Insuflación de gas traqueal y protección pulmonar en paciente críticamente enfermo con SARS-CoV-2 / Tracheal gas insufflation plus lung protect in critical ill SARS-CoV-2 patient / Insuflação de gás traqueal e proteção pulmonar em paciente crítico com SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Las alteraciones estructurales que a nivel pulmonar genera la COVID-19 son muy graves cuando se desarrolla SARS-CoV-2 resultando ser determinantes en el desenlace de los pacientes. La carga de enfermedad aportada por la ventilación mecánica invasiva impuesta a este grupo de pacientes desencadena en un porcentaje muy alto la mortalidad conocida. Presentamos una serie de casos de pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 que, frente al fracaso de cánula de alto flujo, de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva y de la posición prono, requirieron estrategia de rescate con insuflación de gas traqueal más ultraprotección pulmonar con resultados favorables.

Abstract: The pulmonary structural alterations by COVID-19 are very serious when SARS-CoV-2 develops, resulting in determinants in the outcome of patients. The burden of disease provided by invasive mechanical ventilation imposed on this group of patients triggers a very high percentage of known mortality. We present a series of cases of patients with SARS-CoV-2 who faced with the failure of high flow cannula, non-invasive mechanical ventilation and prone position required rescue strategy with tracheal gas insufflation plus ultra lung protection with favorable results.

Resumo: As alterações estruturais que o COVID-19 gera a nível pulmonar são muito graves quando se desenvolve o SARS-CoV-2, revelando-se decisivas na evolução dos doentes. A carga de doença imposta causada pela ventilação mecânica invasiva a esse grupo de pacientes desencadeia em um percentual muito elevado a mortalidade conhecida. Apresentamos uma série de casos de pacientes com SARS-CoV-2 que, devido à falha da cânula de alto fluxo, ventilação mecânica não invasiva e posição prona, necessitaram de estratégia de resgate com insuflação de gás traqueal mais proteção ultrapulmonar com resultados favoráveis.

Correlation between Impaired Aortic Distensibility and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Calcium Scoring Measured by Cardiac CT

Background: Multi-Slice cardiac CT has evolved as a noninvasive imaging technique for evaluation of stenosis in the coronary arteries by what is called Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA), but it is also widely used in quantitative plaque assessments through Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring and plaque type identification ( soft or Mixed VS calcific) . Evaluation of aortic distensibility and aortic stiffness can also be performed through Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) by calculating Aortic Distensibility Index (ADI) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). Aim: To evaluate whether impaired Aortic Distensibility Index (ADI) and Aortic Stiffness measured by Cardiac CT is correlating with the severity of coronary artery disease and coronary calcium scoring in at-risk individuals (assessed by CCTA). Patients and Methods: We included 180 patients. Patients were classified into four groups according to their CAC score and according to the degree of stenosis based on CCTA. All patients in this study have underwent full history taking, short clinical examination including B.P. and H.R. measurements, standard ECG, routine laboratory investigations, and Multi-Slice CT Coronary Angiography (MSCT-CA). All patients underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning and CCTA, and their ADI and Aortic Stiffness were measured. Maximum systolic and maximum diastolic cross sectional-area (CSA) of ascending-aorta (AAo) was measured 15-mm above the left main coronary ostium. ADI was defined as: [(Systolic CSA –Diastolic CSA)/ (Diastolic CSA in X systemic-pulse-pressure) X 103]. Aortic stiffness was measured as PWV using Bramwell-Hill equation [1] [(3.57/ ?distensibility)]. Results: There were strong correlation between Aortic distensibility and Aortic stiffness (PWV) with degree of stenosis and coronary artery calcium. In patients stratified based on the degree of calcium scoring (CAC score), there was a statistically significant negative correlation between calcium scoring and the ADI (Pearson's r= -0.771, p<?.001), and a statistically significant positive correlation between calcium scoring and PWV (Pearson's r=0.817, p<?.001). In patients stratified based on the degree of stenosis, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between ADI and the Degree of stenosis (Pearson's r=-0.707, p<?.001), and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between PWV and the Degree of stenosis (Pearson's r=0.697, p<?.001). Conclusion: Impaired aortic distensibility strongly correlates with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, degree of stenosis and coronary artery calcium. Addition of ADI to CAC and traditional risk factors provides incremental value to predict at-risk individuals.

Comparison of vena cava distensibility index and pulse pressure variation for the evaluation of intravascular volume in critically ill children

Abstract Objective: In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the vena cava distensibility index and pulse pressure variation as dynamic parameters for estimating intravascular volume in critically ill children. Methods: Patients aged 1 month to 18 years, who were hospitalized in the present study's pediatric intensive care unit, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to central venous pressure: hypovolemic (< 8mmHg) and non-hypovolemic (central venous pressure ≥ 8 mmHg) groups. In both groups, vena cava distensibility index was measured using bedside ultrasound and pulse pressure variation. Measurements were recorded and evaluated under arterial monitoring. Results: In total, 19 (47.5%) of the 40 subjects included in the study were assigned to the central venous pressure ≥ 8 mmHg group, and 21 (52.5%) to the central venous pressure < 8 mmHg group. A moderate positive correlation was found between pulse pressure variation and vena cava distensibility index (r = 0.475, p < 0.01), while there were strong negative correlations of central venous pressure with pulse pressure variation and vena cava distensibility index (r = -0.628, p < 0.001 and r = -0.760, p < 0.001, respectively). In terms of predicting hypovolemia, the predictive power for vena cava distensibility index was > 16% (sensitivity, 90.5%; specificity, 94.7%) and that for pulse pressure variation was > 14% (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 89.5%). Conclusion: Vena cava distensibility index has higher sensitivity and specificity than pulse pressure variation for estimating intravascular volume, along with the advantage of non-invasive bedside application.

Fisiología respiratoria mecánica de la respiración / Mechanics breathing

El trabajo respiratorio se ejerce en una estructura cerrada donde se encuentran los pulmones, estos son sometidos a cambios de presiones determinados por la musculatura pulmonar en las diferentes fases del ciclo respiratorio, lo que generará gradientes y permite la entrada y salida de aire. Se suman a ello el calibre de las vías aéreas, el tipo de flujo, las características de las vías aéreas y del surfactante pulmonar, que determinan un menor o mayor trabajo respiratorio según la condición fisiológica.

The work of breathing is exerted in a closed structure where the lungs are located. These are subjected to pressure changes determined by the pulmonary musculature in the different phases of the respiratory cycle, which will generate gradients and allow the entry and exit of air. In addition to the aforesaid, airway calibre, type of flow, airway characteristics and pulmonary surfactant determine less or more work of breathing depending on the physiological condition.

Plethysmographic variability index as a tool to assess fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients: a correlation study with inferior vena cava distensibility index

Background: In critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), early aggressive fluid replacement is the cornerstone of resuscitation. Traditionally employed static measures of fluid responsiveness have a poor predictive value. It is therefore imperative to employ dynamic measures of fluid responsiveness that take into account the heart lung interactions in the mechanically ventilated patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of one such non-invasive dynamic index: Plethysmographic variability index (PVI) compared to the widely employed Inferior vena cava distensibility index (dIVC).Methods: Seventy-six adult patients admitted at a tertiary care mixed ICU, who developed hypotension (MAP<65mmHg), were included in the study. PVI was recorded using the MASIMO-7 monitor and dIVC measurements done using Terason ultrasound. Based on the dIVC measurement threshold of 18%, the patients were classified into volume responders and non-responders. The hemodynamic, PVI and dIVC measurements were recorded at pre specified time points following a fluid challenge of 20 ml/kg crystalloid infusion.Results: Baseline PVI values were significantly higher in the responders (22.3±8.2) compared to non-responders (10.1±2.9) (p<0.001) and showed a declining trend at all time points in the responders. Similar declining trend was observed in the dIVC measurements. Overall, the Pearson correlation graph showed strong correlation between dIVC and PVI values at all time points (r=0.678, p=0.001). The ROC curve between the dIVC and PVI values revealed that Baseline PVI (Pre PVI) >15.5% discriminated between responders and non-responders with a 90.2% sensitivity and 75% specificity with an AUC of 0.84 (0.72-0.96) (p<0.001).Conclusions: There is good correlation between PVI values and measured dIVC values at baseline and following a fluid challenge. Thus, PVI may be an acceptable, real time, continuous, surrogate measure of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients.

Determining the Merit of Inferior Vena Cava Distensibility Index in The Estimation of Fluid Responsiveness in Ventilated Septic Patient in Intensive Care Unit

@#Introduction: There is no single haemodynamic parameters either static central venous pressure (CVP) or dynamic stroke volume variation, inferior vena cava distensibility index (SVV,IVCd) that can be used precisely to assess fluid responsiveness. It must be performed concurrently with clinical assessment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the correlation between these 3 parameters. Methods: This was a cross sectional non-interventional study conducted in intensive care unit. Each patient who fulfilled the criteria will have their CVP, SVV and IVCd measured instantaneously. Analysis of correlation was done using bivariate (Pearson) correlation, while agreement between SVV and IVCd was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa analysis. Results: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in this study. 70.3% were males and 29.7% were females. Mean age was 59.7 ± 13.3. Mean APACHE score was 24.1 ± 6.1. IVCd had significant positive correlation with SVV (r = 0.391, p = 0.017). Agreement between IVCd and SVV was 0.329 (0.95 CI = 0.0174 – 0.6412; p = 0.033). There was non-significant negative correlation between IVCd with CVP and SVV with CVP with r = -0.155 (p=0.359) and r = -0.068 (p= 0.691) respectively. Conclusion: There is only fair correlation between IVCd and SVV in determining fluid responsiveness. However, CVP does not correlate to both SVV and IVCd. Neither one of them is a good method in assessing fluid responsiveness during standard care in our centre. Therefore, the usage of above methods needs to combine with clinical parameters to yield better result.

Factores promotores de reflujo gastro esofágico en pacientes con hernia hiatal / Promoting factors of gastro esophageal reflux in patients with hiatal hernia

Introducción: El esfínter esofágico inferior (EEI) hipotensivo, hernia hiatal (HH) e incremento de la distensibilidad de la unión esófago gástrica (DUGE) juegan un rol en la enfermedad de reflujo gastro esofágica (ERGE). Objetivos: determinar la relación sinérgica o independiente entre la ERGE, presión del EEI, HH y DUGE por impedancia planimétrica (IP). Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de pacientes con ERGE sintomática y HH. El diagnóstico fue establecido por síntomas, endoscopia, manometría de alta resolución (MAR) pHmetría e impedancia multicanal de 24 horas. Se midió la longitud de la HH, presión del EEI y peristalsis del cuerpo esofágico. Todos los pacientes fueron a cirugía anti reflujo y corrección de la HH. Se valoró presión y DUEG por IP utilizando la sonda EndoFLIP ® al comienzo y final de la cirugía. El índice de distensibilidad (ID) es el resultado de la relación entre la DUEG/PEEI en 30 segundos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 68 pacientes, 45 mujeres, (42,34 ± 10,79 años). Las variables con asociación al ID inicial son: longitud de la HH (cms) (r=0,440; p<0,001), DUGE inicial (mm2/mmHg) (r=0,512; p<0,001), presión inicial (mmHg) (r=−0,320, p=0,006) y presión EEI medida por MAR (mmHg) (r=−0,465; p<0,001). Entre la presión inicial medida por IP y el ID inicial existe una relación no lineal. Se realizó análisis de regresión considerando el inverso de la presión inicial observando que el modelo es estadísticamente significativo sin colineinalidad. Se descartaron variables que no aportan información quedando constituido por 3 magnitudes: longitud de la HH, inverso de la presión inicial y distensibilidad inicial. Los datos se ajustaron a un modelo predictivo basado en análisis de regresión múltiple. Conclusión: Las variables longitud de la HH y distensibilidad inicial con valores bajos para el factor de inflación de varianza (FIV) indican que aportan información al modelo y que ésta es independiente de la aportada por el inverso de la presión inicial. En consecuencia, la presencia de HH, valores altos de DUGE y baja presión del EEI por si solas contribuyen al desarrollo y progresión de la ERGE ya que no son influenciables entre sí.

Introduction: The hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES), hiatal hernia (HH) and the increase in the esophagogastric junction distensibility (EGJD) play a role in gastro esophageal refux disease (GERD). The episodes of reflux are associated with low pressure on the LES sphincter. Studies have shown that the EGJD is high in patients with HH and GERD and the more severe forms of GERD are invariably associated with the HH. Objectives: To determine if there is a sinergistc relationship between the HH, the LES pressure and the EGJD with the GERD through measurement by planimetric impedance (PI).Patients and methods: A prospective, study was conducted on patients with GERD and HH. The diagnosis was confirmed by symptoms, endoscopy, high-resolution manometry (HRM), pH metry and multichannel impedance of 24 hours. The length of the HH, pressure from the LES (LESP) and esophageal body peristalsis were measured. All patients underwent anti reflux surgery and HH correction surgery. Pressure and EGJD measurements were valued by (PI), using the Endoflip® system at the beginning and at the end of the surgery. Distensibility index (DI) is the result of the relationship between the EGJD/LESP in 30 seconds. Results: 68 patients: 45 women, (42,34 ± 10,79 years) were evaluated. The variables with association with the initial DI are: the length of HH (cms) (r=0,440; p<0,001), initial EGJD (mm2/mmHg) (r=0,512; p<0,001), the initial pressure (mmHg) (r=−0,320, p=0,006) and LESP measured by HRM (mmHg) (r=−0,465; p<0,001). Between the initial pressure measured by PI and the initial DI there is a nonlinear relationship or reverse. Due to this, regression analyzes were conducted considering the inverse of the initial pressure, and observing that the model is statistically significant and that it does not presents any collinearity. Those variables that do not provide information to the model were discarded, being then formed by three magnitudes: length of the HH, inverse of the initial pressure and initial distensibility. The data was adjusted later with a predictive model based on multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: The presence of the variables length of the HH and initial distensibility with low values for the variance inflation factor (VIF) indicate that they are providing information to the model and that it is independent of that provided by the inverse of the initial pressure. Accordingly, the presence of HH, high EGJD values and low pressure on the LES by themselves contribute to the development and progression of GERD since they are not influenced among them.

Evaluación funcional de la unión esófago gástrica antes y después de la fundoplicatura anti reflujo. Utilidad de la impedancia planimetrica (Endoflip®) / Functional evaluation of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) before and after anti reflux fundoplication. usefulness of impedance planimetry (Endoflip®)

Introducción: El incremento de la distensibilidad de la unión esófago gástrica (UGE) es un factor en el desarrollo de enfermedad de reflujo gastro esofágico (ERGE). Pacientes con ERGE presentan mayor distensibilidad comparados con sujetos sanos. Objetivos: Evaluar la distensibilidad de la UGE luego de fundoplicatura laparoscópica (FL) mediante determinación del índice de distensibilidad (ID). Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional de cohorte que incluyo a 25 pacientes con ERGE sintomática. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por video gastroscopia, manometría de alta resolución (MAR) y pHmetría e impedancia de 24 horas. Se midió la longitud de la hernia hiatal, la peristalsis esofágica, el índice de contracción distal. Se obtuvieron medidas de presión y distensibilidad de la UEG con el sistema EndoFlip® en 3 momentos de la cirugía: al estabilizarse el neumoperitoneo, luego del cierre de la brecha diafragmática y restitución del segmento de esófago intra abdominal y después del arropado. Se consideró resultado óptimo de la intervención valores entre 25 y 35 mmHg de presión de la UEG, reducción de la distensibilidad por encima de 40% del valor inicial y medida de ID menor de 1.5 mm2/mmHg. Resultados: Se evaluaron 25 pacientes 16 mujeres, edad promedio: 44 años. La MAR preoperatoria mostró presión de reposo promedio del EEI de 9.1 mmHg, hernia hiatal de longitud promedio de 3.69 cm. El % de peristalsis inefectiva fue de 82.6% y el índice de contracción distal promedió 341,1 mmHg. La medición inicial con EndoFlip® documentó presión del EEI de 12.58 mmHg, distensibilidad entre 46.1 y 76 mm2/mmHg. La segunda medición mostró incremento de presión a 21.39 mmHg (> 58.6% del valor inicial) y la distensibilidad bajó a 41.1 mm2/mmHg (<31.2%). Luego de la FL se registró elevación de la presión a un valor óptimo promedio de 33 mmHg, estando sobre los 25 mmHg en todos los casos, y la distensibilidad descendió a 28,6 mm2/mmHg (<50.7%). El ID inicial promedio fue de 5.14 mm2/mmHg (4.4 - 17.27) en tanto que el final fue de 0.87 mm2/mmHg. (0.62 - 1.17). Los cambios registrados de presión y distensibilidad mostraron una diferencia altamente significativa (p< 0.0001). Se encontró una correlación antagónica entre la longitud de la hernia hiatal y la presión de la UEG medida por EndoFlip® (p< 0.05) y tendencia a correlación entre peristalsis inefectiva y distensibilidad de la UEG sin significancia estadística (p = 0.08) que si observa al correlacionarla con la presión basal de la UEG (p = 0.01). Conclusión: Observamos disminución significativa del índice de distensibilidad de la UGE luego de fundoplicatura laparoscópica medida a través del sistema EndoFlip®.

The increase of the distensibility of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) is a factor in the development of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD patients show more distensibility when compared to healthy subjects. Objectives: To evaluate the distensibility of the GEJ after the laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) through the distensibility index (DI). Patients and Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study that included 25 symptomatic GERD patients was conducted. The diagnosis was confirmed by gastroscopy, high resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance-pH study. The length of the hiatal hernia (HH), the esophageal peristalsis and the distal contraction index (DCI) were measured. Pressure and distensibility measurements of the GEJ were obtained with the EndoFlip® system in 3 moments of the surgery: with the pneumo peritoneum stabilization, after the closure of the diaphragmatic gap and intra abdominal esophagus segment refund and after the covering. Values between 25 and 35 mmHg of pressure of the GEJ, reduction of distensibility over 40% of the initial value and DI below 1.5 mmHg, were considered as an optimal outcome of the intervention. Results: 25 patients were evaluated, 16 women, (av. 44 years). The average resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of 9.1 mmHg, HH of 3.69 cm length. The % of normal peristalsis was 17.4% and DCI 341.1 mmHg/cm/s. The initial measurement with the EndoFlip® was 12.58 mmHg pressure of the LES, distensibility between 46.1 and 76 mm2/mmHg. The second measurement showed pressure increase to 21.39 mmHg (> 58.6% from initial value) and the distensibility lowered to 41.1 mm2/mmHg (<31.2%). After the fundoplication it registered elevation of pressure to an optimal average value of 33 mmHg, being over 25 mmHg in every case, and the distensibility lowered to 28.6 mm2/mmHg (<50.7%). The average DI final was 0.87 mmHg. (0.62 - 1.17). The registered changes of pressure and distensibility showed a highly significant difference (p< 0, 0001). An antagonist correlation between the length of the HH and the pressure of the GEJ measured by EndoFlip® (p< 0.05) was found. Conclusion: Significant decrease of the DI of the GEJ was observed after the LF measured through the EndoFlip® system.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in patients with Parkinson disease under levodopa treatment / 老年心脏病学杂志（英文版）

BackgroundLevodopa is the indispensable choice of medial therapy in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Since L-dopa treatment was shown to increase serum homocysteine levels, a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, the patients with PD under L-dopa treatment will be at increased risk for future cardiovascular events. The objective of this study is to evaluate cardiovascular risk in patients with PD under levodopa treatment.MethodsThe study population consisted of 65 patients with idiopathic PD under L-dopa treatment. The control group included 32 age and gender matched individuals who had no cognitive decline. Echocardiographic measurements, serum homocysteine levels and elastic parameters of the aorta were compared between the patients with PD and controls.ResultsAs an expected feature of L-dopa therapy, the Parkinson group had significantly higher homocystein levels (15.1 ± 3.9 μmol/Lvs. 11.5 ± 3.2 μmol/L,P = 0.02). Aortic distensibility was significantly lower in the patients with PD when compared to controls (4.8 ± 1.5 dyn/cm2vs. 6.2 ± 1.9 dyn/cm2,P = 0.016). Additionally, the patients with PD had higher aortic strain and aortic stiffness index (13.4% ± 6.4%vs. 7.4% ± 3.6%,P < 0.001 and 7.3 ± 1.5vs. 4.9 ± 1.9,P< 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, serum homocysteine levels were found to be positively correlated with aortic stiffness index and there was a negative correlation between aortic distensibility and levels of serum homocysteine (r = 0.674,P < 0.001;r=-0.602,P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe patients with PD under L-dopa treatment have increased aortic stiffness and impaired diastolic function compared to healthy individuals. Elevated serum homocysteine levels may be a possible pathophysiological me-chanism.

Evaluación funcional de la unión esófago gástrica por impedancia planimétrica antes y después de gastrectomia vertical en manga como factor predictor de enfermedad de reflujo gastro esofágico “de novo”: Comunicación preliminar / FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION OF THE UNION ESOPHAGUS GASTRIC WITH IMPEDANCE PLANIMETRIC BEFORE AND AFTER VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AS PREDICTOR FACTOR OF DISEASE GASTRO ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX "DE NOVO". PRELIMINARY COMMUNICATION

Introducción: La gastrectomía vertical en manga (MG) consiste en resecar el fundus y la curva mayor del estómago preservando la curvatura menor en forma tubular. Estudios reportan aumento de riesgo de enfermedad por reflujo gastro esofágico (ERGE) “de novo” en pacientes con MG por la eliminación del fundus gástrico, pérdida del ángulo de His,sección de fibras musculares en cincha. Yehoshua demostró disminución de distensibilidad e incremento de presión intragástrica (PIG) después de MG. Pandolfino expuso que la distensibilidad de la unión esófago gástrica (UEG) es indicador del grado de apertura de la misma aumentando la tendencia al reflujo. Objetivos: Evaluar los cambios anatómicos y funcionales de presión y distensibilidad de la UEG mediante impedancia planimétrica (EndoFLIP ®) involucrados en la aparición de reflujo gastroesofágico. Se hipotetizó que los eventos de reflujo ocurren por disminución temporal de la zona de alta presión a nivel de la UEG con aumento del gradiente de presión en sentido gastro esofágico por incremento de la PIG del reservorio y de la distensibilidad de la UEG en presencia de tono normal de la UEG. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, experimental de cohorte con 23 pacientes sometidos a MG de acuerdo a los criterios establecidos por la ISGC.Fueron excluidos los pacientes con diagnóstico de ERGE y hernia hiatal (HH); y a los incluidos se les realizó gastroscopia y Manometría esofágica de alta resolución (MAR) preoperatoria. Durante la cirugía se midió presión y distensibilidad de la UEG con el sistema EndoFLIP® en 2 momentos: al estabilizarse el neumoperitoneo y una vez finalizada la gastrectomía, incluyendo la medición de presión y distensibilidad del reservorio gástrico. Resultados: Se evaluaron 23 pacientes,16 mujeres, edad promedio: 44 años (29-67). Promedio de Índice de masa corporal (IMC) 39.14 kg/m2. (31.2 - 45). La medición inicial expuso presión del EEI de 32.6 mmHg, y distensibilidad 11.69 mm2/mmHg. La segunda medición mostró presión de 35.8 mmHg y distensibilidad de 15.19 mm2/mmHg. La medición del reservorio gástrico registró presión de 38.9 mm2/mmHg). La prueba de t de Student pareada encontró diferencias significativas en las presiones y distensibilidades post operatorias (p= 0.0357) y (p< 0.0001) respectivamente. Cuando estos valores se correlacionaron con el IMC se observó que los pacientes con menor IMC aumentaron la presión luego de la MG y los pacientes con mayor IMC reportaron el fenómeno inverso, las distensibilidades mostraron muy poca variación antes y después de la MG, por lo cual no hubo asociación entre éstas y el IMC. Conclusión: Existe una relación positiva y media entre las variables con significación estadística (p<0.05), a un nivel de confianza de 95%, diferente a cero, determinando que los factores implicados en la génesis del ERGE posterior a MG están condicionados a una importante elevación de la presión del reservorio gástrico y aumento de distensibilidad de la UEG.

Introduction: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) consists in resecting the fundus and the larger curve of the stomach while preserving the lesser curvature in tubular form. Studies report an increasing risk of “de novo” gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with VSG due to the elimination of the gastric fundus, loss of the His angle, section of muscle fibers in girth. Yehoshua showed decreased distensibility and increased intragastric pressure (IGP) in the reservoir after VSG. Pandolfino stated that the distensibility of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is indicative of the degree of opening thereof increasing tendency to reflux.Objectives: To evaluate the anatomical and functional changes in pressure and distensibility of the EGJ by planimetric impedance (EndoFLIP®) involved in the development of gastroesophageal reflux. We hypothesized that reflux events occur by the temporary decrease of the high pressure área at the EGJ with increased pressure gradient in gastroesophageal sense by increasing the reservoir’s IGP and the distensibility of the EGJ in the presence of normal EGJ tone. Patients and methods: Prospective cohort pilot study with 23 patients undergoing VSG according to the criteria established by the ISGEPC. Patients with GERD and hiatal hernia (HH) diagnosis were excluded and those included underwent gastroscopy and preoperative high resolution esophageal manometry (HRM). During surgery pressure and distensibility of the EGJ were measured with the EndoFLIP® system at 2 times: once the pneumoperitoneum was stabilized and when the gastrectomy was over, including pressure measurement and distensibility of the gastric pouch. Results: 23 patients were evaluated, 16 wo-men, 44 years old, average age (29-67). Average body mass index (BMI) of 39.14 kg/m2. (31.2 - 45). The initial measure-ment of LES pressure exhibited 32,6 mmHg and distensibility 11,69mm2/mmHg. The second pressure measurement showed 35,8 mmHg and distensibility 15,19 mm2/mmHg. Measuring gastric reservoir pressure recorded 38,9 mm2/mmHg). The paired Student’s T Test found significant differences in the postoperative pressures and compliances (p = 0.0357) and (p <0.0001) respectively. When these values were correlated with BMI was observed that patients with lower BMI increased after pressure from the VSG and patients with higher BMI reported the reverse phenomenon, the distensibilities showed very little variation before and after the VSG, thus there was no association between these and BMI.Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between the variables with statistical significance (p <0.05), determining that the factors involved in the genesis of GERD after VSG are conditioned to a significant elevation of gastric reservoir pressure,increased distensibility of the EGJ and inverse relationship between the BMI and the EGJ pressure measured by the EndoFLIP®.

Determinación de la Rigidez Arterial Empleando Simulación Computacional / Determination of Arterial Stiffness Using Computational Simulation

El incremento de la rigidez arterial está asociado con el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, las cuales constituyen una de las principales causas de muertes en el mundo. Por este motivo el desarrollo de métodos no invasivos que permitan cuantificar la rigidez arterial ha alcanzado un gran impacto. En este trabajo se estudia el método no invasivo de medición de la velocidad de la onda del pulso de la arteria braquial al tobillo (baPWV), por sus siglas en inglés. Para estudiar este método se simularon las formas de ondas de presión en el sistema arterial empleando un modelo unidimensional, a partir de las cuales se determinaron los valores de baPWV. Estos valores fueron comparados con los calculados por otros dos métodos: cfPWV (velocidad de la onda del pulso entre la carótida y la femoral, el método estándar) y PWVteor (ecuación de Bramwell-Hill), obteniéndose correlaciones significativas, r=0.967 y r=0.9828 respectivamente. Se investigó la sensibilidad del método baPWV a la variación de la rigidez, representada por la variación de la distensibilidad y, se concluyó que el método es sensible a los cambios de rigidez que ocurren tanto en las arterias centrales como en las arterias periféricas.

The arterial stiffness increased is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, which constitute one of the first causes of death globally. For this reason the development of noninvasive methods to quantify arterial stiffness have had great impact. The purpose of this paper is the study of the noninvasive measurement method of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). To perform this study pressure waveforms in the arterial system were simulated, by using a one-dimensional model. With these pressure waveforms baPWV's values were calculated, and were compared with two others calculated methods: cfPWV (carotid-femoral PWV, gold standard method), and PWVteor (Bramwell-Hill equation). Significant correlations were obtained, r=0.967 y r=0.9828 respectively. The sensibility of the baPWV method to the stiffness change, represented for the distensibility change, was investigated, and we conclude that baPWV method is sensitive to the changes that take place in both central and peripheral arteries.

Influence of Dynamic Foot Exercise and a Warm-water Footbath on Arterial Distensibility / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Introduction:</b> Prevention of the onset of cardio/cerebrovascular diseases, which represent circulatory system diseases, is now emphasized. It requires ensuring good arterial distensibility, which has been demonstrated to be reduced by life environments such as the lack of exercise or overnutrition but improved by aerobic exercise. Even if implementation of such exercises is possible, it increases the risks of the frail elderly with declined cardiopulmonary function and those with other diseases. This study aimed to focus on plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercises of the ankles as a type of effective, low-load exercise that can induce dynamic stimulation associated with increased blood flow, using muscle pumping of the triceps surae and footbath, which could potentially increase overall blood flow via hyperthermic action. We then investigate the benefits of the combined effects of these two exercises on arterial distensibility.<BR><b>Methods:</b> We selected 25 physically and mentally healthy adult men and women (17 men and eight women; mean ± SD age, 25.7 ± 3.3 years) as study subjects.<BR>  All the 25 subjects performed each of three exercises, namely footbath, ankle exercise, and ankle exercise in footbath, in a sitting position for 15 minutes. Ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured using form PWV/ABI before and after the exercise for the evaluation of arterial distensibility.<BR><b>Results:</b> No significant differences were observed in the PWVs, ABIs, systolic/diastolic blood pressures, and heart rates before and after exercise in the footbath and exercise groups. However, for the footbath exercise group, a significant reduction in PWV was observed from before to after exercise.<BR><b>Discussion:</b> In this study, we focused our attention on the ankle exercise in footbath as a low-load exercise that could improve arterial distensibility. The results indicated a significant reduction in PWV, an index used to show the level of arterial distensibility, only for the footbath exercise group, which performed the combination of ankle exercise and footbath.We can infer that the improvement of arterial distensibility is attributed to the synergistic effect of the muscle pump and hyperthermic actions, which result in further increases and facilitation of cardiac output.<BR><b>Conclusions:</b> This study demonstrated that the ankle exercise in footbath was beneficial for the improvement of arterial distensibility.

Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity as a Screen for Arterial Stiffness: A Comparison with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

PURPOSE: Despite technical simplicity and the low cost of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BA-PWV), its use has been hampered by a lack of data supporting its usefulness and reliability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of BA-PWV to measure aortic stiffness in comparison to using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 124 participants without cardiovascular risk factors volunteered for this study. BA-PWV was measured using a vascular testing device. On the same day, using CMR, cross-sectional areas for distensibility and average blood flow were measured at four aortic levels: the ascending, upper thoracic descending, lower thoracic descending, and abdominal aorta. RESULTS: Compared to PWV measured by CMR, BA-PWV values were significantly higher and the differences therein were similar in all age groups (all p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between BA-PWV and PWV by CMR (r=0.697, p<0.001). Both BA-PWV and PWV by CMR were significantly and positively associated with age (r=0.652 and 0.724, p<0.001). The reciprocal of aortic distensibility also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with BA-PWV (r=0.583 to 0.673, all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: BA-PWV was well correlated with central aortic PWV and distensibility, as measured by CMR, regardless of age and sex.

Influence of Dynamic Foot Exercise and a Warm-water Footbath on Arterial Distensibility / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction: Prevention of the onset of cardio/cerebrovascular diseases, which represent circulatory system diseases, is now emphasized. It requires ensuring good arterial distensibility, which has been demonstrated to be reduced by life environments such as the lack of exercise or overnutrition but improved by aerobic exercise. Even if implementation of such exercises is possible, it increases the risks of the frail elderly with declined cardiopulmonary function and those with other diseases. This study aimed to focus on plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercises of the ankles as a type of effective, low-load exercise that can induce dynamic stimulation associated with increased blood flow, using muscle pumping of the triceps surae and footbath, which could potentially increase overall blood flow via hyperthermic action. We then investigate the benefits of the combined effects of these two exercises on arterial distensibility. Methods: We selected 25 physically and mentally healthy adult men and women (17 men and eight women; mean ± SD age, 25.7 ± 3.3 years) as study subjects.   All the 25 subjects performed each of three exercises, namely footbath, ankle exercise, and ankle exercise in footbath, in a sitting position for 15 minutes. Ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured using form PWV/ABI before and after the exercise for the evaluation of arterial distensibility. Results: No significant differences were observed in the PWVs, ABIs, systolic/diastolic blood pressures, and heart rates before and after exercise in the footbath and exercise groups. However, for the footbath exercise group, a significant reduction in PWV was observed from before to after exercise. Discussion: In this study, we focused our attention on the ankle exercise in footbath as a low-load exercise that could improve arterial distensibility. The results indicated a significant reduction in PWV, an index used to show the level of arterial distensibility, only for the footbath exercise group, which performed the combination of ankle exercise and footbath. We can infer that the improvement of arterial distensibility is attributed to the synergistic effect of the muscle pump and hyperthermic actions, which result in further increases and facilitation of cardiac output. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the ankle exercise in footbath was beneficial for the improvement of arterial distensibility.

Composición y biomecánica de placas de ateroma carotídeas / Composition and biomechanics of carotid atheroma plaques

Introducción: la enfermedad aterosclerótica y sus complicaciones constituyen la causa más frecuente de muerte en el mundo. Un análisis de la relación entre parámetros estructurales y mecánicos de las placas de ateroma carotídea (PAC) es mandatorio a la hora de aumentar nuestros conocimientos en torno a los mecanismos que favorecerían la fatiga mecánica del material de la placa y su complicación. Objetivos: analizar la distensibilidad carotídea en sujetos sanos y con PAC según su composición estructural. Métodos: se estudiaron 100 sujetos asintomáticos con PAC (n=36) y sin PAC (n=64). Se clasificaron las PAC según la mediana de niveles de grises y mapeo por color en lipídicas (L), fibrolipídicas (FL) y fibrosas/calcificadas (FC). Se combinó ultrasonido modo-B con tonometría de aplanamiento y se cuantificó la distensibilidad a lo largo del eje longitudinal en cinco sectores a nivel de la PAC y de la arteria carótida normal. Resultados: se clasificaron 71 PAC (35 L, 16 FL y 20 FC), todas se encontraron en segmentos arteriales con menores niveles de distensibilidad comparado con las arterias sanas. Las PAC FC mostraron mayor rigidez a nivel del hombro proximal en comparación con las L y FL que se comportan de manera más homogénea en todos sus sectores. Conclusión: las PAC L y FL (consideradas de mayor riesgo) no presentaron el cambio significativo de rigidez parietal observado en las PAC FC, consideradas de menor riesgo de complicación. Estas diferencias biomecánicas relacionadas con la composición global de la PAC podrían tener una implicancia en la patogenia de la complicación de placa.

Introduction: the aterosclerotic disease and its complications are the most frequent cause of death in the world. An analysis of the relationship between structural and mechanic parameters of the carotid aterome plaque (CAP) is mandatory in the need of improving our knowledge concerning the mechanisms that would favor the mechanic fatigue of the plaque material and its complication. Objectives: analize the carotid distensibility in healthy persons and with patients with CAP according to their structural composition. Methods: 100 asymptomatic individuals were studied, with CAP (n=36) and without CAP (n=64). CAP persons were classified according to the standard levels of greys and color mapping in lipidic (L), fibrolipidic (FL) and fibrous/calcified (FC). B-mode Ultrasound with applanation tonometry were combined and the distensibility was quantified along the longitudinal axis in five sectors to the level of the CAP and in the normal carotid artery. Results: 71 CAP (35 L, 16 FL y 20 FC) were classified all in low-level distensibility arterial segments compared to healthy arteries. The FC CAP showed more rigidity in the proximal shoulder compared to the L and FL that behave more homogeneously in all their sectors. Conclusion: the L and FL CAPs (considered of major risk) did not present the parietal rigidity significant change observed in the FC CAP, considered of low complication risk. These biomechanic differences related to the global composition of the CAP could have an implication in the pathogenesis of the plaque complication.

Hypertension and Increased Left Ventricular End-diastolic Pressure Influence Arterial Stiffness

OBJECTIVE: There have been few studies regarding the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between the LVEDP and arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension (HTN). METHODS: Group I (n=34) included patients with a normal E/E' (8) without HTN, group III (n=20) included patients with a normal E/E' (8) with HTN. Aortic distensibility (AD) and the right brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.0+/-11.3 years. The mean value of AD was significantly lower in the group III compared to the group I. The group IV showed significantly lower AD compared to the group II. The group III demonstrated higher baPWV compared to the group I (1422+/-182 cm/sec vs. 1186+/-178 cm/sec, p<0.01), and the group IV showed higher baPWV compared to the group II (1456+/-228 vs. 1259+/-238 cm/sec, p<0.01). However, AD and baPWV were not significantly different between the group I and II, and between the group III and IV. The E/E' ratio showed a weak negative correlation with AD and a weak positive correlation with baPWV. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypertension showed a lower AD and a higher baPWV compared to those with normal blood pressure independent of the LVEDP. But the correlation between E/E' ratio and arterial stiffness suggests that a high LVEDP might not significantly influence arterial stiffness.

Association Between Carotid Artery Stiffness and Headache Following Cilostazol Use in Cerebral Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol leads to inhibition of platelet aggregation and to vasodilatation. It is widely used for the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction. However, headache is a well-known adverse effect of cilostazol, and these headaches may be caused by the vasodilation of the cerebral artery. The goal of our study was to assess the frequency and severity of headaches following cilostazol treatment and to evaluate factors related to the development of these headaches. METHODS: Seventy patients with cerebral infarction were included in this study. We measured the carotid intima media thickness (IMT), the distensibility of the carotid artery (CAD), the brachial ankle index (ABI), and the brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) in order to quantify the degree of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. Patients were then given 100 mg of cilostazol in tablet form twice daily. For three days, we evaluated headache incidence and severity using a verbal rating scale (0-10). RESULTS: Twenty three (32.9%) patients reported headache during cilostazol medication and 7 patients had severe headache. Women were more likely to develop headaches than men (p=0.03). In addition, the mean IMT was lower in subjects with cilostazol-induced headache than in the headache-free subjects (0.8+/-0.1 vs 1.01+/-0.2 mm, p=0.001), while CAD was higher in these subjects (0.3+/-0.1 vs 0.25+/-0.1, p=0.03). There was no difference in PWV and ABI. CONCLUSIONS: Lower carotid IMT, increased CAD, and female gender may be associated with the development of cilostazol-induced headache in patients with cerebral inafarction, but not the systemic arterial stiffness.

Aortic Elasticity was not Related with Duration, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac manifestations are well recognized complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). They include aortic incompetence, conduction defects, mitral valve disease, pericarditis and cardiomyopathy. There was one study to evaluate the change of aortic elasticity in AS patient and the association between the aortic strain and duration of AS, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). We designed this study to determine whether aortic elasticity changes in Korean AS patients and is associated with the duration of AS or BASDAI. METHODS: 18 AS patients without cardiovascular involvement and 18 sex and age- matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Aortic strain and distensibility was calculated from aortic diameters measured by echocardiography and blood pressure measured by sphygmomanometry. RESULTS: The mean aortic strain and mean aortic distensibility in AS group indicated that there was not any correlation with those of control group, based on the statistical analysis. Moreover, there was no statistical correlation between the means of aortic strain, aortic distensibility and the duration or BASDAI of AS. CONCLUSION: In patients with AS without cardiac involvement, the aortic elasticity was not decreased than that of control group, and aortic strain and distensibility were not correlated with the duration or BASDAI of AS.

High-frequency Ultrasound Evaluation of Carotid Artery Function Changes in End-stage Renal Disease Patients / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigate the change of the carotid artery function in the end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients using high-frequency ultrasound.Methods 60 cases(30 cases of hemodialysis patients,30 cases of non-dialysis patients)of ESRD patients and 30 cases of control persons with normal renal function were checked by the high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography.Two-dimentional ultrasound was used to observe the intima-mediathickness(IMT);M-mode ultrasound was used to record the movement extent change between systolic and diastolic period of the anterior and the posterior wall of common carotid artery;the diameters of systolic and diastolic period,the stiffness index,distensibility and compliance,acceleration and deceleration which were corrected with pluse pressure and heart rates(ACi and DCi),were calculated.Results Compared with the control group,the ESRD groups have thicker IMT,higher stiffness index,lower disensibility,compliance,ACi and DCi in each ESRD group(?0.05).IMT correlated with stiffness index,distensibility,compliance,ACi and DCi.Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound plays an important role in evaluating change of the carotid artery function in ESRD patients.

The Relationship of Pulse-wave Velocity with Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Carotid Artery Distensibility

BACKGROUND: Sonographic evaluation of arterial wall morphology and elasticity, and the evaluation of pulse wave velocity (PWV) are widely used noninvasive modalities for evaluating atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk assessment. Several studies suggest that intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial elasticity indices may sensitively reflect different vasculopathic processes. Thus the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between carotid IMT, distensibility and PWV. METHODS: We examined 14 consecutive patients (mean age 51+/-8 years, 8 males) with carotid ultrasound and noninvasive vascular screening device. Carotid IMT, carotid artery distensibility, and brachial-ankle PWV were measured. RESULTS: The brachial-ankle PWV was inversely correlated with carotid distensibility (r= 0.628, p<0.05), but not correlated with IMT (r=0.099, p=0.738). And there was no relationship between IMT and carotid distensibility (r= 0.207, p=0.478). CONCLUSION: Carotid distensibility had good correlation with brachial-ankle PWV, so it might be used for assessing arterial stiffness and evaluating cardiovascular risk.