Atrial Fibrillation and Use of Rivaroxaban: Performance of the Prothrombin Time / INR as a Function of Time After Blood Collection

Abstract Background Traditionally, the most effective therapy in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been oral anticoagulation with vitamin K inhibitors, particularly warfarin, whose disadvantages and adverse effects have led to their replacement by "direct oral anticoagulants", as factor X inhibitor. Objectives This study aimed to conduct a brief approach on atrial fibrillation (AF) and use of Rivaroxaban, and to comparatively evaluate the prothrombin time / International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) in patients with AF in use of this oral anticoagulant, depending on the time elapsed between the last administration of the drug and the time of blood sample venipuncture. Methods We evaluated 34 patients with AF in use of Rivaroxaban by using PT / INR, distributed into a subgroup with blood collection time ≤ 12 hours (n = 7) and > 12 hours after the last drug intake (n = 27). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results An analysis as a function of time between the Rivaroxaban intake and blood collection, revealed that PT / INR suffers the greatest effect up to 12 hours after ingestion of the drug, dropping to levels close to normal in subsequent hours before the next dose. Conclusion We concluded that, in contrast to warfarin, the knowledge of the time interval between drug intake and blood collection from patients taking Rivaroxaban is essential to properly interpret a laboratory test to assess hemostasis, particularly PT and its derivatives. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Avaliação do Seguimento de 1 Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro da Prática Clínica em Pacientes de Alto Risco Cardiovascular (REACT) / Evaluation of 1-Year Follow-up of Patients Included in the Registry of Clinical Practice in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk (REACT)

Resumo Fundamento Na prática clínica, há evidências de falhas na prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, no Brasil, ainda são insuficientes os dados sobre a evolução ao longo de 1 ano desses pacientes. Objetivos Descrição no acompanhamento de 12 meses da utilização de terapias baseadas em evidência e da ocorrência de desfechos cardiovasculares maiores e seus principais preditores em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Métodos Estudo observacional prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos acima de 45 anos e de alto risco cardiovascular tanto em prevenção primária como secundária. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e avaliou-se a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência e a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM], acidente vascular cerebral [AVC], parada cardíaca e mortalidade por causa cardiovascular). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados De julho de 2010 até agosto de 2014, 5.076 indivíduos foram incluídos em 48 centros, sendo 91% dos 4.975 pacientes elegíveis acompanhados em centros de cardiologia e 68,6% em prevenção secundária. Em 1 ano, o uso concomitante de antiplaquetários, estatinas e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) reduziu de 28,3% para 24,2% (valor de p < 0,001). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,46%, e os preditores identificados foram: idade, pacientes em prevenção secundária e nefropatia diabética. Conclusões Neste grande registro nacional de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular, foram identificados preditores de risco semelhantes aos registros internacionais, porém a adesão da prescrição médica a terapias baseadas em evidência esteve abaixo dos dados da literatura internacional e apresentou piora significativa em 1 ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background In clinical practice, there is evidence of failure to prescribe evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, in Brazil, data on 1-year outcomes of these patients remain insufficient. Objectives To describe the use of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular outcomes and their major predictors in a 12-month follow-up of a Brazilian multicenter registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods This prospective observational study documented the outpatient clinical practice of managing patients over 45 years of age and of high cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the prescription of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death) were assessed. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results From July 2010 to August 2014, a total of 5076 individuals were enrolled in 48 centers, 91% of the 4975 eligible patients were followed-up in cardiology centers, and 68.6% were in secondary prevention. At 1 year, the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced from 28.3% to 24.2% (p < 0.001). Major cardiovascular event rate was 5.46%, and the identified predictors were age, patients in secondary prevention, and diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions In this large national registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk, risk predictors similar to those of international registries were identified, but medical prescription adherence to evidence-based therapies was inferior and significantly worsened at 1 year. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Human Tissue Kallikrein Activity in Angiographically Documented Chronic Stable Coronary Artery Disease / Atividade da Calicreína Tecidual Humana na Doença Coronariana Crônica Estável Angiograficamente Documentada

AbstractBackground:Human tissue kallikrein (hK1) is a key enzyme in the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS). hK1-specific amidase activity is reduced in urine samples from hypertensive and heart failure (HF) patients. The pathophysiologic role of hK1 in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.Objective:To evaluate hK1-specific amidase activity in the urine of CAD patientsMethods:Sixty-five individuals (18–75 years) who underwent cardiac catheterism (CATH) were included. Random midstream urine samples were collected immediately before CATH. Patients were classified in two groups according to the presence of coronary lesions: CAD (43 patients) and non-CAD (22 patients). hK1 amidase activity was estimated using the chromogenic substrate D-Val-Leu-Arg-Nan. Creatinine was determined using Jaffé’s method. Urinary hK1-specific amidase activity was expressed as µM/(min · mg creatinine) to correct for differences in urine flow rates.Results:Urinary hK1-specific amidase activity levels were similar between CAD [0.146 µM/(min ·mg creatinine)] and non-CAD [0.189 µM/(min . mg creatinine)] patients (p = 0.803) and remained similar to values previously reported for hypertensive patients [0.210 µM/(min . mg creatinine)] and HF patients [0.104 µM/(min . mg creatinine)]. CAD severity and hypertension were not observed to significantly affect urinary hK1-specific amidase activity.Conclusion:CAD patients had low levels of urinary hK1-specific amidase activity, suggesting that renal KKS activity may be reduced in patients with this disease.

ResumoFundamento:A calicreína tecidual humana (hK1) é enzima-chave do sistema calicreína-cinina (SCC). A atividade amidásica da hK1 está reduzida na urina de pacientes com hipertensão e insuficiência cardíaca (IC); seu papel na doença arterial (DAC) coronariana ainda não está esclarecido.Objetivo:Avaliar a atividade amidásica da hK1 na urina de pacientes com DAC.Métodos:Sessenta e cinco indivíduos (18 a 75 anos) que se submeteram ao cateterismo cardíaco (CAT) coletaram amostra do jato médio de urina imediatamente antes do CAT. Baseando-se na presença de lesões coronarianas, os pacientes eram classificados em dois grupos: DAC (43 pacientes) e sem DAC (22 indivíduos). A atividade amidásica da hK1 foi estimada com o substrato cromogênico D-Val-Leu-Arg-Nan. Creatinina foi determinada pelo método de Jaffé. A atividade amidásica específica da hK1 urinária foi expressa em µM/(min . mg de creatinina) para corrigir diferenças no fluxo urinário.Resultados:A atividade amidásica da hK1 urinária foi semelhante entre os pacientes com DAC [0,146 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] e aqueles sem DAC [0,189 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] (p = 0,803), e permaneceu entre os baixos valores previamente publicados para pacientes com hipertensão primária [0,210 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)] e para aqueles com IC [0,104 µM/(min . mg de creatinina)], respectivamente. Nenhum efeito estatisticamente significativo da gravidade da DAC e da hipertensão sobre a atividade amidásica da hK1 urinária foi observado.Conclusão:A atividade amidásica da hK1 na urina estava reduzida nos pacientes com DAC, o que pode sugerir que a atividade do SCC renal esteja reduzida nessa doença.

Prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular: estudo REACT / Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study

FUNDAMENTO: Dados de atendimento ambulatorial ao paciente de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil são insuficientes. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil e documentar a prática clínica do atendimento ambulatorial de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil, no que diz respeito à prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos de alto risco cardiovascular, que foi definido como a presença de um dos seguintes fatores: doença arterial coronariana, cerebrovascular e vascular periférica; diabetes; ou aqueles com pelo menos três dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, tabagismo, dislipidemia, maiores 70 anos, histórico familiar de doença arterial coronariana, nefropatia crônica ou doença carotídea assintomática. Foram avaliadas características basais e a taxa de prescrição das intervenções medicamentosas e não medicamentosas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.364 pacientes consecutivos, sendo 52,2% do gênero masculino, idade média de 66,0 anos (± 10,1). Dentre os pacientes incluídos, 78,3% utilizavam antiplaquetários, 77,0% estatinas e, dos pacientes com história de infarto do miocárdio, 58,0% receberam betabloqueadores. O uso concomitante destas três classes foi de 34%. Não atingiram as metas preconizadas pelas diretrizes 50,9% dos hipertensos, 67% dos diabéticos e 25,7% dos dislipidêmicos. Os principais preditores de prescrição de terapias com benefício comprovado foram centro com cardiologista e histórico de doença arterial coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: Este registro nacional e representativo identificou hiatos importantes na incorporação de terapias com benefício comprovado, oferecendo um panorama real dos pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Digoxin's roles in heart failure patients: An overview / Los roles de digoxina en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca: Una revisión / Os papéis da digoxina em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca: Uma revisão geral

Digitalis, particularly digoxin, have played an important role in the treatment of heart failure (HF) for over 200 years. In the past three decades, with the greatest knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease, neurohumoral blockers were more effective in reducing morbidity and mortality and gained greater prominence. In addition, studies have suggested that digoxin does not reduce the risk of death and, in some cases, may even increase it. Thus, its use has been questioned and discouraged. This review aims to look at the pharmacology of digoxin, studies on its benefits and risks in patients with moderate to severe systolic HF and diastolic HF also. This review looks forward to answering the following question: Is there still room for the use of digitalis in HF?.

Los digitálicos, y digoxina en particular, han jugado un papel importante en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) por más de 200 años. En las últimas tres décadas, con un mayor conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, los bloqueadores neurohumorales se mostraron más eficaces en la reducción de la morbi-mortalidad y ganaron mayor prominencia. Además, los estudios han sugerido que digoxina no reduce el riesgo de muerte y, en algunos casos, puede incluso aumentarlo. De esta manera, su uso ha sido muy cuestionado y desalentado. Esta revisión trata de contemplar la farmacología de digoxina, los estudios sobre sus beneficios y los riesgos en pacientes con IC sistólica moderada a severa y también en la IC diastólica. Se busca con esta revisión, contestar la siguiente pregunta: ¿existe todavía espacio para el uso del digitálicos en la IC?.

Os digitais, e a digoxina em especial, têm desempenhado papel importante no tratamento da Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) há mais de 200 anos. Nas últimas três décadas, com o maior conhecimento da fisiopatologia da doença, os bloqueadores neuro-humorais mostraram-se mais eficazes em reduzir a morbi-mortalidade e ganharam maior destaque. Além disso, estudos sugeriram que a digoxina não reduz o risco de morrer e, em algumas situações, pode, inclusive, aumentá-lo. Desta forma, seu uso chegou a ser bastante questionado e desestimulado. Esta revisão procura contemplar a farmacologia da digoxina, os estudos sobre seus benefícios e riscos em pacientes com IC sistólica moderada a grave e também na IC diastólica. Procuramos, com esta revisão, responder à seguinte questão: ainda existe espaço para o uso de digitais na IC?.

Atualização em miocardites / Myocarditides update

As miocardites (inflamações do músculo cardíaco, podendo envolver os miócitos, o interstício, estruturas vasculares e/ou o pericárdio) são importantes causas de morte súbita e inesperada em adultos com menos de 40 anos de idade e atletas jovens. Têm etiologia diversa, incluindo vírus, bactérias, protozoários, drogas e doenças sistêmicas. Sua fisiopatologia envolve a ativação prolongada das imunidades celular e humoral. Seu curso geralmente é assintomático ou insidioso, havendo considerável dificuldade no estabelecimento do diagnóstico, devido à inespecificidade de seu quadro clínico e à baixa sensibilidade dos exames complementares. O tratamento é basicamente suportivo e direcionado às possíveis complicações ou às causas de base. Possuem prognóstico variável, dependendo da causa-base, sendo pior nas doenças sistêmicas e na infecção pelo HIV.

Myocarditis are defined as inflammation of the cardiac muscle, which may involve the myocite, the interstitium, the vascular structures and/or the pericardium. They are important causes of sudden and unexpected death in adults and in young athletes. There are many known etiologies for myocarditis, including virus, bacteria, protozoan, drugs and systemic diseases. Its pathophysiology involves the continuum activation of humoral and cellular immunity. The course of the disease usually is assymptomatic or insidious, clinical manifestations are quite non-specific and complementary, exams show poor sensibility and specificity, making diagnosis difficult. Treatment is basically supportive and addressed to the possible complications or its causes. The prognosis is somewhat variable, depending on the underlying cause, being worse in systemic diseases and in HIV infections.

Deslocamento de retina na doença hipertensiva específica da gravidez / Retinal detachment in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an obstetric disease of unknown cause that affects approximately 5 percent of pregnant women. The visual system may be affected with variable intensity, being the retinal detachment a rare complication. The retinal detachment in preeclampsia is usually bilateral and serous, and its pathogenesis is related to the choroidal ischemia secondary to an intense arteriolar vasospasm. The majority of patients have complete recovery of vision with clinical management, and surgery is unnecessary. This is a case report of a 27 year old patient who developed the severe form of preeclampsia on her first pregnancy. She had progressive blurred vision, until she could see only shadows. Ophthalmic examination diagnosed spread and bilateral retinal detachment. With blood pressure control at postpartum, the patient had her retina reattached, and recovery of vision