Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospital Admissions and In-Hospital Lethality From Cardiovascular Diseases in Brazil: An Ecological and Time Series Study.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil, several government policies have been taken. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital lethality for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Brazil in 2020. An ecological and time-series study on hospitalizations and deaths from CVD in Brazil was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020.The hospital admission rate for CVD reduced by 17.1%, with a significant decreasing trend between January and May 2020 (Annual Percent Change: -8,7%; P-value < 0.001). The in-hospital lethality rate increased from 8.2% in 2018 to 9.3% in 2020. During this period, Brazil totaled 21.8 million days of hospital stay. Indicators of hospital admissions and lethality from CVD in Brazil were impacted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways in the regions and depending on the nature of the indicator.

Ankle-brachial Index and associated factors in individuals with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the association between ABI and the main risk factors for coronary artery disease in coronary patients. METHODS: Were selected 156 adult patients from a hospital in Maceió, Alagoas. Were evaluated with risk factors age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia. PAOD screening was performed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used. Confidence Interval of 95% and a significance of 5%. RESULTS: 67.3% (n=105) males, 52.6% (n=82) elderly, 23.1% (n = 34) obese, 72.4% 6% (n=113) hypertensive, 34.6% (n=54) diabetics, 53.2% (n=83) smokers, 34.6% (n=54) dyslipidemic and 70.5% (n=110) with a family history of CAD. 16.7% (n=26) of the individuals presented PAOD. Three factors were associated with PAOD: age group ≥ 60 years (OR:3.656; p=0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2.625; p=0.024) and hypertension (OR:5.528; p=0.008). No significant difference was observed in the variables smoking, dyslipidemia, family history of CAD, and obesity. CONCLUSION: The independent risk factors for PAOD were age, diabetes mellitus, and systemic arterial hypertension.

Ankle-brachial Index and associated factors in individuals with coronary artery disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Analyzing the association between ABI and the main risk factors for coronary artery disease in coronary patients. METHODS Were selected 156 adult patients from a hospital in Maceió, Alagoas. Were evaluated with risk factors age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia. PAOD screening was performed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used. Confidence Interval of 95% and a significance of 5%. RESULTS 67.3% (n=105) males, 52.6% (n=82) elderly, 23.1% (n = 34) obese, 72.4% 6% (n=113) hypertensive, 34.6% (n=54) diabetics, 53.2% (n=83) smokers, 34.6% (n=54) dyslipidemic and 70.5% (n=110) with a family history of CAD. 16.7% (n=26) of the individuals presented PAOD. Three factors were associated with PAOD: age group ≥ 60 years (OR:3.656; p=0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2.625; p=0.024) and hypertension (OR:5.528; p=0.008). No significant difference was observed in the variables smoking, dyslipidemia, family history of CAD, and obesity. CONCLUSION The independent risk factors for PAOD were age, diabetes mellitus, and systemic arterial hypertension.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre o ITB e os principais fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana em indivíduos coronariopatas. MÉTODOS Foram selecionados 156 pacientes adultos de um hospital de Maceió, Alagoas. Foram avaliados como fatores de risco idade, obesidade, hipertensão, diabetes mellitus, tabagismo e dislipidemia. A triagem da DAOP foi realizada pelo índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB). Foram utilizados os testes de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher. Intervalo de Confiança de 95% e significância de 5%. RESULTADOS 67,3% (n=105) do sexo masculino, 52,6% (n=82) idosos, 23,1% (n=34) obesos, 72,4% (n=113) hipertensos, 34,6% (n=54) diabéticos, 53,2% (n=83) tabagistas, 34,6% (n=54) dislipidêmicos e 70,5% (n=110) com história familiar de DAC; 16,7% (n=26) dos indivíduos apresentaram DAOP. Três fatores foram associados à DAOP: faixa etária ≥60 anos (OR:3,656; p=0,005), diabetes mellitus (OR:2,625; p=0,024) e (OR:5,528; p=0,008). Não foi observada diferença significativa nas variáveis tabagismo, dislipidemia, história familiar de DAC e obesidade. CONCLUSÃO Os fatores de risco independentes para DAOP foram idade, diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica.

Clinical value of myocardial performance index in patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction.

AIMS: The Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) has been considered as a diagnostic and prognostic Doppler marker for many different clinical conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of traditional Pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD-MPI) and Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI-MPI) and the degree of agreement between these methods in patients with grade-I diastolic dysfunction (DDI) and a normal ejection fraction. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive ambulatory patients with DDI were compared to 51 healthy subjects with normal echocardiograms. All subjects underwent measurement of time intervals and MPI with PWD and pulsed TDI. RESULTS: TDI-MPI and PWD-MPI were significantly higher in patients with DDI than in control subjects: 0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001) and 0.45 ± 0.11 vs. 0.37 ± 0.08 (P < 0.001), respectively. Cutoff values of TDI-MPI > 0.42 and PWD-MPI > 0.40 identified DDI subjects, with sensitivities of 74 and 64%; specificities of 61 and 69%; positive likelihood ratios of 1.9 and 2.0; and negative likelihood ratios of 0.42 and 0.53, respectively; no significant difference was noted between the areas under the ROC curves of TDI-MPI and PWD-MPI (P = 0.77). Bland-Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement between these indices: - 0.17 to 0.23 in healthy subjects and - 0.24 to 0.32 in DDI patients. CONCLUSION: PWD-MPI and TDI-MPI showed poor clinical agreement and were not reliable parameters for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function.

Efeitos cardíacos agudos da pré-eclâmpsia grave / Acute cardiac effects of severe pre-eclampsia

Introdução: A pré-eclâmpsia com características graves (PECG) é uma síndrome específica da gravidez caracterizada por hipertensão grave e disfunção de órgãos-alvo e está associada a eventos cardiovasculares adversos a curto prazo, incluindo insuficiência cardíaca, edema pulmonar e acidente vascular cerebral. Objetivos: Os autores tiveram como objetivo caracterizar as alterações ecocardiográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais de curto prazo em mulheres com PEC, concentrando-se na pressão sistólica do ventrículo direito (PSVD) e nos parâmetros diastólico, sistólico e de rastreamento diastólico, sistólico e de salpicos derivados do ecocardiograma. Métodos: Neste estudo observacional prospectivo, os autores recrutaram 63 mulheres com PEC e 36 pacientes controle grávidas. Resultados: A coorte PEC apresentou maior PSVD (31,0 ± 7,9 mm Hg vs. 22,5 ± 6,1 mm Hg; p <0,001) e diminuição da tensão sistólica longitudinal global do VD (RVLSS) (19,6 ± 3,2% vs. 23,8 ± 2,9% [p < 0,0001]) quando comparado com a coorte controle. Para os parâmetros cardíacos do lado esquerdo, houve diferenças (p <0,001) na velocidade e 'septal mitral (9,6 ± 2,4 cm / s vs. 11,6 ± 1,9 cm / s), relação E / e' septal (10,8 ± 2,8 vs. 7,4 ± 1,6), tamanho da área atrial esquerda (20,1 ± 3,8 cm2 vs. 17,3 ± 2,9 cm2) e espessura da parede posterior e septal (mediana [intervalo interquartil]: 1,0 cm [0,9 a 1,1 cm] vs. 0,8 cm [0,7 a 0,9 cm] e 1,0 cm [0,8 a 1,2 cm] vs. 0,8 cm [0,7 a 0,9 cm]). Oito mulheres (12,7%) com PEC apresentaram disfunção diastólica grau II e 6 mulheres (9,5%) apresentaram edema pulmonar periparto. Conclusões: Mulheres com PEC apresentam maior PSVD, maiores taxas de função diastólica anormal, menor RVLSS global, maior remodelamento da câmara do lado esquerdo e maiores taxas de edema pulmonar periparto, quando comparadas a mulheres grávidas saudáveis.

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia with severe features (PEC) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by severe hypertension and end-organ dysfunction, and is associated with short-term adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, pulmonary edema, and stroke. Objectives: The authors aimed to characterize the short-term echocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory changes in women with PEC, focusing on right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP) and echocardiographic-derived diastolic, systolic, and speckle tracking parameters. Methods: In this prospective observational study, the authors recruited 63 women with PEC and 36 pregnant control patients. Results: The PEC cohort had higher RVSP (31.0 ± 7.9 mm Hg vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and decreased global RV longitudinal systolic strain (RVLSS) (19.6 ± 3.2% vs. 23.8 ± 2.9% [p < 0.0001]) when compared with the control cohort. For left-sided cardiac parameters, there were differences (p < 0.001) in mitral septal e' velocity (9.6 ± 2.4 cm/s vs. 11.6 ± 1.9 cm/s), septal E/e' ratio (10.8 ± 2.8 vs. 7.4 ± 1.6), left atrial area size (20.1 ± 3.8 cm2 vs. 17.3 ± 2.9 cm2 ), and posterior and septal wall thickness (median [interquartile range]: 1.0 cm [0.9 to 1.1 cm] vs. 0.8 cm [0.7 to 0.9 cm], and 1.0 cm [0.8 to 1.2 cm] vs. 0.8 cm [0.7 to 0.9 cm]). Eight women (12.7%) with PEC had grade II diastolic dysfunction, and 6 women (9.5%) had peripartum pulmonary edema. Conclusions: Women with PEC have higher RVSP, higher rates of abnormal diastolic function, decreased global RVLSS, increased left-sided chamber remodeling, and higher rates of peripartum pulmonary edema, when compared with healthy pregnant women. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;72:1­11) © 2018 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Tratamento não farmacológico da hipertensão arterial / Nonpharmacologic treatment of arterial hypertension

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma doença multifatorial caracterizada por níveis elevados e sustentados de pressão arterial (PA). Vários são os fatores de risco implicados em sua expressão clínica, dentre eles: herança genética, idade, gênero, etnia, excesso de peso, ingestão excessiva de sal e de álcool, sedentarismo, entre outras. Nesta revisão são abordadas as modificações no estilo de vida (MEV) como fatores associados não apenas à prevenção, mas ao próprio tratamento de uma moléstia muito prevalente na população geral, de grande impacto socioeconômico e responsável por significativa morbimortalidade cardiovascular

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial disease characterized by elevated and sustained blood pressure (BP) levels. There are several risk factors involved in its clinical expression, among them: genetic inheritance, age, gender, ethnicity, excess weight, excessive intake of salt and alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, among others. In this review, lifestyle modifications are addressed as factors associated not only with prevention, but also with the treatment of a very prevalent disease in the general population, with a high socioeconomic impact and responsible for significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Electrocardiogram Performance in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block / Desempenho do Eletrocardiograma no Diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Pacientes Hipertensos na Presença de Bloqueio de Ramo Esquerdo

Abstract Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, and its detection usually begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Objective: To evaluate the impact of complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) in hypertensive patients in the diagnostic performance of LVH by ECG. Methods: A total of 2,240 hypertensive patients were studied. All of them were submitted to an ECG and an echocardiogram (ECHO). We evaluated the most frequently used electrocardiographic criteria for LVH diagnosis: Cornell voltage, Cornell voltage product, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Sokolow-Lyon product, RaVL, RaVL+SV3, RV6/RV5 ratio, strain pattern, left atrial enlargement, and QT interval. LVH identification pattern was the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obtained by ECHO in all participants. Results: Mean age was 11.3 years ± 58.7 years, 684 (30.5%) were male and 1,556 (69.5%) were female. In patients without CLBBB, ECG sensitivity to the presence of LVH varied between 7.6 and 40.9%, and specificity varied between 70.2% and 99.2%. In participants with CLBBB, sensitivity to LVH varied between 11.9 and 95.2%, and specificity between 6.6 and 96.6%. Among the criteria with the best performance for LVH with CLBBB, Sokolow-Lyon, for a voltage of ≥ 3,0mV, stood out with a sensitivity of 22.2% (CI 95% 15.8 - 30.8) and specificity of 88.3% (CI 95% 77.8 - 94.2). Conclusion: In hypertensive patients with CLBBB, the most often used criteria for the detection of LVH with ECG showed significant decrease in performance with regards to sensitivity and specificity. In this scenario, Sokolow-Lyon criteria with voltage ≥3,0mV presented the best performance.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é importante fator de risco para eventos cardiovasculares, e sua identificação se inicia, geralmente, pela realização do eletrocardiograma (ECG). Objetivo: Avaliar, em hipertensos, o impacto do bloqueio completo do ramo esquerdo (BCRE) no desempenho diagnóstico da HVE pelo ECG. Métodos: Foram estudados 2.240 pacientes hipertensos. Todos realizaram ECG e ecocardiograma (ECO). Foram avaliados os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados para o diagnóstico de HVE: Cornell voltagem, Cornell voltagem produto, Sokolow-Lyon voltagem, Sokolow-Lyon produto, RaVL, RaVL produto, RaVL+SV3, Relação RV6/RV5, padrão strain, aumento atrial esquerdo e o intervalo QT. O padrão de identificação da HVE foi o índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) obtido pelo ECO em todos participantes. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 11,3 anos ± 58,7 anos, 684 (30,5%) homens e 1.556 (69,5%) mulheres. Nos participantes sem BCRE, a sensibilidade do ECG para a presença de HVE variou de 7,6 a 40,9%, e a especificidade de 70,2 a 99,2%. Nos participantes com BCRE, a sensibilidade para a HVE variou de 11,9 a 95,2%, e a especificidade de 6,6 a 96,6%. Dentre os critérios com melhor desempenho para HVE com BCRE, destacou-se o de Sokolow-Lyon para voltagem ≥ 3,0mV com sensibilidade de 22,2% (IC 95% 15,8 - 30,8) e especificidade de 88,3% (IC 95% 77,8 - 94,2). Conclusão: Nos hipertensos com BCRE, os critérios mais utilizados para detecção da HVE pelo ECG apresentaram diminuição significativa de desempenho da sensibilidade e especificidade. Nesse cenário, o critério de Sokolow-Lyon com voltagem ≥3,0mV apresentou melhor comportamento.

Electrocardiogram Performance in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, and its detection usually begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) in hypertensive patients in the diagnostic performance of LVH by ECG. METHODS: A total of 2,240 hypertensive patients were studied. All of them were submitted to an ECG and an echocardiogram (ECHO). We evaluated the most frequently used electrocardiographic criteria for LVH diagnosis: Cornell voltage, Cornell voltage product, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Sokolow-Lyon product, RaVL, RaVL+SV3, RV6/RV5 ratio, strain pattern, left atrial enlargement, and QT interval. LVH identification pattern was the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obtained by ECHO in all participants. RESULTS: Mean age was 11.3 years ± 58.7 years, 684 (30.5%) were male and 1,556 (69.5%) were female. In patients without CLBBB, ECG sensitivity to the presence of LVH varied between 7.6 and 40.9%, and specificity varied between 70.2% and 99.2%. In participants with CLBBB, sensitivity to LVH varied between 11.9 and 95.2%, and specificity between 6.6 and 96.6%. Among the criteria with the best performance for LVH with CLBBB, Sokolow-Lyon, for a voltage of ≥ 3,0mV, stood out with a sensitivity of 22.2% (CI 95% 15.8 - 30.8) and specificity of 88.3% (CI 95% 77.8 - 94.2). CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with CLBBB, the most often used criteria for the detection of LVH with ECG showed significant decrease in performance with regards to sensitivity and specificity. In this scenario, Sokolow-Lyon criteria with voltage ≥3,0mV presented the best performance.

Left ventricular mass and cardiothoracic index in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic renal disease (CRD) on hemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVE: To show the usefulness of chest radiography in the diagnosis of LVH in CRD patients on HD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 100 patients (58 men and 42 women), mean age 46.2 ± 14.0 years, with CRD of all causes, for at least six months on HD. Were obtained echocardiogram and chest x-rays of patients, always up to one hour after the end of HD sessions. RESULTS: LVH was detected in 83 patients (83%), of whom 56 (67.4%) had the concentric pattern and 27 (32.6%) with eccentric pattern of LVH. Cardiomegaly - defined by cardiothoracic index (CTI) > 0.5 - was present in 61 patients (61%). The following were the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, respectively, for the variable ICT: 66.2%, 70.5% and 68.0%. The Pearson correlation between ICT and index of left ventricular mass (LVMI) was 0.552 (p < 0.05) and positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. CONCLUSION: Chest radiography is a safe and useful as a diagnostic tool of LVH in CKD patients on HD.

Análise da incidência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico em cirurgias oncológicas do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza / Analysis of the incidence of surgical site infection in oncologic surgeryof the digestive tract in Hospital Geral de Fortaleza

Trata-se de um estudo caracterizado como retrospectivo, analítico, com abordagem quantitativa, com delineamento de pesquisa não experimental. Objetivo: Analisar os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza quanto ao aparecimento de infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) e sugerir medidas de prevenção. Material e Métodos: Foram submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestório 196 indivíduos, no período de 01/10/2011 a 30/09/2012, e, analisados os possíveis fatores de risco, ligados ao paciente, ao procedimento cirúrgico e à incisão. Resultados: evidenciou-se 26 casos de infecção, com uma prevalência global de ISC de 13,26%. As seguintes variáveis apresentaram associação relevante de risco: duração do procedimento, tempo de internação pré-operatório, comorbidades, tabagismo, etilismo, uso de drenos e sondagem vesical. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco apontados neste estudo descrevem um grupo de indivíduos com maior risco de ISC, nos quais os protocolos de prevenção devem ser aplicados rigorosamente...

This is a study characterized as retrospective, analytical and quantitative approach with non-experimental research design. Objective: Analyze patients undergoing cancer surgery of the digestive tract in Hospital Geral de Fortaleza for the appearance of surgical site infection (SSI) and suggest preventive measures. Material and Methods: Underwent cancer surgery of the digestive tract 196 individuals in the period from 10/01/2011 to 09/30/2012 and analyzed the possible risk factors related to the patient, to the surgical procedure and the incision. Results: Showed up 26 cases of infection, with anoverall SSI prevalence of 13,26%. The following variables showed significant association of risk: duration of procedure, duration of preoperative hospitalization, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol consumption,use of drains and bladder catheterization. Conclusion: The risk factors indicated in this study describe a group of individuals with increased risk of SSI, in which prevention protocols should be rigorously applied...

Massa ventricular esquerda e índice cardiotorácico em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Left ventricular mass and cardiothoracic index in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis

Introdução: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um fator preditor independente de risco cardiovascular em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD). Objetivo: Mostrar a utilidade da radiografia de tórax no diagnóstico de HVE em pacientes com DRC em HD. Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 100 pacientes (58 homens e 42 mulheres), idade média de 46,2 ± 14,0 anos, com DRC de todas as etiologias, há pelo menos seis meses em HD. Foram obtidos ecocardiograma e radiografia de tórax dos pacientes, sempre até uma hora após o término das sessões de HD. Resultados: A HVE foi detectada em 83 pacientes (83%), dos quais 56 (67,4%) apresentavam o padrão concêntrico e 27 (32,6%) a padrão excêntrico de HVE. Cardiomegalia - definida por índice cardiotorácico (ICT) > 0,5 - esteve presente em 61 pacientes (61%). Foram os seguintes os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia, respectivamente, para a variável ICT: 66,2%, 70,5% e 68,0%. A correlação de Pearson entre ICT e índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) foi de 0,552 (p < 0,05) e razão de verossimilhança positivo de 2,2. Conclusão: A radiografia de tórax é um exame seguro e útil como ferramenta diagnóstica de HVE em pacientes com DRC em HD. .

Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic renal disease (CRD) on hemodialysis (HD). Objective: To show the usefulness of chest radiography in the diagnosis of LVH in CRD patients on HD. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 100 patients (58 men and 42 women), mean age 46.2 ± 14.0 years, with CRD of all causes, for at least six months on HD. Were obtained echocardiogram and chest x-rays of patients, always up to one hour after the end of HD sessions. Results: LVH was detected in 83 patients (83%), of whom 56 (67.4%) had the concentric pattern and 27 (32.6%) with eccentric pattern of LVH. Cardiomegaly - defined by cardiothoracic index (CTI) > 0.5 - was present in 61 patients (61%). The following were the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, respectively, for the variable ICT: 66.2%, 70.5% and 68.0%. The Pearson correlation between ICT and index of left ventricular mass (LVMI) was 0.552 (p < 0.05) and positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. Conclusion: Chest radiography is a safe and useful as a diagnostic tool of LVH in CKD patients on HD. .

Avaliação da massa ventricular esquerda em hipertensos com tolerância à glicose diminuída / Evaluation of left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients with decreased glucose tolerance

Fundamentos: cresce em importância a relação entre níveis glicêmicos aumentados, porém não diabéticos (tolerância à glicose diminuída - TGD), fator de risco cardiovascular e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE). Objetivo: avaliar a massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE) em pacientes hipertensos sob tratamento ambulatorial e com TGD. Materiais e métodos: foram avaliados 358 pacientes hipertensos (com média de idade 59 ± 11 anos), divididos em três grupos: grupo I (hipertensos); grupo II (hipertensos com TGD) e grupo III (hipertensos com diabetes tipo 2). Em todos os pacientes foi realizado o ecocardiograma e utilizada a fórmula de Devereux para o cálculo da massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE). Para o índice de MVE (IMVE) foram considerados valores normais de até 89 e 103 g/m² para mulheres e homens, respectivamente. Utilizou-se o teste estatístico ANOVA complementado pelo teste de Tukey e Bonferroni para detectar diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: a média do IMVE foi de 110,2 ± 33,0; 117,6 ± 30,1 e 128,0 ± 46,8 g/m² nos grupos I, II e III, respectivamente, sendo que 65,1% (grupo I), 74,6% (grupo II) e 80,5% (grupo III) dos pacientes apresentaram aumento do IMVE. Não houve diferença estatística no aumento de IMVE entre os grupos I e II, mas foi significantemente maior no grupo III, quando comparado com o grupo I. Conclusões: o grupo dos pacientes hipertensos com TGD (grupo II) não apresentou aumento de MVE estatisticamente significante em relação aos não intolerantes (grupo I) e o grupo de pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos apresentou aumento significante da MVE em relação ao grupo de hipertensos (grupo I).

Background: It is growing in importance the correlation between elevated glycemic levels (impaired glucose tolerance) but no overt diabetes and the risk factor of cardiovascular disease and increased cardiac mass. Objective: We sought to determine the left ventricular mass (LVM) in hypertensive patients under treatment and with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Materials and methods: 358 patients were evaluated (mean age 59 ± 11 years) separated in three groups: group I (hypertension); group II (hypertension and IGT) and group III (hypertension and diabetes mellitus 2). Echocardiograms were performed in all patients and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated using the Devereux's criteria and values greater than 110 and 134 g/m² for women and man, respectively, were considered for left ventricular hypertrophy. The statistic methods ANOVA together with Tukey and Bonferroni tests were executed to detect differences among groups. Results: 110,2 ± 33,0; 117,6 ± 31,0 and 128,0 ± 46,8 g/m² were the mean of LVMI for groups I, II and III, respectively. The increasing of LVM was 65,1% (group I), 74,6% (group II) and 80,5% (group III). There was not statistic difference between groups I and II in relation to increasing of LVMI, but it was significantly greater in group III. Conclusions: The increasing of LVMI was not observed in the impaired glucose tolerance hypertensive patients when compared with normoglycemic hypertensive patients and the increasing of LVMI was significant in diabetic hypertensive patients.

A social and ecological assessment of tropical land uses at multiple scales: the Sustainable Amazon Network.

Science has a critical role to play in guiding more sustainable development trajectories. Here, we present the Sustainable Amazon Network (Rede Amazônia Sustentável, RAS): a multidisciplinary research initiative involving more than 30 partner organizations working to assess both social and ecological dimensions of land-use sustainability in eastern Brazilian Amazonia. The research approach adopted by RAS offers three advantages for addressing land-use sustainability problems: (i) the collection of synchronized and co-located ecological and socioeconomic data across broad gradients of past and present human use; (ii) a nested sampling design to aid comparison of ecological and socioeconomic conditions associated with different land uses across local, landscape and regional scales; and (iii) a strong engagement with a wide variety of actors and non-research institutions. Here, we elaborate on these key features, and identify the ways in which RAS can help in highlighting those problems in most urgent need of attention, and in guiding improvements in land-use sustainability in Amazonia and elsewhere in the tropics. We also discuss some of the practical lessons, limitations and realities faced during the development of the RAS initiative so far.

Impacto da sensação de distensão vesical na medida da pressão arterial / Impact of the sensation of urinary bladder distension on blood pressure measurement

Sabe-se que alguns fatores podem interferir na medida correta da pressão arterial, sendo a distensão vesical uma delas. O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento da pressão arterial de acordo com a sensação de distensão vesical, expressa por vontade discreta, moderada e intensa de urinar, e após micção, comparando-se os resultados com os níveis basais em três grupos de pacientes: normotensos (grupo 1), hipertensos não controlados (grupo 2) e hipertensos controlados (grupo 3). Foram avaliados 149 pacientes, com idade média de 42,5 anos ± 19,3 anos. Era verificada a pressão arterial em condições basais. Após ingesta de 1000 mL de água mineral em até 30 minutos aferia-se novamente a pressão arterial, quando, a partir de uma escala de pontos, os pacientes referiam vontade discreta, moderada e intensa de urinar, e cinco minutos após micção. Comparando-se as condições basais versus vontade discreta, moderada, intensa e pósmicção para pressões sistólica e diastólica, os valores de p mostraram-se significantes apenas entre condições basais versus vontade discreta no grupo 3; condições basais versus vontade moderada nos grupos 1 e 3; condições basais versus vontade intensa nos grupos 1 e 3; e nas condições basais versus pós-micção para pressão diastólica do grupo 3. Portanto, há correlação entre distensão vesical, avaliada subjetivamente, pelo menos a partir da vontade moderada de urinar nos grupos 1 e 3. No grupo 2 não houve associação.

Some factors are known to interfere with the correct measurement of blood pressure, bladder distension being one of them. The objective was to evaluate blood pressure variation according to the sensation of bladder distension, rated as a mild, moderate or strong desire to urinate, and after micturition, by comparing the results with baseline levels in three groups of patients: normotensive (group 1), non-controlled hypertensive (group 2), and controlled hypertensive individuals (group 3). 149 patients with a mean age of 42.5 ± 19.3 years were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, after the intake of 1000 mL of mineral water in up to 30 minutes, when, using a point score, the patients reported mild, moderate, or strong wish to urinate; then, again, five minutes after micturition. Comparing systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements at baseline and at mild, moderate, and strong desire, as well as post-micturition, the p values were significant only between baseline and mild desire in group 3; between baseline and moderate desire in groups 1 and 3; between baseline and strong desire in groups 1 and 3; and between baseline and postmicturition for diastolic pressure in group 3. Therefore there is a correlation between bladder distension, as assessed subjectively, and blood pressure measurement, at least as from a moderate wish to urinate in groups 1 and 3. No association was observed in group 2.

O eletrocardiograma na fase aguda da Doenças de Chagas por trasmissão oral / Eletrocardiograms in the acute phase od Chagas Disease through oral transmission

Fundamentos: A região amazônica sempre foi considerada área de baixo risco para a doença de Chagas (DC). Objetivo: Relatar as alterações eletrocardiográficas observadas na fase aguda da DC transmitida por via oral. Métodos: Foram analisados os traçados eletrocardiográficos de 161 pacientes com quadro clínico, sorológico e parasitológico da DC em sua fase aguda, todos provavelmente contaminados por via oral, de janeiro 2009 a abril 2010, atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas Gaspar Viana, em Belém, PA, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram basicamente as mesmas alterações eletrocardiográficas clássicas descritas na fase aguda da doença, sugerindo não haver diferenças significativas entre as miocardites ocasionadas pela transmissão oral em comparação àquelas da transmissão vetorial e sanguínea. Conclusão: As alterações eletrocardiográficas da DC na fase aguda são similares às da doença contraída pela forma vetorial em zonas endêmicas.

Background: The Amazon region has always been rated as a low-risk area for Chagas disease (CD). Objective: To report on electrocardiographic changes observed in the acute phase of orally transmitted CD. Methods: ECG tracings were analyzed for 161patients with clinical, serological and parasitological acute phase CD, all probably infected orally, between January 2009 and April 2010, seen at the Hospital das Clínicas Gaspar Viana in Belém, Pará State, Brazil. Results: The results showed basically the same classic electrocardiographic changes described for the acute phase of the disease, suggesting no significant differences between myocarditis caused by oral transmission compared to blood and vector transmission. Conclusion: Electrocardiographic changes in acute phase CD are similar to those found when this disease is contracted through vectors in endemic areas.

Monitorização ambulatorial de pressão arterial em gestantes normotensas / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in normotensive pregnant women

As controvérsias sobre os padrões pressóricos durante a gravidez normal justificam a realização de estudos para melhor entender a questão. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as variações normais da pressão arterial (PA), através da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA), em gestantes saudáveis numa capital da região norte do Brasil. Foram estudadas 89 gestantes normotensas, nulíparas ou multíparas, de 3 centros obstétricos da cidade de Belém (PA). As gestantes foram divididas em três grupos, segundo a idade gestacional: Grupo 1, composto por 25 grávidas, entre 6 e 13 semanas de gestação; Grupo 2, por 32 grávidas, entre 14 e 25 semanas; e Grupo 3, por 32 grávidas, entre 28 e 38 semanas de gestação. As 89 gestantes apresentavam idade entre 18 e 35 anos (mediana de 24 anos). Não houve diferenças significantes entre o número de nulíparas e multíparas (p = 0,5555). Quanto às variáveis da MAPA analisadas (média de 24 horas) houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes apenas em três delas: PA sistólica no Grupo 3 (aumento), PA diastólica no Grupo 2 (redução) e descenso noturno diastólico no Grupo 1 (aumento). Podemos concluir que em grávidas normotensas, os parâmetros da MAPA avaliados tiveram comportamento similar aos padrões de normalidade considerados para a população geral.

Controversies regarding blood pressure patterns during normal pregnancy justify studies for their better understanding. The objective of this study was to verify normal blood pressure (BP) variations by means of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in healthy pregnant women in the capital of a northern Brazilian state. A total of 89 normotensive nulliparous or multiparous pregnant women from 3 obstetric centers in the city of Belém ­ State of Pará, were studied. The pregnant women were divided into three groups, according to their gestational age: Group 1, comprising 25 pregnant women between 6 and 13 weeks of gestation; Group 2, with 32 pregnant women between 14 and 25 weeks of gestation; and Group 3, with 32 pregnant women between 28 and 38 weeks of gestation. The ages of the 89 pregnant women ranged from 18 to 35 years (median of 24,0 years). There was no significant difference between the number of nulliparae and multiparae (p = 0.5555). As regards the ABPM variables analyzed (mean of 24 hours), statistically significant differences were observed in only three of them: systolic BP in Group 3 (increase); diastolic BP in Group 2 (decrease), and diastolic nocturnal dip in Group 1 (increase). In conclusion, in normotensive pregnant women the variation of the ABPM parameters analyzed was similar to the normal patterns observed in the general population.

Embolização arterial no tratamento de hemobilia pós-trauma hepático: relato de caso / Arterial embolization in the treatment of hemobilia after hepatic trauma: a case report

Hemobilia é causa rara de hemorragia digestiva e complicação incomum no trauma hepático. Ocorre devido à comunicação entre ductos biliares e vasos intra-hepáticos. Os autores relatam um caso de paciente vítima de ferimento penetrante abdominal que evoluiu, após três meses da hepatorrafia, com dor, icterícia e hemorragia digestiva. Foi realizada angiografia, que demonstrou pseudoaneurisma de artéria hepática direita, e efetuada embolização com sucesso.

Hemobilia is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and uncommon complication in cases of liver trauma. It occurs due to communication between bile ducts and intrahepatic vessels. The authors describe the case of a patient victim of penetrating abdominal injury, who progressed after three months of liver suture with pain, jaundice and gastrointestinal bleeding. Angiography diagnosed right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, and embolization procedure was successfully performed.

Sensibilidade do eletrocardiograma na hipertrofia ventricular de acordo com gênero e massa cardíaca / Electrocardiogram sensitivity in left ventricular hypertrophy according to gender and cardiac mass

FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que vários fatores interferem na sensibilidade do Eletrocardiograma (ECG) no diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda (HVE), sendo o gênero e a massa cardíaca alguns dos principais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do sexo na sensibilidade de alguns dos critérios utilizados para a detecção de HVE, de acordo com a progressão do grau de hipertrofia ventricular. MÉTODOS: De acordo com o gênero e com o grau de HVE ao ecocardiograma, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: HVE leve, moderada e severa. Avaliou-se a sensibilidade do ECG para detectar HVE entre homens e mulheres, conforme o grau de HVE. RESULTADOS: Dos 874 pacientes, 265 eram homens (30,3 por cento) e 609, mulheres (69,7 por cento). Os critérios [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perúgia e padrão strain mostraram alto poder discriminatório no diagnóstico de HVE entre homens e mulheres nos três grupos de HVE, com desempenho superior na população masculina e destaque para os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia. CONCLUSÃO: A sensibilidade diagnóstica do ECG é maior com o aumento da massa cardíaca. O exame é mais sensível entre homens, destacando-se os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia.

BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3 percent) and 609, females (69.7 percent). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.

Electrocardiogram sensitivity in left ventricular hypertrophy according to gender and cardiac mass.

BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3%) and 609, females (69.7%). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.