Bicuspid valve CT registry of balloon-expandable TAVR: BETTER TAVR registry.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic substrate of bicuspid valves may lead to suboptimal TAVR stent expansion and geometry. AIM: We evaluated determinants of stent geometry in bicuspid valves treated with Sapien transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valves. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective registry of patients (February 2019 to August 2022) who underwent post-TAVR computed tomography to determine stent area (vs. nominal valve area) and stent ellipticity (maximum diameter/minimum diameter). Predictors of relative stent expansion (minimum area/average of inflow + outflow area) and stent ellipticity were evaluated in a multivariable regression model, including valve calcium volume (indexed by annular area), presence of raphe calcium, sinus diameters indexed by area-derived annular diameter, and performance of pre-dilation and post-dilation. RESULTS: The registry enrolled 101 patients from four centers. The minimum stent area (vs. nominal area) was 88.1%, and the maximum ellipticity was 1.10, with both observed near the midframe of the valve in all cases. Relative stent expansion ≥90% was observed in 64/101 patients. The only significant predictor of relative stent expansion ≥90% was the performance of post-dilation (OR: 4.79, p = 0.018). Relative stent expansion ≥90% was seen in 86% of patients with post-dilation compared to 57% without (p < 0.001). The stent ellipticity ≥1.1 was observed in 47/101 patients. The significant predictors of stent ellipticity ≥1.1 were the indexed maximum sinus diameter (OR: 0.582, p = 0.021) and indexed intercommisural diameter at 4 mm (OR: 2.42, p = 0.001). Stent expansion has a weak negative correlation with post-TAVR mean gradient (r = -0.324, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Relative stent expansion ≥90% was associated with the performance of post-dilation, and stent ellipticity ≥1.1 was associated with indexed intercommisural diameter and indexed maximum sinus diameter. Further studies to determine optimal deployment strategies in bicuspid valves are needed.

Bespoke valve sizing avoids annular rupture in patients treated with a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve.

BACKGROUND: Annular and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification increase the risk of annular rupture following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The outcomes of a strategy of routine use of a balloon-expandable valve (BEV) for all patients irrespective of annular or LVOT calcium is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the impact of bespoke sizing on annular rupture in patients treated with a BEV. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at a single centre (February 2020-February 2022) were treated only with a BEV. No other valve design was used. Annular/LVOT calcification was assessed using a standardized grading system. For each annular area, we determined the percentage valve oversizing with nominal deployment. The balloon deployment volume was then adjusted when required (over-/underfilled) to achieve over-sizing of approximately 5% in the presence of annular/LVOT calcium and 5%-10% in the absence of annular/LVOT calcium. Adjusted valve areas were assumed to change proportionately to the change in balloon deployment volume. RESULTS: Among 533 TAVR treated patients, annular/LVOT calcification was present in 166 (31.1%) and moderate or severe in 90 (16.9%). In patients with annular/LVOT calcification, the adjusted oversizing was 3.5 ± 3.6% and in patients without annular/LVOT calcification, the adjusted oversizing was 6.8 ± 4.7% (p < 0.001). There were no cases of annular rupture and no cases with more than mild paravalvular leak (PVL). Mild PVL was more frequent in patients with annular/LVOT calcium (10.8% vs 4.6%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Bespoke BEV sizing by adjustment of balloon deployment volume avoided annular rupture in patients undergoing TAVR.

One-Year Clinical Outcome of Inspiron Stent in All-Comers Population (Analysis from 790 Consecutive Patients).

AIMS: The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of the InspironTM coronary stent (Scitech Medical™, Goiás, Brazil). The InspironTM sirolimus-eluting stent uses an ultrathin L-605 cobalt-chromium alloy with a 75 µm strut thickness platform coated with an abluminal biodegradable polymer. The polymer is eliminated from the body through the tricarboxylic acid cycle in 6-9 months, releasing 80% of the drug within 30 days after its deployment. METHODS: It was a prospective, single-center registry. To represent clinical practice, all patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were included in this registry. There were no exclusion criteria. Clinical follow-ups were performed at twelve months. The endpoints were the occurrence of all-cause death, definite stent thrombosis, and new revascularization. RESULTS: Between November 2017 and May 2019, 790 patients were included (1067 lesions). The mean age was 60.42 ± 14.94 years, and 74.7% presented with acute coronary syndrome. Diabetes mellitus was present in 43.9% of patients, and previous myocardial infarction and previous percutaneous coronary intervention were present in 17.9% and 11.3%, respectively. Angiographic success was achieved in 99.1%. The incidence of all-cause death was 11.5% (6.2% in-hospital and 5.3% in the follow-up) and definitive stent thrombosis was 0.2%. New revascularization was performed in only 5.8% (target lesion revascularization: 2.2%; progression of disease in another lesion: 3.6%). Based on the multivariate regression analysis, only chronic renal failure was an independent predictor of adverse events (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.22-8.92). CONCLUSION: The result of this single-center registry demonstrates the safety and excellent performance of the InspironTM stent in daily clinical practice with a low rate of adverse cardiac events.

Predictors of coronary stent thrombosis: a case-control study.

To verify the frequency and predictors associated with stent thrombosis (ST) in a developing country. Observational, case-control study including 2535 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in two reference hospitals in Brazil, from October 2013 to December 2015. ST patients were matched to controls in a 1:3 ratio for gender, age, procedure indication, and performing hospital. From the total sample, 65 (2.5%) ST occurred and were matched with 195 controls (age 64.9 ± 11.8 years; hypertension, 78.8%; diabetes, 30%). Clopidogrel and aspirin early withdrawal (OR 19.25; 95% CI 1.66-23.52; p < 0.01 and OR 4.36; 95% CI 1.81-10.50; p = 0.001, respectively), hypertension (OR 3.64; 95% CI 1.38-9.61; p = 0.006), dyslipidemia (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.48-5.45; p = 0.002), smoking (OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.28-7.43; p = 0.02), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.02-4.49; p = 0.012), previous myocardial infarction (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.14-7.47; p < 0.001), bifurcation lesion (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.05-5.67; p = 0.03), and ≥ 3 stents (OR 3.90; 95% CI 1.78-8.52; p = 0.002) were associated with ST. Stent type, diameter or length, severity of coronary artery disease, calcified lesions, and thrombus were not associated with ST. We found a similar frequency of ST from developed countries and identified strong predictors (clopidogrel and aspirin withdrawal, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, previous myocardial infarction, bifurcation lesion, number of stents), which are in line with reports from developed countries.

Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Mothers and Neonates after Vaccination during Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Maternal vaccination is safe and provides protection against COVID-19 in mothers and neonates, and it is necessary to evaluate its effect on the induction of immune responses through the levels of neutralizing antibodies present in maternal and neonatal blood. METHODS: An observational study with transversal analysis was carried out. Included in the research were neonates (<1 month) whose mothers had been immunized whilst pregnant with at least one dose of the vaccine BNT16b and had not shown any symptoms of COVID-19. The blood of the mothers and newborns was collected during the Guthrie test and sent to the laboratory for the detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: A total of 162 pairs of mothers and neonates were analyzed with an average age of 26.3 ± 5.97 years and 13.4 ± 6.90 days, respectively. All samples collected present neutralizing antibodies with an average percentage of 91% in the mothers and 92% in the neonates. The most satisfactory immune response was observed in neonates and mothers vaccinated during the second trimester of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccination of expectant mothers with the immunizer BNT162b2 has promoted a robust immunological response in both the mothers and the neonates.

Evaluation of a novel basic life support method in simulated microgravity.

BACKGROUND: If a cardiac arrest occurs in microgravity, current emergency protocols aim to treat patients via a medical restraint system within 2-4 min. It is vital that crewmembers have the ability to perform single-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during this period, allowing time for advanced life support to be deployed. The efficacy of the Evetts-Russomano (ER) method has been tested in 22 s of microgravity in a parabolic flight and has shown that external chest compressions (ECC) and mouth-to-mouth ventilation are possible. METHODS: There were 21 male subjects who performed both the ER method in simulated microgravity via full body suspension and at +1 Gz. The CPR mannequin was modified to provide accurate readings for ECC depth and a metronome to set the rate at 100 bpm. Heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and angle of arm flexion were measured with an ECG, elbow electrogoniometers, and Borg scale, respectively. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) depth of ECC in simulated microgravity was lower in each of the 3 min compared to +1 G2. The ECC depth (45.7 +/- 2.7 mm, 42.3 +/- 5.5 mm, and 41.4 +/- 5.9 mm) and rate (104.5 +/- 5.2, 105.2 +/- 4.5, and 102.4 +/- 6.6 compressions/min), however, remained within CPR guidelines during simulated microgravity over the 3-min period. Heart rate, perceived exertion, and elbow flexion of both arms increased using the ER method. CONCLUSION: The ER method can provide adequate depth and rate of ECC in simulated microgravity for 3 min to allow time to deploy a medical restraint system. There is, however, a physiological cost associated with it and a need to use the flexion of the arms to compensate for the lack of weight.

Carbohydrate antigen 125 for mortality risk prediction following acute myocardial infarction.

Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a congestion and inflammation biomarker and has been proved to be related to a worse prognosis in heart diseases. However, the precise relationship between elevated CA125 in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not yet been sufficiently studied. We set out to determine the association of CA125 with all-cause mortality at 6 months in STEMI. CA125, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in 245 patients admitted consecutively with STEMI undergoing coronary angioplasty. The mean age in our sample was 63.7 years, 64.9% were males, 28.3% had diabetes and 17.7% presented with acute heart failure (Killip ≥ 2). The median serum level of CA125 was 8.1 U/ml. At 6 months, the rate of all-cause mortality was 18% (44 patients). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CA125 presented similar performance to predict mortality as NTproBNP and hs-CRP. Patients with CA125 ≥ 11.48 had a higher rate of mortality (Hazard Ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.13-3.77, p = 0.017) than patients with CA125 < 11.48. This study suggests that elevated CA125 levels might be used to identify patients with STEMI with a higher risk of death at 6 months. CA125 seems to be a similar predictor of mortality compared to NTproBNP and hs-CRP.

Carbohydrate antigen 125: a promising tool for risk stratification in heart diseases.

All patients with heart diseases should undergo risk stratification to predict those who are at high risk for short- and long-term adverse outcomes. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a glycoprotein produced by mesothelium that has clinical role in ovarian cancer monitoring. However, as it is not specific for ovarian cells, CA125 could also be used in heart diseases to monitor congestion and inflammation. Pericarditis, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease are some scenarios in which this biomarker was studied.CA125 identifies patients at high risk of rehospitalizations and death, in addition to being associated with hemodynamic data (ejection fraction and right atrial pressure). Hence, CA125 is a tool for risk stratification in heart diseases.

P2Y12 receptor inhibition with prasugrel and ticagrelor in STEMI patients after fibrinolytic therapy: Analysis from the SAMPA randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: A pharmacodynamic comparison between ticagrelor and prasugrel after fibrinolytic therapy has not yet been performed. METHODS: In the single-center SAMPA trial, 50 consecutive STEMI patients previously treated with clopidogrel and undergoing a pharmacoinvasive strategy were randomized to either a ticagrelor (n=25) 180mg loading dose followed by 90mg bid, or a prasugrel (n=25) 60mg loading dose followed by 10mg/day, initiated after fibrinolytic therapy but before angiography. Platelet reactivity was assessed with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay at 0, 2, 6, and 24h after randomization. RESULTS: Mean times from fibrinolysis to prasugrel or ticagrelor administration were 11.1±6.9 and 13.3±6.3h, respectively (p=0.24). The values of PRU decreased significantly from baseline to 2h (all p<0.001) and from 2h to 6h (all p<0.001) in both groups. There was no difference in PRU values between 6h and 24h. The mean PRU values at 0, 2, 6, and 24h were 234.9, 127.8, 45.4, and 48.0 in the prasugrel group and 233.1, 135.1, 67.7, and 56.9 in the ticagrelor group, respectively. PRU values did not significantly differ between groups at any time period of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy, platelet inhibition after clopidogrel is suboptimal and can be further increased with more potent agents. Ticagrelor and prasugrel demonstrated a similar extent of P2Y12 receptor inhibition within 24h, although maximal platelet inhibition after these potent agents was not achieved for 6h.

Coronary Angioplasty with Stent in Woman with Active Vaginal Bleeding

Uterine leiomyoma and coronary artery disease are two common diseases in women. However, the association of uterine bleeding caused by leiomyoma with unstable coronary syndrome is not frequent. Here we describe a case of a patient with active vaginal bleeding and unstable angina who underwent a unique approach by performing percutaneous procedures. The report demonstrates that new interventional options can be used to control active bleeding in patients in need of coronary angioplasty

Factors associated with thrombocytopenia in severe leptospirosis (Weil's disease).

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate factors associated with thrombocytopenia in a large cohort of patients with leptospirosis in an endemic area. METHODS: This retrospective study included 374 consecutive patients with leptospirosis who were admitted to tertiary hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil. All patients had a diagnosis of severe leptospirosis (Weil's disease). Acute kidney injury was defined according to the RIFLE criteria. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <100,000/mm3. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients were included, with a mean age of 36.1 ± 15.5 years, and 83.4% were male. Thrombocytopenia was present at the time of hospital admission in 200 cases (53.5%), and it developed during the hospital stay in 150 cases (40.3%). The patients with thrombocytopenia had higher frequencies of dehydration (53% vs. 35.3%, p=0.001), epistaxis (5.7% vs. 0.8%, p=0.033), hematemesis (13% vs. 4.6%, p=0.006), myalgia (91.5% vs. 84.5%, p=0.038), hematuria (54.8% vs. 37.6%, p=0.011), metabolic acidosis (18% vs. 9.2%, p=0.016) and hypoalbuminemia (17.8% vs. 7.5%, p=0.005). The independent risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia during the hospital stay were lengthy disease (OR: 1.2, p=0.001) and acute kidney injury (OR: 6.6, p=0.004). Mortality was not associated with thrombocytopenia at admission (12.5% vs. 12.6%, p=1.000) or during the hospital stay (12.6% vs. 11.3%, p=0.748). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication in leptospirosis, and this condition was present in more than half of patients at the time of hospital admission. Lengthy disease and acute kidney injury are risk factors for thrombocytopenia. There was no significant association between thrombocytopenia and mortality.

Acute kidney injury in a tropical country: a cohort study of 253 patients in an infectious diseases intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and potentially fatal complication in infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical aspects of AKI associated with infectious diseases and the factors associated with mortality. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in patients with AKI who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary infectious diseases hospital from January 2003 to January 2012. The major underlying diseases and clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 253 cases were included. The mean age was 46±16 years, and 72% of the patients were male. The main diseases were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (30%), tuberculosis (12%), leptospirosis (11%) and dengue (4%). Dialysis was performed in 70 cases (27.6%). The patients were classified as risk (4.4%), injury (63.6%) or failure (32%). The time between AKI diagnosis and dialysis was 3.6±4.7 days. Oliguria was observed in 112 cases (45.7%). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were higher in patients with HIV/AIDS (57±20, p-value=0.01) and dengue (68±11, p-value=0.01). Death occurred in 159 cases (62.8%). Mortality was higher in patients with HIV/AIDS (76.6%, p-value=0.02). A multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for death: oliguria, metabolic acidosis, sepsis, hypovolemia, the need for vasoactive drugs, the need for mechanical ventilation and the APACHE II score. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is a common complication in infectious diseases, with high mortality. Mortality was higher in patients with HIV/AIDS, most likely due to the severity of immunosuppression and opportunistic diseases.

P2Y12 platelet receptors: importance in percutaneous coronary intervention.

Apart from their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are involved in many other biological processes such as wound healing and angiogenesis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly thrombogenic procedure inducing platelets and monocytes activation through endothelial trauma and contact activation by intravascular devices. Platelet P2Y12 receptor activation by adenosine diphosphate facilitates non-ADP agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, procoagulant activity, and the phosphorylation of several intraplatelet proteins, making it an ideal drug target. However, not all compounds that target the P2Y12 receptor have similar efficacy and safety profiles. Despite targeting the same receptor, the unique pharmacologic properties of each of these P2Y12 receptor-directed compounds can lead to very different clinical effects.

Relation between the ankle-brachial index and the complexity of coronary artery disease in older patients.

BACKGROUND: In the elderly, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) has greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity for peripheral artery disease identification. A well-known relation exists between peripheral artery disease and the number of diseased coronary vessels. Yet, other anatomical characteristics have important impacts on the type of treatment and prognosis. PURPOSE: To determine the relation between ABI and the complexity of coronary artery disease, by different anatomical classifications. METHODS: This study was a prospective analysis of patients ≥65 years old who were undergoing elective coronary angiography for ischemic coronary disease. The ABI was calculated for each leg, as the ratio between the lowest ankle pressure and the highest brachial pressure. The analysis of coronary anatomy was performed by three interventional cardiologists; it included classification of each lesion with >50% diameter stenosis, according to the American Heart Association criteria, and calculation of the SYNTAX score. RESULTS: The study recruited 204 consecutive patients (median age: 72.5 years). Stable angina was present in 51% of patients. Although only 1% of patients reported peripheral artery disease, 45% exhibited an abnormal ABI. The number of lesions per patient, the number of patients with complex lesions, and the median SYNTAX scores were greater in the group with abnormal ABI. However, among 144 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, despite abnormal ABI being able to identify a higher rate of patients with B2 or C type lesions (70.9% versus 53.8%; P=0.039), the mean SYNTAX scores (13 versus 9; P=0.14), and the proportion of patients with SYNTAX score >16 (34.2% versus 27.7%; P=0.47), were similar, irrespective of ABI. CONCLUSION: In patients ≥65 years old the presence of peripheral artery disease could discriminate a group of patients with greater occurrence of B2 and C type lesions, but similar median SYNTAX score.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing pharmacoinvasive treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing pharmacoinvasive treatment. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective study that included 398 patients admitted to a tertiary center for percutaneous coronary intervention within 3 to 24 hours after thrombolysis with tenecteplase. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01791764 RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. Compared with patients who survived, patients who died were more likely to be older, have higher rates of diabetes and chronic renal failure, have a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and demonstrate more evidence of heart failure (Killip class III or IV). Patients who died had significantly lower rates of successful thrombolysis (39% vs. 68%; p = 0.005) and final myocardial blush grade 3 (13.0% vs. 61.9%; p<0.0001). Based on the multivariate analysis, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.09; p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio 0.9, 95% CI 0.89-0.97; p = 0.001), and final myocardial blush grade of 0-2 (odds ratio 8.85, 95% CI 1.34-58.57; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study that evaluated patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by a pharmacoinvasive strategy, the in-hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and myocardial blush were independent predictors of mortality in this high-risk group of acute coronary syndrome patients.

Is a drill-less dental filling possible?

Dental caries, a bacterial process that results in the acidic destruction of tooth structure, has historically been managed by the mechanical excavation of diseased tooth structure and then restoration with a synthetic material. The mechanical excavation of the infected site is most commonly achieved by a dental handpiece, or "drill"; this handpiece may induce stress and anxiety in many patients. Alternatively, a drill-less filling will involve the utilization of silver diamine fluoride (38%) to arrest and prevent dental caries, followed by restoration with a bonded filling material to achieve adequate seal at the lesion margins. This is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses both microbial and mechanical issues posed by dental caries.

Factors associated with thrombocytopenia in severe leptospirosis (Weil's disease)

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate factors associated with thrombocytopenia in a large cohort of patients with leptospirosis in an endemic area. METHODS: This retrospective study included 374 consecutive patients with leptospirosis who were admitted to tertiary hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil. All patients had a diagnosis of severe leptospirosis (Weil's disease). Acute kidney injury was defined according to the RIFLE criteria. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <100,000/mm3. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients were included, with a mean age of 36.1±15.5 years, and 83.4% were male. Thrombocytopenia was present at the time of hospital admission in 200 cases (53.5%), and it developed during the hospital stay in 150 cases (40.3%). The patients with thrombocytopenia had higher frequencies of dehydration (53% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.001), epistaxis (5.7% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.033), hematemesis (13% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.006), myalgia (91.5% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.038), hematuria (54.8% vs. 37.6%, p = 0.011), metabolic acidosis (18% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.016) and hypoalbuminemia (17.8% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.005). The independent risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia during the hospital stay were lengthy disease (OR: 1.2, p = 0.001) and acute kidney injury (OR: 6.6, p = 0.004). Mortality was not associated with thrombocytopenia at admission (12.5% vs. 12.6%, p = 1.000) or during the hospital stay (12.6% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.748). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication in leptospirosis, and this condition was present in more than half of patients at the time of hospital admission. Lengthy disease and acute kidney injury are risk factors for thrombocytopenia. There was no significant association between thrombocytopenia and mortality. .

Acute kidney injury in a tropical country: a cohort study of 253 patients in an infectious diseases intensive care unit

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and potentially fatal complication in infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical aspects of AKI associated with infectious diseases and the factors associated with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in patients with AKI who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary infectious diseases hospital from January 2003 to January 2012. The major underlying diseases and clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. Results: A total of 253 cases were included. The mean age was 46±16 years, and 72% of the patients were male. The main diseases were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (30%), tuberculosis (12%), leptospirosis (11%) and dengue (4%). Dialysis was performed in 70 cases (27.6%). The patients were classified as risk (4.4%), injury (63.6%) or failure (32%). The time between AKI diagnosis and dialysis was 3.6±4.7 days. Oliguria was observed in 112 cases (45.7%). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were higher in patients with HIV/AIDS (57±20, p-value=0.01) and dengue (68±11, p-value=0.01). Death occurred in 159 cases (62.8%). Mortality was higher in patients with HIV/AIDS (76.6%, p-value=0.02). A multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for death: oliguria, metabolic acidosis, sepsis, hypovolemia, the need for vasoactive drugs, the need for mechanical ventilation and the APACHE II score. Conclusions: AKI is a common complication in infectious diseases, with high mortality. Mortality was higher in patients with HIV/AIDS, most likely due to the severity of immunosuppression and opportunistic diseases. .

Receptores plaquetários P2Y12: importância na intervenção coronariana percutânea / P2Y12 platelet receptors: importance in percutaneous coronary intervention

As plaquetas estão envolvidas em vários processos biológicos, desde o combate a agentes infecciosos até a coordenação do controle da permeabilidade vascular e angiogênese. Entretanto, o seu principal foco de ação consiste na modulação da cascata de coagulação. A intervenção coronariana percutânea é um procedimento com alto risco trombogênico, que induz a ativação plaquetária e de monócitos, devido à lesão direta do endotélio e pelo contato de estruturas trombogênicas com o sangue, levando ao aumento da atividade inflamatória, tanto no local do dano vascular coronariano como de forma sistêmica. Os receptores plaquetários P2Y12 desempenham papel central na amplificação da agregação induzida por todos os agonistas plaquetários, como a adenosina difosfato, o colágeno, tromboxano A2, adrenalina e serotonina. Por esse motivo, têm sido o principal alvo das drogas antiplaquetárias. Apesar de atuarem no mesmo receptor, características farmacocinéticas e farmacodinâmicas distintas conferem peculiaridades a cada agente.

Apart from their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are involved in many other biological processes such as wound healing and angiogenesis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly thrombogenic procedure inducing platelets and monocytes activation through endothelial trauma and contact activation by intravascular devices. Platelet P2Y12 receptor activation by adenosine diphosphate facilitates non-ADP agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, procoagulant activity, and the phosphorylation of several intraplatelet proteins, making it an ideal drug target. However, not all compounds that target the P2Y12 receptor have similar efficacy and safety profiles. Despite targeting the same receptor, the unique pharmacologic properties of each of these P2Y12 receptor-directed compounds can lead to very different clinical effects.