Sedentary behavior is associated with physical activity, functional capacity, and a history of stroke in patients with heart failure. A cross-sectional study

Sedentary behavior (SB) has emerged as an important risk factor for poor health. Evidence showed that patients with heart failure (HF) exhibit high levels of SB, and that high SB increases mortality among such patients. We aimed to identify factors associated with SB in HF patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with adults with HF and categorized under New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-III. Sociodemographic, clinical, and health information were gathered. Evaluation of SB (by sitting time) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was performed by self-reported measures. Functional capacity was assessed using the Duke Activity Status Index. Simple and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the most suitable predictive model. Results: The sample (n = 80) comprised predominantly of patients in functional class I, men, and with an average age of 50.8 years. Time spent on SB totaled to 7.69 ± 2.35 h/day. Weekly volume of MVPA, functional capacity, and previous stroke were predictors of higher SB. Using simple linear regression analysis, the variables body mass index, quality of life, NYHA functional class, total comorbidities, dyslipidemia, MVPA in the leisure domain, and the use of diuretics, statins, and sildenafil were shown to have a statistically significant association with SB. Conclusion: In patients with HF, a longer time spent in SB was associated with low volumes of MVPA, low functional capacity, and history of stroke. More studies are needed to corroborate these findings.(AU)

Clustering of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in low-income, female adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the prevalence and clustering patterns of cardiometabolic risk factors among low-income, female adolescents. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study involving 196 students of public schools (11-19 years old). The following risk factors were considered in the analysis: excess weight, central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. The ratio between observed and expected prevalence and its confidence interval were used to identify clustering of risk factors that exceeded expected prevalence in the population. Results The most prevalent risk factors were dyslipidemia (70.9%), and central obesity (39.8%), followed by excess weight (29.6%), and high blood pressure (12.8%). A total of 42.9% of adolescents had two or more risk factors, and 24% had three or more. Excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia were common risk factors in the clustering patterns that showed higher-than-expected prevalence. Conclusions Clustering of risk factors (≥ two factors) among the adolescents showed considerable prevalence, and there was a non-casual coexistence of excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia (mainly low HDL-cholesterol).

Traqueostomia pediátrica: relato de uma série de casos / Pediatric tracheostomy: Cases report series

Objetivo: Determinar a faixa etária, indicações e complicações de traqueostomia realizada em crianças até 12 anos de idade. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de 26 crianças submetidas à traqueostomia no período de novembro de 1999 a julho de 2003, em hospital geral terciário. Resultados: Aidade média das crianças foi de 32 meses; 17 (65,4%) eram menores de 1 ano. O procedimento foi eletivo em 20 (76,9%) e de emergência 6 (22,1%). As principais indicações foram ventilação mecânica prolongada em 13 (50%), estenose subglótica em 5 (19,3%) e malformações congênitas em 4 (15,4%). As complicações foram tecido de granulação no traqueostoma em 7 (26,9%), hemorragia em 3 (11,5%), obstrução da cânula em 3 (11,5%), enfisema subcutâneo em 2 (7,7%), pneumotórax em 2 (7,7%), decanulaçao acidental em 2 (7,7%), estenose laríngea em 1 (3,8%) e infecção da ferida operatória em 1 (3,8%). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as complicações observadas nos procedimentos eletivos e de urgência. Treze pacientes morreram por complicações não relacionadas à traqueostomia; onze (42,2%) permaneceram com traqueostomia, e 2 (7,7%) foram decanulados. Conclusões: Nos últimos anos ocorreram mudanças nas indicações e faixa etária das crianças submetidas à traqueostomia: ela é mais comumente realizada em crianças menores de um ano, e mais freqüentemente devido à intubação prolongada. A traqueostomia é um procedimento seguro quando é realizada por cirurgião treinado com a técnica cirúrgica e com cuidados pós-operatórios de hospital terciário de referência (AU)

Objective: To determine age of surgery, indications and complications of tracheostomy in children until 12 years old. Method: Retrospective review of 26 children submitted to tracheostomy from November 1999 to July 2003 at a tertiary general hospital. Results: The mean age was 32 months; 17 (65.4%) were under 1 year old. In 20 (76.9%) the procedure was elective, whereas in 6 (22.1%) it was performed as emergency. The main indications of tracheostomy were prolonged mechanical ventilation in 13 patients (50%), subglottic stenosis in 5 (19.3%) and congenital malformations in 4 (15.4%). The most common complications were granulation at the site of the stoma in 7 (26.9%), bleeding in 3 (11.5%) , blockage of the cannula in 3 (11.5%), subcutaneous emphysema in 2 (7.7%) , pneumothorax in 2 (7.7%), accidental decannulation in 2 (7.7%), larynx stenosis in 1 (3.8%), surgical wound infection in 1 (3.8%). Regarding complications , it was not observed any significant difference between elective and emergency procedures. Thirteen patients (50%) died due to complications not related to the tracheostomy; eleven (42.2%) kept the tracheostomy, and 2 (7.7%) were decannulated. Conclusions: In the last few years there were changes in pediatric tracheostomy. It is being indicated more often in children under one year old, and more recently due to prolonged intubation. Tracheostomy is a safe procedure when performed by trained surgeon with appropriate technique and postoperative care at tertiary hospital (AU)