Text Messages to Promote Secondary Prevention after Acute Coronary Syndrome (IMPACS trial)

Abstract Background Short message service (SMS) to promote healthcare improves the control of cardiovascular risk factors, but there is a lack of evidence in low and middle-income countries, particularly after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective This study aims to evaluate whether the use of SMS increases risk factor control after hospital discharge for ACS. Methods IMPACS is a 2-arm randomized trial with 180 patients hospitalized due to ACS at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to an SMS intervention (G1) or standard care (G2) upon hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was set to achieve 4 or 5 points in a risk factor control score, consisting of a cluster of 5 modifiable risk factors: LDL-C <70mg/dL, blood pressure (BP) <140/90mmHg, regular exercise (≥5 days/week, 30 minutes/session), nonsmoker status, and body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2] at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were components of the primary outcome plus rehospitalization, cardiovascular death, and death from any cause. Results are designated as significant if p<0.05. Results From randomized patients, 147 were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 58 (51-64) years, 74% males. The primary outcome was achieved by 12 (16.2%) patients in G1 and 15 (20.8%) in G2 (OR=0.73, 95%CI 0.32-1.70, p=0.47). Secondary outcomes were also similar: LDL-C<70 mg/dl (p=0.33), BP<140/90 mmHg (p=0.32), non-smoker (p=0.74), regular exercise (p=0.97), BMI (p=0.71), and rehospitalization (p=0.06). Death from any cause occurred in three participants (2%), including one cardiovascular death in each group. Conclusion SMS intervention did not significantly improve cardiovascular risk factor control when compared to standard care in patients discharged after ACS in Brazil.

Prevenção secundária de morte súbita cardíaca na cardiopatia chagásica crônica e função ventricular quase-normal / Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in chronic chagasic cardiopathy and near-normal ventricular function

Introdução: A cardiopatia chagásica crônica (CCC) engloba complexo espectro de apresentações, não sendo incomuns episódios de morte arrítmica em portadores de função ventricular esquerda preservada (FVEP) ou quase normal (FVEQN). Métodos: Avaliação retrospectiva de 7 portadores de CCC por 4 anos, com FVEP, submetidos a implante de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) devido taquicardia ou fibrilação ventricular (TV/FV). Foram realizadas avaliações clínica, estrutural e eletrocardiográfica. Resultados: Idade média: 57,5±4,45 anos e 71,4% do sexo masculino. Função ventricular esquerda (FVE) inicial foi de 56,14%±4,45, com alterações contrácteis em 100% e hipocinesia inferior em 85,7%. Classe funcional I: 100% sem modificações ao seguimento. Escore de Rassi avaliado previamente ao evento foi de 4,85±0,89. Síncope constituiu a apresentação inicial em 100%, média de 2 episódios por paciente e intervalo de 4 semanas entre os mesmos. Houve alterações em 85,71% dos eletrocardiogramas, sendo bloqueio de ramo direito a principal. TV sustentada foi encontrada em 100%; sítio epicárdico em 71,42% e saída anterolateral do ventrículo esquerdo em 57,14%. A FVE sequencial foi de 54%±3,31; sem alterações contráteis novas. Amiodarona e betabloqueadores foram os fármacos utilizados. Terapias apropriadas aconteceram em 100%; média de 2,1 choques por paciente, com 52,63% dos registros nos primeiros 14 meses. Não foram evidenciados óbitos, terapias inapropriadas ou tempestade elétrica. Conclusão: O elevado número de terapias corrobora o risco arrítmico desta população, ratifica a importância do dispositivo e alerta para a eficácia da terapia clínica. Síncope pode estar associada a maior risco de eventos arrítmicos na CCC

Introduction: Chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) encompasses a complex spectrum of presentations, and episodes of arrhythmic death in patients with preserved left ventricular (PLVF) or near normal (VFNN) are not uncommon. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 7 patients with PLVF, submitted for implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) due to tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VT / VF). Clinical, structural and electrocardiographic evaluations were performed. Results: Mean age was 57.5±4.45 years. Male sex comprised 71.4%. Left ventricular function (LVF) was 56.14%±4.45 with contractile changes in 100% and lower hypokinesia in 85.7%. Functional class I was evidenced in 100% without changes in follow-up. The Rassi score evaluated before the event was 4.85±0.89. Syncope was the initial presentation in 100%, average of 2 episodes per patient and interval of 4 weeks between them. Electrocardiogram showed alterations in 85.71% being right bundle branch block. Sustained VT was evidenced in 100%; epicardial site in 71.42% and left ventricular anterolateral outlet in 57.14%. The sequential LVF was 54%±3.31; without new contractile changes. Amiodarone and beta-blockers were the drugs used. Appropriate therapies occurred in 100%; average of 2.1 shocks per patient with 52.63% of the records in the first 14 months. There were no deaths, inappropriate therapies or electrical storm. Conclusion: The high number of therapies corroborates the arrhythmic risk of this population, ratifies the importance of the device and disputes the effectiveness of clinical therapy. Syncope may be associated with an increased risk of arrhythmic events in CCC

O conhecimento de mulheres sobre os métodos para prevenção secundária do câncer de mama / Women's knowledge of methods for secondary prevention of breast cancer

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o conhecimento das mulheres sobre métodos de rastreamento do câncer de mama. Estudo de base populacional com mulheres de 18 anos ou mais em Rio Grande, entre abril e novembro de 2011. Entrevistadoras aplicavam questionário pré-codificado em todas as mulheres do domicílio selecionado. Construiuse um modelo para cada forma de rastreamento (autoexame das mamas, mamografia e exame clínico), analisados por regressão de Poisson. Das 1596 mulheres entrevistadas, 1355 referiram o autoexame, 456, a mamografia e, apenas 191, o exame clínico da mama, realizado por um profissional de saúde, como importantes para a prevenção do câncer de mama. As mulheres brancas, e com 11 anos ou mais de escolaridade, tiveram maior probabilidade de referirem a mamografia e o exame clínico como métodos de rastreamento. Para esses dois desfechos, também se observou uma tendência linear, sendo que a probabilidade de referir uma dessas formas de rastreamento se incrementou na medida em que aumentaram os quartis de renda. O estudo aponta para a necessidade de maior esclarecimento da população sobre os métodos de prevenção, evitando, assim, o diagnóstico tardio. Evidenciou-se que as mulheres não brancas e as de baixa escolaridade e renda, demonstraram menos conhecimentos sobre os métodos de exame clínico e mamografia.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate women's knowledge of methods for screening breast cancer. The study was done on a population of women aged 18 or over in the city of Rio Grande between April and November 2011. Interviewers used questionnaires on all of the women at selected households. Models were developed for every type of screening (self-examination of breasts, mammography, and clinical exams) that were analyzed through the use of Poisson regression. Out of the 1596 women interviewed, 1355 reported self-examination, 456, mammography, and only 191, clinical examination of the breast, performed by a health professional, as important for the prevention of breast cancer. White women with 11 years or more worth of schooling had a greater probability of having mammography exams and clinical examinations as methods for screening. We noted, linked to the aforementioned, that there was a linear tendency whereby there was a greater probability for those with high incomes to undergo one of the above interventions. The study noted that there was a need for more detailed information aimed at the population on prevention methods in order to avoid late diagnosis. We noted that non-white women with little education and on low incomes showed less knowledge of clinical examination methods and mammographies.

Quando a ressonância magnética importa para a avaliação das cardiopatias / When Magnetic resonance imaging matters for the evaluation of cardiopathies

A ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) é uma modalidade de imagem não invasiva capaz de fornecer informações precisas e, muitas vezes, únicas na investigação de cardiopatias em geral e, em especial, nas cardiomiopatias. A capacidade de caracterizar precisamente o miocárdio do ponto de vista de sua contratilidade e suas características teciduais, diferenciando precisamente o miocárdio normal da fibrose miocárdica e identificando o edema miocárdio nas situações de agressão aguda ou recente do miocárdio, tornam a RMC indispensável hoje em qualquer serviço terciário e avançado de cardiologia do mundo. Neste artigo revisamos as aplicações clássicas e mais recentes da RMC em cardiopatias não isquêmicas, dividindo o uso das técnicas de RMC em dois grandes grupos: investigação da insuficiência cardíaca e das arritmias ventriculares. Dentro destes dois grupos pontuamos as etiologias mais importantes e frequentemente envolvidas. Na síndrome da insuficiência cardíaca destacam-se a cardiomiopatia dilatada com a fibrose mesocárdica linear septal e a miocardite viral com a manifestação de fibrose multifocal e mesoepicárdica. Uma proporção das cardiomiopatias dilatadas pode ter origem em uma miocardite viral prévia. A sarcoidose cardíaca pode apresentar uma variedade de tipos de realce tardio de padrão não isquêmico e isquêmico, e ser associada tanto ao quadro clínico de IC como de arritmia. A presença de sarcoidose pulmonar ou sistêmica pode ou não estar presente. A amiloidose cardíaca é o protótipo da cardiomiopatia restritiva e pode ser identificada pela RMC pelo padrão de realce tardio miocárdico global circunferencial (tipo AL) ou difuso, poupando o ápex do ventrículo esquerdo (tipo transtirretina). Finalmente, uma entidade ainda pouco entendida, a não compactação do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), em geral não apresenta realce tardio, mas tem fenótipo de trabeculação ventricular típico. No grupo das síndromes arrítmicas revisamos várias etiologias frequentemente associadas a esta apresentação clínica. Na hemossiderose cardíaca os valores de T2* abaixo de 20 ms indicam precisamente sobrecarga significativa de ferro miocárdico e associação com disfunção ventricular e arritmia ventricular. Na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, a hipertrofia assimétrica e a fibrose miocárdica difusa, heterogênea e que acomete focalmente as inserções ventriculares, constituem o padrão clássico. Quantidade de fibrose acima de 15% da massa ventricular esquerda indica risco duas vezes maior de morte súbita. Na cardiomiopatia/displasia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito (VD), os volumes e a função ventricular direita global e segmentar pela RMC são partes fundamentais dos critérios diagnósticos da displasia pelo consenso atual. A cardiomiopatia chagásica tem mostrado intensa fibrose miocárdica desde as fases iniciais, mais intensa em homens que mulheres e frequentemente associada à edema miocárdico, marcador de provável inflamação crônica. A endomiocardiofibrose apresenta imagem patognomônica no realce tardio, o sinal do duplo V, caracterizando a fibrose miocárdica e trombo/calcificação preenchendo o ápex do VE e/ou VD. Nas valvopatias, além da detecção de fibrose miocárdica, que tem valor prognóstico, a RMC é precisa em quantificar as regurgitações, sendo indicada sua realização na insuficiência mitral antes da decisão de procedimento cirúrgico de troca ou correção valvar, eliminado um número significativo de casos em que a insuficiência mitral é superestimada pela ecocardiografia. Com esta revisão, cobrimos uma vasta gama de cardiopatias para as quais as técnicas de RMC realmente importam no diagnóstico e na estratificação prognóstica

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a noninvasive form of imaging capable of providing accurate and often unique information in the investigation of heart disease in general, and especially in cardiomyopathies. The ability to accurately characterize the myocardium in terms of its contractility and tissue characteristics, precisely differentiating normal myocardium from myocardial fibrosis and identifying myocardial edema in situations of acute or recent myocardial injury, has made CMR indispensable in any tertiary and advanced cardiology service around the World. In this paper, we review the classical and more recent applications of CMR in non-ischemic heart diseases, dividing the use of CMR techniques into two main groups: heart failure (HF) and ventricular arrhythmia investigations. Within these two groups, we highlight the most important and frequently involved etiologies. In heart failure syndrome, we focused on dilated cardiomyopathy with septal linear mesocardial fibrosis and viral myocarditis with the manifestation of multifocal and mesoepicardiac fibrosis. A proportion of dilated cardiomyopathies may have originated with an ancient viral myocarditis. Cardiac sarcoidosis may present a variety of late enhancement types of non-ischemic and ischemic patterns, and is associated with clinical signs of both HF and arrhythmia. The presence of pulmonary or systemic sarcoidosis may or may not be present. Cardiac amyloidosis is the prototype of restrictive cardiomyopathy, and can be identified in CMR by the global circumferential subendocardial (AL type) or diffuse myocardial enhancement pattern sparing the left ventricle (LV) apex (transthyretin type). Finally, a poorly understood entity, LV non-compaction generally does not present late enhancement, but has a typical ventricular trabeculation phenotype. In the group of arrhythmic syndromes, we reviewed several etiologies frequently associated with this clinical presentation. In cardiac siderosis, values of T2* below 20 ms accurately indicate a significant overload of myocardial iron and association with ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, asymmetric hypertrophy and diffuse myocardial fibrosis, which is heterogeneous and focally affects the ventricular insertions, constitute the classic pattern. An amount of fibrosis above 15% of the left ventricular mass indicates a two-fold increased risk of sudden death. In arrhythmogenic right ventricle (RV) cardiomyopathy/dysplasia, global and segmental right ventricular function and volumes by CMR are fundamental parts of the diagnostic criteria of dysplasia, according to current consensus. Chagasic cardiomyopathy has shown intense myocardial fibrosis since the early stages, which is more intense in men than women, and is frequently associated with myocardial edema, a marker of probable chronic inflammation. Endomyocardial fibrosis presents a pathognomonic image in late enhancement, the double V sign, characterizing myocardial fibrosis and thrombus/calcification filling the LV and/or RV apex. In valve diseases, in addition to the detection of myocardial fibrosis that has prognostic value, CMR is precise in quantifying regurgitations, and is indicated in mitral regurgitation prior to the decision for surgical valve replacement/correction, eliminating a significant number of cases in which mitral insufficiency is overestimated by the echocardiogram. This review covers a wide range of cardiopathies in which CMR techniques are extremely important in the diagnosis and prognostic stratification

Impacto de la profilaxis secundaria en el manejo de pacientes con urolitiasis de alto riesgo de recidiva / Impact of secondary prophylaxis in the management of patients with high recurrence risk of urolithiasis

In a previous study, we showed our experience in a group of 54 patients with a high risk of urolithiasis recurrence, who were subjected to a complete metabolic evaluation. Aim: To report the evolution of these patients after 5 years of follow-up. Patients and Methods: All patients underwent a general management of urolithiasis plus specific treatments for underlying metabolic disorders. Each patient had an annual medical assessment including a clinical examination, urinalysis and imaging studies (non-enhanced computed tomography scan, ultrasonography and plain abdominal Rx rays). In every case, the underlying metabolic disorder, treatment adherence, stones on imaging studies and symptomatology were evaluated. Adherence of general and specific measures were evaluated subjectively. Failure of secondary prevention was defined as the recurrence of clinical or imaging urolithiasis (increase of the number of lithiasis) despite a correct treatment of the metabolic disorders. Results: Twenty nine patients completed the follow-up. Mean age was 45 years old. Nineteen patients (65%) had only one metabolic disorder, three patients (10%) two disorders, one patient (3%) four disorders, and six patients (21%) a normal metabolic study. The median of follow-up was 54 months (45-60). During that period, twenty-three patients (79%) kept the treatment as it was indicated. In this subgroup, 21 had no clinical or imaging recurrence of urolithiasis during follow-up (91%). Total adherence to treatment and follow-up was 42% (23/54) of the initial group of patients. Conclusions: A complete metabolic study allows to identify patients with a high risk of urolithiasis recurrence, enabling a specific treatment of the metabolic disorder. Our experience shows that 75% (21/29) of patients remain free of recurrence at five years of follow-up.

Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano e prevenção secundária de câncer de mama e colo do útero: um estudo ecológico / Human Development Index and secondary prevention of breast and cervical cancer: an ecological study / Índice de Desarrollo Humano y prevención secundaria del cáncer de mama y cáncer de cuello uterino: un estudio ecológico

Estudo ecológico que analisou a proporção da realização de mamografia e do exame de Papanicolaou e a associação destes com o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH), nas 26 capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal, em 2011, com dados do VIGITEL. A proporção de mamografia em algum momento da vida esteve acima de 70% para todas as capitais estudadas. Entretanto, poucas capitais atingiram a meta de 80% para o Papanicolaou, tanto para a realização em algum momento da vida como nos últimos três anos. Houve forte correlação positiva entre IDH e as proporções desses exames (r = 0,52 e 0,66 para realização de mamografia em algum momento da vida e nos últimos dois anos e r = 0,66 e 0,71 para realização do Papanicolaou em algum momento da vida e nos últimos três anos, respectivamente). A razão de prevalência de mamografia nos últimos dois anos foi 1,06 (IC95%: 1,01-1,10) e para o Papanicolaou nos últimos três anos foi 1,07 (IC95%: 1,04-1,10). A promoção de políticas públicas que incentivem o desenvolvimento socioeconômico das cidades brasileiras favoreceria o aumento da cobertura desses exames.

This ecological study assessed mammography and Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) screening rates and their association with the Human Development Index (HDI) in Brazilian state capitals and Federal District in 2011, based on VIGITEL telephone survey data. More than 70% of women had a mammogram some time in life in all the state capitals, while the Pap smear rates any time in life and in the previous three years fell short of the 80% target in most state capitals. There was a strong positive correlation between HDI and the test rates (r = 0.52 and 0.66 for mammogram any time in life and in the previous two years and r = 0.66 and 0.71 for Pap smear any time in life and in the previous three years, respectively). Prevalence ratio (PR) for mammogram in the previous two years was 1.06 (95%CI: 1.01-1.10) and PR for Pap smear in the previous three years was 1.07 (IC95%: 1.04-1.10). The promotion of public health policies that encourage Brazil’s urban economic and social development should help increase coverage for these tests.

Estudio ecológico que examinó la proporción de realización de mamografías y citologías, y su asociación con el Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) en 26 capitales de Brasil y el Distrito Federal, en 2011 (datos del VIGITEL). La proporción de mamografía en algún momento de la vida fue superior al 70% para todas las capitales, y pocas han alcanzado un 80% en el caso de la citología, en algún momento de la vida, así como en los últimos tres años. Hubo una fuerte correlación positiva entre el IDH y las proporciones de estas pruebas (r = 0,52 y 0,66 para la realización de la mamografía en algún momento de la vida y los últimos dos años y r = 0,66 y 0,71 para contar con una citología en algún momento de la vida y en los últimos tres años, respectivamente). La razón de prevalencia de la mamografía en los últimos dos años fue de un 1,06 (IC95%: 1,01-1,10) y para la citología -en los últimos tres años- fue de un 1,07 (IC95%: 1,04-1,10). El impulso de políticas públicas que promuevan el desarrollo económico y social de las ciudades brasileñas podría mejorar la cobertura de estos exámenes.

Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases

BACKGROUND: Our previous systematic review has demonstrated that antioxidant supplements may increase mortality. We have now updated this review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in adults. METHODS: Search methods: We searched The Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Lilacs, the Science Citation Index Expanded, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science to February 2011. We scanned bibliographies of relevant publications and asked pharmaceutical companies for additional trials. Selection criteria: We included all primary and secondary prevention randomized clinical trials on antioxidant supplements (beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium) versus placebo or no intervention. Data collection and analysis: Three authors extracted data. Random-effects and fixed-effect model meta-analyses were conducted. Risk of bias was considered in order to minimize the risk of systematic errors. Trial sequential analyses were conducted to minimize the risk of random errors. Random effects model meta-regression analyses were performed to assess sources of intertrial heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS: Seventy-eight randomized trials with 296,707 participants were included. Fifty-six trials including 244,056 participants had low risk of bias. Twenty-six trials included 215,900 healthy participants. Fifty-two trials included 80,807 participants with various diseases in a stable phase. The mean age was 63 years (range 18 to 103 years). The mean proportion of women was 46%. Of the 78 trials, 46 used the parallel-group design, 30 the factorial design, and 2 the cross-over design. All antioxidants were administered orally, either alone or in combination with vitamins, minerals, or other interventions. The duration of supplementation varied from 28 days to 12 years (mean duration 3 years; median duration 2 years). Overall, the antioxidant supplements had no significant ...

Prevención secundaria post infarto agudo de miocardio en hospitales públicos: implementación y resultados de las garantías GES / Universal health coverage and accomplishment of secondary prevention goals among patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background: In 2005, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was included in a universal health plan (GES) to reduce inequity in care and optimize its diagnosis and treatment. Aim: To evaluate the effect of GES in risk factor control and therapeutic management among patients with AMI. Material and Methods: A survey was conducted in 2008-2009 in six public hospitals. Patients were identified from a hospital based registry of AMI and evaluated one year later with laboratory tests and an interview. Results: The registry enrolled 534 patients with ST and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Of these, 416 patients aged 63 ± 12 years (25% women) were evaluated one year later. Eighty three percent were evaluated by a cardiologist and 37% by a general practitioner. Twenty two percent were evaluated by a nurse and 22% by a nutritionist. At the moment of the interview, 9% smoked, 78% were overweight or obese, 24% performed moderate or vigorous physical activity ≥ 150 min/week, 60% had systolic pressure > 130 mmHg and 63% a diastolic pressure > 80 mmHg. In 30%, LDL cholesterol was > 100 mg/dl and in 43%, triglycerides were > 150 mm/dl. Twenty two percent were diabetic and among them, 52% had a glycosilated hemoglobin > 7%. Forty five percent of non-diabetic patients had a fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl. Ninety three percent were in treatment with aspirin, 86% with statins, 66% with b-blockers, and 73% with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and 20% with clopidogrel. Conclusions: Despite the high proportion of patients in treatment with evidence-based therapy, many do not achieve the targets for risk factor control with the new health care model.

Prevenção cardiovascular abrangente em pacientes com doença arterial coronária: implementação das diretrizes na prática clínica / Cardiovascular prevention in coronary heart disease patients: guidelines implementation in clinical practice

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a eficácia de um programa de otimização da prática clínica em pacientes com doença arterial coronária para prescrição de medicamentos e documentar a prática clínica vigente quanto aos medicamentos e medidas para a mudança do estilo de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, seguido de componente longitudinal. Foram incluídos 710 pacientes consecutivos (Fase 1). Após aplicação de ferramentas para melhoria da prática clínica, foram incluídos, após seis meses, 705 pacientes com coleta dos mesmos dados (Fase 2). Foram selecionados aleatoriamente, a partir do primeiro grupo, 318 prontuários para comparação desses mesmos pacientes (Fase 3). RESULTADOS: Comparação entre as Fases 1 e 2: melhora em relação a tabagismo (P=0,019), dislipidemia (P<0,001), hipertensão arterial e atividade física regular (P<0,001). Diferença significativa para inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina - IECA (67,2% vs. 56,8%, P<0,001); antagonistas do receptor da angiotensina II - ARA II (25,4% vs. 32,9%, P=0,002) e betabloqueador (88,7% vs. 91,9%, P=0,047). Comparação entre as Fases 1 e 3: houve redução do peso (P=0,044) e pressão arterial (P<0,001). Em relação à prescrição de medicamentos recomendados, diferença para IECA (64,8% vs. 61,6%, P=0,011) e ARA II (27,0% vs. 31,3%, P=0,035). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve mudança significativa na utilização de medicamentos; entretanto, observou-se melhora significativa em relação ao tabagismo e atividade física na Fase 2; melhora substancial nos níveis de pressão arterial, na comparação tanto entre as Fases 1 e 2 como entre as Fases 1 e 3. A inclusão de enfermeiro treinado para gerenciar o processo foi fundamental. Programas abrangentes de melhoria de qualidade assistencial, provavelmente, devem ser continuados por período de seguimento maior.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the utilization of a clinical improvement program in stable coronary artery disease patients to increase the evidence-proven treatment utilization, and to describe the ongoing clinical practice and lifestyle change counseling. METHODS: Cross-sectional study followed by a longitudinal component in which the tools utilization to improve clinical practice was assessed by means of additional cross-sectional data collection. 710 consecutive patients were included (Phase 1). After tools implementation, within 6 months period, 705 patients were included (Phase 2) for comparative analysis. Randomly, 318 patients from Phase 1 were selected, 6-12 months after the first evaluation (Phase 3). RESULTS: Phase 1 to Phase 2: there were improvement on smoking cessation (P=0.019), dyslipidemia (P<0.001), hypertension and physical activity (P<0.001). There was significant difference on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors - ACEI (67.2% vs. 56.8%, P<0.001); angiotensin II receptor blockers - ARB II (25.4% vs. 32.9%, P=0.002) and beta-blocker (88.7% vs. 91.9%, P=0.047). Phase 1 to Phase 3: there was both weight (P=0.044), and blood pressure reduction (P<0.001). There was statistical significant difference on ACEI (64.8% vs. 61.6%, P=0.011) and ARB II (27.0% vs. 31.3%, P=0.035). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change on the evidence-based pharmacological treatment utilization between pre and post-intervention phases; there was significant improvement concerning smoking and physical activity in phase 2; substantial improvement on blood pressure levels in both comparisons (Phase 1 to 2 and Phase 1 to 3). The inclusion of a case-manager for the process management was crucial for program efficacy. Comprehensive programs for clinical practice should be pursued for longer follow-up period.

Fatores associados à realização da prevenção secundária do câncer de mama no Município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil / Factors associated with secondary breast cancer prevention in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil

Este estudo analisou a prevalência e os fatores associados à realização da prevenção secundária do câncer de mama em mulheres de 40-69 anos do Município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório de corte transversal, tipo inquérito populacional, no Município de Maringá. A prevalência observada de realização do autoexame das mamas foi de 64,5 por cento, do exame clínico das mamas, 71,5 por cento, e de mamografia, 79 por cento. Os fatores que influenciaram na realização dessas ações foram: idade, escolaridade, raça, classe econômica, religião e realização de terapia hormonal. A classe econômica e a escolaridade influenciaram significativamente na realização das práticas preventivas, ou seja, quanto maior o nível socioeconômico, maior a realização. A orientação e realização das práticas preventivas devem estar ao alcance de todas as mulheres na faixa etária de maior risco, diminuindo, dessa maneira, o diagnóstico tardio e mortes desnecessárias e aumentando as chances de cura do câncer de mama.

This study analyzed the prevalence of secondary breast cancer prevention and associated factors in women 40 to 69 years of age in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. Prevalence was 64.5 percent for breast self-examination, 71.5 percent for clinical examination, and 79 percent for mammography. The data suggest that age, schooling, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and prior hormone replacement therapy influenced the rates of the three types of examination. Preventive practices were significantly more common among women of higher socioeconomic status. Proper orientation and performance of preventive measures and tests should be at the reach of all women in the highest-risk age bracket, thereby decreasing late diagnosis and avoidable deaths and increasing the odds of curing breast cancer.