Brazilian Guidelines for In-office and Out-of-office Blood Pressure Measurement ­ 2023 / Diretrizes Brasileiras de Medidas da Pressão Arterial Dentro e Fora do Consultório ­ 2023

Hypertension is one of the primary modifiable risk factors for morbidity and mortality worldwide, being a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Furthermore, it is highly prevalent, affecting more than one-third of the global population. Blood pressure measurement is a MANDATORY procedure in any medical care setting and is carried out by various healthcare professionals. However, it is still commonly performed without the necessary technical care. Since the diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurement, it is clear how important it is to handle the techniques, methods, and equipment used in its execution with care. It should be emphasized that once the diagnosis is made, all short-term, medium-term, and long-term investigations and treatments are based on the results of blood pressure measurement. Therefore, improper techniques and/or equipment can lead to incorrect diagnoses, either underestimating or overestimating values, resulting in inappropriate actions and significant health and economic losses for individuals and nations. Once the correct diagnosis is made, as knowledge of the importance of proper treatment advances, with the adoption of more detailed normal values and careful treatment objectives towards achieving stricter blood pressure goals, the importance of precision in blood pressure measurement is also reinforced. Blood pressure measurement (described below) is usually performed using the traditional method, the so-called casual or office measurement. Over time, alternatives have been added to it, through the use of semi-automatic or automatic devices by the patients themselves, in waiting rooms or outside the office, in their own homes, or in public spaces. A step further was taken with the use of semi-automatic devices equipped with memory that allow sequential measurements outside the office (ABPM; or HBPM) and other automatic devices that allow programmed measurements over longer periods (HBPM). Some aspects of blood pressure measurement can interfere with obtaining reliable results and, consequently, cause harm in decision-making. These include the importance of using average values, the variation in blood pressure during the day, and short-term variability. These aspects have encouraged the performance of a greater number of measurements in various situations, and different guidelines have advocated the use of equipment that promotes these actions. Devices that perform HBPM or ABPM, which, in addition to allowing greater precision, when used together, detect white coat hypertension (WCH), masked hypertension (MH), sleep blood pressure alterations, and resistant hypertension (RHT) (defined in Chapter 2 of this guideline), are gaining more and more importance. Taking these details into account, we must emphasize that information related to diagnosis, classification, and goal setting is still based on office blood pressure measurement, and for this reason, all attention must be given to the proper execution of this procedure.

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables para la morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo, siendo uno de los mayores factores de riesgo para la enfermedad de las arterias coronarias, el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la insuficiencia renal. Además, es altamente prevalente y afecta a más de un tercio de la población mundial. La medición de la presión arterial (PA) es un procedimiento OBLIGATORIO en cualquier atención médica o realizado por diferentes profesionales de la salud. Sin embargo, todavía se realiza comúnmente sin los cuidados técnicos necesarios. Dado que el diagnóstico se basa en la medición de la PA, es claro el cuidado que debe haber con las técnicas, los métodos y los equipos utilizados en su realización. Debemos enfatizar que una vez realizado el diagnóstico, todas las investigaciones y tratamientos a corto, mediano y largo plazo se basan en los resultados de la medición de la PA. Por lo tanto, las técnicas y/o equipos inadecuados pueden llevar a diagnósticos incorrectos, subestimando o sobreestimando valores y resultando en conductas inadecuadas y pérdidas significativas para la salud y la economía de las personas y las naciones. Una vez realizado el diagnóstico correcto, a medida que avanza el conocimiento sobre la importancia del tratamiento adecuado, con la adopción de valores de normalidad más detallados y objetivos de tratamiento más cuidadosos hacia metas de PA más estrictas, también se refuerza la importancia de la precisión en la medición de la PA. La medición de la PA (descrita a continuación) generalmente se realiza mediante el método tradicional, la llamada medición casual o de consultorio. Con el tiempo, se han agregado alternativas a través del uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos o automáticos por parte del propio paciente, en salas de espera o fuera del consultorio, en su propia residencia o en espacios públicos. Se dio un paso más con el uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos equipados con memoria que permiten mediciones secuenciales fuera del consultorio (AMPA; o MRPA) y otros automáticos que permiten mediciones programadas durante períodos más largos (MAPA). Algunos aspectos en la medición de la PA pueden interferir en la obtención de resultados confiables y, en consecuencia, causar daños en las decisiones a tomar. Estos incluyen la importancia de usar valores promedio, la variación de la PA durante el día y la variabilidad a corto plazo. Estos aspectos han alentado la realización de un mayor número de mediciones en diversas situaciones, y diferentes pautas han abogado por el uso de equipos que promuevan estas acciones. Los dispositivos que realizan MRPA o MAPA, que además de permitir una mayor precisión, cuando se usan juntos, detectan la hipertensión de bata blanca (HBB), la hipertensión enmascarada (HM), las alteraciones de la PA durante el sueño y la hipertensión resistente (HR) (definida en el Capítulo 2 de esta guía), están ganando cada vez más importancia. Teniendo en cuenta estos detalles, debemos enfatizar que la información relacionada con el diagnóstico, la clasificación y el establecimiento de objetivos todavía se basa en la medición de la presión arterial en el consultorio, y por esta razón, se debe prestar toda la atención a la ejecución adecuada de este procedimiento.

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é um dos principais fatores de risco modificáveis para morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, sendo um dos maiores fatores de risco para doença arterial coronária, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e insuficiência renal. Além disso, é altamente prevalente e atinge mais de um terço da população mundial. A medida da PA é procedimento OBRIGATÓRIO em qualquer atendimento médico ou realizado por diferentes profissionais de saúde. Contudo, ainda é comumente realizada sem os cuidados técnicos necessários. Como o diagnóstico se baseia na medida da PA, fica claro o cuidado que deve haver com as técnicas, os métodos e os equipamentos utilizados na sua realização. Deve-se reforçar que, feito o diagnóstico, toda a investigação e os tratamentos de curto, médio e longo prazos são feitos com base nos resultados da medida da PA. Assim, técnicas e/ou equipamentos inadequados podem levar a diagnósticos incorretos, tanto subestimando quanto superestimando valores e levando a condutas inadequadas e grandes prejuízos à saúde e à economia das pessoas e das nações. Uma vez feito o diagnóstico correto, na medida em que avança o conhecimento da importância do tratamento adequado, com a adoção de valores de normalidade mais detalhados e com objetivos de tratamento mais cuidadosos no sentido do alcance de metas de PA mais rigorosas, fica também reforçada a importância da precisão na medida da PA. A medida da PA (descrita a seguir) é habitualmente feita pelo método tradicional, a assim chamada medida casual ou de consultório. Ao longo do tempo, foram agregadas alternativas a ela, mediante o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos ou automáticos pelo próprio paciente, nas salas de espera ou fora do consultório, em sua própria residência ou em espaços públicos. Um passo adiante foi dado com o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos providos de memória que permitem medidas sequenciais fora do consultório (AMPA; ou MRPA) e outros automáticos que permitem medidas programadas por períodos mais prolongados (MAPA). Alguns aspectos na medida da PA podem interferir na obtenção de resultados fidedignos e, consequentemente, causar prejuízo nas condutas a serem tomadas. Entre eles, estão: a importância de serem utilizados valores médios, a variação da PA durante o dia e a variabilidade a curto prazo. Esses aspectos têm estimulado a realização de maior número de medidas em diversas situações, e as diferentes diretrizes têm preconizado o uso de equipamentos que favoreçam essas ações. Ganham cada vez mais espaço os equipamentos que realizam MRPA ou MAPA, que, além de permitirem maior precisão, se empregados em conjunto, detectam a HA do avental branco (HAB), HA mascarada (HM), alterações da PA no sono e HA resistente (HAR) (definidos no Capítulo 2 desta diretriz). Resguardados esses detalhes, devemos ressaltar que as informações relacionadas a diagnóstico, classificação e estabelecimento de metas ainda são baseadas na medida da PA de consultório e, por esse motivo, toda a atenção deve ser dada à realização desse procedimento.

Arterial hypertension in kidney transplantation: huge importance, but few answers / Hipertensão arterial no transplante renal: grande importância, mas poucas respostas

Abstract Arterial hypertension (AH) after renal transplantation (RTX) is correlated with worse cardiovascular and renal outcomes, with loss of renal function, decreased graft survival and higher mortality. RTX recipients have discrepant blood pressure (BP) values when measured in the office or by systematic methodologies, such as Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), with significant prevalence of no nocturnal dipping or nocturnal hypertension, white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. The aim of the present study was to review the issue of hypertension in RTX, addressing its multifactorial pathophysiology and demonstrating the importance of ABPM as a tool for monitoring BP in these patients. Treatment is based on lifestyle changes and antihypertensive drugs, with calcium channel blockers considered first-line treatment. The best blood pressure target and treatment with more favorable outcomes in RTX are yet to be determined, through well-conducted scientific studies, that is, in terms of AH in RTX, we currently have more questions to answer than answers to give.

Resumo Hipertensão arterial (HA) no póstransplante renal (TXR) se correlaciona com piores desfechos cardiovasculares e renais, com perda de função renal, diminuição da sobrevida do enxerto e maior mortalidade. Receptores de TXR apresentam valores discrepantes de pressão arterial (PA) quando ela é obtida em consultório ou por metodologias sistematizadas, como a Monitorização Ambulatorial da PA (MAPA), com prevalências significantes de ausência de descenso noturno ou hipertensão noturna, hipertensão do avental branco e hipertensão mascarada. O objetivo do presente estudo foi rever a temática da hipertensão no TXR, abordando sua fisiopatologia multifatorial e demonstrando a importância da MAPA como ferramenta de acompanhamento da PA nesses pacientes. O tratamento é baseado em mudanças no estilo de vida e em fármacos anti-hipertensivos, sendo os bloqueadores de canais de cálcio considerados de primeira linha. A melhor meta pressórica e o tratamento com desfechos mais favoráveis no TXR ainda estão por ser determinados, por meio de estudos bem conduzidos cientificamente, ou seja, em termos de HA no TXR temos atualmente mais questões a responder do que respostas a dar.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire "Empowering Patients On Choices For Renal Replacement Therapy" for the Brazilian context / Tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação do questionário EPOCH-RRT "Empowering Patients On Choices For Renal Replacement Therapy" para o contexto brasileiro

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. In Brazil, the incidence and prevalence rates of dialysis CKD progressively increase, but the transition process is a challenge for patients and caregivers in coping with the disease. Dialysis urgency, lack of planned access or prior knowledge of treatment is a reality for most. Guidelines recommend that treatment options should include the conscious preference of a fully informed patient. However, pre-dialysis educational information is an exception, leading to a large number of unplanned initial dialysis. The original study "Empowering Patients on Choices for Renal Replacement Therapy" (EPOCH-RRT) aimed to identify patient priorities and gaps in shared decision-making about dialysis, using structured interviews with questions about demographics, clinical history and patients' perception of their health. The goal of this study was to carry out the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaires used in the EPOCH-RRT Study for the Brazilian context. Method: This is a methodological study that consisted of the initial translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, review by a committee of experts, pre-test and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. All ethical precepts were followed. Results: The questionnaires were translated, adapted and validated for the Brazilian context. Additionally, it was applied to 84 chronic renal patients on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and outpatients. Discussion: There is a lack of an educational-therapeutic approach aimed at patients with CKD, and the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire can be a tool for Brazilian dialysis services to change this paradigm.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um problema de saúde pública mundial. No Brasil, as taxas de incidência e prevalência da DRC dialítica aumentam progressivamente, mas o processo de transição apresenta-se como desafio para pacientes e cuidadores no enfrentamento da doença. Urgência dialítica, ausência de acesso planejado ou conhecimento prévio do tratamento é uma realidade para a maioria. Diretrizes recomendam que opções de tratamento devam incluir a preferência consciente de um paciente totalmente informado. No entanto, informação educacional pré-diálise é exceção, acarretando grande número de diálises iniciais não planejadas. O estudo original "Empowering Patients on Choices for Renal Replacement Therapy" (EPOCH-RRT) teve por objetivo identificar as prioridades do paciente e as lacunas na tomada de decisões compartilhadas sobre a diálise, utilizando entrevistas estruturadas, com questões sobre dados demográficos, história clínica e percepção dos pacientes sobre sua saúde. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação dos questionários utilizados no Estudo EPOCH-RRT para o contexto brasileiro. Método: Trata-se de estudo metodológico que consistiu na tradução inicial, síntese das traduções, retro tradução, revisão por um comitê de especialistas, pré-teste e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas do instrumento. Todos os preceitos éticos foram seguidos. Resultados: Os questionários foram traduzidos, adaptados e validados para o contexto brasileiro. Adicionalmente, foi aplicado em 84 pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise, diálise peritoneal e ambulatoriais. Discussão: Há carência de enfoque educativo-terapêutico dirigido aos pacientes com DRC, e o questionário EPOCH-RRT pode ser uma ferramenta para serviços de diálise brasileiros mudarem esse paradigma.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire "Empowering Patients On Choices For Renal Replacement Therapy" for the Brazilian context.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. In Brazil, the incidence and prevalence rates of dialysis CKD progressively increase, but the transition process is a challenge for patients and caregivers in coping with the disease. Dialysis urgency, lack of planned access or prior knowledge of treatment is a reality for most. Guidelines recommend that treatment options should include the conscious preference of a fully informed patient. However, pre-dialysis educational information is an exception, leading to a large number of unplanned initial dialysis. The original study "Empowering Patients on Choices for Renal Replacement Therapy" (EPOCH-RRT) aimed to identify patient priorities and gaps in shared decision-making about dialysis, using structured interviews with questions about demographics, clinical history and patients' perception of their health. The goal of this study was to carry out the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaires used in the EPOCH-RRT Study for the Brazilian context. METHOD: This is a methodological study that consisted of the initial translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, review by a committee of experts, pre-test and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. All ethical precepts were followed. RESULTS: The questionnaires were translated, adapted and validated for the Brazilian context. Additionally, it was applied to 84 chronic renal patients on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and outpatients. DISCUSSION: There is a lack of an educational-therapeutic approach aimed at patients with CKD, and the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire can be a tool for Brazilian dialysis services to change this paradigm.

Arterial hypertension in kidney transplantation: huge importance, but few answers.

Arterial hypertension (AH) after renal transplantation (RTX) is correlated with worse cardiovascular and renal outcomes, with loss of renal function, decreased graft survival and higher mortality. RTX recipients have discrepant blood pressure (BP) values when measured in the office or by systematic methodologies, such as Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), with significant prevalence of no nocturnal dipping or nocturnal hypertension, white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. The aim of the present study was to review the issue of hypertension in RTX, addressing its multifactorial pathophysiology and demonstrating the importance of ABPM as a tool for monitoring BP in these patients. Treatment is based on lifestyle changes and antihypertensive drugs, with calcium channel blockers considered first-line treatment. The best blood pressure target and treatment with more favorable outcomes in RTX are yet to be determined, through well-conducted scientific studies, that is, in terms of AH in RTX, we currently have more questions to answer than answers to give.

The Brazilian Society of Nephrology Code of Conduct: a bioethical analysis / Código de Conduta da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia: uma análise bioética

Abstract Introduction: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technological development and the ethical dilemmas resulting from it. Recently, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) edited its code of conduct, which until then did not exist. Method: Qualitative study with content analysis of the chapters and articles of the SBN Code of Conduct, from the perspective of principlism bioethics. Results: The four moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were found asymmetrically throughout the document, with beneficence predominating over the others. Discussion: The SBN Code of Conduct predominantly expresses the ethical duties that an associate must comply with, but also restrictions on malfeasance, autonomy and justice, anchoring decision-making by managers and including the distribution of possible punishments. It is an unfinished document; therefore, it must be periodically revised, as expected, due to the rapid technological changes, as well as the need for constructive moderation in the relations of nephrologists with each other and, between them, with the Industry, as well as all the ethical consequences arising from these factors.

Resumo Introdução: A deontologia profissional pode ser definida como determinado conjunto de princípios, valores e regras de conduta a serem aplicadas no exercício das funções e inerentes a uma determinada profissão. A nefrologia foi uma das especialidades médicas mais afetadas com o descompasso entre o acelerado desenvolvimento tecnológico e os dilemas éticos decorrentes dele. Recentemente, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) editou seu código de conduta, até então inexistente. Método: Estudo qualitativo com análise de conteúdo dos capítulos e artigos do Código de Conduta da SBN, sob a ótica da bioética principialista. Resultados: Os quatro princípios morais de beneficência, não maleficência, autonomia e justiça foram encontrados de maneira assimétrica em todo o documento, com predomínio da beneficência sobre os demais. Discussão: O Código de Conduta da SBN exprime de maneira predominante os deveres éticos a que um associado deve se atentar, mas também restrições à maleficência, autonomia e justiça, ancorando a tomada de decisão pelos gestores e incluindo a distribuição de possíveis punições. É um documento inacabado, portanto deve ser revisto periodicamente, como previsto, em virtude das rápidas transformações tecnológicas, bem como da necessidade de moderação construtiva das relações dos nefrologistas entre si e, destes, com a Indústria, bem como todos os desdobramentos éticos advindos desses fatores.

Análise da Satisfação do Paciente com o Cateterismo Vesical Intermitente Limpo / Analysis of Patient's Satisfaction With Clean Intermittent Urethral Catheterization / Análisis de la Satisfaccion del Paciente com Cateterismo Vesical Intermitente Limpio

Objetivos:Comparar e avaliar os atributos de dois cateteres vesicais para pessoa em tratamento com resíduo pós-miccional, no cateterismo intermitente limpo (CIL). Método: Estudo quantitativo, observacional e descritivo desenvolvido em ambulatório de referência para 48 municípios, entre setembro e novembro de 2020. Participaram 50 pacientes com resíduo pós-miccional que realizam CIL, com 44,8 anos de idade média, sendo 72% homens. Foram comparados dois cateteres lubrificados, de diferentes tecnologias, ambos com bolsa acoplada, por sete dias, na frequência de seis cateterismos diários, utilizando instrumento validado de percepção da satisfação do cliente. Os dados foram analisados por meio do software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 23.0, e para comparação dos cateteres foi usado o teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Resultados: O cateter de policloreto de vinila (PVC) pré-lubrificado com glicerol alcançou maior satisfação entre os participantes nos atributos avaliados (90% versus 86%) em relação ao cateter hidrofílico de poliuretano (PVP) pré-lubrificado, embora sem significância estatística nos escores parciais e totais do instrumento utilizado. Conclusão: O estudo possibilitou comparar os dois cateteres, e a avaliação do escore geral para ambos foi positiva. Algumas avaliações negativas para determinados atributos são passíveis de melhorias, além de ser esse modelo de estudo capaz de discriminar os cateteres, podendo ser reproduzido.

Objectives:To compare and evaluate the aspects of the use of two bladder catheters for the person undergoing treatment with post-void residual, in clean intermittent bladder catheterization (CIL). Method: Quantitative, observational, and descriptive analysis developed in a reference outpatient clinic, for 48 municipalities, from September to November 2020. Fifty patients with post-void residual, who underwent CVIL, took part in the study. Their average age was 44,8 years old, and 72% of them were male. Two lubricated catheters were compared, from different technologies, both with attached bags, for seven days, six catheterizations a day, using a validated instrument of perception of customer satisfaction. Data were analyzed by the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 23.0, and for the comparison of the two catheters it was used the Wilcoxon's non-parametric test. Results: The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter pre-lubricated with glycerol reached greater participant satisfaction in the evaluated attributes (90 versus 86%) in relation to the hydrophilic polyurethane (PVP) pre-lubricated catheter, although there was no statistical significance on the partial or total scores of the instrument used. Conclusion: The study allowed the comparison of two catheters, and the evaluation of the general score for both was positive. Some negative evaluation for certain attributes is possible to be improved. This kind of study is able to discriminate the catheters, and it can be reproduced.

Objetivo:Comparar y evolución los atributos de las sondas vesicales para personas cometidas a tratamiento de residuo posmiccional, en cateterismo intermitente limpio (CIC). Método: estudio cuantitativo, observacional, descriptivo, realizado en un ambulatorio de referencia, para 48 municipios entre septiembre y noviembre de 2020. Participaron 50 pacientes con residuo posmiccional sometidos a CIC, edad media de 44,8 años, de los cuales el 72% eran hombres. Se compararon dos catéteres lubricados de diferentes tecnologías, ambos con bolsa adherida, durante 7 días, con una frecuencia de 6 cateterismos diarios, utilizando un instrumento validado para la percepción de satisfacción del cliente. Los datos se analizaron con el software SPSS Statistics 23.0 y se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para comparar los catéteres. Resultados: El catéter de PVC - Cloruro de Polivinilo prelubricado con glicerol mostró mayor satisfacción de los participantes en los atributos evaluados (90% versus 86%) en relación con el catéter de PVP - catéter de poliuretano hidrofílico prelubricado, aunque sin significación estadística en el puntajes parciales y totales del instrumento utilizado. Conclusión: El estudio permitió comparar los dos catéteres y la evaluación de la puntuación general de los catéteres fue positiva. Algunas valoraciones negativas para determinados atributos son susceptibles de mejora y pueden ser implementadas, además de ser este modelo de estudio capaz de discriminar entre catéteres, y pudiendo ser reproducido.

The Brazilian Society of Nephrology Code of Conduct: a bioethical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technological development and the ethical dilemmas resulting from it. Recently, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) edited its code of conduct, which until then did not exist. METHOD: Qualitative study with content analysis of the chapters and articles of the SBN Code of Conduct, from the perspective of principlism bioethics. RESULTS: The four moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were found asymmetrically throughout the document, with beneficence predominating over the others. DISCUSSION: The SBN Code of Conduct predominantly expresses the ethical duties that an associate must comply with, but also restrictions on malfeasance, autonomy and justice, anchoring decision-making by managers and including the distribution of possible punishments. It is an unfinished document; therefore, it must be periodically revised, as expected, due to the rapid technological changes, as well as the need for constructive moderation in the relations of nephrologists with each other and, between them, with the Industry, as well as all the ethical consequences arising from these factors.

Resistant hypertension: Prevalence and profile of patients followed in a university ambulatory.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension affects about 36 million Brazilians. It is estimated that 10%-20% of these have resistant hypertension. These patients are at an increased risk of early target organ damage, as well as cardiovascular and renal events. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of resistant hypertension in a specialized outpatient clinic, to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, and to identify possible factors associated with resistant hypertension. METHODS: Data collection from medical records of hypertensive patients treated using oral antihypertensive drugs in optimized doses at a specialized university clinic from March 2014 to December 2014, after ethical approval statement. All patients were using appropriate antihypertensive drugs in optimized doses and assisted at a teaching-assistance clinic of internal medicine of the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health in Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were enrolled and 31.7% (n = 33) had criteria for resistant hypertension. Of the total participants, 75.7% were female and 54.8% were black or brown. The average age was 61.7 years (SD ± 10.1). In the resistant hypertension group, 63.6% had diabetes, compared to 32.4% in the hypertension group. Among resistant hypertensive patients, 51.5% had dyslipidemia. Regarding drug treatment, 75.8% of the resistant hypertension group and 51.4% of the hypertension group used statins. Among patients with resistant hypertension, 90.9% used angiotensin II receptor blockers and 66.7%, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. In the resistant hypertension group, 75.8% used beta-blockers, against 25.4% in the hypertension group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension was higher than that described in the global literature, which may be associated with the high percentage of black and brown ("pardos") patients in the population studied, and also because the study was performed in a specialized outpatient clinic.

Death and End of Life: Perceptions Throughout The Career About Death, Palliative Care, and Educational Process.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perception of attending physicians, medical residents, and undergraduate medical students about death and dying, the end of life (EoL), and palliative care (PC) during training and clinical practice, highlighting knowledge gaps, and the changes needed in medical school curricula. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 12 attending physicians, residents, and undergraduate medical students randomly selected from a single teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, 2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcripts were coded in depth, and categorizing analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Three topical categories were recognized: Negative feelings about death and the EoL, importance of PC, and gaps in curricular structure hindering preparedness for PC and EoL communication. Besides differing perspectives depending on their years of experience, all participants strongly endorsed that the current medical school curriculum does not train and support physicians to handle EoL and PC. CONCLUSIONS: Medical education plays a fundamental role in the development of knowledge and skills on death, dying, and PC. Such practices should extend throughout the course and be continuously improved after graduates move to clinical practice.

Perception of internal medicine residents regarding psychiatric patients' care / Percepções de médicos residentes em clínica médica em relação ao atendimento de pacientes psiquiátricos

Abstract: Introduction: Mental disorders are accountable for the segregation of patients in many diverse cultures and historical moments worldwide. The evolution of neuroscience, technologies and advances in the psychosocial sphere have not been enough to change this paradigm. Many people still fear having social relations with someone with a psychiatric disorder, despite scientific progress and efforts to reduce prejudice in recent decades. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the training in mental health during the undergraduate course offered to residents in Internal Medicine and analyze the feelings, perceptions, and stigmas of these physicians regarding the care offered to patients with mental disorders. Method: This study has a qualitative, quantitative approach and descriptive, cross-sectional design. Thirty-two residents in Internal Medicine participated and, for comparison, the questionnaires were also answered by 8 residents in Psychiatry. Two instruments were applied: one for the characterization of the participants' sociodemographic profile and the attribution questionnaire (AQ-26B). Qualitative data were obtained through a focus group with 14 residents and the content analysis was used for categorization. The most frequent categories were illustrated with Pareto charts. Results: The results demonstrated that residents in internal medicine showed higher indexes of stigma regarding aspects such as fear and intolerance. It was also possible to infer gaps related to training in mental health, low perception of care responsibility, in addition to the difficulty in legitimizing complaints and showing negative feelings. Conclusion: One can conclude the need for educational interventions that promote the decrease of the stigma and the search for training regarding comprehensive and empathic care for patients with mental disorders.

Resumo: Introdução: Os transtornos mentais são responsáveis pela segregação de pacientes em diversas culturas e momentos históricos globalmente. A evolução das neurociências, tecnologias e avanços na esfera psicossocial não têm sido suficientes para mudar este paradigma. Muitas pessoas ainda temem ter relações sociais com alguém com transtorno psiquiátrico, apesar dos avanços científicos e dos esforços para reduzir o preconceito nas últimas décadas. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar a formação em saúde mental na graduação oferecida a médicos residentes de clínica médica e analisar os sentimentos, as percepções e os estigmas deles ante a assistência a pacientes com transtornos mentais. Método: Trata-se de um estudo com abordagens qualitativas e quantitativas, de natureza descritiva e transversal. Participaram 32 residentes de clínica médica, e, para comparação, os questionários foram respondidos por oito residentes de psiquiatria. Aplicaram-se dois instrumentos: um para a caracterização do perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes e o questionário de atribuição (AQ-26B). Os dados qualitativos foram obtidos por meio de grupo focal com 14 residentes, e empregou-se a análise de conteúdo para categorização. As categorias de maior frequência foram ilustradas com diagramas de Pareto. Resultado: Como os residentes de clínica demonstraram maiores índices de estigma em aspectos como medo e intolerância, intuiu-se que há lacunas na formação em saúde mental, baixa percepção de responsabilidade do cuidado, além de dificuldade em legitimar as queixas e exibir sentimentos negativos. Conclusão: Concluiu-se pela necessidade de intervenções educacionais que fomentem a diminuição do estigma e a busca de capacitação para o cuidado integral e empático de pessoas com transtornos mentais.

Position Paper of the Department of Hypertension of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology: Use of renin-angiotensin system blockers during the course of Covid-19 infection.

This position statement of the Department of Hypertension of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) addresses the controversy surrounding the use or suspension/replacement of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers (particularly inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers) prophylactically in individuals using these drugs, due to the possibility of allegedly worsening the prognosis of hypertensive patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The SBN Hypertension Department recommends individualizing treatment and maintaining these medications until better scientific evidence is available.