Vascular stiffness and healthy arterial aging in older patients with optimal blood pressure / Rigidez vascular e envelhecimento arterial saudável em pacientes idosos com pressão arterial ideal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pulse wave velocity is used to diagnose central arterial stiffness (CAS) and quantify healthy vascular aging (HVA). Objective: To evaluate the CAS and HVA in elderly patients with systemic blood pressure levels classified as optimal/normal. Methods: A total of 102 patients without comorbidities and with systolic pressure (SP) < 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure (DP) < 80 mmHg were selected from the EVOPIU database (Pulse Wave Velocity of Elderly Individuals in an Urban area of Brazil). The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV) and the central and peripheral pressures were evaluated in all patients. The patients were divided into four groups: G1: (n = 19, with c-fPWV < 7.6 m/s, without medication), G2 (n = 26, c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s; without medication), G3 (n = 25, c-fPWV < 7.6 m/s with antihypertensive medication), and G4 (n = 32, c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s with antihypertensive medication). Results: In our sample, 56.7% of patients had c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s. The central systolic pressure in G1 [99 (10) mmHg] was lower than that found in the other three groups [vs. 112 (14) mmHg, 111 (15), 112 (20) mmHg; P < 0.05)]. Conclusion: Older people with optimal arterial blood pressure do not necessarily have HVA and could have c-fPWV values close to the limits established for CAS diagnosis.

RESUMO Introdução: A velocidade da onda de pulso é usada para diagnosticar a rigidez arterial central (RAC) e quantificar o envelhecimento vascular saudável (EVS). Objetivo: Avaliar a RAC e o EVS em pacientes idosos com níveis pressóricos sistêmicos classificados como ideais/normais. Métodos: Um total de 102 pacientes sem comorbidades e com pressão sistólica (PS) < 120 mmHg e pressão diastólica (PD) < 80 mmHg foram selecionados do banco de dados EVOPIU (Estudo da Velocidade de Onda de Pulso em Idosos em área Urbana no Brasil). Foram avaliadas a velocidade da onda de pulso carotídeo-femoral (VOPcf) e as pressões central e periférica em todos os pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos: G1: (n = 19; com VOPcf < 7,6 m/s; sem medicação), G2 (n = 26; VOPcf ≥ 7,6 m/s; sem medicação), G3 (n = 25; VOPcf < 7,6 m/s com medicação anti-hipertensiva), e G4 (n = 32; VOPcf ≥ 7,6 m/s com medicação anti-hipertensiva). Resultados: Em nossa amostra, 56,7% dos pacientes apresentaram VOPcf ≥ 7,6 m/s. A pressão sistólica central no G1 [99 (10) mmHg] foi inferior à encontrada nos outros três grupos [vs. 112 (14) mmHg, 111 (15), 112 (20) mmHg; P < 0,05)]. Conclusão: Pessoas idosas com pressão arterial ideal não necessariamente têm EVS e podem apresentar valores de VOPcf próximos aos limites estabelecidos para o diagnóstico de RAC.

Vascular stiffness and healthy arterial aging in older patients with optimal blood pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Pulse wave velocity is used to diagnose central arterial stiffness (CAS) and quantify healthy vascular aging (HVA). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the CAS and HVA in elderly patients with systemic blood pressure levels classified as optimal/normal. METHODS: A total of 102 patients without comorbidities and with systolic pressure (SP) < 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure (DP) < 80 mmHg were selected from the EVOPIU database (Pulse Wave Velocity of Elderly Individuals in an Urban area of Brazil). The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV) and the central and peripheral pressures were evaluated in all patients. The patients were divided into four groups: G1: (n = 19, with c-fPWV < 7.6 m/s, without medication), G2 (n = 26, c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s; without medication), G3 (n = 25, c-fPWV < 7.6 m/s with antihypertensive medication), and G4 (n = 32, c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s with antihypertensive medication). RESULTS: In our sample, 56.7% of patients had c-fPWV ≥ 7.6 m/s. The central systolic pressure in G1 [99 (10) mmHg] was lower than that found in the other three groups [vs. 112 (14) mmHg, 111 (15), 112 (20) mmHg; P < 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: Older people with optimal arterial blood pressure do not necessarily have HVA and could have c-fPWV values close to the limits established for CAS diagnosis.

Association between diabetes mellitus and central arterial stiffness in elderly patients with systemic arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, leading to changes in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology even in the absence of other comorbidities. Numerous cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), can modify the functional and structural properties of large vessels, increasing arterial stiffness. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether elderly patients with hypertension with DM have greater central arterial stiffness than elderly patients with SAH without DM. METHODS: The Study of Pulse Wave Velocity in the Elderly in an Urban Area in Brazil (EVOPIU) included 1,192 patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent applanation tonometry (AT) to evaluate carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). From this database, 1,133 patients were selected from 6 groups: NDN (nondiabetic normotensives; n: 127); DN (diabetic normotensives; n: 64); NDCH (nondiabetic controlled hypertensives; n: 168); DCH (diabetic controlled hypertensives; n: 275); NDH (nondiabetic hypertensives; n: 217) and DH (diabetic hypertensives; n: 282). All groups underwent AT to obtain cfPWV and central and peripheral arterial pressures. RESULTS: The pulse wave velocities found were as follows: NDN vs DN (8.9 ± 0.2 m/s vs 9.4 ± 0.2; P = .103); NDCH vs DCH (9.0 ± 0.2 m/s vs. 9.6 ± 0.1 m/s; P= .04) and NDH vs DH (9.2 ± 0.1 m/s vs. 9.6 ± 0.1 m/s; P= .045). When the diabetic groups were compared, there were no differences in cfPWV values, and the same occurred when the nondiabetic groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with diabetes and hypertension have greater central arterial stiffness than patients without diabetes and hypertension, regardless of systemic blood pressure control. The central arterial stiffness caused by vascular aging seems to be a common factor among all the studied groups.

Influence of climate on the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis in urban regions in Brazil / Influência do clima sobre o número de internações por nefrolitíase em regiões urbanas no Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Nephrolithiasis has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 5 to 15%, and its occurrence is associated with age, sex, race, dietary habits, geographic location, climatic conditions, and other factors. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between climate and the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis (NH) in Brazilian cities located in different climatic regions. Methods: We analyzed data from cities with tropical and subtropical climates. The effects of the lowest (LT), mean (MT), and highest (HT) monthly temperatures and relative humidity of the air (RH) were assessed. Results: A positive association was found between the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis and temperature ((LT x NH; R2=0.218; P<0.0001) (MT x NH; R2=0.284; P<0.0001) (HT x NH; R2=0.317; P<0.0001)), and a negative association was found between the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis and the relative humidity (RH x NH; R2=0.234; P<0.0001). Interactions were also observed between MT and RH with respect to their effects on the NH, as described by a linear model (NH = 4.688 + 0.296 x MT - 0.088 x RH). The NH was higher in cities with tropical climates than in cities with subtropical climates (82.4 ± 10.0 vs 28.2 ± 1.6; P<0.00001). Conclusion: There is an association between the NH and variations in temperature and relative humidity.

Resumo Introdução: A prevalência mundial da nefrolitíase situa-se entre 5% e 15%. Sua ocorrência está associada a idade, sexo, raça, hábitos alimentares, localização geográfica, condições climáticas e outros fatores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a associação entre clima e número de internações por nefrolitíase (IN) em cidades brasileiras localizadas em diferentes regiões climáticas. Métodos: Analisamos dados de cidades com climas tropicais e subtropicais. Nossa avaliação considerou os efeitos das temperaturas mensais mais baixas (TMB), sua média (TM) e mais altas (TMA) e da umidade relativa do ar (UR). Resultados: Foi identificada associação positiva entre o número de internações por nefrolitíase e temperatura ((TMB vs. IN; R2 = 0,218; P<0,0001) (TM vs. IN; R2 = 0,284; P<0,0001) (TMA vs. IN; R2 = 0,317; P<0,0001)) e associação negativa entre o número de internações por nefrolitíase e umidade relativa do ar (UR vs. IN; R2 = 0,234; P <0,0001). Também foram observadas interações entre TM e UR com relação aos seus efeitos sobre a IN, conforme descrito por um modelo linear (IN = 4,668 + 0,296 x TM - 0,088 x UR). IN foi mais acentuada nas cidades com climas tropicais do que nas cidades com climas subtropicais (82,4 ± 10,0 vs. 28,2 ± 1,6; P<0,00001). Conclusão: Existe associação entre IN e variações de temperatura e umidade relativa.

Influence of climate on the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis in urban regions in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Nephrolithiasis has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 5 to 15%, and its occurrence is associated with age, sex, race, dietary habits, geographic location, climatic conditions, and other factors. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between climate and the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis (NH) in Brazilian cities located in different climatic regions. METHODS: We analyzed data from cities with tropical and subtropical climates. The effects of the lowest (LT), mean (MT), and highest (HT) monthly temperatures and relative humidity of the air (RH) were assessed. RESULTS: A positive association was found between the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis and temperature ((LT x NH; R2=0.218; P<0.0001) (MT x NH; R2=0.284; P<0.0001) (HT x NH; R2=0.317; P<0.0001)), and a negative association was found between the number of hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis and the relative humidity (RH x NH; R2=0.234; P<0.0001). Interactions were also observed between MT and RH with respect to their effects on the NH, as described by a linear model (NH = 4.688 + 0.296 x MT - 0.088 x RH). The NH was higher in cities with tropical climates than in cities with subtropical climates (82.4 ± 10.0 vs 28.2 ± 1.6; P<0.00001). CONCLUSION: There is an association between the NH and variations in temperature and relative humidity.

Arterial stiffness in elderly patients with normotension and hypertension in Brazil.

Data on arterial stiffness in older populations, according to blood pressure (BP) levels, are scarce in Brazil. The objective of this study was to establish reference values for core measures of arterial stiffness, including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and aortic augmentation index (AIx), in a cohort of older individuals with normotension (NT) and hypertension. Cross-sectional analysis was performed with applanation tonometry data from 1192 patients aged 60 years or older. The authors classified patients according to their BP levels as having NT, controlled hypertension (CH), and uncontrolled hypertension (UH). The cf-PWV values were 9.11 ± 0.16 m/s (NT), 9.12 ± 0.18 m/s (CH), and 9.42 ± 2.2 m/s (UH) (P < 0.005; UH vs NT and CH). The AIx was 33.3% for the entire cohort and similar across all groups. The cf-PWV increased with age but reached a ceiling at 75 years. Compared with men, women had a higher AIx but similar cf-PWV levels. In conclusion, the markers of arterial stiffness were similar among individuals with NT/CH and higher among individuals with UH.

Blood pressure variability in the elderly. Association between postprandial and sleeping periods / Variabilidade da Pressão Arterial no Idoso. Associação entre os períodos pós prandial e sono

Abstract Introduction: The variability of arterial blood pressure (BP) is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor. Objective: To verify the possible associations between the postprandial and the sleeping blood pressure variability. Methods: This study evaluated systolic, diastolic, mean, pulse pressures and heart variability in 69 elderly patients in preprandial, postprandial and sleeping periods. One 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was used for measurements and the results were showed in the time-rate index. Results: We observed a decrease in the systolic blood pressure values from preprandial to postprandial and to the sleeping periods (124.7 ± 14.6, 113.2 ± 15.3 and 108.5 ± 13.9mmHg, respectively; p = 0.003). Associations between BP variability of the postprandial and sleeping periods were obtained for systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure. Conclusion: The correlation between postprandial and sleeping BP variability has rarely been demonstrated in the literature. These correlations between BP changes after eating and during sleep might suggest that both events could coexist in other clinical situations.

Resumo Introdução: A variabilidade da Pressão Arterial Sistêmica (PAS) é considerada um importante fator de risco cardio vascular. Objetivo: Verificar as possíveis associações entre as variabilidades pressóricas nos períodos pós prandial e durante o sono. Métodos: A variabilidade das pressões sistólica, diastólica, média, de pulso e frequência cardíaca foram avaliadas em 69 pacientes idosos nos períodos pós prandial e durante o sono. A Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial de 24 horas foi usada para o cálculo da variabilidade pressórica e os resultados apresentados no índice frequência tempo. Resultados: Observamosuma redução nos níveis sistólicos pos prandiais em relação ao período pre prandial e durante o sono (124.7 ± 14.6, 113.2 ± 15.3 e 108.5 ± 13.9mmHg, respectivamente; p = 0.003). A associação das variabilidade das pressões sistólicas, diastólicas e média foram confirmadas (p < 0.005) entre osperíodos avaliados. Conclusão: A correlação entre as variabilidades da pressão arterial apos as refeições e o sono tem sido pouco demonstrada na literatura. Estas relações podem sugerir que ambos os eventos podem coexistir em outras situações clínicas.

Blood pressure variability in the elderly. Association between postprandial and sleeping periods.

INTRODUCTION: The variability of arterial blood pressure (BP) is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor. OBJECTIVE: To verify the possible associations between the postprandial and the sleeping blood pressure variability. METHODS: This study evaluated systolic, diastolic, mean, pulse pressures and heart variability in 69 elderly patients in preprandial, postprandial and sleeping periods. One 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was used for measurements and the results were showed in the time-rate index. RESULTS: We observed a decrease in the systolic blood pressure values from preprandial to postprandial and to the sleeping periods (124.7 ± 14.6, 113.2 ± 15.3 and 108.5 ± 13.9mmHg, respectively; p = 0.003). Associations between BP variability of the postprandial and sleeping periods were obtained for systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: The correlation between postprandial and sleeping BP variability has rarely been demonstrated in the literature. These correlations between BP changes after eating and during sleep might suggest that both events could coexist in other clinical situations.

[Comparison between the central and brachial blood pressure values in patients with hypertension undergoing cineangiocoronarography].

INTRODUCTION: Systolic blood pressure (SP) and pulse pressure (PP) rise gradually during the aging process as a consequence of a reduction in arterial elasticity. The measure of systemic arterial pressure (SAP) taken at the root of the aorta has been considered an independent determinant of cardiovascular mortality superior to the values of brachial SAP. AIM: To compare the values of SAP central to those of braquial SAP in patients of different age brackets who have systemic hypertension. METHOD: We evaluated the central SAP at the root of the aorta and the brachial SAP in the left arm using the ocillometric method 244 hypertensive patients who had been submitted to cineangiocoronarography. Five groups of patients were constituted: Group I, 39-49 years-old (y.o.), n = 36; Group II, 50-59 y.o., n = 67; Group III, 60-69 y.o., n = 69; Group IV, 70-79 y.o., n = 46; Group V, > 80 y.o., n = 26. RESULTS: When central SP was compared to brachial SP, it was possible to find significance in patients who were 50 y.o and upwards. It was not possible to find a statistical difference between central diastolic pressure and brachial except in patients between the ages of 60-69 y.o. When comparing central to brachial PP, we observed that central PP was significantly greater (between 11 and 15 mmHg) in all patient above the age of 50 y.o. CONCLUSION: In older people, the values of SP and PP, taken directly at the root of the aorta, are superior to those obtained by indirect means from the brachial artery. These differences are significant from the age of 50 y.o. onwards.

Comparação entre os valores da pressão arterial central e braquial de pacientes com hipertensão arterial submetidos à cineangiocoronariografia / Comparison between the central and brachial blood pressure values in patients with hypertension undergoing cineangiocoronarography

INTRODUÇÃO: Durante o envelhecimento, a pressão arterial sistólica (PS) e a pressão de pulso (PP) se elevam gradativamente, consequente à redução da elasticidade arterial. A medida da pressão arterial sistêmica (PAS) aferida na raiz da aorta tem sido considerada como um determinante independente da mortalidade cardiovascular superior aos valores PAS braquial. OBJETIVO: Comparar os valores da PAS central e PAS braquial em portadores de hipertensão arterial nas diversas faixas etárias. MÉTODO: Avaliamos a PAS central na raiz da aorta e a PAS braquial no braço esquerdo pelo método oscilométrico em 244 pacientes com hipertensão submetidos à cineangiocoronariografia. Foram constituídos cinco grupos de pacientes: Grupo I, 39-49 anos, n = 36; Grupo II, 50-59 anos, n = 67; Grupo III, 60-69 anos, n = 69; Grupo IV, 70-79 anos, n = 46; e o Grupo V, > 80 anos, n = 26. RESULTADOS: Ao comparar a PS central versus PS braquial, foi possível encontrar significância a partir dos 50 anos de vida. Não encontramos diferença estatística entre a pressão diastólica central versus diastólica braquial, exceto nos pacientes com idade entre 60-69 anos. Na comparação entre a PP central e PP braquial, observamos que a PP central foi significativamente maior (entre 11 a 15 mmHg) em todos os pacientes com idade superior a 50 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Com o envelhecimento, os valores das PS e de PP, aferidas diretamente na raiz da aorta, são superiores àqueles obtidos por método indireto na artéria braquial. Essas diferenças são significantes a partir dos 50 anos de idade.

INTRODUCTION: Systolic blood pressure (SP) and pulse pressure (PP) rise gradually during the aging process as a consequence of a reduction in arterial elasticity. The measure of systemic arterial pressure (SAP) taken at the root of the aorta has been considered an independent determinant of cardiovascular mortality superior to the values of brachial SAP. AIM: To compare the values of SAP central to those of braquial SAP in patients of different age brackets who have systemic hypertension. METHOD: We evaluated the central SAP at the root of the aorta and the brachial SAP in the left arm using the ocillometric method 244 hypertensive patients who had been submitted to cineangiocoronarography. Five groups of patients were constituted: Group I, 39-49 years-old (y.o.), n = 36; Group II, 50-59 y.o., n = 67; Group III, 60-69 y.o., n = 69; Group IV, 70-79 y.o., n = 46; Group V, > 80 y.o., n = 26. RESULTS: When central SP was compared to brachial SP, it was possible to find significance in patients who were 50 y.o and upwards. It was not possible to find a statistical difference between central diastolic pressure and brachial except in patients between the ages of 60-69 y.o. When comparing central to brachial PP, we observed that central PP was significantly greater (between 11 and 15 mmHg) in all patient above the age of 50 y.o. CONCLUSION: In older people, the values of SP and PP, taken directly at the root of the aorta, are superior to those obtained by indirect means from the brachial artery. These differences are significant from the age of 50 y.o. onwards.

Systolic Heart Function, Kidney Filtration and the Number of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques in Lean and Overweight Patients.

The objective of this study was to quantify the number of vessels with stenotic points in the coronary circulation of lean and overweight individuals submitted to coronary angiography and ventriculography to verify the possible associations with glomerular filtration and the systolic ventricular function. Eighty-six patients with a previous history of myocardial ischemia were studied. Two groups were formed: non-elderly (G1), n = 38, 52.8 ± 1.2 years old, and elderly (G2), n = 48, 70.1 ± 1.2 years old. Both groups were divided into 2 subgroups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): ≥60 and <60 ml/min/m(2). The results showed that G1 had 0.36 ± 0.11 versus 1.25 ± 0.45 stenoses/patient (≥60 vs. <60 ml/min/m(2); p < 0.05, respectively) and G2 had 0.91 ± 0.28 versus 1.83 ± 0.33 stenoses/patient (≥60 vs. <60 ml/min/m(2), respectively). The other variables, such as central and brachial arterial blood pressures, did not manifest significant differences in relation to the eGFR. The following significant correlations were observed: between the quantity of coronary stenotic points and the eGFR (R(2) = 11.2%; r = -0.33; p < 0.001), and between eGFR and the ventricular ejection fraction (R(2) = 5.1%; r = 0.57; p < 0.0001). The ejection fraction correlated significantly with the number of vessels with stenoses in the coronary bed (R(2) = 13.4%; r = -0.36; p < 0.008). In conclusion, although the correlations are considered weak, interrelationships between heart and kidney were demonstrated in this study.

Systemic hemodynamic changes in young and elderly normotensive individuals after ingestion of meals with high lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents.

OBJECTIVES: The changes in blood pressure and in the cardiac function were studied in two groups of patients: an elderly group (EG) with 10 healthy normotensive elderly patients, and a young group (YG), with eight normal volunteers. METHODS: Both groups were provided meals with high contents of lipids (LM), carbohydrates (CM), and proteins (PM). The systemic hemodynamic changes in each group were compared. RESULTS: The maximum reductions (Δ(max)) observed in the mean arterial pressure in the EG were -10.3% and -8.9% for LM and CM, respectively (P<0.05), and -6.5% for PM (NS). No significant changes in the mean arterial pressure were found in YG. After the CM, EG showed a reduction in the total peripheral resistance (TPVRi) from 3212 ± 225 to 2537 ± 165 dyne s/cm(5); (P<0.05), and the cardiac index (CI) increased from 2.4 ± 0.17 to 2.8 ± 0.19 l/min/m(2); (P<0.05). After LM, the EG reduced the TPVRi from 3630 ± 273 to 2529 ± 247 dyne s/cm(5); (P<0.05), and CI increased from 2.1 ± 0.15 to 2.8 ± 0.15 l/min/m(2); (P<0.05). The PM did not alter CI. The YG showed, after CM, no significant decreases in TPVRi, but CI increased from 3.2 to 3.9 ± 0.16 ± 0.28 l/min/m(2); (P<0.05), and after the LM, there was an increase in CI from 3.3 to 4.2 ± 0.21 ± 0.17 l/min/m(2); (P<0.05) and a concomitant reduction in TPVRi from 2094 ± 173 to 1657 ± 139 dyne s/cm(5); (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the modifications in cardiac function in our elderly population were observed after eating and were related to the type of food ingested. No significant changes were observed in heart function after the ingestion of a protein meal.

Comparison of Measured Creatinine Clearance and Clearances Estimated by Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD Formulas in Patients with a Single Kidney.

There are doubts about whether the values obtained from the Cockroft-Gault (Cl(CG)) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (GFR(MDRD)) formulas are comparable to the more traditional formula used to obtain the creatinine clearance from a 24-hour urine collection (ClCr(m)), particularly in patients with only one kidney. The present study aimed to compare these formulas in individuals with one remaining kidney after previous nephrectomy (Nx) and to verify which estimated formula correlates more closely with ClCr(m). Thirty-six patients who had undergone Nx had their renal filtration analyzed with Cl(CG), GFR(MDRD) and by ClCr(m). The average time after Nx was 11.6 ± 9.0 years, and the average age at the time of the study was 50.7 ± 10.6 years old (X ± SD). The results of three clearances were 81.1 ± 35.6 mL·min·m(2) for ClCr(m), 70.4 ± 24.0 mL·min·m(2) for ClCr(CG), and 71.2 ± 19.2 mL·min·m(2) for GFR(MDRD) (with ClCr(m) > ClCr(CG) and GFR(MDRD); P < .001). No difference was found between the ClCr(CG) and GFR(MDRD) values (P = .72). The data demonstrated that both estimate formulas were strongly correlated with ClCr(m), although ClCr(CG) was more closely associated with ClCr(m) than GFR(MDRD) (ClCr(CG) with r(2) : 0.64 and GFR(MDRD) with r(2) : 0.34; P < .001). In conclusion, for people with only one kidney remaining after NX, our data showed that glomerular filtration rate estimation by ClCr(CG) is more related to the values obtained with the traditional clearance measurement based on a 24-hour urine collection test.

Cardiac morphology and function in patients with and without residual diuresis on hemodialysis.

In patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, left ventricular hypertrophy is related to the increase in total peripheral vascular resistance and volume overload. The presence of residual diuresis enables greater control of the volemia of these. We evaluated the morpho-functional changes of the left ventricle in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodyalisis treatment with and without residual diuresis. A total of 31 non diabetic patients were studied and they were divided into two groups: with residual diuresis (RD+) (n = 17) and without residual diuresis (RD-) (n = 14). In both groups, RD+ vs. RD-, using data from a Doppler echocardiogram differences were found, respectively, in the cardiac index (3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 L/min/m²; p = 0.0056), systolic index (54 ± 2.9 vs. 45 ± 3.3 mL/b/m²; p = 0.04), end diastolic volume (141 ± 6.7 vs. 112 ± 7.6 mL; p = 0.008), end diastolic diameter (52 ± 0.7 vs. 48 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.0072) and total peripheral resistance index (1121 ± 56 vs. 1529 ± 111 dyne.sec.cm-5; p = 0.001). RD+ had lower relative wall thickness than RD- (0.38 ± 0.01 vs. 0.45 ± 0.01; p = 0.0008). The ejection fraction and the left ventricular mass index were similar in both groups. The urinary 24-hour volume correlated with the relative wall thickness (r = -0.42; p = 0.0186) and with peripheral resistance index (r = -0.48; p = 0.0059). In conclusion, there were distinct ventricular geometric patterns and different functional performances between RD+ and RD- groups. The presence of residual diuresis can be responsible by these modifications in systolic function.

Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar infection in chronic hemodialysis patients.

To determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (Eh/Ed) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, we collected 330 samples of feces from 110 patients, and nine individuals were found to be positive for Eh/Ed. We compared the infected patients with a group of 14 uninfected HD patients. Both groups were analyzed for their signs, symptoms and socio-economic characteristics using questionnaires. Blood tests were also performed in both the groups. Although both groups did not differ statistically with respect to their signs, symptoms and socio-economic conditions, there was a trend toward a greater number of individuals with diarrhea in the Eh/Ed infected group. In conclusion, we suggest that a parasitological examination of the patient's stool to detect the Eh/Ed complex should be included with the routine tests so that those patients with a positive fecal test could be initiated on appropriate anti-Eh/Ed therapy.

Morfologia e função cardíacas em pacientes renais crônicos, com ou sem diurese residual, em tratamento hemodialítico / Cardiac morphology and function in patients with and without residual diuresis on hemodialysis

Em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD), a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) está relacionada ao aumento do índice de resistência vascular periférica (IRVP) total e à sobrecarga de volume. A presença da diurese residual (DR) nesses pacientes possibilita maior controle volêmico. Avaliamos as modificações morfofuncionais do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) em pacientes com DRC em HD com e sem diurese residual. Trinta e um pacientes não diabéticos foram divididos em dois grupos: com diurese residual (DR+) (n = 17) e sem diurese residual (DR-) (n = 14). Em ambos os grupos, DR+ vs. DR-, ocorreram diferenças no índice cardíaco (3,9 ± 0,20 vs. 3,0 ± 0,21 L/min/m²; p = 0,0056), no índice sistólico (54 ± 2,9 vs. 45 ± 3,3 mL/b/m²; p = 0,04), no volume diastólico final (141 ± 6,7 vs. 112 ± 7,6 mL; p = 0,008), no diâmetro diastólico final (52 ± 0,79 vs. 48 ± 1,12 mm; p = 0,0072) e no IRVP total (1.121 ± 56 vs. 1.529 ± 111 dina.seg.cm-5; p = 0,001). O grupo DR+ apresentou menor espessamento relativo de parede (ERP) do que o DR- (0,38 ± 0,01 vs. 0,45 ± 0,01; p = 0,0008). A fração de ejeção (66,00 ± 1,24 vs. 66,0 ± 1,46 por cento; p = 0,873) e o índice de massa ventricular esquerda (132 ± 6,0 vs. 130 ± 8,3 g/m; p = 0,798) foram similares em ambos os grupos. O volume de diurese residual correlacionou-se com o espessamento da parede ventricular (r = 0,42; p = 0,0186) e com o índice de resistência vascular periférica (r = -0,48; p = 0,0059). Em conclusão, a presença ou não da diurese residual, em pacientes com doença renal crônica e em hemodiálise, pode ser responsável por modificações na função cardíaca sistólica.

In patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, left ventricular hypertrophy is related to the increase in total peripheral vascular resistance and volume overload. The presence of residual diuresis enables greater control of the volemia of these. We evaluated the morpho-functional changes of the left ventricle in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodyalisis treatment with and without residual diuresis. A total of 31 non diabetic patients were studied and they were divided into two groups: with residual diuresis (RD+) (n = 17) and without residual diuresis (RD-) (n = 14). In both groups, RD+ vs. RD-, using data from a Doppler echocardiogram differences were found, respectively, in the cardiac index (3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 L/min/m²; p = 0.0056), systolic index (54 ± 2.9 vs. 45 ± 3.3 mL/b/m²; p = 0.04), end diastolic volume (141 ± 6.7 vs. 112 ± 7.6 mL; p = 0.008), end diastolic diameter (52 ± 0.7 vs. 48 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.0072) and total peripheral resistance index (1121 ± 56 vs. 1529 ± 111 dyne.sec.cm-5; p = 0.001). RD+ had lower relative wall thickness than RD- (0.38 ± 0.01 vs. 0.45 ± 0.01; p = 0.0008). The ejection fraction and the left ventricular mass index were similar in both groups. The urinary 24-hour volume correlated with the relative wall thickness (r = -0.42; p = 0.0186) and with peripheral resistance index (r = -0.48; p = 0.0059). In conclusion, there were distinct ventricular geometric patterns and different functional performances between RD+ and RD- groups. The presence of residual diuresis can be responsible by these modifications in systolic function.

Pressão arterial sistêmica e diurese residual em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Systemic blood pressure and residual urine output in chronic hemodialysis patients

Introdução: A função renal residual (FRR) em portadores de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) submetidos à diálise é reconhecida como fator relevante naredução do risco relativo de morte neste grupo de pacientes. Pacientes com maiores níveis de FRR e de volume de diurese residual (VDR) tem maiorliberdade na ingestão de líquidos e melhor controle do balanço hídrico. Objetivo: Analisar transversalmente o VDR de pacientes com IRC submetidos àhemodiálise (HD) e sua relação com os níveis pressóricos sistêmicos. Pacientes e Métodos: Foram estudados 144 pacientes, divididos em dois grupos:os anúricos (A; n=80) e os não anúricos (NA; n=64). A pressão arterial sistêmica, aferida antes e após as últimas 3 sessões de hemodiálise, o ganho de peso interdialítico e o volume de ultrafiltrado eram anotados. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um questionário onde eram perguntados sobre o volume de urina eliminado no dia anterior à hemodiálise. Resultados: A pressão arterial sistólica após a sessão de hemodiálise foi maior no grupo A (130 ± 2,3versus 119 ± 4,0 mmHg, p <0,05). Em contraste, a pressão arterial diastólica do grupo A só foi maior do que aquela observada no grupo NA antes dasessão de hemodiálise (82 ± 1.6 mm/Hg versus 77 ± 1,8 mm/Hg; p<0,05). O grupo A obteve maior ganho de peso no período entre as sessões de HD (3,2 ± 1.5 versus 2.0 ± 1,8 Kg, p <0,05). O número de anti-hipertensivos usados pelo grupo A foi de 1,92 ± 0,16 unidades e pelo grupo NA foi de 1,76 ±0,17 unidades (NS, p >0,05). Conclusão: A ausência da diurese residual nos pacientes em hemodiálise associa-se a maiores valores da pressão arterial sistêmica, principalmente os níveis diastólicos. A hemodiálise reduz os valores da PAD nos indivíduos anúricos igualando-os aos dos indivíduos não anúricos. Esforços devem ser empregados para prevenção da diurese residual, visando melhor controle hídrico e pressórico dos pacientes em hemodiálise.

Introduction: The residual renal function (RRF) in patients with chronic renal failure is recognized as a relevant factor to reduce the relative risk of deathin these patients. Higher levels of RRF and residual urine output allow more flexible water intake and a better control of the volume status. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the urine output of patients with chronic renal failure under hemodialysis treatment and to analyze its relationship to the systemic blood pressures levels of patients with or without residual urine volume. Patients and Methods: One-hundred and forty-four patients comprising an anuric group (A; n= 80) and a non-anuric one (NA; n= 64). The systemic arterial blood pressure, which was verified pre- and post- the last 3 hemodialysis sessions, weight gain between sessions, and the ultrafiltration volume along the dialysis sessions were registered. The patients answered a questionnaire about the urine output the day before the hemodialysis session. Results: The systolic blood pressure level was higher in group A after hemodialysis (130 ± 2.3 versus 119 ± 4.0 mmHg, p < 0.05). In contrast, the diastolic blood pressure in group A was higher than that observed in those of group NA only beforethe dialysis session (82 ± 1.6 versus 77 ± 1.8 mmHg; p < 0.05). Group A had a larger weight gain between hemodialysis sessions (3.2 ± 1.5 versus 2.0 ± 1.8 kg, p < 0.05). The number of blood pressure drugs administered to the patients in group A was 1.92 ± 0.16 units; and to those in group NA was 1.76 ± 0.17 units (NS). Conclusion: The absence of residual urine volume in hemodialysis patients was associated with higher levels of predialysis diastolic blood pressure . Hemodialysis reduced the diastolic blood pressure values in anuric patients in a way that their values became similar to those found in non-anuric ones...