An adapted cardioprotective diet with or without phytosterol and/or krill oil supplement in familial hypercholesterolemia: A pilot study protocol

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A healthy diet is one of the pillars of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) treatment. However, the best dietary pattern and indication for specific supplementation have not been established. Our aim is to conduct a pilot study to assess the effect of an adapted cardioprotective diet with or without phytosterol and/or krill oil supplement in participants with a probable or definitive diagnosis of FH, treated with moderate/high potency statins. METHODS: A national, multicenter, factorial, and parallel placebocontrolled randomized clinical trial with a superiority design and 1:1:1:1 allocation rate will be conducted. The participants will undergo whole exome sequencing and be allocated into four treatment groups: 1) a cardioprotective diet adapted for FH (DICAFH) þ phytosterol placebo þ krill oil placebo; 2) DICA-FH þ phytosterol 2 g/day þ krill oil placebo; 3) DICA-FH þ phytosterol placebo þ krill oil 2 g/day; or 4) DICA-FH þ phytosterol 2 g/day þ krill oil 2 g/day. The primary outcomes will be low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels and adherence to treatment after a 120-day follow-up. LDL- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol subclasses, untargeted lipidomics analysis, adverse events, and protocol implementation components will also be assessed. RESULTS: A total of 58 participants were enrolled between May e August 2023. After the end of the follow-up period, the efficacy and feasibility results of this pilot study will form the basis of the design of a large-scale randomized clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study's overall goal is to recommend dietary treatment strategies in the context of FH.

IMPACTO-MR: um estudo brasileiro de plataforma nacional para avaliar infecções e multirresistência em unidades de terapia intensiva / IMPACTO-MR: a Brazilian nationwide platform study to assess infections and multidrug resistance in intensive care units

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o IMPACTO-MR, um estudo brasileiro de plataforma nacional em unidades de terapia intensiva focado no impacto das infecções por bactérias multirresistentes relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Métodos: Descrevemos a plataforma IMPACTO-MR, seu desenvolvimento, critérios para seleção das unidades de terapia intensiva, caracterização da coleta de dados, objetivos e projetos de pesquisa futuros a serem realizados na plataforma. Resultados: Os dados principais foram coletados por meio do Epimed Monitor System® e consistiram em dados demográficos, dados de comorbidades, estado funcional, escores clínicos, diagnóstico de internação e diagnósticos secundários, dados laboratoriais, clínicos e microbiológicos e suporte de órgãos durante a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva, entre outros. De outubro de 2019 a dezembro de 2020, 33.983 pacientes de 51 unidades de terapia intensiva foram incluídos no banco de dados principal. Conclusão: A plataforma IMPACTO-MR é um banco de dados clínico brasileiro de unidades de terapia intensiva focado na pesquisa do impacto das infecções por bactérias multirresistentes relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Essa plataforma fornece dados para o desenvolvimento e pesquisa de unidades de terapia intensiva individuais e ensaios clínicos observacionais e prospectivos multicêntricos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the IMPACTO-MR, a Brazilian nationwide intensive care unit platform study focused on the impact of health care-associated infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods: We described the IMPACTO-MR platform, its development, criteria for intensive care unit selection, characterization of core data collection, objectives, and future research projects to be held within the platform. Results: The core data were collected using the Epimed Monitor System® and consisted of demographic data, comorbidity data, functional status, clinical scores, admission diagnosis and secondary diagnoses, laboratory, clinical, and microbiological data, and organ support during intensive care unit stay, among others. From October 2019 to December 2020, 33,983 patients from 51 intensive care units were included in the core database. Conclusion: The IMPACTO-MR platform is a nationwide Brazilian intensive care unit clinical database focused on researching the impact of health care-associated infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. This platform provides data for individual intensive care unit development and research and multicenter observational and prospective trials.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Evolocumab Therapy in Patients at High Risk of Cardiovascular Events in the Context of the Brazilian Unified Health System. / Análise de Custo-Efetividade da Terapia com Evolocumabe em Pacientes com Alto Risco de Eventos Cardiovasculares no Contexto do SUS ­ Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to systemic hypertension (HTN) may be associated with left atrial (LA) functional abnormalities. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize LA mechanics in HCM and HTN and determine any correlation with the extent of left ventricular (LV) fibrosis measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM patients. METHODS: Two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived longitudinal LA function was acquired from apical views in 60 HCM patients, 60 HTN patients, and 34 age-matched controls. HCM patients also underwent CMR, with measurement of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extension. Association with LA strain parameters was analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Mean LV ejection fraction was not different between the groups. The E/e' ratio was impaired in the HCM group and preserved in the control group. LA mechanics was significantly reduced in HCM, compared to the HTN group. LA strain rate in reservoir (LASRr) and in contractile (LASRct) phases were the best discriminators of HCM, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8, followed by LA strain in reservoir phase (LASr) (AUC 0.76). LASRr and LASR-ct had high specificity (89% and 91%, respectively) and LASr had sensitivity of 80%. A decrease in 2.79% of LA strain rate in conduit phase (LASRcd) predicted an increase of 1cm in LGE extension (r2=0.42, ß 2.79, p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: LASRr and LASRct were the best discriminators for LVH secondary to HCM. LASRcd predicted the degree of LV fibrosis assessed by CMR. These findings suggest that LA mechanics is a potential predictor of disease severity in HCM.

FUNDAMENTO: Em associação às estatinas, os inibidores da pró-proteína convertase subtilisina/kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9) demonstraram ser eficazes na redução de eventos cardiovasculares em pacientes de alto risco. OBJETIVO: Analisar a custo-efetividade da implementação de evolocumabe para pacientes com alto risco de eventos cardiovasculares no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Um modelo de Markov foi utilizado, baseando-se em uma amostra ambulatorial de pacientes com doença arterial coronariana. Os desfechos primários analisados foram infarto agudo do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi), revascularização do miocárdio e morte cardiovascular. O resultado foi expresso por meio da razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI), considerando-se uma taxa de desconto de 5% ao ano, e uma análise de sensibilidade foi realizada, tendo em vista a imprecisão de valores. RESULTADOS: Selecionaram-se 61 pacientes com risco cardiovascular estimado em 35% em 10 anos, se em uso de atorvastatina 80mg/dia, e em 22,75%, se adicionado o evolocumabe. O custo global por paciente no período de 10 anos foi de R$ 46.522,44 no grupo em monoterapia com atorvastatina versus R$ 236.141,85 na terapia combinada, com uma efetividade global de 0,54 e 0,73, respectivamente. Isso resultou em uma RCEI R$ 1.011.188,07 (R$ 864.498,95 a R$ 1.296.748,43) por desfecho cardiovascular evitado. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de não existirem padrões nacionais para custo-efetividade, os dados encontrados sugerem que a estratégia de associação do evolocumabe à terapia com estatina não é, no momento, custo-efetiva.

Análise de Custo-Efetividade da Terapia com Evolocumabe em Pacientes com Alto Risco de Eventos Cardiovasculares no Contexto do SUS - Brasil / Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Evolocumab Therapy in Patients at High Risk of Cardiovascular Events in the Context of the Brazilian Unified Health System

Resumo Fundamento: Em associação às estatinas, os inibidores da pró-proteína convertase subtilisina/kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9) demonstraram ser eficazes na redução de eventos cardiovasculares em pacientes de alto risco. Objetivo: Analisar a custo-efetividade da implementação de evolocumabe para pacientes com alto risco de eventos cardiovasculares no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil. Métodos: Um modelo de Markov foi utilizado, baseando-se em uma amostra ambulatorial de pacientes com doença arterial coronariana. Os desfechos primários analisados foram infarto agudo do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi), revascularização do miocárdio e morte cardiovascular. O resultado foi expresso por meio da razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI), considerando-se uma taxa de desconto de 5% ao ano, e uma análise de sensibilidade foi realizada, tendo em vista a imprecisão de valores. Resultados: Selecionaram-se 61 pacientes com risco cardiovascular estimado em 35% em 10 anos, se em uso de atorvastatina 80mg/dia, e em 22,75%, se adicionado o evolocumabe. O custo global por paciente no período de 10 anos foi de R$ 46.522,44 no grupo em monoterapia com atorvastatina versus R$ 236.141,85 na terapia combinada, com uma efetividade global de 0,54 e 0,73, respectivamente. Isso resultou em uma RCEI R$ 1.011.188,07 (R$ 864.498,95 a R$ 1.296.748,43) por desfecho cardiovascular evitado. Conclusões: Apesar de não existirem padrões nacionais para custo-efetividade, os dados encontrados sugerem que a estratégia de associação do evolocumabe à terapia com estatina não é, no momento, custo-efetiva.

Abstract Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to systemic hypertension (HTN) may be associated with left atrial (LA) functional abnormalities. Objectives: We aimed to characterize LA mechanics in HCM and HTN and determine any correlation with the extent of left ventricular (LV) fibrosis measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM patients. Methods: Two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived longitudinal LA function was acquired from apical views in 60 HCM patients, 60 HTN patients, and 34 age-matched controls. HCM patients also underwent CMR, with measurement of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extension. Association with LA strain parameters was analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean LV ejection fraction was not different between the groups. The E/e' ratio was impaired in the HCM group and preserved in the control group. LA mechanics was significantly reduced in HCM, compared to the HTN group. LA strain rate in reservoir (LASRr) and in contractile (LASRct) phases were the best discriminators of HCM, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8, followed by LA strain in reservoir phase (LASr) (AUC 0.76). LASRr and LASR-ct had high specificity (89% and 91%, respectively) and LASr had sensitivity of 80%. A decrease in 2.79% of LA strain rate in conduit phase (LASRcd) predicted an increase of 1cm in LGE extension (r2=0.42, β 2.79, p=0.027). Conclusions: LASRr and LASRct were the best discriminators for LVH secondary to HCM. LASRcd predicted the degree of LV fibrosis assessed by CMR. These findings suggest that LA mechanics is a potential predictor of disease severity in HCM.

Chagas disease is associated with a poor outcome at 1-year follow-up after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a therapeutic modality for patients with heart failure (HF). The effectiveness of this treatment for event reduction is based on clinical trials where the population of patients with Chagas' disease (DC) is underrepresented. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis after CRT of a population in which CD is an endemic cause of HF. METHODS: A retrospective cohort conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 that included patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 35% and undergoing CRT. Clinical and demographic data were collected to search for predictors for the combined outcome of death or hospitalization for HF at one year after CRT implantation. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were evaluated, and 13 (24.1%) presented CD as the etiology of HF. The mean LVEF was 26.2± 6.1%, and 36 (66.7%) patients presented functional class III or IV HF. After the mean follow-up of 15 (±6,9) months, 17 (32.1%) patients presented the combined outcome. In the univariate analysis, CD was associated with the combined event when compared to other etiologies of HF, 8 (47%) vs. 9 (13,5%), RR: 3,91 CI: 1,46-10,45, p=0,007, as well as lower values of LVEF. In the multivariate analysis, CD and LVEF remained independent risk factors for the combined outcome. CONCLUSION: In a population of HF patients undergoing CRT, CD was independently associated with mortality and hospitalization for HF.

Chagas disease is associated with a poor outcome at 1-year follow-up after cardiac resynchronization therapy

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a therapeutic modality for patients with heart failure (HF). The effectiveness of this treatment for event reduction is based on clinical trials where the population of patients with Chagas' disease (DC) is underrepresented. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis after CRT of a population in which CD is an endemic cause of HF. METHODS: A retrospective cohort conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 that included patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 35% and undergoing CRT. Clinical and demographic data were collected to search for predictors for the combined outcome of death or hospitalization for HF at one year after CRT implantation. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were evaluated, and 13 (24.1%) presented CD as the etiology of HF. The mean LVEF was 26.2± 6.1%, and 36 (66.7%) patients presented functional class III or IV HF. After the mean follow-up of 15 (±6,9) months, 17 (32.1%) patients presented the combined outcome. In the univariate analysis, CD was associated with the combined event when compared to other etiologies of HF, 8 (47%) vs. 9 (13,5%), RR: 3,91 CI: 1,46-10,45, p=0,007, as well as lower values of LVEF. In the multivariate analysis, CD and LVEF remained independent risk factors for the combined outcome. CONCLUSION: In a population of HF patients undergoing CRT, CD was independently associated with mortality and hospitalization for HF.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC) é uma modalidade terapêutica para pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). A eficácia desse tratamento para redução de eventos baseia-se em ensaios clínicos em que a população de pacientes com doença de Chagas (DC) é sub-representada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o prognóstico após TRC em uma população em que a DC é uma causa frequente de IC. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva realizada entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2016, sendo incluídos pacientes portadores de IC com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (Feve) menor que 35% e submetidos à TRC. Os dados clínicos e demográficos foram coletados para pesquisa de preditores para o desfecho combinado de morte ou internação por IC após implante da TRC. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 54 pacientes, dos quais 13 (24,1%) apresentavam a DC como etiologia da IC. A Feve média foi de 26,2% (±6,1) e 36 (66,7%) pacientes apresentavam classe funcional de IC III ou IV. Após o seguimento médio de 15 meses, 17 (32,1%) pacientes apresentaram o desfecho combinado. Na análise univariada, a DC esteve associada ao evento combinado quando comparada a outras etiologias de IC, 8 (47%) vs 9 (13,5%), RR: 3,91 IC: 1,46-10,45, p=0,007, assim como valores mais baixos da Feve. Na análise multivariada, a DC e a Feve permaneceram como fatores de risco independentes para o desfecho combinado. CONCLUSÃO: Em uma população de pacientes com IC submetidos à TRC, a doença de Chagas esteve independentemente associada à mortalidade e internação por insuficiência cardíaca no seguimento de 15 meses.

Liberação de biomarcadores de necrose miocárdica após angioplastia coronária percutânea em ausência de infarto do miocárdio manifesto: estudo com ressonância nuclear magnética / Biomarker release after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients without definitive myocardial infarction assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancemen

Introdução: A liberação de biomarcadores de necrose miocárdica após a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) ocorre frequentemente. No entanto, a correlação entre a liberação dos biomarcadores e o diagnóstico do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) tipo 4a tem gerado controvérsia, especialmente com o aumento da sensibilidade nos ensaios de troponina (Tn). Neste estudo, objetivamos quantificar a liberação dos biomarcadores cardíacos em pacientes submetidos à ICP eletiva sem o surgimento de novo realce tardio pelo gadolínio (RTG) na ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) após o procedimento. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes consecutivos com doença arterial coronária estável e função ventricular preservada, com indicação eletiva para ICP em pelo menos duas artérias epicárdicas. RMC com RTG foi realizada em todos os pacientes antes e depois das intervenções. Medidas seriadas de Tn e creatinoquinase fração MB (CK-MB) foram realizadas imediatamente antes do procedimento até 48 horas após. Pacientes com novo RTG na RMC após o procedimento foram excluídos. Resultados: 71 pacientes foram referenciados para a realização eletiva da ICP sendo que 15 (21,1%) foram excluídos, 10 (14,1%) por causa do surgimento de um novo RTG na RMC após a ICP. Nos 56 pacientes sem a evidência de IAM tipo 4a pela RMC predominava o gênero masculino 37 (66,1%) com idade média de 61,7 (± 8,4) anos e escore de SYNTAX médio de 16,6 (± 7,7). Após a ICP, 48 (85,1%) pacientes apresentaram um pico de elevação de Tn acima do percentil 99 sendo que em 32 (57,1%) a elevação foi superior a 5 vezes esse limite, enquanto que apenas 2 (3,6%) apresentaram um pico de CK-MB maior do que 5 vezes o percentil 99. A mediana do pico de liberação da Tn foi de 0,290 (0,061 - 1,09) ng/mL, valor 7,25 vezes superior ao percentil 99. Conclusão: Diferentemente da CK-MB, a liberação da troponina I ocorre com frequência após procedimento de ICP mesmo na ausência de realce tardio pelo gadolínio na ressonância magnética cardíaca.

Background: The release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) frequently occurs. However, the correlation between biomarker release and the diagnosis of procedurerelated myocardial infarction (MI) (type 4a) has been controversial. This study aims to evaluate the amount and pattern of cardiac biomarker release after elective PCI in patients without the image of a new MI after the procedure assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Methods: Patients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers referred for elective PCI were prospectively included. CMR with LGE was performed in all of the patients before and after the interventions. Measurements of troponin I (TnI) and creatinekinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were systematically performed before and after the procedure. Patients with a new LGE on the post-procedure CMR were excluded. Results: Of the 56 patients without the evidence of a procedure-related MI assessed by the CMR after PCI, 48 (85.1%) exhibited a TnI elevation peak above the 99th percentile. In 32 (57.1%), the peak was greater than 5 times this limit. On the other hand, 17 (30.4%) had a CK-MB peak above the limit of the 99th percentile, and this peak was greater than 5 times the 99th percentile in only 2 patients (3.6%). The median peak release of TnI was 0.290 (0.061 to 1.09) ng/ml, which is 7.25-fold higher than the 99th percentile. Conclusions: In contrast to CK-MB, TnI release often occurs after an elective PCI procedure, despite the absence of a new LGE on CMR.

Utilidade clínica da angiografia coronária e da ressonância nuclear magnética no diagnóstico da cardiomiopatia isquêmica / Clinical use of coronary angiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy

INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico da cardiomiopatia isquêmica é frequentemente difícil. A angiografia coronária (AC) é limitada, por ser invasiva e de avaliação exclusivamente anatômica. A ressonância nuclear magnética cardíaca (RNM) com realce tardio pelo gadolínio (RTG) pode mensurar padrões de fibrose miocárdica ocasionados pela isquemia. Porém, o RTG pode não detectar isquemia que não resultou em fibrose. Assim, uma avaliação clínica meticulosa pelo cardiologista parece ser a maneira mais eficaz para definir o diagnóstico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a AC e o RTG como métodos complementares para o diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia isquêmica em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica sem etiologia definida. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo < 45% e etiologia indefinida após avaliação não invasiva inicial foram submetidos à AC e à RNM com RTG para definição etiológica. A análise dos casos por dois cardiologistas foi o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia isquêmica. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 24 pacientes. A sensibilidade para detecção de cardiomiopatia isquêmica foi de 0,45 para AC vs. 0,81 do RTG. A especificidade da AC foi de 1,0 vs. 0,84 do RTG. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 1,0 vs. 0,81, e o valor preditivo negativo foi 0,68 vs. 0,84 para AC e do RTG, respectivamente. A acurácia do RTG foi superior a da AC (0,83 vs. 0,75). CONCLUSÕES: O RTG foi mais sensível do que a AC na avaliação etiológica da disfunção ventricular, enquanto a AC foi mais específica. A definição de cardiomiopatia isquêmica utilizando cada um dos métodos em separado apresentou limitações.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy is frequently difficult. Coronary angiography (CA) is limited because it is invasive and the evaluation is exclusively anatomic. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) measures patterns of myocardial fibrosis caused by ischemia. However, LGE does not detect ischemia that does not result in fibrosis. Thus, a thorough clinical evaluation by a cardiologist seems to be the most effective option for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate CA and LGE as complementary methods for the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy in patients with systolic heart failure of unknown etiology. METHODS: Patients with systolic heart failure, left ventricle ejection fraction < 45% and unknown etiology after initial non-invasive evaluation were submitted to CA and MRI with LGE to define the etiology of the disease. Patient evaluation by two cardiologists was the gold standard for the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included. The sensitivity to detect ischemic cardiomyopathy was 0.45 for CA vs. 0.81 for LGE. The specificity was 1.0 for CA vs. 0.84 for LGE. The positive predictive value was 1.0 vs. 0.81 and the negative predictive value was 0.68 vs. 0.84 for CA and LGE, respectively. LGE accuracy was superior to CA accuracy (0.83 vs. 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: LGE was more sensitive than CA to evaluate the etiology of ventricular dysfunction, whereas CA was more specific. The diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy using each one of the methods separately presented limitations.

Utilidade clínica da angiografia coronariana em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda / Clinical usefulness of coronary angiography in patients with left ventricular dysfunction

FUNDAMENTO: A realização da angiografia coronariana na insuficiência cardíaca sem etiologia definida é frequentemente justificada para avaliação diagnóstica de cardiopatia isquêmica. Porém, o benefício clínico dessa estratégia não é conhecido. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de cardiopatia isquêmica mediante critérios angiográficos em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida sem etiologia, assim como o seu impacto na decisão terapêutica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados pacientes ambulatoriais consecutivos com insuficiência cardíaca e disfunção sistólica, que tiveram a angiografia coronariana indicada para esclarecimento etiológico da cardiopatia, no período de 1º de janeiro de 2009 a 31 de dezembro de 2010. Os pacientes com diagnóstico de doença arterial coronariana, sorologia positiva para doença de Chagas, cardiopatia congênita, valvopatia grave ou pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco foram excluídos da análise. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos conforme a indicação do cateterismo. Grupo-1: Sintomáticos em razão de angina ou insuficiência cardíaca refratária. Grupo-2: Presença de > 2 fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana RESULTADOS: Cento e sete pacientes foram incluídos para análise, sendo 51 (47,7%) pacientes pertencentes ao Grupo-1 e 56 (52,3%), ao Grupo-2. A prevalência de cardiopatia isquêmica foi de 9,3% (10 pacientes), e todos pertenciam ao Grupo-1 (p = 0,0001). Durante o seguimento, apenas 4 (3,7%) tiveram indicação de revascularização miocárdica; 3 (2,8%) pacientes apresentaram complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: Em nosso trabalho, a realização da angiografia coronariana em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e disfunção sistólica sem etiologia, apesar de embasada pelas atuais diretrizes, não evidenciou benefício quando indicada apenas pela presença de fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana.

BACKGROUND: Performing a coronary angiography in patients with heart failure of unknown etiology is often justified by the diagnostic assessment of ischemic heart disease. However, the clinical benefit of this strategy is not known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of ischemic heart disease by angiographic criteria in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction of unknown etiology, as well as its impact on therapy decisions. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction, who had an indication for coronary angiography to clarify the etiology of heart disease were assessed from 1 January 2009 to December 31, 2010. Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease, positive serology for Chagas disease, congenital heart disease, valve disease or patients undergoing cardiac transplantation were excluded from the analysis. The sample was divided into two groups according to the indication for catheterization. Group-1: Symptomatic due to angina or heart failure. Group-2: Presence of > 2 risk factors for coronary artery disease RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients were included in the analysis, with 51 (47.7%) patients in Group 1 and 56 (52.3%) in Group 2. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease was 9.3% (10 patients), and all belonged to Group 1 (p = 0.0001). During follow-up, only 4 (3.7%) were referred for CABG; 3 (2.8%) patients had procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: In our study, coronary angiography in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction of unknown etiology, although supported by current guidelines, did not show benefits when performed only due to the presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Clinical usefulness of coronary angiography in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Performing a coronary angiography in patients with heart failure of unknown etiology is often justified by the diagnostic assessment of ischemic heart disease. However, the clinical benefit of this strategy is not known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of ischemic heart disease by angiographic criteria in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction of unknown etiology, as well as its impact on therapy decisions. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction, who had an indication for coronary angiography to clarify the etiology of heart disease were assessed from 1 January 2009 to December 31, 2010. Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease, positive serology for Chagas disease, congenital heart disease, valve disease or patients undergoing cardiac transplantation were excluded from the analysis. The sample was divided into two groups according to the indication for catheterization. Group-1: Symptomatic due to angina or heart failure. Group-2: Presence of > 2 risk factors for coronary artery disease RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients were included in the analysis, with 51 (47.7%) patients in Group 1 and 56 (52.3%) in Group 2. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease was 9.3% (10 patients), and all belonged to Group 1 (p = 0.0001). During follow-up, only 4 (3.7%) were referred for CABG; 3 (2.8%) patients had procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: In our study, coronary angiography in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction of unknown etiology, although supported by current guidelines, did not show benefits when performed only due to the presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Condutas de limitação terapêutica em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva / Therapeutic limitation conducts in intensive care unit patients

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Atualmente, há uma tendência crescente de se buscar o "morrer com dignidade", mais do que prolongar inutilmente o sofrimento de pacientes terminais em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a utilização de condutas que sugerem limitação terapêutica (LT) em pacientes que foram a óbito em UTI Adulto. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, retrospectivo, que avaliou prontuários médicos de pacientes que foram a óbito na UTI geral de um hospital privado de Salvador-BA, entre janeiro e agosto de 2003, com internação superior a 24 horas na unidade. Os pacientes foram classificados, em relação ao óbito, em "não resposta a medidas de reanimação", "morte encefálica", "decisão de não reanimar" (DNR), "não adoção ou retirada de medidas de suporte de vida", sendo estas duas últimas consideradas medidas sugestivas de limitação terapêutica. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos dados referentes a 67 pacientes, correspondendo a 90,4 por cento dos pacientes falecidos na unidade durante o período. Destes, 56,7 por cento eram mulheres e a idade média dos pacientes foi de 66,58 ± 17,86 anos. Medidas sugestivas de LT foram encontradas em 59,7 por cento dos pacientes, sendo a mais importante "não adoção de medidas de suporte" (35,8 por cento), seguida de DNR (17,9 por cento) e "retirada de medidas de suporte" (6 por cento). A utilização de fármacos vasoativos e métodos dialíticos foram as medidas de suporte mais omitidas, enquanto antibioticoterapia foi a mais retirada. A utilização de medidas de LT foi mais freqüente nos pacientes clínicos. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados do presente estudo sugerem altas freqüências de condutas médicas sugestivas de LT em UTI geral no Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos terapêuticos que possam causar desconforto ou sofrimento aos pacientes terminais, como nutrição, sedação e analgesia, raramente foram omitidos ou retirados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a growing tendency of looking for "dying with dignity", rather than to prolong death and suffering of terminal patients on intensive care units (ICU). This study aims to evaluate medical practices that suggest therapeutic limitation (TL) in patients who died in an adult ICU. METHODS: A retrospective exploratory study was carried out to evaluate medical records of patients who died in a general adult ICU of a private hospital in Salvador-BA, between January and August of 2003, after at least 24 hours from the admission. The patients were classified, in relation to their deaths, in: "not responding to cardiopulmonary resuscitation", "brain death", "decision not to resuscitate" (DNR) and "withhold or withdrawal life-support measures". RESULTS: Sixty seven patients were included, corresponding to 90.4 percent of the deaths occurred in this ICU during the referred period. The most of them (56.7 percent) were women and the patientsÆ mean age was 66.58 ± 17.86 years. Suggestive measures of TL were found in 59.7 percent of the patients, being "withhold of life-support measures" the most important (35.8 percent), followed by DNR (17.9 percent) and "withdrawal of life-support measures" (6 percent). The procedures most commonly omitted were use of vasoactive drugs and dialysis, while antibiotics were the most discontinued. The use of TL measures was more frequent in clinical patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest high frequencies of medical conducts suggestive of TL in a general ICU in Northeast of Brazil. Therapeutic methods that could cause discomfort or suffering to the patients, as nutrition, sedation and analgesia, were rarely omitted or discontinued.

Análise de estressores para o paciente em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva / Analysis of stressors for the patient in Intensive Care Unit

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O ambiente hospitalar, especialmente o de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), devido à complexidade do atendimento prestado, bem como a estrutura física, o barulho, os equipamentos e a movimentação das pessoas, é tido como gerador de estresse para os pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e estratificar os estressores para pacientes internados em UTI, na perspectiva do próprio paciente, familiares e profissionais de saúde. MÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal realizado entre junho e novembro de 2004, na UTI geral de hospital privado. A amostra foi composta por três grupos: pacientes (G1), familiares (G2) e um membro da equipe da UTI responsável pelo atendimento do paciente incluído (G3). Para identificação e estratificação dos fatores estressantes, utilizou-se a Escala de Estressores em UTI (Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale - ICUESS). Para cada paciente e participante, foi calculado um escore total de estresse (ETE) pela soma de todas as respostas da escala. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 30 pacientes e participantes em cada grupo. A média de idade foi de: 57,30 ± 17,61 anos para o G1; 41,43 ± 12,19 anos para o G2; e 40,82 ± 20,20 anos para o G3. A média do ETS foi: 62,63 ± 14,01 para os pacientes; 91,10 ± 30,91 para os familiares; e 99,30 ± 21,60 para os profissionais. A média do ETS dos pacientes foi estatisticamente inferior à encontrada nos familiares e nos profissionais de saúde (p < 0,01). Os principais estressores para os pacientes foram: ver a família e amigos por apenas alguns minutos do dia; tubos no nariz e/ou boca; e não ter controle de si mesmo. CONCLUSÕES: A percepção sobre os principais estressores foi diferente entre os três grupos. A identificação destes fatores é importante para a implementação de medidas que possam facilitar a humanização do ambiente da UTI.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hospital environment, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICU), due to the complexity of the assistance, as well as the physical structure, the noise, the equipments and people's movement, is considered as stress generator for the patients. The aim of this study was to identify and stratify the stressful factors for patients at an ICU, in the perspective of the own patient, relatives and health care professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2004 in a general ICU of a private hospital. The sample was composed of three groups: patients (G1), relatives (G2) and a member of the ICU health care team responsible for the included patient (G3). In order to identify and stratify the stressful factors, we used the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale (ICUESS). For each individual, a total stress score (TSS) was calculated from the sum of all the answers of the scale. RESULTS: Thirty individuals were included in each group. The mean age of the three groups was: 57.30 ± 17.61 years for G1; 41.43 ± 12.19 for G2; and 40.82 ± 20.20 for G3. The mean TSS was 62.63 ± 14.01 for the patients; 91.10 ± 30.91 for the relatives; and 99.30 ± 21.60 for the health care professionals. The patients' mean TSS was statistically lower than mean TSS of relatives and professionals (p < 0.01). The most stressful factors for the patients were: seeing family and friends only a few minutes a day; having tubes in their nose and/or mouth; and having no control on oneself. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of the main stressful factors was different among the three groups. The identification of these factors is important to the implementation of changes that can make the humanization of the ICU environment easier.

[Analysis of stressors for the patient in Intensive Care Unit]. / Análise de estressores para o paciente em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hospital environment, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICU), due to the complexity of the assistance, as well as the physical structure, the noise, the equipments and people's movement, is considered as stress generator for the patients. The aim of this study was to identify and stratify the stressful factors for patients at an ICU, in the perspective of the own patient, relatives and health care professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2004 in a general ICU of a private hospital. The sample was composed of three groups: patients (G1), relatives (G2) and a member of the ICU health care team responsible for the included patient (G3). In order to identify and stratify the stressful factors, we used the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale (ICUESS). For each individual, a total stress score (TSS) was calculated from the sum of all the answers of the scale. RESULTS: Thirty individuals were included in each group. The mean age of the three groups was: 57.30 ± 17.61 years for G1; 41.43 ± 12.19 for G2; and 40.82 ± 20.20 for G3. The mean TSS was 62.63 ± 14.01 for the patients; 91.10 ± 30.91 for the relatives; and 99.30 ± 21.60 for the health care professionals. The patients' mean TSS was statistically lower than mean TSS of relatives and professionals (p < 0.01). The most stressful factors for the patients were: seeing family and friends only a few minutes a day; having tubes in their nose and/or mouth; and having no control on oneself. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of the main stressful factors was different among the three groups. The identification of these factors is important to the implementation of changes that can make the humanization of the ICU environment easier.

[Therapeutic limitation conducts in intensive care unit patients]. / Condutas de limitação terapêutica em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a growing tendency of looking for "dying with dignity", rather than to prolong death and suffering of terminal patients on intensive care units (ICU). This study aims to evaluate medical practices that suggest therapeutic limitation (TL) in patients who died in an adult ICU. METHODS: A retrospective exploratory study was carried out to evaluate medical records of patients who died in a general adult ICU of a private hospital in Salvador-BA, between January and August of 2003, after at least 24 hours from the admission. The patients were classified, in relation to their deaths, in: "not responding to cardiopulmonary resuscitation", "brain death", "decision not to resuscitate" (DNR) and "withhold or withdrawal life-support measures". RESULTS: Sixty seven patients were included, corresponding to 90.4% of the deaths occurred in this ICU during the referred period. The most of them (56.7%) were women and the patients’ mean age was 66.58 ± 17.86 years. Suggestive measures of TL were found in 59.7% of the patients, being "withhold of life-support measures" the most important (35.8%), followed by DNR (17.9%) and "withdrawal of life-support measures" (6%). The procedures most commonly omitted were use of vasoactive drugs and dialysis, while antibiotics were the most discontinued. The use of TL measures was more frequent in clinical patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest high frequencies of medical conducts suggestive of TL in a general ICU in Northeast of Brazil. Therapeutic methods that could cause discomfort or suffering to the patients, as nutrition, sedation and analgesia, were rarely omitted or discontinued.

Cardiomiopatia restritiva por cisticercose miocárdica / Restrictive cardiomyopathy due to myocardial cysticercosis

Não há descrição na literatura de comprometimento da função cardíaca associado à cisticercose. Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher de 46 anos, portadora de cisticercose e insuficiência cardíaca, cujo ecocardiograma é compatível com cardiomiopatia restritiva e o aspecto miocárdico é de microcalcificações, sugerindo infiltração cardíaca pela doença.