Progression of valve heart disease in a cohort of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy / Progressão da doença cardíaca valvar em coorte de doentes em terapia renal substitutiva

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Valve calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and coronary artery disease. Objective: To assess heart valve disease frequency, associated factors, and progression in CKD patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 291 CKD patients at Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 with CKD and valve disease, while those on conservative management or with missing data were excluded. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared, and patients were categorized by dialysis duration (<5 years; 5-10 years; >10 years). Statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, were employed as needed. Simple and multivariate binary regression models were used to analyze valve disease associations with dialysis duration. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Mitral valve disease was present in 82.5% (240) of patients, followed by aortic valve disease (65.6%; 86). Over time, 106 (36.4%) patients developed valve disease. No significant association was found between aortic, pulmonary, mitral, or tricuspid valve disease and dialysis duration. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was the sole statistically significant factor for mitral valve disease in the regression model (OR 2.59 [95% CI: 1.09-6.18]; p = 0.031). Conclusion: CKD patients on renal replacement therapy exhibit a high frequency of valve disease, particularly mitral and aortic valve disease. However, no link was established between dialysis duration and valve disease occurrence or progression.

Resumo Introdução: Doenças cardiovasculares são uma causa significativa de morte em pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC). A calcificação valvar é preditor de mortalidade cardiovascular e doença arterial coronariana. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência, fatores associados e progressão de valvopatias em pacientes com DRC. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com 291 pacientes ambulatoriais no Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusão: ≥18 anos com DRC e valvopatia; exclusão: tratamento conservador ou dados incompletos. Variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram comparadas e categorizadas por tempo de terapia dialítica (TTD): <5 anos, 5-10 anos, >10 anos. Foram aplicados os testes Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis. Associação entre valvopatia e TTD foi avaliada por regressão binária. Significância foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: A valvopatia mitral foi encontrada em 82,5% (240) dos casos, seguida da aórtica (65,6%; 86). Houve progressão da doença valvar em 106 (36,4%) pacientes. Não houve associação entre valvopatias aórtica, pulmonar, mitral ou tricúspide e TTD. Hiperparatireoidismo secundário foi a única variável explicativa significativa na regressão para valvopatia mitral (OR 2,59 [IC95%: 1,09-6,18]; p = 0,031). Conclusão: Encontramos alta frequência de valvopatias, especialmente mitral e aórtica, aem pacientes com DRC. Não houve associação entre TTD e valvopatia.

Progression of valve heart disease in a cohort of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Valve calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess heart valve disease frequency, associated factors, and progression in CKD patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 291 CKD patients at Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 with CKD and valve disease, while those on conservative management or with missing data were excluded. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared, and patients were categorized by dialysis duration (<5 years; 5-10 years; >10 years). Statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, were employed as needed. Simple and multivariate binary regression models were used to analyze valve disease associations with dialysis duration. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mitral valve disease was present in 82.5% (240) of patients, followed by aortic valve disease (65.6%; 86). Over time, 106 (36.4%) patients developed valve disease. No significant association was found between aortic, pulmonary, mitral, or tricuspid valve disease and dialysis duration. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was the sole statistically significant factor for mitral valve disease in the regression model (OR 2.59 [95% CI: 1.09-6.18]; p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: CKD patients on renal replacement therapy exhibit a high frequency of valve disease, particularly mitral and aortic valve disease. However, no link was established between dialysis duration and valve disease occurrence or progression.

Repercussões da pandemia de Covid-19 na saúde mental nos estudantes de Medicina de Pernambuco / Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students in Pernambuco

Resumo: Introdução: As pandemias, como a de Covid-19, resultam em perturbação psicossocial que pode romper os limites da capacidade de enfrentamento, de modo a gerar tensões e angústias que se expressam variavelmente entre os envolvidos. Objetivo: analisar as repercussões da pandemia de Covid-19 na saúde mental de estudantes de Medicina do estado de Pernambuco. Método: estudo transversal e descritivo-analítico realizado entre julho e agosto de 2021 com estudantes de Medicina das 11 faculdades de Pernambuco. Como variáveis dependentes, foram analisados os escores de ansiedade e depressão. Quanto às variáveis independentes, foram estudadas: escore de resiliência, características sociodemográficas e comportamentais, e condições de saúde. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio da plataforma Google Forms. Aplicaram-se o Inventário de Beck para ansiedade e depressão e a escala de resiliência de Wagnild e Young. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, e os participantes concordaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Os dados foram analisados pelo programa SPSS 25, considerando significativo valor p < 0,05. Resultado: participaram da pesquisa 416 estudantes. A amostra foi composta predominantemente por mulheres (60,9%), com idade média de 25 anos, das quais 73,8% tinham residência fixa no município da faculdade. Sintomas de ansiedade moderada e grave foram verificados em 27,2% e 10,3% dos avaliados, respectivamente. Observaram-se sintomas depressivos moderados em 17,8% dos estudantes. Cerca de 25% da amostra apresentou grau de resiliência baixo ou muito baixo. Resiliência alta (razão de chances [RC] = 0,18 [0,08-0,41]; p < 0,001) e suporte psicológico anterior à pandemia (RC = 0,36 [0,14-0,95]; p = 0,04) foram fatores de proteção; e cursar o ciclo clínico (quinto-oitavo períodos) foi fator de risco independente (RC = 1,95 [1,07-3,55]; p = 0,02) para ansiedade de moderada a grave. Resiliência alta (RC = 0,01 [0,02-0,11]; p < 0,001 e retornar à cidade natal durante a suspensão das aulas (RC = 0,41 [0,18-0,91]; p = 0,02) foram fatores protetores; e cursar o ciclo clínico foi fator de risco independente (RC = 2,74 [1,26-5,93]; p = 0,01) para depressão de moderada a grave. Conclusão: verificou-se uma alta prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade de moderada e grave, bem como de sintomas depressivos moderados. Um alta proporção dos estudantes apresentou grau de resiliência baixo ou muito baixo.

Abstract: Introduction: The occurrence of pandemics, such as Covid-19, leads to a psychosocial disturbance that can break the limits of the population's coping capacity, generating tensions and anxieties that are expressed in various degrees among those involved. Objective: To analyze the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students in the State of Pernambuco. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted between July and August 2021 with medical students from 11 universities in Pernambuco. The dependent variables analyzed were the scores of anxiety, depression; the independent variables were resilience score, socio-demographic, behavioral characteristics and health conditions. The data were collected through Google Forms. Beck's Anxiety and Depression Inventories, and Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale were applied. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and informed consent was sought and given. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25, considering as significant a p-value < 0,05. Result: 416 participants were included, the majority (60.9%) of the students were women, the average age was 25 years, and 73.8% of them lived in the municipality of their university. Moderate and severe anxiety symptoms were found in 27.2% and 10.3% of the sample, respectively. Moderate depressive symptoms were observed in 17.8% of the students. About 25% of the sample reported a low or very low degree of resilience. High resilience (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.18 [0.08-0.41]; p <0.001) and psychological support prior to the pandemic (OR 0.36 [0.14-0.95]; p = 0 .04) were protective factors and attending the clinical cycle (2nd-3rd year) was an independent risk factor (OR 1.95 [1.07-3.55]; p = 0.02) for moderate to severe anxiety. High resilience (OR 0.01 [0.02-0.11]; p < 0.001 and returning to one's hometown during the suspension of classes (OR 0.41 [0.18-0.91]; p = 0.02) were protective factors and attending the clinical cycle was an independent risk factor (OR 2.74 [1.26-5.93]; p = 0.01) for moderate to severe depression. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of moderate and severe anxiety symptoms, as well as moderate depressive symptoms. A high proportion of students demonstrated a low or very low degree of resilience.

ICD indication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: which algorithm to use?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the indication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as per the 2014 European Society of Cardiology and 2020 American Heart Association recommendations, and evaluate fragmented QRS as a predictor of cardiovascular outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with 81 patients was evaluated between 2019 and 2021. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ≥16 years old were included. Exclusion criteria include secondary myocardiopathy and follow-up <1 year. Kappa coefficient was used to determine the agreement. Survival and incidence curves were determined by Kaplan-Meier method. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The fragmented QRS was identified in 44.4% of patients. There were no differences between patients with and without fragmented QRS regarding clinical parameters, echocardiography, fibrosis, and sudden cardiac death risk. During follow-up of 4.8±3.4 years, there was no sudden cardiac death, but 20.6% patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator had at least one appropriate shock. Three of the seven appropriate shocks occurred in European Society of Cardiology low- to moderate-risk patients. Three shocks occurred in moderate-risk patients and four in American Heart Association high-risk patients. Overall recommendations agreement was 64% with a kappa of 0.270 (p=0.007). C-statistic showed no differences regarding the incidence of appropriate shock (p=0.644). CONCLUSION: sudden cardiac death risk stratification algorithms present discrepancies in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication, both with low accuracy.

Telogen Effluvium and COVID-19: a case and a brief review of literature / Eflúvio Telógeno e COVID-19: um caso e uma breve revisão de literatura

COVID-19 is a new disease that has brought a great impact on global morbidity and mortality. There have been increasingly frequent reports of persistent symptoms and/or clinical manifestations attributed to COVID-19 after the acute phase of the disease. In this article, we present a case of post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium in a 39-year-old hypertensive and obese patient who looked for medical attention due to massive hair loss. Previous history of moderate COVID-19 4 months ago. After investigation and exclusion of other possible causes of telogen effluvium well established in the literature, the condition was attributed to the previous episode of COVID-19. Persistent fever, the cytokine storm, and the entire immunological cascade of COVID-19 can lead to apoptosis of the keratinocytes of the hair follicles, initiating the catagen phase early followed by the telogen phase with a consequent capillary release. Late symptoms possibly secondary to COVID-19 should receive attention and interest from the medical and scientific community. As it is a new disease, whose late consequences are not yet fully known/elucidated, careful observation and careful clinical follow-up of these patients are recommended (AU)

A COVID-19 é uma doença nova que vem provocando grande impacto na morbimortalidade mundial. Relatos de persistência de sintomas e/ou manifestações clínicas atribuídas à COVID-19 após a fase aguda da doença tem sido cada vez mais frequentes. Neste artigo, apresentamos um caso de eflúvio telógeno pós COVID-19 em um paciente de 39 anos, hipertenso e obeso, que procurou atendimento médico devido à queda volumosa de cabelos. Histórico prévio de COVID-19 moderada há 4 meses. Após investigação e exclusão de outras possíveis causas de eflúvio telógeno bem estabelecidas na literatura o quadro foi atribuído ao episódio prévio de COVID-19. É possível que a febre persistente, a tempestade de citocinas e toda a cascata imunológica da COVID-19 possam levar à apoptose dos queratinócitos dos folículos capilares, iniciando, assim, precocemente a fase catágena seguida pela fase telógena com consequente liberação capilar. Sintomas tardios possivelmente secundários à COVID-19 devem ser alvo de atenção e interesse da comunidade médica e científica. Por se tratar de uma doença nova, cujas consequências tardias ainda não se encontram completamente conhecidas/ elucidadas, recomenda-se a observação atenta e o seguimento clínico criterioso desses pacientes (AU)

ICD indication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: which algorithm to use?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the indication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as per the 2014 European Society of Cardiology and 2020 American Heart Association recommendations, and evaluate fragmented QRS as a predictor of cardiovascular outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with 81 patients was evaluated between 2019 and 2021. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ≥16 years old were included. Exclusion criteria include secondary myocardiopathy and follow-up <1 year. Kappa coefficient was used to determine the agreement. Survival and incidence curves were determined by Kaplan-Meier method. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The fragmented QRS was identified in 44.4% of patients. There were no differences between patients with and without fragmented QRS regarding clinical parameters, echocardiography, fibrosis, and sudden cardiac death risk. During follow-up of 4.8±3.4 years, there was no sudden cardiac death, but 20.6% patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator had at least one appropriate shock. Three of the seven appropriate shocks occurred in European Society of Cardiology low- to moderate-risk patients. Three shocks occurred in moderate-risk patients and four in American Heart Association high-risk patients. Overall recommendations agreement was 64% with a kappa of 0.270 (p=0.007). C-statistic showed no differences regarding the incidence of appropriate shock (p=0.644). CONCLUSION: sudden cardiac death risk stratification algorithms present discrepancies in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication, both with low accuracy.

Association between hyperuricemia and hypertension: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. METHODS: This was a case-control study where individuals aged >18 years were included, who were divided into hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, excluding those with incomplete information in medical records or with the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration <60 mL/min/1.73 m³. Systemic arterial hypertension was categorized as a dependent variable, while the independent variables were hyperuricemia (i.e., primary variable), sex, education, the practice of physical activity, alcoholism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, a family history of systemic arterial hypertension, age, isolated hyperlipidemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia. Statistical analysis included the univariate and multivariate data analysis, performed by adjusting the logistic regression models using the software R (R Core Team [2018]). RESULTS: Out of 103 patients evaluated, 75 patients were included in this study. In hypertensive patients, hyperuricemia was more frequent (p=0.029), being present in 18.9% individuals. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension (OR 10.9; 95%CI 1.29-1420.0; p=0.023); however, in the multivariate analysis, when adjustment was made for age, the only control variable that persisted in the model, this association ceased to be significant (OR 8.5; 95%CI 0.87-1157.0; p=0.070). CONCLUSIONS: There was no independent association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. The latter was associated with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and age.

Association between hyperuricemia and hypertension: a case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. METHODS: This was a case-control study where individuals aged >18 years were included, who were divided into hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, excluding those with incomplete information in medical records or with the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration <60 mL/min/1.73 m³. Systemic arterial hypertension was categorized as a dependent variable, while the independent variables were hyperuricemia (i.e., primary variable), sex, education, the practice of physical activity, alcoholism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, a family history of systemic arterial hypertension, age, isolated hyperlipidemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia. Statistical analysis included the univariate and multivariate data analysis, performed by adjusting the logistic regression models using the software R (R Core Team [2018]). RESULTS: Out of 103 patients evaluated, 75 patients were included in this study. In hypertensive patients, hyperuricemia was more frequent (p=0.029), being present in 18.9% individuals. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension (OR 10.9; 95%CI 1.29-1420.0; p=0.023); however, in the multivariate analysis, when adjustment was made for age, the only control variable that persisted in the model, this association ceased to be significant (OR 8.5; 95%CI 0.87-1157.0; p=0.070). CONCLUSIONS: There was no independent association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. The latter was associated with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and age.

Antifungal Efficacy of Amphotericin B in Candida Albicans Endocarditis Therapy: Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Although it is the most common agent among the fungal causes of endocarditis, Candida albicans endocarditis is rare. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of amphotericin B in the treatment of C. albicans endocarditis beyond a systematic review. DATA SEARCH: Articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS and SciELO, in humans and published in the last 25 years. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies, clinical trials, and case series providing data on the amphotericin B use in patients with a C. albicans endocarditis diagnosis without age limitations. DATA SYNTHESIS: From the initial search (n=79), 25 articles were fully evaluated, of which 19 were excluded for meeting one or more exclusion criteria, remaining five articles (two observational studies and three case series). Patients using amphotericin B demonstrated improvement in survival rates, and its main use was in association with the surgical method as well as with caspofungin association. CONCLUSION: Literature lacks evidence to conclude about efficacy and safety of amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal endocarditis. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to provide better evidence on the subject.

Antifungal efficacy of amphotericin b in candida albicans endocarditis therapy: systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Although it is the most common agent among the fungal causes of endocarditis, Candida albicans endocarditis is rare. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of amphotericin B in the treatment of C. albicans endocarditis beyond a systematic review. Data search: Articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS and SciELO, in humans and published in the last 25 years. Study selection: Observational studies, clinical trials, and case series providing data on the amphotericin B use in patients with a C. albicans endocarditis diagnosis without age limitations. Data synthesis: From the initial search (n=79), 25 articles were fully evaluated, of which 19 were excluded for meeting one or more exclusion criteria, remaining five articles (two observational studies and three case series). Patients using amphotericin B demonstrated improvement in survival rates, and its main use was in association with the surgical method as well as with caspofungin association. Conclusion: Literature lacks evidence to conclude about efficacy and safety of amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal endocarditis. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to provide better evidence on the subject.

Angioedema, endothelium, ACE2, and bradykinin - interrelationships in COVID-19: a case report / Angioedema, Endotélio, ECA2 e bradicinina - inter-relações na COVID-19: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 is a new disease, whose several atypical clinical manifestations began to be observed with the evolution of the pandemic, and have been investigated to understand the pathophysiology of the disease. In this article, the objective is to describe a case of angioedema in COVID-19, considered an atypical manifestation, and rarely described in the literature. The case is of a 55-year-old patient who sought medical attention for a complaint of intermittent fever for four days. On the seventh day, he manifested angioedema in the left zygomatic projection and the right subpalpebral region. The patient had no history of angioedema earlier in life. The following day, he presented a regression of the angioedema concerning the previous day. After this period, the patient progressed well and became asymptomatic. The RT-PCR laboratory test performed on the first days of manifesting symptoms was positive for SARS-CoV-2. We correlate the onset of angioedema with the possible endotheliitis present in the disease, which has been evidenced by the observation of severe endothelial injury associated with the intracellular presence of the virus in several histopathological studies of patients with COVID-19. Also, possible deregulation of the Kininogen-Kallikrein-Kinin System (KKKS) could explain this manifestation, as SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor, which is responsible for degrading kinins, such as bradykinin. (AU)

RESUMO: A COVID-19 é uma doença nova, cujas diversas manifestações clínicas atípicas começaram a ser observadas com a evolução da pandemia e foram investigadas com o objetivo de compreender a fisiopatologia da doença. Neste artigo, o objetivo é descrever um caso de angioedema no COVID-19, considerado manifestação atípica e raramente descrito na literatura. O caso é de um paciente de 55 anos que procurou atendimento médico por uma queixa de febre intermitente há quatro dias. No sétimo dia, manifestou angioedema na projeção zigomática esquerda e na região subpalpebral direita. Não tinha histórico de apresentar angioedema. No dia seguinte, ele apresentou regressão do angioedema em relação ao dia anterior. Após esse período, o paciente progrediu bem e tornou-se assintomático. O teste laboratorial de RT-PCR realizado nos primeiros dias de manifestação dos sintomas foi positivo para SARS-CoV-2. Correlacionamos o início do angioedema com a possível endotelite presente na doença, o que foi evidenciado pela observação de lesão endotelial grave associada à presença intracelular do vírus em vários estudos histopatológicos de pacientes com COVID-19. Além disso, uma possível desregulação do sistema Cininogênio-Calicreína-Cinina poderia explicar essa manifestação, já que o SARS-CoV-2 se liga ao receptor ACE2, responsável pela degradação de cininas, como a bradicinina. (AU)

Aspirin with or without statin in the treatment of endotheliitis, thrombosis, and ischemia in coronavirus disease.

INTRODUCTION: In the genesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there is a process of endotheliitis associated with thrombotic changes, no studies have reported the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as a possible therapeutic approach. Statins could potentiate the ASA therapy. METHODS: This is a series of 14 cases with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. All patients underwent the ASA therapy. Those who had risk factors for vascular disease also underwent the high-potency statin therapy. When symptoms were totally or practically resolved, patients were discharged and advised to continue medications for a complementary time, according to the clinical evolution of each patient. RESULTS: The mean age of monitored patients was 48.6 years. A total of 78.6% patients presented with at least one comorbidity, which could have contributed as a risk factor for a poor prognosis in the evolution of COVID-19. Four patients had secondary bacterial infections; three patients needed hospitalization. None of the cases progress to stage III, and all patients had remission of symptoms, with 100% survival. CONCLUSIONS: the process of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 involves disseminated thrombosis, initially microvascular and later expansion into larger vessels. ASA could act as a secondary prophylaxis and prevent thrombosis from developing and reaching stage III of the disease. As this was a case series, we cannot provide definitive conclusions; however, this study allows us to formulate hypotheses and support clinical trials to evaluate benefits of the ASA therapy in the treatment of COVID-19.

Relato de experiência de grupo de pesquisa em epidemiologia e cardiologia / Experience report from an epidemiology and cardiology research group

RESUMO: A formação de grupos acadêmicos durante o curso de medicina é importante para a construção e compartilhamento de conhecimentos e habilidades fundamentais para a prática médica. O presente trabalho relata a experiência de um ano de atividades (2017-2018) de um grupo de pesquisa em epidemiologia e cardiologia. Apresentamos os principais pontos de motivação, objetivos e funcionamento do grupo, no intuito de fornecer um modelo estrutural que possa servir de inspiração e debate para a formação de outros grupos de pesquisa constituídos por estudantes de medicina ao redor do país. Ao longo de um ano foram apresentados em eventos científicos os resultados das pesquisas do grupo, além da publicação de artigos em periódicos científicos na área da saúde, totalizando 12 trabalhos acadêmicos. Como meio de fornecer uma ferramenta de avaliação quantitativa de análise das atividades do grupo, foram apresentados os resultados da autoavaliação desenvolvida pelos membros acadêmicos após um ano de atividades. Considerando o elevado número de publicações biomédicas e o aumento na exigência de conhecimentos em pesquisa e medicina baseada em evidências nos últimos anos, a formação de grupos de pesquisa apresenta-se como uma alternativa para complementação de conhecimentos teóricos e práticos para a formação médica, permitindo aos futuros profissionais uma visão crítica da produção do conhecimento científico, uma prática médica baseada em evidências, um melhor enfretamento das exigências de mercado e dos interesses econômicos na área de saúde. (AU)

ABSTRACT: The establishment of academic groups during medical school is important for the construction and sharing of knowledge and fundamental skills to good medical practice. This paper reports a one-year experience of activities (2017-2018) of a research group in epidemiology and cardiology. The presentation of the motivation reasons, objectives, and performance of the group to provide a structural model that could serve as inspiration and debate for the establishment of other research groups made up from and for medical students from all over the world. During one year of activity, the findings of the group research were presented in scientific events, as well as the publication of articles in scientific journals in field of health sciences, totaling 12 academic papers. As a means of providing a quantitative evaluation tool for the analysis of the group's activities, the results of the self-assessment developed by the academic members after one year of activities were presented. Considering the high number of biomedical publications and the increase in the demand for knowledge in research and evidence-based medicine in recent years, the establishment of research groups is an alternative to complement theoretical and practical knowledge for medical education, allowing to future professionals a critical view of the production of scientific knowledge, evidence-based medical practice, a better understanding of market demands, and economic interests in health. (AU)

Aspirin with or without statin in the treatment of endotheliitis, thrombosis, and ischemia in coronavirus disease

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In the genesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there is a process of endotheliitis associated with thrombotic changes, no studies have reported the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as a possible therapeutic approach. Statins could potentiate the ASA therapy. METHODS: This is a series of 14 cases with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. All patients underwent the ASA therapy. Those who had risk factors for vascular disease also underwent the high-potency statin therapy. When symptoms were totally or practically resolved, patients were discharged and advised to continue medications for a complementary time, according to the clinical evolution of each patient. RESULTS: The mean age of monitored patients was 48.6 years. A total of 78.6% patients presented with at least one comorbidity, which could have contributed as a risk factor for a poor prognosis in the evolution of COVID-19. Four patients had secondary bacterial infections; three patients needed hospitalization. None of the cases progress to stage III, and all patients had remission of symptoms, with 100% survival. CONCLUSIONS: the process of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 involves disseminated thrombosis, initially microvascular and later expansion into larger vessels. ASA could act as a secondary prophylaxis and prevent thrombosis from developing and reaching stage III of the disease. As this was a case series, we cannot provide definitive conclusions; however, this study allows us to formulate hypotheses and support clinical trials to evaluate benefits of the ASA therapy in the treatment of COVID-19.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in Northeast Brasil primary care patients.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety disorders (DAD) are the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. Among the adult population served in basic care, it is estimated that depression affects about 14.3% of these individuals worldwide, and between 21.4% and 31% in Brasil. Anxiety affects up to 33.7% of the population during their lifetimes. OBJECTIVES: estimate the prevalence proportions of DAD among patients in a municipality in Northeast Brasil and study the association between DAD and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with the medical records of patients from primary care centers in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco. Patients aged ≥ 18 years and regularly followed-up were included. Exclusion criteria: a history of traumatic brain injury, alcohol or drug abuse, previous stroke, medical conditions or medications that mimic DAD symptoms. Subjects were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of DAD, and cardiovascular risk factors were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1030 subjects were initially included, of whom 215 (20%) were excluded. No-DAD subjects had more history of myocardial infarction and alcoholism. The prevalence of depression was 10.3%, anxiety disorder was 27.1%, and mixed DAD represented 4.5%. There was a significant association between DAD and hypertension (OR = 2.11; 95%CI: 1.16 -3.84; p=0.01), obesity (OR = 4.47; 95%CI: 1.74 -11.46; p=0.002), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.88; 95%CI: 1.81-8.3; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: DAD were associated with an increased risk for arterial hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.

GLA Gene Mutation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with a New Variant Description: Is it Fabry's Disease?

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the alpha galactosidase A gene (GLA) that lead to the enzymatic deficiency of alpha galactosidase (α-Gal A), resulting in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), causing multiple organ dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: To perform GLA gene screening in a group of patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with HCM patients from a university hospital. Patients with coronary artery disease and valvulopathies were excluded. Mutation analysis of the GLA gene was performed. In male subjects, the analysis was performed after evidence of low α-Gal A activity. RESULTS: 60 patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of HCM were included. Age ranged from 12 to 85 years and 60% were women. Mean myocardial fibrosis percentage on MRI was 10.7 ± 13.1% and mean ventricular thickness was18.7 ± 6.7 mm. Four patients had the following GLA gene mutations: c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), not yet described in the literature; c.937G>T (p.Asp313Tyr); and c.352C>T (p.Arg118Cys). All patients had normal levels of lyso-Gb3 and non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis on magnetic resonance imaging; one patient had proteinuria and one patient had ventricular tachycardia. CONCLUSION: in this study, the frequency of mutation in the GLA gene in patients with HCM was 6.7%. A novel mutation in exon 6 of the GLA gene, c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), was identified. Patients with HCM may have GLA mutations and FD should be ruled out. Plasma (lyso-Gb3) levels do not seem to be sufficient to attain a diagnosis and organ biopsy should be considered.