Use of Electronic Messages in the Follow-Up of Patients With Heart Failure: Randomized Pilot Study.

Heart Failure (HF) has been ide.epsied as an important public health problem, with high morbidity and mortality, despite advances in current therapy. New strategies are demanded to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Telemedicine approaches could improve the management of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Sixty patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were randomized to this pilot study. Weekly electronic messages were sent for 1 year. The use of telemedicine was effective instrument for the evolutionary follow-up of patients with HFrEF during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not demonstrate an impact on the reduction of cardiovascular outcomes or hospitalization for HF. REBEC - Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ide.epsier RBR-5q6x56k. Monitoring heart disease patients via WhatsApp during the COVID-19 pandemic. Available from http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5q6x56k/.

Silent Cerebral Infarctions with Reduced, Mid-Range and Preserved Ejection Fraction in Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure predisposes to an increased risk of silent cerebral infarction, and data related to left ventricular ejection fraction are still limited. Our objective was to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and factors associated with silent cerebral infarction in patients with heart failure, according to the left ventricular ejection fraction groups. A prospective cohort was performed at a referral hospital in Cardiology between December 2015 and July 2017. The left ventricular ejection fraction groups were: reduced (≤ 40%), mid-range (41-49%) and preserved (≥ 50%). All patients underwent cranial tomography, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Seventy-five patients were studied. Silent cerebral infarction was observed in 14.7% of the study population (45.5% lacunar and 54.5% territorial) and was more frequent in patients in the reduced left ventricular ejection fraction group (29%) compared with the mid-range one (15.4%, p = 0.005). There were no cases of silent cerebral infarction in the group of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In the univariate analysis, an association was identified between silent cerebral infarction and reduced (OR = 8.59; 95%CI: 1.71 - 43.27; p = 0.009) and preserved (OR = 0.05; 95%CI: 0.003-0.817, p = 0.003) left ventricular ejection fraction and diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.28, 95%CI: 1.14-16.15, p = 0.031). In patients with heart failure and without a clinical diagnosis of stroke, reduced and mid-range left ventricular ejection fractions contributed to the occurrence of territorial and lacunar silent cerebral infarction, respectively. The lower the left ventricular ejection fraction, the higher the prevalence of silent cerebral infarction.

Silent Cerebral Infarctions with Reduced, Mid-Range and Preserved Ejection Fraction in Patients with Heart Failure / Infartos Cerebrais Silenciosos com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida, Intermediária e Preservada em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract Heart failure predisposes to an increased risk of silent cerebral infarction, and data related to left ventricular ejection fraction are still limited. Our objective was to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and factors associated with silent cerebral infarction in patients with heart failure, according to the left ventricular ejection fraction groups. A prospective cohort was performed at a referral hospital in Cardiology between December 2015 and July 2017. The left ventricular ejection fraction groups were: reduced (≤ 40%), mid-range (41-49%) and preserved (≥ 50%). All patients underwent cranial tomography, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Seventy-five patients were studied. Silent cerebral infarction was observed in 14.7% of the study population (45.5% lacunar and 54.5% territorial) and was more frequent in patients in the reduced left ventricular ejection fraction group (29%) compared with the mid-range one (15.4%, p = 0.005). There were no cases of silent cerebral infarction in the group of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In the univariate analysis, an association was identified between silent cerebral infarction and reduced (OR = 8.59; 95%CI: 1.71 - 43.27; p = 0.009) and preserved (OR = 0.05; 95%CI: 0.003-0.817, p = 0.003) left ventricular ejection fraction and diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.28, 95%CI: 1.14-16.15, p = 0.031). In patients with heart failure and without a clinical diagnosis of stroke, reduced and mid-range left ventricular ejection fractions contributed to the occurrence of territorial and lacunar silent cerebral infarction, respectively. The lower the left ventricular ejection fraction, the higher the prevalence of silent cerebral infarction.

Resumo A insuficiência cardíaca predispõe a um risco aumentado de infarto cerebral silencioso, e dados relacionados com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ainda são limitados. Nosso objetivo foi descrever as características clínicas e ecocardiográficas, e os fatores associados com infarto cerebral silencioso, em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, de acordo com os grupos de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. Realizou-se uma coorte prospectiva, em um hospital referência em Cardiologia, entre dezembro de 2015 e julho de 2017. Os grupos da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foram: reduzida (≤ 40%), intermediária (41-49%) e preservada (≥ 50%). Todos os pacientes realizaram tomografia de crânio, ecocardiograma transtorácico e transesofágico. Foram estudados 75 pacientes. Infarto cerebral silencioso foi observado em 14,7% da população do estudo (45,5% lacunar e 54,5% territorial), tendo sido mais frequente nos pacientes do grupo de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo reduzida (29%) em comparação com a intermediária (15,4%; p = 0,005). Não ocorreram casos de infarto cerebral silencioso no grupo de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo preservada. Na análise univariada, identificou-se associação de infarto cerebral silencioso com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo reduzida (OR = 8,59; IC95% 1,71- 43,27; p = 0,009), preservada (OR = 0,05; IC95% 0,003-0,817; p = 0,003) e diabetes melito (OR = 4,28; IC95% 1,14-16,15; p = 0,031). Em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e sem diagnóstico clínico de acidente vascular cerebral, as frações de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo reduzida e intermediária contribuíram para ocorrência de infarto cerebral silencioso territoriais e lacunares, respectivamente. Quanto menor foi a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, maior a prevalência de infarto cerebral silencioso.

Avaliação da Função do Ventrículo Direito e Fibrose Miocárdica por Ressonância Magnética Cardíaca em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio da Parede Inferior / Assessment of Right Ventricle Function and Myocardial Fibrosis by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction

Fundamentos: Disfunção do ventrículo direito (VD) é observada em 30-50% dos pacientes com infarto do miocárdio na parede inferior (IM-I) e é fator preditor de mortalidade precoce. A fibrose miocárdica está associada com disfunção ventricular progressiva e prognóstico grave. Nesses pacientes, a ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) é um importante método de estratificação de risco. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre disfunção do VD e fibrose miocárdica em pacientes com IM-I por RMC. Métodos: Estudo coorte realizado em um centro de cardiologia de referência. Quarenta indivíduos com IM-I foram incluídos no estudo. RMC foi realizada durante a internação para estimar função do VD e quantificar fibrose miocárdica pela técnica de realce tardio com gadolínio (TRT). Os pacientes foram estratificados quanto à função ventricular, e características clínicas foram comparadas entre os grupos. Resultados: Quarenta pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, 75% eram homens e 43% idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos). Entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares, hipertensão (45%) e tabagismo (33%) foram os mais prevalentes. A disfunção do VD estava presente em 33% dos pacientes. A massa de fibrose média foi 22 ± 12g nos pacientes com disfunção do VD e 15 ± 8 g nos pacientes com função ventricular preservada (p = 0,051). Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo indicam uma possível associação entre disfunção do VD e fibrose miocárdica nos pacientes com IM-I. No entanto, outros estudos envolvendo um maior número de pacientes são necessários para confirmar nossos achados

Background: Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) can be found in 30-50% of patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (I-MI) and predicts early mortality. Myocardial fibrosis is associated with progressive ventricular dysfunction and severe prognosis. In these patients, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an important risk stratification method. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the association between RVD and myocardial fibrosis in patients with I-MI, using CMR. Methods: Cohort study conducted in a prominent center of cardiology. Forty individuals with I-MI were included in the study. CMR was performed during hospitalization to estimate parameters of right ventricle function and to quantify myocardial fibrosis through late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. Patients were stratified by ventricular function, and clinical characteristics were compared between study groups. Results: Forty patients were included in the study, 75% were male and 43% elderly (age ≥ 60 years). Hypertension (45%) and smoking (33%) were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. RVD was found in 33% of patients. Mean fibrosis mass was 22 ± 12 g in patients with RVD compared with 15 ± 8 g in patients with preserved ventricular function (p = 0.051). Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate a possible association between RVD and myocardial fibrosis in patients with I-MI. However, further studies with larger series are needed to confirm our findings

In-hospital Mortality in Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease Undergoing Double Valve Replacement / Mortalidade Intra-Hospitalar em Pacientes com Cardiopatia ReumáticaSubmetidos a Dupla-Troca Valvar

A cardiopatia reumática é um importante problema de saúde pública. Há escassez de dados sobreinfluência de variáveis cirúrgicas na mortalidade de pacientes reumáticos submetidos dupla-troca valvar (DTV).Objetivo: Identificar possíveis variáveis cirúrgicas associadas à mortalidade de pacientes reumáticos submetidos à DTV.Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de corte transversal, incluindo 104 pacientes >18 anos, com diagnóstico prévio devalvopatia reumática, submetidos à cirurgia de DTV no período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2011. A coletade dados utilizou os prontuários de pacientes do Hospital Ana Nery, Salvador, BA, Brasil.Resultados: Observou-se diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos do desfecho (óbito intra-hospitalar/alta hospitalar) em relação às variáveis, respectivamente: tempo de anoxia (minutos) de 149,17±40,99 e 123,99±24,12(p=0,001); tempo de CEC 185,53±54,59 e 157,34±34,62 (p=0,006); e o tempo cirúrgico total 350,29±56,69 e 295,23±63,98(p=0,002). Os pacientes que realizaram outro procedimento associado à DTV, no mesmo tempo cirúrgico,apresentaram maior mortalidade (n=10; 31,2%), em relação aos que realizaram apenas a DTV (n=9; 12,8%) (p=0,027).Houve também associação significativa na comparação de pacientes com reabordagem cirúrgica com aqueles querealizaram única abordagem (p<0,001). Não houve diferença estatística quando se comparou desfecho hospitalare os tipos de próteses utilizadas (p=0,219). Conclusões: As variáveis cirúrgicas que tiveram influência na mortalidade foram: tempos de anoxia, de CEC, de cirurgia total, com possíveis pontos de corte, respectivamente, de 150 min, 100 min e 300 min. A necessidade de reabordagemno pós-operatório hospitalar e a realização de outro procedimento no mesmo ato também mostraram significância...

Rheumatic heart disease is a major public health issue. Data on the influence of surgical variables in mortality in rheumatic patients undergoing double valve replacement (DVR) are scarce. Objective: Identify potential surgical variables associated with mortality in rheumatic patients undergoing DVR. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study including 104 patients over 18 years, previously diagnosed with rheumatic heart-valve disease, and undergoing DVR surgery from January 2007 to December 2011. Data collection: medical records of patients from HospitalAna Nery, Salvador, Brazil.Results: Outcome groups (in-hospital death vs. hospital discharge) had a significant statistical difference in relation to variables, respectively:anoxia time (in minutes) of 149.17±40.99 and 123.99±24.12 (p=0.001); CPB time 185.53±54.59 and 157.34±34.62 (p=0.006); and totalsurgical time 350.29±56.69 and 295.23±63.98 (p=0,002). Patients who underwent another procedure associated with DVR for the same surgical time showed higher mortality rates (n=10; 31.2%) compared to those who underwent DVR only (n=9, 12.8%) (p=0.027). There was also a significant association when comparing patients with surgical rapprochement with those who underwent one surgery only(p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between hospital outcome and the types of prostheses used (p=0.219). Conclusions: The surgical variables that influenced mortality were: anoxia, CPB and total surgical times, with potential cutoff points of 150, 100 and 300 minutes, respectively. The need for rapprochement during the in-hospital postoperative period, and the performance of another associated procedure in the same surgery were also significant...

Evaluation of variables responsible for hospital mortality in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing double valve replacement / Avaliação de variáveis responsáveis pela mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes portadores de doença reumática submetidos à dupla troca valvar

Objective: To describe the hospital mortality and associated clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study of mortality, performed in a referral hospital in Salvador, Bahia. Records from patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery during the years 2007-2011 were analyzed. Results: The studied sample comprises 104 patients and 60 (57.7%) were male. The mean age was 38.04±14.45. Sixty five bioprostheses and 38 mechanical prostheses were used in these patients at the time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups, when we analyzed the following variables: the mean age (36.30±13.03 vs. 45.35±17.8 years-old, P=0.011), mean hemoglobin (11.10±2.19 vs. 9.22±2.26 g/dL, P=0.002), mean hematocrit (34.22±5.86 vs. 28.44±6.62%, P<0.001). New York Heart Association functional class III and IV (NYHA) (P=0.022) was statistically associated with mortality. Conclusion: We concluded that the mean hemoglobin/hematocrit level and the NYHA functional class was the major variables associated to the mortality among these patients. Based on these data one may concern about the patient best moment for surgery and the patient hemoglobin level. .

Objetivo: Descrever a mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes reumáticos submetidos à cirurgia de dupla troca valvar e sua relação com variáveis clínicas e ecocardiográficas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal. Foram estudados pacientes maiores que 18 anos, com valvopatia reumática que foram submetidos à cirurgia de DTV do período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2011 no Hospital Ana Nery - Salvador - Bahia. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de consulta aos prontuários dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram estudados 104 pacientes, 60 (57,7%) eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade da população estudada foi de 38,04±14,45 anos. Foram utilizadas 65 próteses biológicas e 38 próteses metálicas. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos comparados, pacientes que obtiveram alta versus pacientes que foram a óbito, em relação às seguintes variáveis: média de idade dos pacientes que receberam alta para casa e foram a óbito, respectivamente (36,30±13,03 vs. 45,35±17,8, P=0,011); média de hemoglobina, (11,10±2,19 vs. 9,22±2,26 g/dL, P=0,002); média do hematócrito, (34,22±5,86 vs. 28,44±6,62%, P<0,001). As classes funcionais III e IV (New York Heart Association) estiveram associadas estatisticamente com a mortalidade (P=0.022). Conclusão: Os dados encontrados no estudo apresentam uma população pouco estudada na qual os principais achados foram a média do nível de hemoglobina/hematócrito e classe funcional NYHA. Deve se levar em conta esses dados para a escolha do melhor momento de cirurgia para essa população. .

Evaluation of variables responsible for hospital mortality in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing double valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the hospital mortality and associated clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery. METHODS: This is a cross sectional descriptive study of mortality, performed in a referral hospital in Salvador, Bahia. Records from patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery during the years 2007-2011 were analyzed. RESULTS: The studied sample comprises 104 patients and 60 (57.7%) were male. The mean age was 38.04±14.45. Sixty five bioprostheses and 38 mechanical prostheses were used in these patients at the time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups, when we analyzed the following variables: the mean age (36.30±13.03 vs. 45.35±17.8 years-old, P=0.011), mean hemoglobin (11.10±2.19 vs. 9.22±2.26 g/dL, P=0.002), mean hematocrit (34.22±5.86 vs. 28.44±6.62%, P<0.001). New York Heart Association functional class III and IV (NYHA) (P=0.022) was statistically associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the mean hemoglobin/hematocrit level and the NYHA functional class was the major variables associated to the mortality among these patients. Based on these data one may concern about the patient best moment for surgery and the patient hemoglobin level.

Impact of aspirin use in the incidence of thromboembolic events after bioprosthesis replacement in patients with rheumatic disease.

INTRODUCTION: There is still much debate regarding the kind of antithrombotic therapy in the immediate postoperative period of bioprosthesis replacement (first three months). Thus, the authors consider relevant to determine the contemporary incidence of thromboembolic events in rheumatic patients early after implantation of aortic and mitral bioprosthesis replacement (first 90 days in the post-operative period) and perform a comparison between isolated Aspirin uses versus no-antiplatelet therapy, in this same context. METHODS: Between the period of January 2010 to July 2012, all consecutive rheumatic patients, with basal sinus rhythm, who performed mitral and aortic valve replacement with bioprosthesis (pericardial bovine), were included in this prospective cohort study, 184 patients in total. The primary endpoint evaluated were the rate of embolic events. RESULTS: In the first 30 days, there were three cerebral ischemic events among patients treated in Aspirin group (5.2%) compared with two events in patients without Aspirin therapy (1.7%), HR = 3.18; 95% CI 0.5 to 19.6; P=0.33. Between 31 and 90 days postoperatively, no patient had a primary outcome. The embolism-free survival, bleeding events and the overall survival were not statistically significant between the aspirin and no-antiplatelet groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in this prospective cohort of rheumatic patients, we found a low and very rare incidence rate of embolic events during the first 90 days postoperative period in mitral and isolated aortic position, respectively. The use of aspirin did not significantly reduce the rate of thromboembolism.

Impact of aspirin use in the incidence of thromboembolic events after bioprosthesis replacement in patients with rheumatic disease / Impacto da aspirina na incidência de eventos tromboembólicos após implante de bioprótese valvar cardíaca na doença reumática crônica

INTRODUCTION: There is still much debate regarding the kind of antithrombotic therapy in the immediate postoperative period of bioprosthesis replacement (first three months). Thus, the authors consider relevant to determine the contemporary incidence of thromboembolic events in rheumatic patients early after implantation of aortic and mitral bioprosthesis replacement (first 90 days in the post-operative period) and perform a comparison between isolated Aspirin uses versus no-antiplatelet therapy, in this same context. METHODS: Between the period of January 2010 to July 2012, all consecutive rheumatic patients, with basal sinus rhythm, who performed mitral and aortic valve replacement with bioprosthesis (pericardial bovine), were included in this prospective cohort study, 184 patients in total. The primary endpoint evaluated were the rate of embolic events. RESULTS: In the first 30 days, there were three cerebral ischemic events among patients treated in Aspirin group (5.2%) compared with two events in patients without Aspirin therapy (1.7%), HR = 3.18; 95% CI 0.5 to 19.6; P=0.33. Between 31 and 90 days postoperatively, no patient had a primary outcome. The embolism-free survival, bleeding events and the overall survival were not statistically significant between the aspirin and no-antiplatelet groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in this prospective cohort of rheumatic patients, we found a low and very rare incidence rate of embolic events during the first 90 days postoperative period in mitral and isolated aortic position, respectively. The use of aspirin did not significantly reduce the rate of thromboembolism.

INTRODUÇÃO: Ainda existem controvérsias em relação à melhor estratégia de terapia antitrombótica nos três meses iniciais de pós-operatório de implante de bioprótese valvar cardíaca. Assim, os autores consideram relevante determinar a incidência contemporânea de episódios de isquemia cerebral nos meses iniciais (primeiros 90 dias de pós-operatório), e realizar uma comparação entre a aspirina isolada versus a não terapia antiplaquetária no mesmo contexto. MÉTODOS: Entre o período de janeiro de 2010 a julho de 2012, consecutivamente todos pacientes reumáticos com ritmo sinusal basal, que realizaram a substituição da valva mitral, e ou aórtica, por bioprótese (pericárdio bovino), foram incluídos neste estudo de coorte prospectivo, totalizando 184 pacientes. O desfecho primário avaliado foi a ocorrência de eventos embólicos. RESULTADOS: Nos primeiros 30 dias, três (5,2%) eventos isquêmicos cerebrais foram observados em pacientes do grupo aspirina, em comparação com dois (1,7%) eventos em pacientes sem terapia aspirina, RR = 3,18, 95% IC 0,5-19,6; P=0,33. Entre 31 e 90 dias do pós-operatório, nenhum paciente apresentou episódios de embolia cerebral ou periférica. A sobrevida livre de eventos embólicos, sangramentos e a sobrevida geral não foram estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos aspirina e não-aspirina. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se baixa incidência de eventos embólicos durante os primeiros 90 dias de pós-operatório de troca valvar por bioprótese envolvendo a posição mitral, e uma ainda menor para mesma situação para troca aórtica isolada. O uso da aspirina não influenciou de maneira significativa na redução de episódios tromboembólicos.

Atividade educativa na sala de espera com pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca / An educational activity in the waiting room with heart failure patients

Fundamentos: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome crônica, de tratamento complexo; de tal modo permite que estratégias de educação em saúde tenham importante impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de palestra realizada na sala de espera de um ambulatório para pacientes com IC. Métodos: Palestra educativa foi realizada para pacientes que aguardavam o atendimento, com duração média de 40 minutos. Antes e após a palestra, os pacientes responderam ao mesmo questionário, composto por 10 perguntas objetivas, concernentes à IC. Dados sociodemográficos foram coletados na ocasião do preenchimento do questionário e os dados clínicos durante a consulta. Resultados: 187 pacientes responderam ao questionário inicial e 114 ao questionário final. Foi encontrada uma melhora significativa no desempenho dos pacientes após a palestra (79,3% vs. 92,8%, p<0,001). Conclusões: Palestras constituem uma importante estratégia educacional, são de simples execução e apresentam impacto imediato e significativo no conhecimento dos pacientes sobre IC.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic syndrome and of complex treatment. So that, it allows health education strategies to have important impact on the management of these patients. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of educational activities on the waiting room of a specialized clinic for patients with HF. Methods: While waiting for their appointments at the clinic, the patients took part on an educational activity with main duration of 40 minutes. They answered questionnaire (consisting of 10 questions) both before and after the lectures about HF. Sociodemographic data were collected during the questionnaire application and the clinical data during the medical appointment. Results: 187 patients answered the initial questionnaire and 114 answered both of them. There was a significant improvement of the questionnaire's results after the lectures (79.3% vs 92.8%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Lectures performed at the waiting room of a specialized clinic represent an important educational strategy of simple execution and with a significant immediate impact on the patient's knowledge about HF.

Effects of neuromuscular electrostimulation in patients with heart failure admitted to ward.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular electrostimulation has become a promising issue in cardiovascular rehabilitation. However there are few articles published in the literature regarding neuromuscular electrostimulation in patients with heart failure during hospital stay. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled pilot trial that aimed to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrostimulation in the walked distance by the six-minute walking test in 30 patients admitted to ward for heart failure treatment in a tertiary cardiology hospital. Patients in the intervention group performed a conventional rehabilitation and neuromuscular electrostimulation. Patients underwent 60 minutes of electrostimulation (wave frequency was 20 Hz, pulse duration of 20 us) two times a day for consecutive days until hospital discharge. RESULTS: The walked distance in the six-minute walking test improved 75% in the electrostimulation group (from 379.7 ± 43.5 to 372.9 ± 46.9 meters to controls and from 372.9 ± 62.4 to 500 ± 68 meters to electrostimulation, p<0.001). On the other hand, the walked distance in the control group did not change. CONCLUSION: The neuromuscular electrostimulation group showed greater improvement in the walked distance in the six-minute walking test in patients admitted to ward for compensation of heart failure.

Prevalence of anemia and renal insufficiency in non-hospitalized patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart Failure (HF) is a common disease with a high rate of mortality. Anemia and renal failure (RF) are often found in patients with HF associated with higher severity of the heart disease and a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and RF, as well as the association between these two conditions, in non-hospitalized patients with HF. METHODS: Patients treated at the HF Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital were followed from July 2003 to November 2006. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels < 13 mg/dl for men and 12 mg/dl for women. Renal function was assessed by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calculated by the simplified formula of the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) study. RESULTS: Of the 345 patients included in this study, 26.4% (n = 91) had anemia and 29.6% had moderate to severe renal failure (GFR < 60 ml/min). The association between anemia and a higher prevalence of renal failure was statistically significant (41.8% vs. 25.2%; p = 0.005). The patients at functional class III and IV presented a higher incidence of anemia (39.0% vs. 19.4%; p <0.001) and renal failure (38.2% vs. 24.8%; p = 0.007). No association was observed between anemia or renal failure and history of hypertension, diabetes, systolic function or etiology of HF. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia and renal failure was high in this population and was associated with the severity of the HF (functional classes III and IV).

Prevalência de anemia e insuficiência renal em portadores de insuficiência cardíaca não-hospitalizados / Prevalencia de anemia e insuficiencia renal en portadores de insuficiencia cardiaca no hospitalizados / Prevalence of anemia and renal insufficiency in non-hospitalized patients with heart failure

FUNDAMENTOS: Insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma doença comum com alta taxa de mortalidade. Anemia e insuficiência renal (IR) são frequentemente encontradas em portadores de IC associadas com maior gravidade da doença cardíaca e pior prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de anemia e insuficiência renal, bem como a associação entre esses dois quadros, em portadores de IC não hospitalizados. MÉTODOS: Foram observados pacientes acompanhandos na clínica de IC de um hospital universitário de julho de 2003 a novembro de 2006. Anemia foi definida como níveis de hemoglobina abaixo de 13 mg/dl para homens e de 12 mg/dl para mulheres. A função renal foi avaliada por meio da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), calculada pela fórmula simplificada do estudo MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease). RESULTADOS: Dos trezentos e quarenta e cinco pacientes incluídos neste estudo, 26,4 por cento (n = 91) tinham anemia e 29,6 por cento tinham insuficiência renal moderada a grave (TFG < 60 ml/min). A associação entre anemia e maior prevalência de insuficiência renal foi estatisticamente significante (41,8 por cento vs. 25,2 por cento; p = 0,005). Os pacientes em classe funcional III e IV apresentaram maior incidência de anemia (39,0 por cento vs. 19,4 por cento; p <0,001) e insuficiência renal (38,2 por cento vs. 24,8 por cento; p = 0,007). Não foi observada associação entre anemia ou insuficiência renal e história de hipertensão, diabetes, função sistólica ou etiologia de insuficiência cardíaca. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de anemia e insuficiência renal foi elevada nessa população e foi associada com a gravidade da insuficiência cardíaca (classes funcionais III e IV).

BACKGROUND: Heart Failure (HF) is a common disease with a high rate of mortality. Anemia and renal failure (RF) are often found in patients with HF associated with higher severity of the heart disease and a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and RF, as well as the association between these two conditions, in non-hospitalized patients with HF. METHODS: Patients treated at the HF Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital were followed from July 2003 to November 2006. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels < 13 mg/dl for men and 12 mg/dl for women. Renal function was assessed by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calculated by the simplified formula of the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) study. RESULTS: Of the 345 patients included in this study, 26.4 percent (n = 91) had anemia and 29.6 percent had moderate to severe renal failure (GFR < 60 ml/min). The association between anemia and a higher prevalence of renal failure was statistically significant (41.8 percent vs. 25.2 percent; p = 0.005). The patients at functional class III and IV presented a higher incidence of anemia (39.0 percent vs. 19.4 percent; p <0.001) and renal failure (38.2 percent vs. 24.8 percent; p = 0.007). No association was observed between anemia or renal failure and history of hypertension, diabetes, systolic function or etiology of HF. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia and renal failure was high in this population and was associated with the severity of the HF (functional classes III and IV).

FUNDAMENTO: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es una enfermedad común con alta tasa de mortalidad. La anemia y la insuficiencia renal (IR), encontradas frecuentemente en portadores de IC, son asociadas a mayor severidad de la enfermedad cardiaca y peor pronóstico. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la prevalencia de anemia e insuficiencia renal, así como la asociación entre esos dos cuadros, en portadores de IC no hospitalizados. MÉTODOS: Se observaron a pacientes seguidos en la clínica de IC de un hospital universitario de julio de 2003 a noviembre de 2006. Se definió la anemia como niveles de hemoglobina abajo de 13 mg/dl para varones y de 12 mg/dl para mujeres. La función renal se evaluó por medio de la tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG), calculada por la fórmula simplificada del estudio MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease). RESULTADOS: Teniendo en cuenta los trescientos y cuarenta y cinco pacientes incluidos en este estudio, el 26,4 por ciento (n = 91) tenía anemia y el 29,6 por ciento presentaba insuficiencia renal de moderada a severa (TFG < 60 ml/min). La asociación entre anemia y mayor prevalencia de insuficiencia renal fue estadísticamente significante (el 41,8 por ciento vs el 25,2 por ciento; p = 0,005). Los pacientes en clase funcional III e IV presentaron mayor incidencia de anemia (el 39,0 por ciento vs el 19,4 por ciento; p <0,001) e insuficiencia renal (el 38,2 por ciento vs el 24,8 por ciento; p = 0,007). No se observó asociación entre anemia o insuficiencia renal e historia de hipertensión, diabetes, función sistólica o etiología de insuficiencia cardiaca. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de anemia e insuficiencia renal se elevó en esa población y se asoció con la severidad de la insuficiencia cardiaca (clases funcionales III e IV).