Desafios na interpretação dos ensaios de troponina ultrassensível em terapia intensiva / Challenges in high-sensitive troponin assay interpretation for intensive therapy

RESUMO As troponinas cardíacas T e I são marcadores considerados altamente sensíveis e específicos para o diagnóstico de infarto agudo do miocárdio. Atualmente, com o advento dos ensaios ultrassensíveis, uma série de anormalidades não primariamente cardíacas pode se manifestar por meio da elevação destes ensaios. A redução de seu limiar de detecção promoveu maior precocidade no diagnóstico e na utilização de medidas terapêuticas baseadas em evidência, no entanto, esta característica aumentou o espectro de doenças cardíacas não coronarianas detectáveis, trazendo desafios para a caracterização das síndromes coronarianas agudas e um novo papel para estes testes nas desordens conhecidas no ambiente das unidades de tratamento intensivo, em especial na sepse. A abordagem de pacientes por meio de um maior entendimento do comportamento destes marcadores deve ser redimensionada para sua correta interpretação.

ABSTRACT Cardiac troponins T and I are considered highly sensitive and specific markers for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Currently, a series of nonprimary cardiac abnormalities may manifest as an elevation in high-sensitive assays. The reduction in their detection limits has allowed earlier diagnosis and the use of evidence-based therapeutic measures; however, this characteristic has increased the spectrum of detectable noncoronary heart diseases, which poses challenges for characterizing acute coronary syndromes and creates a new role for these tests in known disorders in intensive care units, especially sepsis. Management of patients through a greater understanding of how these markers behave should be re-evaluated to ensure their correct interpretation.

Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are associated with the risk of developing cardiac autonomic dysfunction in elderly subjects

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationships between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels and heart rate variability (HRV) among different age groups. Subjects and methods: Forty-five healthy men were divided into 3 groups: young age (YA; 20-39 yrs; n = 15), middle age (MA; 40-59 yrs; n = 15) and old age (OA; ≥ 60 yrs; n = 15). Hemodynamic parameters, linear analyses of HRV and concentrations of cortisol and DHEA-S were measured at rest. Results: The OA group presented a higher resting heart rate (84.3 ± 4.6 bpm) than the YA group (72.0 ± 4.4 bpm; p < 0.05). The YA group showed an attenuated variance of HRV (2235.1 ± 417.9 ms2) compared to the MA (1014.3 ± 265.2 ms2; p < 0.05) and OA (896.3 ± 274.1 ms2; p < 0.05) groups, respectively. The parasympathetic modulation of HRV was lower in both the MA (244.2 ± 58.0 ms2) and OA (172.8 ± 37.9 ms2) groups in comparison with the YA group (996.0 ± 255.4 ms2; p < 0.05), while serum DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in both the MA (91.2 ± 19.6 mg/dL) and OA (54.2 ± 17.7 mg/dL) groups compared to the YA group (240.0 ± 50.8 mg/dL; p < 0.05). A positive correlation between lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and attenuated variance of HRV (r = 0.47, p = 0.031), as well as lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and decreased parasympathetic modulation of HRV (r = 0.54, p = 0.010), were found. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the decline of plasma DHEA-S is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic modulation during the aging process.

Evaluación preliminar de la prueba comercial Chagas ( Trypanosoma cruzi ) IgG-ELISA ® en individuos colombianos / Preliminary evaluation of the commercial kit Chagas ( Trypanosoma cruzi ) IgG-ELISA ® in Colombian individuals

Introducción. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Chagas es fundamental para brindar un tratamiento oportuno y mejorar el pronóstico del paciente. La capacidad discriminatoria de las pruebas serológicas para el diagnóstico varía de acuerdo con la prevalencia de la enfermedad y el antígeno utilizado en la prueba. Objetivo. Evaluar la capacidad discriminatoria de la prueba comercial Chagas ( Trypanosoma cruzi ) IgG-ELISA ® (NovaTec Immunodiagnostica GmbH) en un grupo de individuos colombianos utilizando la prueba de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) y el ensayo de inmunoabsorción enzimática (ELISA) como referencia. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 78 muestras de pacientes crónicos (36 asintomáticos y 42 sintomáticos) y 21 de controles sanos. También se analizaron 17 individuos no infectados con riesgo epidemiológico para la enfermedad de Chagas, siete con leishmaniasis y nueve con enfermedad cardiaca. Se evaluaron por PCR en tiempo real cuatro individuos cuyos resultados variaron entre pruebas. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas a una densidad óptica de 450 nm (p<0,0001) al comparar la mediana de la absorbancia entre los controles sanos (0,143) y los asintomáticos (2,401) o sintomáticos (2,776), entre los asintomáticos y sintomáticos (p=0,0408), entre los seronegativos con riesgo (0,232), individuos con enfermedades cardiacas (0,367) o con leishmaniasis (0,337) y los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas (p<0,0001), y entre los controles sanos y los pacientes seronegativos con riesgo (p=0,0264), con enfermedades cardiacas (p=0,0015) o con leishmaniasis (p=0,002). La PCR en tiempo real fue positiva en tres de los cuatro casos. Conclusiones. Esta prueba comercial de ELISA permitió discriminar a los pacientes con Chagas de los controles. Se requieren estudios de fase II para determinar las características operativas de la prueba.

Introduction: The diagnosis of Chagas´ disease is essential to provide early treatment and improve patients´ prognosis . The discriminatory efficiency of the serological tests varies according to the disease prevalence and the test- antigen used . Objective: To evaluate the discriminatory efficiency of the commercial kit Chagas ( Trypanosoma cruzi ) IgG-ELISA ® (Nova Tec Immunodiagnostica GmbBH) in a group of Colombian individuals, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) and enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) tests as references. Materials and methods: Seventy-eight samples from chronic chagasic patients (36 asymptomatic and 42 symptomatic) and 21 healthy controls were included. Seventeen samples from non-infected people with Chagas´ disease epidemiological risk, seven with leishmaniasis and nine with non-chagasic cardiomyopathy were also analyzed. Real time PCR was performed on four individuals whose results differed among tests. Results: Significant differences at 450 nm optical absorbance were found (p<0.0001) when the median absorbance values of healthy controls (0.143), asymptomatic (2.401) and symptomatic (2.776) chagasic patients were compared, as well as when asymptomatic and symptomatic patients (p=0.0408) and seronegative people with epidemiological risk (0.232), cardiomyopathy (0.367) or leishmaniasis (0.337) were compared with chagasic patients (p<0.0001). Finally, there were differences among healthy controls and non-infected people with epidemiological risk (p=0.0264), patients with non-chagasic cardiomyopathy (p=0.0015) and patients with leishmaniasis (p=0.002). Real-time PCR was positive in three out of four analyzed cases. Conclusions: The commercial ELISA test allowed us to discriminate the chagasic patients from the controls. A phase II study of diagnostic tests for determining field reliability of this test is required.

Riesgo de no adherirse al tratamiento en pacientes cardiópatas con anticoagulación oral y análisis de los factores influyentes / Risk of not adhering to treatment in cardiac patients with oral anticoagulation and analysis of the influential factors", "_i": "

Introducción: La falta de adherencia al tratamiento del paciente con anticoagulación oral es causa de complicaciones tromboembólicas o hemorrágicas, relacionada con múltiples factores. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo que existe en los pacientes cardiópatas para no adherirse al tratamiento de anticoagulación oral y analizar los factores que influyen. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, prospectivo y transversal de agosto a noviembre de 2012. Muestra no aleatorizada n = 297; incluyó pacientes adultos bajo tratamiento de anticoagulación oral que asisten a la Clínica de Anticoagulantes. Datos recolectados con instrumento validado con cuatro dimensiones: factor socioeconómico, terapia, proveedor y sistema de salud y paciente; 42 ítems con respuesta tipo Likert con valor de 0 a 2; de 0-60% = riesgo alto de no adherencia, 61-80% = riesgo moderado y ≥ 81% = sin riesgo. Análisis estadístico con frecuencias, porcentajes, medias y desviación estándar; pruebas de Pearson (adherencia y factores), t de Student (adherencia, sexo y procedencia), ANOVA (adherencia y tiempo con el tratamiento) y Kruskall Wallis (nivel académico y adherencia); significancia p ‹ 0.05. Resultados: 60% de nivel de factor socioeconómico bajo; 76% se encuentran sin riesgo de no adherirse y 23% con riesgo moderado; sólo el factor socioeconómico tiene riesgo moderado (88.41 ± 13.9). La adherencia se asocia más con los factores de proveedor y sistema de salud de proveedor y sistema de salud y paciente (r = 0.774, p = 0.000) y factor socioeconómico (r = 0.771, p = 0.000). Los pacientes de provincia se adhieren menos que los del D.F. (t = 2.61, gl = 295, p = 0.009); aquéllos con educación superior se adhieren más que quienes tienen educación básica (x2 = 10.34, gl = 2, p = 0.016). Conclusión: La mayoría de pacientes anticoagulados no tienen riesgo de dejar su tratamiento; sin embargo, el factor que dificulta la adherencia es el socioeconómico.)

Introduction: Lack of adherence to treatment of patients with oral anticoagulation is a cause of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications related to multiple factors. Objective: To determine the risk involved in cardiac patients for not adhering to the treatment of oral anticoagulation and analyze influencing factors. Material and methods: Analytical, prospective transversal study from August to November 2012. Nonrandomized sample n = 297; included adult patients under oral anticoagulation treatment attending the Anticoagulant Clinic. Data collected with a validated instrument with four dimensions: socioeconomic factor; therapy; provider and health system; and patient; 42 items with Likert value of 0-2; 0-60% = high risk of non-adherence, 61-80% = moderate risk, and ≥ 81% = no risk. Statistical analysis with frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation; Pearson tests (adhesion and factors), Student’s t (adherence, sex and origin), ANOVA (adherence, and treatment time) and Kruskal Wallis (academic and adherence); significance p ‹ 0.05. Results: 60% of low socioeconomic level, 76% are without risk of not adhering and 23% moderate risk; only SE has moderate risk factor (88.41 ± 13.9). Adherence factors associated more with PSS (r = 0.774, p = 0.000) and SE (r = 0.771, p = 0.000). Patients in province adhere less than patients in Mexico City (t = 2.61, gl = 295, p = 0.009), those with higher education adhere more than those with only basic education (x2 = 10.34, gl = 2, p = 0.016). Conclusion: The majority of anticoagulated patients are not at risk of leaving treatment, however, the complicating factor for adherence is SE.

Cardiac markers: profile in rats experimentally infected with Toxocara canis / Marcadores cardíacos: perfil em ratos infectados experimentalmente com Toxocara canis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in Wistar rats infected with 250 (GI, n = 24) or 1000 (GII, n = 24) Toxocara canis eggs. Animals were evaluated on days 7, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 post-infection (DPI). Only the GI rats showed an increase in CK and CK-MB, at 15 and 30 DPI, respectively. Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies were detected by ELISA in infected animals. Despite of the presence of eosinophilic infiltrate in the heart of three infected animals, none larva was recovered from the organ neither by acid digestion nor by Baermann procedure. Eosinophilia was observed in both groups but there was no significant difference in the eosinophil counts between GI and GII (p = 0.2239). It is possible to consider that cardiac lesion is an eventual finding in murine model for toxocariasis

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o perfil das enzimas creatinoquinase (CK), creatinoquinase-MB (CK-MB) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) em ratos Wistar infectados com 250 (GI, n = 24) ou 1000 (GII, n = 24) ovos de Toxocara canis. Os animais foram avaliados nos dias 7, 15, 30, 60, 120 e 180 pós-infecção (DPI). Observou-se que apenas os animais do GI apresentaram aumento da atividade de CK e CK-MB aos 15 e 30 DPI, respectivamente. Anticorpos anti-T. canis foram detectados por ELISA nos animais infectados. Apesar da presença de infiltrado eosinofílico em três animais infectados, nenhuma larva foi recuperada do coração pela digestão ácida ou pela técnica de Baermann. Eosinofilia foi observada em todos os momentos em GI e GII, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,2239). Pode-se considerar que as lesões cardíacas foram um achado eventual no modelo murino para toxocaríase.

Plasma N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Is Predictive of Perioperative Cardiac Events in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Identification of patients at high risk for perioperative cardiac events (POCE) is clinically important. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative measurement of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) could predict POCE, and compared its predictive value with that of conventional cardiac risk factors and stress thallium scans in patients undergoing vascular surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled for non-cardiac vascular surgery were prospectively enrolled. Clinical risk factors were identified, and NT-proBNP levels and stress thallium scans were obtained. POCE was the composite of acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure including acute pulmonary edema, and primary cardiac death within 5 days after surgery. A modified Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) was proposed and compared with NT-proBNP; a positive result for ischemia and a significant perfusion defect (> or = 3 walls, moderate to severely decreased, reversible perfusion defect) on the thallium scan were added to the RCRI. RESULTS: A total of 365 patients (91% males) with a mean age of 67 years had a median NT-proBNP level of 105.1 pg/mL (range of quartile, 50.9 to 301.9). POCE occurred in 49 (13.4%) patients. After adjustment for confounders, an NT-proBNP level of > 302 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1 to 10.3; p < 0.001) and a high risk by the modified RCRI (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 9.3; p = 0.002) were independent predictors for POCE. Comparison of the area under the curves for predicting POCE showed no statistical differences between NT-proBNP and RCRI. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative measurement of NT-proBNP provides information useful for prediction of POCE as a single parameter in high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery.

Utilidad de la gasometría capilar para evaluar el intercambio gaseoso con FiO2 al 21% y al 100% en el sujeto con enfermedad cardiopulmonar estable a 2, 240 metros sobre el nivel del mar / Capillary blood gas test usefulness to evaluate gas exchange with 21% and 100% of oxygen inspired fractions in subjects with stable cardiopulmonary disease at 2, 240 meters above sea level

OBJECTIVE: Capillary blood gas test has had ample use in the infantile population. In the adult population, the information is limited and controversial. The agreement between capillary-arterial gases seems to parallel the pH and the carbon dioxide pressure in different studied populations. In order to know the degree of agreement between these gases, we evaluate them at breathing room air and at 100% of oxygen fractions at 2,240 meters above sea level. METHODS: We obtained capillary-arterial blood gases simultaneously from subjects with stable cardiopulmonary disease in both conditions of inspired oxygen. Demographic, hemodynamic, diagnostic, and laboratory variables were gathered. Statistical analysis: agreement was analyzed with the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman procedure. RESULTS: We studied 101 subjects, 48 men and 53 women, whose respective ages were 55 +/- 16 and 56 +/- 16. Mean systemic arterial pressure was 94.96 +/- 10.57 mmHg. Hemoglobin was 15.94 +/- 2.48 g/dl. The agreement between the variables with the inspired oxygen fractions, 21%, 100%, and the mean difference in parenthesis was respectively: potential hydrogen, 0.94 (0.0091), 0.94 (0.0039); oxygen pressure, 0.90 (2.94), 0.84 (74.99); carbon dioxide pressure, 0.97 (0.079), 0.97 (0.179); bicarbonate, 0.93 (-0.067), 0,96 (0.262); total dissolved carbon dioxide, 0.94 (-0.142), 0.93 (0.161); base excess: 0.94, (-0.125), 0.92 (0.235); oxygen saturation, 0.98 (0.764), 0.97(0.202). CONCLUSIONS: Capillary blood gas test could be a useful alternative to the arterial one, nevertheless, it is limited by its low agreement with the oxygen pressure in both oxygen inspired fractions.

Role of cardiac biomarkers (troponin I and CK-MB) as predictors of quality of life and long-term outcome after cardiac surgery.

Perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac surgery affect both the outcome and quality of life. Markers such as troponin effectively predict short-term outcome. In a prospective cohort study in a University Hospital we assessed the role of cardiac biomarkers, also as predictors of long-term outcome and life quality after cardiac surgery with a three-year follow-up after conventional heart surgery. Patients were interviewed via phone calls with a structured questionnaire examining general health, functional status, activities of daily living, perception of life quality and need for hospital readmission. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were performed. Out of 252 consecutive patients, 8 (3.2%) died at the three years follow up: 7 for cardiac complications and 1 for cancer. Thirty-six patients (13.5%) had hospital readmission for cardiac causes (mostly for atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias (9.3%), but none needed cardiac surgical reintervention; 21 patients (7.9%) were hospitalised for non-cardiac causes. No limitation in function activities of daily living was reported by most patients (94%), 92% perceived their general health as excellent, very good or good and none considered it insufficient; 80% were NYHA I, 17% NYHA II, 3% NYHA III and none NYHA IV. Multivariate analysis indicated preoperative treatment with digitalis or nitrates, and postoperative cardiac biomarkers release was independently associated to death. Elevated cardiac biomarker release and length of hospital stay were the only postoperative independent predictors of death in this study.

Vitamin D Levels and Their Relationship with Cardiac Biomarkers in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality in HD patients. To test this hypothesis, we cross-sectionally measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in chronic HD patients. Sixty-five patients (M:F=31:34, age 52.2+/-13.2 yr, DM 41.5%) were selected. Along with the expected low levels of 1,25D, 59 (90.8%) patients had 25D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) among whom 15 (23.1%) were 25D deficient (<10 ng/mL). The 25D levels showed a negative correlation with cTnT levels (Spearman's rho=-0.44, p<0.01) but not with NT-pro-BNP levels (Spearman's rho=-0.17, p=0.17). The 1,25D levels, however, did not show any relationship with either cTnT or NT-pro-BNP. In multivariate analysis, being male and having low levels of 25D were independent risk factors associated with cTnT elevation (beta=0.44, p<0.01 and beta=-0.48, p<0.01, respectively). In conclusion, not only 1,25D but also 25D are commonly decreased in HD patients. Lower 25D levels appear to be associated with cTnT elevation, predicting worse CV outcome, and are possible to involve cardiac hypertrophy or coronary artery disease.

Benefícios da ventilação não-invasiva após extubação no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Benefits of non-invasive ventilation after extubation in the postoperative period of heart surgery

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os benefícios da utilização da ventilação não-invasiva (VNI) no processo de interrupção da ventilação mecânica, no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, com 100 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio ou cirurgia valvar. Os pacientes foram admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), sob ventilação mecânica e randomizados posteriormente em grupo estudo (n= 50) que utilizou VNI com dois níveis pressóricos após a extubação por 30 minutos, e grupo controle (n= 50) que fez uso apenas de cateter nasal de O2. Foram analisadas as variáveis antropométricas, os tempos correspondentes à anestesia, cirurgia e circulação extracorpórea, bem como o tempo necessário para a supressão da ventilação mecânica invasiva. As variáveis gasométricas e hemodinâmicas também foram avaliadas antes e após a extubação. RESULTADOS: Os grupos controle e estudo evoluíram de forma semelhante e não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante na análise das variáveis, exceto para a PaO2. A utilização da VNI por 30 minutos após a extubação promoveu melhora na PaO2 quando comparados os grupos, com p= 0,0009, mas não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante na PaCO2 (p=0,557). CONCLUSÃO: O uso da VNI por 30 minutos após extubação produziu melhora na oxigenação do pacientes em pósoperatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: to show the benefits of the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and controlled study was performed involving 100 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery. The subjects were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under mechanical ventilation and randomized in a study group (n=50), which used NPPV with bilevel pressure for 30 minutes after extubation, and a control group (n=50) which only used a nasal O2 catheter. Anthropometric variables and the times of the intra-operative periods corresponding to anesthesia, surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as the time required for weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation were analysed. The arterial blood gases and hemodynamic variables were also assessed before and after extubation. RESULTS: The evolution was similar for the control and study groups without statistically significant differences of the variables analyzed except for the PaO2. On comparing the groups, the PaO2 improved significantly (p = 0.0009) with the use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation, but there was no statistically significant difference in the PaCO2 (p = 0.557). CONCLUSION: The use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation improved oxygenation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery.

Prognostic value of infection and inflammation markers for late cardiac events in an Iranian sample

We evaluated the serum levels of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia and cytomegalovirus and the level of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in 57 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 65 with unstable angina, 60 with stable angina and 44 healthy controls, and whether these markers were associated with cardiac instability 6 months after admission. There was a significant increased risk of late coronary events [cardiac death or readmission with acute coronary events] associated with seropositivity to C. pneumoniae [adjusted odds ratio 2.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-4.08]. Other parameters were not significantly associated with late cardiac events after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and smoking behaviour

N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide and the Evaluation of Cardiac Dysfunction and Severity of Disease in Cirrhotic Patients

PURPOSE: Cardiac dysfunction and hyperdynamic systemic circulation may be present in patients with cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to identify relations between plasma levels of N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP), reflecting early ventricular dysfunction, and the severity of liver disease and cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. MATERIALS and METHODS: Sixty-three cirrhotic patients and 15 controls (group 1) were enrolled in this study. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in echocardiographically examined patients, which were allocated to 1 of 3 groups according to Child-Pugh classification or into 2 groups, i.e., a compensated group without ascites (group 2) and decompensated group with ascites (group 3). RESULTS: Plasma NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (groups 2 and 3) than in age-matched controls (155.9 and 198.3 vs. 40.3pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased in Child class C patients than in classes B and A (250.0 vs. 168.6 and 119.6pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Left atrial dimension, wall thickness of left ventricle, and EF or E/E' were significantly increased, and EDT was prolonged in cirrhotic patients than in controls. Increased LVMI and decreased E/A ratio were noted in the group of patients with ascites as compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: Plasma NT-proBNP levels were high in cirrhotic patients and are likely to be related to the severity of disease. Advanced cirrhosis is associated with advanced cardiac dysfunction, and NT-proBNP levels has predictive value for concomitant cardiac dysfunction and cirrhosis progression.

Controle do tempo de protrombina em sangue capilar e venoso em pacientes com anticoagulação oral: correlação e concordância / Comparative study of a portable system for prothrombin monitoring using capillary blood against venous blood measurements in patients using oral anticoagulants: correlation and concordance

FUNDAMENTO: O uso de anticoagulantes orais (ACO) é comum na prática cardiológica, tendo como principais indicações a fibrilação atrial e próteses valvares. Os pacientes em uso de ACO necessitam de controle freqüente do tempo de protrombina (TP). Novos sistemas portáteis de monitorização, para medida do tempo de protrombina, sem necessidade da coleta de sangue por venopunção, facilitam a rotina desses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas do TP realizadas pelo sistema Coaguchek S®, em sangue capilar, com o método padrão em sangue venoso. MÉTODOS: Cento e vinte e sete pacientes em acompanhamento no ambulatório de anticoagulação do Instituto de Cardiologia foram submetidos ao método convencional e coleta de sangue capilar da polpa digital para medida com o sistema Coaguchek S®. RESULTADOS: A idade foi de 58±14 anos, 90 por cento eram brancos. As indicações de ACO foram fibrilação atrial 49,6 por cento e próteses valvares 37,0 por cento. O coeficiente de correlação r s foi 0,90 (p<0,0001; IC:95 por cento 0,87-0,93) entre o sistema em estudo e o controle. A medida de concordância entre pacientes com INR <2, entre 2 e 3,5 e > 3,5 foi de Kappa 73,5 por cento. O sistema Coaguchek S® superestimou o INR em 0,15±0,85 unidades. Valores acima de 3,5 unidades de INR mostram discrepância importante entre as duas técnicas. CONCLUSÕES: O sistema Coaguchek S® mostrou boa correlação e bom grau de concordância quando comparado com o controle, com resultados menores que 4. Porém, valores de INR acima de 3,5 ainda necessitam de confirmação com o método padrão.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are widely used in cardiology and are mainly indicated in cases of atrial fibrillation and prosthetic heart valves. Regular prothrombin time (PT) control is required for patients using OAC. New portable monitoring systems for measuring prothrombin time, eliminate the need to collect blood by venous puncture and facilitate daily life for these patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare PT measurements using the Coaguchek S™ system with capillary blood and the standard method in venous blood. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients from the Cardiology Institute's anticoagulation clinic underwent conventional blood collection and capillary blood collection via a finger prick for measurements using the Coaguchek S™ system. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 ± 14 years and 90 percent of the patients were white. OAC indications were atrial fibrillation (49.6 percent) and prosthetic heart valves (37.0 percent). The correlation coefficient, r s , was 0.90 (p<0.0001; CI:95 percent 0.87-0.93) between the Coaguchek S™ system and the control method. The Kappa measure of agreement among the patients with INR <2, INR between 2 and 3.5 and INR > 3.5 was 73.5 percent. The Coaguchek S™ system overestimated INR by 0.15±0.85 units. A great deal of discrepancy was found between the two techniques for INR values higher than 3.5 units. CONCLUSION: The Coaguchek S™ system when compared to the control method revealed good correlation and a high degree of agreement for results lower than 4 units. However, confirmation is required for INR values above 3.5 using the standard method.

N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide, but not brain natriuretic peptide, is increased in patients with severe obesity

Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been reported as a risk factor for heart failure. Prevention of heart failure through identification and management of risk factors and preclinical phases of the disease is a priority. Levels of natriuretic peptides as well as activity of their receptors have been found altered in obese persons with some conflicting results. We investigated cardiac involvement in severely obese patients by determining N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and attempting to correlate the levels of these peptides in serum and plasma, respectively, with BMI, duration of obesity, waist circumference, and echocardiographic parameters. Thirty-three patients with severe obesity (mean BMI: 46.39 kg/m², mean age: 39 years) were studied. The control group contained 30 healthy age-matched individuals (BMI: <25 kg/m², mean age: 43 years). The t-test and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis. Log-NT-proBNP was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in obese patients (mean 1.67, 95 percent CI: 1.50-1.83 log pg/mL) compared to controls (mean: 1.32, 95 percent CI: 1.17-1.47 log pg/mL). The Log-NT-proBNP concentration correlated with duration of obesity (r = 0.339, P < 0.004). No difference was detected in the Log-BNP concentration (P = 0.63) of obese patients (mean: 0.73, 95 percent CI: 0.46-1.00 log pg/mL) compared to controls (mean: 0.66, 95 percent CI: 0.51-0.81 log pg/mL). NT-proBNP, but not BNP, is increased in severely obese patients and its concentration in serum is correlated with duration of obesity. NT-proBNP may be useful as an early diagnostic tool for the detection of cardiac burden due to severe obesity.

Perfil lipídico de indivíduos sem cardiopatia com sobrepeso e obesidade / Lipidic profile of individuals without cardiopathy with overweight and obesity

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil lipídico de indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade submetidos à avaliação cardiológica e que não mostraram evidências de cardiopatia. MÉTODOS: Amostra com 684 indivíduos, 389 (56,9 por cento) mulheres e 295 (43,1 por cento) homens, com idade de 14 a 74 (média 40,6) anos, sem evidências de cardiopatia após avaliação clínica e análise do eletrocardiograma, radiografia do tórax, teste ergométrico em esteira e ecocardiograma bidimensional com Doppler. Foi estudado o perfil sérico de lípides e glicose quanto ao sexo e faixas do índice de massa corpórea (IMC) - eutróficos até 24,9 Kg/m², sobrepeso 25-29,9 Kg/m² e obesos > 30 Kg/m². RESULTADOS: Apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos (médias): glicose (mg/dL) de mulheres 90,21±23,13 e homens 95,28±28,64 (p<0.001); triglicérides (mg/dL) de mulheres 97,27±55,24 e homens 141,47±57,06 (p<0,001) e HDL-C (mg/dL) de mulheres 52,63±13,92 e homens 43±10,88 (p<0,001). O IMC médio das mulheres foi 26,15 e dos homens 26,33 (p=ns). Na análise por faixas de IMC houve diferença significativa entre os sexos (p=0,037). Na faixa de sobrepeso e obesidade, apenas as médias de triglicérides das mulheres mostraram diferença estatisticamente significativa: mulheres com sobrepeso 102,25±60,68 mg/dL e obesas 121,64±63,57 mg/dL (p=0,034). CONCLUSAO: Mulheres sem cardiopatia apresentaram níveis séricos de glicose, triglicérides e HDL-colesterol inferiores aos homens. Em ambos os sexos, as médias são menores na comparação entre eutróficos e com excesso de peso, e apenas as médias dos triglicérides das mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade apresentou diferença significativamente estatística.

Relation of serum sialic acid with serum lipids in cardiac patients

Elevated serum sialic acid concentration is a risk factor for coronary heart disease in general population along with dyslipidemia. Sialic acid and lipid profile was determined in healthy subjects [Group A1 and A2] and sixty cardiac patients, divided into two groups, group B comprising of thirty male patients and group C comprising of thirty female patients. A highly significant increase was observed in the level of sialic acid and different variables of lipid profile except HDL-C in all patients. HDL-C showed a significant decrease in patients. An increase in the level of sialic acid in cardiac patients showing the implications of raised level of sialic acid in the development of cardiovascular complications

Comparative lipid profile studies in cardiac and diabetic conditions

Lipid profile in cardiac patients [myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, ischaemic heart disease], diabetic patients and normal humans was investigated. Total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], triglycerides, blood glucose, calcium, potassium and sodium were determined, employing established methods and procedures. Higher level of total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride were found in both cardiac and diabetic patients, however, cardiac patients had much lower level of HDL-C as compared to normal humans. Age wise comparison revealed that level of total cholesterol; triglyceride and LDL-C were elevating while the level of HDL-C were decreasing with the age in cardiac and diabetic patients. Sex wise comparison showed that females had higher HDL-C level than males and therefore had fewer incidences of heart diseases. The level of Ca++, K+ and Na+ were similar in all age groups and sexes. No significant elevation in the level of these electrolytes was discovered

Level of hypercholesterolemia in patients admitted for heart diseases: a pilot study

Hypercholesterolemia in 388 indoor and outdoor patients of Ayub Hospital Complex was determined. The mean cholesterol level was 209 mg/dl. The male to female ratio was 2.6:1. There was no significant [p>0.05] difference in serum cholesterol level between males and females. The serum cholesterol of 149 [38.4%] patients was on borderline high [201-275 mg/dl]. Among these 39[26.17%] were females while 110[73.82%] were male patients. The results indicate that there was high rate of cholesterol levels in patients admitted for heart disease or those on high risk of confronting IHD