Etiologia da anemia em pessoas infectadas com HIV / Anemia etiology in HIV-infected people

O HIV é o causador da AIDS, doença que representa um dos grandes problemas de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Apesar de avanços na terapia antirretroviral no sentido de aumentar a expectativa de vida dos indivíduos infectados, as alterações hematológicas, como a anemia, acompanham o curso clínico da doença. Essa condição, normalmente multifatorial, pode estar presente em qualquer fase da doença e afeta diretamente o prognóstico e a qualidade de vida do indivíduo infectado. Este artigo apresenta informações do surgimento do processo anêmico com base nas principais causas encontradas na literatura.

The human immunodeficiency virus is the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease that represents one of the major public health problems worldwide. In spite of advances in antiretroviral therapy that increase patients' life expectancy, hematological changes, such as anemia, follow the clinical course of the disease. This commonly multifactorial condition can be found in any phase of the disease and directly affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. This article presents information on the emergence of the anemic process based on the main causes found in the literature.

Anemia: definição, epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, classificação e tratamento / Anemia: definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, classification, clinical picture, and treatment

Anemia é a redução da massa de hemoglobina e, portanto, da massa eritrocitária. Sua consequência é a hipóxia tecidual. A anemia é a manifestação de uma doença de base que muitas vezes está oculta. Ela afeta mais de um bilhão de pessoas em todo o mundo. A anemia pode ser classificada de várias formas, mas, na prática clínica, a mais usada é de acordo com o volume corpuscular médio das hemácias. Os dois tipos mais prevalentes de anemia são a ferropriva e a decorrente da doença inflamatória. A anemia ferropriva decorre do esgotamento das reservas de ferro, na maioria das vezes, por perda crônica de sangue, por exemplo, por fluxo menstrual aumentado e sangramento por trato gastrointestinal. A anemia da doença inflamatória decorre do bloqueio do ferro no sistema reticuloendotelial, da redução da eritropoese e da menor sobrevida das hemácias. A ferritina está diminuída na anemia ferropriva e aumentada na anemia da doença inflamatória. Outros tipos mais comuns de anemia são a anemia da gestação, a secundária à insuficiência renal e a do idoso. O tratamento da anemia depende de sua causa, como a reposição de ferro ou de eritropoetina, entre outros. A transfusão de hemácias pode ser necessária nas situações mais graves, independentemente do tipo da anemia, ou em caráter periódico e perene, como na talassemia maior. Nesse artigo de revisão, discute-se a prevalência da anemia, sua classificação, fisiopatologia, os tipos mais comuns e o tratamento.Palavras-chave: Anemia; Deficiência de Ferro; Transfusão.(AU)

ABSTRACTAnemia is the reduction of hemoglobin mass and, consequently, of erythrocyte mass. Its result is tissue hypoxia. Anemia is the manifestation of an underlying illness, frequently not apparent. It affects more than one billion people around the world. Anemia can be classified based on several characteristics, however, in daily practice, the most used is the one based on the mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes as microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic. The most prevalent types of anemia are iron deficient anemia and anemia secondary to inflammation. The iron deficiency anemia appears when the iron store is exhausted, most frequently due to chronic bleeding, for instance, augmented menorrhea and gastrointestinal bleeding. The anemia of inflammation is secondary to iron sequestration in macrophages, decreased erythropoiesis, and lower erythrocyte survival. Ferritin is decreased in the iron deficient anemia and increased in the anemia of inflammation. Other common types of anemia are those secondary to pregnancy, chronic renal failure, and ageing. Treatment of anemia depends on its type, such as iron supplementation or erythropoietin, among others. Red blood cell transfusion can be performed in more severe conditions, independently of the type of anemia, and must be adopted in diseases such as thalassemia major. This article reviews the prevalence of anemia, its classification, pathophysiology, and discusses the commonest types and treatment according to the type of anemia (AU)

Analysis of Iron Metabolism in Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy / Análise do Metabolismo do Ferro na Cardiomiopatia Chagásica Crônica

Abstract Changes in iron metabolism in heart failure (HF) have been described as an important prognostic marker. To check if the markers of iron kinetics are related to the morbidity and etiology of chagasic cardiomyopathy. Patients with Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC, n = 40), with indeterminate form (IND, n = 40), besides non-chagasic cardiomyopathy (NCh, n = 40). The mean age was 50.98 ± 5.88 in CCC, 50% were male, 49.68 ± 5.28 in IND, 52.2% were male, and 49.20 ± 10.09 in NCh, 12.5% were male. Lower levels of iron (FeSe) were observed in the CCC groups (93.15 ± 36.53), when compared to IND (125.30 ± 22.79) and NCh (114.77 ± 18.90) (p = 0.0004), lower IST transferrin saturation index in CCC (29.48 ± 6.59), when compared to IND (30.95 ± 7.06) and in the NCh group (39.70 ± 7.54) p = 0.0001), total binding capacity of the lower CTLF iron in the CCC group (297.30 ± 36.46), when compared to the IND group (196.52 ± 56.95) and the NCh group (275.18 ± 33, 48) (p = 0.0001), lower ferritin in the CCC group (134.55, 1.56-42.36), when compared to the IND group (156,25, 1,72-42,20) and the NCh group (112.95, 2.88-42.66) (p = 0.0004). It was also observed that FeSe (95% CI 1.00-1.04, p = 0.0014), IST (95% CI 1.02-1.22) (p = 0.0012) and gender (95% CI 1.07-14.43 p = 0.0038) were independently associated with the degree of ventricular dysfunction in chagasic cardiomyopathy. CCC patients showed greater change in iron metabolism regarding the indeterminate form and other forms of cariomyopathies.

Resumo A alteração do metabolismo do ferro na insuficiência cardíaca (IC) tem sido descrita como um importante marcador prognóstico. Verificar se os marcadores da cinética do ferro guardam relação com a morbidade e a etiologia da cardiomiopatia chagásica. Pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica crônica (CCC, n = 40), com a forma indeterminada (IND, n = 40), além de cardiomiopatia não chagásica (NCh, n = 40). A idade média foi de 50,98 ± 5,88 no CCC, 50% eram do sexo masculino, 49,68 ± 5,28 no IND, 52,2% eram do sexo masculino e 49,20 ±10,09 no NCh, 12,5% eram do sexo masculino. Observaram-se níveis de ferro (FeSe) menores no grupos CCC (93,15 ± 36,53), quando comparados ao IND (125,30 ± 22,79) e NCh (114,77 ± 18,90) (p = 0,0004), índice de saturação de transferrina (IST) menor no CCC (29,48 ± 6,59), quando comparado ao IND (30,95 ± 7,06) e no grupo NCh (39,70 ± 7,54) (p= 0,0001), capacidade total de ligação do ferro CTLF menor no grupo CCC (297,30 ± 36,46), quando comparado ao grupo IND (196,52 ± 56,95) e ao grupo NCh (275,18 ± 33,48) (p = 0,0001), ferritina menor no grupo CCC (134,55, 1,56-42,36), quando comparada ao grupo IND (156,25, 1,72 - 42,20) e ao grupo NCh (112,95, 2,88-42,66) (p = 0.0004). Verificou-se também que o FeSe (IC% 95% 1,00-1,04; p = 0,0014), o IST (IC 95% 1,02-1,22) (p = 0,0012) e o sexo (IC 95% 1,07-14,43 p = 0,0038) associaram-se independentemente ao grau de disfunção ventricular na cardiomiopatia chagásica. Os pacientes com CCC demonstraram maior alteração no metabolismo do ferro em relação a forma indeterminada e outras formas de miocardiopatias.

Morphological patterns of anaemia among pregnant women from Sudan

Background: Morphological patterns of anaemia in pregnancy are considered essential for classification, diagnosis and management of patients, especially in regions with high maternal mortality like Sudan.Objectives: This study evaluated morphological patterns of anaemia among pregnant women in Sudan and morphological differences across characteristics of participants.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2016 to February 2017. A total of 200 women were selected according to specific criteria. Laboratory tests were performed for complete blood count, blood smears were performed for morphology and vitamin B12, folate and iron levels were measured. Participants were classified as: normochromic normocytic, microcytic hypochromic, macrocytic or dimorphic. Further classification based on haemoglobin levels was also performed.Results: A total of 116 participants (58%) had a dimorphic pattern, followed by 50 participants (25%) with a microcytic hypochromic pattern, 20 participants (10%) with a macrocytic pattern and 14 participants (7%) with a normochromic normocytic pattern. Participants with the dimorphic pattern also had low levels of iron and folate. The majority of dimorphic participants presented with mild anaemia, whereas the majority of participants with the microcytic hypochromic pattern presented with moderate or severe anaemia. A high percentage of participants in late pregnancy had the dimorphic pattern, and there were significant differences in the degree of anaemia by parity, gestational age and regular intake of haematinic supplements.Conclusion: The most frequent morphological pattern of anaemia in this study was dimorphic, followed by microcytic hypochromic, macrocytic and normochromic patterns. Morphological patterns appeared to predict types of vitamin and mineral deficiency and the degree of anaemia

The impact of anemia and body mass index (BMI) on neuromotor development of preschool children

Summary Objective: According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia is a prevalent health problem that leads to increased morbidity and mortality, especially in preschool children. Anemia is recognized as a major health problem due to its negative effects on the mental and physical development during childhood. The aim of our study was to determine the levels of anemia of children in a kindergarten affiliated to the Directorate of National Education using a non-invasive method, and to investigate the effects of anemia on the physical, mental and neuromotor development of children. Method: The levels of anemia was evaluated by using a non-invasive measurement device. Data collection was performed by means of a questionnaire to evaluate the children's physical development and set Denver Developmental Screening Test II scores. Results: Our findings show that 21% of non-anemic and 15% of anemic children are in the suspected abnormal group according to their DDST II total score. Furthermore, it has been identified that mild anemia has a positive effect on neuromotor development, while overweight and obesity affect neuromotor development in a negative way. Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the study, mild anemia may have a positive effect on the children's neuromotor development, while malnutrition could have a negative impact.

Efecto de la anemia en el desarrollo infantil: consecuencias a largo plazo / Effect of anemia on child development: long-term consequences

La anemia en niños menores de tres años es un problema de salud pública en el Perú y el mundo. Se estima que la causa principal de la anemia, aunque no la única, es la deficiencia de hierro. Existen muchos estudios y revisiones sobre cómo esta carencia en los infantes impacta negativamente en el desarrollo psicomotor y, a pesar de corregirse la anemia, los niños con este antecedente presentan, a largo plazo, un menor desempeño en las áreas cognitiva, social y emocional. Estos hallazgos se describen en estudios observacionales, de seguimiento, así como en experimentales con grupo control. La anemia puede disminuir el desempeño escolar, y la productividad en la vida adulta, afectando la calidad de vida, y en general la economía de las personas afectadas. Se describen algunos posibles mecanismos de cómo la deficiencia de hierro, con o sin anemia, podría afectar el desarrollo en la infancia; por ello, causa preocupación la alta prevalencia de anemia que se observa en este grupo de edad. La prevención de la anemia en el primer año de vida debe ser la meta para evitar consecuencias en el desarrollo de la persona a largo plazo.

Anemia in children younger than 3 years is a public health problem in Peru and worldwide. It is believed that one of the primary causes of anemia is iron deficiency. Numerous studies and reviews have reported that iron deficiency limited psychomotor development in children and that, despite the correction of anemia, children with iron deficiency experienced poorer long-term performance in cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. These outcomes were reported in observational studies, follow-up studies, and experimental studies with a control group. Anemia can decrease school performance, productivity in adult life, quality of life, and the general income of affected individuals. Here we describe possible mechanisms underlying the effect of iron deficiency, with or without anemia, on childhood development. The high rate of anemia in this age group is a cause for concern. Moreover, anemia should be prevented in the first year of life to avoid long-term negative effects on individual development.

Anemia inflamatoria: fisiopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento / Inflammatory anemia: phisiopathology, diagnosis and treatment / Anemia inflamatória: fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento

La anemia de la Inflamación (AI) es considerada la segunda causa más frecuente de anemia a nivel mundial después de la deficiencia de hierro. Se observa comúnmente en infecciones crónicas, tumores, traumas, y desórdenes inflamatorios. La AI es típicamente normocítica normocrómica usualmente moderada y se produce por una hipoferremia como resultado del secuestro de hierro en el sistema retículo endotelial, de la reducción de la eritropoyesis y de la inhibición de la absorción del hierro en intestino. La patogenia de la AI está mediada por citoquinas inflamatorias y hepcidina, péptido producido en el hígado, que regulan la homeostasis del hierro, actúan suprimiendo la eritropoyesis, y la vida media de los eritrocitos se encuentra ligeramente acortada. Los métodos diagnósticos de rutina que se describen en esta revisión pueden ser de utilidad, pero quedará un grupo de estados anémicos con alta sospecha de AI que no podrán ser fácilmente clasificados. Recientemente se han desarrollado inmunoensayos para determinar hepcidina y citoquinas inflamatorias que podrán colaborar, en un futuro, para un diagnóstico correcto. Existen actualmente modelos experimentales de AI en ratones, los cuales podrían ser útiles para evaluar diferentes tratamientos. En este sentido, los inhibidores de la hepcidina y diversos moduladores inflamatorios aparecen como terapias prometedoras.

Anemia da inflamação (AI) é considerada a segunda causa mais comum de anemia em todo o mundo após a deficiência de ferro. É geralmente observada em infecções crônicas, tumores, traumas e distúrbios inflamatórios. A AI é tipicamente normocítica normocrômica comumente moderada e ocorre por uma hipoferremia como resultado do sequestro de ferro no sistema retículo endotelial, da redução da eritropoiese e da inibição da absorção do ferro no intestino. A patogenia da AI é mediada por citocinas inflamatórias e hepcidina, peptídeo produzido no fígado, que regulam a homeostase do ferro, agem suprimindo a eritropoiese e a meia-vida dos eritrócitos é levemente diminuída. Os métodos de diagnóstico de rotina descritos nesta revisão podem ser úteis, mas ficará um grupo de estados anêmicos com alta suspeita de AI que não poderão ser classificados facilmente. Recentemente têm sido desenvolvidos imunoensaios para determinar hepcidina e citocinas inflamatórias, que poderão colaborar no futuro, para um diagnóstico certo. Existem atualmente modelos experimentais de AI em ratos que poderiam ser úteis para avaliar diferentes tratamentos. A este respeito, os inibidores de hepcidina e vários moduladores inflamatórios aparecem como terapias promissoras.

Pilares del ahorro transfusional / Pillars in the blood conservation

Las transfusiones sanguíneas alogénicas han tenido un rol central en el desarrollo de la medicina, principalmente como terapia de soporte en pacientes críticos, cirugía mayor, trauma y trastornos hematopoyéticos. Sin embargo, su utilización no está exenta de importantes efectos adversos y de altos costos asociados. Además, los productos sanguíneos son un recurso limitado que no debe ser desperdiciado. Por otro lado, la cirugía en pacientes que rehúsan la utilización de hemoderivados ha mostrado igual o mejores resultados que los pacientes que aceptan transfusiones. Esto ha llevado a buscar un manejo apropiado de la sangre en todos nuestros pacientes, evitando los riesgos y costos innecesarios de las transfusiones, pero permitiéndolos cuando se cree que los beneficios serán mayores que los riesgos. En este trabajo se presentan 3 pilares esenciales. El primero es el diagnóstico y manejo apropiado de la anemia preoperatoria, disminuyendo los riesgos perioperatorios, ya que la anemia por sí sola es un factor de morbimortalidad. El segundo pilar está constituido por diversas técnicas, que están disponibles en la actualidad, para minimizar el sangrado perioperatorio. Finalmente, el tercer pilar es mejorar la tolerancia a la anemia. El uso en conjunto de diversas técnicas descritas en este trabajo ha mostrado ser efectivo en disminuir el sangrado perioperatorio, la necesidad de transfusiones alogénicas y las unidades de sangre utilizadas, lo cual podría permitir mejores resultados clínicos en nuestros pacientes.

Allogeneic blood transfusions have played a central role in the development of medicine, mainly as a support therapy in critically ill patients, major surgery, trauma and hematopoietic disorders. However, their use is not without significant adverse effects and associated high costs. Moreover, blood products are a limited resource that should not be wasted. Furthermore, surgery in patients who refuse the use of blood products has shown equal or better results than patients who accept transfusions. This has led to seek an appropriate blood management in all our patients, avoiding unnecessary costs and risks of transfusions, but allowing them when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. In this paper three essential pillars are presented. The first is the appropriate diagnosis and management of pre-operative anaemia decreasing perioperative risk, since anaemia itself is a factor of morbidity and mortality. The second pillar is formed by various techniques that are available today to minimize bleeding perioperative. Finally, the third pillar is to improve tolerance to anaemia. The joint use of various techniques described in this paper has proven effective in decreasing perioperative bleeding, the need for allogeneic transfusions and blood units used, which may allow better clinical outcomes in our patients.

Ecocardiografia de pacientes talassêmicos sem insuficiência cardíaca em tratamento com transfusões sanguíneas e quelação / Echocardiography in thalassemic patients on blood transfusions and chelation without heart failure

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes com talassemia major (TM) apresentam hemólise crônica e necessitam de transfusões sanguíneas egularmente que podem causar cardiomiopatia por sobrecarga de ferro e insuficiência cardíaca crônica. A hemocromatose é caracterizada por acúmulo excessivo de ferro nos tecidos; acometimento do coração é a principal causa de óbito em pacientes com talassemia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as estruturas e a função cardíaca por meio de ecocardiografia com Doppler convencional e Doppler tecidual em pacientes com TM, sem evidência clínica de insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo observacional prospectivo de 18 pacientes com TM que recebem transfusão sanguínea regularmente. Para avaliar, separadamente, os efeitos da anemia e da transfusão sanguínea, dois grupos controles pareados por gênero, idade, peso e altura foram incluídos: um com indivíduos saudáveis (Saudável, n = 18) e outro com pacientes com anemia por deficiência de ferro (Anemia, n = 18). Análise estatística foi realizada utilizando ANOVA seguida pelo teste de Tukey ou Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Dunn. RESULTADOS: As seguintes variáveis ecocardiográficas apresentaram valores significativamente mais elevados no grupo TM do que nos grupos Anemia e Saudável: índice de volume do átrio esquerdo (Saudável: 16,4 ± 6,08; Anemia: 17,9 ± 7,02; TM: 24,1 ± 8,30 cm/m); razão E/Em septal mitral (Saudável: 6,55 ± 1,60; Anemia: 6,74 ± 0,74; TM: 8,10 ± 1,31) e duração do fluxo reverso em veias pulmonares [Saudável: 74,0 (59,0-74,0); Anemia: 70,5 (67,0-74,0); TM: 111 (87,0-120) ms]. Arazão E/A mitral foi maior no grupo TM do que no grupo Anemia (Saudável: 1,80 ± 0,40; Anemia: 1,80 ± 0,24; TM: 2,03 ± 0,34). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos em variáveis estruturais do ventrículo esquerdo e em índices de função sistólica. CONCLUSÃO: A ecocardiografia com Doppler convencional e o Doppler tecidual permite que alterações na função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo sejam identificadas em pacientes assintomáticos com talassemia major.

BACKGROUND: Patients with thalassemia major present chronic hemolysis and require regular blood transfusions which may cause iron overload cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure. Hemochromatosis is characterized by excessive iron accumulation in tissues, and heart involvement is the main cause of death in patients with thalassemia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac structure and function by conventional Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in patients with TM and no clinical evidence of heart failure. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study including 18 patients with thalassemia major (TM) receiving regular blood transfusion. To separately evaluate anemia and blood transfusion effects, two gender, age, weight, and height-matched control groups were included: one with healthy individuals (Healthy, n=18) and one with iron deficient anemia patients (Anemia, n=18). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's test or Kruskal-Wallis's and Dunn's test. RESULTS: The following echocardiographic variables presented significantly higher values in TM than the Anemia and Healthy groups: left atrium volume index (Healthy: 16.4±6.08; Anemia: 17.9±7.02; TM: 24.1±8.30 cm³/m²); mitral septal E/Em ratio (Healthy: 6.55±1.60; Anemia: 6.74±0.74; TM: 8.10±1.31); and duration of reverse pulmonary vein flow [Healthy: 74.0 (59.0-74.0); Anemia: 70.5 (67.0-74.0); TM: 111 (87.0-120) ms]. The mitral E/A ratio was higher in TM than Anemia (Healthy: 1.80±0.40; Anemia: 1.80±0.24; TM: 2.03±0.34). No differences were found in left ventricular structures and systolic function indexes. CONCLUSION: Conventional Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler allow changes in left ventricular diastolic function to be identified in asymptomatic patients with thalassemia major.

Efeitos do levosimendan sobre TNF-alfa, PNB e MMP-1 em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com anemia / Effects of levosimendan on TNF-alpha, BNP and MMP-1 in patients with heart failure with anemia

FUNDAMENTO: O levosimendan é conhecido pelo seu efeito bilateral de fortalecimento contração das miofibrilas sem aumentar a demanda de oxigênio no miocárdio. A anemia é uma deterioração que causa aumento da dosagem de fármacos em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. OBJETIVO: No presente estudo comparamos a eficácia do tratamento com levosimendan em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada com ou sem anemia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 23 pacientes anêmicos com insuficiência cardíaca classe 3 ou 4, segundo a New York Heart Association (NYHA) e fração de ejeção abaixo de 35%. Outros 23 pacientes com o mesmo diagnóstico cardíaco, mas sem anemia, serviu como grupo controle. Ao tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca tradicional desses pacientes foi acrescido um tratamento de 24 horas de levosimendan. Amostras foram tomadas para dosar os níveis séricos do fator de necrose tumoral alfa sérico (TNF-alfa), peptídeo natriurético cerebral aminoterminal (NT-proPNB) e metaloproteinase da matriz 1 (MMP-1), antes e após a administração. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa e MMP-1, antes e depois do tratamento (p > 0,05). Embora o nível de NT-proBNP tenha diminuído em ambos os grupos após o tratamento, não foi estatisticamente significativo (p = 0,531 e p = 0,913 para os grupos de anemia e de controle, respectivamente). Uma restauração significativa da capacidade funcional foi observada em ambos os grupos avaliados, de acordo com a NYHA (p < 0,001 e p = 0,001 para os grupos de anemia e controle, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com levosimendan apresenta efeitos semelhantes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, com anemia e sem anemia. No entanto, o efeito precoce desse tratamento sobre os níveis de TNF-alfa, NT-proPNB e MMP-1 não é evidente. Ele oferece uma melhora significativa na capacidade funcional, sem a influência da anemia.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is known with its two-sided effects of strengthening myofibril contraction without increasing myocardial oxygen demand. Anemia is a deteriorating situation that causes increase of drug dosing in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared the effectiveness of levosimendan treatment in decompensated heart failure patients with or without anemia. METHODS: Twenty-three anemic patients having class 3 or 4 heart failure according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) and an ejection fraction of below 35% were included to the study. Another 23 patients with the same cardiac diagnosis but without anemia served as control group. Twenty-four hours levosimendan treatment was added to the traditional heart failure treatment of these patients. Samples were taken to measure serum tumor necrotizing factor alpha (TNF-alpha), aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels before and after the administration. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between serum TNF-alpha and MMP-1 levels before and after the treatment (p>0.05). Although NT-proBNP level decreased in both groups after the treatment this was not statistically significant (p=0.531 and p=0.913 for anemia and control groups respectively). Significant restoration of functional capacity was seen in both groups assessed according to NYHA (p<0.001 and p=0.001 for anemia and control groups respectively). CONCLUSION: Levosimendan treatment shows similar effects in heart failure patients with anemia to that of patients without anemia. However, the early effect of this treatment on TNF-alpha, NT-proBNP and MMP-1 levels is not evident. It provides significant improvement in functional capacity without influence from anemia.

Incidence of anaemia in female breast cancer patients attending the national cancer institute, Wad Medani

Anaeia is a public health problem that affects populations in both rich and poor countries. Although the primary cause is iron deficiency, it is seldom present in isolation. More frequently it coexists with a number of other causes, such as malaria, parasitic infection, nutritional deficiencies and haemoglobin apathies. That was the people and female in Sudan suffered from it. Anaemia has a high prevalence in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to find the incidence of anaemia in new cases of Sudanese female breast cancer patients attending the National Cancer Institute [NCI], Gazira State, Sudan. The study was performed on 250 female breast cancer patients mean age 45.99 +/- 0.82 [age range between 15-70 years]. The study period was from May 2005 to June 2007. The haemoglobin level for anaemia was measured by SYSMEX-KX21M. It was found that 144 [58.8%] of the female breast cancer patients presented with anaemia, 65[26.4%] of them were in the child-bearing age group 15-40. The degree of anaemia varied between moderate to severe [grade II to grade IV]. In this study, it was also found that a considerable number of cases 200[80.0%] were from the rural area. 44[17.6%] of the patients were found to be underweight, 31 of them were anaemic. While 105[42%] of patients were overweight and obese, 52 of them were anaemic. It is concluded that the incidence of anaemia in newly diagnosed Sudanese female breast cancer patients presented at NCI is association presentation with advanced disease stage. It is also related to the age, state of nutrition and social economical factors. Early cancer detection which leads to effective treatment and reduced complication of diseases included anaemia is recommended

Importancia de las moléculas de adhesión en la fisiopatogenia de la anemia drepanocítica / Importance of the adhesion molecules in the physiopathology of drepanocytic anemia

Se presentan los conceptos actuales de la importancia de las moléculas de adhesión en la fisiopatología de la anemia drepanocítica. Se describe el proceso inflamatorio subclínico permanente de la enfermedad en su condición basal, así como las diferentes alteraciones en la expresión de estas moléculas durante los episodios de crisis vasooclusiva. Se revisan los aspectos más importantes de la terapéutica actual sugiriendo una politerapia integrada futura. Se discute la importancia de la interacción drepanocito/endotelio vascular en el inicio de la respuesta inflamatoria como base fisiopatológica de la enfermedad en ausencia de procesos infecciosos.

The current concepts of the importance of the adhesion molecules in the physiopathology of drepanocytic anemia are presented. The permanent subclinic inflammatory process of the disease in its basal condition, as well as the different alterations in the expression of these molecules during the episodes of vasoocclusive crisis, are described. The most significant aspects on the present therapy are reviewed and a future integrated polytherapy is suggested. The importance of the drepanocyte/vascular endothelium interaction in the onset of the inflammatory response is discussed as a physiopathological basis of the disease in the abscence of inflammatory processes.

Leucemia mieloide aguda: evaluacion clínico terapéutica en niños del Hospital Universitario de Caracas: (período 1995-2004) / Acute myeloid leukemia: clinical-therapeutic evaluation in children Hospital Universitario of Caracas: (period 1995-2004)

Identificar las características clínico- hematológicas y la evolución terapéutica de niños con leucemia mieloide aguda, no promielocitica de novo, en el Servicio de Hematología del HUC entre 1995-2004. Estudio cliníco-epidemilógico descriptivo y retrospectivo a través de la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes menores 18 años, tratados según el Protocolo P94 o el Protocolo modificado (PM), con sustitución de Idarubicina por Daunorubicina. Las características clínicas más frecuentes fueron fiebre, astenia, disnea, adenomegalias, palidez y hepatomegalia. La mayoría se presentó con anemia, leucocitosis y trombocitopenia. La incidencia de infiltración del SNC fue 5 por ciento. Cinco pacientes recibieron el P49 y 15 el PM. El P94 produjo 80 por ciento de remisión completa (RC) y el PM 73 por ciento (diferencia no significativa). La Sobrevida Libre de Eventos (SLEv), Sobrevida libre de enfermedad (SLE) y Sobrevida Total (ST) a los 26 meses de seguimiento fue 33.3 por ciento, 50 por ciento y 37,5 por ciento respectivamente para el P94 y de 14,3 por ciento, 20 por ciento y 18,7 por ciento para el PM (diferencias no significativas). Los resultados son levemente superiores a los obtenidos en el HUC con el PN80 y el P86, e inferiores a los obtenidos por grupos internacionales.

To identify clinical–hematological features and treatment results of 20 children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, non promyelocytic diagnosed and treated in The Hematology Service of Caracas University Hospital between 1995-2004. The study is of a retrospective, descriptive and clinical-epidemiologic type. Data was obtained by chart review of patients <18years old treated by P94 regimen or Modified (MP) in which Idarubicin was changed by Daunorubicin. Relevant clinical features were fever, fatigue, dispnea, lymph node enlargement, pallor and hepatomegaly. Most patients presented anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Central nervous system infiltration was present in 1 patient (5%). Five received P94 and 15 received MP. P94 produced 80% and MP 73% complete remissions (non statiscal difference). The Event Free Survival (EFS), Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Total Survival (TS) at 26 monts with P94 were 33.3%, 50% y 37,5% and with the Modified Protocol 14.3%, 20% y 18,7% (non statistical difference). Results are slightly better than previously obtained at The University Hospital with PN80 and P86, but lower than those obtained by international groups.

Anemia e disfunção renal na insuficiência cardíaca / Anemia and renal dysfunction in heart failure

Anemia e disfunção renal (DR) são reconhecidas atualmente como fatores de risco que modificam o curso da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Vários mecanismos etiofisiopatológicos relacionados à etiologia da anemia que estão ligados às doenças crônicas (diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, envelhecimento, etc), a hemodiluição...

Fluxo no ducto venoso e na veia cava inferior dos fetos em gestações isoimunizadas / Assess flow velocity in the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso em fetos, nas gestações isoimunizadas. MÉTODOS: De junho de 1999 a junho de 2004, foram avaliados 61 fetos, entre 27 e 35 semanas, de gestantes portadoras de isoimunização por antígenos eritrocitários. Em todos os fetos foram avaliadas as velocidades de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso. Obteve-se amostra de sangue fetal para determinação dos valores da hemoglobina e calculou-se o déficit da concentração de hemoglobina. Esses fetos foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com o déficit da concentração de hemoglobina: fetos não anêmicos, anêmicos leves, anêmicos moderados e anêmicos graves. Utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado para comparar os quatro grupos de fetos quanto à proporção da alteração da velocidade média de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso. RESULTADOS: A velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior estava alterada em 3,8 por cento dos fetos não anêmicos, em 3,1 por cento dos fetos com anemia leve, em 40 por cento dos anêmicos moderados e em 76 por cento dos fetos com anemia grave. Já a velocidade de fluxo no ducto venoso estava alterada em 7,7 por cento dos fetos não anêmicos, em 3,1 por cento dos fetos com anemia leve, em 32,5 por cento dos anêmicos moderados e em 68 por cento dos fetos com anemia grave. O valor p foi inferior a 0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se aumento da freqüência de alteração da velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso à medida que a anemia se agravava.

OBJECTIVE: Ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity was assessed in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies. METHODS: Examination of 61 fetuses aged 27 to 35 weeks from Rh-erythrocyte antigen isoimmunized women was carried out from June 1999 to June 2004. All fetuses were submitted to the examination of ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin values and hemoglobin concentration deficits. Accordingly, fetuses were grouped as follows: non-anemic; mildly anemic; moderately anemic and severely anemic fetuses. Comparison of the variation of average flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus across the four groups was carried out using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Inferior vena cava flow velocity was found to be altered in 3.8 percent of non-anemic fetuses; in 3.1 percent of the mildly anemic, in 40.0 percent of those moderately anemic; and in 76.0 percent of the severely anemic ones. Alteration in ductus venosus flow velocity, in turn, was identified in 7.7 percent of non-anemic fetuses; 3.1 percent of mildly anemic; 32.5 percent of moderately anemic and 68.0 percent of those severely anemic. Results were statistically significant with p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The study shows that alteration of flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus increased with the severity of anemia.

Evaluation of serum erythropoeitin response to anaemia in macroalbuminurics of diabetic and non-diabetic etiologies.

This case-control study was undertaken in 75 subjects categorized into 3 equal groups (A: diabetic subjects with macroalbuminuria, B: non-diabetic subjects with macroalbuminuria and C; control subjects). Serum erythropoietin (EPO) was estimated and analyzed in relation to hemoglobin levels in the three groups. The Pearson's coefficient (r) for hemoglobin and log natural EPO was significant for groups A (0.01), B (0.05) and C (0.01). Linear regression analysis of hemoglobin and log natural EPO showed significant differences between the study and control groups; however no significant difference could be demonstrated amongst the study groups. Hence, it was concluded that an inadequate EPO production occurs in renal failure, which accounts for the anaemia and diabetes does not confer an additional discrepancy in this mechanism over non-diabetic macroalbuminuria.