Comparative study on alginate/chitosan microcapsules and Montanide ISA 61 as vaccine adjuvants in mice.

Selection of adjuvant to be combined with the antigen is an extremely important point for formulating effective vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate reactogenicity, levels of IgM, IgG and subclasses (IgG1, IgG2b and IgG3), and protection elicited by vaccine formulations with association of chitosan coated alginate or Montanide ISA 61 with γ-irradiated Brucella ovis. The alginate/chitosan biopolymers as well as the Montanide ISA 61 emulsion elicited intense and long-lasting local response, especially when associated with the antigen. However, Montanide ISA 61 induced less intense reactogenicity when compared to alginate/chitosan. Furthermore, γ-irradiated B. ovis with Montanide ISA 61 induced higher levels of IgG2b an important marker of cellular immune response. In conclusion, Montanide ISA 61 resulted in milder reactogenicity when compared to the alginate/chitosan, while it induced a high IgG2b/IgG1 ratio compatible with a Th1 profile response.

Multifaceted Strategy Based on Automated Text Messaging After a Recent Heart Failure Admission: The MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. Results: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). Conclusions and Relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04062461.

Multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging after a recent heart failure admission: the MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. RESULTS: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS and relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome.

In-Hospital Management and Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Adherence in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Primary Results of the First Brazilian Registry of Heart Failure (BREATHE).

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF), a common cause of hospitalization, is associated with poor short-term clinical outcomes. Little is known about the long-term prognoses of patients with HF in Latin America. METHODS: BREATHE was the first nationwide prospective observational study in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure (HF). Patients were included during 2 time periods: February 2011-December 2012 and June 2016-July 2018 SUGGESTION FOR REPHRASING: In-hospital management, 12-month clinical outcomes and adherence to evidence-based therapies were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3013 patients were enrolled at 71 centers in Brazil. At hospital admission, 83.8% had clear signs of pulmonary congestion. The main cause of decompensation was poor adherence to HF medications (27.8%). Among patients with reduced ejection fraction, concomitant use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors and spironolactone decreased from 44.5% at hospital discharge to 35.2% at 3 months. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 12 months was 27.7%, with 24.3% readmission at 90 days and 44.4% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national prospective registry of patients hospitalized with acute HF, rates of mortality and readmission were higher than those reported globally. Poor adherence to evidence-based therapies was common at hospital discharge and at 12 months of follow-up.

In-Hospital Management and Long-term clinical outcomes and adherence in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: primary results of the first brazilian registry of heart failure (BREATHE)

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF), a common cause of hospitalization, is associated with poor short-term clinical outcomes. Little is known about the long-term prognosis of patients with HF in Latin America. METHODS: BREATHE was the first nationwide prospective observational study in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute HF. Patients were included during 2 time periods: February 2011-December 2012 and June 2016-July 2018. In-hospital management and 12-month clinical outcomes were assessed, and adherence to evidence-based therapies was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3013 patients were enrolled at 71 centers in Brazil. At hospital admission, 83.8% had clear signs of pulmonary congestion. The main cause of decompensation was poor adherence to HF medications (27.8%). Among patients with reduced ejection fraction, concomitant use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, and spironolactone numerical decreased from 44.5% at hospital discharge to 35.2% at 3 months. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 12 months was 27.7%, with 24.3% readmission at 90 days and 44.4% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national prospective registry of patients hospitalized with acute HF, rates of mortality and readmission were higher than those reported globally. Poor adherence to evidence-based therapies was common at hospital discharge and 12 months of follow-up.

The usefulness of the exercise stress test to predict outcome in patients with chronic Chagas disease: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification is paramount for treatment of patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD). The exercise stress test (EST) may be useful in the risk stratification of patients with this condition, but few studies have been performed in patients with CCD. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, retrospective cohort study. A total of 339 patients followed at our institution from January 2000 to December 2010 were screened. A total of 76 (22%) patients underwent the EST. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Sixty-five (85%) patients were alive and 11 (14%) patients died by the study's close. In the univariate analysis, decreased systolic blood pressure (BP) at the peak of exercise and the double product were associated with all-cause mortality. However, in the multivariate analysis, only systolic BP at the peak of exercise was independently associated with all-cause mortality [hazard ratio 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.99), p=0.02]. CONCLUSION: Systolic BP at the peak of EST is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with CCD.

Noninvasive prediction of late potentials in the signal-averaged ECG in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the importance of ventricular arrhythmias in the prediction of sudden cardiac death in chronic Chagas heart disease, the aim of the present study was to associate late potentials observed in the signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) with either non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in the 24-hour Holter monitoring or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in the 2-dimension echocardiogram. METHODS: This was a retrospective transversal study. The medical charts of 49 patients with chronic Chagas heart disease that underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring at our institution from September 2012 to December 2015 were reviewed. In the univariate analysis, variables associated with SAECG at a p value <0.05 were entered a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis through the model forward. A p value <0.05 was considered to have statistical significance. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, right bundle branch block, left atrial diameter, left ventricular systolic diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction were associated with late potential in the SAECG. In the multivariate analysis, however, right bundle branch block and left atrial diameter were retained as independent predictors of late potentials in the SAECG. CONCLUSIONS: Neither ventricular arrhythmias in the 24-Holter monitoring nor reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in the 2-D echocardiogram were associated with late potentials in the SAECG of patients with chronic Chagas heart disease.

Influence of Body Dissatisfaction on the Self-Esteem of Brazilian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the influence of body dissatisfaction (BD) on the self-esteem of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1011 students at public and private schools in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The body shape questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were applied. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation, the odds ratio and binary logistic regression were used. RESULTS: The rate of low self-esteem was 33.8% in the adolescents; 27.8% of the adolescents presented some degree of BD, with severe BD in 5.8%. A significant low negative correlation was found between self-esteem and BD in all the adolescents. In the Odds Ratio analysis, it was observed that the odds of having low self-esteem increased in adolescents with BD as compared to adolescents without BD, being 3.85 times higher in females (CI 95%, 2.12-6.99), 2.83 times higher in males (CI 95%, 1.22-6.58), 5.79 times higher in adolescents attending public schools (CI 95% 2.06-16.26), and 2.96 times higher in adolescents attending private schools (CI 95%, 1.79-4.88). CONCLUSIONS: Low self-esteem affected one-third of the adolescents, both male and female. BD and education in public schools are predictor variables of low self-esteem in adolescents.

Combination of amlodipine and enalapril in hypertensive patients with coronary disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients (pts) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can benefit from a decrease in the blood pressure (BP), according to recent studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination: amlodipine + enalapril, when compared to amlodipine in the normalization of the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) (<85 mmHg), in pts with CAD and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). METHODS: Double-blind and randomized study, with two groups of pts with DAP > or =90 and <110 mmHg and CAD. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, symptoms of heart failure or angina class III and IV, severe diseases and DAP > or =110 mmHg during the four-week wash-out with atenolol treatment alone, were excluded. After the wash-out, pts were randomly distributed for the use of the combination (A) or amlodipine (B) and were followed every four weeks up to 98 days. The initial doses (in mg) were, respectively: A- 2.5/10 and B- 2.5; the doses were increased when DAP > 85mmHg, at the visits. Statistical analysis was carried out with chi2, Fischer and analysis of variance, for p< 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 110 selected pts, 72 (A= 32, B= 40) were randomized. The decreases in DAP and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were significant (p< 0.01), but with no difference between the groups in mmHg: SAP, A (127.7 +/- 13.4) and B (125.3 +/- 12.6) (p= 0.45) and DAP, A (74.5 +/- 6.7 mmHg) and B (75.5 +/- 6.7 mmHg) (p= 0.32). Group A presented a lower incidence of lower-limb edema: (7.1% vs 30.6%, p=0.02) on the 98th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The fixed combination of enalapril and amlodipine, as well as isolated amlodipine, was effective in the normalization of BP in pts with CAD and SAH stages I and II, adding blockage of the renin-angiotensin system.

Combinação de anlodipino e enalaprila em pacientes hipertensos com doença coronariana / Combination of amlodipine and enalapril in hypertensive patients with coronary disease / Combinación de amlodipino y enalapril en pacientes hipertensos con enfermedad coronaria

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts) com doença coronariana (DAC) estável podem se beneficiar de menor pressão arterial (PA), conforme estudos recentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade da combinação fixa anlodipino + enalaprila, comparada a anlodipino na normalização da PA diastólica (PAD) (< 85 mmHg), em pts com DAC e HAS. MÉTODOS: Estudo duplo-cego, randomizado, com dois grupos de pts com PAD > 90 e <110 mmHg e DAC. Excluímos os com FEVE < 40%; sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca ou angina classe III e IV; doenças graves e PAD > 110 mmHg durante o wash-out de quatro semanas, em uso só de atenolol. Após wash-out randomizamos para combinação (A) ou anlodipino (B) e seguimos de quatro em quatro semanas até 98 dias. As doses (mg) iniciais foram, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 e B- 2,5, sendo incrementadas se PAD> 85mmHg, nas visitas. Estatística com χ2, Fischer e análise de variância, para p< 0,05. RESULTADOS:de 110 pts selecionados, randomizamos 72 (A= 32, B= 40). As reduções da PAD e da PA sistólica (PAS) foram intensas (p< 0,01), mas sem diferenças entre os grupos em mmHg: PAS, A (127,7 ± 13,4) e B (125,3 ± 12,6) (p= 0,45) e PAD, A (74,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) e B (75,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) (p= 0,32). Houve menos edema de membros inferiores no A (7,1% vs 30,6%, p=0,02) no 98º dia. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação fixa de enalaprila com anlodipino, tal qual anlodipino isolado, em pts com DAC e HAS estágios I e II foi eficaz na normalização da pressão, adicionando bloqueio ao sistema renina-angiotensina.

BACKGROUND: Patients (pts) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can benefit from a decrease in the blood pressure (BP), according to recent studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination: amlodipine + enalapril, when compared to amlodipine in the normalization of the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) (<85 mmHg), in pts with CAD and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). METHODS: Double-blind and randomized study, with two groups of pts with DAP >90 and <110 mmHg and CAD. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, symptoms of heart failure or angina class III and IV, severe diseases and DAP >110 mmHg during the four-week wash-out with atenolol treatment alone, were excluded. After the wash-out, pts were randomly distributed for the use of the combination (A) or amlodipine (B) and were followed every four weeks up to 98 days. The initial doses (in mg) were, respectively: A- 2.5/10 and B- 2.5; the doses were increased when DAP > 85mmHg, at the visits. Statistical analysis was carried out with χ2, Fischer and analysis of variance, for p< 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 110 selected pts, 72 (A= 32, B= 40) were randomized. The decreases in DAP and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were significant (p< 0.01), but with no difference between the groups in mmHg: SAP, A (127.7 ± 13.4) and B (125.3 ± 12.6) (p= 0.45) and DAP, A (74.5 ± 6.7 mmHg) and B (75.5 ± 6.7 mmHg) (p= 0.32). Group A presented a lower incidence of lower-limb edema: (7.1% vs 30.6%, p=0.02) on the 98th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The fixed combination of enalapril and amlodipine, as well as isolated amlodipine, was effective in the normalization of BP in pts with CAD and SAH stages I and II, adding blockage of the renin-angiotensin system.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts) con enfermedad coronaria (EAC) estable pueden beneficiarse con una menor presión arterial (PA), de acuerdo con estudios recientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la tolerancia de la combinación fija amlodipino + enalapril, comparada a el amlodipino en la normalización de la PA diastólica (PAD) (< 85 mmHg), en pts con EAC y HAS. MÉTODOS: Estudio doble ciego, randomizado, con dos grupos de pts con PAD >90 y <110 mmHg y EAC. Excluimos a los pts con FEVI < 40%; síntomas de insuficiencia cardiaca o angina clase III y IV; enfermedades graves y PAD >110 mmHg durante el wash-out de cuatro semanas, en uso sólo de atenolol. Después del wash-out randomizamos para combinación (A) o amlopidino (B) y seguimos de cuatro en cuatro semanas hasta 98 días. Las dosis (mg) iniciales fueron, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 y B- 2,5, siendo incrementadas si PAD> 85mmHg, en las visitas. Estadística con χ2, Fischer y análisis de varianza, para p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: De un total de 110 pts seleccionados, randomizamos a 72 (A= 32, B= 40). Las reducción de la PAD y de la PA sistólica (PAS) fueron intensas (p< 0,01), pero sin diferencias entre los grupos en mmHg: PAS, A (127,7 ± 13,4) y B (125,3 ± 12,6) (p= 0,45) y PAD, A (74,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) y B (75,5 ± 6,7 mmHg) (p= 0,32). Se registró menos edema de miembros inferiores en el A (7,1 por ciento vs 30,6%, p=0,02) en el 98º día. CONCLUSIÓN: La combinación fija de enalapril con amlodipino, tal como el amlodipino aislado, en pts con EAC y HAS estadios I y II fue eficaz en la normalización de la presión, agregando un bloqueo al sistema renina-angiotensina.

Serum ferritin and obstructive coronary artery disease: angiographic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the possible association between the levels of serum ferritin and the degree of obstructive coronary artery disease. METHODS: 115 patients with coronary arteriography and concomitant evaluation of serum ferritin were studied. The adopted cut-off values were 80 ng/ml for women and 120 ng/ml for men. RESULTS: The mean ferritin levels for males and females were 133.9 +/- 133.8 ng/ml and 214.6 +/- 217.2 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.047). It was observed that 44.1% of the women had normal serum ferritin levels in comparison to 30.9% of the men (p=0.254). In the patients without obstructive coronary artery disease or with less severe obstructions (group A) the serum ferritin level was 222.3 +/- 325 ng/ml. On the other hand, for those with moderate (group B) and severe obstructions (group C) the levels were 145.6+-83.7 ng/ml and 188.9 +/- 150.6 ng/ml, respectively. There was no correlation between the degree of coronary artery disease and the mean level of serum ferritin. Regarding the cut-off value, the number of women with serum ferritin level > 80 ng/ml in groups B+C or only C was significantly higher than the number of women in group A (ODDS RATIO 9.71 with 95%CI from 1.63 to 57.72). For males there was no significant difference between the number of cases above or below the cut-off values (ODDS RATIO 0.92 with 95%CI from 0.28 to 2.95). CONCLUSION: It was verified that women with serum ferritin levels > 80 ng/mL presented more severe obstructive coronary artery disease than women with lower levels. In men, the serum ferritin level was not a predictor element of the degree of obstruction.

Ferritina sérica e coronariopatia obstrutiva: correlação angiográfica / Serum ferritin and obstructive coronary artery disease: angiographic correlation

OBJETIVO: Verificar a possível associação entre os valores séricos de ferritina e o grau de coronariopatia obstrutiva. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 115 pacientes com cinecoronariografia e concomitante dosagem sérica de ferritina. Os valores de corte adotados foram 80 ng/ml para mulheres, e 120 ng/ml para homens. RESULTADOS: As ferritinemias médias nos sexos masculino e feminino foram, respectivamente, 133,9±133,8 ng/ml 214,6±217,2 ng/ml (p=0,047). Observou-se que 44,1 por cento das mulheres se apresentavam com ferritinemia normal, contra 30,9 por cento dos homens (p=0,254). Nos pacientes sem coronariopatia obstrutivas ou com obstruções discretas (grupo A), a ferritinemia foi de 222,3±325 ng/ml. Já para as obstruções moderadas (grupo B) e graves (grupo C), os níveis foram, respectivamente, 145,6±83,7 ng/ml e 188,9±150,6 ng/ml. Não houve correlação entre o grau de coronariopatia e o nível de ferritina sérica quanto à ferritinemia média. Em relação ao valor de corte, a quantidade de mulheres com ferritina acima de 80 ng/ml que se encontravam nos grupos B+C ou somente C foi significativamente maior que a quantidade de mulheres no grupo A (Odds Ratio 9,71 com IC95 por cento de 1,63 a 57,72). Já no sexo masculino, constataram-se graus similares de coronariopatia tanto acima como abaixo de valor de corte (Odds Ratio 0,92 com IC95 por cento de 0,28 a 2,95). CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que mulheres com níveis de ferritinemia acima de 80 ng/ml apresentaram significativamente mais coronariopatia obstrutiva de grau importante que mulheres com taxas abaixo daquele valor. Em homens, a ferritinemia não foi elemento preditor do grau de obstrução.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the possible association between the levels of serum ferritin and the degree of obstructive coronary artery disease. METHODS: 115 patients with coronary arteriography and concomitant evaluation of serum ferritin were studied. The adopted cut-off values were 80 ng/ml for women and 120 ng/ml for men. RESULTS: The mean ferritin levels for males and females were 133.9±133.8 ng/ml and 214.6±217.2 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.047). It was observed that 44.1 percent of the women had normal serum ferritin levels in comparison to 30.9 percent of the men (p=0.254). In the patients without obstructive coronary artery disease or with less severe obstructions (group A) the serum ferritin level was 222.3±325 ng/ml. On the other hand, for those with moderate (group B) and severe obstructions (group C) the levels were 145.6+-83.7 ng/ml and 188.9±150.6 ng/ml, respectively. There was no correlation between the degree of coronary artery disease and the mean level of serum ferritin. Regarding the cut-off value, the number of women with serum ferritin level > 80 ng/ml in groups B+C or only C was significantly higher than the number of women in group A (ODDS RATIO 9.71 with 95 percentCI from 1.63 to 57.72). For males there was no significant difference between the number of cases above or below the cut-off values (ODDS RATIO 0.92 with 95 percentCI from 0.28 to 2.95). CONCLUSION: It was verified that women with serum ferritin levels > 80 ng/mL presented more severe obstructive coronary artery disease than women with lower levels. In men, the serum ferritin level was not a predictor element of the degree of obstruction.

The role of gender in the long-term prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction submitted to fibrinolytic treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of gender in short- and long-term survival after a thrombolytic-treated myocardial infarction. METHODS: A total of 686 consecutive patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction, admitted to a single center and treated with intravenous streptokinase, were studied prospectively and consecutively. Assessment of clinical and in-hospital variables permitted comparison of baseline characteristics and both in-hospital and long-term survival between men and women. RESULTS: A significantly (odds ratio=0.48, P=0.009) lower 14-day mortality rate for males (8.5%) relative to females (16%) was noted. However, this difference became non-significant after adjustment for age (odds-ratio male/female=0.62, P=0.097) or age and other variables (odds ratio=0.71, P=0.17). At the end of the follow-up (up to 12 years), survival rates for the whole population were 59.6% and 54.4% for men and women, respectively (chi-square=1.4, P=0.24); excluding in-hospital deaths, the rates were 65.1% and 64.8%, respectively (chi-square=0.21, P=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: In the short-term follow-up, women have a significantly higher mortality relative to men in an unadjusted analysis. This difference became non-significant after adjusting for age, or age and other variables. In the long-term follow-up, sex was not correlated with prognosis.

Angina estável: apresentação e classificação / Stable angina: clinical manifestation

A doença aterosclerótica coronária é a principal causa de mortalidade na maioria dos países industrializados. Estima-se que 12.900.000 indivíduos nos Estados Unidos apresentem doença obstrutiva coronária, dos quais 6.600.000 têm angina e 7.200.000 têm infarto do miocárdio. No Brasil, no ano de 2000, 27,5% dos óbitos foram decorrentes de doença cardiovascular, com 30% desses óbitos sendo atribuídos à doença isquêmica do coração. Em decorrência da gravidade do problema e do aumento da prevalência da doença, como resultado do aumento da expectativa de vida da população, o reconhecimento, a estratificação de risco e o tratamento corretos são de extrema importância para a melhoria das condições dessa situação que hoje se tornou um problema de saúde pública. Em face das múltiplas formas de apresentação e dos graus de gravidade da doença, a cuidadosa coleta da história clínica com correta caracterização da dor e estimativa dos fatores de risco para doença aterosclerótica coronária são fundamentais para o diagnóstico correto. Além disso, a correlação desses dados com idade e sexo nos permite a correta classificação e a correta estratificação do risco da doença e, por conseguinte, a escolha adequada dos testes laboratoriais necessários e do tratamento a ser instituído.

Estudos clínicos randomizados com fibrinolíticos no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio / Clinics studies randomized to infarct miocardy

Este resumo näo pretende esgotar o assunto no sentido de analisar todos os trabalhos publicados, porém se propõe colocar alguns tópicos sobre aqueles que, a nosso juízo, tiveram maior impacto no desenvolvimento do conhecimento relativo ao tema. Alguns estudos testaram a estreptoquinase utilizada de forma intracoronária, enquanto outros analisaram, além do agente fibrinolítico, vários compostos utilizados como terapêutica adjuvante. Esta análise visa revisar os dados relacionados somente aos fibrinolíticos utilizados de forma intravenosa (IV), com uma única exceçäo, feita à aspirina.

Função ventricular esquerda na fase aguda de infartados submetidos aleatoriamente a 750000 ou 1. 5 milhão de unidades de estreptoquinase / Left ventricular function in the acute phase of patients with myocardial infarction randomly treated with 750000 or 1. 5 million units of streptokinase

PURPOSE--To compare the doses of 750,000 and 1.5 million units (U) of streptokinase (SK), relatively to the left ventricular (LV) systolic function analyzed through contrasted ventriculography. METHODS--We included 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within 6h of the onset (mean-age 60 years, 83.6 men), that were randomized to receive 750,000U of SK in 15 min (55 patients), or 1.5 million U in 30 min (55 patients). The study main goal was the comparison between the groups relatively to LV ejection fraction, global and regional shortening, obtained at the fifth day of the AMI. RESULTS--The 750,000 and 1.5 million groups were homogeneous relatively to 15 analyzed variables. Relatively to the main goal of the study, it was found respectively: a) ejection fraction analysis (median): 64 and 60.5 for the total population (p = 0.25, 95 CI -2.7 to 10), 64 and 57.5 for anterior AMI (p = 0.2, 95 CI -3.6 to 16.3), 65 and 65 for inferior AMI (p = 0.99, 95 CI -8.4 to 8.4); b) global shortening analysis: -2.53 and -2.66 for the total population (p = 0.3, 95 CI -0.47 to 0.87), -2.27 and -2.53 for anterior AMI (p = 0.18, 95 CI -0.3 to 1.4), -1.82 and 1.72 for inferior AMI (p = 0.9, 95 CI -0.82 to 0.75); c) regional shortening analysis: anterior AMI -2.6 and -2.67 (p = 0.47, 95 CI -0.7 to 1.5), inferior AMI -2.3 and -2.32 (p = 0.9, 95 CI -0.82 to 0.75). CONCLUSION--The dose of 750,000U was as efficacious as the 1.5 million relatively to LV systolic function, one of the best survival predictors of short-medium and long-term survival post AMI.

Objetivo −Comparar as doses de 750.000 e 1,5 milhão de unidades (U) de estreptoquinase (EQ), em relação à função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), analisada através da ventriculografia contrastada. Métodos − Incluíram-se 110 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) <6h de evolução (idade mediana 60 anos, 83,6% homens) que receberam, aleatoriamente, 750.000U de EQ em 15min (55 pacientes), ou 1,5 milhão em 30min (55 pacientes). A meta principal do estudo foi a comparação entre os grupos em relação à fração de ejeção (FE), encurtamento global e regional do VE, obtidas no 5º dia do IAM. Resultados − Os grupos 750.000 e 1,5 milhão mostraram-se homogêneos em relação a 15 variáveis analisadas. Em relação à meta principal do estudo, encontraram-se, respectivamente para os grupos: a) análise da FE (mediana): 64% e 60,5% para o total da população (p=0,25, 95% IC -2,7 a 10), 64% e 57,5% para os IAM anteriores (p=0,2, 95% IC -3,6 a 16,3), 65% e 65% para os IAM inferiores (p=0,99, 95% IC -8,4 a 8,4); b) análise do encurtamento global: -2,53 e -2,66 para o total (p=0,3, 95% IC -0,47 a 0,87), -2,27 e -2,53 para os IAM anteriores (p=0,18, 95% IC -0,3 a 1,4), -1,82 e -1,72 para os IAM inferiores (p=0,9, 95% IC -0,82 a 0,75); c) análise do encurtamento regional: IAM anterior -2,6 e -2,67 (p=0,47, 95% IC -0,7 a 1,5), IAM inferior -2,3 e -2,32 (p=0,9, 95% IC -0,82 a 0,75). Conclusão − A dose de 750.000U mostrou-se tão eficaz quanto a de 1,5 milhão no que se refere à função sistólica do VE, um dos melhores preditores de sobrevida a curto, médio e longo prazos pós IAM

Ruptura da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo: uma entidade letal que pode ser tratada cirurgicamente com sucesso / Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture. A Deadly Entity that can be Successfully Treated Through Surgery

We present three patients with left ventricular free wall rupture post acute myocardial infarction, all three treated successfully through surgery. Two of them were submitted to streptokinase IV. In all cases the diagnosis were based on clinical and echocardiographic features. The authors conclude that the diagnostic suspicion can be done easily, the echocardiogram is very useful, and the surgical treatment may led to a good short- and long-term survival

Preditores da sobrevida intra-hospitalar em pacientes infartados submetidos a terapêutica fibrinolítica / Predictors of Survival During the In-Hospital Phase in Infarcted Patients UndergoingFibrinolyticTheropy

PURPOSE--To analyze the in-hospital predictors of survival in a population of infarcted patients submitted to the same therapeutic protocol that included IV streptokinase (SK) in the dose of 750,000 units. METHODS--Three hundred and thirty two patients (mean age 55.6 +/- 10 years, 82.3 per cent men) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied within six hours of onset of symptoms in a prospective and consecutive protocol. Using simple and multiple regression analysis, the following variables were selected for correlation with survival: LV ejection fraction by contrast ventriculography > 50 per cent ; CK-MB peak < or = 100 UI/1; male sex; invasive treatment (surgery or angioplasty); patent culprit coronary on cineangiography; age < or = 65 years; time interval between the onset of pain and the beginning of SK infusion < 3 hours; residual obstruction < 70 per cent at the culprit coronary; inferior AMI location on ECG; absence of hypotension per-peri SK infusion, previous AMI, multivessel coronary artery disease and reinfarction. RESULTS--By simple regression analysis, ejection fraction > 50 per cent (p < 0.001), CK-MB peak < or = 100 UI/1 (p = 0.003), and the absence of hypotension (p < 0.001), previous AMI (p = 0.009), multivessel coronary artery disease (p = 0.02) and reinfarction (p = 0.049), correlated significantly with survival. By multiple regression analysis ejection fraction > 50 per cent (p = 0.017) and the absence of hypotension (p < 0.01), multivessel coronary artery disease (p = 0.032) and reinfarction (p = 0.037) correlated independently with survival. CONCLUSION--The data presented strongly support the concept of preventing atherosclerosis and maintaining myocardial viability using either direct measures such as recanalization, or indirect measures such prevention of hypotension and reinfarction

Objetivo - Analisar os preditores de sobrevida intra-hospitalar em uma população de pacientes infartados submetidos a uma mesma rotina terapêutica que inclui estreptoquinase (EQ) IV na dose de 750.000 unidades. Métodos - Foram incluidos de forma prospectiva e consecutiva 332 pacientes (idade média 55,6±10 anos, 82,3% homens), com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) de no máximo 6h de evolução. Utilizando análises de regressão simples e múltipla, as seguintes variáveis foram selecionadas para correlação com sobrevida: fração de ejeção (FE) do VE à ventriculografia >50%; pico de CK-MB £100UI/1; sexo masculino; tratamento invasivo (cirurgia ou angioplastia); coronária "culpada" patente à cine; idade £65 anos; intervalo entre o início da dor e o início da infusão de EQ £3h; coronária "culpada" com lesão residual <70%; localização inferior do IAM ao ECG; ausências de hipotensão per-peri infusão de EQ, IAM prévio, doença multi-arterial coronária e reinfarto. Resultados - Em análise de regressão simples correlacionaram-se significantemente com sobrevida FE >50% (p<0,001), pico de CK-MB £100 UI/1 (p=0,003), e ausências de hipotensão (p<0,001), IAM prévio (p=0,009), doença multi-arterial coronária (p=0,02) e reinfarto (p=0,049). Em análise de regressão múltipla, correlacionaram-se com sobrevida de maneira independente FE>50% (p=0,017), e ausências de hipotensão (p<0,01), doença multi-arterial coronária (p=0,032) e reinfarto (p=0,037). Conclusão - Os dados apresentados enfatizam o conceito de se prevenir a aterosclerose e preservar a viabilidade miocárdica, através de medidas diretas, como a própria recanalização, ou através de medidas indiretas, como a prevenção da hipotensão e do reinfarto