Correlação entre medidas ecocardiográficas e hemodinâmicas na avaliação do átrio direito e ventrículo direito em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar / Correlation between echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements in right atrium and right ventricle assessments of patients with pulmonary hypertension

Introdução: Hipertensão Pulmonar (HP), uma condição clínica grave, pode levar à disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direto (DSVD), com implicações prognósticas. Pacientes com suspeita de HP devem ser submetidos ao ecocardiograma transtorácico (ECOTT) para diagnóstico e avaliação, colocando-o como o principal exame de triagem e acompanhamento. Objetivo: Verificar a associação e a concordância das medidas referentes à pressão média no átrio direito (AD) e à disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direto (DSVD) ao (ECOTT) e ao cateterismo de câmaras direitas (CCD) em pacientes com (HP). Métodos: Foram incluídos indivíduos com diagnóstico de (HP). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao ECOTT e CCD. Avaliou-se pelo ECOTT: área do átrio direito (AAD), pressão média do átrio direito (AD) através por meio do diâmetro e da colapsabilidade da veia cava inferior (PMADECOTT ), strain AD (SAD), TAPSE (excursão sistólica do plano anular tricúspide), MAF (mudança da área fracional), SPLVD (strain da parede livre do VD) e onda s´ tricuspídea. Pelo CCD avaliaram-se pressão média do (PMADCCD ) e índice cardíaco (IC). Resultados: Dos 16 pacientes, 13 eram do sexo feminino. A idade média foi de 44,4 anos (±14,9). Constataram-se associação entre pressão média do átrio direito PMADCCD com área do átrio direito, PMADECOTT pressão média do átrio direito e SAD strain do átrio direito (r=0,845, r=0,621 e r=-0,523, respectivamente; p< 0,05). Verificou-se associação entre as categorias de risco de mortalidade, mensuradas pelas medidas AAD da área do átrio direito e pressão média do átrio direito PMADCCD (X2=10,42; p=0,003), com concordância moderada (k=0,44; p=0,012). DSVD A disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direto estava presente em dez pacientes. Houve associação entre disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direto DSVD (presente ou ausente) e índice cardíaco IC (r=0,522; p=0,04), com concordância moderada (k=0,43; p=0,037). Conclusão: As medidas do ecocardiograma transtorácico (ECOTT) e cateterismo de câmara direita (CCD) demostraram associação na avaliação da pressão média do átrio direito com melhor associação entre área do átrio direito AAD e pressão média do átrio direito (PMADCCD) . Houve associação com concordância moderada quanto à disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direto (DSVD) entre métodos. (AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a serious clinical condition, can lead to right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) with prognostic implications. Patients with suspected PH should undergo transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for diagnosis and evaluation as the main screening and follow-up exam. Objective: To verify the associations of and agreement between measurements of mean pressure in the right atrium (RA) and RVSD with TTE Method: Individuals diagnosed with PH were included. All patients underwent TTE and RCC. The following were evaluated by TTE: right atrial area (RAA), mean right atrial pressure through the diameter and collapsibility of the inferior vena cava (RMAPTTE), RA strain (RAS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area change, RV free wall strain, and tricuspid s' wave. Mean RA pressure (RMAPRCC) and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated through the RCC. Results: Of the 16 patients, 13 were female. The mean patient age was 44.4 (±14.9) years. An association was found between RMAPRCC and AAD, RMAPTTE, and RAS (r=0.845, r=0.621, and r=-0.523, respectively; p<0.05). There was an association between the mortality risk categories measured by the RAA and RMAPRCC measures (X2=10.42; p=0.003), with moderate agreement (k=0.44; p=0.012). RVSDJ was present in 10 patients. There was an association between RVSD (present or absent) and CI (r=0.522; p=0.04) with moderate agreement (k=0.43; p=0.037). Conclusion: The TTE and RCC measurements showed an association in the assessment of mean right atrial pressure, especially between RAA and RMAPRCC. An association with RVSD and moderate agreement between methods were also noted. (AU)

Correlation Between 2D Strain and Classic Echocardiographic Indices in the Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in COPD.

Purpose: This study aims to define which of the right ventricular myocardial deformation indices best correlates with the classic echocardiographic measurements and indices of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients and Methods: Ninety-one patients with stable COPD underwent clinical evaluation, spirometry, a 6-minute walk test, and echocardiographic examination. Patients were divided into two groups: "with RV dysfunction" (≥1 classic parameter) and "without RV dysfunction". We used speckle tracking to estimate myocardial deformation. For all analyses, results were considered significant if p < 0.05. Results: The mean age across all participants was 65 ± 9 years, with 53% (48/91) being male. Patients in the group with RV dysfunction were able to walk shorter distances and had higher estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). The RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) was the only deformation indices that showed a significant correlation with all classic measurements and indices in the diagnosis of RV dysfunction (Wald test, 10.24; p < 0.01; odds ratio, 1.61). In the ROC curve analysis, the absolute value <20% was the lowest cut-off point of this index for detection of RV dysfunction (AUC = 0.93, S: 95.8%, and E: 88%). Conclusion: In COPD patients, RVFWLS is the myocardial deformation index that best correlates with classic echocardiographic parameters for the diagnosis of RV dysfunction using <20% as a cut-off point.

Tuberculosis treatment / Tratamento da tuberculose

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis treatment remains a challenge due to the need to consider, when approaching it, the context of individual and collective health. In addition, social and economic issues have been shown to be variables that need to be considered when it comes to treatment effectiveness. We conducted a critical review of the national and international literature on the treatment of tuberculosis in recent years with the aims of presenting health care workers with recommendations based on the situation in Brazil and better informing decision-making regarding tuberculosis patients so as to minimize morbidity and interrupt disease transmission.

RESUMO O tratamento da tuberculose permanece um desafio em função da necessidade de que, em sua abordagem, seja considerado o contexto da saúde do indivíduo e da saúde coletiva. Adicionalmente, as questões sociais e econômicas têm-se mostrado como variáveis a ser consideradas na efetividade do tratamento. Ao revisarmos de forma crítica a literatura científica nacional e internacional sobre o tratamento da tuberculose nos últimos anos, tivemos como objetivos apresentar aos profissionais da área de saúde as recomendações baseadas na realidade brasileira e fornecer os subsídios necessários para a melhor tomada de decisão frente ao paciente com tuberculose, de modo a minimizar a morbidade e interromper a transmissão da doença Em função disso, o TDO é recomendado.

State of the Art Review of the Right Ventricle in COPD Patients: It is Time to Look Closer.

Since the first description of pulmonary circulation in the 16th century, the knowledge of the complex interaction between the heart and lungs has greatly improved. Hypoxemia plays a classical role in the development of complications such as pulmonary hypertension and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction in patients presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, more recent results have revealed the presence of RV vascular structural and functional changes even in patients with mild COPD, without hypoxemia or pulmonary hypertension at rest. Compared to the left ventricle, the anatomy of the RV is unique and complex, which makes its assessment more difficult during routine exams. Therefore, it is common that very little attention is paid to its study. In this article, the physiological aspects of pulmonary circulation and the RV, as well as their impairment in COPD patients, are presented. In addition, important aspects of the recommendations for RV assessment using echocardiography are approached and studies that used other complementary exams to evaluate RV structure and function are revisited. Finally, the findings of studies that assessed the impact of RV dysfunction in the prognosis of patients with COPD are described.

Tuberculosis treatment.

Tuberculosis treatment remains a challenge due to the need to consider, when approaching it, the context of individual and collective health. In addition, social and economic issues have been shown to be variables that need to be considered when it comes to treatment effectiveness. We conducted a critical review of the national and international literature on the treatment of tuberculosis in recent years with the aims of presenting health care workers with recommendations based on the situation in Brazil and better informing decision-making regarding tuberculosis patients so as to minimize morbidity and interrupt disease transmission.

Myocardial performance index correlates with the BODE index and affects quality of life in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: COPD, a systemic illness associated with the impairment of different organs, affects patient prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between right ventricle (RV) function, the BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index (a multifunctional scale for the assessment of mortality risk), and quality of life in patients with COPD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 107 outpatients presenting with stable COPD who underwent clinical assessment, spirometry, arterial blood gas analyses, a 6-minute walk test, electrocardiography, and echocardiogram and who responded to the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS: Among the study subjects, 53% (57/107) were males, and the mean age was 65.26±8.81 years. A positive correlation was observed between RV dysfunction measured by the myocardial performance index using tissue Doppler (MPIt) and the BODE index, even after adjustment for age and partial pressure of oxygen (r2=0.47; P<0.01). Patients with alterations in the MPIt had worse quality of life, and a statistically significant difference was found for different domains of the SGRQ. Patients with a normal MPIt had a mean total score of 46.2±18.6, whereas for those with MPIt alterations, the mean total score was 61.6±14.2 (P=0.005). These patients had a 1.49-fold increased risk of exhibiting SGRQ total score above the upper limit of the 95% CI (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that RV dysfunction as measured by the MPIt was associated with impairment in quality of life and a worse BODE index in COPD patients, irrespective of age and hypoxemia status.

The use of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX and GlcB proteins to identify latent tuberculosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the destruction of articular cartilage and bone damage. The chronic treatment of RA patients causes a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB); one-third of the world's population is latently infected (LTBI) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The tuberculin skin test is used to identify individuals LTBI, but many studies have shown that this test is not suitable for RA patients. The goal of this work was to test the specific cellular immune responses to the Mtb malate synthase (GlcB) and heat shock protein X (HspX) antigens of RA patients and to correlate those responses with LTBI status. The T-helper (Th)1, Th17 and Treg-specific immune responses to the GlcB and HspX Mtb antigens were analysed in RA patients candidates for tumour necrosis factor-α blocker treatment. Our results demonstrated that LTBI RA patients had Th1-specific immune responses to GlcB and HspX. Patients were followed up over two years and 14.3% developed active TB. After the development of active TB, RA patients had increased numbers of Th17 and Treg cells, similar to TB patients. These results demonstrate that a GlcB and HspX antigen assay can be used as a diagnostic test to identify LTBI RA patients.

The use of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX and GlcB proteins to identify latent tuberculosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the destruction of articular cartilage and bone damage. The chronic treatment of RA patients causes a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB); one-third of the world’s population is latently infected (LTBI) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The tuberculin skin test is used to identify individuals LTBI, but many studies have shown that this test is not suitable for RA patients. The goal of this work was to test the specific cellular immune responses to the Mtb malate synthase (GlcB) and heat shock protein X (HspX) antigens of RA patients and to correlate those responses with LTBI status. The T-helper (Th)1, Th17 and Treg-specific immune responses to the GlcB and HspX Mtb antigens were analysed in RA patients candidates for tumour necrosis factor-α blocker treatment. Our results demonstrated that LTBI RA patients had Th1-specific immune responses to GlcB and HspX. Patients were followed up over two years and 14.3% developed active TB. After the development of active TB, RA patients had increased numbers of Th17 and Treg cells, similar to TB patients. These results demonstrate that a GlcB and HspX antigen assay can be used as a diagnostic test to identify LTBI RA patients.