Evaluación de los factores de riesgo vasculares convencionales en pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico en un hospital de Uruguay / Evaluation of conventional vascular risk factors in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular attack in a hospital in Uruguay

Resumen El ataque cerebrovascular es la segunda causa de muerte en adultos en el mundo occidental. Con el objetivo de conocer el estado actual de los factoresde riesgo vasculares convencionales (FRC) para el ataque cerebrovascularisquémico (ACVi) -hipertensión arterial (HTA), dislipemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), tabaquismo, arritmias, antecedentes de ataque cerebrovascular (ACV),edad y sexo- y de valorar el cumplimiento de las medidas de prevención, se analizó la distribución de éstos según etiología y topografía en un hospital público de Montevideo, Uruguay. Se estudiaron 114 pacientes de 25-97 años con ACVi. Se aplicó un protocolo para recolectar variables afines a la investigación utilizando criterios del Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment y Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project para la clasificación etiológica y topográfica respectivamente. Se consideró la presencia de HTA y DM según criterios dela Organización Mundial de la Salud, de dislipemia según el Adult Treatment Panel III, de tabaquismo por haber fumado como mínimo un cigarrillo/día en el último trimestre y de arritmia a la alteración de la frecuencia cardíaca. Se observó un aumento de la frecuencia de ACVi con la edad, mayor proporción del sexo masculino respecto a la población general hasta los 64 años y frecuencia relativa etiológica y topográfica similar a la descripta en la bibliografía. La HTA fue el FRC de mayor frecuencia, tanto único como en concomitancia con otros,seguida de dislipemia y DM. Estos fueron superiores respecto de publicaciones nacionales previas. Se corroboró la implicancia de los FRC en el ACVi y la inadecuada prevención de los factores de riesgo modificables.

Abstract Stroke is the second leading cause of death in adults in the western world. Inorder to know the current status of conventional risk factors (CRF) for ischs emic stroke (IS) hypertension (HBP), dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, arrhythmias, history of stroke,age and sex- and to assess compliance with prevention measures, their distribution was analysed according toetiology and topography in a public hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay. One hundred fourteen IS patients aged 25-97 years were studied. A protocol was applied to collect variables related to the research using the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment and Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project criteria for etiological andtopographic classification, respectively. The presence of hypertension (HBP) and diabetes according to World Health Organization criteria, dyslipidemia according to the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III, smoking having smoked at least one cigarette/day in the last trimester and arrhythmia according to the alterationof the heart rate were considered. An increased in the frequency of stroke with age, a higher proportionin men compared to the general population up to 64 years of age and relative etiological and topographic frequency like bibliography were obserbed. HBP was the most frequent CRF, both alone and in concomitance with others, followed by dyslipidemia and diabetes, these being higher to than previous national publications.The implication of CRFs in stroke and the inadequate prevention of modifiable risk factors were corroborated.

Resumo O acidente vascular-cerebral é a segunda causa de morte em adultos no mundo ocidental. Para conhecer ostatus atual dos fatores de risco vasculares convencionais (FRC) para acidente vascular-cerebral isquêmico(ACVi) -hipertensão arterial (HTA), dislipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), tabagismo, arritmias, antecedentesde ACVi, idade e sexo- e para avaliar o cumprimento das medidas de prevenção, sua distribuição foi analisadade acordo com a etiologia e a topografia em um hospital público de Montevidéu, Uruguai. Foram estudados114 pacientes com ACVi com idades entre 25 e 97 anos. Um protocolo foi aplicado para coletar variáveis vinculadas à pesquisa usando os critérios do Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment e Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project para classificação etiológica e topográfica, respectivamente. Considerou-se apresença de HTA e DM de acordo com os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde, dislipidemia de acordocom o Adult Treatment Panel III, tabagismo tendo fumado pelo menos um cigarro/dia no último trimestree arritmia conforme a alteração da frequência cardíaca. Observa-se aumento da frequência de AVCi com aidade, maior proporção de homens em relação à população geral até 64 anos e frequência relativa etiológicae topográfica semelhante à bibliografia. A HTA foi o FRC mais frequente, tanto única quanto em concomitância com outras, seguida de dislipidemia e DM. Eles foram superiores às publicações prévias. O envolvimentodos FRCs no ACVi e a prevenção inadequada dos fatores de risco modificáveis foram confirmadas.

Clinical Characteristics and Therapeutic Adherence of Women in a Referral Outpatient Clinic for Severe Hypertension

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide. There is a lack of studies addressing this issue in women and its risk factors, such as hypertension. Objective To evaluate the clinical and therapeutic profile of women with hypertension and to determine which factors are related to treatment adherence and blood pressure control. Methods Cross-sectional study of 181 hypertensive women treated at an outpatient referral clinic. Data were obtained from medical records, face-to-face interviews, and physical examination, using a standardized form. Statistical analysis was performed with prevalence ratio, chi-square and Student's t test. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results Most patients were mixed-race or black (91.7%) and the mean age was 66.09 years. Only 44.2% of patients had controlled blood pressure. The prevalence of stroke was 14.9%, whereas the prevalence of coronary artery disease was 19.3%. The mean number of oral antihypertensive drugs prescribed to each individual was 3.41. A history of stroke was more often found in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (p=0.013) and in those using three or more antihypertensives (p=0.023). Eighty patients (44.2%) had high treatment adherence. Depression was more frequently reported by patients with poorer adherence to treatment (p=0.026). Conclusion Women with hypertension presented a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular events, including a significantly higher prevalence of stroke in those with uncontrolled hypertension. Self-reported depression may help identify patients at risk of nonadherence to treatment.

Escore de Cálcio Coronário e Estratificação do Risco de Doença Arterial Coronariana em Pacientes com Acidente Vascular Encefálico Isquêmico Aterosclerótico e não-Aterosclerótico / Coronary Calcium Score and Stratification of Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Patients with Atherosclerotic and Non-Atherosclerotic Ischemic Stroke

Resumo Fundamento O acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico (AVEi) e a doença arterial coronariana (DAC) coexistem frequentemente e compartilham fatores de risco para doença aterosclerótica. Segundo a American Heart Association , os subtipos de AVEi podem ser considerados equivalentes de risco para DAC, mas a evidência para o AVEi não-aterosclerótico não está bem definida. Além disso, o escore de cálcio coronário (CAC) é um marcador preciso para estimar o risco de DAC. Entretanto, a distribuição do CAC pelos subtipos de AVEi ainda não foi bem caracterizada. Objetivos Comparar o CAC entre os grupos de AVEi ateroscleróticos e não ateroscleróticos, e determinar quais covariáveis estão associadas a CAC alto no AVEi Métodos Em um estudo transversal, incluímos todos os pacientes com AVEi, com idades entre 45 a 70 anos no momento do acidente vascular, consecutivamente admitidos em um hospital de reabilitação entre agosto de 2014 e dezembro de 2016, sem DAC prevalente. Todos os pacientes passaram por tomografia computadorizada (TC), para medir o CAC. CAC≥100 foi considerado alto risco de DAC. O nível de significância foi p<0,05. Resultados Dos 244 pacientes estudados (média de idade de 58,4±6,8 anos; 49% do sexo feminino), 164 (67%) apresentavam etiologia não-aterosclerótica. As proporções de CAC≥100 foram semelhantes entre os grupos ateroscleróticos e não-ateroscleróticos (33% [n=26] x 29% [n=47]; p= 0,54). Entre todos os pacientes com AVEi, apenas os de idade ≥60 anos foram associados independentemente a CAC≥100 (RC 3,5; 95% IC 1,7-7,1), ajustado para hipertensão, dislipidemia, diabetes, sedentarismo, e histórico familiar de DAC. Conclusão O AVEi aterosclerótico não apresentou risco maior de DAC quando comparado ao AVEi não-aterosclerótico de acordo com o CAC. Apenas a faixa etária ≥60 anos - mas não a etiologia - foi associada independentemente a CAC≥100. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1144-1151)

Abstract Background Ischemic Stroke (IS) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) frequently coexist and share atherosclerotic disease risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, IS subtypes may be considered CAD risk equivalents, but the evidence for non-atherosclerotic IS is uncertain. Additionally, the Coronary Calcium Score (CCS) is an accurate marker to address CAD risk; however, CCS distribution between IS subtypes is not well characterized. Objectives To compare the CCS between atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic IS groups; and to determine which covariates were associated with high CCS in IS. Methods This cross-sectional design included all patients with IS, 45 to 70 years of age at the time of the stroke, consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation hospital between August 2014 and December 2016, without prevalent CAD. All patients underwent CT scanning for CCS measurement. CCS≥100 was considered a high risk for CAD, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results From the 244 studied patients (mean age 58.4±6.8 years; 49% female), 164 (67%) had non-atherosclerotic etiology. The proportions of CCS≥100 were similar between the atherosclerotic and the non-atherosclerotic groups (33% [n=26] x 29% [n=47]; p= 0.54). Among all IS patients, only age ≥60 years was independently associated with CCS≥100 (OR 3.5; 95%CI 1.7-7.1), accounting for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, sedentarism, and family history of CAD. Conclusion Atherosclerotic IS did not present a greater risk of CAD when compared to non-atherosclerotic IS according to CCS. Only age ≥60 years, but not etiology, was independently associated with CCS≥100.

Preoperative carotid duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using carotid duplex ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 and included 166 consecutive patients [130 males (78.31%), 36 females (21.69%); mean age: 64.25±9.78 years] who underwent elective and isolated CABG. Patients who had significant CAS (≥50% stenosis) were compared with patients who had non-significant CAS (<50% stenosis). Logistic regression analysis was applied across the selected parameters to identify risk factors for significant CAS. Results: Of all patients, 36 (21.68%) had CAS ≥50% and 8 (4.81%) had unilateral carotid stenosis ≥70%. Carotid endarterectomy/CABG was performed simultaneously in five (3.01%) patients. None of these patients had cardiac and neurological problems during the postoperative period. The overall incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after CABG was 1.20% (n=2). Age (P=0.011) and history of CVA (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the CAS ≥50 group than in the CAS <50 group. Significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA (P=0.013). Conclusion: Age and history of CVA were identified as risk factors for significant CAS. Furthermore, significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA. For this reason, carotid screening is recommended for patients undergoing CABG even in the absence of associated risk factors.

Cervical arterial dissection: clinical characteristics in a neurology service in São Paulo, Brazil / Dissecção arterial cervical: características clínicas em um serviço de neurologia de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Cervical arterial dissection accounts for only a small proportion of ischemic stroke but arouses scientific interest due to its wide clinical variability. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate its risk factors, outline its clinical characteristics, compare treatment with antiaggregation or anticoagulation, and explore the prognosis of patients with cervical arterial dissection. Methods: An observational, retrospective study using data from medical records on patients with cervical arterial dissection between January 2010 and August 2015. Results: The total number of patients was 41. The patients' ages ranged from 19 to 75 years, with an average of 44.5 years. The most common risk factor was smoking. Antiaggregation was used in the majority of patients (65.5%); 43% of all patients recanalized in six months, more frequently in patients who had received anticoagulation (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The presence of atherosclerotic disease is considered rare in patients with cervical arterial dissection; however, our study found a high frequency of hypertension, smoking and dyslipidemia. The choice of antithrombotic remains controversial and will depend on the judgment of the medical professional; the clinical results with anticoagulation or antiaggregation were similar but there was more recanalization in the group treated with anticoagulation; its course was favorable in both situations. The recurrence of cervical arterial dissection and stroke is considered a rare event and its course is favorable.

RESUMO As dissecções arterais cervicais correspondem somente a uma pequena proporção dos casos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico, mas despertam interesse científico devido à sua alta variabilidade clínica. Objetivos: Este estudo destina-se a avaliar os fatores de risco, desfechos clínicos, comparar o tratamento com anticoagulação e antiagregação, e avaliar o prognóstico desses pacientes. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo utilizando dados de prontuários de pacientes com dissecção arterial cervical entre os períodos de janeiro de 2010 e agosto de 2015. Resultados: O número de pacientes foi 41. A idade foi de 19 a 75 anos, com idade média de 44,5 anos. O fator de risco mais comum encontrado foi o tabagismo. Antiagregação foi utilizada na maioria dos pacientes (65,5%); 43% dos pacientes apresentaram recanalização em seis meses, sendo esta mais frequentemente observada nos pacientes que receberam anticoagulação (p = 0,04). Conclusão: A presença de doença aterosclerótica é considerada rara em pacientes com dissecção arterial cervical. Entretanto, nosso estudo encontrou alta frequência de hipertensão arterial, tabagismo e dislipidemia. A escolha pela terapia antitrombótica permanece controversa e dependerá do julgamento clínico do médico; os resultados clínicos com anticoagulação ou antiagregação foram similares, mas houve maior taxa de recanalização no grupo tratado com anticoagulação. A recorrência de dissecação arterial cervical e AVC foi considerada rara e o curso, favorável.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery improves survival without increasing the risk of stroke in patients with ischemic heart failure in comparison to percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis with 54, 173 patients

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether there is any difference on the results of patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of ischemic heart failure (HF). Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register [CENTRAL/CCTR], ClinicalTrials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online [SciELO], Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde [LILACS], and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published until February 2019. Main outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. Results: The search yielded 5,775 studies for inclusion. Of these, 20 articles were analyzed, and their data were extracted. The total number of patients included was 54,173, and those underwent CABG (N=29,075) or PCI (N=25098). The hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality (HR 0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.678-0.859; P<0.001), myocardial infarction (HR 0.481; 95% CI 0.365-0.633; P<0.001), and repeat revascularization (HR 0.321; 95% CI 0.241-0.428; P<0.001) were lower in the CABG group than in the PCI group. The HR for stroke showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (random effect model: HR 0.879; 95% CI 0.625-1.237; P=0.459). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that CABG surgery remains the best option for patients with ischemic HF, without increase in the risk of stroke.

Stroke and transient ischemic attacks related to antiplatelet or warfarin interruption / Acidente vascular cerebral e ataques isquêmicos transitórios relacionados à interrupção de antiplaquetários ou varfarina

ABSTRACT Patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy are often required to discontinue these medications before and during surgical or invasive procedures. In some cases, the patient stops the treatment without medical supervision. These situations may increase stroke risk. Objective To identify the ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevalence related to length of time of discontinuation of antiplatelet or vitamin K antagonist therapy, in a group of inpatients from a specialized neurological hospital in Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of stroke inpatients for three years. Medical reports were reviewed to find study participants, stroke characteristics, risk factors, reasons and time of drug interruption. Results In three years, there were 360 stroke and TIA inpatients, of whom 27 (7.5%) had a history of antiplatelet or vitamin K antagonist interruption correlated with the time of the event (81% ischemic stroke, 19% TIA). The median time between antiplatelet interruption and an ischemic event was five days, and 62% of events occurred within seven days after drug suspension. For vitamin K antagonists, the average time to the ischemic event was 10.4 days (SD = 5.7), and in 67% of patients, the time between drug discontinuation and the event was 7-14 days. The most frequent reason for drug suspension was patient negligence (37%), followed by planned surgery or invasive examination (26%) and side effects, including hemorrhage (18.5%). Conclusion Antiplatelet or vitamin K antagonist suspension has a temporal relationship with the occurrence of stroke and TIA. Since these events are preventable, it is crucial that healthcare professionals convince their patients that drug withdrawal can cause serious consequences.

RESUMO Pacientes em terapia anticoagulante ou antiagregante plaquetária frequentemente são solicitados a descontinuar essas medicações antes e durante procedimentos cirúrgicos ou invasivos. Se o paciente interromper tratamento sem supervisão médica, poderá aumentar de risco de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Objetivo Identificar prevalência de AVC isquêmico e ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) associados à descontinuação de terapia antiplaquetária ou coumarínicos em pacientes internados em hospital especializado em atendimento neurológico no Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo de três anos, descritivo dos pacientes hospitalizados por AVC. A revisão de relatórios médicos determinou características do AVC, fatores de risco, motivos e tempo de interrupção medicamentosa. Resultados Em três anos, foram internados 360 pacientes por AVC ou AIT; destes, 27 interromperam temporariamente terapia antiplaquetária ou coumarínicos relacionando ao evento (81% acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico, 19% AIT). A prevalência foi de 7,5%. O tempo médio entre interrupção antiplaquetária e evento foi cinco dias, com 62% deles ocorrendo até sete dias após suspensão medicamentosa. Para coumarínicos, o tempo médio foi 10,4 dias (d.p.= 5,7), em 67% dos casos o tempo entre a descontinuação medicamentosa e o evento foi 7-14 dias. O motivo mais frequente para suspensão do medicamento foi negligência do paciente (37%), seguido por cirurgia planejada ou exame invasivo (26%) e efeitos colaterais, incluindo hemorragia (18,5%). Conclusão Suspensão de terapia de antiplaquetários ou coumarínicos tem relação temporal com ocorrência de AVC e de AIT. Esses eventos são passíveis de serem evitados, sendo imprescindível que profissionais de saúde convençam seus pacientes das consequências graves da retirada do medicamento.

Essential thrombocythemia - a predisponent factor for stroke

SUMMARY The essential thrombocythemia is one of the seven described forms of myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is characterized by megakaryocytic hyperplasia with consequent thrombocytosis maintained in the peripheral blood, favoring the occurrence of thrombo-hemorrhagic phenomena. We present the case of an 81-year-old woman with a history of ischemic stroke in the context of a sustained thrombocytosis, which led to a spinal study and a search for the V617F mutation in the JAK2 gene, which was positive. The patient started cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea with favorable current evolution.

Relationship of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference with subclavian artery stenosis and vertebral artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the association of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) with carotid artery stenosis, subclavian artery stenosis and vertebral artery stenosis in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Methods: A total of 141 patients (29 females, 112 males; mean age 71.2±10.4 years; range 47 to 92 years) who underwent carotid endarterectomy between September 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. We classified patients into four groups according to the IASBPD ˂ 10 mmHg, ≥ 10 mm Hg, ≥ 20 mmHg and ≥ 30 mmHg. The stenosis of both subclavian and vertebral arteries was considered as ≥ 50%. Results: Of the 141 patients, 44 (31.2%) had ≥ 10 mmHg, 29 (20.5%) had ≥ 20 mmHg and 4 (2.8%) had ≥ 30 mmHg of IASBPD. 26 patients (18.4%) were diagnosed with significant subclavian artery stenosis and 18 (69.2%) of them had more than 20 mmHg of IASBPD. Of the 29 patients with IASBPD ≥ 20 mmHg, 19 patients (65.5%) had a significant subclavian artery stenosis. We found a significant correlation between preoperative symptoms and subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.018) and overall perioperative stroke was seen more frequently in patients with subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.041). A significant positive correlation was observed between vertebral artery stenosis and subclavian artery stenosis (P=0.01). Conclusion: Patients who were diagnosed with both subclavian artery stenosis and IASBPD (≥ 20 mmHg) had a higher risk of postoperative stroke and death, had higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, blood creatinine level, and were more symptomatic.

Carotid plaque is a predictor of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography / La presencia de placa carotídea es predictor de eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares en sujetos sometidos a coronariografía

Abstract Introduction: Carotid disease, measured as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque (CP), is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in people without the previous atherosclerotic disease; however, there are few published data in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the study is to determinate if the carotid disease is associated with MACCE after coronary angiography. Methods: A total of 390 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography after exercise echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography between 2002 and 2013. MACCE was defined as stroke, myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis progression or death due to a stroke or cardiac event. Results: Two patients were lost (0.5%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years (standard deviation of 2.9), 52 patients (13.4%) suffered MACCE. 1, 5, and 10 years, event-free survival was 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7), and 81.4% (2.8), respectively. Event rates at 10 years were higher in the CP group (23.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.013) and in the CIMT > 0.9 mm group (25.9% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed smoking habit (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), aortic stenosis (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), incomplete/no coronary revascularization (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), insulin treatment (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006), and CP (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044) as predictors of MACCE. Conclusions: CP is an independent predictor of MACCE in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Resumen La enfermedad carotídea, definida como grosor de íntima media (GIMC) y placa (PC), se asocia con eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares (EACC) en sujetos sin aterosclerosis previa; sin embargo hay pocos datos en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si la enfermedad carotídea se asocia a EACC en pacientes remitidos a coronariografía Métodos: Entre 2002 y 2013 390 pacientes fueron sometidos a coronariografía tras ecocardiograma de esfuerzo y ecografía carotídea. Se definió EACC como accidente cerebrovascular, infarto de miocardio por progresión aterosclerótica o muerte por accidente cerebrovascular o causa cardiaca. Resultados: Durante un seguimiento medio de 6 años (desviación estándar 2, 9) se registraron 2 pérdidas y 52 eventos (13,4%). La supervivencia media libre de eventos a uno, cinco y diez años fue 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7) y 81.4% (2.8). Hubo mayor número de eventos a 10 años en el grupo de PC (23.2% frente 10.2%, p = 0.013) y GIMC > 0.9 mm (25,9% frente 13.3%, p = 0.023). En el análisis multivariado los predictores de EACC fueron tabaquismo (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95% 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), filtrado glomerular renal (HR 0.98 IC95% 0.98-0.99), estenosis aórtica (HR 2.99, IC 95% 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), revascularización incompleta/no revascularización (HR 1.97, IC 95% 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), tratamiento con insulina (HR 2.63, IC 95% 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006) y PC (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044). Conclusiones: La PC es un predictor independiente de EACC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía.

Dabigatran and warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in outpatient clinic practice in Brazil / Dabigatrana e varfarina em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não valvar ou flutter em ambulatório especializado no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare warfarin and dabigatran for thromboembolic event prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of participants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter using either warfarin or dabigatran in a reference center in Brazil. Results: There were 112 patients (mean age 65.5 years), with 55.3% using warfarin. The median duration of follow-up was 1.9 years for warfarin and 1.6 years for dabigatran (p = 0.167). Warfarin patients had a higher median of medical appointments per year (8.3 [6.8-10.4] vs 3.1 [2.3-4.2], p < 0.001) and the frequency of minor bleeding was more than four times higher (17.7% vs 4.0%, p = 0.035). Among patients with prior stroke, those using warfarin had 2.6 times more medical appointments for person-years of follow-up (8.5 vs 3.3). There was no major bleeding or embolic event during follow-up period. Conclusion: The dabigatran group had a lower frequency of minor bleeding and number of medical appointments than the warfarin group, without more embolic events or major bleeding.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar varfarina e dabigatrana para prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não valvar ou flutter (FA). Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes com FA em uso de varfarina ou dabigatrana em serviço especializado no Brasil. Resultados: Foram avaliados 112 pacientes (média idade 65,5), com 55,3% no grupo varfarina. A mediana do tempo de seguimento foi de 1,9 anos para o grupo varfarina e 1,6 para dabigatrana (p = 0,167). No grupo varfarina houve maior mediana de consultas médicas (CM) por ano (8,3[6,8-10,4] vs. 3,1[2,3-4,2], p < 0,001), com frequência de sangramento menor quatro vezes maior (17,7% vs. 4,0%, p = 0,035). Nos pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico prévio, o grupo varfarina teve 2,6 vezes mais CM por pessoas-ano de seguimento (8,5 vs. 3,3). Não houve sangramento maior ou eventos embólicos no período de seguimento. Conclusão: Pacientes em uso de dabigatrana tiveram menor número de sangramento menor e CM que aqueles em uso de varfarina, sem aumentar eventos embólicos ou sangramentos maiores.

Perfil dos óbitos por acidente vascular cerebral não especificado após investigação de códigos garbage em 60 cidades do Brasil, 2017 / Profile of deaths from unspecified stroke after investigation of garbage codes in 60 cities in Brazil, 2017

RESUMO Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral não especificado (AVC-NE) é de grande relevância nas estatísticas de mortalidade, sendo a quarta maior causa de morte no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o perfil de causas reclassificadas após investigação de óbitos por AVC-NE no Brasil. Métodos: Foram selecionados todos os óbitos registrados em 2017 no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) como AVC-NE, considerados códigos garbage. As causas específicas, detectadas após investigação em 60 cidades selecionadas, foram analisadas segundo idade e sexo. Resultados: Do total de óbitos por AVC-NE das 60 cidades (n = 11.289), foram investigados 25,8%, dos quais 56,3% foram reclassificados para AVC isquêmico, 12,7% para AVC hemorrágico, e 23,3% migraram para outras causas específicas, como diabetes e doença renal crônica, em ambos os sexos. Discussão: A maior proporção de reclassificação dos óbitos por AVC-NE para AVC isquêmico em relação ao hemorrágico era esperada. No entanto, a detecção de outras causas específicas fora do grupo de AVC indica possíveis problemas de qualidade do preenchimento das causas na declaração de óbito (DO). Conclusão: As investigações realizadas permitiram identificação de subgrupos de AVC. Além da investigação, entretanto, é importante realizar capacitação com médicos para o preenchimento adequado da DO, a fim de melhorar as estimativas da mortalidade por AVC específico e possibilitar direcionamento adequado das ações e dos serviços de saúde.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Unspecified stroke (UnST) is of great importance in mortality statistics, as it is the fourth leading cause of death in Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify the profile of reclassified causes of death after investigation of deaths caused by UnST in Brazil. Methods: All deaths registered as UnST in 2017 in the Mortality Information System (SIM) were considered as garbage codes. The specific causes, detected after investigation in 60 selected cities, were analyzed by age and sex. Results: Of the total deaths due to UnST identified in these 60 cities (n = 11,289), 25.8% were investigated. Of these, 56.3% were reclassified to ischemic stroke, 12.7% to hemorrhagic stroke, and 23.3% to other specific causes, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease, in both sexes. Discussion: The higher proportion of deaths due to ischemic stroke in comparison to hemorrhagic stroke was expected. However, the detection of other specific causes outside the stroke group indicates possible quality problems in the filling of death certificate (DC). Conclusion: The investigations allowed the identification of subgroups of deaths due to stroke. In addition to the research, however, it is important to conduct physician training in the adequate filling in of the DC, in order to improve estimates of specific stroke mortality, and to enable appropriate targeting of health actions and services.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad cerebral vascular aguda en un hospital de Chile en base a registros de grupos relacionados al diagnóstico / An epidemiological characterization of patients with acute stroke in a single Chilean hospital using diagnosis-related group registers

Resumen Introducción Las enfermedades cerebrales vasculares son la primera causa específica de muerte y discapacidad en Chile. Objetivo Analizar características epidemiológicas de pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de accidentes vasculares cerebrales en el Complejo Asistencial Víctor Ríos Ruiz. Metodología Estudio observacional, transversal. Se analizaron los egresos hospitalarios con diagnóstico de accidentes vasculares cerebrales entre 2014 y 2017. Se recolectaron datos sobre el diagnóstico de accidentes vasculares cerebrales mediante registro CIE 10, datos demográficos, tipo de accidentes vasculares cerebrales y datos respecto de la letalidad y estadía intrahospitalaria. Las variables cuantitativas fueron expresadas mediante promedios y desviación estándar (± DS) mientras que las variables categóricas fueron evaluadas mediante frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Las diferencias entre las variables fueron analizadas mediante T de Student y ANOVA de un factor. Se consideraron resultados significativos los valores p < 0,05. Resultados Se caracterizó un total de 1856 egresos, 58,6% fueron hombres, edad media de 66,9 (± 13,9) años y estadía media de 10,4 (± 16,7) días. En mujeres, la edad media fue 69,9 (± 16) años y estadía media 11,1 (± 16,5) días. El 55,5% correspondió a accidentes vasculares cerebrales isquémicos y 17,4% accidentes vasculares cerebrales hemorrágicos. Los principales factores de riesgo fueron hipertensión arterial (72%) y diabetes mellitus (33%). La letalidad intrahospitalaria global fue de 10,6%. Tanto la letalidad y estadía prolongada estuvieron asociadas a hemorragia subaracnoidea y accidentes vasculares cerebrales hemorrágicos (valor p < 0,05). Conclusiones La prevalencia de accidentes vasculares cerebrales es similar en hombres y mujeres. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo más prevalente. A pesar de que el accidente vascular cerebral isquémico fue el más frecuente, la hemorragia subaracnoidea y el accidente cerebral vascular hemorrágico fueron relacionados con una mayor letalidad y estadía prolongada.

Abstract Introduction Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Chile. Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of stroke in our hospital unit (Complejo Asistencial Víctor Ríos Ruiz). Methods We performed an observational, cross-sectional study. We included patients who were discharged from our hospital with a diagnosis of stroke between 2014 and 2017. We extracted data on stroke-related ICD codes, demographic variables, types of stroke, case fatality rates, and hospital stay. Quantitative variables were expressed as averages with standard deviation (± SD), and categorical variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Differences were analyzed using Student t-distribution and ANOVA. We defined a p-value of < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results In total, 1856 patients were discharged of which 58.6% were male, with an average age of 66.9 (± 13.9) years, and an average stay of 10.4 (± 16.7) days. In the female population, the average age was 69.9 (± 16), and the average hospitalization was 11.1 (± 16.5) days. 55.5% of stroke cases was ischemic, and 17.4% was hemorrhagic. The main risk factors were hypertension (72%) and type 2 diabetes (33%). We found an overall in-hospital case fatality rate of 10.6%. Both the case fatality rate and prolonged in-hospital stay were associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke (p < 0.05). Conclusions Prevalence of stroke is similar in both men and women. Hypertension was the leading risk factor associated with acute stroke. Although ischemic stroke was the most frequent diagnosis, both subarachnoid hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke were related to an increased case fatality rate and a more extended hospital stay.

Alarming lack of knowledge about antithrombotic therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation / Terapia antitrombótica: alarmante falta de conhecimento em pacientes com fibrilação atrial

ABSTRACT Large population campaigns have been conducted in Brazil to improve knowledge about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of time to care. Objective: Parallel to these important actions, we aimed to evaluate the lay knowledge of patients with atrial fibrillation, a well-recognized etiology of stroke, adequate treatment and management of which can prevent up to 30% of cerebrovascular events. Methods: We questioned 143 patients with atrial fibrillation about the risks associated with the disease. Results: Ninety-one percent were on anticoagulation treatment. Of the total, 63.6% reported having been informed about the risks and benefits of anticoagulants but only 46.9% were able to correctly mention one of these risks. Ischemic stroke was identified as a risk by only 25.9% and hemorrhagic stroke was not mentioned. A CHADS2 ≥ 2 was scored by 84.0% of the patients. Conclusions: Our study showed an alarming knowledge gap in patients with atrial fibrillation. Difficulty in adherence to treatment resulting from the failure of this communication is possibly one of the factors responsible for the high incidence and recurrence of stroke, and should not go unnoticed.

RESUMO Campanhas populacionais para melhorar o conhecimento sobre os sinais e sintomas do acidente vascular encefálico e a importância do tempo para o tratamento têm sido realizadas no nosso país, visando a melhoria da linha do atendimento. Objetivo: Paralelamente a estas relevantes ações, objetivamos avaliar o conhecimento leigo de pacientes portadores de fibrilação atrial, etiologia determinada e prevalente do acidente vascular encefálico, cujo tratamento e manejo adequado podem prevenir até 30% dos eventos cerebrovasculares. Métodos: Entrevistamos portadores de fibrilação atrial sobre os riscos associados à doença. Resultados: Noventa e um por cento estavam sob uso de anticoagulantes. Do total, 63,6% responderam terem sido informados sobre riscos e benefícios da terapia anticoagulante, mas apenas 46,9% souberam citar corretamente um desses riscos. Acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico foi associado ao risco por apenas 25,9% e acidente vascular encefálico hemorrágico não foi mencionado. CHADS2 ≥ 2 foi pontuado por 84,0% dos pacientes. Conclusões: Nosso estudo demonstra uma alarmante falha no conhecimento do risco de acidente vascular encefálico nos portadores de fibrilação atrial. Dificuldade na aderência ao tratamento resultante da falha dessa comunicação é fator relevante na incidência e recorrência do acidente vascular encefálico e não deve ser negligenciado.

Insuficiência cardíaca na população geriátrica: dados de um registro unicêntrico / Heart failure in the older population: data from a single-center registry

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil e o seguimento clínico de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, que comparou a população geriátrica (≥ 65 anos) com o restante da amostra (18 a 64 anos). Todos eram acompanhados ambulatorialmente em clínica especializada de um hospital-escola e foram incluídos consecutivamente entre abril e novembro de 2013, tendo sido acompanhados por 3 anos ou óbito. RESULTADOS: Da amostra total de 100 pacientes, 56% eram idosos. Na comparação entre idosos (média de 74±7 anos) e não idosos (média de 52±8 anos), houve diferença significativa quanto a peso corporal (72,6±16 kg vs. 80,8±19kg; p=0,02), índice de massa corporal (28,6±5,7kg/m2 vs. 32,6±5,9kg/m2; p=0,001), fibrilação atrial (35,7% vs. 11,3%; p=0,005) e doença renal crônica (28,5% vs. 13,6%; p=0,04). A prescrição de betabloqueadores e de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina ou bloqueadores do receptor de angiotensina não diferiu entre os grupos, e nem os dados ecocardiográficos e a ocorrência de desfechos no seguimento clínico. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos foram a maioria dentre pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e apresentaram maior prevalência de doença renal crônica e fibrilação atrial, além de menores peso e índice de massa corporal. Tais diferenças não resultaram em maior incidência de desfechos adversos na evolução de médio prazo. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical profile and follow-up of patients with heart failure. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study that compared the geriatric population (≥ 65 years old) with the remaining portion of the sample (18 to 64 years old). All of them were assisted in a specialized outpatient clinic of a university hospital, and were included consecutively from April to November 2013, being followed for three years or until death. RESULTS: From the sample of 100 patients, 56% were older people. In the comparison between older people (average 74 ± 7 years old) and non-older people (average 52 ± 8 years old), a significant difference was found for body weight (72.6 ± 16Kg vs. 80.8 ± 19Kg, p=0.02), body mass index (28.6 ± 5.7Kg/m2 vs. 32.6 ± 5.9 Kg/m2, p=0.001), atrial fibrillation (35.7% vs. 11.3%, p=0.005), and chronic kidney disease (28.5% vs. 13.6%, p=0.04). The prescription of beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers did not differ between the groups, neither did the echocardiographic values and the occurrence of outcomes at clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: Older people were the majority among patients with heart failure, and presented a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation, and lower body weight and body mass index. Those differences did not result in greater incidence of adverse outcomes at mid-term follow-up. (AU)

Stroke recurrence in the different subtypes of ischemic stroke. The importance of the intracranial disease / Recorrência nos diferentes subtipos de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. A importância da doença intracraniana

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term recurrence rate in patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) in a Brazilian population. Methods: All stroke patients admitted to the hospital between October 2012 and September 2015 were evaluated. The stroke mechanism subtypes were classified as cardioembolism, LAA, small-vessel occlusion, other determined etiologies, and stroke of undetermined etiology. Results: The 359 first-ever ischemic stroke patients were followed up for a mean time of 21.6 ± 15.1 months. The LAA intracranial (38.9%) and extracranial (24.6%) stroke patients presented with a higher stroke recurrence. Intracranial LAA [HR, 10.2 (3.6-29.1); p < 0.001] and extracranial LAA [HR, 5.05 (1.79-14.2); p = 0.002] were the only conditions to show positive correlation with the recurrence rate, after adjusting for risk factors, thrombolysis, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission. Conclusion: Intracranial LAA presents a higher incidence of recurrence of ischemic stroke when compared with other etiologies in a Southern Brazilian population.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a taxa de recorrência a longo prazo em pacientes com o primeiro AVCi secundário à aterosclerose de grande artéria intracraniana em uma amostra brasileira. Métodos: Pacientes admitidos entre outubro de 2012 e setembro de 2015 foram analisados. Os subtipos do mecanismo de AVC foram classificados como cardioembolismo, aterosclerose de grandes artérias, oclusão de pequenos vasos, outras etiologias determinadas e AVCi de causa indeterminada. Resultados: Foram avaliados 359 pacientes com primeiro AVCi. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 21,6 ± 15,1 meses. A aterosclerose de grande artéria, intracraniana (38,9%) e extracraniana (24,6%), apresentou a maior taxa de recorrência. A aterosclerose de grande artéria intracraniana [HR, 10,2 (3,6-29,1); p < 0,001] e extracraniana [HR, 5,05 (1,79-14,2); p = 0,002] demonstraram correlação positiva com a taxa de recorrência, após o ajuste para fatores de risco, trombólise e gravidade dos sintomas na admissão. Conclusão: A aterosclerose de grande artéria, tanto intracraniana como extracraniana, apresenta maior recorrência comparado aos outros mecanismos de AVCi em uma amostra do Sul do Brasil.

Prevalence of obesity among stroke patients in five Brazilian cities: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência de excesso de peso em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral em cinco cidades brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective There is gap in knowledge about obesity prevalence in stroke patients from low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we aimed to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among patients with incident stroke in Brazil. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we measured the body mass index (BMI) of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. The sample was extracted in 2016, from the cities of Sobral (CE), Sertãozinho (SP), Campo Grande (MS), Joinville (SC) and Canoas (RS). Results In 1,255 patients with first-ever strokes, 64% (95% CI, 62-67) were overweight and 26% (95%CI, 24-29) were obese. The obesity prevalence ranged from 15% (95%CI, 9-23) in Sobral to 31% (95%CI, 18-45) in Sertãozinho. Physical inactivity ranged from 53% (95%CI, 43-63) in Sobral to 80% (95%CI, 73-85) in Canoas. Conclusions The number of overweight patients with incident stroke is higher than the number of patients with stroke and normal BMI. Although similar to other findings in high-income countries, we urgently need better policies for obesity prevention.

RESUMO Objetivo Há uma lacuna de conhecimento sobre a prevalência de obesidade em pacientes com AVC (acidente vascular cerebral) de países de baixa e média renda. Portanto, objetivamos medir a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade entre pacientes com AVC no Brasil. Métodos Em um estudo transversal, medimos o índice de massa corporal (IMC) em pacientes com AVC isquêmico e hemorrágico. A amostra foi extraída em 2016, nas cidades de Sobral (CE), Sertãozinho (SP), Campo Grande (MS), Joinville (SC) e Canoas (RS). Resultados Entre 1255 casos de AVC, 64% (95%CI, 62-67) apresentavam sobrepeso e 26% (95%CI, 24-29) obesidade. A prevalência de obesidade variou de 15% (95%CI, 9-23) em Sobral a 31% (95%CI, 18-45) em Sertãozinho. Conclusões A quantidade de pacientes com AVC e IMC anormal é maior do que a de pacientes com AVC e IMC normal. Embora esta prevalência seja similar às de países de alta renda, precisamos urgentemente de melhores políticas de prevenção da obesidade. Atividade física deveria ser parte da prescrição médica.

Uninterrupted Use of Oral Anticoagulants for the Ablation of Atrial Flutter: A Single Center Cohort of 154 Patients / Uso Ininterrupto de Anticoagulantes Orais na Ablação de Flutter Atrial Istmo-Cavotricuspídeo Dependente: Coorte Unicêntrica de 154 Pacientes

Abstract Background: The uninterrupted use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for electrophysiology procedures has been more and more recommended. The clinical practice in our service recommends the continuous use of these drugs for atrial flutter ablation. There is little evidence as to the uninterrupted use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in this scenario. Objective: To compare the rates of complications related with the uninterrupted use of different types of oral anticoagulants in patients referred to atrial flutter (AFL) ablation. Methods: Historical, single-center cohort of ablation procedures by AFL conducted from November 2012 to April 2016. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hemorrhagic or embolic complication during the procedure. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in follow-up. The statistical significance level was 5%. Results: There were 288 ablations per AFL; 154 were carried out with the uninterrupted use of OAC (57.8% with VKA and 42.2% with NOAC). Mean age was 57 ± 13 years. The rate of hemorrhagic complication during the procedure was 3% in each group (p = NS). The rate of stroke/TIA was, respectively, of 56/1,000 people-year in the VKA group against zero/1,000 people-year in the NOAC group (p = 0.02). Conclusion: In our population there were no hemorrhagic complications regarding the procedure of OAC use uninterruptedly, including NOACs. There was higher occurrence of stroke/TIA in the follow-up of the group of patients undergoing VKAs; however, this difference may not only be a result of the type of OAC used.

Resumo Fundamento: O uso ininterrupto de anticoagulação oral (ACO) com antagonistas da vitamina K (AVKs) para procedimentos de eletrofisiologia está sendo cada vez mais recomendado. A prática clínica em nosso serviço é de uso continuado dessas drogas para ablação de flutter atrial. Existem poucas evidências quanto ao uso ininterrupto dos anticoagulantes orais não antagonistas da vitamina K (NOACs) nesse cenário. Objetivos: Comparar as taxas de complicações relacionadas ao uso ininterrupto de diferentes tipos de anticoagulantes orais em pacientes referidos para ablação por flutter atrial (FLA). Métodos: Coorte histórica e unicêntrica dos procedimentos de ablação por FLA realizados no período de novembro de 2012 a abril de 2016. O desfecho primário foi o de ocorrência de complicação hemorrágica ou embólica durante o procedimento. O desfecho secundário foi o de ocorrência de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) ou acidente isquêmico transitório (AIT) no acompanhamento. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Foram incluídas 288 ablações por FLA; 154 foram feitas com uso ininterrupto de ACO (57,8% com AVK e 42,2% com NOAC). A idade média foi de 57 ± 13 anos. A taxa de complicação hemorrágica durante o procedimento foi de 3% em cada grupo (p = NS). A taxa de AVC/AIT foi, respectivamente, de 56/1.000-pessoas-ano no grupo AVK contra zero/1.000-pessoas-ano no grupo NOAC (p = 0,02). Conclusão: Em nossa população não ocorreram complicações hemorrágicas relacionadas ao procedimento com uso de ACO de forma ininterrupta, incluindo NOACs. Houve maior ocorrência de AVC/AIT no seguimento no grupo de pacientes em uso de AVK, contudo essa diferença pode não ser decorrente apenas do tipo de ACO em uso.