Reproducibility and Reliability of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the patients' quality of life. Specific questionnaires enable the evaluation of relevant events. We previously developed a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of patients with AF (AFQLQ version 1), which was reviewed in this study, and new domains were added. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the reproducibility of the AFQLQ version 2 (AFQLQ v.2), which included the domains of fatigue, illness perception and well-being. METHODS: We applied 160 questionnaires (AFQLQ v.2 and SF-36) to 40 patients, at baseline and 15 days after, to measure inter- and intraobserver reproducibility. The analysis of quality of life stability was determined by test-retest, applying the Bartko intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha test. RESULTS: The total score of the test-retest (n = 40) had an ICC of 0.98 in the AFQLQ v.2, and of 0.94 in the SF36. In assessing the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the AFQLQ v.2, the ICC reliability was 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The internal consistency had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82, compatible with good agreement of the AFQLQ v.2. CONCLUSION: The AFQLQ v.2 performed better than its previous version. Similarly, the domains added contributed to make it more comprehensive and robust to assess the quality of life of patients with AF.

Reproducibility and Reliability of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation / Reprodutibilidade e Confiabilidade do Questionário de Qualidade de Vida em Portadores de Fibrilação Atrial

Abstract Background: Studies have shown the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the patients' quality of life. Specific questionnaires enable the evaluation of relevant events. We previously developed a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of patients with AF (AFQLQ version 1), which was reviewed in this study, and new domains were added. Objective: To demonstrate the reproducibility of the AFQLQ version 2 (AFQLQ v.2), which included the domains of fatigue, illness perception and well-being. Methods: We applied 160 questionnaires (AFQLQ v.2 and SF-36) to 40 patients, at baseline and 15 days after, to measure inter- and intraobserver reproducibility. The analysis of quality of life stability was determined by test-retest, applying the Bartko intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha test. Results: The total score of the test-retest (n = 40) had an ICC of 0.98 in the AFQLQ v.2, and of 0.94 in the SF36. In assessing the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the AFQLQ v.2, the ICC reliability was 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The internal consistency had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82, compatible with good agreement of the AFQLQ v.2. Conclusion: The AFQLQ v.2 performed better than its previous version. Similarly, the domains added contributed to make it more comprehensive and robust to assess the quality of life of patients with AF.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos demonstraram o impacto da fibrilação atrial (FA) na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Questionários específicos permitem avaliar manifestações pertinentes. Desenvolvemos anteriormente questionário de qualidade de vida para FA (QVFA versão 1) e, neste estudo, apresentamos reanálise e adições de novos domínios. Objetivo: Demonstrar a reprodutibilidade do QVFA na versão 2 (QVFA v.2) com a inclusão dos domínios fadiga, percepção da doença e bem-estar. Métodos: Foram aplicados 160 questionários (QVFA v.2 e SF-36) em 40 pacientes com intervalos de 15 dias para mensuração da reprodutibilidade inter- e intra-observador. A análise de estabilidade da qualidade de vida foi determinada pelo teste-reteste, aplicando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) de Bartko. A consistência interna foi avaliada pelo teste alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: O escore total do teste-reteste (n=40) apresentou CCI de 0,98 no QVFA v.2 e de 0,94 no SF36. Na avaliação intra-observador e inter-observador do QVFA v.2, a confiabilidade do CCI foi de 0,98 e 0,97, respectivamente. Para a análise da consistência interna, obteve-se um coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,82, compatível com boa concordância do QFVA v.2. Conclusão: O QVFA v.2 apresentou melhor desempenho em relação à versão anterior. No mesmo sentido, os domínios acrescentados contribuíram para torná-lo mais abrangente e robusto para avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com FA.

Indicações atuais para anticoagulacão em crianças com Cardiopatias Congênitas / Current indications for anticoagulation in children with Congenital Heart Disease

Os avanços nas técnicas cirúrgicas e manejo clínico aumentaram a sobrevida das crianças com cardiopatia congênita. Eventos tromboembólicos representam importante causa de morbimortalidade nestes pacientes, principalmente no pós-operatório da cirurgia de Fontan e implante de próteses, acrescido do risco adicional do seu tratamento. Particularidades próprias da idade, fatores hemodinâmicos e limitações na investigação de trombose contribuem para a dificuldadede definir diretrizes para anticoagulação em crianças. Os medicamentos mais usados na fase aguda são: heparina não fracionada e de baixo peso molecular, enquanto em longo prazo os antagonistas da vitamina K, principalmente a varfarina. O manejo seguro de anticoagulação nesta faixa etária é dificultado pela estreita faixa terapêutica, interação alimentar, uso simultâneo de vários medicamentos, além da dificuldade de punção venosa frequente e, com frequência os níveis desejáveis não são atingidos. Ainda faltam dados que deem suporte para recomendação de anticoagulação em crianças. Os novos anticoagulantes como os inibidores diretos da trombina e os inibidores seletivos do fator Xa, são empregados em adultos, principalmente com fibrilação atrial, o uso pediátrico ainda não está definido. Esta revisão sumariza as indicações atuais do uso de anticoagulantes e antiagregantes plaquetários em crianças com cardiopatia congênita.

Advances in surgical techniques and clinical management have led to increased survival ofchildren with congenital heart disease. Thromboembolic events represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients, particularly following Fontan surgery and the implantation of prosthesis, added to the risk of their treatment. Characteristics such as age, hemodynamic factors and limitations in the investigation of thrombosis have contributed to the difficulty of defining guidelines for anticoagulation in children. The most commonly used medications in the acute phase are and low molecular weight heparin, and in the long term, vitamin K antagonists, particularly warfarin. The safe management of anticoagulation in this age range is hindered by the narrow therapeutic range, food interactions, simultaneous use of other medications, and the difficulty of frequent venous puncture. As a result, the desired levels are often not reached. There is also a lack of data to support the recommendation of anticoagulation in children. The pediatric use of the new anticoagulants, such as direct thrombin inhibitors and selective factor Xa inhibitors used in adults, particularly with atrial fibrillation, is not yet defined. This review summarizes the current indications of the use of anticoagulants and platelet antiaggregants in children with congenital heart disease.

Left Atrial Volume Determinants in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy / Determinantes do Volume do Átrio Esquerdo em Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Dilatada Não Isquêmica

Left atrial volume (LAV) is a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure.

O Volume do Átrio Esquerdo (VAE) é preditor prognóstico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca.

Left Atrial Volume Determinants in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial volume (LAV) is a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the determinants of LAV in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Ninety patients with DCM and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤ 0.50 were included. LAV was measured with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (eco3D). The variables evaluated were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, LV end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume and ejection fraction (eco3D), mitral inflow E wave, tissue Doppler e' wave, E/e' ratio, intraventricular dyssynchrony, 3D dyssynchrony index and mitral regurgitation vena contracta. Pearson's coefficient was used to identify the correlation of the LAV with the assessed variables. A multiple linear regression model was developed that included LAV as the dependent variable and the variables correlated with it as the predictive variables. RESULTS: Mean age was 52 ± 11 years-old, LV ejection fraction: 31.5 ± 8.0% (16-50%) and LAV: 39.2±15.7 ml/m2. The variables that correlated with the LAV were LV end-diastolic volume (r = 0.38; p < 0.01), LV end-systolic volume (r = 0.43; p < 0.001), LV ejection fraction (r = -0.36; p < 0.01), E wave (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), E/e' ratio (r = 0.51; p < 0.01) and mitral regurgitation (r = 0.53; p < 0.01). A multivariate analysis identified the E/e' ratio (p = 0.02) and mitral regurgitation (p = 0.02) as the only independent variables associated with LAV increase. CONCLUSION: The LAV is independently determined by LV filling pressures (E/e' ratio) and mitral regurgitation in DCM.

Fatores preditivos de intervenção coronária percutânea de resgate após estratégia fármaco-invasiva em mulheres / Predictors of rescue percutaneous coronary intervention after pharmacoinvasive strategy in women

A estratégia fármaco-invasiva (EFI) é viável em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio comsupradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCST), quando a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primáriaem tempo hábil não é possível. Neste estudo, comparamos mulheres submetidas à EFI com sucesso parareperfusão àquelas que necessitaram de ICP de resgate, para identificar possíveis preditores de insucesso do trombolítico.Métodos: De janeiro de 2010 a novembro de 2014, 327 mulheres com IAMCST e EFI foram encaminhadas aohospital terciário, sendo 206 após trombólise com sucesso (63%) e 121 que necessitaram de ICP de resgate.Os grupos foram comparados quanto a variáveis demográficas, desfechos clínicos e angiográficos, e escoresde risco clínico (TIMI, GRACE, ZWOLLE e CADILLAC) e de sangramento (CRUSADE). Um modelo de regressãologística multivariada foi utilizado para identificar preditores de insucesso do trombolítico. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre as características demográficas ou os antecedentes clínicos dos grupos. O grupo ICP de resgate apresentou valores significantemente maiores dos escores avaliados. Complicações clínicas hospitalares e mortalidade (2,5% vs. 22,0%; p < 0,0001) foram maisfrequentes no grupo ICP de resgate. As variáveis independentes associadas à ICP de resgate foram tempo dor-agulha > 3 horas (OR 3,07;IC95% 1,64-5,75; p < 0,0001), escore ZWOLLE (OR 1,25; IC95% 1,14-1,37; p =0,0001) e clearance de creatinina (OR 1,009; IC95% 1,0-1,02; p = 0,04).Conclusões: Mulheres com IAMCST submetidas à EFI e que necessitaram de ICP de resgate tiveram mortalidade significativamente maior quando comparadas àquelas que obtiveram sucesso inicial da EFI com ICP eletiva. Tempo dor-agulha > 3 horas, escore de ZWOLLE e clearance de creatinina foram preditores independentes da necessidade de ICP de resgate...

Pharmaco invasive therapy (PIT) is feasible in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) when timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unavailable. In this study, we compared women who underwent successful reperfusion PIT with those who required rescue PCI, to identify potential predictors of thrombolytic failure. Methods: From January 2010 to November 2014, 327 consecutive women with STEMI were referred to atertiary hospital, 206 after successful thrombolysis (63%) and 121 who required rescue PCI. The groups were compared regarding demographic, clinical and angiographic outcomes, and clinical (TIMI, GRACE,and ZWOLLE CADILLAC) and bleeding (CRUSADE) risk scores. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of thrombolytic failure Results: There was no significant difference between the demographic characteristics or the medical history of the groups. Rescue PCI group had significantly higher values of the evaluated scores. Clinical hospital complications and mortality (2.5% vs. 22.0%; p < 0.0001) were more frequent in rescue PCI group. The independent variables associated with rescue PCI were pain-to-needle time > 3h (OR: 3.07, 95%CI:1.64 to 5.75; p < 0.0001), ZWOLLE score (OR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.14 to 1.37; p = 0.0001) and creatinine clearance(OR: 1.009, 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.02; p = 0.04).Conclusions: Women with STEMI who underwent PIT and who required rescue PCI had significantly higher mortality compared to those who achieved initial success of PIT with elective PCI. Pain-to-needle time> 3h, ZWOLLE score and creatinine clearance were independent predictors of the need for rescue PCI...

Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Using a Pocket-Size Device in the Emergency Room / Uso da Ecocardiografia Ultraportátil Direcionada em Serviço de Emergências Clínicas

Background: Cardiovascular urgencies are frequent reasons for seeking medical care. Prompt and accurate medical diagnosis is critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these conditions. Objective: To evaluate the use of a pocket-size echocardiography in addition to clinical history and physical exam in a tertiary medical emergency care. Methods: One hundred adult patients without known cardiac or lung diseases who sought emergency care with cardiac complaints were included. Patients with ischemic changes in the electrocardiography or fever were excluded. A focused echocardiography with GE Vscan equipment was performed after the initial evaluation in the emergency room. Cardiac chambers dimensions, left and right ventricular systolic function, intracardiac flows with color, pericardium, and aorta were evaluated. Results: The mean age was 61 ± 17 years old. The patient complaint was chest pain in 51 patients, dyspnea in 32 patients, arrhythmia to evaluate the left ventricular function in ten patients, hypotension/dizziness in five patients and edema in one patient. In 28 patients, the focused echocardiography allowed to confirm the initial diagnosis: 19 patients with heart failure, five with acute coronary syndrome, two with pulmonary embolism and two patients with cardiac tamponade. In 17 patients, the echocardiography changed the diagnosis: ten with suspicious of heart failure, two with pulmonary embolism suspicious, two with hypotension without cause, one suspicious of acute coronary syndrome, one of cardiac tamponade and one of aortic dissection. Conclusion: The focused echocardiography with pocket-size equipment in the emergency care may allow a prompt diagnosis and, consequently, an earlier initiation of the therapy. .

Fundamento: As urgências cardiovasculares são causas importantes de procura por atendimento médico, sendo fundamentais a rapidez e a precisão no diagnóstico para diminuir sua morbimortalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o uso da ecocardiografia direcionada como complemento diagnóstico ao exame físico em um serviço terciário de emergências clínicas. Métodos: Foram incluídos cem pacientes adultos sem doenças cardíacas ou pulmonares conhecidas que procuraram atendimento de urgência com queixas cardiológicas. Foram excluídos pacientes com alterações isquêmicas no eletrocardiograma ou febre. A ecocardiografia direcionada foi realizada logo após a avaliação inicial do paciente na sala de emergência, com aparelho ultraportátil GE Vscan, avaliando subjetivamente: dimensões das cavidades, função sistólica ventricular, fluxos intracardíacos pelo mapeamento de fluxo em cores, pericárdio e aorta. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 61 ± 17 anos. O quadro clínico inicial foi dor torácica (52 pacientes), dispneia (32 pacientes), arritmia/avaliação da função ventricular (dez pacientes), hipotensão/tontura (cinco pacientes) e edema periférico (um paciente). Em 28 pacientes a ecocardiografia direcionada confirmou a hipótese diagnóstica inicial: 19 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, cinco com síndrome coronariana aguda, dois com tromboembolismo pulmonar e dois com tamponamento cardíaco. Em 17 pacientes, a ecocardiografia direcionada alterou o diagnóstico, afastando a hipótese clínica inicial em dez casos com suspeita de insuficiência cardíaca, dois com suspeita de tromboembolismo pulmonar, dois com hipotensão a esclarecer, e em cada um dos três restantes com suspeitas de síndrome ...

Focused cardiac ultrasound using a pocket-size device in the emergency room.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular urgencies are frequent reasons for seeking medical care. Prompt and accurate medical diagnosis is critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a pocket-size echocardiography in addition to clinical history and physical exam in a tertiary medical emergency care. METHODS: One hundred adult patients without known cardiac or lung diseases who sought emergency care with cardiac complaints were included. Patients with ischemic changes in the electrocardiography or fever were excluded. A focused echocardiography with GE Vscan equipment was performed after the initial evaluation in the emergency room. Cardiac chambers dimensions, left and right ventricular systolic function, intracardiac flows with color, pericardium, and aorta were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 ± 17 years old. The patient complaint was chest pain in 51 patients, dyspnea in 32 patients, arrhythmia to evaluate the left ventricular function in ten patients, hypotension/dizziness in five patients and edema in one patient. In 28 patients, the focused echocardiography allowed to confirm the initial diagnosis: 19 patients with heart failure, five with acute coronary syndrome, two with pulmonary embolism and two patients with cardiac tamponade. In 17 patients, the echocardiography changed the diagnosis: ten with suspicious of heart failure, two with pulmonary embolism suspicious, two with hypotension without cause, one suspicious of acute coronary syndrome, one of cardiac tamponade and one of aortic dissection. CONCLUSION: The focused echocardiography with pocket-size equipment in the emergency care may allow a prompt diagnosis and, consequently, an earlier initiation of the therapy.

Os critérios para classificação da insuficiência mitral não foram adequados na cardiomiopatia dilatada / Criteria for mitral regurgitation classification were inadequate for dilated cardiomyopathy

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência mitral (IM) é frequente nos pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada. Não se sabe se os critérios para classificação da IM são adequados para pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concordância entre os quatro métodos ecocardiográficos mais utilizados para classificação da IM. MÉTODOS: Noventa pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada foram incluídos. A IM foi classificada por quatro métodos ecocardiográficos: área do jato regurgitante (AJ), vena contracta (VC), área do orifício regurgitante (AOR) e volume regurgitante (VR). A IM foi classificada em leve, moderada ou importante segundo os critérios da American Society of Echocardiography e também foi dividida em tercis conforme os valores absolutos. O teste de Kappa foi utilizado para avaliar a concordância entre os métodos. O coeficiente de Pearson foi utilizado para avaliar a correlação entre os valores absolutos por cada método. RESULTADOS: A classificação da IM, de acordo com cada método, foi a seguinte: AJ: 26 leve, 44 moderada, 20 importante; VC: 12 leve, 72 moderada, 6 importante; AOR: 70 leve, 15 moderada, 5 importante; VR: 70 leve, 16 moderada, 4 importante. A concordância entre os métodos foi ruim (kappa = 0,11; p < 0,001), porém foi observada uma forte correlação entre os valores absolutos de cada método (0,70 a 0,95; p < 0,01). A concordância foi melhor com a divisão dos valores em tercis (kappa = 0,44; p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os critérios para classificação da IM não são adequados para os pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada. É necessário estabelecer novos valores de corte para classificar a IM nestes pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It is unknown whether the criteria for MR classification are inadequate for patients with DCM. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the agreement among the four most common echocardiographic methods for MR classification. METHODS: Ninety patients with DCM were included. Functional MR was classified using four echocardiographic methods: color flow jet area (JA), vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitant orifice area (ERO) and regurgitant volume (RV). MR was classified as mild, moderate or important according to the American Society of Echocardiography criteria and by dividing the values into terciles. The Kappa test was used to evaluate whether the methods agreed, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the absolute values of each method. RESULTS: MR classification according to each method was as follows: JA: 26 mild, 44 moderate, 20 important; VC: 12 mild, 72 moderate, 6 important; ERO: 70 mild, 15 moderate, 5 important; RV: 70 mild, 16 moderate, 4 important. The agreement was poor among methods (kappa=0.11; p<0.001). It was observed a strong correlation between the absolute values of each method, ranging from 0.70 to 0.95 (p<0.01) and the agreement was higher when values were divided into terciles (kappa = 0.44; p < 0.01) CONCLUSION: The use of conventional echocardiographic criteria for MR classification seems inadequate in patients with DCM. It is necessary to establish new cutoff values for MR classification in these patients.

Criteria for mitral regurgitation classification were inadequate for dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It is unknown whether the criteria for MR classification are inadequate for patients with DCM. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the agreement among the four most common echocardiographic methods for MR classification. METHODS: Ninety patients with DCM were included. Functional MR was classified using four echocardiographic methods: color flow jet area (JA), vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitant orifice area (ERO) and regurgitant volume (RV). MR was classified as mild, moderate or important according to the American Society of Echocardiography criteria and by dividing the values into terciles. The Kappa test was used to evaluate whether the methods agreed, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the absolute values of each method. RESULTS: MR classification according to each method was as follows: JA: 26 mild, 44 moderate, 20 important; VC: 12 mild, 72 moderate, 6 important; ERO: 70 mild, 15 moderate, 5 important; RV: 70 mild, 16 moderate, 4 important. The agreement was poor among methods (kappa=0.11; p<0.001). It was observed a strong correlation between the absolute values of each method, ranging from 0.70 to 0.95 (p<0.01) and the agreement was higher when values were divided into terciles (kappa = 0.44; p < 0.01) CONCLUSION: The use of conventional echocardiographic criteria for MR classification seems inadequate in patients with DCM. It is necessary to establish new cutoff values for MR classification in these patients.

Receptores plaquetários P2Y12: importância na intervenção coronariana percutânea / P2Y12 platelet receptors: importance in percutaneous coronary intervention

As plaquetas estão envolvidas em vários processos biológicos, desde o combate a agentes infecciosos até a coordenação do controle da permeabilidade vascular e angiogênese. Entretanto, o seu principal foco de ação consiste na modulação da cascata de coagulação. A intervenção coronariana percutânea é um procedimento com alto risco trombogênico, que induz a ativação plaquetária e de monócitos, devido à lesão direta do endotélio e pelo contato de estruturas trombogênicas com o sangue, levando ao aumento da atividade inflamatória, tanto no local do dano vascular coronariano como de forma sistêmica. Os receptores plaquetários P2Y12 desempenham papel central na amplificação da agregação induzida por todos os agonistas plaquetários, como a adenosina difosfato, o colágeno, tromboxano A2, adrenalina e serotonina. Por esse motivo, têm sido o principal alvo das drogas antiplaquetárias. Apesar de atuarem no mesmo receptor, características farmacocinéticas e farmacodinâmicas distintas conferem peculiaridades a cada agente.

Apart from their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are involved in many other biological processes such as wound healing and angiogenesis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly thrombogenic procedure inducing platelets and monocytes activation through endothelial trauma and contact activation by intravascular devices. Platelet P2Y12 receptor activation by adenosine diphosphate facilitates non-ADP agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, procoagulant activity, and the phosphorylation of several intraplatelet proteins, making it an ideal drug target. However, not all compounds that target the P2Y12 receptor have similar efficacy and safety profiles. Despite targeting the same receptor, the unique pharmacologic properties of each of these P2Y12 receptor-directed compounds can lead to very different clinical effects.

P2Y12 platelet receptors: importance in percutaneous coronary intervention.

Apart from their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are involved in many other biological processes such as wound healing and angiogenesis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly thrombogenic procedure inducing platelets and monocytes activation through endothelial trauma and contact activation by intravascular devices. Platelet P2Y12 receptor activation by adenosine diphosphate facilitates non-ADP agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, procoagulant activity, and the phosphorylation of several intraplatelet proteins, making it an ideal drug target. However, not all compounds that target the P2Y12 receptor have similar efficacy and safety profiles. Despite targeting the same receptor, the unique pharmacologic properties of each of these P2Y12 receptor-directed compounds can lead to very different clinical effects.

Atividade física, horas de assistência à TV e composição corporal em crianças e adolescentes / Physical inactivity, TV-watching hours and body composition in children and adolescents

FUNDAMENTO: Sedentarismo é fator predisponente ao aparecimento/piora de outros fatores de risco cardiovascular, particularmente obesidade. OBJETIVO: Estabelecer nível de atividade física (NAF) e número diário de horas de TV (HTV) e a associação e/ou correlação destas variáveis com faixa etária, sexo, classe econômica, escola pública/privada, excesso de peso e obesidade, em crianças/adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, base populacional escolar, ensino público e privado, fundamental e médio. Cálculo da amostra baseado na menor prevalência esperada de inúmeras variáveis, incluindo sedentarismo. Amostragem por conglomerados. Protocolo: Questionário estruturado, incluindo "Physical Activity Questionaire for Older Children" (PAQ-C); medidas de peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e prega cutânea do tríceps (PCT). Análise estatística: Qui-quadrado; correlação linear. RESULTADOS: Nos 1.253 estudantes, com média de idade de 12,4 ± 2,9 anos, sendo 547 do sexo masculino, observou-se uma prevalência de sedentarismo em 93,5 por cento, mais frequente em adolescentes do sexo feminino; não houve associação entre NAF e excesso de peso ou gordura corporal; futebol e dança foram as atividades mais frequentes em meninos e meninas, respectivamente; 60 por cento dos estudantes não têm aulas de Educação Física. Média e mediana de HTV foram, respectivamente, 3,6 e 3 horas; houve associação significante entre maior HTV e obesidade e correlação significante entre NAF e idade (negativa) e entre IMC e PCT (positiva). CONCLUSÃO: O sedentarismo está presente em 93,5 por cento das crianças e adolescentes de Maceió, sendo mais prevalente nos adolescentes e no sexo feminino, não havendo associação ou correlação desta variável com excesso de peso ou gordura corporal; obesidade associou-se a > 3 HTV.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a predisposing factor to the onset/worsening of other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity. OBJECTIVE: To determine physical activity level (PAL) and daily number of hours of TV (HTV) and the association and/or correlation of these variables with age, gender, economic class, public/private school, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross sectional study, school-based population, public and private education, primary and secondary education. The sample was calculated based on the minimum expected prevalence of several variables, including physical inactivity. Cluster sampling. Protocol: structured questionnaire, including Physical Activity for Older Children Questionnaire (PAQ-C) measurements of weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold (TSF). Statistical analysis: Chi-square, linear correlation. RESULTS: Among the 1,253 students, averaging 12.4 ± 2.9 years old, of which 549 were male, there was a prevalence of inactivity in 93.5 percent, more commonly found in female adolescents and there was no association between PAL and excess weight or body fat, soccer and dance were the most frequent activities in boys and girls, respectively; 60 percent of students did not have physical education classes. Average and median HTV were respectively 3.6 and 3 hours; there was a significant association between HTV and obesity and significant correlation between PAL and age (negative) and between BMI and TSF (positive). CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity is present in 93.5 percent of children and adolescents from Maceió. It is more commonly found among teenagers and females, with no association or correlation of this variable with excess weight or body fat; obesity was associated with > 3 HTV.

Physical inactivity, TV-watching hours and body composition in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a predisposing factor to the onset/worsening of other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity. OBJECTIVE: To determine physical activity level (PAL) and daily number of hours of TV (HTV) and the association and/or correlation of these variables with age, gender, economic class, public/private school, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross sectional study, school-based population, public and private education, primary and secondary education. The sample was calculated based on the minimum expected prevalence of several variables, including physical inactivity. Cluster sampling. PROTOCOL: structured questionnaire, including Physical Activity for Older Children Questionnaire (PAQ-C) measurements of weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold (TSF). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square, linear correlation. RESULTS: Among the 1,253 students, averaging 12.4 ± 2.9 years old, of which 549 were male, there was a prevalence of inactivity in 93.5%, more commonly found in female adolescents and there was no association between PAL and excess weight or body fat, soccer and dance were the most frequent activities in boys and girls, respectively; 60% of students did not have physical education classes. Average and median HTV were respectively 3.6 and 3 hours; there was a significant association between HTV and obesity and significant correlation between PAL and age (negative) and between BMI and TSF (positive). CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity is present in 93.5% of children and adolescents from Maceió. It is more commonly found among teenagers and females, with no association or correlation of this variable with excess weight or body fat; obesity was associated with ≥ 3 HTV.

Troponinas: biomarcadores de lesão miocárdica / Troponins: myocardial injury biomarker

A troponina é um complexo composto por três polipeptídeos de filamentos finos do sarcômero nos músculos estriados e está enbolvida na regulação da contração, Ao contrário da troponina C (TnCc), a troponina T (TnTc) e a troponina I (TnIc) apresentam isoformas no músculo esquelético diferentes da isoformas do músculo cardíaco e, por isso, são marcadores específicos para o diagnóstico de lesão miocárdica. Mas é preciso lembrar que a elevação do nível sérico da troponina indica a presença de lesão miocárdica, não o mecanismo envolvido em sua liberação. A lesão do miocárdio pode ocorrer por uma variedade de anormalidades patológicas além das síndromes coronárias agudas, ressaltando-se que para diversas entidades clínicas não-coronárias e até mesmo não-cardíacas a elevação dos níveis de troponina tem sido objeto de estudo para análise de seu real significado, tanto diagnóstico como prognóstico. Embora a troponina seja um marcador específico para o diagnóstico de lesão miocárdica, existe grande variação na sensibilidade e na especificidade dos diferentes testes disponíveis no mercado. Atualmente discute-se qual seria o valor normal desses marcadores: indivíduos com níveis indetectáveis de troponina...

The troponin complex consists of 3 thin filament polypeptides of the striated muscle sarcomere and is involved in the regulation of contraction. Unlike Troponin C (TnCc), troponin T (TnTc) and troponin I (TnIc) skeletal muscle isoforms are different from the cardiac muscle isoform and therefore, are specific markers for the diagnosis of myocardial injury. However, one should keep in mind that increased troponin serum levels indicate the presence of myocardial injury and not the mechanism involved in its release. Myocardial injury may result from several pathological abnormalities in addition to acute coronary syndromes and increased troponin levels have been evaluated to analyze their significance both in terms of diagnosis and prognosis in several non-coronary and even non-cardiac clinical disorders. Although troponin is a specific marker for the diagnosis of myocardial injury, there is great variation in the sensitivity and specificity of the different assays commercially available. The normal range of these markers is currently undefined: individuals with undetectable troponin levels might be normal, whereas those with detectable levels, within the normal range, may have underlying undiagnosed comorbidities. The diagnostic and prognostic relevance of troponins in acute coronary syndrome has been clearly demonstrated and proven. The most recent and highly sensitive troponin assays will be able to detect concentrations below the current 99th percentile, with greater analytical ability and susceptibility. Unstable angina will be diagnosed less frequently. Despite all of the improvements and the potential use of highly sensitive troponin assays, they must be further analyzed, since the number of patients with positive results might be very frequent.

Relação da obesidade com a pressão arterial elevada em crianças e adolescentes / Relationship of obesity with high blood pressure in children and adolescents

FUNDAMENTO: Excessos de peso e de gordura corporal são atualmente reconhecidos como os maiores determinantes da elevação da pressão arterial em crianças e adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Identificar associação e correlação entre obesidade - identificada por meio da circunferência da cintura (CC), da prega cutânea do tríceps (PCT) e do índice de massa corporal (IMC) - pressão arterial elevada (PAE) em crianças e adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, de base populacional escolar, em crianças e adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 7 e 17 anos, selecionados aleatoriamente. Protocolo: questionário estruturado; medidas de peso, altura, espessura da prega tricipital, circunferência da cintura, pressão arterial; diagnóstico de obesidade por meio de IMC, PCT e CC; diagnóstico de PAE. Análise estatística: qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 1.253 estudantes (547 do sexo masculino, média de idade 12,4 ± 2,9 anos), e identificou-se uma prevalência de obesidade (IMC, PCT, CC), respectivamente, de 13,7 por cento, 14,8 por cento e 9,3 por cento. A PAE foi identificada em 7,7 por cento dos jovens. Houve associação significante de obesidade (IMC, PCT, CC) com PAE (*p < 0,0001). Observou-se correlação forte (*p < 0,01) entre CC e IMC; moderada entre CC e PCT, CC e PAS, IMC e PAS (*p < 0,01); fraca entre PAD e CC, PCT e IMC, e entre PAS e PCT (*p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A associação e correlação significantes entre PAE e excesso de gordura corporal por qualquer dos métodos utilizados estabelecem a importância de sua utilização na avaliação de crianças e adolescentes, com vistas à prevenção da HAS nessa faixa etária, sugerindo-se, para isso, a utilização do IMC associado a, pelo menos, um outro método antropométrico.

BACKGROUND: Excess weight and body fat are currently recognized as the major determinants of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between obesity - identified by waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and body mass index (BMI) - high blood pressure (HBP) in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study based on school population in children and adolescents of both sexes, aged between 7 and 17 years, randomly selected. Protocol: a structured questionnaire; measures of weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, waist circumference, blood pressure, diagnosis of obesity through BMI, TSF thickness and waist circumference; diagnosis of HBP. Statistical analysis: Chi-square. RESULTS: A total of 1,253 students (547 males, mean age 12.4 ± 2.9 years), were assessed. A prevalence of obesity (BMI, TSF thickness, WC) of 13.7 percent, 14,8 percent and 9.3 percent respectively were identified. HBP was identified in 7.7 percent of young people. There was a significant association between obesity (BMI, TSF thickness, WC) with HBP (*p < 0.0001). There was a strong correlation (*p < 0.01) between WC and BMI, a moderate correlation between WC and TSF thickness, WC and SBP, BMI and SBP (*p < 0.01); weak correlation between DBP and WC, TSF thickness and BMI, and between SBP and TSF thickness (*p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The significant correlation and association between HBP and excess body fat by any of the methods used establish the importance of its use in evaluating children and adolescents, aiming at preventing hypertension in this age group, suggesting, for this, the use of BMI associated to at least another anthropometric method.

[Relationship of obesity with high blood pressure in children and adolescents].

BACKGROUND: Excess weight and body fat are currently recognized as the major determinants of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between obesity - identified by waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and body mass index (BMI) - high blood pressure (HBP) in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study based on school population in children and adolescents of both sexes, aged between 7 and 17 years, randomly selected. PROTOCOL: a structured questionnaire; measures of weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, waist circumference, blood pressure, diagnosis of obesity through BMI, TSF thickness and waist circumference; diagnosis of HBP. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square. RESULTS: A total of 1,253 students (547 males, mean age 12.4 +/- 2.9 years), were assessed. A prevalence of obesity (BMI, TSF thickness, WC) of 13.7%, 14,8% and 9.3% respectively were identified. HBP was identified in 7.7% of young people. There was a significant association between obesity (BMI, TSF thickness, WC) with HBP (*p < 0.0001). There was a strong correlation (*p < 0.01) between WC and BMI, a moderate correlation between WC and TSF thickness, WC and SBP, BMI and SBP (*p < 0.01); weak correlation between DBP and WC, TSF thickness and BMI, and between SBP and TSF thickness (*p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The significant correlation and association between HBP and excess body fat by any of the methods used establish the importance of its use in evaluating children and adolescents, aiming at preventing hypertension in this age group, suggesting, for this, the use of BMI associated to at least another anthropometric method.

Relationship between electrocardiogram with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in Japanese-Brazilians.

BACKGROUND: When the Japanese immigrated to the Americas, they were subjected to Westernization, with a great change in lifestyle, specially in dietary habits, and this may explain the increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease among them. OBJECTIVE: To study the presence of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in a population of Japanese-Brazilians, using the ECG and its relationship with DM and MS. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which evaluated 1,042 Japanese-Brazilians aged 30 or over, 202 of them born in Japan (Issei) and 840 of them born in Brazil (Nissei), from the second phase of the Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study Group initiated in 2000. MS was defined according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria modified for the Japanese. DM and MS were associated with the presence of myocardial necrosis (according to the Minnesota criteria) and LVH (according the Perugia score on the ECG). The statistic chi square method was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Of the 1,042 participants, 35.3% had DM (38.6% of the Issei and 34.5% of the Nissei); 51.8% had MS (59.4% of the Issei and 50.0% of the Nissei). The presence of an inactive zone in the diabetic Issei group was not statistically significant when compared to the non-diabetic group, but among the diabetic Nissei group an inactive zone was present in 7.5% of them. There was a statistically significant correlation between MS and LVH in the Issei and Nissei groups. CONCLUSION: Metabolic disorders presented a high prevalence in Japanese-Brazilians with significant correlations with necrosis and hypertrophy on the ECG.

Investigação da ansiedade em pacientes tabagistas e não-tabagistas, portadores de síndrome coronária aguda, em um serviço de emergência médica / Anxiety investigation in smoker and non-smoker patients with acute coronary syndrome at the emergency medical service

O tabagismo é um dos principais fatores causadores de morte por doença coronária. São diversos os motivos que induzem o indivíduo a iniciar ou permanecer no vício, e entre eles está a ansiedade. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os níveis de ansiedade-traço (AT) e ansiedade estado (AE) em pacientes tabagistas e não-tabagistas hospitalizados em um serviço de emergência médica, com diagnóstico de síndrome coronária aguda, e comparar os níveis de AE em dois momentos da hospitalização (AE¹ e AE²). Foram analisados 37 pacientes por meio do inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado(IDATE) e de entrevista estruturada e padronizada. A escala de AE foi reaplicada no terceiro dia de hospitalização. Entre os indivíduos avaliados, 81,1 por cento eram homens e a média de idade era maior no grupo não-tabagistas. Foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes (maior no grupo de tabagistas) entre os grupos...

Associação do eletrocardiograma com diabete melito e síndrome metabólica em nipo-brasileiros / Relationship between electrocardiogram with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in Japanese-Brazilians / Asociación del electrocardiograma con diabetes mellitus y síndrome metabólico en nipobrasileños

Fundamento: Ao migrarem para as Américas, os japoneses submeteram-se a processo de ocidentalização, com estilo de vida, especialmente dieta, muito diferente, podendo explicar o aumento de diabete melito (DM), síndrome metabólica (SM) e doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Analisar a presença de necrose miocárdica e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) pelo ECG e sua relação com DM e SM em população de nipo-brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou 1.042 nipo-brasileiros acima de 30 anos, 202 nascidos no Japão (isseis) e 840 nascidos no Brasil (nisseis), provenientes da segunda fase do estudo Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study Group iniciado em 2000. A SM foi definida pelos critérios da NCEP-ATP III modificados para os japoneses. A presença de DM e SM se associou ao encontro de necrose miocárdica pelo critério de Minnesota e de HVE pelo critério de Perugia no ECG. Utilizou-se o método estatístico do qui-quadrado para rejeição da hipótese de nulidade. Resultados: Dos 1.042 participantes 35,3% tinham DM (38,6% entre os isseis e 34,5% nos nisseis); 51,8% tinham SM (59,4% nos isseis e 50,0% nos nisseis). A presença de zona inativa nos isseis diabéticos não foi estatisticamente significante quando comparada com os não-diabéticos, porém entre os nisseis diabéticos a zona inativa estava presente em 7,5%. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre a SM e HVE nos isseis e nisseis. Conclusão: Distúrbios metabólicos tiveram alta prevalência em nipo-brasileiros com correlações significantes com necrose e hipertrofia pelo ECG.

Background: When the Japanese immigrated to the Americas, they were subjected to Westernization, with a great change in lifestyle, specially in dietary habits, and this may explain the increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease among them. Objective: To study the presence of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in a population of Japanese-Brazilians, using the ECG and its relationship with DM and MS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which evaluated 1,042 Japanese-Brazilians aged 30 or over, 202 of them born in Japan (Issei) and 840 of them born in Brazil (Nissei), from the second phase of the Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study Group initiated in 2000. MS was defined according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria modified for the Japanese. DM and MS were associated with the presence of myocardial necrosis (according to the Minnesota criteria) and LVH (according the Perugia score on the ECG). The statistic chi square method was used to reject the null hypothesis. Results: Of the 1,042 participants, 35.3% had DM (38.6% of the Issei and 34.5% of the Nissei); 51.8% had MS (59.4% of the Issei and 50.0% of the Nissei). The presence of an inactive zone in the diabetic Issei group was not statistically significant when compared to the non-diabetic group, but among the diabetic Nissei group an inactive zone was present in 7.5% of them. There was a statistically significant correlation between MS and LVH in the Issei and Nissei groups. Conclusion: Metabolic disorders presented a high prevalence in Japanese-Brazilians with significant correlations with necrosis and hypertrophy on the ECG.

Fundamento: Al migrar hacia las Américas, los japoneses se sometieron a un proceso de occidentalización, con estilo de vida, y especialmente dieta, muy diferente, lo que puede explicar el aumento de diabetes mellitus (DM), síndrome metabólico (SM) y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Analizar la presencia de necrosis miocárdica e hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI), indicada en ECG, y su relación con DM y SM en población de nipobrasileños. Métodos: Estudio transversal que evaluó a 1.042 nipobrasileños con edad superior a 30 años: 202 nacidos en Japão (iseis) y 840 nacidos en Brasil (niseis), provenientes de la segunda fase del estudio Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study Group iniciado en 2000. Se definió el SM desde los criterios de la NCEP-ATP III, modificados para los japoneses. La presencia de DM y SM se asoció a la formación de necrosis miocárdica, según el de Minnesota, y de HVI según el criterio de Perugia, ambas reveladas en el ECG. Se utilizó el método estadístico del Chi-cuadrado para rechazo de la hipótesis de nulidad.Resultados: De los 1.042 participantes, el 35,3% presentaba DM (el 38,6% entre los iseis y el 34,5% en niseis); el 51,8% tenían SM (el 59,4% entre iseis y el 50,0% en niseis). La presencia de zona inactiva en los iseis diabéticos no se mostró estadísticamente significante, si se la compara a los no diabéticos; sin embargo, entre los niseis diabéticos la zona inactiva se presentaba en el 7,5%. Hubo correlación estadísticamente significante entre el SM y la HVE entre iseis y niseis. Conclusión: Disturbios metabólicos tuvieron alta prevalencia en nipobrasileños con correlaciones significantes con necrosis e hipertrofia reveladas por el ECG.