Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from chronic chagasic patients and non-human hosts in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi shows an exuberant genetic diversity. Currently, seven phylogenetic lineages, called discrete typing units (DTUs), are recognised: TcI-TcVI and Tcbat. Despite advances in studies on T. cruzi and its populations, there is no consensus regarding its heterogeneity. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform molecular characterisation of T. cruzi strains, isolated in the state of São Paulo, to identify the DTUs involved and evaluate their genetic diversity. METHODS: T. cruzi strains were isolated from biological samples of chronic chagasic patients, marsupials and triatomines through culture techniques and subjected to molecular characterisation using the fluorescent fragment length barcoding (FFLB) technique. Subsequently, the results were correlated with complementary information to enable better discrimination between the identified DTUs. FINDINGS: It was possible to identify TcI in two humans and two triatomines; TcII/VI in 19 humans, two marsupials and one triatomine; and TcIII in one human host, an individual that also presented a result for TcI, which indicated the possibility of a mixed infection. Regarding the strains characterised by the TcII/VI profile, the correlation with complementary information allowed to suggest that, in general, these parasite populations indeed correspond to the TcII genotype. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The TcII/VI profile, associated with domestic cycles and patients with chronic Chagas disease, was the most prevalent among the identified DTUs. Furthermore, the correlation of the study results with complementary information made it possible to suggest that TcII is the predominant lineage of this work.

Plasma biomarkers reflecting high oxidative stress in the prediction of myocardial injury due to anthracycline chemotherapy and the effect of carvedilol: insights from the CECCY Trial.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline (ANT) is often used for breast cancer treatment but its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity (CTX). CECCY trial demonstrated that the ß-blocker carvedilol (CVD) could attenuate myocardial injury secondary to ANT. Mieloperoxydase (MPO) is a biomarker of oxidative stress and galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a biomarker of fibrosis and cardiac remodeling. We evaluated the correlation between MPO and Gal-3 behavior with CTX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post hoc analysis was performed in the patients who were included in the CECCY trial. A total of 192 women had her blood samples stored during the study at -80°C until the time of assay in a single batch. Stored blood samples were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months after randomization. We excluded samples from 18 patients because of hemolysis. MPO and Gal-3 were measured using Luminex xMAP technology through MILLIPLEX MAP KIT (Merck Laboratories). RESULTS: 26 patients (14.9%) had a decrease of at least 10% in LVEF at 6 months after the initiation of chemotherapy. Among these, there was no significant difference in the MPO and Gal-3 when compared to the group without drop in LVEF (p = 0.85 for both MPO and Gal-3). Blood levels of MPO [baseline: 13.2 (7.9, 24.8), 3 months: 17.7 (11.1, 31.1), 6 months: 19.2 (11.1, 37.8) ng/mL] and Gal-3 [baseline: 6.3 (5.2, 9.6), 3 months: 12.3 (9.8, 16.0), 6 months: 10.3 (8.2, 13.1) ng/mL] increased after ANT chemotherapy, and the longitudinal changes were similar between the placebo and CVD groups (p for interaction: 0.28 and 0.32, respectively). In an exploratory analysis, as there is no normal cutoff value established for Gal-3 and MPO in the literature, the MPO and Gal-3 results were splited in two groups: above and below median. In the placebo group, women with high (above median) baseline MPO blood levels demonstrated a greater increase in TnI blood levels than those with low baseline MPO blood levels (p = 0.041). Compared with placebo, CVD significantly reduced TnI blood levels in women with high MPO blood levels (p < 0.001), but did not reduce the TnI levels in women with low baseline MPO blood levels (p = 0.97; p for interaction = 0.009). There was no significant interaction between CVD treatment and baseline Gal-3 blood levels (p for interaction = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In this subanalysis of the CECCY trial, MPO and Gal-3 biomarkers did not predict the development of CTX. However, MPO blood levels above median was associated with more severe myocardial injury and identified women who were most likely to benefit from carvedilol for primary prevention (NCT01724450).

Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from chronic chagasic patients and non-human hosts in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi shows an exuberant genetic diversity. Currently, seven phylogenetic lineages, called discrete typing units (DTUs), are recognised: TcI-TcVI and Tcbat. Despite advances in studies on T. cruzi and its populations, there is no consensus regarding its heterogeneity. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to perform molecular characterisation of T. cruzi strains, isolated in the state of São Paulo, to identify the DTUs involved and evaluate their genetic diversity. METHODS T. cruzi strains were isolated from biological samples of chronic chagasic patients, marsupials and triatomines through culture techniques and subjected to molecular characterisation using the fluorescent fragment length barcoding (FFLB) technique. Subsequently, the results were correlated with complementary information to enable better discrimination between the identified DTUs. FINDINGS It was possible to identify TcI in two humans and two triatomines; TcII/VI in 19 humans, two marsupials and one triatomine; and TcIII in one human host, an individual that also presented a result for TcI, which indicated the possibility of a mixed infection. Regarding the strains characterised by the TcII/VI profile, the correlation with complementary information allowed to suggest that, in general, these parasite populations indeed correspond to the TcII genotype. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The TcII/VI profile, associated with domestic cycles and patients with chronic Chagas disease, was the most prevalent among the identified DTUs. Furthermore, the correlation of the study results with complementary information made it possible to suggest that TcII is the predominant lineage of this work.

Strain longitudinal global como preditor de cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia / Global longitudinal strain as predictor of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Fundamento: A cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia (CiC) é uma complicação importante entre os pacientes que recebem antraciclinas. Biomarcadores e parâmetros de imagem têm sido estudados por sua capacidade de identificar pacientes com risco de desenvolver essa complicação. O strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (SLG-VE) tem sido descrito como um parâmetro sensível para detectar disfunção sistólica, mesmo na presença de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) preservada. Objetivo: avaliar o papel do SLG-VE como preditor de CiC. Métodos: O presente estudo consiste em uma análise post-hoc do estudo CECCY (Carvedilol for Prevention of ChemotherapyRelated Cardiotoxicity [Carvedilol para Prevenção da Cardiotoxicidade Relacionada à Quimioterapia]), que avaliou a prevenção primária de cardiotoxicidade com carvedilol durante quimioterapia com doxorrubicina em uma população com câncer de mama. Definiu-se cardiotoxicidade como uma redução >10% na FEVE. O SLG-VE foi obtido antes da quimioterapia em pacientes sem doença cardiovascular prévia ou anormalidades no ecocardiograma. Resultados: Trinta e um pacientes submetidos a estudo ecocardiográfico completo incluindo avaliação de SLG-VE antes da quimioterapia foram incluídos nesta análise. Um SLG-VE absoluto <16,9% antes da quimioterapia mostrou 100% de sensibilidade e 73% de especificidade para predizer cardiotoxicidade (AUC=0,85; IC 95% 0,680­0,959, p<0,001). Nesta população, os valores de FEVE antes da quimioterapia não foram preditores de CiC (IC 95% 0,478 a -0,842, p=0,17). A associação de baixos níveis séricos de SLG-VE (<17%) e BNP (>17 pg/mL) dois meses após a quimioterapia aumentou a precisão para detectar CiC de início precoce (100% de sensibilidade, 88% de especificidade, AUC=0,94; IC 95% 0,7810,995, p<0,0001). Conclusões: Nossos dados sugerem que o SLG-VE é um possível preditor de cardiotoxicidade induzida por quimioterapia. São necessários estudos maiores para confirmar a relevância clínica desse parâmetro ecocardiográfico nesse cenário clínico. (AU)

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (ChC) is an important complication among patients receiving anthracyclines. Biomarkers and imaging parameters have been studied for their ability to identify patients at risk of developing ChC. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) is a sensitive parameter for detecting systolic dysfunction despite the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Objective: To evaluate the role of the LV-GLS as a predictor of ChC. Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of the Carvedilol for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Related Cardiotoxicity trial, which evaluated the primary prevention of cardiotoxicity with carvedilol during doxorubicin chemotherapy in a population of patients with breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a reduction ≥10% in LVEF. LV-GLS was determined before chemotherapy in patients with no prior cardiovascular disease or echocardiogram abnormalities. Results: Thirty-one patients for whom a complete echocardiography study including measurement of LV-GLS was performed before chemotherapy were included in this analysis. An absolute LV-GLS<16.9% before chemotherapy showed 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting cardiotoxicity (area under the curve [AUC], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.680­0.959; p<0.001). In this population, LVEF values before chemotherapy did not predict ChC (95% CI, 0.478 to -0.842; p=0.17). The association of low LV-GLS (<17%) and brain-type natriuretic peptide serum levels (>17 pg/mL) at 2 months after chemotherapy increased the accuracy for detecting early-onset ChC (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity; AUC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.781­0.995; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that LV-GLS is a potential predictor of ChC. Larger studies are needed to confirm its clinical relevance in this clinical setting. (AU)

Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Crônica e Aguda

INTRODUÇÃO: A organização de uma diretriz clínica é tarefa complexa, que necessariamente deve envolver planejamento prévio, coordenação apropriada, revisão aprofundada da literatura científica, com envolvimento de múltiplos profissionais da área da saúde com notório reconhecimento. A elaboração de uma diretriz clínica de insuficiência cardíaca é ainda mais difícil, por conta da complexidade da síndrome, da amplitude das evidências científicas que permeiam o tópico e do grande impacto que as recomendações propostas têm sobre os pacientes, a comunidade médica e a sociedade como um todo. No presente documento, o Departamento de Insuficiência Cardíaca (DEIC) da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) apresenta uma revisão e uma atualização detalhadas de sua Diretriz de Insuficiência Cardíaca Crônica. Os trabalhos se iniciaram em setembro de 2017, com a definição da Comissão Coordenadora, que estabeleceu prioridades, dividiu grupos de trabalho e definiu o cronograma das atividades. Os grupos de trabalho, compostos por três a cinco participantes, deram início a intensas discussões virtuais, que culminaram com a redação de tabelas preliminares, sendo posteriormente amplamente divulgadas e revisadas pelos 34 participantes da diretriz. As discussões finais foram realizadas em reunião presencial em março de 2018, com a participação de todos os colaboradores, nas quais as principais recomendações foram votadas individualmente. As decisões quanto à classe das recomendações foram definidas por maioria plena (concordância de mais de 75% dos participantes). As recomendações terapêuticas propostas no presente documento se embasam nas evidências científicas mais atuais, considerando não apenas aspectos de eficácia clínica demonstrados em grandes ensaios clínicos, mas também contextualizando seus achados para o cenário de saúde brasileiro e incorporando aspectos econômicos definidos em estudos de custo-efetividade. Buscamos sumarizar as principais recomendações em fluxogramas e algoritmos de fácil entendimento e grande aplicabilidade clínica, propondo abordagens para o diagnóstico e o tratamento da síndrome em formato moderno, atualizado e didático. Na última seção da diretriz, o que não podemos deixar de fazer e o que não devemos fazer no diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento da síndrome foram sumarizados em apenas três tabelas. Em especial, destacamos seis intervenções que foram consideradas de alta prioridade, por apresentarem relações de custo-efetividade altamente favoráveis. Sobretudo, esperamos que a publicação deste documento possa auxiliar na redução das elevadas taxas de mortalidade que ainda estão associadas com a insuficiência cardíaca no Brasil, além de minimizar o cruel impacto que a síndrome causa na qualidade de vida de nossos pacientes. Acreditamos que esta diretriz apresenta, de forma hierarquizada, a linha mestra que deve nortear a prática clínica em diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde, permitindo reconhecimento precoce de pacientes em risco, diagnóstico apropriado e implementação de tratamento de forma escalonada, eficaz e coerente com nossa realidade.

Cost-Effectiveness Benefits of a Disease Management Program:The REMADHE Trial Results.

BACKGROUND: Published studies have generated mixed, controversial results regarding the cost-effectiveness of heart failure disease management programs (HF-DMPs). This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of an HF-DMP in ambulatory patients compared with usual care (UC). METHODS: In the prospective randomized REMADHE trial, we evaluated incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and life-year (LY) gained as effectiveness ratios (ICERs) over a study period of 2.47 ± 1.75 years. RESULTS: The REMADHE HF-DMP was more effective and less costly than UC in terms of both QALYs and LYs (95% and 55% chance of dominance, respectively). Average saving was US$7345 (2.5%-97.5% bootstrapped confidence interval -16,573 to +921). The chance of DMP being cost-effective at a willingness to pay US$10,000 per QALY or LY was 99% and 96%, respectively. Cost-effectiveness of HF-DMP was highest in subgroups with left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, age >50 years, male sex, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class ≥III, and ischemic etiology. The chance of DMP being cost-effective at a willingness to pay US$10,000 per QALY was ≥90% in all subgroups apart from NYHA functional class I-II, where it was 70%. Even when the intervention costs increased by 500% or when excluding outliers in costs, DMP had a high chance of being cost-effective (87%-99%). CONCLUSIONS: The HF-DMP of the REMADHE trial, which encompasses long-term repeated education alongside telephone monitoring, has a high probability of being cost-effective in ambulatory patients with HF.

Análise de técnicas parasitológicas utilizadas no seguimento de pacientes com doença de chagas e tratados por meio do transplante cardíaco / Analysis of parasitological techniques in the monitoring of patients with Chagas disease and treated by heart transplantation

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a função da hemocultura, do xenodiagnóstico e do creme leucocitário no acompanhamento e diagnóstico de possível reativação em pacientescrônicos tratados por meio do transplante de coração. Foram examinadas 70 amostras das quais15,7por cento (11/70) se mostraram positivas, sendo 8,5por cento (6/70) na hemocultura e 12,8por cento (9/70) noxenodiagnóstico. Apresentaram concordância nos dois métodos quatro amostras (36,36por cento). Nãohouve positividade no creme leucocitário. Os achados corroboram informações sobre a superiorsensibilidade do xenodiagnóstico em relação à hemocultura. A amostra do paciente 20, positiva noxenodiagnóstico (décimo quinto dia) e que apresentou miocardite com ninhos de amastigotas 15 dias antes dadetecção laboratorial, sinaliza a importância da leitura precoce dos exames parasitológicos comopreditivos de possível reativação da doença.

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation for treatment of symptomatic systolic heart failure patients: a pilot study.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential beneficial effects of left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) in systolic heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, randomized pilot study, inclusion criteria were New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II or III, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, sinus rhythm, and resting heart rate >65 b.p.m., despite optimal medical therapy (MT). Fifteen patients were randomly assigned either to MT alone or MT plus LCSD. The primary endpoint was safety, measured by mortality in the first month of follow-up and morbidity according to pre-specified criteria. Secondary endpoints were exercise capacity, quality of life, LVEF, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and 24 h Holter mean heart rate before and after 6 months. We studied clinical effects in long-term follow-up. Ten patients underwent LCSD. There were no adverse events attributable to surgery. In the LCSD group, LVEF improved from 25 ± 6.6 to 33 ± 5.2 (P = 0.03); 6 min walking distance improved from 167 ± 35 to 198 ± 47 m (P = 0.02). Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ) score physical dimension changed from 21 ± 5 to 15 ± 7 (P = 0.06). The remaining analysed variables were unchanged. During 848 ± 549 days of follow-up, in the MT group, three patients either died or underwent cardiac transplantation (CT), while in the LCSD group six were alive without CT. CONCLUSIONS: LCSD was feasible and seemed to be safe in systolic HF patients. Its beneficial effects warrant the development of a larger randomized trial. Trail registration: NCT01224899.

Effect of a sequential education and monitoring programme on quality-of-life components in heart failure.

AIMS: Trials of disease management programmes (DMP) in heart failure (HF) have shown controversial results regarding quality of life. We hypothesized that a DMP applied over the long-term could produce different effects on each of the quality-of-life components. METHODS AND RESULTS: We extended the prospective, randomized REMADHE Trial, which studied a DMP in HF patients. We analysed changes in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire components in 412 patients, 60.5% male, age 50.2 +/- 11.4 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 34.7 +/- 10.5%. During a mean follow-up of 3.6 +/- 2.2 years, 6.3% of patients underwent heart transplantation and 31.8% died. Global quality-of-life scores improved in the DMP intervention group, compared with controls, respectively: 57.5 +/- 3.1 vs. 52.6 +/- 4.3 at baseline, 32.7 +/- 3.9 vs. 40.2 +/- 6.3 at 6 months, 31.9 +/- 4.3 vs. 41.5 +/- 7.4 at 12 months, 26.8 +/- 3.1 vs. 47.0 +/- 5.3 at the final assessment; P < 0.01. Similarly, the physical component (23.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 21.1 +/- 2.2 at baseline, 16.2 +/- 2.9 vs. 18.0 +/- 3.3 at 6 months, 17.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 23.1 +/- 5.7 at 12 months, 11.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 19.9 +/- 2.4 final; P < 0.01), the emotional component (13.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 12.1 +/- 1.4 at baseline, 11.7 +/- 2.7 vs. 12.3 +/- 3.1 at 6 months, 12.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 16.8 +/- 5.9 at 12 months, 6.7 +/- 1.0 vs. 10.6 +/- 1.4 final; P < 0.01) and the additional questions (20.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 19.3 +/- 1.8 at baseline, 14.3 +/- 2.7 vs. 17.3 +/- 3.1 at 6 months, 12.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 21.0 +/- 5.5 at 12 months, 6.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 17.3 +/- 2.2 final; P < 0.01) were better (lower) in the intervention group. The emotional component improved earlier than the others. Post-randomization quality of life was not associated with events. CONCLUSION: Components of the quality-of-life assessment responded differently to DMP. These results indicate the need for individualized DMP strategies in patients with HF. Trial registration information www.clincaltrials.gov NCT00505050-REMADHE.

Avaliação dos componentes da qualidade de vida na clínica de insuficiência cardíaca / Components of life quality evaluation in heart failure clinic

A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome, de alta prevalência, comprometendo a qualidade de vida (QV). Objetivo: Testamos a hipótese de que um programa seqüencial de educação e monitorização (DMP), pode modificar os componentes do questionário Minnesota Living Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) aplicado a pacientes com IC em seguimento ambulatorial. Métodos: Esta investigação é uma extensão do estudo REMADHE, prospectivo, randomizado, com grupo intervenção (GI) submetido a um DMP, versus grupo controle (GC). A QV foi avaliada pelo MLHFQ, aplicado na inclusão no estudo, a cada seis meses até os dois anos de seguimento, e após anualmente. Incluímos 412 pacientes, 60,5% do sexo masculino, e fração de ejeção de ventrículo esquerdo de 34,7 ±10,5%. Resultados: No GI ocorreu melhora significativa em todos os componentes do MLHFQ (53 ±23vs.29 ±19,p=0,007), da dimensão física (24 ±10 vs.13 ±9, p=0,0002), da dimensão emocional (13 ±7vs.9 ±7,p=0,02) e demais questões (21 ±9vs.11 ±7,p=0,001). No GI houve melhora de sobrevida livre de eventos (óbito e internação) (p<0,001), houve relação entre o escore da QV após a inclusão e a sobrevida, mas não com a QV de vida basal (p=0,7). A QV demonstrou ser um fator independente na determinação de sobrevida livre de eventos. Na avaliação dos gêneros, ambos demonstraram melhora significativa, mas no masculino a melhora ocorreu tardiamente em relação ao feminino. Conclusão: Este programa de educação e monitorização continua em longo prazo melhorou a QV e seus componentes em pacientes em acompanhamento ambulatorial. Entretanto, os componentes da QV podem responder diferentemente a intervenção.

Heart failure (HF) is a high prevalence syndrome, pledging the quality of life (QL). Objective: We tested the hypothesis that a sequential program of education and monitoring (DMP) may modify the components of Minnesota Heart Failure Living Questionnaire (MLHFQ) on outpatient patients with HF. Methods: This research is an extension of the REMADHE study, prospective, randomized with an intervention group (IG) subje ted to a DMP, versus a ontrol group (CG). QL was evaluated by MLHFQ applied the inclusion in the study, every six months to the following up two years, and there after annually. We included 412 patients, 60.5% were male, and 34.7 ± 10.5% of left ventricle ejection fraction. Results: In GI, there was a significant improvement in all MLHFQ components (53 ± 23vs.29 ± 19, p =0.007), physical dimension (24 ± 10 vs. 13 ± 9, p =0.0002), emotional dimension (13 ± 7vs.9 ± 7,p =0.02) and other issues (21 ± 9vs.11 ± 7,p =0.001). In GI, there was an improvement in event free survival (death and hospitalization) (p < 0.001) there was a relation between the QL scores after inclusion and survival, but not with the life baseline QL (p =0.7). Quality of life proved to be an independent factor in determining event free survival. In genres assessment, both showed significant improvement, but in males the improvement occurred late in relation to females. Conclusion: This education and monitoring program continues for a long term to improve QL and its components on the follow up of outpatient patients. However, the components of QL may respond differently to intervention.

Effects of bisoprolol on cardiac function and exercise in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of bisoprolol on exercise capacity and ventricular function in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Clinical and hemodynamic variables, ventricular function and remodeling, and ergospirometry of patients with heart failure of different etiologies were evaluated before and after the administration of bisoprolol. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were analyzed; one patient did not tolerate medication and 14 patients reached the study goal. The group consisted of 9 men and 5 women, the mean age was 52 (36-64) years, and patients were followed during 551 days (238-1109). We observed an improvement in NYHA functional class, reduction in resting heart rate (78.8+/-8.7 vs 63+/-6.4 bpm, p <0.001), increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (31.3+/-8.5% vs 39+/-14.7%. p=0.043), and a tendency towards improved quality of life scores (31+/-20.6 vs 17.8+/-14.8. p=0.058). The maximum heart rate dropped during exercise (138.1+/-20.2 vs 116.7+/-27.1. p=0.01), as did peak oxygen consumption (20.9+/-6.8 vs 15.1+/-3.5. p<0.001); no change was observed on the EV/VCO2 slope. The effects were observed for all etiologies, including Chagas disease. CONCLUSION: Bisoprolol was safe and well tolerated in patients with heart failure. Bisoprolol therapy improved the symptoms, hemodynamic variables, as well as the cardiac function for all etiologies; however, it did not result in improved exercise capacity.

Efeito do bisoprolol sobre a função cardíaca e o exercício em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca / Effects of bisoprolol on cardiac function and exercise in patients with heart failure

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do bisoprolol sobre a capacidade de exercício e a função ventricular em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Foi feita a análise das variáveis clínicas e hemodinâmicas, da função e do remodelamento ventricular, e da ergoespirometria de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com diferentes etiologias, antes e após administração de bisoprolol. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 22 pacientes, dos quais 1 paciente não tolerou a medicação e 14 pacientes alcançaram a meta do estudo. A média das idades foi de 52 anos (36 a 64 anos), 9 pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 5 eram do sexo feminino, com tempo médio de seguimento de 551 dias (238 a 1.109 dias). Foram observados melhora da classe funcional, redução da freqüência cardíaca de repouso (78,8 + 8,7 bpm vs. 63 + 6,4 bpm; p < 0,001), aumento da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (31,3 + 8,5 por cento vs. 39 + 14,7 por cento; p = 0,043) e tendência a melhora do escore de qualidade de vida (31 + 20,6 vs. 17,8 + 14,8; p = 0,058). Ocorreu queda da freqüência cardíaca máxima no exercício (138,1 + 20,2 vs. 116,7 + 27,1; p = 0,01) e do consumo máximo de oxigênio (20,9 + 6,8 vs. 15,1 + 3,5; p < 0,001). Não houve modificação do slope VE/VCO2. Os efeitos ocorreram em todas as etiologias, inclusive na doença de Chagas. CONCLUSÃO: O bisoprolol produziu melhora clínica e hemodinâmica e de função cardíaca nas diferentes etiologias, sem, entretanto, apresentar efeitos de melhora na capacidade de exercício.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of bisoprolol on exercise capacity and ventricular function in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Clinical and hemodynamic variables, ventricular function and remodeling, and ergospirometry of patients with heart failure of different etiologies were evaluated before and after the administration of bisoprolol. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were analyzed; one patient did not tolerate medication and 14 patients reached the study goal. The group consisted of 9 men and 5 women, the mean age was 52 (36-64) years, and patients were followed during 551 days (238-1109). We observed an improvement in NYHA functional class, reduction in resting heart rate (78.8±8.7 vs 63±6.4 bpm, p <0.001), increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (31.3±8.5 percent vs 39±14.7 percent. p=0.043), and a tendency towards improved quality of life scores (31±20.6 vs 17.8±14.8. p=0.058). The maximum heart rate dropped during exercise (138.1±20.2 vs 116.7±27.1. p=0.01), as did peak oxygen consumption (20.9±6.8 vs 15.1±3.5. p<0.001); no change was observed on the EV/VCO2 slope. The effects were observed for all etiologies, including Chagas' disease. CONCLUSION: Bisoprolol was safe and well tolerated in patients with heart failure. Bisoprolol therapy improved the symptoms, hemodynamic variables, as well as the cardiac function for all etiologies; however, it did not result in improved exercise capacity.