Effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract on myocardial cell apoptosis in rat heart failure model.

PURPOSE: This work aimed to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on myocardial cell (MC) apoptosis in a rat model of heart failure (HF). METHODS: Tan IIA was extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) using an ethanol reflux method. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham (no treatment), mod (HF model establishment), low dose (LD: 0.1 mL/kg Tan IIA), medium dose (MD: 0.3 mL/kg Tan IIA), and high dose (HD: 0.5 mL/kg Tan IIA), with 10 rats in each group. The effects of different doses of Tan IIA on cardiac function, MC apoptosis, and the levels of proteins associated with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were compared. RESULTS: Mod group showed a significant decrease in systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins versus sham group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), end-systolic diameter, diastolic pressure, and MC apoptosis were significantly increased (p < 0.05). LD, MD, and HD groups exhibited significant improvements across various indicators of cardiac function and MC apoptosis versus mod group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tan IIA may improve cardiac function and inhibit MC apoptosis in rats with HF by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Amiodarone or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in chagas cardiomyopathy: the CHAGASICS randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE: Over 10 000 people with Chagas disease experience sudden cardiac death (SCD) annually, mostly caused by ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone hydrochloride and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) have been empirically used to prevent SCD in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that ICD is more effective than amiodarone therapy for primary prevention of all-cause mortality in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and moderate to high mortality risk, assessed by the Rassi score. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: CHAGASICS is an open-label, randomized clinical trial. The study enrolled patients from 13 centers in Brazil from May 30, 2014, to August 13, 2021, with the last follow-up November 8, 2021. Patients with serological findings positive for Chagas disease, a Rassi risk score of at least 10 points (intermediate to high risk), and at least 1 episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed from May 3, 2022, to June 16, 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive ICD or amiodarone (with a loading dose of 600 mg after randomization). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included SCD, hospitalization for heart failure, and necessity of a pacemaker during the entire follow-up. RESULTS: The study was stopped prematurely for administrative reasons, with 323 patients randomized (166 in the amiodarone group and 157 in the ICD group), rather than the intended 1100 patients. Analysis was by intention to treat at a median follow-up of 3.6 (IQR, 1.8-4.4) years. Mean (SD) age was 57.4 (9.8) years, 185 patients (57.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 37.0% (11.6%). There were 60 deaths (38.2%) in the ICD arm and 64 (38.6%) in the amiodarone group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.60-1.22]; P = .40). The rates of SCD (6 [3.8%] vs 23 [13.9%]; HR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.10-0.61]; P = .001), bradycardia requiring pacing (3 [1.9%] vs 27 [16.3%]; HR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.03-0.34]; P < .001), and heart failure hospitalization (14 [8.9%] vs 28 [16.9%]; HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.24-0.87]; P = .01) were lower in the ICD group compared with the amiodarone arm. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy at moderate to high risk of mortality, ICD did not reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. However, ICD significantly reduced the risk of SCD, pacing need, and heart failure hospitalization compared with amiodarone therapy. Further studies are warranted to confirm the evidence generated by this trial.

Efficacy and safety of leadless pacemaker implantation post transcatheter aortic valve replacement: asystematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The leadless pacemaker has emerged as a promising alternative for patients requiring artificial cardiac stimulation. Advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) is the primary indication for leadless pacemaker (LP) implantation in patients who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), yet its benefits remain uncertain. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of LPin post-TAVR patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies evaluating the implantation of leadless pacemakers in post-TAVR patients. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.2. RESULTS: We included six studies comprising 109 patients, with a mean age of 82 ± 3.21 years, of whom 52% (57 patients) were male. AVB was the primary indication in 55% of cases. Post-procedure complications occurred in 2.32% of patients (95% CI: 0.00 to 8.05%) and heart failure re-hospitalizations in 6.58% (95% CI: 0.00 to 18.00%). The average hospital stay was 9.33 days (95% CI: 8.64 to 10.03), and the mean procedure time was 40.77 minutes (95% CI: 22.32 to 59.23). All-cause mortality rate was 7.20% (95% CI: 0.18 to 14.22%). CONCLUSION: Leadless pacemaker implantation is a feasible option for post-TAVR patients. In terms of safety, outcomes appear to be comparable to data from traditional permanent pacemaker implantation. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further explore this issue.

[Heart failure due to arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. Presentation of two clinical cases]. / Insuficiencia cardíaca por fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálisis. Presentación de dos casos clínicos.

Arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis create a leftto-right shunt, resulting in an average 25% increase in cardiac output and subsequent remodeling of cardiac chambers. Some of these patients may develop highoutput heart failure. In this report, we present two cases of heart failure associated with an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, each showing distinct clinical outcomes following either its occlusion or cerclage. Drawing from existing medical literature, we explore potential causes that might account for the divergent clinical courses observed in these cases.

Las fístulas arteriovenosas para hemodiálisis generan un cortocircuito de izquierda a derecha con un incremento promedio en el gasto cardíaco del 25%, asociado a remodelado de las cavidades cardíacas. Un porcentaje de estos pacientes desarrollan insuficiencia cardíaca con alto gasto cardíaco. Presentamos dos casos de insuficiencia cardíaca asociada a fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálisis, con diferente evolución clínica luego de la oclusión o cerclaje de la misma. Basados en la literatura médica, se discuten las potenciales causas que pudieron justificar las diferencias en la evolución clínica entre ambos casos.

A Program to Optimize the Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: The RITMO Study. / Programa para Otimizar a Detecção da Fibrilação Atrial Paroxística: Estudo Ritmo.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrythmia, but still underdiagnosed especially among asymptomatic patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a simple strategy to optimize the identification of AF. METHODS: Asymptomatic patients aged 65 years or older, with hypertension or heart failure (HF), were included. Data were inserted into the REDCap software platform. Patients were assessed for the risk for AF using the Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) mathematical algorithm, which was applied on a one-hour electrocardiogram (ECG). All patients at high risk for AF were instructed to follow a home ECG protocol for seven days using a portable Kardia 6 (OMRON, AliveCor®). The Kolmogorov-test was used to test the normality of quantitative variables; those with normal distribution were expressed as mean and standard deviation. A p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 423 patients were assessed; 15 were excluded due to absence of SRA, yielding a sample of 408 patients. In 13 (3.2%), AF was identified, 120 (29.4%) were considered at high risk and 275 (67.4%) without increased risk for AF. Of the 120 high-risk patients, 111 successfully completed the seven-day protocol with Kardia; at least one episode of AF was identified in 43 patients. CONCLUSION: The strategy adopted in the RITMO study was shown to be effective in identifying AF in asymptomatic elderly patients with hypertension or HF, with an incidence of 13.7% (56/408).

FUNDAMENTO: A fibrilação atrial (FA) é a arritmia cardíaca sustentada mais frequente, mas ainda é subdiagnosticada especialmente em pacientes assintomáticos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma estratégia simples para otimizar a identificação da FA. MÉTODOS: Avaliados indivíduos assintomáticos com 65 anos ou mais, portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) ou insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os dados foram inseridos e armazenados em plataforma REDCap. Inicialmente foram realizadas análise de risco de FA com o algoritmo matemático Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) aplicado em eletrocardiograma (ECG) de 1 hora. Todos os pacientes de alto risco de FA foram orientados a realizar o protocolo de ECG domiciliar por sete dias com o equipamento portátil Kardia 6L OMRON, AliveCor®. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi usado para verificar a normalidade da distribuição das variáveis quantitativas; aquelas com distribuição normal foram expressas em média e desvio-padrão. Adotou-se como significativo o valor de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 423 pacientes; 15 foram excluídos por não terem realizado o SRA, resultando em uma amostra de 408 pacientes. A avaliação evidenciou que 13 (3,2%) pacientes apresentaram FA, 120 (29,4%) foram considerados de alto risco para FA e 275 (67,4%) sem risco aumentado. Dos 120 pacientes de alto risco, 111 realizaram adequadamente o protocolo de sete dias com o Kardia, tendo sido identificados um ou mais registros de FA em 43 pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A estratégia adotada no estudo RITMO mostrou-se eficaz para identificar, com uma incidência de 13,7% (56/408), episódios de FA em pacientes idosos assintomáticos e portadores de HA ou IC.

[Prevalence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and septal thickness]. / Prevalencia de amiloidosis cardíaca por transtiretina en pacientes internados por insuficiencia cardíaca con fracción de eyección preservada y engrosamiento septal.

INTRODUCTION: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) usually presents as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Its diagnosis has a significant clinical impact, as specific treatment is currently available. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of ATTR-CM in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and septal thickness in our region. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients over 18 years old hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (greater than 50%) and septal thickness greater than or equal to 12 mm during the period from 8/2019 to 1/2023 were prospectively included. A pyrophosphate bone scintigraphy (PYP) was planned to assess cardiac involvement. The prevalence of ATTR-CM and its 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: A PYP was performed in 59/82 patients. The median age was 85 [IQR 78-88] years old, 54% women. On admission, 61% had atrial fibrillation/flutter rhythm and the median NT-Pro-Bnp was 3536 [IQR 1700-7748] pg/nl. The mean ejection fraction was 57% (± 5). The prevalence of ATTR-CM diagnosed by bone scintigraphy with PYP was 19% (95%CI 9.7-30.1). No differences were found compared with those patients who did not perform a PYP. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and septal thickness, the diagnosis of ATTR-CM was relatively common (1/5). We believe that it should be routinely explored.

Introducción: La amiloidosis cardíaca por transtiretina (TTR) se suele presentar como insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con fracción de eyección preservada. Diagnosticarla tiene impacto clínico, ya que actualmente se dispone de tratamiento específico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia en nuestro medio de TTR en pacientes hospitalizados por IC con función sistólica preservada e hipertrofia septal. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron de forma prospectiva pacientes mayores a 18 años internados por IC con función sistólica conservada (fracción de eyección mayor a 50%) y espesor septal mayor o igual a 12 mm durante el periodo del 8/2019 a 1/2023. El compromiso cardiaco se evaluó mediante un centellograma óseo con pirofosfato (PYP) Se calculó la prevalencia de amiloidosis por TTR y su IC95%. Resultados: Se efectuó un centellograma en 59/82 pacientes. La edad fue de 85 [RIC 78-88] años, el 54% mujeres. Al ingreso, el 61% presentó ritmo de fibrilación/aleteo auricular y una mediana de NT-Pro-Bnp de 3536 pg/ml [RIC 1700-7748 pg/nl]. La media de fracción de eyección fue de 57 (± 5) %. La prevalencia de amiloidosis cardiaca por TTR diagnosticada por centellograma óseo con PYP fue del 19% (IC95% 9,7-30,1). No se detectaron diferencias con los 23 pacientes que no efectuaron centellograma. Conclusiones: En pacientes internados por IC con fracción de eyección preservada y engrosamiento septal el diagnóstico de amiloidosis cardiaca por TTR fue relativamente frecuente (1/5), por lo que consideramos que debería explorarse en forma rutinaria.

Prognostic value of the duke activity Status Index Questionnaire in predicting mortality in patients with chronic heart failure: 36-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire has been the focus of numerous investigations - its discriminative and prognostic capacity has been continuously explored, supporting its use in the clinical setting, specifically during rehabilitation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).However, studies exploring optimal DASI questionnaire threshold scores are limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate optimal DASI questionnaire thresholds values in predicting mortality in a CHF cohort and assess mortality rates based on the DASI questionnaire using a thresholds values obtained. METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective cohort study with a 36-month follow-up in patients with CHF. All patients completed a clinical assessment, followed by DASI questionnaire, pulmonary function, and echocardiography. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to discriminate the DASI questionnaire score in determining the risk of mortality. For survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier model was used to explore the impact of ≤/>23 points on mortality occurring during the 36-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, the majority being elderly men. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed that ≤/> 23 was a strong predictor of CHF mortality over a 36-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: A score of ≤/>23 presents good discriminatory capacity to predict mortality risk in 36 months in patients with CHF, especially in those with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction. Age, ejection fraction, DASI questionnaire score and use of digoxin are risk factors that influence mortality in this population.

Survival Analysis in Adult Heart Transplantation: Experience from a Brazilian Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: Heart transplantation is the gold standard for advanced heart failure treatment. This study examines the survival rates and risk factors for early mortality in adult heart transplant recipients at a Brazilian center. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 255 adult heart transplant patients from a single center in Brazil. Data were collected from medical records and databases including three defined periods (2012-2015, 2016-2019, and 2020-2022). Statistical analysis employed Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards analysis for 30-day mortality risk factors, and Log-rank tests. RESULTS: The recipients were mostly male (74.9%), and the mean age was 46.6 years. Main causes of heart failure were idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (33.9%), Chagas cardiomyopathy (18%), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (14.3%). The study revealed an overall survival of 68.1% at one year, 58% at five years, and 40.8% at 10 years after heart transplantation. Survivalimproved significantly over time, combining the most recent periods (2016 to 2022) it was 73.2% in the first year and 63% in five years. The main risk factors for 30-day mortality were longer time on cardiopulmonary bypass, the initial period of transplants (2012 to 2015), older age of the donor, and nutritional status of the donor (overweight or obese). The main causes of death within 30 days post-transplant were infection and primary graft dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The survival analysis by period demonstrated that the increased surgical volume, coupled with the team's experience and modifications to the immunosuppression protocol, contributed to the improved early and mid-term outcomes.

Boosting the Beat: A Critical Showdown of Levosimendan and Milrinone in Surgical and Non-Surgical Scenarios: A Narrative Review.

Acute heart failure, advanced cardiac failure, cardiac surgery, and sepsis are conditions that require simultaneous treatment to stimulate contractility and/or reduce systemic vascular resistance, with levosimendan and milrinone being treatment options. This research's aim is to review the current indications and evidence for these medications across various scenarios. Evidence suggests that levosimendan is a non-inferior alternative to dobutamine and superior to milrinone in treating low cardiac output syndrome following cardiac surgery. In cases of septic shock, levosimendan has been linked to lower mortality rates compared to placebo, while milrinone's efficacy remains inconclusive. Furthermore, postoperative patients undergoing correction for congenital heart disease have shown reduced mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stays when treated with levosimendan, although differences exist between the populations assigned to each intervention. In conclusion, levosimendan, compared to milrinone, appears to offer better hemodynamic favorability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, additional research is necessary to further understand its impact on hemodynamic outcomes, mortality, intensive care unit, and hospital stays in patients with cardiogenic shock of both ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies, as well as septic shock.

Therapeutic interventions for heart failure in Colombia: result of a Delphi panel.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to validate the main therapies used in the treatment of heart failure through a clinical consensus conducted by cardiology experts in Colombia. METHODS: The Delphi technique was employed, which involves a series of consultation rounds with experts to reach a consensus. Cardiologists with experience in HF treatment were selected, and they were sent electronic questionnaires to assess the relevance of various therapeutic interventions. Consensus was defined when at least 70% of the experts agreed on the relevance of an intervention. RESULTS: Fourteen cardiology experts participated in the study. In the first round, nine therapeutic interventions were evaluated, but insufficient agreement was reached to form a consensus. A second round was conducted, where feedback was provided to the experts, and they were asked to rate the relevance of the interventions using a Likert scale. Consensus was achieved for eight of the evaluated therapeutic interventions. The focus of the third round was on the interventions that had not reached consensus in the previous rounds. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides clinical consensus on therapeutic interventions for HF in Colombia. Nine therapeutic interventions were identified as relevant by the experts. These findings can help improve HF treatment and optimize clinical outcomes in Colombia. It is important to note that this study was conducted with local experts, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations.

Effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with ventricular assist devices: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Ventricular assist devices represent a treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure, offering control over various haemodynamic variables. Similarly, the prescription of exercise within a cardiac rehabilitation programme for heart failure patients is recommended to reduce symptoms, and hospitalisations, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase exercise tolerance. Therefore, exercise prescription can impact those with ventricular assist devices. Given the limited evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes for this population, this review aims to describe the most commonly used strategies and their health benefits when physical exercise is included in a cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with ventricular assist devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory review was conducted through searches in the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, PeDro, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to studies published between 2013 and 2023. Filters were applied independently by title, abstract, and full text. The included articles were analysed based on the description of the types of cardiac rehabilitation strategies used in patients with ventricular assist devices. RESULTS: Seven articles were included. Each programme employed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before prescribing physical exercise. The most commonly used strategy was aerobic exercise, predominantly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with intensities close to 90% of peak VO2, followed by continuous moderate-intensity exercise. Limb strength exercises were included in three programmes. CONCLUSIONS: The analysed literature suggests that cardiac rehabilitation in patients with ventricular assist devices is safe and can provide benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise tolerance. High-intensity interval training is identified as an appropriate strategy for achieving results, offering short-term improvements.

Heart Failure Care Facilitators and Barriers in Rural Haiti: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalizations in Haiti. However, few patients return for outpatient care. The factors contributing to chronic HF care access are poorly understood. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the facilitators and barriers to accessing care for chronic HF from the patients' perspectives. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 13 patients with HF participating in three group interviews and one individual interview. We recruited patients after discharge from a nongovernmental organization-supported academic hospital in rural Haiti. We employed thematic analysis using emergent coding and categorized themes using the socioecological model. Findings: Facilitators of chronic care included participants' knowledge about the importance of treatment for HF and engagement with health systems to manage symptoms. Social support networks helped participants access clinics. Participants reported low cost of care at this subsidized hospital, good medication accessibility, and trust in the healthcare system. Participants expressedstrong spiritual beliefs, with the view that the healthcare system is an extension of God's influence. Barriers to chronic care included misconceptions about the importance of adherence to medications when symptoms improve and remembering follow-up appointments. Unexpectedly, participants believed they should take their HF medications with food and that food insecurity resulted in missed doses. Lack of social support networks limited clinic access. The nonhealthcare costs associated with clinic visits were prohibitive for many participants. Participants expressed low satisfaction regarding the clinic experience. A barrier to healthcare was the belief that heart disease caused by mystical and supernatural spirits is incurable. Conclusions: We identified several facilitators and barriers to chronic HF care with meaningful implications for HF management in rural Haiti. Future interventions to improve chronic HF care should emphasize addressing misconceptions about HF management and fostering patient support systems for visit and medication adherence. Leveraging local spiritual beliefs may also promote care engagement.

Congestive heart failure associated with itraconazole in a patient with paracoccidioidomycosis.

Itraconazole (ITZ) is widely prescribed for the treatment of mycosis such as Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). However, it's related to toxicity and serious adverse events, such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The objective is to describe a patient with PCM and CHF secondary to ITZ. Male, 50-years old, was diagnosed with chronic adult PCM and started ITZ 200 mg 12/12 h. After 2-months, acute CHF began without previous-heart disease. The electrocardiogram showed changes in ventricular repolarization and left anterior superior divisional block. Echocardiogram: slight reduction in left ventricular systolic function and ejection fraction of 51%. ITZ was replaced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After a week, there was remission of symptoms. Despite thousands of patients around the world received ITZ, few cases of CHF were reported. It's dose dependent and improves when the drug is discontinuing. ITZ has negative inotropic effect and probably causes mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the intrinsic mechanisms are not yet completely understood.

Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on the association between RA and heart failure, highlighting the role of inflammation and the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of heart failure in RA patients is two to three times higher than in the general population, with inflammation playing a significant role independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. HFpEF accounts for about half of heart failure cases and is increasingly recognized in RA patients, although it remains underdiagnosed. Atypical presentations and non-specific symptoms further complicate diagnosis. Early control of inflammation has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure development and progression, improving both morbidity and mortality outcomes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the population, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of premature death in these patients.

Differential impacts of body composition on oxygen kinetics and exercise tolerance of HFrEF and HFpEF patients.

This study aims to (1) compare the kinetics of pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2p), skeletal muscle deoxygenation ([HHb]), and microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) between heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and (2) explore the correlation between body composition, kinetic parameters, and exercise performance. Twenty-one patients (10 HFpEF and 11 HFrEF) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess VO2 kinetics, with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) employed to measure [HHb]. Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was calculated using the Fick principle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed to evaluate body composition. HFrEF patients exhibited significantly slower VO2 kinetics (time constant [t]: 63 ± 10.8 s vs. 45.4 ± 7.9 s; P < 0.05) and quicker [HHb] response (t: 12.4 ± 9.9 s vs. 25 ± 11.6 s; P < 0.05). Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was higher in HFrEF patients (3.6 ± 1.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8; P < 0.05), who also experienced shorter time to exercise intolerance (281.6 ± 84 s vs. 405.3 ± 96 s; P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between time to exercise and both QO2mv (ρ= -0.51; P < 0.05) and VO2 kinetics (ρ= -0.63). Body adiposity was negatively correlated with [HHb] amplitude (ρ= -0.78) and peak VO2 (ρ= -0.54), while a positive correlation was observed between lean muscle percentage, [HHb] amplitude, and tau (ρ= 0.74 and 0.57; P < 0.05), respectively. HFrEF patients demonstrate more severely impaired VO2p kinetics, skeletal muscle deoxygenation, and microvascular O2 delivery compared to HFpEF patients, indicating compromised peripheral function. Additionally, increased adiposity and reduced lean mass are linked to decreased oxygen diffusion capacity and impaired oxygen uptake kinetics in HFrEF patients.

Factors associated with medication non-adherence among patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the factors contributing to medication non-adherence among patients with heart failure. METHOD: cross-sectional and analytical study using the Medida de Adesão ao Tratamento [Treatment Adherence Measure] scale to assess medication non-adherence. Independent variables were collected using the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale and an instrument developed by the authors based on a previous study. Statistical tests were implemented to analyze data with p≤0.05 statistical significance. RESULTS: the sample comprised 340 patients, with 9.4% considered non-adherent. The multiple analysis results showed that one unit increase in an individual's self-care score led to an 8% increase in the prevalence of non-adherence; patients with a family income above three times the minimum wage presented a prevalence of non-adherence equal to 3.5% of the prevalence of those with up to one times the minimum wage; individuals consuming alcohol or with depression presented 3.49 and 3.69 times higher prevalence of non-adherence, respectively, than individuals not presenting such history. CONCLUSION: medication non-adherence was associated with self-care, family income, depression, and alcohol consumption.

A repolarização ventricular pode predizer a insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP)? / Can ventricular repolarization predict heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)?

INTRODUÇÃO: A ICFEP é uma síndrome clínica complexa, decorrente de uma combinação de anormalidades fisiopatológicas que confluem na elevação das pressões de enchimento do coração. O seu diagnóstico é desafiador, necessitando de vários parâmetros e métodos diagnósticos. O eletrocardiograma (ECG), consagrado em outras doenças e de fácil acesso no arsenal clínico, ainda não possui parâmetros bem definidos nos pacientes com ICFEP, havendo uma escassez de estudos que avaliam o seu papel nesta cardiopatia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre alterações da repolarização ventricular em uma população com diagnóstico de ICFEP definida pelo escore europeu HFA-PEFF e uma população controle. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal com 98 pacientes, destes, 49 controles, 32♀ 17♂ e 49 ICFEP, 33♀ 16♂, com média de idade do grupo controle de 46 (+/-12) anos e do grupo ICFEP 67 (+/- 9,1) anos. Foram comparados os dados de ECG entre 2 grupos, ICFEP (pelo HFA-PEFF) e controles. A repolarização ventricular foi avaliada através das medidas do intervalo QT, QTc e QT pico na derivação V5. As diferenças foram avaliadas pelo teste de Mann-Whitney; foram considerados significativos valores de p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos. A média com desvio padrão da duração dos intervalos no ECG (controles vs. ICFEP) foram: QT 400+/-31ms vs. 460+/-49ms; QTc 430+/-28ms vs. 470+/-42ms; QTpico 310+/- 30ms vs. 350+/-38ms (valor de p< 0,001 para todas as medidas). A acurácia dos resultados determinada pela curva ROC mostrou os seguintes valores da estatística c: QT= 0.899, QTpico= 0.819; QTc= 0.770. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem e reforçam que as alterações da repolarização ventricular são maiores em pacientes com ICFEP, indicando importante remodelamento elétrico ventricular. Esses achados devem ser confirmados em estudos incluindo maior número de pacientes e, podem ser, no futuro, vaiáveis promissoras e com potencial para serem incluídas no arsenal multiparamétrico da avaliação diagnóstica da ICFEP.

A importância do diagnóstico diferencial de endocardite infecciosa e fratura de folheto em paciente submetido a valve in valve aórtico / The importance of differential diagnosis of infective endocarditis and leaflet fracture in a patient undergoing aortic valve in valve replacement

INTRODUÇÃO: Os sinais de alarme de disfunção de bioprótese como espessamento de folhetos, aumento de gradientes transprotéticos, redução do orifício efetivo de fluxo (OEF) e início de sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca podem ser comuns entre as diversas etiologias de deterioração protética. Diagnóstico diferencial entre endocardite infecciosa (EI) e disfunção estrutural é de suma importância para a escolha do tratamento. RELATO DE CASO: Homem de 75 anos, com antecedente de troca valvar aórtica por bioprótese nº 23 e revascularização miocárdica em 2008, deu entrada no Pronto-Socorro por quadro de dor torácica, dispneia aos moderados esforços e ortopneia. Realizada estratificação invasiva e descartada síndrome coronariana aguda.Em ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) evidenciada bioprótese aórtica com folhetos espessados, mobilidade e abertura reduzidas e imagem sugestiva de ruptura de um dos seus folhetos, gerando refluxo importante, com gradiente sistólico médio (GSM) 32mmHg, OEF 1,4cm², além de disfunção biventricular importante. Diagnosticado disfunção estrutural por fratura de folheto relacionado ao seio de valsalva direito e indicada cirurgia de troca valvar. Todavia, após complementação com ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) visualizada imagem adicional ecogênica medindo 7x4mm relacionado ao folheto do seio coronariano esquerdo podendo corresponder a vegetação. Desse modo, tornou-se imperativo descartar EI como outro componente da disfunção, sendo coletadas hemoculturas com resultados negativos. Na ausência de sinais e sintomas infecciosos, foi descartada infecção. Paciente evoluiu com choque cardiogênico (EUROSCORE II de 40,7%), diante da gravidade optado por intervenção percutânea (Valve-in-Valve). Em indução anestésica, paciente apresentou parada cardiorrespiratória em assistolia, sendo revertida após 4 minutos. Implantada prótese Evolut R de tamanho nº23, com acompanhamento intraoperatório por meio de ETE, ao término, visto endoprótese bem posicionada, sem evidências de refluxo, GSM de 10mmHg e OEF de 2cm². Paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica substancial e recebeu alta em boas condições. CONCLUSÃO: O caso destaca a complexidade diagnóstica e terapêutica da disfunção de bioprótese valvar, ilustrando a importância do diagnóstico diferencial entre disfunção estrutural e EI. O descarte infeccioso é imprescindível para realização do Valve-in-Valve. Neste caso, foi a rápida implementação do procedimento que possibilitou desfechos favoráveis ao paciente.

Raríssimo caso de pericardite constritiva: sangramento pericárdico pós-traumático por causa inusitada / Very rare case of constrictive pericarditis: post-traumatic pericardial bleeding due to an unusual cause

APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 69 anos, fumante, sem outras comorbidades, agricultor, consulta por dispnéia. Ao exame físico na admissão apresenta sinais de insuficiência cardíaca direita. Foi realizado ecocardiograma com evidência de massa adjacente ao ventrículo direito (VD), causando compressão com diminuição a distensibilidade do VD, com áreas de intensa calcificação pericárdica de distribuição desigual e padrão hemodinâmico de constrição. Nega antecedentes de tuberculose, radioterapia de tórax ou cirurgia cardíaca prévia. Realizada TC de tórax com contraste, evidenciando calcificações pericárdicas, com imagem de "pseudotumor" adjacente a VD de contorno irregular, calcificação intensa e conteúdo heterogêneo. O paciente foi submetido a pericardectomia e ressecção do tumor, com achado de intensa calcificação e coágulos remanescentes em seu interior. Interrogado especificamente sobre antecedente de trauma torácico, ao que o paciente respondeu ter sofrido uma pancada por cabeça de bovino, 10 anos antes do início dos sintomas. Descartou-se contato com Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tireoidopatias e neoplasias. Em ausência de outra explicação que justificasse os achados, foi assumida como etiologia pericardite constritiva secundária a hemopericárdico por contusão cardíaca. DISCUSSÃO: As causas mais comuns de pericardite constritiva incluem tuberculose, colagenoses, uremia, febre reumática, radioterapia, neoplasias. Existem pouquíssimos relatos na literatura relacionando pericardite constritiva a trauma torácico fechado, a maioria das associações são com o trauma da pericardiectomia durante uma cirurgia cardíaca. Chama a atenção a intensa calcificação pericárdica com efeito de massa compressiva adjacente ao VD e a localização heterogênea das calcificações nas paredes de VE, podendo corresponder com a distribuição pós-traumática do sangramento. Apesar de ser relatado na literatura que a tuberculose está entre as causas que mais apresentam calcificação visível ao exame radiológico, não há evidências que ligam a alteração a uma etiologia específica. COMENTÁRIOS FINAIS: Pelo perfil da população que atendemos no SUS, devemos abrir o espectro de possibilidades para não nos surpreendermos com motivos inusitados de consulta na população. Não há casos publicados de pericardite pós-traumática, secundária a hemopericárdio pós pancada de bovino. Com a grande quantidade de trabalhadores rurais no Brasil, sua incidência poderia estar sendo subestimada.

Efeitos cardiotóxicos da terapia com células CAR-T: uma meta-análise / Cardiotoxic effects of CAR-T cell therapy: a meta-analysis

INTRODUÇÃO: A terapia com células T receptoras de antígeno quimérico (CAR-T) mostrou-se promissora no tratamento de malignidades hematológicas, mas seus potenciais efeitos cardiotóxicos requerem investigação aprofundada. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma meta-análise, examinando os efeitos cardiotóxicos da terapia CAR-T em adultos com malignidadeshematológicas. MÉTODOS: Como estratégia de busca, foram utilizadas as bases de dados PubMed, Embase e o Registro Cochrane Central de Ensaios Controlados para estudos que relataram desfechos cardiovasculares, como arritmias, insuficiência cardíaca e redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE). RESULTADOS: Foi feita análise de 20 estudos envolvendo 4.789 pacientes, que revelou uma taxa de incidência de eventos cardiovasculares de 19,68%, sendo as arritmias (10,19%), insuficiência cardíaca (5,73%) e redução da FEVE (3,86%) as mais prevalentes. Elevação de troponina foi observada em 23,61% dos pacientes, enquanto a elevação de NT-Pro-BNP foi observada em 9,4%. Análises de subgrupos mostraram riscos maiores em pacientes com condições pré-existentes, como arritmia atrial (OR 3,12; p<0,001), hipertensão (OR 1,85; p=0,002), insuficiência cardíaca anterior (OR 3,38; p=0,003) e doença arterial coronariana (OR 2,80; p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A partir dos dados obtidos neste estudo, que analisou 20 artigos e envolveu 4.789 pacientes, conclui-se que há uma incidência significativa de eventos cardiovasculares entre os pacientes tratados com terapia CAR-T, particularmente aqueles com condições cardíacas pré-existentes. As arritmias, a insuficiência cardíaca e a redução da FEVE foram as complicações mais frequentes. Este achado ressalta a importância de um monitoramento cardiovascular rigoroso durante a terapia CAR-T, a fim de maximizar a segurança e eficácia do tratamento, especialmente para aqueles em maior risco devido a condições pré-existentes.