How people affected by Chagas disease have struggled with their negligence: history, associative movement and World Chagas Disease Day

It is well documented that Chagas disease (CD) can pose a public health problem to countries. As one of the World Health Organization Neglected Tropical Diseases undoubtedly calls for comprehensive healthcare, transcending a restricted biomedical approach. After more than a century since their discovery, in 1909, people affected by CD are still frequently marginalised and/or neglected. The aim of this article is to tell the story of their activism, highlighting key historical experiences and successful initiatives, from 1909 to 2019. The first association was created in 1987, in the city of Recife, Brazil. So far, thirty associations have been reported on five continents. They were created as independent non-profit civil society organisations and run democratically by affected people. Among the common associations' objectives, we notably find: increase the visibility of the affected; make their voice heard; build bridges between patients, health system professionals, public health officials, policy makers and the academic and scientific communities. The International Federation of Associations of People Affected by CD - FINDECHAGAS, created in 2010 with the input of the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific, counts as one of the main responses to the globalisation of CD. Despite all the obstacles and difficulties encountered, the Federation has thrived, grown, and matured. As a result of this mobilisation along with the support of many national and international partners, in May 2019 the 72nd World Health Assembly decided to establish World Chagas Disease Day, on 14 April. The associative movement has increased the understanding of the challenges related to the disease and breaks the silence around Chagas disease, improving surveillance, and sustaining engagement towards the United Nations 2030 agenda.

Prognosis of chronic Chagas heart disease and other pending clinical challenges

In this chapter, the main prognostic markers of Chagas heart disease are addressed, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and questions, establishing the basis for a broad discussion of recommendations and new approaches to managing Chagas cardiopathy. The main biological and genetic markers and the contribution of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. We also discuss the most recent therapeutic proposals for heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmias, as well as current experience in heart transplantation in patients suffering from severe Chagas cardiomyopathy. The clinical and epidemiological challenges introduced by acute Chagas disease due to oral contamination are discussed. In addition, we highlight the importance of ageing and comorbidities in influencing the outcome of chronic Chagas heart disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of public policies, the vital role of funding agencies, universities, the scientific community and health professionals, and the application of new technologies in finding solutions for better management of Chagas heart disease.

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.

Predictors of Post-Discharge 30-Day Hospital Readmission in Decompensated Heart Failure Patients

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is worldwide known as a public health issue with high morbimortality. One of the issues related to the evolution of HF is the high rate of hospital readmission caused by decompensation of the clinical condition, with high costs and worsening of ventricular function. Objective To quantify the readmission rate and identify the predictors of rehospitalization in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Methods Hospital-based historic cohort of patients admitted with acute decompensated HF in a private hospital from Recife/PE, from January 2008 to February 2016, followed-up for at least 30 days after discharge. Demographic and clinical data of admission, hospitalization, and clinical and late outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression was used as a strategy to identify the predictors of independent risks. Results 312 followed-up patients, average age 73 (± 14), 61% males, 51% NYHA Class III, and 58% ischemic etiology. Thirty-day readmission rate was 23%. Multivariate analysis identified the independent predictors ejection fraction < 40% (OR = 2.1; p = 0.009), hyponatremia (OR = 2.9; p = 0.022) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as the cause of decompensation (OR = 1.1; p = 0,026). The final model using those three variables presented reasonable discriminatory power (C-Statistics = 0.655 - HF 95%: 0.582 - 0.728) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.925). Conclusions Among hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure, the rate of readmission was high. Hyponatremia, reduced ejection fraction and ACS as causes of decompensation were robust markers for the prediction of hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; 33(2):175-184)

Decompensated Heart Failure with Mid-Range Ejection Fraction: Epidemiology and In-Hospital Mortality Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Recently, a new HF entity, with LVEF between 40-49%, was presented to comprehend and seek better therapy for HF with preserved LVEF (HFpEF) and borderline, in the means that HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) already has well-defined therapy in the literature. Objective: To compare the clinical-therapeutic profile of patients with HF with mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF) with HFpEF and HFrEF and to verify predictors of hospital mortality. Method: Historical cohort of patients admitted with decompensated HF at a supplementary hospital in Recife/PE between April/2007 - August/2017, stratified by LVEF (< 40%/40 - 49/≥ 50%), based on the guideline of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2016. The groups were compared and Logistic Regression was used to identify predictors of independent risk for in-hospital death. Results: A sample of 493 patients, most with HFrEF (43%), HFpEF (30%) and HFmrEF (26%). Average age of 73 (± 14) years, 59% men. Hospital mortality 14%, readmission within 30 days 19%. In therapeutics, it presented statistical significance among the 3 groups, spironolactone, in HFrEF patients. Hospital death and readmission within 30 days did not make difference. In the HFmrEF group, factors independently associated with death were: valve disease (OR: 4.17, CI: 1.01-9.13), altered urea at admission (OR: 6.18, CI: 1.78-11.45) and beta-blocker hospitalization (OR: 0.29, CI: 0.08-0.97). In HFrEF, predictors were: prior renal disease (OR: 2.84, CI: 1.19-6.79), beta-blocker at admission (OR: 0.29, CI: 0.12-0.72) and ACEI/ ARB (OR: 0.21, CI: 0.09-0.49). In HFpEF, only valve disease (OR: 4.61, CI: 1.33-15.96) and kidney disease (OR: 5.18, CI: 1.68-11.98) were relevant. Conclusion: In general, HFmrEF presented intermediate characteristics between HFrEF and HFpEF. Independent predictors of mortality may support risk stratification and management of this group.

Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Poor Functional Capacity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure / Strain Longitudinal Global é Preditor de Baixa Capacidade Funcional em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica

Abstract Background: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain value (GLS) can predict functional capacity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) heart failure (HF) and to assess prognosis in reduced LVEF HF. Objetive: Correlate GLS with parameters of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and to assess if they could predict systolic HF patients that are more appropriated to be referred to heart transplantation according to CPET criteria. Methods: Systolic HF patients with LVEF < 45%, NYHA functional class II and III, underwent prospectively CPET and echocardiography with strain analysis. LVEF and GLS were correlated with the following CPET variables: maxVO2, VE/VCO2 slope, heart rate reduction during the first minute of recovery (HRR) and time needed to reduce maxVO2 in 50% after physical exercise (T1/2VO2). ROC curve analysis of GLS to predict VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min and VE/VCO2 slope > 35 (heart transplantation's criteria) was performed. Results: Twenty six patients were selected (age, 47 ± 12 years, 58% men, mean LVEF = 28 ± 8%). LVEF correlated only with maxVO2 and T1/2VO2. GLS correlated to all CPET variables (maxVO2: r = 0.671, p = 0.001; VE/VCO2 slope: r = -0.513, p = 0.007; HRR: r = 0.466, p = 0.016, and T1/2VO2: r = -0.696, p = 0.001). GLS area under the ROC curve to predict heart transplantation's criteria was 0.88 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%) for a cut-off value of -5.7%, p = 0.03. Conclusion: GLS was significantly associated with all functional CPET parameters. It could classify HF patients according to the functional capacity and may stratify which patients have a poor prognosis and therefore to deserve more differentiated treatment, such as heart transplantation.

Resumo Fundamento: O strain longitudinal global (SLG) é capaz de predizer a capacidade funcional dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) preservada, e avaliar o prognóstico na IC com FEVE reduzida. Objetivo: Correlacionar o SLG com parâmetros do teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP), e avaliar se o SLG seria capaz de predizer quais pacientes com IC sistólica deveriam ser encaminhados ao transplante cardíaco de acordo com os critérios do TECP. Métodos: Os pacientes com IC sistólica com FEVE <45%, classe funcional NYHA II e III, submeteram-se prospectivamente ao TECP e à ecocardiografia com análise do strain. A FEVE e o SLG foram correlacionados com as seguintes variáveis do TECP: maxVO2, inclinação de VE/VCO2, redução da frequência cardíaca durante o primeiro minuto de recuperação (RFC), e tempo necessário para a redução do maxVO2 em 50% após o exercício físico (T1/2VO2). Foi realizada análise da curva ROC do SLG em predizer um VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min e uma inclinação de VE/VCO2 > 35 (critérios para transplante cardíaco). O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Vinte e seis pacientes foram selecionados para o estudo (idade, 47±12 anos, 58% homens, FEVE média LVEF = 28 ± 8%). A FEVE correlacionou-se somente com o maxVO2 e o T1/2VO2. O SLG correlacionou-se com todas as variáveis do TECP (maxVO2: r = 0,671; p = 0,001; inclinação de VE/VCO2: r = -0,513; p = 0,007; RFC: r = 0,466; p = 0,016; e T1/2VO2: r = -0,696, p = 0,001). A área sob a curva ROC para o SLG para predizer os critérios para transplante cardíaco foi de 0,88 (sensibilidade 75%, especificidade 83%) para um ponto de corte de -5,7%, p = 0,03. Conclusão: O SLG apresentou associação significativa com todos os parâmetros funcionais do TECP. O SLG foi capaz de classificar os pacientes com IC segundo capacidade funcional e possivelmente pode identificar quais pacientes têm um prognóstico ruim e, portanto, se beneficiariam de um tratamento diferenciado, tal como o transplante cardíaco.

Quality of life related to health for heart failure patients / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the quality of life related to health for heart failure patients and to relate sociodemographic and clinical data. Method: It is an observational and transversal study, with quantitative approach, carried out in a heart failure ambulatory in the state of Pernambuco. Results: In the sample (n=101), there was prevalence of men older than 60 years old, married and professionally inactive. The quality of life related to health, based on the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire, was considered moderate (34.3±21.6), being significantly related to age (p=0.004), functional class (p<0.001), and patients with chagasic cardiopathy (p=0.02). Conclusion: The quality of life in the HF group of chagasic etiology was more compromised, specially in the emotional dimension. It is suggested that studies on the hypothesis that longer ambulatory follow-up improves quality of life and that having Chagas disease interferes negatively with the quality of life of heart failure patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) y relacionar los datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Método: Se trata de estudio observacional, de corte transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo realizado en Ambulatorio de insuficiencia cardíaca en el estado de Pernambuco. Resultados: En la muestra (n=101) hubo un predominio de hombres, mayores de 60 años de edad, casados y profesionalmente inactivos. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, desde el cuestionario Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire, fue moderada (34,3±21,6), presentando una relación significativa con la edad (p=0,004), la clase funcional (p<0,001) y en pacientes con cardiopatía chagásica (p=0,02). Conclusión: La calidad de vida en el grupo IC de etiología chagásica estuvo más comprometida, principalmente la dimensión emocional. Se recomienda realizar estudios que aborden las hipótesis de que el mayor tiempo de seguimiento ambulatorio mejora la calidad de vida y de que tener la enfermedad de Chagas interfiere negativamente en la calidad de vida de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e relacionar aos dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Método: Trata-se de estudo observacional, de corte transversal, com abordagem quantitativa realizado em ambulatório de insuficiência cardíaca no estado de Pernambuco. Resultados: Na amostra (n=101) houve predominância de homens, maiores de 60 anos, casados, profissionalmente inativos. A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, a partir do questionário Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire foi considerada moderada (34,3±21,6), apresentando relação significativa com idade (p=0,004), classe funcional (p<0,001) e em pacientes com cardiopatia chagásica (p=0,02). Conclusão: A qualidade de vida no grupo IC de etiologia chagásica esteve mais comprometida, especialmente na dimensão emocional. Sugere-se a realização de estudos abordando as hipóteses de que maior tempo de acompanhamento ambulatorial melhora a qualidade de vida e que ter doença de Chagas interfere negativamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Common and Associated with Heart Remodeling in Patients with Chagas Disease / Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono é Comum e está Associada à Remodelação Cardíaca em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas

Abstract Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is an important cause of morbimortality due to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias worldwide, especially in Latin America. Objective: To investigate the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with heart remodeling and cardiac arrhythmias in patients CD. Methods: Consecutive patients with CD, aged between 30 to 65 years old were enrolled. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, sleep study, 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiogram and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: We evaluated 135 patients [age: 56 (45-62) years; 30% men; BMI: 26 ± 4 kg/m2, Chagas cardiomyopathy: 70%]. Moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI, ≥ 15 events/h) was present in 21% of the patients. OSA was not associated with arrhythmias in this population. As compared to patients with mild or no OSA, patients with moderate to severe OSA had higher frequency of hypertension (79% vs. 72% vs. 44%, p < 0.01) higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure: 119 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 13 vs. 110 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0.01; larger left atrial diameter [37 (33-42) vs. 35 (33-39) vs. 33 (30-36) mm, p < 0.01]; and a greater proportion of left ventricular dysfunction [LVEF < 50% (39% vs. 28% vs. 11%), p < 0.01], respectively. Predictor of left atrial dimension was Log10 (AHI) (b = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.91 to 5.81; p < 0.01). Predictors of ventricular dysfunction were AHI > 15 events/h (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.31 - 9.98; p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.10; p < 0.01) and male gender (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.31 - 8.01; p = 0.01). Conclusions: OSA is independently associated with atrial and ventricular remodeling in patients with CD.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença de Chagas (DC) é uma causa importante de morbimortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca e arritmias malignas em todo o mundo, especialmente na América Latina. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) com remodelação cardíaca e arritmias cardíacas em pacientes com DC. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes consecutivos com DC, com idade entre 30 e 65 anos. Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, estudo do sono, Holter de 24 horas, ecocardiograma e monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial. Resultados: Foram avaliados 135 pacientes [idade: 56 (45-62) anos; 30% homens; IMC: 26 ± 4 kg/m2, cardiomiopatia chagásica: 70%]. AOS moderada a grave (índice de apneia-hipopneia, IAH, ≥ 15 eventos/h) estava presente em 21% dos pacientes. AOS não estava associada a arritmias nessa população. Em comparação com pacientes com AOS leve ou ausente, pacientes com AOS moderada a grave apresentaram maior frequência de hipertensão (79% vs. 72% vs. 44%, p < 0,01) e pressão arterial sistólica noturna mais alta: 119 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 13 vs. 110 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0,01; diâmetro do átrio esquerdo maior [37 (33‑42) vs. 35 (33-39) vs. 33 (30-36) mm, p < 0,01]; e maior proporção de disfunção ventricular esquerda [FEVE < 50% (39% vs. 28% vs. 11%), p < 0,01], respectivamente. O preditor de dimensão do átrio esquerdo foi Log10 (IAH) (β = 3,86, IC 95%: 1,91 a 5,81; p < 0,01). Os preditores de disfunção ventricular foram IAH >15 eventos/h (OR = 3,61, IC 95%: 1,31 - 9,98; p = 0,01), pressão arterial sistólica (OR = 1,06, IC95%: 1,02 - 1,10; p < 0,01) e sexo masculino (OR = 3,24, IC 95%: 1,31 - 8,01; p = 0,01). Conclusões: A AOS está independentemente associada à remodelação atrial e ventricular em pacientes com DC.

Fatores precipitantes de descompensação da insuficiência cardíaca relacionados a adesão ao tratamento: estudo multicêntrico-EMBRACE / Factores desencadenantes de descompensación de la insuficiencia cardiaca relacionados con la adhesión al tratamiento: estudio multicéntrico-EMBRACE / Precipitating factors of decompensation of heart failure related to treatment adherence: multicenter study-EMBRACE

Resumo OBJETIVO Descrever os fatores precipitantes de descompensação da insuficiência cardíaca entre pacientes aderentes e não aderentes ao tratamento. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal de uma coorte multicêntrica. Pacientes acima de 18 anos com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada (classe funcional III/IV) foram elegíveis. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário estruturado avaliando os motivos da descompensação. O uso irregular de medicação prévio à internação, controle inadequado de sal e líquidos foram considerados como grupo de má adesão ao tratamento. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 556 pacientes, com idade média de 61±14 anos, 362(65%) homens. O principal fator de descompensação foi a má adesão, representando 55% da amostra. Os pacientes que referiram o uso irregular das medicações na última semana apresentaram 22% mais risco de internação por má adesão quando comparados aos pacientes aderentes. CONCLUSÃO O estudo EMBRACE demonstrou que em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, a má adesão mostrou-se como o principal fator de exacerbação.

Resumen OBJETIVO Describir los factores desencadenantes de descompensación de la insuficiencia cardíaca entre pacientes adherentes y no adherentes al tratamiento. MÉTODOS Estudio transversal de cohorte multicéntrica. Pacientes mayores de 18 años con insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada (clase funcional III / IV) fueron elegibles. Para la recolección de los datos se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado que evalua los motivos de la descompensación. El uso irregular de medicación previa a la internación y control inadecuado de sal y líquidos fueron considerados como grupo de mala adherencia al tratamiento. RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 556 pacientes, con una edad media de 61 ± 14 años, 362 (65%) eran hombres. El principal factor de descompensación fue la mala adherencia, representando el 55% de la muestra. Los pacientes que indicaron el uso irregular de las medicaciones en la última semana presentaron un 22% más de riesgo de internación por mala adherencia en comparación con los pacientes adherentes. CONCLUSIÓN El estudio EMBRACE demostró que en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca, la mala adherencia se mostró como el principal factor de exacerbación.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe the precipitating factors of heart failure decompensation between adherent and non-adherent patients to treatment. METHODS Cross-sectional study of a multicenter cohort study. Patients over 18 years of age with decompensated heart failure (functional class III/IV) were eligible. The structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and evaluate the reasons for decompensation. The irregular use of medication prior to hospitalization and inadequate salt and fluid intake were considered as poor adherence to treatment. RESULTS A total of 556 patients were included, mean age 61 ± 14 years old, 362 (65%) male. The main factor of decompensation was poor adherence, representing 55% of the sample. Patients who reported irregular use of medications in the last week had a 22% greater risk of being hospitalized due to poor adherence than the patients who adhered to treatment. CONCLUSION The EMBRACE study showed that in patients with heart failure, poor adherence was the main factor of exacerbation.

Manejo não farmacológico de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada: estudo multicêntrico - EMBRACE / Non-pharmacological management of patients with decompensated heart failure: a multicenter study - EMBRACE

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prescrição e execução dos cuidados não farmacológicos nas prescrições médicas ou de enfermagem em três centros de referência no atendimento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo de abordagem quantitativa, transversal de uma coorte multicêntrica. Incluíram-se pacientes admitidos por IC descompensada, classe funcional III/IV; de qualquer etiologia; idade ≥ 18 anos; de ambos os gêneros. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 562 pacientes, dentre os cuidados não farmacológicos, a restrição de sal foi o mais prescrito (95,4%), seguido pelo controle de diurese (48%). A proporção de cuidados prescritos e realizados foi maior no terceiro, e nos outros dois a diferença entre o prescrito e o realizado foi superior a 20%. CONCLUSÕES: Os cuidados não farmacológicos não estão totalmente incorporados à prática clínica. Estratégias que possam mobilizar a equipe multiprofissional com vistas às prescrições e realizações desses cuidados merecem ser estudadas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prescription and execution of non-pharmacological care in the medical or nursing prescriptions in three reference centers for the treatment of patients with heart failure. METHODS: A study using a quantitative, cross-sectional approach of a multicenter cohort. It included: patients admitted for decompensated heart failure, New York Heart Association function III / IV; any etiology; age of 18 years or older; and both genders. RESULTS: The study included 562 patients; among non-pharmacological care, salt restriction was the most prescribed (95.4%), followed by the control of diuresis (48%). The proportion of treatment prescribed and performed was higher in the third, and in the other two centers the difference between the prescribed and the performed was higher than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Non-pharmacological care interventions are not fully incorporated into clinical practice. Strategies that can mobilize the multidisciplinary team with a view to the interventions and achievements of this care merit study.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prescripción y ejecución de los cuidados no farmacológicos en las prescripciones médicas o de enfermería en tres centros de referencia en la atención de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudio de abordaje cuantitativo, transversal de una cohorte multicéntrica. Se incluyeron pacientes admitidos por IC descompensada, clase funcional III/IV; de cualquier etiología; edad ≥ 18 años; de ambos géneros. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluídos 562 pacientes, de los cuidados no farmacológicos, la restricción de sal fue el más prescrito (95,4%), seguido por el control de diuresis (48%). La proporción de cuidados prescritos y realizados fue mayor en el tercero, y en los otros dos la diferencia entre el prescrito y el realizado fue superior a 20%. CONCLUSIONES: Los cuidados no farmacológicos no están totalmente incorporados a la práctica clínica. Merecen ser estudiadas estrategias que puedan mobilizar al equipo multiprofesional con miras a las prescripciones y realizaciones de esos cuidados.