo de oxígeno, ecocardiogramas en reposo y ventriculografías isotópicas en reposo y esfuerzo a los 2, 8 y 18 meses de evolución, y un tiempo medio de seguimiento clínico de 4,1 años. A todos se les prescribió un régimen de entrenamiento físico moderado o intenso, durante un año como mínimo. Se consideró disfunción sistólica severa cuando la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo fue menor de 35%. Resultados: Todos los parámetros ergométricos que expresaron capacidad funcional incrementaron significativamente en la evaluación del octavo mes (p< 0,0005), permaneciendo invariables a los 18. La fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo media en reposo inicial fue de 28,3 ± 5,3%, la cual no mostró variaciones significativas con el esfuerzo ni con otros estudios evolutivos. La mortalidad total y la morbilidad de la serie fueron de 10,5% y 47,3%, respectivamente. Conclusión: El entrenamiento físico supervisado en pacientes infartados con disfunción sistólica severa de ventrículo izquierdo fue seguro y efectivo, y mejoró su calidad de vida, sin causar efectos negativos sobre la función ventricular.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effects on the functional capacity of a supervised physical training programme carried out on patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction after an acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The study included a total of 37 patients, males and females of any age, with a diagnosis of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction after having suffered an acute myocardial infarction. They were consecutively included into the ambulatory programme of the Institute of Cardiology Rehabilitation Centre. Maximum effort tests, limited by symptoms, were performed to determine oxygen consumption. Echocardiograms were also performed at rest, with isotopic ventriculography at rest and then at 2, 8, and 18 months. The mean clinical follow-up was 4.1 years. They were all prescribed to a moderate or intense training programme for at least one year. Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was considered when the left ventricular ejection fraction was less than 35%. Results: All the ergometric parameters that expressed functional capacity increased significantly in the evaluation at 8 months (P< .0005), and remained at 18 months. The initial mean left ventricular ejection fraction at rest was 28.3 ± 5.3%, which showed no significant changes with effort or in the other evaluation times. The overall mortality and morbidity of the series was 10.5% and 47.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Supervised physical training in patients after an acute myocardial infarction and with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was safe and effective, and improved the quality of life, without causing negative effects on ventricular function.

The Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Determining Severity in Patients with both Systolic Heart Failure and COPD.

Our aim was to identify optimal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) threshold values that distinguish disease severity progression in patients with co-existing systolic heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to evaluate the impact of the cut-off determined on the prognosis of hospitalizations. We evaluated 40 patients (30 men and 10 woman) with HF and COPD through pulmonary function testing, doppler echocardiography and maximal incremental CPET on a cycle ergometer. Several significant CPET threshold values were identified in detecting a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) < 1.6 L: 1) oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) < 1.3; and 2) circulatory power (CP) < 2383 mmHg.mlO2.kg-1. CPET significant threshold values in identifying a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 39% were: 1) OUES: < 1.3; 2) CP < 2116 mmHg.mlO2.kg-1.min-1 and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (V̇E/V̇CO2) slope>38. The 15 (38%) patients hospitalized during follow-up (8 ± 2 months). In the hospitalizations analysis, LVEF < 39% and FEV1 < 1.6, OUES < 1.3, CP < 2116 mmHg.mlO2.kg-1.min-1 and V̇E/V̇CO2 > 38 were a strong risk predictor for hospitalization (P ≤ 0.050). The CPET response effectively identified worsening disease severity in patients with a HF-COPD phenotype. LVEF, FEV1, CP, OUES, and the V̇E/V̇CO2 slope may be particularly useful in the clinical assessment and strong risk predictor for hospitalization.

Tai Chi exercise and functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles for rehabilitation in older adults with chronic systolic heart failure: a non-randomized clinical trial.

Exercise-based training decreases hospitalizations in heart failure patients but such patients have exercise intolerance. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise and lower limb muscles' functional electrical stimulation in older chronic heart failure adults. A total of 1,084 older adults with chronic systolic heart failure were included in a non-randomized clinical trial (n=271 per group). The control group did not receive any kind of intervention, one group received functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles (FES group), another group practiced Tai Chi exercise (TCE group), and another received functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles and practiced Tai Chi exercise (FES & TCE group). Quality of life and cardiorespiratory functions of all patients were evaluated. Compared to the control group, only FES group had increased Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score (P<0.0001, q=9.06), only the TCE group had decreased heart rate (P<0.0001, q=5.72), and decreased peak oxygen consumption was reported in the TCE group (P<0.0001, q=9.15) and FES & TCE group (P<0.0001, q=10.69). FES of lower limb muscles and Tai Chi exercise can recover the quality of life and cardiorespiratory functions of older chronic heart failure adults (trial registration: Research Registry 4474, January 1, 2015).

Predictors of one-year outcomes in chronic heart failure: the portrait of a middle income country.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. It is associated with high mortality and poor quality of life due to recurrent and costly hospital admissions. Several studies have been conducted to describe HF risk predictors in different races, countries and health systems. Nonetheless, understanding population-specific determinants of HF outcomes remains a great challenge. We aim to evaluate predictors of 1-year survival of individuals with systolic heart failure from the GENIUS-HF cohort. METHODS: We enrolled 700 consecutive patients with systolic heart failure from the SPA outpatient clinic of the Heart Institute, a tertiary health-center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 80 years old with heart failure diagnosis of different etiologies and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50% in the previous 2 years of enrollment on the cohort. We recorded baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and followed-up patients at 6 months intervals by telephone interview. Study data were collected and data quality assurance by the Research Electronic Data Capture tools. Time to death was studied using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic, clinical and socioeconomic variables and medication use. RESULTS: We screened 2314 consecutive patients for eligibility and enrolled 700 participants. The overall mortality was 6.8% (47 patients); the composite outcome of death and hospitalization was 17.7% (123 patients) and 1% (7 patients) have been submitted to heart transplantation after one year of enrollment. After multivariate adjustment, baseline values of blood urea nitrogen (HR 1.017; CI 95% 1.008-1.027; p < 0.001), brain natriuretic peptide (HR 1.695; CI 95% 1.347-2.134; p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (HR 0.982;CI 95% 0.969-0.995; p = 0.008) were independently associated with death within 1 year. Kaplan Meier curves showed that ischemic patients have worse survival free of death and hospitalization compared to other etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of BUN and BNP and low systolic blood pressure were independent predictors of one-year overall mortality in our sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NTC02043431, retrospectively registered at in January 23, 2014.