Acute Hemodynamic Changes after Single Administration of Udenafil in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a Phase IIa Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Udenafil, a new phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i), has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. Given the proven benefit of PDE5i in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we evaluated serial hemodynamic changes after single udenafil administration to determine the appropriate therapeutic dose. METHODS: Eighteen patients were randomly allocated into one of 3 groups: placebo, udenafil 50 mg (U50), and udenafil 100 mg (U100). Diagnosis for inclusion was idiopathic PAH or PAH associated with connective tissue disease. Patients with any contraindication to PDE5i, and/or PDE5i treatment in the past 1 month were excluded. Continuous hemodynamic monitoring was performed by placing a Swan-Ganz catheter. Information on cardiac index (CI), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), mean systemic arterial pressure (mSAP), pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) was obtained for 4 hours after drug administration. RESULTS: The mPAP significantly decreased in both the U50 and U100 (−11 mmHg and −8 mmHg from baseline, respectively, p < 0.1). The mSAP also decreased in both U50 and U100; however, the decrease was greater in the U100 (Δ=−8.5 mmHg and Δ=−14.0 mmHg). CI increased in the U50, but decreased in the U100. Although PVRI decreased in both, statistical significance was only achieved in the U50 compared to placebo. PAWP was stable during monitoring. U50 had at least 4 hour-effect after administration. Only 2 patients with U100 experienced mild adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration of the acute hemodynamic changes induced by udenafil. U50 is considered an optimal dose for treating PAH with more than 4-hour treatment effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01553721.

Effects of low-dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on anterior myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The mortality due to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high even in patients with early revascularization. Infusion of low dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) at the time of AMI is well tolerated and could improve cardiac function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of rhBNP in AMI patients revascularized by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who developed cardiogenic shock. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock and whose hemodynamic status was improved following emergency PCI were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to rhBNP (n=25) and control (n=23) groups. In addition to standard therapy, study group individuals received rhBNP by continuous infusion at 0.005 µg kg−1 min−1 for 72 hours. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, medications, and peak of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were similar between both groups. rhBNP treatment resulted in consistently improved pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) compared to the control group. Respectively, 7 and 9 patients died in experimental and control groups. No drug-related serious adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: When added to standard care in stable patients with cardiogenic shock complicating anterior STEMI, low dose rhBNP improves PCWP and is well tolerated.

N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide, a surrogate biomarker of combined clinical and hemodynamic outcomes following percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy

Aim: To examine the relationship between plasma levels of N-terminal-proB type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] and various echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in patients with mitral stenosis undergoing percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy [PTMC]

Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 100 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent PTMC. NT-proBNP levels in these patients were measured before PTMC and 48 hours after PTMC. These levels were then correlated with various echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters measured before and after PTMC

Results: Eighty-one percent of the study population were women, and the most common presenting symptom was dyspnea which was present in 94% of the patients. Dyspnea New York Heart Association class correlated significantly with baseline NT-proBNP levels [r = 0.63; p < 0.01]. The plasma NT-proBNP levels in these patients increased as echocardiogram signs of left atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy developed [r = 0.59, p < 0.01]. Patients in atrial fibrillation had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than patients in sinus rhythm. Baseline NT-proBNP levels correlated significantly with left atrial volume [r = 0.38; p < 0.01], left atrial volume index [r = 0.45; p < 0.01], systolic pulmonary artery pressures [r = 0.42; p < 0.01], and mean pulmonary artery pressures [r = 0.41; p < 0.01]. All patients who underwent successful PTMC showed a significant decrease in NT-proBNP [decreased from a mean 763.8 pg/mL to 348.6 pg/mL] along with a significant improvement in all echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters [p < 0.01]. The percent change in NT-proBNP correlated significantly with the percent improvement noted with left atrial volume [r = 0.39; p < 0.01], left atrial volume index [r = 0.41; p < 0.01], systolic [r = 0.32, p < 0.01], and mean pulmonary artery pressures [r = 0.31, p < 0.01]

Conclusions: The decrease in NT-proBNP levels following PTMC reflects an improvement in clinical and hemodynamic status; hence, it is reasonable to suggest that NT-proBNP is helpful in evaluating the response to PTMC

Evaluation of pulmonary artery pressure and resistance by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis therapy

Background: Pulmonary hypertension [PH] is one of the most important comorbidities in patients undergoing hemodialysis [HD]. The goal of the present work is to determine the possible etiologic factors for its occurrence

Methods: The prevalence of PH was estimated by Doppler echocardiography in a cohort of 100 patients aged 49.3 +/- 13.9 years on regular HD. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was estimated from pulmonary acceleration time by Mahan's regression equation. Pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were calculated. We focused on the effect of HD on left and right ventricle diastolic and systolic function. Right ventricle systolic function was assessed by tricuspid annular systolic excursion and pulsed Doppler myocardial performance index. Since impaired endothelial function was postulated as an underlying cause of PH, we studied the effects of HD on brachial artery endothelial function

Results: The current study found that pulmonary hypertension was prevalent in 70% of patients on dialysis. Left atrium diameter, left ventricle mass indexed to body surface area, and mitral E/E0 were increased in the dialysis group [4.4 +/- 0.2 cm, 126.5 +/- 24.6 g/m[2], and 16.9 +/- 4.4, respectively, p < 0.001 for all]. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was positively correlated to duration of dialysis and negatively correlated to glomerular filtration rate [p < 0.001 and r = -0.991]. Pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly increased in dialysis patients [1.9 +/- 0.2 Wood units vs. 1.2 Wood units in controls, p < 0.001]. Endothelial dysfunction, defined as brachial artery flow mediated dilatation <6%, was found in 46% of dialysis group

Conclusion: Increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure in the HD population could be attributed to left atrium dilatation and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction. Pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly increased in dialysis group. This might be explained by impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthesis that not only caused systemic vasoconstriction but also affected the pulmonary vasculature

Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension due to Sick Sinus Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

A 60-year-old man visited the hospital after experiencing dyspnea after exertion for 2 weeks. An electrocardiogram showed sinus arrest with junctional escape rhythm at 40 beats/min. Transthoracic echocardiography showed that the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was approximately 71 mmHg and that the left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved. The ratio of peak early diastolic transmitral inflow velocity to early diastolic peak mitral annular velocity (E/E') was 29. Cardiac catheterization revealed a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) of 63 mmHg, a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 27 mmHg, and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 22 mmHg with a rhythm of 40 beats/min. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (group 2) due to sick sinus syndrome. SPAP decreased to 48 mmHg during atrial pacing at 60 beats/min. After permanent pacemaker insertion, RVSP decreased from 71 mmHg to 44 mmHg. In this case, passive group 2 pulmonary hypertension occurred due to sick sinus syndrome.

Lowering Pulmonary Wedge Pressure after Heart Transplant: Pulmonary Compliance and Resistance Effect / Redução da Pressão Capilar Pulmonar após Transplante Cardíaco: Complacência Pulmonar e Efeito Resistência

AbstractBackground:Right ventricular (RV) afterload is an important risk factor for post-heart transplantation (HTx) mortality, and it results from the interaction between pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary compliance (CPA). Their product, the RC time, is believed to be constant. An exception is observed in pulmonary hypertension because of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures.Objective:Using HTx as a model for chronic lowering of LV filling pressures, our aim was to assess the variations in RV afterload components after transplantation.Methods:We retrospectively studied 159 patients with right heart catheterization before and after HTx. The effect of Htx on hemodynamic variables was assessed.Results:Most of the patients were male (76%), and the mean age was 53 ± 12 years. HTx had a significant effect on the hemodynamics, with normalization of the LV and RV filling pressures and a significant increase in cardiac output and heart rate (HR). The PVR decreased by 56% and CPA increased by 86%. The RC time did not change significantly, instead of increasing secondary to pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) normalization after HTx as expected. The expected increase in RC time with PWP lowering was offset by the increase in HR (because of autonomic denervation of the heart). This effect was independent from the decrease of PWP.Conclusion:The RC time remained unchanged after HTx, notwithstanding the fact that pulmonary capillary wedge pressure significantly decreased. An increased HR may have an important effect on RC time and RV afterload. Studying these interactions may be of value to the assessment of HTx candidates and explaining early RV failure after HTx.

ResumoFundamento:A pós-carga do ventrículo direito (VD) é um fator de risco importante para avaliar a mortalidade decorrente de transplante cardíaco (HTx) e resulta da interação entre a resistência vascular pulmonar (RVP) e a complacência pulmonar (CPA). Acredita-se que o produto da interação, o RC-time, seja constante. Entretanto, é exceção a hipertensão pulmonar devido às elevadas pressões de preenchimento do ventrículo esquerdo (VE).Objetivos:Ao utilizar o HTx como modelo para redução crônica das pressões de preenchimento do VE, nosso objetivo foi avaliar as variações nos componentes pós-carga do VD após o transplante.Métodos:Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 159 pacientes com cateterismo cardíaco direito realizado antes e após o HTx. O impacto do HTx nas variáveis hemodinâmicas foi avaliado.Resultados:A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo masculino (76%) e a média de idade foi 53 ± 12 anos. O HTx teve um efeito significativo na hemodinâmica, com normalização do VE e das pressões de preenchimento de VD e no aumento significativo do débito cardíaco e da freqüência cardíaca (FC). A RVP diminuiu 56% e a CPA aumentou 86%. Em vez de aumentar como era esperado, o RC-time não alterou significativamente e teve papel secundário em relação à normalização da pressão capilar pulmonar (PECP) após o HTx. O aumento esperado no RC timecom PWP reduzido foi atenuado pelo aumento da FC (devido à denervação autonômica do coração). Esse efeito ocorreu independentemente da diminuição da PCPConclusões:O RC-time permaneceu inalterado após HTx, entretanto a PECP diminuiu significativamente. O aumento da FC pode ter impacto importante no RC-time e na pós-carga do VD. O estudo dessas interações pode ser de grande valor para avaliar os candidatos HTx e explicar a falência do VD ocorrida logo após o HTx.

Recrutamento alveolar: em quem? como? quando? / Alveolar recruitment: who needs? how? when?

O advento da ventilação mecânica moderna trouxe inúmeros benefícios para o manejo anestésico e de pacientes críticos em unidades de cuidados intensivos. Acompanhando essa evolução vieram as complicações relacionadas ao controle ventilatório do paciente. A atelectasia é o principal evento complicador pulmonar dos pacientes submetidos à anestesia geral. As manobras de recrutamento alveolar são uma opção na tentativa de aumentar as unidades alveolares abertas, evitando, assim, a atelectasia pulmonar. Esse efeito pode ser mais ou menos duradouro, a depender da estratégia adotada para o recrutamento. O conhecimento das formas de recrutamento e suas peculiaridades, dos pacientes candidatos a essas manobras e do momento de realização das mesmas é extremamente importante, na tentativa de evitar as complicações per e pós-operatórias relacionadas ao colapso alveolar.

The advent of modern mechanical ventilation brought numerous benefits to the anesthetized and critically ill patients in intensive care management. Accompanying this evolution came the complications related to the patient?s ventilatory control. Atelectasis is the main event complicating pulmonary patients undergoing general anesthesia. The alveolar recruitment maneuvers are an option in an attempt to increase alveolar units open, thus preventing pulmonary atelectasis. This effect can be more or less permanent, depending on the strategy for recruitment. Knowledge of the methods of recruitment and its peculiarities, the eligible patients and the best time to perform these maneuvers, are extremely important in an attempt to avoid postoperative complications related to alveolar collapse.

Clinical value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing derived oxygen uptake efficiency parameters in patients with end-stage chronic heart failure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) derived performance of oxygen uptake and ventilation efficiency parameters, including oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP) , oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), V·E/V·CO2 slope and lowest V·E/V·CO2, in patients with end-stage chronic heart failure (CHF) and evaluate their clinical value on monitoring cardiac function and hemodynamic status.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 26 end-stage CHF patients considered for heart transplantation were enrolled in this study. CPET, echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic examinations with Swan-Ganz flowing balloon catheter were performed. Correlation analysis was made between oxygen uptake and ventilation efficiency parameters from CPET and echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>OUEP and OUES showed good correlation with peak oxygen consumption (peak V·O2) (r = 0.535, P < 0.01;r = 0.840, P < 0.001). In end-stage CHF patients, the slope of OUEP with respect to peak V·O2 is about 32, but the slope of OUES with respect to peak V·O2 is only about 2. The difference was 16 times. The change of OUEP was more sensitive and significant than those of OUES and peak V·O2 (P < 0.05). OUEP, peak V·O2 (%pred), V·E/V·CO2 slope and lowest V·E/V·CO2 were all correlated well with non-invasive hemodynamic parameters peak cardiac output (r = 0.535, P < 0.01; r = 0.652, P < 0.001; r = -0.640, P < 0.001; r = -0.606, P = 0.001 respectively) and peak cardiac index (r = 0.556, P < 0.01;r = 0.772, P < 0.001; r = -0.641, P < 0.001; r = -0.620, P < 0.001 respectively) derived from CPET, but not correlated with invasive hemodynamic parameters cardiac output and cardiac index at rest (P > 0.05). Both peak V·O2 (%pred) and V·E/V·CO2 slope were significantly correlated with invasive hemodynamic parameters systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (r = -0.424, P < 0.05; r = 0.509, P < 0.01) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = -0.479, P < 0.05; r = 0.405, P < 0.05). Peak V·O2 (%pred) was also significantly correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = -0.415, P < 0.05), and V·E/V·CO2 slope was significantly correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.429, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The oxygen uptake and ventilation efficiency parameters derived from CPET, including peak V·O2, OUEP, lowest V·E/V·CO2 and V·E/V·CO2 slope etc, are objectively monitoring and evaluating cardiac function and hemodynamic status. And they are useful for optimizing clinical management of patients with end-stage CHF.</p>

Cardiac catheterization and pulmonary vasoreactivity testing in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>As an important method of hemodynamic assessment in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), cardiac catheterization combined with pulmonary vasoreactivity testing remains with limited experience in children, and the acute pulmonary vasodilator agents as well as response criteria for vasoreactivity testing remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical importance, agent selection, and responder definition of cardiac catheterization combined with pulmonary vasoreactivity testing in pediatric IPAH.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The patients admitted to Department of Pediatric Cardiology of Beijing Anzhen Hospital between April 2009 and September 2013 with suspected IPAH, under 18 years of age, with WHO functional class II or III, were enrolled. All the patients were arranged to receive left and right heart catheterization and pulmonary vasoreactivity testing with inhalation of pure oxygen and iloprost (PGI2) respectively. Hemodynamic changes were analyzed, and two criteria, the European Society of Cardiology recommendation criteria (Sitbon criteria) and traditional application criteria (Barst criteria), were used to evaluate the test results.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Thirty-nine cases of children with suspected IPAH underwent cardiac catheterization. In 4 patients IPAH was excluded; 4 patients developed pulmonary hypertension crisis. The other 31 patients received standard cardiac catheterization and pulmonary vasoreactivity testing. Baseline mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was (66 ± 16) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) (17 ± 8) Wood U · m². After inhalation of pure oxygen, mPAP fell to (59 ± 16) mmHg, and PVRI to (14 ± 8) Wood U · m² (t = 4.88 and 4.56, both P < 0.001) . After inhalation of PGI2, mPAP fell to (49 ± 21) mmHg, and PVRI to (12 ± 9) Wood U · m² (t = 7.04 and 6.33, both P < 0.001). According to the Sitbon criteria, the proportion of pure oxygen responders was 6.5% (3/31) , while PGI2 responders was 35.5%, and the difference was significant (P = 0.004). According to the Barst criteria, the proportion of pure oxygen responders was 16.1% (5/31), while PGI2 responders was 51.6% (16/31), and the difference was significant (χ² = 0.09, P = 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For children with IPAH, cardiac catheterization combined with pulmonary vasoreactivity testing has important value in differential diagnosis, severity estimation, and treatment (including the emergency treatment) choices. Pulmonary hypertension crisis is an important complication of cardiac catheterization in pediatric IPAH. Younger age, general anesthesia, crisis history, and poor heart function are important risk factors for pulmonary hypertension crisis. PGI2 is a relatively ideal agent for vasoreactivity testing in children with IPAH, which has more responders than traditionally used pure oxygen.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>of responders are not completely consistent using different criteria, and comprehensive evaluation should be done according to the goals of treatment in clinical practice.</p>

Comparison of transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization for assessing pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with congenital or valvular heart defects

Although right heart catheterization [RHC] has acceptable accuracy for the measurement of pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP], significant risks and cost issues are worrisome. Thus, a non-invasive technique such as echocardiography for assessing PAP would clearly be of great clinical value. We aimed to compare estimated systolic PAP [SPAP] by echocardiogram with the actual RHC measurements in the two groups of congenital and valvular heart diseases [CHD and VHD, respectively], in whom pulmonary hypertension [PHT] was clinically suspected. A total of 103 consecutive patients with confirmed CHD or VHD referred to our center between January and December 2009 were studied. Participants underwent transthoracic echocardiogaphy and RHC within 4 hours of each other. The mean SPAP in the CHD group was no different measured by RHC or echo [46.49 +/- 29.04 vs. 46.45 +/- 23 mmHg, p = 0.541]. The mean SPAP in the VHD group measured by RHC was significantly higher than that measured by echo [48.70 +/- 14.50 vs. 44.90 +/- 11.0 mmHg, p = 0.041]. Fifty-one [49.5%] patients were found to have PHT at RHC. Echocardiography correctly identified 48 of these patients [sensitivity=94.1%]. Nineteen of the 52 patients without PHT on RHC were correctly identified by echocardiography [specificity= 36.5%]. The positive and negative predictive values for echocardiography in assessing the presence or absence of PHT were 59.3% and 86.4%, respectively. Integration of hemodynamic data with the eho examination can appropriately provide comprehensive assessment of PHT with high sensitivity in individual patients with congenital or valvular heart defects

Correlação da função diastólica com a capacidade máxima de exercício ao teste ergométrico / Correlation between diastolic function and maximal exercise capacity on exercise test / Correlación de la función diastólica con la capacidad máxima de ejercicio al test ergométrico

FUNDAMENTO: O aumento da pressão de capilar pulmonar (PCP) é um dos mecanismos de intolerância ao exercício. A avaliação da função diastólica pelo ecocardiograma (ECO) é capaz de estimar a PCP. OBJETIVO: Identificar variáveis determinantes da capacidade de exercício em paciente submetidos a teste ergométrico (TE) de rotina, ECO convencional e doppler tecidual (DT). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 640 pacientes submetidos a TE e ao ECO e DT. Pacientes com fração de ejeção < 55 por cento foram excluídos. As velocidades de Doppler mitral convencional foram obtidas em diástole precoce (E) e diástole tardia (A), e o DT do anel mitral mediu as velocidades de diástole precoce (e’) e diástole tardia (a’). E/e’ > 10 foi considerada uma estimativa de aumento da PCP. A capacidade máxima de esforço foi avaliada pelo número de equivalentes metabólicos (MET). Para análise, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: MET < 7 (n = 48) e MET > 7 (n = 572). O escore de Morise demonstrou uma população de baixo risco (60 por cento) para doença coronária (DAC). RESULTADOS: O número de pacientes com E/e’ > 10 foi significativamente maior no grupo MET < 7 em relação a MET > 7(41,7 por cento vs 9,4 por cento, p = 0,001), bem como a presença de algum grau de disfunção diastólica (76,6 por cento vs 34,1 por cento p = 0,001). Pela análise de regressão logística, as variáveis independentes de baixa capacidade de exercício (MET < 7) foram a idade, o sexo feminino e a velocidade de A (diástole tardia). CONCLUSÃO: A disfunção diastólica determinada pelo ECO, sexo feminino e idade estão associados com a menor capacidade de exercício em uma população de baixo risco de DAC.

BACKGROUND: Increased pulmonary capillary pressure (PCP) is one of the mechanisms of exercise intolerance. Assessment of the diastolic function by echocardiography (ECHO) enables estimation of PCP. OBJECTIVE: To identify variables that determine the exercise capacity in patients undergoing routine exercise test (ET), conventional ECHO, and tissue Doppler imaging (TD). METHODS: A total of 640 patients undergoing ET, ECHO, and TD were retrospectively studied. Patients with ejection fraction < 55 percent were excluded. Mitral annulus velocities by conventional Doppler imaging were obtained in early diastole (E) and late diastole (A), and TD of the mitral annulus measured early diastole (e’) and late diastole (a’) velocities. E/e’ > 10 was considered an estimate of increased PCP. Maximal exercise capacity was analyzed by the number of metabolic equivalents (MET). The patients were divided into two groups for analysis: MET<7 (n=48) and MET>7 (n=572). Morise score showed a population at low risk (60 percent) for coronary artery disease (CAD). RESULTS: The number of patients with E/e’ > 10 was significantly higher in the MET < 7 group in relation to the MET > 7 group (41.7 percent vs 9.4 percent, p=0.001), and so was the presence of any degree of diastolic dysfunction (76.6 percent vs 34.1 percent p=0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, age, female gender and A velocity (late diastole) were the independent variables related to a low exercise capacity (MET < 7). CONCLUSION: Diastolic dysfunction as determined by ECHO, female gender, and age are associated with a lower exercise capacity in a population at low risk for CAD.

FUNDAMENTO: El aumento de la presión de capilar pulmonar (PCP) es uno de los mecanismos de intolerancia al ejercicio. La evaluación de la función diastólica por el ecocardiograma (ECO) es capaz de estimar la PCP. OBJETIVO: Identificar variables determinantes de la capacidad de ejercicio en paciente sometido a test ergométrico (TE) de rutina, ECO convencional y doppler tisular (DT). MÉTODOS: Fueron estudiados, retrospectivamente, 640 pacientes sometidos a TE y al ECO y DT. Pacientes con fracción de eyección < 55 por ciento fueron excluidos. Las velocidades de Doppler mitral convencional fueron obtenidas en diástole precoz (E) y diástole tardía (A), y el DT del anillo mitral midió las velocidades de diástole precoz (e') y diástole tardía (a'). E/e' > 10 fue considerada una estimativa de aumento de la PCP. La capacidad máxima de esfuerzo fue evaluada por el número de equivalentes metabólicos (MET). Para análisis, los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: MET < 7 (n = 48) y MET > 7 (n = 572). El escore de Morise demostró una población de bajo riesgo (60 por ciento) para enfermedad coronaria (EAC). RESULTADOS: EL número de pacientes con E/e' > 10 fue significativamente mayor en el grupo MET < 7 en relación a MET > 7(41,7 por ciento vs 9,4 por ciento, p = 0,001), así como la presencia de algún grado de disfunción diastólica (76,6 por ciento vs 34,1 por ciento p = 0,001). Por el análisis de regresión logística, las variables independientes de baja capacidad de ejercicio (MET < 7) fueron la edad, el sexo femenino y la velocidad de A (diástole tardía). CONCLUSIONES: La disfunción diastólica determinada por el ECO, sexo femenino y edad están asociados con la menor capacidad de ejercicio en una población de bajo riesgo de EAC.

Adenosine for pulmonary vasodilator testing in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The assessment of pulmonary vascular reactivity plays an important role in the management of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). The aim of this study was to explore the indications and methodology of pulmonary vasodilator testing in children with IPAH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2009 to June 2011, a cohort of pediatric patients with IPAH in WHO functional classes II to III were enrolled in the study. Right heart catheterization was performed in all patients. After baseline hemodynamics were obtained, adenosine infusions were started at a dose of 50 µg/(kg·min), increased by 25 µg/(kg·min) at 2 min intervals to a maximum of 250 µg/(kg·min) or until a positive acute response.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 15 patients with IPAH were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 6.3 yrs. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was (67.1 ± 15.9) mm Hg. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was (9.7 ± 2.9) mm Hg. Pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) was (17.9 ± 7.5) Wood U·m(2). Three patients were responders, defined as a fall in mPAP of at least 10 mm Hg to a pressure level of 40 mm Hg or lower. Twelve patients were nonresponders according to the same criteria. Five out of the 15 patients experienced adverse effects, including chest discomfort (n = 1), systemic hypotension (n = 3) and bradycardia (n = 1). All side effects abated within 30-60 s of the discontinuation of the adenosine infusion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Adenosine is an effective vasodilator in children with IPAH and can be used for safe and rapid assessment of vasodilator reserve in these patients.</p>

Hemodynamic parameters obtained by transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization: a comparative study in patients with pulmonary hypertension / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hemodynamic evaluation is crucial for the management of patients with pulmonary hypertention. Clinicians often prefer a rapid and non-invasive method. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography for the measurements of hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective single-center study was conducted among 42 patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by different diseases. Transthoracic echocardiography and right-heart catheterization were performed within 24 hours. Pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic and mean pressure (PASP, PADP and PAMP), cardiac output (CO), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured by both methods. A linear correlation and a Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare the two groups of hemodynamic parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A good correlation was found between invasive and non-invasive measurements for PASP (r = 0.96), PADP (r = 0.85), PAMP (r = 0.88), CO (r = 0.82), and PCWP (r = 0.81). Further agreement analysis done by the Bland-Altman method showed that bias and a 95% confidence interval for PASP, PADP, and CO were clinically acceptable while great discrepancies existed for PAMP and PCWP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The non-invasive measurements by PASP, PADP, and CO in patients with pulmonary hypertension correlate well with the invasive determinations. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was inappropriate for estimating PCWP and PAMP.</p>

Patterns of renal dopamine release to regulate diuresis and natriuresis during volume expansion: Role of renal monoamine-oxidase / Perfiles de secreción de dopamina renal en la expansión de volumen para regular diuresis y natriuresis: Rol de la monoaminoxidasa renal

Diuretic and natriuretic effects of renal dopamine (DA) are well established. However, in volume expansion the pattern of renal DA release into urine (U DA V) and the role of enzymes involved in DA synthesis/degradation have not yet been defined. The objective was to determine the pattern of U DA V during volume expansion and to characterize the involvement of monoamine-oxidase (MAO) and aromatic amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) in this response. In this study male Wistar rats were expanded with NaCl 0.9% at a rate of 5% BWt per hour. At the beginning of expansion three groups received a single drug injection as follows: C (vehicle, Control), IMAO (MAO inhibitor Pargyline, 20 mg/kg BWt, i.v.) and BNZ (AADC inhibitor Benserazide, 25 mg/kg BWt, i.v.). Results revealed that in C rats U DA V (ng/30 min/100g BWt) increased in the first 30 min expansion from 11.5 ± 1.20 to 21.8 ± 3.10 (p < 0.05) and decreased thereafter. IMAO showed a similar pattern but significantly higher than C at 30 min expansion (32.5 ± 2.20, p < 0.05). IMAO greatly reduced MAO activity from 8.29 ± 0.35 to 1.1 ± 0.03 nmol/mg tissue/hour and significantly increased diuresis and natriuresis over controls. BNZ abolished the early U DA V peak to 3.2±0.72 (p < 0.01) and though, U DA V increased over C after 60 min expansion, natriuresis and diuresis were diminished by BNZ treatment. Results indicate that an increment in renal DA release into urine occurs early in expansion and in a peak-shaped way. In this response MAO plays a predominant role.

La dopamina (DA) intrarrenal ejerce efectos diuréticos y natriuréticos. Sin embargo, en los estado de expansión de volumen aún no está bien definido el patrón de liberación de dopamina renal hacia la orina y si cumplen un rol las enzimas involucradas en la síntesis o degradación de la amina. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el patrón de excreción urinaria de DA (U DA V) durante la expansión de volumen, caracterizando la participación de las enzimas monoaminooxidasa (MAO) y decarboxilasa de aminoácidos aromáticos (AADC) en esta respuesta. Para ello ratas Wistar macho fueron expandidas de volumen con NaCl 0.9% al 5% del peso corporal por hora durante dos horas y divididas en tres grupos, los que al comienzo de la expansión recibieron: C (vehículo, Control), IMAO (Pargilina, inhibidor de MAO, 20 mg/kg PC, i.v.) y BNZ (Benserazida, inhibidor de AADC, 25 mg/kg PC, i.v.). Se observó que en C la U DA V (ng/30min/100gPC) aumentó durante los primeros 30 minutos de expansión de 11.5 ± 1.20 a 21.8 ± 3.10 (p < 0.05), disminuyendo posteriormente. IMAO mostró un patrón de liberación similar pero significativamente mayor que C a los 30 min de expansión (32.5 ± 2.20, p < 0.05). En este grupo la actividad de MAO disminuyó de 8.29 ± 0.35 a 1.1 ± 0.03 nmol/mg tejido/hora y aumentaron la diuresis y natriuresis por sobre los controles. En BNZ, el pico de U DA V observado a los 30 min de la expansión disminuyó a 3.2 ± 0.72 (p < 0.01), aunque luego de 60 minutos fue mayor que en C. BNZ disminuyó tanto la diuresis como la natriuresis. Podemos concluir que al comienzo de la expansión de volumen se produce un pico de excreción de dopamina renal hacia la orina. La enzima MAO juega un rol fundamental en esta respuesta.

Frequency of severe mitral stenosis in young female patients having pure mitral stenosis secondary to rheumatic heart disease

High morbidity and mortality due to Rheumatic heart disease [RHD] associated with females is mainly because of late diagnosis on one hand and socioeconomic reasons on the other hand. Poor referral to tertiary care centres leads to delayed diagnosis which results in complications. The objectives of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to assess the frequency of severe mitral stenosis in woman of child bearing age, having pure mitral stenosis [MS] secondary to rheumatic heart disease. Two hundred and fifty women of child bearing age with RHD were enrolled in the study using consecutive non-probability sampling technique. Out of these 250 patients, cases of pure MS were selected. Patients with associated mitral regurgitation and aortic valve disease were excluded. After admission, assessment of mitral valve stenosis was done with 2D colour Doppler echocardiography. Out of 250 consecutive patients of rheumatic carditis, 110 [44%] patients had pure mitral valve stenosis, 85 [34%] had stenosis with mitral regurgitation and 55 [22%] patients had both mitral and aortic valve problem of varying severity. Among 110 patients with pure mitral valve stenosis, 48 [43.6%] had severe mitral valve stenosis. Severe mitral valve gradient [MVG] and high pulmonary artery pressure [PAP] was observed in 66 [60%] and 49 [44.5%] of the patients respectively. This high frequency can be linked to lack of early detection of the disease at primary level, poor management of throat infections and poor rheumatic fever prophylaxis at community level

Quantas medidas de pressões respiratórias são necessárias para se obterem medidas máximas em pacientes com tetraplegia? / ¿Cuántas medidas de presiones respiratorias son necesarias para obtener mediciones máximas en pacientes con tetraplejia? / How many maneuvers of respiratory pressures are required to obtain maximal values in patients with quadriplegia?

INTRODUÇÃO: pressões inspiratórias (PImax) ou expiratórias (PEmax) máximas constituem um método simples e não-invasivo para avaliação da força de músculos respiratórios e auxiliam a identificação de fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios, presente em diversas doenças e situações clínicas, como a tetraplegia. OBJETIVO: avaliar o número de manobras necessárias para atingir as pressões máximas em pacientes com tetraplegia. MÉTODOS: oito pacientes com tetraplegia (sete homens), média de idade de 37,8±11,96 anos, com diagnóstico de lesão raquimedular cervical completa realizaram 10 medidas de PImax e PEmax nas posições sentada e deitada, totalizando 320 medidas. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste de Wilcoxon (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: as medidas obtidas na primeira e décima medidas de PImax na posição sentada variaram de 74,1±15,1 a 74,8±19,8 cmH2O e de PEmax de 32,4±6,8 a 32,4±9,0 cmH2O; na posição deitada, de 76,5±18,6 a 91,1±13,3 cmH2O (p<0,05) e de 32,5±5,8 a 32,9±5,1 cmH2O, respectivamente. Os resultados das 3 e 5 primeiras medidas com 10 medidas de PImax na posição sentada foram 81,1±19,5 cmH2O; 81,5±18,8 cmH2O e 83,0±18,9 cmH2O e de PEmax 35,0±8,2 cmH2O; 35,3±7,9 cmH2O e 36,8±8,0 cmH2O. A PImax na posição deitada foi 90,3±17,8 cmH2O; 94,6±16,0 cmH2O e 97,4±17,8 cmH2O (p<0,05) e a PEmax 33,3±5,8 cmH2O; 35,6±5,4 cmH2O e 36,9±4,9 cmH2O). O maior valor foi observado a partir da sexta medida em 40 por cento dos testes. CONCLUSÃO: Para obtenção de valores máximos de pressões respiratórias em pacientes com tetraplegia, é necessária a repetição de ao menos dez medidas em cada avaliação.

INTRODUCTION: maximum inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressures are a simple non-invasive method for evaluation of respiratory muscle strength that helps in the identification of muscle weakness, usually present in several diseases and clinical situations, such as quadriplegia. Objective: to assess the number of maneuvers needed to achieve maximum pressures in patients with quadriplegia. METHODS: eight quadriplegic patients (seven men) with mean age range of 37.8±11.96 years old and diagnosed with complete spinal cord lesion were submitted to ten measurements of PImax and PEmax in both seated and supine positions, totalizing 320 measurements. Data were compared by using the Wilcoxon's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: the 1st and 10th measurements of PImax and PEmax for seated position ranged from 74.1±15.1 to 74.8±19.8 cmH2O and 32.4±6.8 to 32.4±9.0 cmH2O, respectively; whereas for supine position these measurements ranged from 76.5±18.6 to 91.1±13.3 cmH2O (p<0.05) and 32.5±5.8 to 32.9±5.1 cmH2O, respectively. The results regarding the 3rd and 5th measurements of PImax for seated position were 81.1±19.5 cmH2O, 81.5±18.8 cmH2O, and 83.0±18.9 cmH2O; whereas PEmax had 35.0±8.2 cmH2O; 35.3±7.9 cmH2O, and 36.8±8.0 cmH2O. PImax values for seated position were 90.3±17.8 cmH2O, 94.6±16.0 cmH2O, and 97.4±17.8 cmH2O (p<0.05), whereas PEmax resulted in 33.3±5.8 cmH2O, 35.6±5.4 cmH2O, and 36.9±4.9 cmH2O). The highest value occurred from the sixth measurement in 40 percent of the tests. CONCLUSION: as to obtain maximum values for respiratory pressures in quadriplegic patients, it is necessary to repeat each measurement at least ten times.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las presiones inspiratorias (PImáx) y espiratorias (PEmáx) máximas constituyen un método simple y no invasivo para evaluar la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios, y ayudan a identificar la debilidad de los músculos respiratorios presente en diferentes enfermedades y situaciones clínicas, como la tetraplejía. Objetivo: evaluar el número de maniobras necesarias para llegar a las presiones máximas en pacientes con tetraplejía. MÉTODOS: fueron incluidos ocho pacientes con tetraplejía (siete hombres), con edad media de 37,8±11,96 años y diagnóstico de lesión cervical raquis medular completa, a lo que se le realizo diez mediciones de PImáx y PEmáx en posición sentado y acostado, totalizando 320 mediciones. Los datos fueron comparados por el test de Wilcoxon (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: las medidas obtenidas en la primera y decima medición en posición sentada variaron de 74,1±15,1 a 74,8±19,8 cmH2O para PImáx y de 32,4±6,8 a 32,4±9,0 cmH2O para PEmáx; y en posición acostada de 76,5±18,6 a 91,1±13,3 cmH2O (p<0,05) y de 32,5±5,8 a 32,9±5,1 cmH2O, respectivamente. Los resultados en posición sentada de PImáx de las tres y cinco primeras mediciones de las diez mediciones fueron 81,1±19,5 cmH2O; 81,5±18,8 cmH2O y 83,0±18,9 cmH2O; y de PEmáx 35,0±8,2 cmH2O; 35,3±7,9 cmH2O e 36,8±8,0 cmH2O. La PImáx en posición acostada fue de 90,3±17,8 cmH2O; 94,6±16,0 cmH2O y 97,4±17,8 cmH2O (p<0,05) y la PEmáx fue de 33,3±5,8 cmH2O; 35,6±5,4 cmH2O y 36,9±4,9 cmH2O. El mayor valor ocurrió a partir de la sexta medida en el 40 por ciento de los testes. CONCLUSIÓN: para obtener valores máximos de presiones respiratorias en pacientes con tetraplejía, es necesario repetir por lo menos diez veces las mediciones en cada evaluación.

Rol del ecocardiograma en el estudio de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Role of echocardiography in the study of pulmonary arterial hypertension

La presencia de una presión arterial pulmonar media >25 mmHg en reposo y >30 mmHg en ejercicio, con una presión en cuña igual o menor de 15 mmHg y una resistencia vascular pulmonar >3 mmHg /L/ min (Uds. Wood) condiciona una entidad clínica heterogenea denominada hipertensión arterial pulmonar que tiene un amplio rango de causas o enfermedades que llevan a cambios estructurales de las pequeñas arterias pulmonares ocasionando un aumento progresivo de la presión arterial pulmonar y de la resistensia vascular pulmonar, produciendo finalmente una sobrecarga del ventrículo derecho, insuficiencia cardíaca y muerte. Es una entidad clínica con síntomas muy inespecíficos en sus etapas más tempranas y se necesita un buen criterio clínico para llegar a su diagnóstico más rápidamente. En este sentido es que adquiere valor el uso de la ecocardiografía, método que permitirá o solo cuantificar los valores de presión arterial pulmonar, sino también determinar la causa del problema, una adecuada evaluación anatómica y funcional del lecho pulmonar y de las cavidades derechas del corazón, predecir el pronostico de estos pacientes y vigilar el efecto terapéutico de tratamientos muy específicos al ayudar a detectar estados preclínicos de la enfermedad. Revisamos la utilidad y el papel del ecocardiograma en el estudio de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar.

The presence of Medium Arterial Pulmonary Pressure >25 mmHg at rest or >30mmHg during exercise associated with a wedge pulmonary pressure equal or less than 15mmHg, and a Pulmonary Vascular Resistance > 3 mmHg/L/min (Wood units) entails a heterogeneous clinical entity known as Pulmonary Arterial Hipertension which has a very wide spectrum of causes or diseases which produce estructural changes in the walls of the small pulmonary arteries causing a progressive increase of the arterial pulmonary pressure as well as the pulmonary vascular resistence, ultimately producing right ventricular overload, heart failure and death. It is a clinical entitywith very unspecific symptoms at the early stages. Wich makes the physician´s good clinical criteria needed to diagnose itsooner. In this way comes to great value the use of echocardiography, method that would allow not only to measure the arterial pulmonary pressure but would help to carify the cause of the disease, getting an adequate anatomical and funtional evaluation of the pulmonary bed and right heart chambers, predict the outcome in these patients by detecting pre-clinic stages of the disease. We reviewed the utility and role of the Echocardiogram in the study of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.