Implications for Clinical Practice from a Multicenter Survey of Heart Failure Management Centers.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Ser49Gly Beta1-Adrenergic Receptor Genetic Polymorphism as a Death Predictor in Brazilian Patients with Heart Failure. / O Polimorfismo Genético do Receptor Beta-Adrenérgico Tipo 1 Ser49Gly é Preditor de Morte em Pacientes Brasileiros com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

Background The role of Ser49Gly beta1-adrenergic receptor genetic polymorphism (ADBR1-GP-Ser49Gly) as a predictor of death in heart failure (HF) is not established for the Brazilian population. Objectives To evaluate the association between ADBR1-GP-Ser49Gly and clinical outcomes in individuals with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Methods Secondary analysis of medical records of 178 patients and genotypes of GPRß1-Ser49Gly variants, classified as Ser-Ser, Ser-Gly and Gly-Gly. To evaluate their association with clinical outcome. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results Cohort means were: clinical follow-up 6.7 years, age 63.5 years, 64.6% of men and 55.1% of whites. HF etiologies were predominantly ischemic (31.5%), idiopathic (23.6%) and hypertensive (15.7%). The genetic profile was distributed as follows: 122 Ser-Ser (68.5%), 52 Ser-Gly (28.7%) and 5 Gly-Gly (2.8%). There was a significant association between these genotypes and mean NYHA functional class at the end of follow-up (p = 0.014) with Gly-Gly being associated with less advanced NYHA. In relation to the clinical outcomes, there was a significant association (p = 0.026) between mortality and GPRß1-Ser49Gly: the number of deaths in patients with Ser-Gly (12) or Gly-Gly (1) was lower than in those with Ser-Ser (54). The Gly allele had an independent protective effect maintained after multivariate analysis and was associated with a reduction of 63% in the risk of death (p = 0.03; Odds Ratio 0.37 - CI 0.15-0.91). Conclusion The presence of ß1-AR-GP Gly-Gly was associated with better clinical outcome evaluated by NYHA functional class and was a predictor of lower risk of mortality, regardless of other factors, in a 6.7-year of follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):613-615).

O Polimorfismo Genético do Receptor Beta-Adrenérgico Tipo 1 Ser49Gly é Preditor de Morte em Pacientes Brasileiros com Insuficiência Cardíaca / Ser49Gly Beta1-Adrenergic Receptor Genetic Polymorphism as a Death Predictor in Brazilian Patients with Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento O papel do polimorfismo genético do receptor beta1-adrenérgico Ser49Gly (PG-Rβ1-Ser49Gly) como preditor de eventos na insuficiência cardíaca (IC) não está definido para a população brasileira. Objetivos Avaliar a relação entre PG-Rβ1-Ser49Gly e desfechos clínicos em indivíduos com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida. Métodos Análise secundária de prontuários de 178 pacientes e identificação das variantes do PG-Rβ1-Ser49Gly, classificadas como Ser-Ser, Ser-Gly e Gly-Gly. Avaliar sua relação com evolução clínica. Foi adotado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados As médias da coorte foram: seguimento clínico, 6,7 anos; idade, 64,4 anos; 63,5% de homens e 55,1% brancos. A etiologia da IC foi predominantemente isquêmica (31,5%), idiopática (23,6%) e hipertensiva (15,7%). O perfil genético teve a seguinte distribuição: 122 Ser-Ser (68,5%), 52 Ser-Gly (28,7%), e 5 Gly-Gly (2,8%). Houve relação significativa entre esses genótipos e a classe funcional da New York Heart Association (NYHA) ao final do acompanhamento (p = 0,014) com o Gly-Gly associado a NYHA menos avançada. Com relação aos desfechos clínicos, houve associação significativa (p = 0,026) entre mortalidade e PG-Rβ1-Ser49Gly: o número de óbitos em pacientes com Ser-Gly (12) ou Gly-Gly (1) foi menor que com Ser-Ser (54). O alelo Gly teve um efeito protetor independente mantido após análise multivariada e foi associado à redução na chance de óbito de 63% (p = 0,03; odds ratio 0,37 - IC 0,15 a 0,91). Conclusão A presença do PG-Rβ1 Gly-Gly associou-se a melhor evolução clínica avaliada pela classe funcional da NYHA e foi preditor de menor risco de mortalidade, independentemente de outros fatores, em seguimento de 6,7 anos. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):616-624)

Abstract Background The role of Ser49Gly beta1-adrenergic receptor genetic polymorphism (ADBR1-GP-Ser49Gly) as a predictor of death in heart failure (HF) is not established for the Brazilian population. Objectives To evaluate the association between ADBR1-GP-Ser49Gly and clinical outcomes in individuals with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Methods Secondary analysis of medical records of 178 patients and genotypes of GPRβ1-Ser49Gly variants, classified as Ser-Ser, Ser-Gly and Gly-Gly. To evaluate their association with clinical outcome. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results Cohort means were: clinical follow-up 6.7 years, age 63.5 years, 64.6% of men and 55.1% of whites. HF etiologies were predominantly ischemic (31.5%), idiopathic (23.6%) and hypertensive (15.7%). The genetic profile was distributed as follows: 122 Ser-Ser (68.5%), 52 Ser-Gly (28.7%) and 5 Gly-Gly (2.8%). There was a significant association between these genotypes and mean NYHA functional class at the end of follow-up (p = 0.014) with Gly-Gly being associated with less advanced NYHA. In relation to the clinical outcomes, there was a significant association (p = 0.026) between mortality and GPRβ1-Ser49Gly: the number of deaths in patients with Ser-Gly (12) or Gly-Gly (1) was lower than in those with Ser-Ser (54). The Gly allele had an independent protective effect maintained after multivariate analysis and was associated with a reduction of 63% in the risk of death (p = 0.03; Odds Ratio 0.37 - CI 0.15-0.91). Conclusion The presence of β1-AR-GP Gly-Gly was associated with better clinical outcome evaluated by NYHA functional class and was a predictor of lower risk of mortality, regardless of other factors, in a 6.7-year of follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):613-615)

Role of Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Risk Markers for Sudden Death.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with sudden death (SD). Myocardial fibrosis is reportedly correlated with SD. OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis, updating the risk markers (RMs) in HCM emphasizing myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: We reviewed HCM studies that addressed severe arrhythmic outcomes and the certain RMs: SD family history, severe ventricular hypertrophy, unexplained syncope, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on 24-hour Holter monitoring, abnormal blood pressure response to exercise (ABPRE), myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases. We used relative risks (RRs) as an effect measure and random models for the analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were selected (14,901 patients aged 45 ± 16 years; men, 62.8%). Myocardial fibrosis was the major RISK MARKER (RR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.95-6.03). The other RMs, except for LVOTO, were also predictors: SD family history (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.39-2.20), severe ventricular hypertrophy (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.26-2.74), unexplained syncope (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.69-3.07), NSVT (RR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.29-3.41), and ABPRE (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.08). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the association of myocardial fibrosis and other RMs with severe arrhythmic outcomes in HCM and emphasize the need for new prediction models in managing these patients.

Role of Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Risk Markers for Sudden Death / Papel da Fibrose Miocárdica na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica: Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise Atualizada de Marcadores de Risco para Morte Súbita

Abstract Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with sudden death (SD). Myocardial fibrosis is reportedly correlated with SD. Objective: We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis, updating the risk markers (RMs) in HCM emphasizing myocardial fibrosis. Methods: We reviewed HCM studies that addressed severe arrhythmic outcomes and the certain RMs: SD family history, severe ventricular hypertrophy, unexplained syncope, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on 24-hour Holter monitoring, abnormal blood pressure response to exercise (ABPRE), myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases. We used relative risks (RRs) as an effect measure and random models for the analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected (14,901 patients aged 45 ± 16 years; men, 62.8%). Myocardial fibrosis was the major RISK MARKER (RR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.95-6.03). The other RMs, except for LVOTO, were also predictors: SD family history (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.39-2.20), severe ventricular hypertrophy (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.26-2.74), unexplained syncope (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.69-3.07), NSVT (RR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.29-3.41), and ABPRE (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.08). Conclusions: We confirmed the association of myocardial fibrosis and other RMs with severe arrhythmic outcomes in HCM and emphasize the need for new prediction models in managing these patients.

Resumo Fundamento: A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) está associada à morte súbita (MS). A fibrose miocárdica está supostamente correlacionada à MS. Objetivo: Realizamos uma revisão sistemática com metanálise, atualizando os marcadores de risco (MR) em CMH enfatizando a fibrose miocárdica. Métodos: Revisamos estudos de CMH que abordaram desfechos arrítmicos graves e certos MR: história familiar de MS, hipertrofia ventricular grave, síncope inexplicada, taquicardia ventricular não sustentada (TVNS) na monitorização com Holter de 24 horas, resposta anormal da pressão arterial ao exercício (ABPRE), fibrose miocárdica e obstrução da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE) nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO. Utilizamos os riscos relativos (RRs) como uma medida de efeito e modelos aleatórios para a análise. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em p < 0,05. Resultados: Vinte e um estudos foram selecionados (14.901 pacientes com idade de 45 ± 16 anos; homens, 62,8%). A fibrose miocárdica foi o principal MARCADOR DE RISCO (RR, 3,43; IC95%, 1,95-6,03). Os outros MR, exceto obstrução da VSVE, também foram preditores: história familiar de MS (RR, 1,75; IC95%, 1,39-2,20), hipertrofia ventricular grave (RR, 1,86; IC95%, 1,26-2,74), síncope inexplicada (RR, 2,27; IC95%, 1,69-3,07), TVNS (RR, 2,79; IC95%, 2,29-3,41) e ABPRE (RR, 1,53; IC95%, 1,12-2,08). Conclusões: Confirmamos a associação de fibrose miocárdica e outros MR com desfechos arrítmicos graves na CMH e enfatizamos a necessidade de novos modelos de previsão no manejo desses pacientes.

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication distinguished by acute and severe platelet consumption, with spontaneous recovery within days. We describe a case of acute thrombocytopenia 6 hours after coronary angioplasty in a patient with a negative antiplatelet factor 4 test. The count reached 1 × 103/µL, but improved spontaneously to 210 × 103/µL after 8 days. In conclusion, physicians should be aware of this complication, particularly when dual antiplatelet therapy is being considered.

Morte Súbita na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica / Sudden Death in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica é uma doença genética do músculo cardíaco, autossômica dominante, caracterizada por hipertrofia ventricular na ausência de qualquer outra condição clínica que leve à sobrecarga do coração. Estima-se prevalência de 1:500, sendo importante causa de morte súbita, especialmente em jovens, com incidência anual em torno de 1%. Entre os marcadores de risco para a ocorrência de arritmias ventriculares malignas e morte súbita neste cenário, enfatizam-se, além de um evento fatal já ocorrido e abortado, história familiar de morte súbita; espessura de parede maior ou igual a 30mm; síncope inexplicada; presença de taquicardia ventricular não sustentada ao Holter; resposta pressórica anormal no teste ergométrico; e presença de realce tardio na ressonância magnética do coração. A presença ou ausência destes marcadores pode definir a necessidade ou não do implante de cardiodesfibrilador implantável como forma de prevenir a morte súbita nestes pacientes. Entretanto, ainda existe muita controvérsia sobre a forma pela qual estes pacientes devam ser estratificados. Sabe-se que estes marcadores não têm o mesmo peso em predizer quem tem mais chance de sofrer um evento fatal. Este fato torna-se particularmente importante quando se constata que o procedimento de implante de cardiodesfibrilador implantável não é isento de complicações, além do impacto econômico, em termos do custo para o sistema de saúde. A proposta deste artigo é a realização de uma revisão sobre os principais aspectos envolvidos na morte súbita destes pacientes, desde a fisiopatologia, a avaliação de risco, a prevenção e as perspectivas futuras.

Influence of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Gene Polymorphism on Echocardiographic Data of Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND:: Association between angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and different clinical and echocardiographic outcomes has been described in patients with heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease. Studying the genetic profile of the local population with both diseases is necessary to assess the occurrence of that association. OBJECTIVES:: To assess the frequency of ACE gene polymorphisms in patients with ischemic HF in a Rio de Janeiro population, as well as its association with echocardiographic findings. METHODS:: Genetic assessment of I/D ACE polymorphism in association with clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic analysis of 99 patients. RESULTS:: The allele frequency was: 53 I alleles, and 145 D alleles. Genotype frequencies were: 49.5% DD; 47.48% DI; 3.02% II. Drug treatment was optimized: 98% on beta-blockers, and 84.8% on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blocker. Echocardiographic findings: difference between left ventricular diastolic diameters (ΔLVDD) during follow-up: 2.98±8.94 (DD) vs. 0.68±8.12 (DI) vs. -11.0±7.00 (II), p=0.018; worsening during follow-up of the LV systolic diameter (LVSD): 65.3% DD vs. 19.0% DI vs. 0.0% II, p=0.01; of the LV diastolic diameter (LVDD): 65.3% DD vs. 46.8% DI vs. 0.0% II, p=0.03; and of the LV ejection fraction (LVEF): 67.3% DD vs. 40.4% DI vs. 33.3% II, p=0.024. Correlated with D allele: ΔLVEF, ΔLVSD, ΔLVDD. CONCLUSIONS:: More DD genotype patients had worsening of the LVEF, LVSD and LVDD, followed by DI genotype patients, while II genotype patients had the best outcome. The same pattern was observed for ΔLVDD. FUNDAMENTOS:: Associação entre polimorfismos genéticos da enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA) e diferentes evoluções clínicas e ecocardiográficas foi descrita em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e coronariopatia. O estudo do perfil genético da população local com as duas doenças torna-se necessário para verificar a ocorrência dessa associação. OBJETIVOS:: Avaliar a frequência dos polimorfismos genéticos da ECA em pacientes com IC de etiologia isquêmica de uma população do Rio de Janeiro e sua associação com achados ecocardiográficos. MÉTODOS:: Avaliação genética do polimorfismo I/D da ECA associada a análise de dados clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos de 99 pacientes. RESULTADOS:: Foram encontrados 53 alelos I, 145 alelos D, quanto aos genótipos da ECA: 49,5% DD, 47,48% DI, 3,02% II. O tratamento medicamentoso foi otimizado com 98% usando betabloqueadores e 84,8%, IECA ou bloqueador do receptor de angiotensina. Achados ecocardiográficos: diferença entre os diâmetros diastólicos do ventrículo esquerdo (ΔVED): 2,98±8,94 (DD) vs. 0,68±8,12 (DI) vs. -11,0±7,00 (II), p=0,018; piora evolutiva do diâmetro sistólico do VE (VES): 65,3 % DD vs. 19,0 % DI vs. 0,0 % II, p=0,01; do diâmetro diastólico do VE (VED): 65,3 % DD vs. 46,8 % DI vs. 0,0 % II, p=0,03; e da fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE): 67,3 % DD vs. 40,4 % DI vs. 33,3 % II, p=0,024. Correlação com alelo D: ΔFEVE, ΔVES, ΔVED. CONCLUSÕES:: Foram identificados mais pacientes com piora evolutiva da FEVE e dos diâmetros cavitários do VE no genótipo DD, seguido do DI, sendo o II o de melhor evolução. O mesmo padrão foi observado na ΔVED.

Influence of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Gene Polymorphism on Echocardiographic Data of Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure / Influência do Polimorfismo Genético da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina em Dados Ecocardiográficos de Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Isquêmica

Abstract Background: Association between angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and different clinical and echocardiographic outcomes has been described in patients with heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease. Studying the genetic profile of the local population with both diseases is necessary to assess the occurrence of that association. Objectives: To assess the frequency of ACE gene polymorphisms in patients with ischemic HF in a Rio de Janeiro population, as well as its association with echocardiographic findings. Methods: Genetic assessment of I/D ACE polymorphism in association with clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic analysis of 99 patients. Results: The allele frequency was: 53 I alleles, and 145 D alleles. Genotype frequencies were: 49.5% DD; 47.48% DI; 3.02% II. Drug treatment was optimized: 98% on beta-blockers, and 84.8% on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blocker. Echocardiographic findings: difference between left ventricular diastolic diameters (ΔLVDD) during follow-up: 2.98±8.94 (DD) vs. 0.68±8.12 (DI) vs. -11.0±7.00 (II), p=0.018; worsening during follow-up of the LV systolic diameter (LVSD): 65.3% DD vs. 19.0% DI vs. 0.0% II, p=0.01; of the LV diastolic diameter (LVDD): 65.3% DD vs. 46.8% DI vs. 0.0% II, p=0.03; and of the LV ejection fraction (LVEF): 67.3% DD vs. 40.4% DI vs. 33.3% II, p=0.024. Correlated with D allele: ΔLVEF, ΔLVSD, ΔLVDD. Conclusions: More DD genotype patients had worsening of the LVEF, LVSD and LVDD, followed by DI genotype patients, while II genotype patients had the best outcome. The same pattern was observed for ΔLVDD.

Resumo Fundamentos: Associação entre polimorfismos genéticos da enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA) e diferentes evoluções clínicas e ecocardiográficas foi descrita em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e coronariopatia. O estudo do perfil genético da população local com as duas doenças torna-se necessário para verificar a ocorrência dessa associação. Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência dos polimorfismos genéticos da ECA em pacientes com IC de etiologia isquêmica de uma população do Rio de Janeiro e sua associação com achados ecocardiográficos. Métodos: Avaliação genética do polimorfismo I/D da ECA associada a análise de dados clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos de 99 pacientes. Resultados: Foram encontrados 53 alelos I, 145 alelos D, quanto aos genótipos da ECA: 49,5% DD, 47,48% DI, 3,02% II. O tratamento medicamentoso foi otimizado com 98% usando betabloqueadores e 84,8%, IECA ou bloqueador do receptor de angiotensina. Achados ecocardiográficos: diferença entre os diâmetros diastólicos do ventrículo esquerdo (ΔVED): 2,98±8,94 (DD) vs. 0,68±8,12 (DI) vs. -11,0±7,00 (II), p=0,018; piora evolutiva do diâmetro sistólico do VE (VES): 65,3 % DD vs. 19,0 % DI vs. 0,0 % II, p=0,01; do diâmetro diastólico do VE (VED): 65,3 % DD vs. 46,8 % DI vs. 0,0 % II, p=0,03; e da fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE): 67,3 % DD vs. 40,4 % DI vs. 33,3 % II, p=0,024. Correlação com alelo D: ΔFEVE, ΔVES, ΔVED. Conclusões: Foram identificados mais pacientes com piora evolutiva da FEVE e dos diâmetros cavitários do VE no genótipo DD, seguido do DI, sendo o II o de melhor evolução. O mesmo padrão foi observado na ΔVED.

Impacto do polimorfismo genetico da enzima conversora da angiotensina no remodelamento cardiaco / Angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism: its impact on cardiac remodeling

Fundamento: O papel dos polimorfismos genéticos da enzima de conversão da angiotensina na insuficiência cardíaca, como preditor de desfechos ecocardiográficos, ainda não está estabelecido. é necessário identificar o perfil local para observar o impacto desses genótipos na população brasileira, sendo inédito o estudo da insuficiência cardíaca de etiologia exclusivamente não isquêmica em seguimento mais longo que 5 anos. Objetivo: Determinar a distribuição das variantes do polimorfismo genético da enzima de conversão da angiotensina e sua relação com a evolução ecocardiográfica de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca de etiologia não isquêmica. Métodos: Análise secundária de prontuários de 111 pacientes e identificação das variantes do polimorfismo genético da enzima de conversão da angiotensina, classificadas como DD (Deleção/Deleção), DI (Deleção/Inserção) ou II (Inserção/Inserção). Resultados: As médias da coorte foram: seguimento de 64,9 meses, idade de 59,5 anos, 60,4% eram homens, 51,4% eram brancos, 98,2% faziam uso de betabloqueadores e 89,2% de inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina ou de bloqueador do receptor da angiotensina. A distribuição do polimorfismo genético da enzima de conversão da angiotensina foi: 51,4% de DD; 44,1% de DI; e 4,5% de II. Não se observou nenhuma diferença das características clínicas ou de tratamento entre os grupos. O diâmetro sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo final foi a única variável ecocardiográfica isolada significativamente diferente entre os polimorfismos genéticos da enzima de conversão da angiotensina: 59,2 ± 1,8 para DD versus ...

Background: The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphisms as a predictor of echocardiographic outcomes on heart failure is yet to be established. The local profile should be identified so that the impact of those genotypes on the Brazilian population could be identified. This is the first study on exclusively non-ischemic heart failure over a follow-up longer than 5 years. Objective: To determine the distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism variants and their relation with echocardiographic outcome of patients with non-ischemic heart failure. Methods: Secondary analysis of the medical records of 111 patients and identification of the angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism variants, classified as DD (Deletion/Deletion), DI (Deletion/Insertion) or II (Insertion/Insertion). Results: The cohort means were as follows: follow-up, 64.9 months; age, 59.5 years; male sex, 60.4%; white skin color, 51.4%; use of beta-blockers, 98.2%; and use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker, 89.2%. The angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism distribution was as follows: DD, 51.4%; DI, 44.1%; and II, 4.5%. No difference regarding the clinical characteristics or treatment was observed between the groups. The final left ventricular systolic diameter was the only isolated echocardiographic variable that significantly differed between the angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphisms: 59.2 ± 1.8 for DD versus 52.3 ± 1.9 for DI versus 59.2 ± 5.2 for II (p = 0.029). Considering the evolutionary behavior, all echocardiographic variables (difference between the left ventricular ejection fraction at the last and first consultation; difference between the left ventricular systolic diameter at the last and first consultation; and difference between the left ventricular diastolic diameter at the last and first consultation) differed ...

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism: its impact on cardiac remodeling.

BACKGROUND: The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphisms as a predictor of echocardiographic outcomes on heart failure is yet to be established. The local profile should be identified so that the impact of those genotypes on the Brazilian population could be identified. This is the first study on exclusively non-ischemic heart failure over a follow-up longer than 5 years. OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism variants and their relation with echocardiographic outcome of patients with non-ischemic heart failure. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the medical records of 111 patients and identification of the angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism variants, classified as DD (Deletion/Deletion), DI (Deletion/Insertion) or II (Insertion/Insertion). RESULTS: The cohort means were as follows: follow-up, 64.9 months; age, 59.5 years; male sex, 60.4%; white skin color, 51.4%; use of beta-blockers, 98.2%; and use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker, 89.2%. The angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphism distribution was as follows: DD, 51.4%; DI, 44.1%; and II, 4.5%. No difference regarding the clinical characteristics or treatment was observed between the groups. The final left ventricular systolic diameter was the only isolated echocardiographic variable that significantly differed between the angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphisms: 59.2 ± 1.8 for DD versus 52.3 ± 1.9 for DI versus 59.2 ± 5.2 for II (p = 0.029). Considering the evolutionary behavior, all echocardiographic variables (difference between the left ventricular ejection fraction at the last and first consultation; difference between the left ventricular systolic diameter at the last and first consultation; and difference between the left ventricular diastolic diameter at the last and first consultation) differed between the genotypes (p = 0.024; p = 0.002; and p = 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSION: The distribution of the angiotensin-converting enzyme genetic polymorphisms differed from that of other studies with a very small number of II. The DD genotype was independently associated with worse echocardiographic outcome, while the DI genotype, with the best echocardiographic profile (increased left ventricular ejection fraction and decreased left ventricular diameters).

Estatinas nas síndromes coronarianas agudas: há evidências suficientes para a sua utilização? / Statins in acute coronary syndromes: are there sufficient evidences for their utilization?

A aterosclerose representa a principal etiologia determinante da doença arterial coronariana, seja na sua forma aguda, seja na crônica. São diversos os fatores que levam à instabilidade da placa aterosclerótica, entre eles incluem-se os (a identificação desses) mediadores neuro-humorais, inflamatórios e infecciosos, cujos mecanismos ainda não se encontram plenamente elucidados. As estatinas constituem a classe terapêutica mais estudade na atualidade, com o objetivo de modular o desequilíbrio da placa de aterosclerose. Diversos ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados têm demonstrado o grande valor desses fármacos na prevenção primária e na secundária da doença coronariana. Entretanto, faltava definir se a utilização das estatinas nas síndromes coronarianas agudas seria capaz de conferir benefícios com conseqüente redução de desfechos clínicos. Estudos clínicos, recentemente publicados, esclarecem muitas dessas dúvidas e poderão contribuir para mudanças das diretrizes das sociedades de Cardiologia. Este artigo de revisão resume os principais achados clínicos que justificam o uso rotineiro das estatinas nas síndromes coronarianas agudas.