In-Hospital influenza vaccination to prevent cardiorespiratory events in the first 45 days after acute coronary syndrome: A prespecified analysis of the VIP-ACS trial.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination prevents major cardiovascular events in individuals presenting a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), however the early effect of an in-hospital double-dose vaccination strategy remains uncertain. METHODS: The VIP-ACS was a randomized, pragmatic, multicenter, open-label trial with a blinded-adjudication endpoint. Patients with ACS ≤ 7 days of hospitalization were randomized to an in-hospital double-dose quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (double-dose) or a standard-dose influenza vaccine at 30 days post-randomization. The primary endpoint was a hierarchical composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, hospitalization for heart failure, urgent coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for respiratory infections, analyzed with the win ratio (WR) method in short-term follow-up (45-days after randomization). RESULTS: The trial enrolled 1,801 patients (≥18 years old). Median participant age was 57 years, 70 % were male. There were no significant differences between groups on the primary hierarchical endpoint: there were 5.7 % wins in the double-dose in-hospital group and 5.5 % wins in the standard-dose delayed vaccination group (WR: 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.70---1.53; P = 0.85). In a sensitivity analysis including COVID-19 infection in the hospitalizations for respiratory infections endpoint, overall results were maintained (WR: 1.03; 95 % CI 0.71---1.51; P = 0.87). Results were consistent for major cardiovascular events only (WR: 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.48---1.39; P = 0.46). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: In patients with recent ACS, in-hospital double-dose influenza vaccination did not significantly reduce cardiorespiratory events at 45 days compared with standard-dose vaccination at 30 days post-randomization.

National Registry of Hypertension Control Evaluated by Office and Home Measurements: The LHAR National Registry. / Registro Nacional do Controle da Hipertensão Arterial Avaliado pela Medida de Consultório e Residencial no Brasil: Registro LHAR.

BACKGROUND: It is known that around 30% of patients have higher blood pressure (BP) values when examined at the office than at home. Worldwide, only 35% of patients with hypertension undergoing treatment have reached their BP targets. OBJECTIVE: To provide epidemiological data on BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists, considering office and home BP measurement. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a hypertension diagnosis and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, with controlled BP or not. BP was assayed in the office by a medical professional and at home using home BP monitoring (HBPM). The association between categorical variables was verified using the chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The study included 2540 patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.2 years. Most patients were women (62%; n=1575). Prevalence rates of 15% (n=382) for uncontrolled white coat hypertension and 10% (n=253) for uncontrolled masked hypertension were observed. The rate of BP control in the office was 56.3% and at home, 61%. Meanwhile, 46.4% of the patients had controlled BP in and outside of the office. Greater control was observed in women and in the 49-61 years age group. Considering the new DBHA 2020 threshold for home BP control, the control rate was 42.4%. CONCLUSION: BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists was 56.3%; this rate was 61% when BP was measured at home and 46.4% when considering both the office and home.

FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que em torno de 30% dos pacientes apresentam valores de pressão arterial (PA) mais elevados quando examinados no consultório do que em suas residências. No mundo, admite-se que apenas 35% dos hipertensos já tratados tenham alcançado meta pressórica. OBJETIVO: Fornecer dados epidemiológicos sobre o controle da PA nos consultórios, em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros, avaliado pela medida de consultório e monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA). MÉTODOS: Análise transversal. Observou-se pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial, em tratamento anti-hipertensivo, podendo ou não estar com a PA controlada. A PA foi verificada no consultório por profissional médico, e no domicílio através da MRPA. A associação entre variáveis categóricas se deu por meio do teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.540 pacientes, com idade média 59,7 ± 15,2 anos. A maioria dos pacientes eram mulheres (62%; n = 1.575). O estudo mostrou uma prevalência de 15% (n = 382) de hipertensão do avental branco não controlada, e 10% (n = 253) de hipertensão mascarada não controlada. A taxa de controle da PA no consultório foi 56,3%, e no domicílio, de 61%; 46,4% dos pacientes tiveram PA controlada no consultório e fora dele. Observou-se maior controle no sexo feminino e na faixa etária 49-61 anos. Observando o controle domiciliar com o novo ponto de corte das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial de 2020, a taxa de controle foi de 42,4%. CONCLUSÃO: O controle pressórico nos consultórios em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros foi de 56,3%; 61% quando a PA foi obtida no domicílio, e 46,4% quando o controle foi observado tanto no consultório como no domicílio.

Registro Nacional do Controle da Hipertensão Arterial Avaliado pela Medida de Consultório e Residencial no Brasil: Registro LHAR / National Registry of Hypertension Control Evaluated by Office and Home Measurements: The LHAR National Registry

Resumo Fundamento Sabe-se que em torno de 30% dos pacientes apresentam valores de pressão arterial (PA) mais elevados quando examinados no consultório do que em suas residências. No mundo, admite-se que apenas 35% dos hipertensos já tratados tenham alcançado meta pressórica. Objetivo Fornecer dados epidemiológicos sobre o controle da PA nos consultórios, em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros, avaliado pela medida de consultório e monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA). Métodos Análise transversal. Observou-se pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial, em tratamento anti-hipertensivo, podendo ou não estar com a PA controlada. A PA foi verificada no consultório por profissional médico, e no domicílio através da MRPA. A associação entre variáveis categóricas se deu por meio do teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados Foram incluídos 2.540 pacientes, com idade média 59,7 ± 15,2 anos. A maioria dos pacientes eram mulheres (62%; n = 1.575). O estudo mostrou uma prevalência de 15% (n = 382) de hipertensão do avental branco não controlada, e 10% (n = 253) de hipertensão mascarada não controlada. A taxa de controle da PA no consultório foi 56,3%, e no domicílio, de 61%; 46,4% dos pacientes tiveram PA controlada no consultório e fora dele. Observou-se maior controle no sexo feminino e na faixa etária 49-61 anos. Observando o controle domiciliar com o novo ponto de corte das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial de 2020, a taxa de controle foi de 42,4%. Conclusão O controle pressórico nos consultórios em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros foi de 56,3%; 61% quando a PA foi obtida no domicílio, e 46,4% quando o controle foi observado tanto no consultório como no domicílio.

Abstract Background It is known that around 30% of patients have higher blood pressure (BP) values when examined at the office than at home. Worldwide, only 35% of patients with hypertension undergoing treatment have reached their BP targets. Objective To provide epidemiological data on BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists, considering office and home BP measurement. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a hypertension diagnosis and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, with controlled BP or not. BP was assayed in the office by a medical professional and at home using home BP monitoring (HBPM). The association between categorical variables was verified using the chi-square test (p<0.05). Results The study included 2540 patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.2 years. Most patients were women (62%; n=1575). Prevalence rates of 15% (n=382) for uncontrolled white coat hypertension and 10% (n=253) for uncontrolled masked hypertension were observed. The rate of BP control in the office was 56.3% and at home, 61%. Meanwhile, 46.4% of the patients had controlled BP in and outside of the office. Greater control was observed in women and in the 49-61 years age group. Considering the new DBHA 2020 threshold for home BP control, the control rate was 42.4%. Conclusion BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists was 56.3%; this rate was 61% when BP was measured at home and 46.4% when considering both the office and home.

Lipoprotein(a) levels in a global population with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an important genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD). With the development of Lp(a)-lowering therapies, this study sought to characterise patterns of Lp(a) levels in a global ASCVD population and identify racial, ethnic, regional and gender differences. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional epidemiological study to estimate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in patients with a history of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or peripheral artery disease conducted at 949 sites in 48 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa and Australia between April 2019 and July 2021. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lp(a) levels were measured either as mass (mg/dL) or molar concentration (nmol/L). RESULTS: Of 48 135 enrolled patients, 13.9% had prior measurements of Lp(a). Mean age was 62.6 (SD 10.1) years and 25.9% were female. Median Lp(a) was 18.0 mg/dL (IQR 7.9-57.1) or 42.0 nmol/L (IQR 15.0-155.4). Median LDL-C was 77 mg/dL (IQR 58.4-101.0). Lp(a) in women was higher, 22.8 (IQR 9.0-73.0) mg/dL, than in men, 17.0 (IQR 7.1-52.2) mg/dL, p<0.001. Black patients had Lp(a) levels approximately threefold higher than white, Hispanic or Asian patients. Younger patients also had higher levels. 27.9% of patients had Lp(a) levels >50 mg/dL, 20.7% had levels >70 mg/dL, 12.9% were >90 mg/dL and 26.0% of patients exceeded 150 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, Lp(a) is measured in a small minority of patients with ASCVD and is highest in black, younger and female patients. More than 25% of patients had levels exceeding the established threshold for increased cardiovascular risk, approximately 50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L.

Dapagliflozin in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors hospitalised with COVID-19 (DARE-19): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 can lead to multiorgan failure. Dapagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, has significant protective benefits for the heart and kidney. We aimed to see whether this agent might provide organ protection in patients with COVID-19 by affecting processes dysregulated during acute illness. METHODS: DARE-19 was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor (ie, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease). Patients critically ill at screening were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to dapagliflozin (10 mg daily orally) or matched placebo for 30 days. Dual primary outcomes were assessed in the intention-to-treat population: the outcome of prevention (time to new or worsened organ dysfunction or death), and the hierarchial composite outcome of recovery (change in clinical status by day 30). Safety outcomes, in patients who received at least one study medication dose, included serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation, and adverse events of interest. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04350593. FINDINGS: Between April 22, 2020 and Jan 1, 2021, 1250 patients were randomly assigned with 625 in each group. The primary composite outcome of prevention showed organ dysfunction or death occurred in 70 patients (11·2%) in the dapagliflozin group, and 86 (13·8%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·80, 95% CI 0·58-1·10; p=0·17). For the primary outcome of recovery, 547 patients (87·5%) in the dapagliflozin group and 532 (85·1%) in the placebo group showed clinical status improvement, although this was not statistically significant (win ratio 1·09, 95% CI 0·97-1·22; p=0·14). There were 41 deaths (6·6%) in the dapagliflozin group, and 54 (8·6%) in the placebo group (HR 0·77, 95% CI 0·52-1·16). Serious adverse events were reported in 65 (10·6%) of 613 patients treated with dapagliflozin and in 82 (13·3%) of 616 patients given the placebo. INTERPRETATION: In patients with cardiometabolic risk factors who were hospitalised with COVID-19, treatment with dapagliflozin did not result in a statistically significant risk reduction in organ dysfunction or death, or improvement in clinical recovery, but was well tolerated. FUNDING: AstraZeneca.

Disparidades no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio entre usuários dos Sistema de Saúde Público e Privado em Sergipe / Disparities in acute myocardial infarction treatment between users of the public and private healthcare System in Sergipe

Com a criação do SUS, todos teriam acesso universal, integral e equânime à assistência de saúde de qualidade. Entretanto, existe grande lacuna de estudos escrutinizando o SUS no tocante à qualidade assistencial praticada. Esse fato é especialmente crítico para vítimas de infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST), sendo a responsividade do sistema e o uso da reperfusão em tempo hábil fatores cardinais para obtenção de melhores resultados. Descrever a metodologia empregada no Registro VICTIM que tem como objetivo caracterizar e comparar o acesso e o uso de terapias efetivas e desfechos entre os pacientes com IAMCSST usuários do SUS e do sistema privado atendidos nos hospitais com capacidade de realizar angioplastia em Sergipe, tentanto identificar e mensurar eventuais disparidades na qualidade da assistência.O Registro VICTIM é um estudo observacional, iniciado em dezembro de 2014, e ainda em fase de coleta, com a intenção de investigar a epidemiologia do IAMCSST em Sergipe, os cursos temporal e geográfico dos pacientes até sua admissão em uma instituição com capacidade de realizar angioplastia, uso de terapias de reperfusão, qualidade assistencial recebida durante a linha de cuidado, bem como a mortalidade de 30 dias, comparando-se os resultados obtidos pela população usuária do SUS e do sistema privado.O registro VICTIM é um esforço interinstitucional para identificar oportunidades de melhoria na linha de cuidado para IAMCSST de usuários do SUS e do sistema privado. Com isso, espera-se municiar os gestores públicos de informações técnicas que embasem novas políticas de saúde mais eficientes e equânimes

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) was created to ensure universal, integral and equitable access to quality healthcare to Brazilians. However, studies scrutinizing the quality of the healthcare provided by the SUS are scarce. This is especially critical for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), who depend on healthcare system responsiveness and timely reperfusion to achieve better outcomes. To describe the methodology of the VICTIM Registry aimed at characterizing and comparing the access to effective therapies and the outcomes of patients with STEMI, who use the SUS and the private healthcare system at hospitals capable of performing angioplasty in Sergipe. In addition, that registry aimed at identifying and measuring possible disparities in the quality of the care provided. The VICTIM Registry is an observational study, launched in December 2014, being still in the data collection phase, to investigate: the epidemiology of STEMI in Sergipe, the temporal and geographic courses of the patients up to their admission to one of the hospitals capable of performing angioplasty, the reperfusion therapy rates, the quality of the healthcare provided during the event, and the 30-day mortality. It compares the results obtained in the SUS with those of the private healthcare system. The VICTIM Registry is an interinstitutional effort to identify opportunities for healthcare improvement for SUS and private healthcare system patients with STEMI. It is expected to provide healthcare managers with information to support new, more efficient and equitable healthcare policies

[Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure]. / Insuficiência renal aguda em pacientes internados por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada--Reincade.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in critical patients, but its clinical relevance has not been determined in decompensated heart failure (DHF). OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence and prognostic value of AKI in patients with DHF and to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and in-hospital mortality with those without AKI. METHODS: Prospective study of 85 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) with DHF from March 2010 to February 2011. Diagnosis of heart failure (HF) was established using the Boston criteria (scale > 8) and additional tests, and AKI was defined using the AKIN classification. Patients data with and without AKI were compared using Student's t-test, chi-squared statistic and multiple logistic regression, considering statistically significant p < 0.05. RESULTS: Most patients were male (55%), valvular disease was the main etiology of HF (42.4%), and inadequate medication was the main cause of decompensation (22.4%). AKI occurred in 76.5% of patients (4.7% stage 1, 32.9% stage 2 and 38.8% stage 3). Patients were more anemic (p = 0.01) and had over 60 years (p = 0.02) in the AKI-group when compared to control. All patients with chronic kidney failure developed AKI. The duration of ICU stay was longer for the AKI group (group AKI 8.8 ± 6.6 days; group non-AKI 4 ± 1.4 days, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with AKI (p = 0.04), especially in stage 3 (p < 0.01). The duration of ICU stay was an independent predictor of AKI (p = 0.02). Only AKI was considered as independent predictor of mortality in this group (p = 0,05). CONCLUSION: AKI is frequent in DHF, especially in advanced stages, in the elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease, and was associated with longer hospitalization and higher mortality rate.

Insuficiência renal aguda em pacientes internados por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada - Reincade / Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure

INTRODUÇÃO: Insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) acontece com frequência em pacientes críticos, porém a significância clínica de sua ocorrência não tem sido determinada na insuficiência cardíaca descompensada (ICD). OBJETIVOS: Estudar a ocorrência e valor prognóstico da IRA em pacientes internados por ICD e avaliar comparativamente com aqueles sem a complicação o perfil clínico-laboratorial e a mortalidade intra-hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo em 85 pacientes internados em terapia intensiva (UTI) por ICD entre março de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011. Foi feito o diagnóstico de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) conforme critérios de Boston (escala > 8) e exames complementares, e o diagnóstico de IRA utilizando a classificação AKIN. Na análise estatística, utilizaram-se teste t de Student, qui-quadrado e modelo de regressão com múltiplas variáveis, considerando estatisticamente significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Predominaram homens (55%), valvopatia foi a principal etiologia da IC (42,4%), e má aderência/medicação inadequada foi a principal causa de descompensação (22,4%). IRA ocorreu em 76,5% dos indivíduos (4,7% estágio 1, 32,9% estágio 2 e 38,8% estágio 3 AKIN). Havia mais pacientes com anemia (p = 0,01) e acima de 60 anos (p = 0,02) no grupo com IRA quando comparado ao controle. Todos os pacientes com disfunção renal prévia desenvolveram IRA. Em média, permaneceram internados por 7,7 dias (grupo IRA 8,8 ± 6,6 dias; grupo não IRA 4 ± 1,4 dias; p < 0,01). A mortalidade foi maior no grupo com IRA (p = 0,04), principalmente no estágio 3 (p < 0,01). Identificou-se como preditor independente de IRA o número de dias em UTI (p = 0,02). IRA foi o único preditor independente de mortalidade no grupo (p = 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: IRA ocorre com frequência em ICD, principalmente em estágios AKIN mais avançados, na população renal crônica e idosa, e relaciona-se a maior tempo de internação e mortalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in critical patients, but its clinical relevance has not been determined in decompensated heart failure (DHF). OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence and prognostic value of AKI in patients with DHF and to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and in-hospital mortality with those without AKI. METHODS: Prospective study of 85 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) with DHF from March 2010 to February 2011. Diagnosis of heart failure (HF) was established using the Boston criteria (scale > 8) and additional tests, and AKI was defined using the AKIN classification. Patients data with and without AKI were compared using Student's t-test, chi-squared statistic and multiple logistic regression, considering statistically significant p < 0.05. RESULTS: Most patients were male (55%), valvular disease was the main etiology of HF (42.4%), and inadequate medication was the main cause of decompensation (22.4%). AKI occurred in 76.5% of patients (4.7% stage 1, 32.9% stage 2 and 38.8% stage 3). Patients were more anemic (p = 0.01) and had over 60 years (p = 0.02) in the AKI-group when compared to control. All patients with chronic kidney failure developed AKI. The duration of ICU stay was longer for the AKI group (group AKI 8.8 ± 6.6 days; group non-AKI 4 ± 1.4 days, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with AKI (p = 0.04), especially in stage 3 (p < 0.01). The duration of ICU stay was an independent predictor of AKI (p = 0.02). Only AKI was considered as independent predictor of mortality in this group (p = 0,05). CONCLUSION: AKI is frequent in DHF, especially in advanced stages, in the elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease, and was associated with longer hospitalization and higher mortality rate.

Influence of respiratory muscle strength in evolution of patients with heart failure after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of preoperative respiratory muscle strength in postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: From March 2009 to September 2010, 40 patients admitted to the cardiology service of the Fundação de Beneficência Hospital de Cirurgia were divided into two groups according to the values of maximal inspiratory pressure measured by manometer: Group A (n = 21), composed of patients with normal respiratory muscle strength, and Group B (n = 19), patients with reduced strength. After pre-operative evaluation, all patients underwent the surgical procedure and followed until hospital discharge by the same researcher, who recorded on data collection especially its evolution for the presence of pulmonary complications after surgery, which was divided general and specific. RESULTS: 19% of patients in group A and 31.6% of patients in group B had pulmonary complications overall, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.29). Regarding the presence of specific complications, group A was 14.3% and 10.5% group B (P = 0.55). There was also no difference in the days of ICU stay and total (ICU + ward) between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, preoperative respiratory muscle dysfunction does not seem to influence the evolution of heart failure patients for the presence of pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery.

Influência da força muscular respiratória na evolução de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca após cirurgia cardíaca / Influence of respiratory muscle strength in evolution of patients with heart failure after cardiac surgery

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a influência da força muscular respiratória pré-operatória na incidência de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: De março de 2009 a setembro de 2010, 40 pacientes internados no serviço de cardiologia da Fundação de Beneficência Hospital de Cirurgia foram distribuídos em dois grupos, de acordo com os valores da pressão inspiratória máxima avaliada por meio da manovacuometria: Grupo A (n=21), composto de pacientes que apresentaram força muscular respiratória normal; e grupo B (n=19), pacientes com redução da força. Após a avaliação pré operatória, todos foram submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico e acompanhados até o momento da alta hospitalar pelo mesmo pesquisador, que anotava na ficha de coleta de dados sua evolução, especialmente quanto à presença de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório, que foi dividida em geral e específica. RESULTADOS: Dezenove por cento dos pacientes do grupo A e 31,6% dos pacientes do grupo B apresentaram complicações pulmonares gerais, sendo esta diferença não significativa estatisticamente (P=0,29). Quanto à presença de complicações específicas, o grupo A teve 14,3% e o grupo B 10,5% (P= 0,55). Também não houve diferença quanto aos dias de internação em UTI e total (UTI + enfermaria) entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Nesse trabalho, a disfunção muscular respiratória no pré-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca não foi considerada um fator de risco para desenvolvimento de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of preoperative respiratory muscle strength in postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: From March 2009 to September 2010, 40 patients admitted to the cardiology service of the Fundação de Beneficência Hospital de Cirurgia were divided into two groups according to the values of maximal inspiratory pressure measured by manometer: Group A (n = 21), composed of patients with normal respiratory muscle strength, and Group B (n = 19), patients with reduced strength. After pre-operative evaluation, all patients underwent the surgical procedure and followed until hospital discharge by the same researcher, who recorded on data collection especially its evolution for the presence of pulmonary complications after surgery, which was divided general and specific. RESULTS: 19% of patients in group A and 31.6% of patients in group B had pulmonary complications overall, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.29). Regarding the presence of specific complications, group A was 14.3% and 10.5% group B (P = 0.55). There was also no difference in the days of ICU stay and total (ICU + ward) between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, preoperative respiratory muscle dysfunction does not seem to influence the evolution of heart failure patients for the presence of pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery.

Infarto agudo do miocárdio em jovem usuário de cocaína / Acute myocardial infarction in a young cocaine user

A cocaína é causa de dor torácica e faz parte das etiologias da síndrome coronariana aguda de causa não-aterosclerótica. Relata-se o caso de um jovem de 28 anos que foi admitido no setor de urgência com queixa de dor precordial que teve início após uso de cocaína, sendo diagnosticado infarto agudo do miocárdio. Discutem-se os critérios diagnósticos, o tratamento indicado e a evolução do paciente apresentado. Conclui-se que o uso de cocaína deve ser sempre pesquisado em pacientes que apresentam com queixa de dor torácica em salas de emergência.

Decompensated heart failure in the emergency department of a cardiology hospital.

BACKGROUND: National studies on decompensated heart failure (DHF) are key to the understanding of this condition in our midst. OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of DHF patients in an emergency department. METHODS: A total of 212 patients diagnosed with decompensated heart failure who had been admitted to an emergency department (EU) of a cardiology hospital were prospectively evaluated. Clinical variables, form of presentation and causes of decompensation were studied. In 100 patients, ancillary tests, prescription of vasoactive drugs, length of hospital stay and mortality were also analyzed. RESULTS: There was a predominance of the male gender (56%) and the most frequent etiology was ischemia (29,7%) despite high frequency of valvular (15%) and chagasic (14,7%) etiologies. The most common form of presentation and cause of decompensation were congestion (80.7%) and poor compliance/inadequate medication (43.4%), respectively. In the subanalysis of the 100 patients, systolic dysfunction was the most common cause of decompensation (55%); use of vasoactive drugs occurred in 20%, and mortality was 10%. The comparative analysis between the patients who were discharged and those who died during hospitalization confirmed some criteria of poor prognosis: reduced systolic blood pressure, low cardiac output associated with congestion, need for vasoactive drugs, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, increased left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD) and hyponatremia. CONCLUSION: This study presents information about the profile of decompensated heart failure patients attended on the emergency unit of a brazilian southeast cardiology hospital. Clinical, hemodynamical and ancillary data may provide information for risk assessment in the initial evaluation helping the decision on hospitalization and advanced strategic therapies.

Insuficiência cardíaca descompensada na unidade de emergência de hospital especializado em cardiologia / Decompensated heart failure in the emergency department of a cardiology hospital

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos nacionais em insuficiência cardíaca descompensada (ICD) são fundamentais para o entendimento dessa afecção em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Determinar as características dos pacientes com ICD em uma unidade de emergência. MÉTODOS: Examinamos prospectivamente 212 pacientes com o diagnóstico de insuficiência cardíaca descompensada, os quais foram admitidos em uma unidade de emergência (UE) de hospital especializado em cardiologia. Estudaram-se variáveis clínicas, apresentação e causas de descompensação. Em 100 pacientes, foram analisados exames complementares, prescrição de drogas vasoativas, tempo de internação e letalidade. RESULTADOS: Entre os pesquisados houve predomínio de homens (56 por cento) e a etiologia isquêmica foi a mais freqüente (29,7 por cento), apesar da elevada freqüência de valvares (15 por cento) e chagásicos (14,7 por cento). A forma de apresentação e a causa de descompensação mais comuns foram, respectivamente, congestão (80,7 por cento) e má adesão/medicação inadequada (43,4 por cento). Na subanálise dos 100 pacientes, a disfunção sistólica foi a mais freqüente (55 por cento), uso de drogas vasoativas ocorreu em 20 por cento e a letalidade foi de 10 por cento. Análise comparativa entre os pacientes que receberam alta e faleceram durante a internação ratificou alguns critérios de mau prognóstico: pressão arterial sistólica reduzida, baixo débito associado à congestão, necessidade de droga vasoativa, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo reduzida, diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo (DDVE) aumentado e hiponatremia. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho apresenta dados sobre o perfil da população com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada atendida na unidade de emergência de um hospital especializado em cardiologia da região sudeste do Brasil. Na avaliação inicial destes pacientes dados clínico-hemodinâmicos e de exames complementares fornecem subsídios para estratificação de risco, auxiliando na decisão de internação...

BACKGROUND: National studies on decompensated heart failure (DHF) are key to the understanding of this condition in our midst. OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of DHF patients in an emergency department. METHODS: A total of 212 patients diagnosed with decompensated heart failure who had been admitted to an emergency department (EU) of a cardiology hospital were prospectively evaluated. Clinical variables, form of presentation and causes of decompensation were studied. In 100 patients, ancillary tests, prescription of vasoactive drugs, length of hospital stay and mortality were also analyzed. RESULTS: There was a predominance of the male gender (56 percent) and the most frequent etiology was ischemia (29,7 percent) despite high frequency of valvular (15 percent) and chagasic (14,7 percent) etiologies. The most common form of presentation and cause of decompensation were congestion (80.7 percent) and poor compliance/inadequate medication (43.4 percent), respectively. In the subanalysis of the 100 patients, systolic dysfunction was the most common cause of decompensation (55 percent); use of vasoactive drugs occurred in 20 percent, and mortality was 10 percent. The comparative analysis between the patients who were discharged and those who died during hospitalization confirmed some criteria of poor prognosis: reduced systolic blood pressure, low cardiac output associated with congestion, need for vasoactive drugs, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, increased left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD) and hyponatremia. CONCLUSION: This study presents information about the profile of decompensated heart failure patients attended on the emergency unit of a brazilian southeast cardiology hospital. Clinical, hemodynamical and ancillary data may provide information for risk assessment in the initial evaluation helping the decision on hospitalization and advanced strategic therapies.