Biomarcadores de daño renal en la hipertensión arterial esencial / Biomarkers of Renal Damage in Essential Hypertension

Introducción: la evaluación del daño renal en el paciente con hipertensión arterial esencial es un reto diagnóstico, porque durante muchos años es asintomática. Los biomarcadores de daño renal pudieran representar una opción en su detección precoz.Objetivo: evaluar el comportamiento de biomarcadores de daño renal en pacientes con hipertensión arterial no complicada, su relación con el riesgo cardiovascular global y su tiempo de evolución.Métodos: se estudiaron 100 pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial sin lesión en órgano diana. A todos se les realizó: historia clínica, microalbuminuria, ácido úrico, creatinina, filtrado glomerular con la fórmula MDRD, cistatina C, filtrado glomerular con cistatina C con la fórmula de Grubb, colesterol total y se les estimó el riesgo cardiovascular global.Resultados: no se encontró relación entre la microalbuminuria, el riesgo cardiovascular y el tiempo de evolución de la hipertensión arterial (p= 0,926 y p= 0,157). A medida que aumentó el riesgo cardiovascular, disminuyeron los valores de filtrado glomerular MDRD y el filtrado glomerular con cistatina C con la fórmula de Grubb (p= 0,456 y p= 0,14). No hubo relación entre el tiempo de evolución de la hipertensión arterial, el filtrado glomerular MDRD y el filtrado glomerular con cistatina C con la fórmula de Grubb (p= 0,360 y p= 0,374). Se encontró relación entre el ácido úrico, el riesgo cardiovascular global (p= 0,036) y el tiempo de evolución de la hipertensión arterial (p= 0,009).Conclusiones: estos resultados demuestran que la microalbuminuria, el filtrado glomerular MDRD y el filtrado glomerular con la fórmula de Grubb, no tuvieron relación estadísticamente significativa con el riesgo cardiovascular global y el tiempo de evolución de la hipertensión arterial, sí el ácido úrico sérico, lo que demuestra su utilidad en la evaluación del daño renal en los pacientes estudiados(AU)

Introduction: Evaluation of renal damage in patients with essential hypertension is a diagnostic challenge, because it is asymptomatic for many years. Biomarkers of renal damage may represent an option in their early detection.Objective: Evaluate the biomarker behavior of renal damage in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension, its relation to overall cardiovascular risk and its time of evolution.Methods: 100 patients with essential arterial hypertension without target organ lesion were studied. All patients underwent clinical history, microalbuminuria, uric acid, creatinine, glomerular filtration with the MDRD formula, cystatin C, glomerular filtration with cystatin C with the Grubb formula, total cholesterol, and global cardiovascular risk were estimated.Results: No relationship was found between microalbuminuria, cardiovascular risk and duration of hypertension (p = 0.926 and p = 0.157). As cardiovascular risk increased, glomerular filtration values MDRD and glomerular filtration with cystatin C with the Grubb formula (p = 0.456 and p = 0.14) decreased. There was no relationship between the time of evolution of hypertension, glomerular filtration MDRD and glomerular filtration with cystatin C with the Grubb formula (p = 0.360 and p = 0.374). The relationship between uric acid, overall cardiovascular risk (p = 0.036) and time of evolution of hypertension (p = 0.009) was established.Conclusions: These results validate that microalbuminuria, glomerular filtration MDRD and glomerular filtration with the Grubb formula were not statistically significant with overall cardiovascular risk and the duration of hypertension, but serum uric acid was. Glomerular filtration values MDRD and glomerular filtration with cystatin C with the Grubb formula demonstrate its usefulness to assess kidney damage in the patients studied(AU)

Daño renal en pacientes hipertensos atendidos en el hospital provincial de Las Tunas / Renal damage in hypertensive patients attended to at the provincial hospital of Las Tunas

Fundamento: la hipertensión arterial es una de las enfermedades crónicas más frecuentes; el tiempo de evolución de la misma y su inadecuado manejo y control constituyen factores de riesgo para producir daño renal.Objetivo: determinar la presencia de daño renal en pacientes hipertensos ingresados en el servicio de medicina interna del Hospital General Docente “Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna” de Las Tunas, en el periodo comprendido desde octubre de 2014, a febrero de 2016.Método: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en la referida institución y durante el periodo de tiempo ya declarado. La muestra estuvo representada por 480 pacientes ingresados en el servicio de medicina interna, a los cuales se les realizaron complementarios que midieron función renal, como: creatinina, urea y filtrado glomerular. Los datos fueron procesados utilizando la estadística descriptiva.Resultados: el 42,9 por ciento de los pacientes presentó valores elevados de creatinina y el 33,7 por ciento de urea; en el 41 por ciento se obtuvieron cifras de filtrado glomerular disminuidas. Los valores patológicos de los complementarios predominaron en los pacientes con más de 20 años de evolución de la enfermedad, en ningún paciente con menos de diez años de evolución se manifestó daño renal.Conclusiones: los pacientes hipertensos con daño renal predominaron en aquellos con tiempo de evolución de la hipertensión por más de 20 años (AU)

Background: arterial hypertension is one of the most frequent chronic diseases. Its progress time and its adequate management and control are risk factors to cause renal damage.Objective: to determine the presence of renal damage in hypertensive patients admitted to the department of internal medicine of “Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna” General Teaching Hospital, from October 2014 to February 2016.Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out at the institution and during the period herein mentioned. The sample was made up of 480 patients admitted to the department of internal medicine, who were given investigations that measured the renal function, such as creatinine, urea and glomerular filtration. The data were processed using descriptive statistics.Results: 42,9 percent of the patients presented elevated values of creatinine and 33,7 percent of urea; 41 percent showed decreased rates of glomerular filtration. The pathological values of the investigations prevailed in the patients with more than 20 years of the disease progress. No patient with less than 10 years of progress showed renal damage.Conclusions: hypertensive patients with renal damage prevailed in those with progress time of hypertension for more than 20 years (AU)

Microalbuminuria como marcador de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes hipertensos / Microalbuminuria as a marker of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients

Fundamento: la ateroesclerosis es la causa fundamental en el desarrollo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Un gran número de víctimas, por lo general saludables, desarrollan un evento cardiovascular mortal o no, y es esta la primera manifestación clínica detectable de la ateroesclerosis. La microalbuminuria es reconocida por estar vinculada con daño renal en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 y 2, es un potente predictor de enfermedades cardiovasculares y se ha convertido en un marcador de ateroesclerosis en una etapa precoz.Objetivo: determinar la utilidad de la microalbuminuria como marcador de riesgo cardiovascular.Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional longitudinal, desde el 31 de mayo de 2014 hasta 30 de abril de 2015, para determinar la utilidad de la microalbuminuria como marcador de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes hipertensos sin daño vascular renal, en el consultorio numero 2 perteneciente a la policlínica Tula Aguilera de la provincia de Camagüey. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por 66 pacientes hipertensos sin daño vascular renal que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión definido, sobre los cuales se realizó el estudio. Para el análisis y procesamiento de los resultados se emplearon medidas de resumen de estadística descriptiva tales como números absolutos y porcentajes, para describir las variables estudiadas.Resultados: la presencia de microalbuminuria predominó en el sexo femenino y en mayores de 60 años, entre los factores de riesgo, el sedentarismo, seguido por la edad mayor de 65 años, fueron los más significativos, de los parámetros bioquímicos analizados la hipercolesterolemia se presentó en mayor número, la microalbuminuria fue positiva con mayor por ciento en los pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares asociadas.Conclusiones: se considera que la microalbuminuria no solo es un marcador de daño renal sino que es un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular(AU)

Background: atherosclerosis is the main cause in the development of heart diseases. A big number of victims, generally healthy, present a deadly cardiovascular event and this is the first clinical manifestation that is detected in atherosclerosis. Microalbuminuria is known as being related to kidney damage in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a potential predictor of heart diseases and has become a marker of atherosclerosis in an early stage.Objective: to determine the utility of microalbuminuria as a marker of cardiovascular risk.Methods: an observational longitudinal study was conducted, from May 31st 2014, to April 30th 2015 to determine the utility of microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients without kidney vascular damage in health care center 2 of the clinic Tula Aguilera in Camagüey. The universe of study was composed of 66 hypertensive patients without kidney vascular damage, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, upon which the study is based. For the analysis and processing of the results descriptive statistics measures were used such as absolute numbers and percentage to describe the studied variables.Results: the presence of microalbuminuria prevailed in female sex and people over 60 years old. Among the risk factors, sedentarism followed by age over 65 were the most significant. From the analyzed biochemical parameters hipercolesterolemia was higher in number, microalbuminuria was positive with a larger percent in patients with associated heart diseases.Conclusions: it is considered that microalbuminuria is not only a marker of kidney damage but also an indicator of cardiovascular risk(AU)

Las buenas prácticas clínicas como elemento fundamental en el manejo de la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave / Good clinical practices as a fundamental element in management of extremely severe maternal mortality

Introducción: la vigilancia de la morbilidad materna extrema es un complemento para la evaluación y mejoramiento de la calidad de los servicios de salud.Objetivo: evaluar las buenas prácticas clínicas como elemento fundamental en el manejo de la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Hospital Universitario Ginecobstétrico "Mariana Grajales", provincia Villa Clara desde 2012 hasta 2015 en mujeres con morbilidad materna extremadamente grave. De las 577 pacientes se seleccionó una muestra de 93 de forma no probabilística. Se revisaron los documentos de archivo del hospital y las historias clínicas individuales y hospitalarias.Resultados: en la atención primaria se registraron 80 casos como riesgo obstétrico, hubo un promedio de consultas de re-evaluación a las 14,1 semanas, 82 mujeres se realizaron los exámenes complementarios iniciales, el control de las curvas de tensión y peso en 88 y la altura uterina en 90 casos. En la atención secundaria se aplicó el código de colores a 92 pacientes, se identificó el riesgo obstétrico en 91 y fueron diagnosticadas al ingreso 85 mujeres. Se aplicaron los protocolos de atención al puerperio y al seguimiento por la comisión de la institución en todos los casos.Conclusiones: se detectan deficiencias en el proceso de atención a la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave. En este periodo, se evaluaron como aceptables la captación precoz, la atención al puerperio (inmediato y mediato) y el seguimiento por la comisión de morbilidad materna extremadamente grave de la institución(AU)

Introduction: Surveillance of extreme maternal morbidity supplements the evaluation and improvement of the quality of health services.Objective: To evaluate the good clinical practices as a fundamental element in the management of the extremely severe maternal morbidity.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in women with extremely severe maternal morbidity in ¨Mariana Grajales¨ university gynecological and obstetric hospital in Villa Clara province from 2012 to 2015. A final sample of 93 women was chosen from 577 patients by using a non-probabilistic method. Filed documents and individual and hospital clinical records were all checked.Results: Eighty patients were classified as obstetric risk in the primary health care level; re-assessment appointments with the physician occurred at 14.1 weeks as average; the initial supplementary tests were performed in 82 women, the control of blood pressure and weight, and of the uterus height occurred in 88 and 90 women, respectively. At the secondary care, the color code was applied to 92 patients; the obstetric risk was detected in 91 whereas 85 women were diagnosed on admission to the hospital. The puerperium care and the follow-up protocols were used by the institutional commission in all cases.Conclusions: Deficiencies were detected in the process of care to extremely severe maternal morbidity. In this period, early detection, care to puerperium (immediate and mediate) and follow up by the institutional extremely severe maternal morbidity commission(AU)

Educational strategies for the prevention of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

OBJECTIVE:: The main goal of this work was to produce a review of educational strategies to prevent diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. METHOD:: PubMed database was consulted using combined descriptors such as [Prevention], [Educational Activities], [Diabetes], [Hypertension], and [Obesity]. Data from randomized trials published between 2002 and 2014 were included in spreadsheets for analysis in duplicate by the reviewers. RESULTS:: A total of 8,908 articles were found, of which 1,539 were selected about diabetes mellitus (DM, n=369), arterial systemic hypertension (ASH, n=200), and obesity (OBES, n=970). The number of free full text articles available was 1,075 (DM = 276, ASH = 118 and OBES = 681). In most of these studies, demographic characteristics such as gender and age were randomized, and the population mainly composed by students, ethnic groups, family members, pregnant, health or education professionals, patients with chronic diseases (DM, ASH, OBES) or other comorbidities. Group dynamics, physical activity practices, nutritional education, questionnaires, interviews, employment of new technologies, people training and workshops were the main intervention strategies used. CONCLUSION:: The most efficient interventions occurred at community level, whenever the intervention was permanent or maintained for long periods, and relied on the continuous education of community health workers that had a constant interference inside the population covered. Many studies focused their actions in children and adolescents, especially on students, because they were more influenced by educational activities of prevention, and the knowledge acquired by them would spread more easily to their family and to society.

Effectiveness of Chlorthalidone Plus Amiloride for the Prevention of Hypertension: The PREVER-Prevention Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Prehypertension is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, target organ damage, and incidence of hypertension. The Prevention of Hypertension in Patients with PreHypertension (PREVER-Prevention) trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low-dose diuretic for the prevention of hypertension and end-organ damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 21 Brazilian academic medical centers. Participants with prehypertension who were aged 30 to 70 years and who did not reach optimal blood pressure after 3 months of lifestyle intervention were randomized to a chlorthalidone/amiloride combination pill or placebo and were evaluated every 3 months during 18 months of treatment. The primary outcome was incidence of hypertension. Development or worsening of microalbuminuria, new-onset diabetes mellitus, and reduction of left ventricular mass were secondary outcomes. Participant characteristics were evenly distributed by trial arms. The incidence of hypertension was significantly lower in 372 study participants allocated to diuretics compared with 358 allocated to placebo (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82), resulting in a cumulative incidence of 11.7% in the diuretic arm versus 19.5% in the placebo arm (P=0.004). Adverse events; levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, and microalbuminuria; and incidence of diabetes mellitus were no different between the 2 arms. Left ventricular mass assessed through Sokolow-Lyon voltage and voltage-duration product decreased to a greater extent in participants allocated to diuretic therapy compared with placebo (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of low-dose chlorthalidone and amiloride effectively reduces the risk of incident hypertension and beneficially affects left ventricular mass in patients with prehypertension. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, www.ensaiosclinicos.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00970931, RBR-74rr6s.

Blood Pressure Treatment Adherence and Control after Participation in the ReHOT.

BACKGROUND:: Lack of adherence to pharmacological treatment is one of the main causes of low control rates in hypertension. OBJECTIVE:: To verify treatment adherence and associated factors, as well as blood pressure (BP) control in participants of the Resistant Hypertension Optimal Treatment (ReHOT) clinical trial. METHOD:: Cross-sectional study including all 109 patients who had completed the ReHOT for at least 6 months. We excluded those participants who failed to respond to the new recruitment after three phone contact attempts. We evaluated the BP control by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM; controlled levels: 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP < 130 x 80 mmHg) and analyzed the patients' treatment adherence using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) questionnaire validated by Bloch, Melo, and Nogueira (2008). The statistical analysis was performed with the software IBM SPSS statistics 21.0. We tested the normality of the data distribution with kurtosis and skewness. The variables tested in the study are presented with descriptive statistics. Comparisons between treatment adherence and other variables were performed with Student's t test for independent variables and Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test. To conduct analyses among patients considering adherence to treatment and BP control, we created four groups: G0, G1, G2, and G3. We considered a 5% significance level in all tests. RESULTS:: During the ReHOT, 80% of the patients had good BP control and treatment adherence. Of 96 patients reevaluated in the present study, only 52.1% had controlled hypertension when assessed by ABPM, while 31.3% were considered adherent by the MMAS. Regarding other ABPM measures, we observed an absence of a nocturnal dip in 64.6% of the patients and a white-coat effect and false BP control in 23% and 12.5%, respectively. Patients' education level showed a trend towards being a determinant factor associated with lack of adherence (p = 0.05). Resistant hypertension and number of medications were significantly associated with BP control assessed by ABPM (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). Resistant hypertension was also significantly associated with group G0 (patients with no control or adherence, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION:: There was a decrease in BP control and adherence measured by the MMAS after participation of at least 6 months in the ReHOT clinical trial. FUNDAMENTO:: A falta de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma das principais causas das baixas taxas de controle da doença. OBJETIVO:: Verificar a adesão e fatores relacionados a ela, além do controle pressórico de pacientes que participaram do ensaio clínico Resistant Hypertension Optimal Treatment (ReHOT). MÉTODO:: Estudo transversal que incluiu todos os 109 pacientes que concluíram o ReHOT há pelo menos 6 meses. Foram excluídos aqueles que não responderam ao novo recrutamento após três tentativas de contato telefônico. Foi realizada avaliação do controle pressórico através de monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA; PA controlada: pressão arterial [PA] sistólica e diastólica de 24 horas < 130 x 80 mmHg) e avaliação da adesão através de respostas ao questionário Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) validado por Bloch, Melo e Nogueira (2008). A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa IBM SPSS statistics 21.0. Para verificar a normalidade da distribuição dos dados, utilizamos testes de curtose e assimetria. As variáveis relacionadas ao objeto de estudo são apresentadas por meio de estatística descritiva. Comparações entre a adesão ao tratamento e demais variáveis foi realizada com o teste t de Student para variáveis independentes e teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher. Para a análise entre pacientes considerando a adesão ao tratamento e controle da PA, foram criados quatro grupos: G0, G1, G2 e G3. Em todos os testes estatísticos consideramos um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS:: Durante o ReHOT, 80% dos pacientes apresentaram controle pressórico e adesão ao tratamento. Do total de 96 pacientes reavaliados, apenas 52,1% foram identificados como tendo HAS controlada através da avaliação da MAPA e 31,3% apresentaram adesão pelo MMAS. Quando consideradas outras medidas da MAPA, verificou-se que 64,6% dos pacientes não apresentavam descenso noturno e 23% e 12,5% apresentavam efeito do avental branco e falso controle da PA, respectivamente. A escolaridade apresentou tendência a ser um fator determinante de falta de adesão (p = 0,05). O número de medicamentos e a HAS resistente (HAR) tiveram uma relação significativa com o controle da PA medida por MAPA (p = 0,009 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). A HAR teve relação significativa com o grupo G0 (sem controle e sem adesão, p = 0,012). CONCLUSÃO:: Houve redução do controle da PA e da adesão pelo MMAS após pelo menos 6 meses de participação no ensaio clínico ReHOT.

Access to and use of high blood pressure medications in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the access to and use of medicines for high blood pressure among the Brazilian population according to social and demographic conditions. METHODS: Analysis of data from Pesquisa Nacional Sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), a nationwide cross-sectional, population-based study, with probability sampling, carried out between September 2013 and February 2014 in urban households in the five Brazilian regions. The study evaluated the access and use of medicines to treat people with high blood pressure. The independent variables were gender, age, socioeconomic status and Brazilian region. The study also described the most commonly used drugs and the percentage of people treated with one, two, three or more drugs. Point estimations and confidence intervals were calculated considering the sample weights and sample complex plan. RESULTS: Prevalence of high blood pressure was 23.7% (95%CI 22.8-24.6). Regarding people with this condition, 93.8% (95%CI 92.8-94.8) had indication for drug therapy and, of those, 94.6% (95%CI 93.5-95.5) were using the medication at the time of interview. Full access to medicines was 97.9% (95%CI 97.3-98.4); partial access, 1.9% (95%CI 1.4-2.4); and no access, 0.2% (95%CI 0.1-0.4). The medication used to treat high blood pressure, 56.0% (95%CI 52.6-59.2) were obtained from SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System), 16.0% (95%CI 14.3-17.9) from Popular Pharmacy Program, 25.7% (95%CI 23.4-28.2) were paid for by the patients themselves and 2.3% (95%CI 1.8-2.9) were obtained from other locations. The five most commonly used drugs were, in descending order, hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, captopril, enalapril and atenolol. Of the total number of patients on treatment, 36.1% (95%CI 34.1-37.1) were using two medicines and 13.5% (95%CI 12.3-14.9) used three or more. CONCLUSIONS: Access to medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure may be considered high and many of them are available free of charge. The most commonly used drugs are among those recommended as first-line treatment for high blood pressure control. The percentage of people using more than one drug seems to follow the behavior observed in other countries. OBJETIVO: Analisar o acesso e a utilização de medicamentos para a hipertensão na população brasileira segundo condições sociais e demográficas. Análise dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional Sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos, estudo nacional de delineamento transversal de base populacional, com amostra probabilística, realizado entre setembro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014 em domicílios urbanos nas cinco regiões do Brasil. Avaliou-se o uso e acesso aos medicamentos para os cuidados com pessoas que apresentam hipertensão arterial. As variáveis independentes utilizadas foram sexo, idade, nível socioeconômico e região do País. Também foram descritos os fármacos mais utilizados e a proporção de pessoas tratadas com um, dois, três ou mais fármacos. As estimativas de ponto e os intervalos de confiança foram calculados considerando os pesos amostrais e o plano complexo da amostra. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi de 23,7% (IC95% 22,8-24,6). Das pessoas com a condição, 93,8% (IC95% 92,8-94,8) tinham indicação de tratamento com medicamentos e, destes, 94,6% (IC95% 93,5-95,5) estavam usando os medicamentos no momento da entrevista. O acesso total aos medicamentos foi de 97,9% (IC95% 97,3-98,4); o acesso parcial, de 1,9% (IC95% 1,4-2,4); e o acesso nulo, de 0,2% (IC95% 0,1-0,4). Dos medicamentos utilizados para tratar a hipertensão, 56,0% (IC95% 52,6-59,2) foram obtidos no SUS, 16,0% (IC95% 14,3-17,9), no Programa Farmácia Popular, 25,7% (IC95% 23,4-28,2) pago do próprio bolso e 2,3% (IC95% 1,8-2,9) em outros locais. Os cinco fármacos mais utilizados foram, em ordem descrente, hidroclorotiazida, losartana, captopril, enalapril e atenolol. Do total de tratados, 36,1% (IC95% 34,1-37,1) estavam usando dois fármacos e 13,5% (IC95% 12,3-14,9) utilizavam três ou mais fármacos. CONCLUSÕES: : O acesso aos medicamentos para tratamento da hipertensão pode ser considerado elevado e grande parte desses medicamentos é obtida gratuitamente. Os fármacos mais utilizados estão entre os preconizados como de primeira linha para o controle de hipertensão arterial. A proporção de pessoas utilizando mais de um fármaco parece seguir o comportamento observado em outros países.

Chronic and asymptomatic diseases influence the control of hypertension treatment in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between blood pressure control and the following variables: a) bio-social and lifestyle characteristics of hypertensive patients; and b) factors related to the antihypertensive treatment. METHODS: This is an exploratory study with 290 people with hypertension from primary care. We used a specific instrument, self-administered, with 21 questions on factors that can hinder treatment, divided into four dimensions: medication, socioeconomic, institutional and personal beliefs. We adopted a significance level of p <0.05. RESULTS: The control of blood pressure was associated (p <0.05) with female gender, Caucasian ethnicity, primary/secondary education, not drinking alcohol, higher income and regular physical activity. Regarding the factors that can hinder treatment, there was association of hypertension control with only two questions: "feel nothing" and "have to do treatment for life". CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic variables and beliefs concerning the absence of symptoms and chronicity of the disease influenced the control of hypertension and should be considered in the adherence process to the treatment. OBJETIVO: Identificar a associação entre o controle da pressão arterial e as seguintes variáveis: a) características biossociais e hábitos de vida dos hipertensos; e b) fatores relacionados ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo exploratório com 290 hipertensos da atenção primária. Utilizou-se de instrumento específico, autoaplicável, com 21 questões sobre fatores que podem dificultar o tratamento, divididas em quatro domínios: medicamentos, socioeconômico, institucional e crenças pessoais. Adotou-se nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O controle da pressão arterial se associou (p < 0,05) com sexo feminino, etnia branca, ensino fundamental/médio, não ingerir bebida alcoólica, maior renda e atividade física regular. Quanto aos fatores que podem dificultar o tratamento, houve associação do controle com apenas duas questões: "não sentir nada" e "ter que fazer tratamento para vida toda". CONCLUSÃO: Variáveis sociodemográficas e crenças relativas à ausência de sintomatologia e cronicidade da doença influenciaram o controle dos hipertensos e devem ser consideradas no processo de adesão ao tratamento.

Nodular glomerulosclerosis in a non-diabetic hypertensive, dyslipidemic, smoker patient: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: This is a case report of a patient with idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis whose pathogenesis and morphology are similar to diabetic nephropathy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Brazilian man, leukoderma, dyslipidemic, obese with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease secondary to tobacco smoking, known to be hypertensive for five years and he had no history of diabetes. He was admitted with sudden anasarca, rapid loss of renal function and needed to start hemodialysis immediately. Renal biopsy was performed, and the sections were examined by light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Morphological and ultrastructural findings showed that the profile of the disease studied herein strongly resembles diabetic nephropathy. However, the absence of diabetes mellitus, the presence of arteriolar hyalinosis in renal arterioles, tobacco smoking, and other clinical factors observed can play a significant role in nodular formation. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of the patient, and most importantly, the fact that he is a smoker, favor the diagnosis of "nodular glomerulosclerosis associated with smoking", a nomenclature proposed by some authors as an alternative to the term idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis. This clinical case report highlights idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis as a rare disease of little known etiopathogenesis; thus, further studies are necessary in order to elucidate the causes of this disease.

Serum uric acid and its association with hypertension, early nephropathy and chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Early detection diabetic nephropathy (DN) is important. Whether serum uric acid (SUA) has a role in the development of DN is not known. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between SUA and hypertension, early nephropathy and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The total number of the study was 986 participants, according to presence and duration of diabetes were classified into three groups. Group I; including 250 healthy participants. Group II; including 352 with onset of diabetes < 5 years. Group III; including 384, with the onset of diabetes > 5 years. All participants were submitted to complete clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations, including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), as well triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein ratios (TG/HDL-C), SUA, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: SUA, BP, HbA1c, TG/HDL-C ratio, and ACR levels were significantly higher in group III than group I, II and in II than I. eGFR significantly lower in group III than group I, II and in II than I (p < 0.001). Age, BMI, BP, HbA1c, TG/HDL-C, ACR, were positively correlated with SUA, while GFR negatively correlated. SUA at level of > 6.1 mg/dl, > 6.2 mg/dl and > 6.5 mg/dl had a greater sensitivity and specificity for identifying hypertension, early nephropathy and decline eGFR respectively. CONCLUSION: Even high normal SUA level, was associated with the risk of hypertension, early nephropathy and decline of eGFR. Moreover SUA level may identify the onset of hypertension, early nephropathy and progression of CKD in T2DM.

Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome: A literature review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with variable prevalence, affecting about one in every 15 women worldwide. The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome requires at least two of the following criteria: oligoovulation and/or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and morphology of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS appear to have a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this article was to present a review of the literature by searching the databases Pubmed and Scielo, focusing on publications related to polycystic ovaries, including its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects, as well as its association with cardiovascular and arterial hypertensive disorders.

[Measurement of dietary sodium intake in a group of children from one to 18 months of age in a pediatric service in Cali, Colombia].

INTRODUCTION: The fatty streaks in an arterial wall can appear from the third year of age, and they show an association with atherogenic risk factors such as hypertension and sodium in the diet. Given the difficulty of data gathering, few studies report the intake of sodium in the diet. OBJECTIVE: To determine average sodium intake in the diet of children between one and 18 months of age through a three-day dietary survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 48 children without renal disease or diet restrictions seen in pediatric practice between January and June, 2011. It included a dietary survey for the parents, nutritional status classification by anthropometry, and blood pressure measurements. Sodium content and other nutrients in the diet program were analyzed with the International Food Consumption Program (CERES), anthropometry with the World Health Organization Anthro program, and Epi-info for socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: In total, 69% of children had high sodium consumption, 6.2% had high blood pressure, and 20.7% were overweight and obese. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension exceeds that reported for Colombia (1-3%). Two of the three children with high blood pressure had high sodium intake and they were overweight and obese, with values above those reported for Colombian children (16%). We suggest to measure blood pressure early, and to restrict salt and sugar in food for infants and children under two years of age. Also, larger studies should be conducted to collect population data on sodium intake and develop appropriate and timely intervention strategies to reduce risks in adulthood.

Effects of Allicin on Hypertension and Cardiac Function in Chronic Kidney Disease.

This work was performed to study the effect of allicin on hypertension and cardiac function in a rat model of CKD. The groups were control, CKD (5/6 nephrectomy), and CKD-allicin treated (CKDA) (40 mg/kg day/p.o.). Blood pressure was monitored (weekly/6 weeks). The cardiac function, vascular response to angiotensin II, oxidative stress, and heart morphometric parameters were determined. The CKD group showed hypertension and proteinuria. The coronary perfusion and left ventricular pressures were decreased in CKD group. In contrast, the vascular response to angiotensin II and expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) were increased. These data were associated with the increment in morphometric parameters (weight of heart and left ventricle, heart/BW and left ventricular mass index, and wall thickness). Concurrently, the oxidative stress was increased and correlated inversely with the expression of Nrf2, Keap1, and antioxidant enzymes Nrf2-regulated. Allicin treatment attenuated hypertension and improved the renal and the cardiac dysfunctions; furthermore, it decreased the vascular reactivity to angiotensin II, AT1R overexpression, and preserved morphometric parameters. Allicin also downregulated Keap1 and increased Nrf2 expression, upregulated the antioxidant enzymes, and reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, allicin showed an antihypertensive, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, and antioxidant effects, likely through downregulation of AT1R and Keap1 expression.

Wealth and cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of wealth-related inequalities in the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in high-, middle- and low-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Effective policies to control hypertension require an understanding of its distribution in the population and the barriers people face along the pathway from detection through to treatment and control. One key factor is household wealth, which may enable or limit a household's ability to access health care services and adequately control such a chronic condition. This study aims to describe the scale and patterns of wealth-related inequalities in the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in 21 countries using baseline data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study. METHODS: A cross-section of 163,397 adults aged 35 to 70 years were recruited from 661 urban and rural communities in selected low-, middle- and high-income countries (complete data for this analysis from 151,619 participants). Using blood pressure measurements, self-reported health and household data, concentration indices adjusted for age, sex and urban-rural location, we estimate the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in the levels of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in each of the 21 country samples. RESULTS: Overall, the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control was observed to be higher in poorer than in richer countries. In poorer countries, levels of hypertension awareness and treatment tended to be higher among wealthier households; while a similar pro-rich distribution was observed for hypertension control in countries at all levels of economic development. In some countries, hypertension awareness was greater among the poor (Sweden, Argentina, Poland), as was treatment (Sweden, Poland) and control (Sweden). CONCLUSION: Inequality in hypertension management outcomes decreased as countries became richer, but the considerable variation in patterns of wealth-related inequality - even among countries at similar levels of economic development - underscores the importance of health systems in improving hypertension management for all. These findings show that some, but not all, countries, including those with limited resources, have been able to achieve more equitable management of hypertension; and strategies must be tailored to national contexts to achieve optimal impact at population level.

[A new fetal death classification system]. / Método de clasificación de mortinatos según condición obstétrica relevante de la muerte fetal, en un hospital público de Chile (Método CORM).

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth is the mayor contributor to perinatal mortality. AIM: To report a system for classification of fetal deaths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 29,916 births with 258 fetal deaths that occurred in a public hospital. Data were obtained from audit reports of stillbirths. The method for classification “obstetric condition relevant to the death” was applied, based on obstetric and placental pathological findings analyzed exclusively by a single obstetrician and a single pathologist. RESULTS: Ninety two percent of obstetric conditions causing fetal death were identified. The most commonly reported were ascending bacterial infection in 26%, congenital anomalies in 19%, arterial hypertension in 12% and placental pathology in 12%. Fetal growth restriction was identified in 50% of stillbirths. Ninety percent were secondary to a primary obstetric condition and 10% had an unexplained cause. Placental abruption as the final cause of fetal death was identified in 60% of cases with arterial hypertension, 43% of cases with placental pathology and 37% of ascending infections. Fetal deaths occurred during pregnancy in 82% of cases and during labor in 17%. Intrapartum asphyxia occurred in 0.8% of stillbirths and presented in term pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: The “obstetric condition relevant to the death” method for classification of fetal death is effective to identify the originating obstetric cause of stillbirth and reduces the impact of fetal growth restriction and intrapartum asphyxia as the leading causes of death.

Microalbuminuria and its Association with Subclinical Atherosclerosis in the Mexican Mestizo population: the GEA study.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Ethnic differences for both conditions have been reported. We studied microalbuminuria prevalence and its association with coronary artery calcification as an early atherosclerosis marker in a Mexican-Mestizo population free of diabetes and hypertension (healthy), as well as in hypertensive and diabetic subjects. METHODS: In 1,472 adults (53.3 ± 9.4 years old, 50.3% women), anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile were determined. A spot urine sample was used to quantify the albumin-to-creatinine ratio and to define microalbuminuria (20-200 mg/g in men, and 30-300 mg/g in women). A coronary artery calcification score was obtained by electron-beam computed tomography and subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as a score > 0. RESULTS: Overall microalbuminuria prevalence was 9.3% (5.4% in healthy, 11.6% in obese, 12% in hypertensive, and 25% in diabetic subjects). Compared to "healthy" subjects without microalbuminuria, those with microalbuminuria had a ∼3-fold higher prevalence of coronary artery calcification > 0, while normal-high albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR: 1.8; p < 0.05) and microalbuminuria (OR: 2.6; p < 0.001) was independently associated with coronary artery calcification > 0 only among diabetic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria and high-normal albumin-to-creatinine ratio were independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, suggesting that they may confer a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.

Adrenocortical carcinoma, an unusual cause of secondary hypertension.

We present the case of a female patient aged 39 years who was admitted to our hospital due to hypertension, severe hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis; physical examination was remarkable for plethoric moon face, centripetal obesity and bilateral lower extremity oedema. She was admitted for intravenous potassium replacement and further assessment of hypertension and associated clinical findings. Laboratory testing showed increased levels of aldosterone, renin, cortisol, testosterone and androstenedione. An abdominal CT revealed a large mass in the right adrenal gland with hepatic involvement. The patient was started on antihypertensive medications and underwent laparoscopic surgery for mass and liver biopsy. The pathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma with liver metastasis. Hyperaldosteronism is a cause of secondary hypertension and its diagnosis is usually benign. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition and aldosterone secreting tumours are even rarer; associated hypertension usually improves after tumour resection, but with the presence of metastasis, blood pressure control is difficult.

Hyperuricemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: clinical review. / La hiperuricemia como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular: revisión clínica.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several risk factors have been associated with the development of these pathologies. However, there is controversy about whether hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. To answer this question, we performed a recent literature review of relevant published material to assess the association of hyperuricemia with four major cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son una de las causas más importantes de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. Varios factores de riesgo se han asociado con el desarrollo de estas patologías. Sin embargo, existe controversia si la hiperuricemia es un factor de riesgo independiente para el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Para responder esta interrogante, se realizó la revisión bibliográfica de los más relevantes trabajos publicados en los últimos seis años. Dichos trabajos evaluaron la asociación de la hiperuricemia con cuatro de las principales patologías cardiovasculares: la hipertensión arterial, la enfermedad coronaria, la insuficiencia cardiaca y la fibrilación auricular.

Application of prognostic score IPSET-thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia of a Brazilian public service.

INTRODUCTION:: In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), the vascular complications contribute to morbidity and mortality. To better predict the occurrence of thrombotic events, an International Prognostic Score for Thrombosis in Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET-thrombosis) has recently been proposed. We present the application of this score and compare its results with the usual classification system. METHOD:: We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis of 46 patients with a diagnosis of ET seen in the last 6 years at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC). RESULTS:: Thrombosis in the arterial territory was more prevalent than in venous sites. We observed that cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking) were also risk factors for thrombosis (p<0.001). Age over 60 years and presence of JAK2 V617F mutation were not associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events. No patient classified by IPSET-thrombosis as low risk had a thrombotic event. Furthermore, using the IPSET-thrombosis scale, we identified two patients who had thrombotic events during follow-up and were otherwise classified in the low-risk group of the traditional classification. Leukocytosis at diagnosis was significantly associated with arterial thrombosis (p=0.02), while splenomegaly was associated with venous thrombotic events (p=0.01). CONCLUSION:: Cardiovascular risk factors and leukocytosis were directly associated with arterial thrombosis. IPSET-thrombosis appears to be better than the traditional classification at identifying lower risk patients who do not need specific therapy.