Chagas heart disease is associated with decreased physical activity levels: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Studies evaluating physical activity (PA) levels in individuals with Chagas disease (CD) are still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate PA levels in CD individuals and examine their association with Chagas heart disease (ChHD). Methods: We included patients with CD regularly followed in a reference center for treatment of infectious diseases. PA levels were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). ChHD was determined following the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The association between ChHD and levels of PA (total, walking, moderate, and vigorous) as a continuous variable was fitted using generalized linear models. Logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between ChHD and meeting WHO's PA recommendations. Results: Among the 361 participants included in the analysis (60.7 ± 10.7 years; 56.2 % women), 58.1 % (n = 210) complied with the WHO's PA recommendations. After adjustments for potential confounders, regression analyses revealed that ChHD without heart failure was significantly associated with reduced vigorous PA (Exp ß 0.32 95 % CI 0.10 to 0.98). ChHD with heart failure had significantly lower levels of total (Exp ß 0.61 95 % CI 0.44 to 0.84) and moderate (Exp ß 0.59 95 % CI 0.39 to 0.89) PA. ChHD with heart failure had a lower odd of meeting the PA recommendation in comparison to those with no cardiac involvement (OR 0.48 95 % CI 0.24 to 0.97). Conclusions: We found low levels of PA among individuals with CD. Presence of ChHD (mainly with HF) was associated with decreased levels of PA.

Mothers' perception of the care of newborn in the home environment.

OBJECTIVES: to identify mothers' perceptions about caring for newborns in the home environment, from the perspective of complexity thinking. METHODS: qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research, carried out between November/2022 and February/2023. Data were collected through individual interviews with 21 mothers from southern Brazil who cared for newborns at home and analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: the four thematic axes resulting from the data analysis: Living amidst order and disorder; embracing singularities; dealing with the certain and the uncertain; support network in the (re)organizing process demonstrate that the mother caring for a newborn in their home environment experiences a distinct and plural adaptive process, which must be welcomed and understood by health professionals who work within the family environment. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the care of newborns in a home environment, in the perception of mothers, requires differentiated attention and a formal or informal support network that considers the unique specificities of each woman/mother in the personal, family and social spheres. Therefore, in addition to the social support network, it is important to rethink home intervention approaches.

Effect of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: results from the PEACH randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the effect of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). PEACH study was a single-center, superiority randomized clinical trial of exercise training versus no exercise (control). The sample comprised Chagas disease patients with CCC, left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%, without or with HF symptoms (CCC stages B2 or C, respectively). QoL was assessed at baseline, after three months, and at the end of six months of follow-up using the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients randomized for the exercise group (n = 15) performed exercise training (aerobic, strength and stretching exercises) for 60 min, three times a week, during six months. Patients in the control group (n = 15) were not provided with a formal exercise prescription. Both groups received identical nutritional and pharmaceutical counseling during the study. Longitudinal analysis of the effects of exercise training on QoL, considering the interaction term (group × time) to estimate the rate of changes between groups in the outcomes (represented as beta coefficient), was performed using linear mixed models. Models were fitted adjusting for each respective baseline QoL value. There were significant improvements in physical functioning (ß = + 10.7; p = 0.02), role limitations due to physical problems (ß = + 25.0; p = 0.01), and social functioning (ß = + 19.2; p < 0.01) scales during the first three months in the exercise compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups after six months. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation provided short-term improvements in the physical and mental aspects of QoL of patients with CCC.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02517632; August 7, 2015.

Prevalence and impact of sarcopenia in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (the SARC-HF study): A prospective observational study protocol.

Sarcopenia, a clinical syndrome primarily associated with reduced muscle mass in the elderly, has a negative impact on quality of life and survival. It can occur secondarily to other diseases such as heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions can worsen the prognosis of their carriers, especially in the most severe cases of HF, as in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, due to the heterogeneous diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, estimates of its prevalence present a wide variation, leading to new criteria having been recently proposed for its diagnosis, emphasizing muscle strength and function rather than skeletal muscle mass. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and/or dynapenia in individuals with HF with reduced LVEF according to the most recent criteria, and compare the gene and protein expression of those patients with and without sarcopenia. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the association of sarcopenia and/or dynapenia with the risk of clinical events and death, quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, ventilatory efficiency, and respiratory muscle strength. The participants will answer questionnaires to evaluate sarcopenia and quality of life, and will undergo the following tests: handgrip strength, gait speed, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength, cardiopulmonary exercise, as well as genomic and proteomic analysis, and dosage of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and growth differentiation factor-15. An association between sarcopenia and/or dynapenia with unfavorable clinical evolution is expected to be found, in addition to reduced quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, ventilatory efficiency, and respiratory muscle strength.

Inspiratory muscle endurance is similarly reduced in the early and late stages of chronic Chagas heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: Inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) appears to be reduced in subjects with chronic Chagas heart disease (CHD), especially in the presence of heart failure (HF). However, only one study about IMS and inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) in those with CHD without heart failure is available. This study aimed to compare IMS and IME in subjects with CHD in the presence and absence of HF. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which 30 CHD adult patients were divided into CHD-CC group (initial phase of CHD, without HF; n = 15) and CHD-HF group (advanced phase of CHD, with HF; n = 15). We assessed IMS by maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and IME by incremental (Pthmax) and constant load (TLim) tests. Reduced IMS and IME were considered by predicted MIP values <70% and Pthmax/MIP <75%, respectively. RESULTS: Inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) was more frequent in CHD-HF than in CHD-CC (46.7% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.05), and both groups had high frequencies of reduced IME (93.3% CHD-CC vs. 100.0% CHD-HF; p = 0.95). Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis using HF as a dependent variable showed that HF was associated with an increased chance of IMW compared with the CHD-CC group (OR = 7.47; p = 0.03; 95% CI 1.20-46.19). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, in patients with CHD, HF is associated with IMW, and that reduction of IME is already present in the initial phase, similar to the advanced phase with HF.

Corrigendum: Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1087188.].

Lack of association between metabolic phenotype and food consumption by degree of food processing: results from the Study of Workers' Health (ESAT) / Falta de asociación del fenotipo metabólico con el consumo de alimentos por grado de procesamiento de alimentos: resultados del Estudio de la Salud de los Trabajadores (ESAT)

Introduction: an increase in the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods may predispose to metabolic abnormalities. Objective: to verify the association of food consumption with metabolic phenotype in workers from a quaternary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: workers of both sexes aged > 18 years were eligible. A food frequency questionnaire and the NOVA classification were used in the food consumption analysis. Metabolic phenotype considered the presence of at least one metabolic alteration (blood glucose, serum lipids, and blood pressure) combined with BMI (eutrophic or excess weight) as follows: 1) metabolically healthy eutrophic (MHE); 2) metabolically unhealthy eutrophic (MUE); 3) metabolically healthy excess weight (MHEW); 4) metabolically unhealthy excess weight (MUEW). Results: from the included 160 participants (mean age, 45.2 ± 1.1 years; 59.4 %, women), 21.9 % self-reported arterial hypertension and 4.4 % diabetes. Most presented excess weight (74.6 %), with approximately 40 % being obese. The MUEW phenotype had higher body fat percentage and central adiposity represented by higher WC and VFA in comparison to the other phenotypes. The lean body mass was similar between the groups. The median of ultra-processed foods was 32.4 % for eutrophic, 32.7 % for overweight, and 34.3 % for obese subjects. No significant associations were observed between ultra-processed food consumption and metabolically unhealthy eutrophic (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 0.96-1.06), metabolically healthy excess weight (OR: 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.98-1.08), and metabolically unhealthy excess weight (OR: 1.00; 95 % CI: 0.96-1.05) in comparison to metabolically healthy eutrophic. (AU)

Introducción: el incremento del consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados puede predisponer a alteraciones metabólicas. Objetivo: verificar la asociación del consumo de alimentos con el fenotipo metabólico en trabajadores de un hospital cuaternario de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: fueron elegibles trabajadores de ambos sexos de edad > 18 años. El cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos y la clasificación NOVA se utilizaron en el análisis del consumo de alimentos. El fenotipo metabólico consideró la presencia de al menos una alteración metabólica (glucemia, lípidos séricos y presión arterial) combinada con el IMC (eutrófico o exceso de peso) de la siguiente manera: 1) eutrófico metabólicamente saludable (EHM); 2) eutróficos metabólicamente no saludables (MUE); 3) exceso de peso metabólicamente saludable (MHEW); 4) exceso de peso metabólicamente no saludable (MUEW). Resultados: de los 160 participantes incluidos (edad media: 45,2 ± 1,1 años, 59,5 % de mujeres), el 21,9 % refirieron hipertensión arterial y el 4,4 % diabetes. La mayoría presentaron exceso de peso (74,6 %), siendo aproximadamente un 40 % obesos. El fenotipo MUEW presentó mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal y adiposidad central representada por mayor CC y VFA en comparación con los otros fenotipos. La masa corporal magra fue similar entre los grupos. La mediana de alimentos ultraprocesados fue de 32,4 % para los eutróficos, 32,7 % para el sobrepeso y 34,3 % para los obesos. No se observaron asociaciones significativas entre el consumo de ultraprocesados y el fenotipo eutrófico metabólicamente no saludable (OR: 1,01; IC 95 %: 0,96-1,06), exceso de peso metabólicamente saludable (OR: 1,03; IC 95 %: 0,98-1,08) y exceso de peso metabólicamente no saludable (OR: 1,00; IC 95 %: 0,96-1,05) en comparación con los eutróficos metabólicamente sanos. (AU)

Lack of association between metabolic phenotype and food consumption by degree of food processing: results from the Study of Workers' Health (ESAT).

Introduction: Introduction: an increase in the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods may predispose to metabolic abnormalities. Objective: to verify the association of food consumption with metabolic phenotype in workers from a quaternary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: workers of both sexes aged > 18 years were eligible. A food frequency questionnaire and the NOVA classification were used in the food consumption analysis. Metabolic phenotype considered the presence of at least one metabolic alteration (blood glucose, serum lipids, and blood pressure) combined with BMI (eutrophic or excess weight) as follows: 1) metabolically healthy eutrophic (MHE); 2) metabolically unhealthy eutrophic (MUE); 3) metabolically healthy excess weight (MHEW); 4) metabolically unhealthy excess weight (MUEW). Results: from the included 160 participants (mean age, 45.2 ± 1.1 years; 59.4 %, women), 21.9 % self-reported arterial hypertension and 4.4 % diabetes. Most presented excess weight (74.6 %), with approximately 40 % being obese. The MUEW phenotype had higher body fat percentage and central adiposity represented by higher WC and VFA in comparison to the other phenotypes. The lean body mass was similar between the groups. The median of ultra-processed foods was 32.4 % for eutrophic, 32.7 % for overweight, and 34.3 % for obese subjects. No significant associations were observed between ultra-processed food consumption and metabolically unhealthy eutrophic (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 0.96-1.06), metabolically healthy excess weight (OR: 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.98-1.08), and metabolically unhealthy excess weight (OR: 1.00; 95 % CI: 0.96-1.05) in comparison to metabolically healthy eutrophic. Conclusion: consumption of ultra-processed food was high. In this cross-sectional analysis, no association of metabolic phenotypes with consumption of food groups according to degree of food processing were observed.

Introducción: Introducción: el incremento del consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados puede predisponer a alteraciones metabólicas. Objetivo: verificar la asociación del consumo de alimentos con el fenotipo metabólico en trabajadores de un hospital cuaternario de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: fueron elegibles trabajadores de ambos sexos de edad > 18 años. El cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos y la clasificación NOVA se utilizaron en el análisis del consumo de alimentos. El fenotipo metabólico consideró la presencia de al menos una alteración metabólica (glucemia, lípidos séricos y presión arterial) combinada con el IMC (eutrófico o exceso de peso) de la siguiente manera: 1) eutrófico metabólicamente saludable (EHM); 2) eutróficos metabólicamente no saludables (MUE); 3) exceso de peso metabólicamente saludable (MHEW); 4) exceso de peso metabólicamente no saludable (MUEW). Resultados: de los 160 participantes incluidos (edad media: 45,2 ± 1,1 años, 59,5 % de mujeres), el 21,9 % refirieron hipertensión arterial y el 4,4 % diabetes. La mayoría presentaron exceso de peso (74,6 %), siendo aproximadamente un 40 % obesos. El fenotipo MUEW presentó mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal y adiposidad central representada por mayor CC y VFA en comparación con los otros fenotipos. La masa corporal magra fue similar entre los grupos. La mediana de alimentos ultraprocesados fue de 32,4 % para los eutróficos, 32,7 % para el sobrepeso y 34,3 % para los obesos. No se observaron asociaciones significativas entre el consumo de ultraprocesados y el fenotipo eutrófico metabólicamente no saludable (OR: 1,01; IC 95 %: 0,96-1,06), exceso de peso metabólicamente saludable (OR: 1,03; IC 95 %: 0,98-1,08) y exceso de peso metabólicamente no saludable (OR: 1,00; IC 95 %: 0,96-1,05) en comparación con los eutróficos metabólicamente sanos. Conclusión: el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados fue elevado. En este análisis transversal, no se observó asociación de fenotipos metabólicos y consumo de grupos de alimentos según el grado de procesamiento de los alimentos.

Fidelização e impacto de tecnologias sociais em saúde centradas no usuário: nova proposta de desenvolvimento / Reliability and impact of user-centered social technologies in health: a new development proposal / Reliability and impact of user-centered social technologies in health: a new development proposal / Fidelización e impacto de tecnologías sociales en salud centradas en el usuario: nueva propuesta de desarrollo

Resumo Objetivo Descrever metodologia para o desenvolvimento de tecnologias sociais em enfermagem/saúde centradas no usuário Métodos Estudo de desenvolvimento tecnológico que apresenta proposição metodológica para a expansão de tecnologias sociais, com foco na solução de problemas oriundos de demandas dos usuários de saúde. Resultados A metodologia de aplicação tecnológica foi concebida e sistematizada em cinco fases sequenciais, quais sejam: Diagnóstico situacional, Idealização e prototipagem, Validação, Implementação, Fidelização e impacto social da aplicação. Conclusão Pretende-se, com essa nova proposta de desenvolvimento tecnológico, contribuir para a fidelização e o impacto das tecnologias sociais centradas nas necessidades dos usuários de saúde, a partir de abordagens como o Design Thinking e o Design Centrado no Usuário.

Resumen Objetivo Describir metodología para el desarrollo de tecnologías sociales en enfermería/salud centradas en el usuario Métodos Estudio de desarrollo tecnológico que presenta una proposición metodológica para la expansión de tecnologías sociales, con enfoque en la solución de problemas originarios de demandas de los usuarios de salud. Resultados La metodología de aplicación tecnológica fue formulada y sistematizada en cinco etapas secuenciales, a saber: Diagnóstico situacional, Idealización y creación de prototipo, Validación, Implementación, Fidelización e impacto social de la aplicación. Conclusión Con esta nueva propuesta de desarrollo tecnológico se pretende contribuir para la fidelización y para el impacto de las tecnologías sociales centradas en las necesidades de los usuarios de salud, a partir de intervenciones como el Design Thinking y el Design Centrado en el Usuario.

Abstract Objective To describe the methodology for developing user-centered social technologies in nursing/health Methods A technological development study that presents a methodological proposal for the expansion of social technologies, with a focus on solving problems arising from the demands of healthcare users. Results The technological application methodology was conceived and systematized in five sequential steps, namely: Situational diagnosis, Ideation and prototyping, Validation, Implementation, Reliability, and social impact of the application. Conclusion With this new technological development proposal, we intend to contribute to the reliability and impact of social technologies centered on health users' needs, based on approaches such as Design Thinking and User-Centered Design.

Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis. / Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar.

BACKGROUND: Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. RESULTS: A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

FUNDAMENTO: As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. CONCLUSÕES: A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar / Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis

Resumo Fundamento As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. Objetivos Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. Resultados Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. Conclusões A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Abstract Background Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. Objectives To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Methods Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. Results A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. Conclusions The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

Physiotherapy in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is associated with progressive dyspnoea and exercise intolerance, but despite the central role of physiotherapy on pulmonary rehabilitation, there is a huge lack of physiotherapy approaches used specifically for LAM patients. OBJECTIVE: to identify the physiotherapeutic strategies used in the treatment of patients with LAM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a systematic review of literature. Searches were performed (in PubMed, Lilacs, Embase and PEDro databases) with the keywords "Lymphangioleiomyomatosis" and "Physiotherapy," and its variations. Articles describing physiotherapy interventions were included in the study. Data extracted from the studies were authors, year, country of publication, sample size, physiotherapy intervention, time/frequency/duration of intervention protocols, instruments used to measure results and main findings. Methodological quality of studies was evaluated by PEDro Scale (clinical trials), Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS; observational studies) and CARE checklist (case reports), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 82 articles identified, three duplicates were removed, 71 studies were excluded after title and abstract reading and four after full-text reading, all due to absence of association with the study topic. Four studies were included in the present review. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy with endurance and resistance training were identified as physiotherapeutic strategies to improve lung function, functional capacity, depression symptoms and quality of life in LAM. CONCLUSIONS: Endurance and resistance training is the keystone for physiotherapy in patients with LAM, but despite the reported benefits, there is a huge lack of studies related to the modalities, safety and dosage of physiotherapy prescription for patients with LAM.KEY MESSAGESLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare disease, leads to progressive dyspnoea and exercise intolerance;Physiotherapy can improve dyspnoea and exercise intolerance in LAM through endurance and resistance exercises.

Double Product and Autonomic Function as Predictors of Quality of Life in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is impaired in heart transplant (HT) recipients, leading to increased resting heart rate, metabolic demand, and fatigue, which can impair their quality of life (QoL). In this study, we hypothesized the association of hemodynamics and autonomic function as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with HT recipients aged ≥ 18 years at ambulatorial accompaniment. Blood pressure was used for hemodynamics assessment, and heart rate variability (HRV) was used for ANS assessment. QoL was assessed by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The significance level was set as P≤0.05. Results: Twenty-two volunteers were included in the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and double product (DP) were significantly negatively associated with the physical functioning domain of QoL. DP, the number of consecutive normal RR interval differences > 50 ms (NN50), and the percentage of normal RR intervals that differed by > 50 ms from the adjacent interval (PNN50) exhibited negative association with the physical role domain. NN50 and PNN50 were significantly associated with bodily pain, social functioning, and emotional role domains. SBP was negatively associated with the vitality domain. Considering general and mental health domains, no variable demonstrated significant association. DP, NN50, and PNN50 were negatively associated with the total score of QoL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated DP and HRV as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. These innovative results can become a relevant therapeutic target for improving QoL in HT recipients prior to its deterioration.

Insulin sensitivity as a predictor of longitudinal changes on body mass index in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance status at baseline on longitudinal body mass index, and the possible effect modification by sex. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized intervention community trial, in which a subgroup of 84 adolescents, aged between 10 and 12 years, were analyzed. Body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were determined before and after 8 months of follow-up. Glucose and serum insulin were examined at baseline and IR was defined based on the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), with a cutoff >2.5 for both genders. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to evaluate the influence of HOMA-IR at baseline on BMI changes over time. Models were adjusted for age, pubertal stage, and stratified by sex. RESULTS: The sample comprised 65.4% of girls and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 54.7% among girls and 50.0% among boys. The overall prevalence of IR was 75.3%, of which 60.7% for boys and 83.0% for girls. We found an interaction effect by sex (p = .004) for HOMA-IR as a continuous variable, with a decreased BMI rate of change among boys (ß = -0.13; p = .03) but not for girls (ß = +0.03; p = .36). Longitudinal BMI changes considering IR status at baseline (IR vs. non-IR) did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference for both boys (-0.1 vs. +0.4; p = .28) and girls (+0.7 vs. +1.0; p = .44). CONCLUSION: Increased HOMA-IR values at baseline were associated with greater BMI reduction over time among boys but not girls, with no influence of IR status.

Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected endemic disease with worldwide impact due to migration. Approximately 50-70% of individuals in the chronic phase of CD present the indeterminate form, characterized by parasitological and/or serological evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, but without clinical signs and symptoms. Subclinical abnormalities have been reported in indeterminate form of CD, including pro-inflammatory states and alterations in cardiac function, biomarkers and autonomic modulation. Moreover, individuals with CD are usually impacted on their personal and professional life, making social insertion difficult and impacting their mental health and quality of life (QoL). Physical exercise has been acknowledged as an important strategy to prevent and control numerous chronic-degenerative diseases, but unexplored in individuals with the indeterminate form of CD. The PEDI-CHAGAS study (which stands for "Home-Based Exercise Program in the Indeterminate Form of Chagas Disease" in Portuguese) aims to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical and mental health outcomes in individuals with indeterminate form of CD. Methods and design: The PEDI-CHAGAS is a two-arm (exercise and control) phase 3 superiority randomized clinical trial including patients with indeterminate form of CD. The exclusion criteria are <18 years old, evidence of non-Chagasic cardiomyopathy, musculoskeletal or cognitive limitations that preclude the realization of exercise protocol, clinical contraindication for regular exercise, and regular physical exercise (≥1 × per week). Participants will be assessed at baseline, and after three and 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be QoL. Secondary outcomes will include blood pressure, physical fitness components, nutritional status, fatigability, autonomic modulation, cardiac morphology and function, low back pain, depression and anxiety, stress, sleep quality, medication use and adherence, and biochemical, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. Participants in the intervention group will undergo a home-based exercise program whilst those in the control group will receive only general information regarding the benefits of physical activity. Both groups will receive the same general nutritional counseling consisting of general orientations about healthy diets. Conclusion: The findings from the present study may support public health intervention strategies to improve physical and mental health parameters to be implemented more effectively in this population. Clinical trial registration: [https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10yxgcr9/], identifier [U1111-1263-0153].

Acute and subacute hemodynamic responses and perception of effort in subjects with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy submitted to different protocols of inspiratory muscle training: a cross-over trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate acute and subacute hemodynamic responses and perception of effort in individuals with CCC submitted to different IMT protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized cross-over trial conducted on CCC subjects with systolic left ventricular dysfunction (<45% left ventricular ejection fraction) without or with heart failure (stages B2 and C, respectively). Twenty-one participants performed two IMT protocols, one targeting 60% maximal inspiratory pressure with 3 × 10 repetitions (MIP60) and the other targeting 30% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP30) with 3 × 20 repetitions with a 2 min recovery between sets for both. MIP60 and MIP30 were performed on the same day with a 2 h washout period. Measurements were taken at baseline, during and 60 min after IMT. RESULTS: No differences in hemodynamic variables were observed across protocols. The perception of effort increased in both protocols, with higher scores for the MIP30 protocol (ß = +1.6, p = 0.01; ß = +1.1, p = 0.02; ß = +0.9, p = 0.08 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sets, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in hemodynamic responses comparing MIP60 and MIP30 protocols in subjects with CCC. Despite the higher perception of effort during endurance protocol, both protocols can be considered a safe therapeutic strategy.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDespite inspiratory muscle training may result in functional capacity improvements, no previous study evaluated the hemodynamic acute and subacute responses to inspiratory muscle training in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.The two inspiratory muscle training protocols (30% and 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure) did not cause significant hemodynamic repercussions in subjects with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.Inspiratory muscle training seems to be an effective strategy to improve functional capacity and can be implemented in the rehabilitation programs for patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy.Since no significant adverse responses were observed in any of the hemodynamic parameters during the inspiratory muscle training sessions, these two protocols of inspiratory muscle training (30% and 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure) seems to be safe in subjects with Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Effect of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program on the Quality of Life of Atherosclerotic Disease Patients

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) accounted for 27% of deaths in Brazil in 2017. Most of the recorded deaths caused by CVD would be preventable if patients controlled risk factors including inadequate diet. The Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (Dica Br) adapted the Mediterranean diet pattern to Brazilian typical foods and evaluated the effectiveness of a nutritional program based on cardioprotective foods on cardiovascular events and death of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Objectives To evaluate the effect of Dica Br on the QoL of patients with atherosclerotic disease from two health centers in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Method Randomized clinical trial with 273 participants of both sexes, over 45 years old, followed for four years. The intervention group (IG) received individualized dietary prescription, educational program, individual and group consultations, and phone calls. The control group (CG) received general dietary guidance. The SF-36 was used to assess QoL. The Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare means between the groups. The mixed model test was used to compare the course of variables over time between the groups. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Result Most patients were male, with an average age of 64.2 ± 8.2 years in the IG and 65±9.5 years in the CG. Most were physically inactive, overweight, and had incomplete elementary school. The most prevalent comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension, followed by dyslipidemia. QoL improved in both groups at four years. Waist circumference decreased in both groups over time, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased in the IG but not in the CG after four years of follow-up. Conclusion The cardioprotective diet was effective in reducing LDL-C in the IG, and an improvement in QoL was observed in both intervention and control groups.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among patients with chronic Chagas disease.

The increase in life expectancy and the migration of individuals with Chagas disease (ChD) from rural to urban centers exposes them to the development of chronic-degenerative abnormalities that may increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of MetS and its components in individuals with chronic ChD. This is a cross-sectional study with 361 patients of both sexes, aging >18 years, followed at a national reference center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). MetS diagnosis followed the International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria. The association between the variables was determined through logistic regression models. The mean age was and 60.7±10.8 years. About half (56.2%) were female and the majority self-reported their race as mulatto (59.8%). The percentage of individuals with MetS was 40.4%. The variables independently associated with MetS were age (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04-1.09), high education levels (OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.17-0.79) and cardiac form with heart failure (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.17-0.68). Therefore, a high prevalence of MetS was found in this Brazilian chronic ChD cohort. The identification of the associated factors can facilitate the development of effective approaches for preventing and managing MetS in ChD patients.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges.

Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges

Abstract Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.