Outcomes associated with Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a single-center experience

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin are advocated as potential treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite the lack of supportive clinical evidence. In this study, outcomes associated with Hydroxychloroquine and/or Ivermectin were determined in a series of patients with confirmed COVID-19 from a single institution in Brazil. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted between March and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into four treatment categories: no treatment (Group 0), Ivermectin only (Group I), Hydroxychloroquine only (Group II), and Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin (Group III). Intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and death were compared between the Groups. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included, with the following treatment distribution: 35.2% (0), 9.1% (I), 48.3% (II), and 7.4% (III). Groups I, II, and III had the higher rates of Intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death (0: 23.5% versus I: 38.1% versus II: 37.8% versus III: 70.6%, p=0.002), and the greatest mortality was found in Group III (0 versus III: 13.6% versus 35.3%, p=0.03). In the multivariate analysis, Hydroxychloroquine remained significantly associated with death (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.1-9.6, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In a series of consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19, Ivermectin was not associated with improved outcomes and Hydroxychloroquine may have resulted in a harmful effect.

Rescue Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 Myopericarditis: A Case Report.

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with potentially life threatening cardiovascular complications, including fulminant myocarditis and cardiac tamponade. Optimal management strategies are still unclear, including the role of immunomodulatory therapies and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the context of cardiogenic shock. We report a case of a middle-aged female with COVID-19 who developed respiratory distress and hemodynamic deterioration with elevated troponin levels on the seventh day of symptoms. Echocardiography demonstrated pericardial effusion with diastolic restriction of the right ventricle. Cardiac arrest developed during pericardiocentesis, resulting in emergency thoracotomy and pericardial drainage. Venoarterial ECMO was subsequently initiated due to refractory cardiogenic shock. Tocilizumab, immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone and convalescent plasma were added to supportive care, with progressive recovery of cardiac function and successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. This case highlights the potential role of ECMO, convalescent plasma and immunomodulatory therapies in the management of cardiogenic shock associated with COVID-19 myopericarditis.

Outcomes associated with Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin are advocated as potential treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite the lack of supportive clinical evidence. In this study, outcomes associated with Hydroxychloroquine and/or Ivermectin were determined in a series of patients with confirmed COVID-19 from a single institution in Brazil. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted between March and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into four treatment categories: no treatment (Group 0), Ivermectin only (Group I), Hydroxychloroquine only (Group II), and Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin (Group III). Intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and death were compared between the Groups. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included, with the following treatment distribution: 35.2% (0), 9.1% (I), 48.3% (II), and 7.4% (III). Groups I, II, and III had the higher rates of Intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death (0: 23.5% versus I: 38.1% versus II: 37.8% versus III: 70.6%, p=0.002), and the greatest mortality was found in Group III (0 versus III: 13.6% versus 35.3%, p=0.03). In the multivariate analysis, Hydroxychloroquine remained significantly associated with death (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.1-9.6, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In a series of consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19, Ivermectin was not associated with improved outcomes and Hydroxychloroquine may have resulted in a harmful effect.

Takotsubo Multicenter Registry (REMUTA) - Clinical Aspects, In-Hospital Outcomes, and Long-Term Mortality. / Registro Multicêntrico de Takotsubo (REMUTA) ­ Aspectos Clínicos, Desfechos Intra-Hospitalares e Mortalidade a Longo Prazo.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acquired form of cardiomyopathy. National Brazilian data on this condition are scarce. The Takotsubo Multicenter Registry (REMUTA) is the first to include multicenter data on this condition in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, prognosis, in-hospital treatment, in-hospital mortality, and mortality during 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective registry study including patients admitted to the hospital with diagnosis of TTS and patients admitted for other reasons who developed this condition. Evaluated outcomes included triggering factor, analysis of exams, use of medications, complications, in-hospital mortality, and mortality during 1 year of follow-up. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: The registry included 169 patients from 12 centers in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mean age was 70.9 ± 14.1 years, and 90.5% of patients were female; 63% of cases were primary TTS, and 37% were secondary. Troponin I was positive in 92.5% of patients, and median BNP was 395 (176.5; 1725). ST-segment elevation was present in 28% of patients. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 40 (35; 48)%. We observed invasive mechanical ventilation in 25.7% of cases and shock in 17.4%. Mechanical circulatory support was used in 7.7%. In-hospital mortality was 10.6%, and mortality at 1 year of follow-up was 16.5%. Secondary TTS and cardiogenic shock were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of the REMUTA show that TTS is not a benign pathology, as was once thought, especially regarding the secondary TTS group, which has a high rate of complications and mortality. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):207-216).

FUNDAMENTO: A síndrome de takotsubo (takotsubo) é uma forma de cardiomiopatia adquirida. Dados nacionais sobre essa condição são escassos. O Registro REMUTA é o primeiro a incluir dados multicêntricos dessa condição no nosso país. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características clínicas, prognóstico, tratamento intra-hospitalar e mortalidade hospitalar e em 1 ano de seguimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, tipo registro. Incluídos pacientes internados com diagnóstico de takotsubo ou que desenvolveram esta condição durante internação por outra causa. Os desfechos avaliados incluíram fator desencadeador, análise dos exames, uso de medicações, complicações e óbito intra-hospitalar e em 1 ano de seguimento. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 169 pacientes, em 12 centros no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A idade média foi de 70,9 ± 14,1 anos e 90,5% eram do sexo feminino; 63% dos casos foram de takotsubo primário e 37% secundário. Troponina I foi positiva em 92,5% dos pacientes e a mediana de BNP foi de 395 (176,5; 1725). Supradesnivelamento do segmento ST esteve presente em 28% dos pacientes. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo teve mediana de 40 (35; 48)%. Observamos taxa de 25,7% de ventilação mecânica invasiva e 17,4% de choque. Suporte circulatório mecânico foi utilizado em 7,7%. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 10,6% e a mortalidade ao final de 1 ano foi de 16,5%. Takotsubo secundário e choque cardiogênico foram preditores independentes de mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do REMUTA mostram que takotsubo não se trata de patologia benigna como se pensava, especialmente no grupo de takotsubo secundário que acarreta elevada taxa de complicações e de mortalidade. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):207-216).

Registro Multicêntrico de Takotsubo (REMUTA) - Aspectos Clínicos, Desfechos Intra-Hospitalares e Mortalidade a Longo Prazo / Takotsubo Multicenter Registry (REMUTA) - Clinical Aspects, In-Hospital Outcomes, and Long-Term Mortality

Resumo Fundamento A síndrome de takotsubo (takotsubo) é uma forma de cardiomiopatia adquirida. Dados nacionais sobre essa condição são escassos. O Registro REMUTA é o primeiro a incluir dados multicêntricos dessa condição no nosso país. Objetivo Descrever as características clínicas, prognóstico, tratamento intra-hospitalar e mortalidade hospitalar e em 1 ano de seguimento. Métodos Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, tipo registro. Incluídos pacientes internados com diagnóstico de takotsubo ou que desenvolveram esta condição durante internação por outra causa. Os desfechos avaliados incluíram fator desencadeador, análise dos exames, uso de medicações, complicações e óbito intra-hospitalar e em 1 ano de seguimento. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 169 pacientes, em 12 centros no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A idade média foi de 70,9 ± 14,1 anos e 90,5% eram do sexo feminino; 63% dos casos foram de takotsubo primário e 37% secundário. Troponina I foi positiva em 92,5% dos pacientes e a mediana de BNP foi de 395 (176,5; 1725). Supradesnivelamento do segmento ST esteve presente em 28% dos pacientes. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo teve mediana de 40 (35; 48)%. Observamos taxa de 25,7% de ventilação mecânica invasiva e 17,4% de choque. Suporte circulatório mecânico foi utilizado em 7,7%. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 10,6% e a mortalidade ao final de 1 ano foi de 16,5%. Takotsubo secundário e choque cardiogênico foram preditores independentes de mortalidade. Conclusão Os resultados do REMUTA mostram que takotsubo não se trata de patologia benigna como se pensava, especialmente no grupo de takotsubo secundário que acarreta elevada taxa de complicações e de mortalidade. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):207-216)

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acquired form of cardiomyopathy. National Brazilian data on this condition are scarce. The Takotsubo Multicenter Registry (REMUTA) is the first to include multicenter data on this condition in Brazil. Objective To describe the clinical characteristics, prognosis, in-hospital treatment, in-hospital mortality, and mortality during 1 year of follow-up. Methods This is an observational, retrospective registry study including patients admitted to the hospital with diagnosis of TTS and patients admitted for other reasons who developed this condition. Evaluated outcomes included triggering factor, analysis of exams, use of medications, complications, in-hospital mortality, and mortality during 1 year of follow-up. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results The registry included 169 patients from 12 centers in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mean age was 70.9 ± 14.1 years, and 90.5% of patients were female; 63% of cases were primary TTS, and 37% were secondary. Troponin I was positive in 92.5% of patients, and median BNP was 395 (176.5; 1725). ST-segment elevation was present in 28% of patients. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 40 (35; 48)%. We observed invasive mechanical ventilation in 25.7% of cases and shock in 17.4%. Mechanical circulatory support was used in 7.7%. In-hospital mortality was 10.6%, and mortality at 1 year of follow-up was 16.5%. Secondary TTS and cardiogenic shock were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion The results of the REMUTA show that TTS is not a benign pathology, as was once thought, especially regarding the secondary TTS group, which has a high rate of complications and mortality. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):207-216)

Coronary artery disease associated with factor V Leiden mutation: a case report.

The prevalence of coronary artery disease in young adults (<45 years of age) has been increasing steadily in recent decades. Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors can be identified in most cases, newly recognized associations are becoming progressively more relevant. The relationship between the factor V Leiden mutation and atherosclerosis has been a matter of debate due to conflicting data presented in previous studies. Presently described is the case of a previously asymptomatic 37-year-old woman with a significant family history of coronary artery disease who developed rapidly progressive angina within 1 month. After a positive non-invasive evaluation, coronary angiography demonstrated a significant obstruction in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Optical coherence tomography revealed a highly vulnerable lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaque. Coronary angioplasty followed by the implantation of 1 drug-eluting stent was successfully performed. A subsequent thrombophilia screening identified a heterozygous factor V R506Q mutation (factor V Leiden). Since there was no history of thromboembolic events, the patient was discharged using only aspirin, clopidogrel, atorvastatin, and atenolol. Further studies are needed to define the most appropriate management of young patients who manifest clinically significant atherosclerotic disease in association with hereditary thrombophilia.

Allergic recurrent coronary stent thrombosis: A mini-review of Kounis syndrome.

Kounis syndrome (KS) consists of an association between hypersensitivity reactions triggered by various environmental and pharmacological factors and acute coronary syndromes. Blood supply may be compromised by either vasospasm (type I), native plaque destabilization (type II) or stent thrombosis (type III). Although the prognosis is generally favorable, treatment should include aggressive anti-thrombotic and anti-allergic therapies. A case compatible with type III KS, manifested as a macular rash followed by two episodes of stent thrombosis after primary angioplasty (PCI) of the right coronary artery is presented, and complemented by a review on the topic.

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication distinguished by acute and severe platelet consumption, with spontaneous recovery within days. We describe a case of acute thrombocytopenia 6 hours after coronary angioplasty in a patient with a negative antiplatelet factor 4 test. The count reached 1 × 103/µL, but improved spontaneously to 210 × 103/µL after 8 days. In conclusion, physicians should be aware of this complication, particularly when dual antiplatelet therapy is being considered.

Resultados de uma nova técnica para cirurgia do arco aórtico com uso de perfusão encefálica anterógrada bilateral pelo isolamento do tronco braquiocefálico e artéria carótida esquerda / Results of a new technique for aortic arch surgery using bilateral antegrade encephalic perfusion by isolation of brachiocephalic trunk left carotid artery

Fundamentos: perfusão encefálica anterógrada bilateral(PEAB) é o melhor método de neuroproteção nas cirurgias que envolvem o arco aórtico. Objetivos: Analisar os resultados cirúrgicos e em médio prazo da cirurgia no arco aórtico,utilizando a técnica descrita por Carreira et al. Métodos: Avaliaram-seos dados de 16 pacientes operados entre junho2005 e novembro2007 pela seguinte técnica:uso de prótese de dacron de 10mm ou 12mm no tronco braquiocefálico(TBC) para canulação arterial.Clampeamento do TBC permite PCA unilateral durante o isolamento.PEAB começa após remoção do clamp(500-1000ml/min)(50-70mmHg)(20-25ºC).Ao final, a prótese do isolamento é então incorporada à prótese aórtica. Resultados:8 pacientes masculinos,média de idade 59,5+-14,9 anos, 75% hipertensos. Onze operados devido à dissecção aguda e 5 por aneurisma.Médias de tempo de circulação extracorpórea,anóxia,PEA bilateral,PEA unilareral e temperatura na hipotermia foram, respectivamente:175,3+-36,0min, 135,2+-30,7min, 22,4+-3,2ºC,55,5+-20,3min e 9,9+-3,4min.Houve preservação da válvula aórtica em 93,8%; 5 pacientes receberam implante de endoprótese aórtica.Complicações foram: fibrilação atrial-56,3%;insuficiência renal aguda-31,3%;pneumonia e delirium-18,8%mediastinite e paresia temporária-6,3%;e diálise-12,5%.Médias da drenagem, tempo de entubação, permanência hospitalar e CTI foram,respectivamente:1207,2+-600,3ml,17,7+-20,1 hs,14,3+-10,6 diase 6,5+-7,1 dias. Mortalidade em 3 pacientes (18,8%), todos com dissecção aguda. Não aconteceram eventos neurológicos com média de 11,9+-10,2, meses de seguimento. Os parâmetros não apresentaram associção com mortalidade p>0,05.Conclusão: A técnica do isolameto é segura e apresenta bons resultados neurológicos imediatos e tardios.

Takotsubo invertido: uma nova forma de apresentação de cardiopatia adrenérgica / Inverted Takotsubo: a new form of presentation of cathecolamine cardiomyopathy

A lesão miocárdica por estresse (síndrome de Takotsubo-ST) tem sido amplamente discutida. A ausência de doença obstrutiva coronariana e a conformação ventricular característica, com balonamento apical e hipercinesia basal sugerem o diagnóstico de ST. Foi descrita uma variante dessa síndrome, em que o quadro clínico é semelhante à forma inicialmente descrita, porém, ao ser realizada a cineangiografia, notou-se uma inversão do padrão contrátil. Essa variante foi denominada síndrome de Takotsubo invertido.

Estratificação de risco cardiovascular no paciente assintomático por tomografia computadorizada cardíaca de múltiplos detectores / Cardiovascular risk stratification by multidetector computed tomography in the asymptomatic patient

Os atuais métodos de previsão de eventos cardiovasculares são muito imprecisos, somente explicando aproximadamente metade dos eventos. Isso é ainda mais acentuado no grupo de pacientes assintomáticos. A tomografia computadorizada por múltiplos detectores tem se mostrado um valioso aliado do cardiologista, fornecendo em um só exame, diversas informações sobre o sistema cardiovascular que, combinadas, têm o potencial de aumentar muito a acurácia na previsão de eventos cardiovasculares, diminuindo a morbimortalidade. No presente artigo será examinado o presente e potencial futuro desse novo método na avaliação de pacientes assintomáticos do ponto de vista cardiovascular.

Impacto da disfunção renal no desempenho do peptídio natriurético cerebral para o diagnóstico de insuficiência cardíaca / The impact of renal dysfunction on the accuracy of serum brain natriuretic peptide levels for the diagnosis of heart failure

Fundamentos: O Peptídeo Natriurético Cerebral (BNP) tem sido utilizado no diagnóstico diferencial de dispnéia na sala de emergência (DSE). Contudo, a sua performance diagnóstica é influenciada por vários fatores, entre eles a disfunção renal(DR). Objetivo: Determinar a influência da disfunção renal na exatidão do BNP para diagnosticar Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) em pacientes com dispnéia na sala de emergência. Métodos: Análise de 207 atendimentos de DSE, no período de janeiro/2003 a dezembro/2004, quando foram dosados BNP e Creatinina (Cr) séricos, e realizado ecocardiograma transtorácico (ECO). Os pacientes foram estratificados em 2 grupos (G1 e G2) de acordo com o valor de Cr: G1, com Cr menor ou igual a 1,2mg por cento, e G2 com Cr maior que 1,2mg por cento e maior ou igual a 2,0mg por cento. A performance no diagnóstico de IC medida pela área sobre a curva ROC (ACROC) foi comparada entre os dois grupos...