Practical Approach to Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract Acute cardiac injury is associated with higher mortality in patients with the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the exact etiology can be challenging to diagnose in the emergency setting during the pandemic. From a pathophysiological perspective, SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) that leads to systemic inflammation and consequent increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) caused by atheromatous plaque rupture and significant myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 tropism to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system through the ACE2 receptor induces myocarditis that may rapidly progress to left ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability. Myocardial inflammation with pericardial involvement, i.e. , myopericarditis, can progress to cardiac tamponade and obstructive shock. These cardiovascular complications, which are associated with a worse prognosis and higher mortality, can be associated with clinical manifestations, electrocardiographic changes, and troponin values similar to AMI. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute chest pain and dyspnea admitted to the emergency department is a significant challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we provide a review of the literature focusing on a practical approach to acute coronary syndrome patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Dor torácica na emergência: quando pensar em síndrome de Takotsubo? / Emergency chest pain: when to think about Takotsubo syndrome?

A síndrome de Takotsubo é uma cardiomiopatia induzida por estresse, caracterizada por disfunção transitória do ventrículo esquerdo. Essa disfunção pode ser confundida com infarto agudo miocárdio na sala de emergência por ter características clínicas semelhantes ­ principalmente a dor torácica. A fisiopatologia ainda não é bem definida, mas está associada à deficiência de estrogênio e ao aumento de catecolaminas que estimulam o acoplamento dos receptores beta-2 do coração, o que resulta em atividade inotrópica negativa, levando à disfunção contrátil do ventrículo esquerdo. As enzimas cardíacas alteradas dificultam ainda mais o diagnóstico da síndrome de Takotsubo. O exame padrão-ouro, que diferencia a síndrome de Takotsubo do infarto agudo do miocárdio, é a angiografia coronariana. Uma das opções na emergência é o ecocardiograma na beira do leito. Além disso, os critérios de Mayo devem ser usados para diagnosticar a síndrome de Takotsubo. É importante, para o profissional que trabalha no pronto-socorro, ter a síndrome de Takotsubo como diagnóstico diferencial na dor torácica.

Takotsubo syndrome is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by a transient left ventricular dysfunction. This dysfunction can be confused with acute myocardial infarction in the emergency room as it has similar clinical characteristics, especially chest pain. Its pathophysiology is not yet well defined, but is associated with estrogen deficiency and increased catecholamines that stimulate the coupling of cardiac beta-2 receptors, resulting in negative inotropic activity and leading to contractile dysfunction of the left ventricle. Altered cardiac enzymes make the diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome even more difficult. The gold standard exam that will differentiate Takotsubo syndrome from acute myocardial infarction is coronary angiography. One of the options in the emergency room is bedside echocardiography. In addition, Mayo criteria should be used to diagnose Takotsubo syndrome. Professionals working in the emergency room shall have Takotsubo syndrome as a differential diagnosis in chest pain.

Valor Prognóstico da Troponina T e do Peptídeo Natriurético Tipo B em Pacientes Internados por COVID-19 / Prognostic Value of Troponin-T and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19

Resumo Fundamento: A COVID-19 causa grave acometimento pulmonar, porém o sistema cardiovascular também pode ser afetado por miocardite, insuficiência cardíaca e choque. A elevação de biomarcadores cardíacos tem sido associada a um pior prognóstico. Objetivos: Avaliar o valor prognóstico da Troponina T (TnT) e do peptídeo natriurético tipo B (BNP) em pacientes internados por Covid-19. Métodos: Amostra de conveniência de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Foram coletados dados dos prontuários com o objetivo de avaliar a relação da TnT e o BNP medidos nas primeiras 24h de admissão com o desfecho combinado (DC) óbito ou necessidade de ventilação mecânica. Análise univariada comparou os grupos com e sem DC. Modelo multivariado de Cox foi utilizada para determinar preditores independentes do DC. Resultados: Avaliamos 183 pacientes (idade=66,8±17 anos, sendo 65,6% do sexo masculino). Tempo de acompanhamento foi de 7 dias (1 a 39 dias). O DC ocorreu em 24% dos pacientes. As medianas de TnT e BNP foram 0,011 e 0,041 ng/dl (p<0,001); 64 e 198 pg/dl (p<0,001) respectivamente para os grupos sem e com DC. Na análise univariada, além de TnT e BNP, idade, presença de doença coronariana, saturação de oxigênio, linfócitos, dímero-D, proteína C reativa titulada (PCR-t) e creatinina, foram diferentes entre os grupos com e sem desfechos. Na análise multivariada boostraped apenas TnT (1,12[IC95%1,03-1,47]) e PCR-t (1,04[IC95%1,00-1,10]) foram preditores independentes do DC. Conclusão: Nas primeiras 24h de admissão, TnT, mas não o BNP, foi marcador independente de mortalidade ou necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Este dado reforça ainda mais a importância clínica do acometimento cardíaco da COVID-19. (AArq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(4):660-666)

Abstract Background: COVID-19 causes severe pulmonary involvement, but the cardiovascular system can also be affected by myocarditis, heart failure and shock. The increase in cardiac biomarkers has been associated with a worse prognosis. Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of Troponin-T (TNT) and natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients hospitalized for Covid-19. Methods: This was a convenience sample of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Data were collected from medical records to assess the association of TnT and BNP measured in the first 24 hours of hospital admission with the combined outcome (CO) of death or need for mechanical ventilation. Univariate analysis was used to compare the groups with and without the CO. Cox's multivariate model was used to determine independent predictors of the CO. Results: We evaluated 183 patients (age = 66.8±17 years, 65.6% of which were males). The time of follow-up was 7 days (range 1 to 39 days). The CO occurred in 24% of the patients. The median troponin-T and BNP levels were 0.011 and 0.041ng/dL (p <0.001); 64 and 198 pg/dL (p <0.001), respectively, for the groups without and with the CO. In the univariate analysis, in addition to TnT and BNP, age, presence of coronary disease, oxygen saturation, lymphocytes, D-dimer, t-CRP and creatinine, were different between groups with and without outcomes. In the bootstrap multivariate analysis, only TnT (1.12 [95% CI 1.03-1.47]) and t-CRP (1.04 [95% CI 1.00-1.10]) were independent predictors of the CO. Conclusion: In the first 24h of admission, TnT, but not BNP, was an independent marker of mortality or need for invasive mechanical ventilation. This finding further reinforces the clinical importance of cardiac involvement in COVID-19. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(4):660-666)

Diagnóstico diferencial de pericardite aguda no infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de segmento ST: relato de caso / Differential diagnosis of acute pericarditis in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: case report

A pericardite é um processo inflamatório do pericárdio de múltiplas causas, sendo a infecção viral a mais comum. O infarto agudo do miocárdio é um dos principais diagnósticos diferenciais. O objetivo deste artigo foi relatar um caso de pericardite aguda com supradesnivelamento de segmento ST. Os dados foram coletados em um hospital de ensino do Estado de Minas Gerais. O paciente era do sexo masculino, tinha 24 anos e era negro. Foi encaminhado ao serviço médico terciário devido à hipótese de síndrome coronariana aguda com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Nos exames do serviço médico de origem, apresentava supradesnivelamento do segmento ST de caráter difuso simultaneamente em paredes inferior e anterior, e alteração da isoenzima MB da creatina quinase de 100ng/mL e troponina I de 21ng/mL. No momento da admissão, encontrava-se em bom estado geral, afebril, estável hemodinamicamente e sem queixa de dor. Referiu que 4 dias antes da admissão, apresentou febre, mal-estar geral, odinofagia e tratamento de amigdalite. Os exames da admissão demonstravam ritmo sinusal, frequência cardíaca de 75bpm, supradesnivelamento de ST em D2, D3, aVF, V1 a V6, isoenzima MB da creatina quinase de 152ng/mL, troponina I de 1,28ng/mL, hemograma normal; ecocardiograma mostrou pericárdio de aspecto anatômico normal e fração de ejeção de 64%. O diagnóstico foi de pericardite aguda de provável etiologia infecciosa. O tratamento foi realizado com ibuprofeno por 7 dias e colchicina por 3 meses. Paciente evoluiu com alta hospitalar após 5 dias. O diagnóstico correto proporcionou a condução adequada do caso, permitindo a redução dos custos hospitalares e eliminando riscos de procedimentos desnecessários. (AU)

Pericarditis is an inflammatory process of the pericardium of multiple causes, being the most common viral infection. Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main differential diagnoses. The objective of this article was to report a case of acute pericarditis with ST-segment elevation. Data were collected at a teaching hospital in the state of Minas Gerais. The patient was a man of 24 years, black. He was referred to the tertiary medical service due to the hypothesis of Acute Coronary Syndrome with ST-segment elevation. In the tests from the medical service of origin, there was diffuse ST-segment elevation, simultaneously on lower and anterior walls, and a change in the Creatinine Kinase MB Isoenzyme of 100ng/ml, and troponin I of 21ng/ml. At the time of admission, he was in good general condition, afebrile, hemodynamically stable, with no complaint of pain. He said that 4 days before admission he had fever, malaise, odynophagia, and treatment for tonsillitis. The admission tests showed sinus rhythm, heart rate of 75bpm, ST-elevation in D2, D3, aVF, V1 to V6, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase of 152ng/ml, troponin I of 1.28ng/ml, normal complete blood count; echocardiogram showed pericardium of normal anatomical aspect and ejection fraction of 64%. The diagnosis was acute pericarditis of probable infectious etiology. Treatment was performed with ibuprofen for seven days, and colchicine for three months. The patient was discharged from hospital after 5 days. The correct diagnosis provided adequate case management, allowing for reduced hospital costs, and eliminating risks of unnecessary procedures. (AU)

Mean platelet volume as a prognostic factor for venous thromboembolic disease / Volumen plaquetario medio como factor pronóstico de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa

ABSTRACT Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Aim: To evaluate the association between high MPV and 90-day mortality after an episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort of 594 patients with a median age of 73 years (58% women) with a first episode VTE, included in an institutional Thromboembolic Disease registry between 2014 and 2015. MPV values were obtained from the automated blood cell count measured at the moment of VTE diagnosis. Volumes ≥ 11 fL were classified as high. All patients were followed for 90 days to assess survival. Results: The main comorbidities were cancer in 221 patients (37%), sepsis in 172 (29%) and coronary artery disease in 107 (18%). Median MPV was 8 fl (8-9), brain natriuretic peptide 2,000 pg/ml (1,025-3,900) and troponin 40 pg/ml (19.5-75). Overall mortality was 20% (121/594) during the 90 days of follow-up. Thirty three deaths occurred within 7 days and 43 within the first month. The loss of patients from follow-up was 5% (28/594) at 90 days. Mortality among patients with high MP was 36% (23/63). The crude mortality hazard ratio (HR) for high MPV was 2.2 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.4-3.5). When adjusted for sepsis, oncological disease, heart disease, kidney failure and surgery, the mortality HR of high MPV was 2.4 (CI95% 1.5-3.9) in the VTE group, 2.3 (CI95% 1.5-4.4) in the deep venous thrombosis group, and 2.9 (CI95% 1.6 −5.6) in the pulmonary embolism group. Conclusions: High MPV is an independent risk factor for mortality following an episode of VTE.

Antecedentes: El volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) es un factor de riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares y enfermedades inflamatorias. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre VPM alto y la mortalidad a los 90 días después de un episodio de tromboembolismo venoso (ETV). Material y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de 594 pacientes adultos con una edad media de 73 años (58% mujeres) con un primer episodio de ETV incluidos en un registro de enfermedad tromboembólica institucional entre 2014 y 2015. Se obtuvieron valores de VPM desde el hemograma tomado en el momento del diagnóstico de ETV y un volumen ≥ 11 fL fue clasificado como alto. Todos los pacientes fueron seguidos durante 90 días para determinar sobrevida. Resultados: Las comorbilidades fueron cáncer en 221 pacientes (37%), sepsis en 172 (29%) y enfermedad coronaria en 107 (18%). La mediana de VPM fue 8 fl (89), el péptido natriurético cerebral fue de 2.000 pg/ml (1.025-3.900) y la troponina fue de 40 pg/ml (19,5-75). La mortalidad global a 90 días fue 20% (121/594). Treinta y tres muertes ocurrieron dentro de los 7 días y 43 en el primer mes. La pérdida de seguimiento de pacientes fue de 5% (28/594) a los 90 días. La mortalidad en el grupo con VPM alto fue 36% (23/63). La razón de riesgo (HR) cruda de la mortalidad para un VPM alto fue de 2,2 (intervalos de confianza (IC) de 95% 1,4-3,5). Cuando se ajustó por sepsis, enfermedad oncológica, enfermedad cardíaca, insuficiencia renal y cirugía, la HR de muerte para un VPM alto fue de 2,4 (IC95% 1,5-3,9) en el grupo de ETV; 2,3 (IC95% 1,5-4,4) en el grupo de trombosis venosa profunda; y 2,9 (CI95% 1,6 −5,6) en el grupo de embolia pulmonar. Conclusiones: Un VPM alto es un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad después de un episodio de ETV.

Changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 levels in children with fulminant myocarditis during continuous blood purification

Summary Objective: To investigate the changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 (CMLC-1) levels in children with fulminant myocarditis (FM) during continuous blood purification (CBP), as well as to analyze its correlation with other laboratory indexes. Method: Twenty-four (24) children with FM who underwent CBP were enrolled. Before and during treatment (48 and 72 hours after treatment, or death), the optical density value of serum CMLC-1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and then the serum CMLC-1 concentration was calculated. The correlations between CMLC-1 OD value change and laboratory indexes including creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin, myohemoglobin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were analyzed. Results: The serum CMLC-1 concentration significantly increased in the children with FM and decreased obviously during CBP therapy. In the same period, the change of CMLC-1 concentration were positively correlated with creatine kinase-MB (r=0.528), troponin (r=0.726), myohemoglobin (r=0.702), and NT-proBNP levels (r=0.589). Conclusion: The serum CMLC-1 concentration increases significantly in children with FM, but CBP therapy can effectively control this increase.

A Multivariate Model for Prediction of Obstructive Coronary Disease in Patients with Acute Chest Pain: Development and Validation / Um Modelo Multivariado para Predição de Doença Coronariana Obstrutiva em Pacientes com Dor Torácica Aguda: Desenvolvimento e Validação

Abstract Background: Currently, there is no validated multivariate model to predict probability of obstructive coronary disease in patients with acute chest pain. Objective: To develop and validate a multivariate model to predict coronary artery disease (CAD) based on variables assessed at admission to the coronary care unit (CCU) due to acute chest pain. Methods: A total of 470 patients were studied, 370 utilized as the derivation sample and the subsequent 100 patients as the validation sample. As the reference standard, angiography was required to rule in CAD (stenosis ≥ 70%), while either angiography or a negative noninvasive test could be used to rule it out. As predictors, 13 baseline variables related to medical history, 14 characteristics of chest discomfort, and eight variables from physical examination or laboratory tests were tested. Results: The prevalence of CAD was 48%. By logistic regression, six variables remained independent predictors of CAD: age, male gender, relief with nitrate, signs of heart failure, positive electrocardiogram, and troponin. The area under the curve (AUC) of this final model was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.75 - 0.84) in the derivation sample and 0.86 (95%CI = 0.79 - 0.93) in the validation sample. Hosmer-Lemeshow's test indicated good calibration in both samples (p = 0.98 and p = 0.23, respectively). Compared with a basic model containing electrocardiogram and troponin, the full model provided an AUC increment of 0.07 in both derivation (p = 0.0002) and validation (p = 0.039) samples. Integrated discrimination improvement was 0.09 in both derivation (p < 0.001) and validation (p < 0.0015) samples. Conclusion: A multivariate model was derived and validated as an accurate tool for estimating the pretest probability of CAD in patients with acute chest pain.

Resumo Fundamento: Atualmente, não existe um modelo multivariado validado para predizer a probabilidade de doença coronariana obstrutiva em pacientes com dor torácica aguda. Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar um modelo multivariado para predizer doença arterial coronariana (DAC) com base em variáveis avaliadas à admissão na unidade coronariana (UC) devido a dor torácica aguda. Métodos: Foram estudados um total de 470 pacientes, 370 utilizados como amostra de derivação e os subsequentes 100 pacientes como amostra de validação. Como padrão de referência, a angiografia foi necessária para descartar DAC (estenose ≥ 70%), enquanto a angiografia ou um teste não invasivo negativo foi utilizado para confirmar a doença. Foram testadas como preditoras 13 variáveis basais relacionadas à história médica, 14 características de desconforto torácico e oito variáveis relacionadas ao exame físico ou testes laboratoriais. Resultados: A prevalência de DAC foi de 48%. Por regressão logística, seis variáveis permaneceram como preditoras independentes de DAC: idade, gênero masculino, alívio com nitrato, sinais de insuficiência cardíaca, e eletrocardiograma e troponina positivos. A área sob a curva (area under the curve, AUC) deste modelo final foi de 0,80 (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 0,75 - 0,84) na amostra de derivação e 0,86 (IC95% = 0,79 - 0,93) na amostra de validação. O teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow indicou uma boa calibração em ambas as amostras (p = 0,98 e p = 0,23, respectivamente). Em comparação com o modelo básico contendo eletrocardiograma e troponina, o modelo completo ofereceu um incremento na AUC de 0,07 tanto na amostra de derivação (p = 0,0002) quanto na de validação (p = 0,039). A melhoria na discriminação integrada foi de 0,09 nas amostras de derivação (p < 0,001) e validação (p < 0,0015). Conclusão: Um modelo multivariado foi derivado e validado como uma ferramenta acurada para estimar a probabilidade pré-teste de DAC em pacientes com dor torácica aguda.

Cardioprotection against experimental myocardial ischemic injury using cornin

Phosphorylated-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (Phospho-CREB) has an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. We isolated the iridoid glycoside cornin from the fruit of Verbena officinalis L, investigated its effects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo, and elucidated its potential mechanism in vitro. Effects of cornin on cell viability, as well as expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in hypoxic H9c2 cells in vitro, and myocardial I/R injury in vivo, were investigated. Cornin attenuated hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity significantly in H9c2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of H9c2 cells with cornin (10 µM) blocked the reduction of expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in a hypoxic condition. Treatment of rats with cornin (30 mg/kg, iv) protected them from myocardial I/R injury as indicated by a decrease in infarct volume, improvement in hemodynamics, and reduction of severity of myocardial damage. Cornin treatment also attenuated the reduction of expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt in ischemic myocardial tissue. These data suggest that cornin exerts protective effects due to an increase in expression of phospho-CREB and phospho-Akt.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide May be Unsuitable for Diagnosing Central.

We describe a case of a 90-year-old male admitted to the emergency department with deep vein thrombosis and central acute pulmonary embolism. Despite a remarkably increased value of D-dimer and a modestly elevated concentration of cardiac troponin I, the value of B-type natriuretic peptide was found to be non-diagnostic. Limited to this single case report, our evidence suggests that the measurement of natriuretic peptides is questionable for diagnosing central acute pulmonary embolism in the emergency department.

Desfecho de Curto e Longo Prazo na Cardiomiopatia Induzida por Estresse: O que Podemos Esperar? / Short and Long-Term Outcome of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy: What Can We Expect?

Fundamento: A cardiomiopatia de estresse/Takotsubo (CT) é uma entidade diagnóstica cada vez mais reconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência e os preditores clínicos de complicações de curto e longo prazo de pacientes (pts) com CT. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pts consecutivamente admitidos no nosso centro, entre novembro de 2006 e agosto de 2011, que preenchiam os critérios diagnósticos da Clínica Mayo. Resultados: Analisaram-se 37 pts (35 mulheres), com idade média de 63 ± 13 anos. A CT foi precipitada na maioria dos casos por eventos de estresse emocional (57%) e dor torácica foi o sintoma de apresentação mais frequente (89%). O electrocardiograma na admissão mostrou supradesnivelamento do segmento ST em 12 pts (32%) e inversão da onda T em 15 casos (41%). Verificou-se disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda (VE) grave em 16 pts (45%) e a elevação média de troponina I foi de 2,6 ± 1,8 ng/mL. A taxa de complicações intra-hospitalares foi de 30%, sendo o choque cardiogênico a situação mais comum. O estresse físico, a disfunção sistólica grave do VE e o valor de pico do peptídeo natriurético cerebral (BNP) foram preditores de complicações agudas. Não foi encontrada associação entre o pico de troponina I e a apresentação eletrocardiográfica. Trinta e cinco pacientes foram acompanhados por um tempo médio de 482 ± 512 dias, sem recorrência clínica. Conclusão: Na nossa série de pacientes, a CT foi associada a uma alta taxa de complicações intra-hospitalares. O estresse físico, a disfunção sistólica do VE e o valor de pico do BNP foram preditores de desfechos adversos agudos. .

Background: Stress-induced/Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is an increasingly recognized diagnostic entity. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical predictors of short and long-term outcome of patients (pts) diagnosed with TC. Methods: We included all consecutive pts admitted in our department, from November 2006 to August 2011, who met the Mayo Clinic criteria for TC diagnosis. Results: We evaluated 37 pts (35 women) with a mean age of 63 ±13 years. TC was precipitated by a stressful emotional event in the majority (57%) and chest pain was the most common symptom (89%). Twelve pts (32%) had ST-segment elevation and 15 pts (41%) had T-wave inversion on the electrocardiogram at admission. Severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was found in 16 pts (43%) and the mean troponin I level was 2.6±1.8 ng/mL. The in-hospital complication rate was 30%, with cardiogenic shock being the most common situation. Physical stress, severe LV systolic dysfunction and peak brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were predictors of acute complications. On the other hand, we found no association between peak troponin I and electrocardiographic presentation. Thirty-five pts were followed for a mean time of 482 ± 512 days, without clinic recurrence. Conclusion: In our cohort of pts, TC was associated with a high in-hospital complications rate. Physical stress, LV dysfunction and peak BNP could predict acute adverse outcomes. .

Utilidad de los biomarcadores en insuficiencia cardiaca en la práctica clínica / Clinical usefulness of biomarkers in cardiac failure

The assessment of patients with a suspected cardiac failure aims to an early and precise diagnosis and risk stratification. Only natriuretic peptides have demonstrated to be clinically useful. Brain natriuretic peptide stands out due to its diagnostic and prognostic value. However its results should be cautiously interpreted in the clinical context, bearing in mind possible confounders. The combination of markers can provide a better risk stratification and compensates the limitations of individual markers. Each new marker gives a new insight on the underlying physiopathology of cardiac failure and proposes new therapeutic approaches.

Validação prospectiva do escore de risco dante pazzanese em síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST / Prospective validation of the dante pazzanese risk score in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

FUNDAMENTO: Em Síndrome Coronariana Aguda (SCA) sem Supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SST) é importante estimar a probabilidade de eventos adversos. Para esse fim, as diretrizes recomendam modelos de estratificação de risco. O escore de risco Dante Pazzanese (escore DANTE) é um modelo simples de estratificação de risco, composto das variáveis: aumento da idade (0 a 9 pontos); antecedente de diabete melito (2 pontos) ou acidente vascular encefálico (4 pontos); não uso de inibidor da enzima conversora da angiotensina (1 ponto); elevação da creatinina (0 a 10 pontos); combinação de elevação da troponina e depressão do segmento ST (0 a 4 pontos). OBJETIVO: Validar o escore DANTE em pacientes com SCA sem SST. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, com inclusão de 457 pacientes, de setembro de 2009 a outubro de 2010. Os pacientes foram agrupados em: muito baixo, baixo, intermediário e alto risco de acordo com a pontuação do modelo original. A habilidade preditiva do escore foi avaliada pela estatística-C. RESULTADOS: Foram 291 (63,7%) homens e a média da idade 62,1 anos (11,04). Dezessete pacientes (3,7%) apresentaram o evento de morte ou (re)infarto em 30 dias. Ocorreu aumento progressivo na proporção do evento, com aumento da pontuação: muito baixo risco = 0,0%; baixo risco = 3,9%; risco intermediário = 10,9%; alto risco = 60,0%; p < 0,0001. A estatística-C foi de 0,87 (IC 95% 0,81-0,94; p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: O escore DANTE apresentou excelente habilidade preditiva para ocorrência dos eventos específicos e pode ser incorporado na avaliação prognóstica de pacientes com SCA sem SST.

BACKGROUND: In non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the likelihood of adverse events should be estimated. Guidelines recommend risk stratification models for that purpose. The Dante Pazzanese risk score (DANTE score) is a simple risk stratification model composed with the following variables: age increase (0 to 9 points); history of diabetes mellitus (2 points) or stroke (4 points); no use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (1 point); creatinine elevation (0 to 10 points); combination of troponin elevation and ST-segment depression (0 to 4 points). OBJECTIVE: To validate the DANTE score in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational study including 457 patients, from September 2009 to October 2010. The patients were grouped in risk categories according to the original model score as follows: very low; low; intermediate; and high. The predictive ability of the score was assessed by using C-statistics. RESULTS: The sample comprised 291 (63.7%) men, the mean age being 62.1 years (SD=11.04). The event death or (re)infarction in 30 days was observed in 17 patients (3.7%). Progressive increase in the proportion of events was observed as the score increased: very low risk = 0.0%; low risk = 3.9%; intermediate risk = 10.9%; high risk = 60.0%; p < 0.0001. C-statistics was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81-0.94; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: DANTE score showed an excellent capacity to predict the specific events, and can be incorporated to the prognostic assessment of patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS.

Diabetes subdiagnosticado e necrose miocárdica: preditores de hiperglicemia no infarto do miocárdio / Unrecognized diabetes and myocardial necrosis: predictors of hyperglycemia in myocardial infarction

FUNDAMENTO: Hiperglicemia na fase aguda do infarto do miocárdio é importante fator prognóstico. Entretanto, sua fisiopatologia não está completamente elucidada. OBJETIVO: Analisar simultaneamente correlação entre hiperglicemia e marcadores bioquímicos relacionados ao estresse,metabolismo glicídico e lipídico, coagulação, inflamação e necrose miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Oitenta pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio foram incluídos prospectivamente. Os parâmetros analisados foram: glicose, hormônios do estresse (cortisol e norepinefrina), fatores do metabolismo glicídico [hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c), insulina], lipoproteínas (colesterol total, LDL, HDL, LDL eletronegativa minimamente modificada e adiponectina), glicerídeos (triglicérides, VLDL e ácido graxo), fatores da coagulação (fator VII, fibrinogênio,inibidor do ativador do plasminogênio-1), inflamação (proteína C reativa ultrassensível) e necrose miocárdica (CK-MB e troponina). Variáveis contínuas foram convertidas em graus de pertinência por intermédio de lógica fuzzy. RESULTADOS: Houve correlação significativa entre hiperglicemia e metabolismo glicídico (p < 0,001), lipoproteínas (p = 0,03) e fatores de necrose (p = 0,03). Na análise multivariada, somente metabolismo glicídico (OR = 4,3; IC = 2,1-68,9 e p < 0,001) e necrose miocárdica (OR = 22,5; IC = 2-253 e p = 0,012) mantiveram correlação independente e significativa.Para análise da influência da história de diabetes mellitus , modelo de regressão, incluindo somente pacientes sem diabetes mellitus foi desenvolvido, e os resultados não alteraram. Finalmente, no modelo ajustado para idade, sexo e variáveis clínicas(história de diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia), três variáveis mantiveram associação significativa e independente com hiperglicemia: metabolismo glicídico (OR = 24,1; IC = 4,8-122,1 e p < 0,001) necrose miocárdica (OR = 21,9; IC = 1,3-360,9 e p = 0,03) e história de DM (OR = 27, IC = 3,7-195,7 e p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Marcadores do metabolismo glicídico e necrose miocárdica foram os melhores preditores de hiperglicemia em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in the acute phase of myocardial infarction is an important prognostic factor. However, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To analyze simultaneously the correlation between hyperglycemia and biochemical markers related to stress, glucose and lipid metabolism, coagulation, inflammation, and myocardial necrosis. METHODS Eighty patients with acute myocardial infarction were prospectively included. The following parameters were analyzed: blood glucose; stress hormones (cortisol and norepinephrine); glucose metabolism factors [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); insulin]; lipoproteins (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, minimally modified electronegative LDL, and adiponectin); glycerides (triglycerides, VLDL and fatty acids); coagulation factors (factor VII, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1); inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein); and myocardial necrosis (CK-MB and troponin). Continuous variables were converted into degrees of relevance using fuzzy logic. RESULTS: Significant correlation was observed between hyperglycemia and glucose metabolism (p < 0.001), lipoproteins (p = 0.03), and necrosis factors (p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis, only glucose metabolism (OR = 4.3; CI = 2.1-68.9; and p < 0.001) and myocardial necrosis (OR = 22.5; CI = 2-253; and p = 0.012) showed independent and significant correlation. For the analysis of the influence of history of diabetes mellitus, a regression model including only patients without diabetes mellitus was developed, and the results did not change. Finally, in the model adjusted for age, gender, and clinical variables (history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia), three variables maintained a significant and independent association with hyperglycemia: glucose metabolism (OR = 24.1; CI = 4.8-122.1; and p < 0.001), myocardial necrosis (OR = 21.9; CI = 1.3-360.9; and p = 0.03), and history of DM (OR = 27; CI = 3.7-195.7; and p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Glucose metabolism and myocardial necrosis markers were the best predictors of hyperglycemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Efeitos agudos do exercício físico prolongado: avaliação após ultramaratona de 24 horas / Acute effects of prolonged physical exercise: evaluation after a twenty-four-hour ultramarathon

FUNDAMENTO: As consequências e os riscos do exercício físico contínuo por períodos prolongados não estão esclarecidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do exercício prolongado em participantes de uma ultramaratona de 24 horas. MÉTODOS: Vinte corredores foram selecionados para avaliação, um dia antes e imediatamente após a prova em que os corredores devem percorrer a maior distância em 24 horas. Foram obtidos dados clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos. RESULTADOS: A distância média percorrida foi de 140,3 ± 18,7 km. Os corredores apresentaram redução do peso corpóreo (p < 0,001) e da pressão arterial sistólica (p < 0,001) e diastólica (p = 0,004). As alterações hematológicas foram compatíveis com o estresse fisiológico. A concentração plasmática de creatinofosfoquinase (CPK) aumentou significativamente (163,4 ± 56,8 versus 2978,4 ± 1921,9 U/L; p < 0,001) e esteve inversamente correlacionada com a distância percorrida: os que correram maiores distâncias apresentaram níveis mais baixos de CPK (Pearson r = 0,69; p = 0,02). Após a corrida, dois corredores apresentaram discreta elevação de troponina T. Em um deles, houve queda concomitante na fração de ejeção (coronariopatia foi excluída subsequentemente). O ecocardiograma na avaliação basal mostrou hipertrofia de ventrículo esquerdo em um e aumento do volume atrial esquerdo em cinco corredores. Após a prova, houve redução na relação E/A (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: O exercício físico prolongado está associado a alterações cardiovasculares e metabólicas. As alterações cardiológicas encontradas sugerem que o fenômeno de fadiga cardíaca pode ocorrer nessa modalidade de corrida. O efeito a longo prazo dessas alterações, com a manutenção da prática desse tipo de atividade, ainda é desconhecido.

BACKGROUND: The consequences and risks of prolonged physical exercise are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of prolonged physical exercise on the participants of a 24-hour ultramarathon race. METHODS: Twenty male runners were selected for evaluation a day before and immediately after the race, where the athletes had to cover the most distance in 24 hours. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data were obtained at both evaluations. RESULTS: Mean distance covered was 140.3 ± 18.7 km. Runners showed weight loss (p < 0.001) and decrease in systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.004) blood pressure. Hematological changes were compatible with the physiological stress. Plasma levels of creatine phosphokinase strikingly increased post-race (163.4 ± 56.8 vs. 2978.4 ± 1921.9 U/L; p < 0.001) and was inversely correlated with distance covered: those who covered the longest distances showed the lowest CPK levels (Pearson r = 0.69, p = 0.02). After the race, 2 runners showed a slight increase in Troponin levels. One of them also had simultaneous decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (coronary artery disease was subsequently ruled out). Basal echocardiography assessment had shown LV hypertrophy in one and increased left atrial volume in five runners. After the race, there was a decrease in E/A ratio (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Prolonged physical exercise is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular alterations. Cardiac abnormalities found in our study suggest that cardiac fatigue may occur in this specific race modality. The long-term effect of these alterations, while maintaining the routine practice of prolonged strenuous physical activity, is still unknown.

The Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients Presenting with Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death in the developed world. Biomarkers have an essential role in diagnosis, risk stratification, guiding management and clinical decision making in the setting of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of MI. Cardiac troponin (cTn) rose to prominence during the 1990s and has evolved to be the cornerstone for diagnosis of MI. The current criteria for MI diagnosis include a rise and/or fall in cTn with at least one value above the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. Along with cTn, the natriuretic peptides B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) have an important role in determining prognosis and guiding management. As assays for cTn have been evolved that are capable of reliably detecting smaller and smaller quantities in the blood, a dilemma has emerged as to how to use this new information. Several studies have attempted to answer this question and have shown that these lower concentrations of cTn have important prognostic significance and, more importantly, that intervention in these patients leads to improved clinical outcomes. New algorithms incorporating BNP, NT-proBNP, and more sensitive cTn assays hold promise for more rapid diagnosis or rule-out of MI, allowing for appropriate management steps to be initiated and more efficient and effective utilization of healthcare resources.

Cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica na fase aguda do infarto: análise dos fatores preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar / Coronary artery bypass grafting in acute myocardial infarction: analysis of predictors of in-hospital mortality

OBJETIVO: A cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) na fase aguda do infarto do miocárdio (IAM) está associada a aumento do risco operatório. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar fatores preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nos pacientes submetidos a CRM no IAM. MÉTODOS: Durante três anos, todos os pacientes submetidos a CRM no IAM foram analisados retrospectivamente, utilizando o banco de dados institucional. Sessenta variáveis por paciente foram avaliadas: 49 variáveis pré-operatórias provenientes dos escores 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet e EuroSCORE; 4 variáveis pré-operatórias não consideradas por esses escores (tempo entre o IAM e a CRM, valor máximo de CKMB, valor máximo de troponina e supradesnivelamento do segmento ST) e 7 variáveis intraoperatórias [uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC), tempo de CEC, tipo de cardioplegia, endarterectomia, número de enxertos, uso da artéria torácica interna e revascularização completa]. Análise univariada e multivariada para o desfecho mortalidade intra-hospitalar foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio entre o IAM e a CRM foi de 3,8 ± 3 dias. A mortalidade global foi 19%. Na análise multivariada: idade > 65 anos [OR 16,5 (IC 1,8-152), P=0,013]~˜ CEC >108 minutos [OR 40 (IC 2,7-578), P=0,007], creatinina > 2 mg/dl [OR 35,5 (IC 1,7-740), P=0,021] e pressão pulmonar sistólica > 60 mmHg [OR 31(IC 1,6-591), P=0,022] foram preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Variáveis pré-operatórias clássicas como idade > 65 anos, creatinina > 2 mg/dl e pressão pulmonar sistólica > 60 mmHg foram preditoras de mortalidade intra-hospitalar nos pacientes operados de revascularização miocárdica na fase aguda do infarto.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during the acute phase of infarction (AMI) is associated with increased operative risk. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing CABG in AMI. METHODS: During three years, all patients undergoing CABG in AMI were retrospectively analyzed of the institutional database. Sixty variables per patient were evaluated: 49 preoperative variables from the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet and EuroSCORE models, 4 preoperative variables not considered in these models (time between AMI and CABG, maximum CKMB, Troponin maximum and ST-segment elevation) and 7 intraoperative variables [(cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), CPB time, type of cardioplegia, endarterectomy, number of grafts, use of internal thoracic artery and complete revascularization]. Univariate and multivariate analysis for the outcome of in hospital mortality were performed. RESULTS: The mean time between AMI and CABG was 3.8 ± 3 days. The overall mortality was 19%. In the multivariate analysis: age > 65 years OR [16.5 (CI 1.8 to 152), P= 0.013]; CPB > 108 minutes [OR 40 (CI 2.7 to 578), P= 0.007], creatinine> 2 mg/dl [OR 35.5 (CI 1.7 to 740), P= 0.021] and systolic pulmonary pressure > 60 mmHg [OR 31 (CI 1.6 to 591), P= 0.022] were predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Conventional preoperative variables such as age > 65 years, creatinine > 2 mg/dl and systolic pulmonary pressure > 60 mmHg were predictive of inhospital mortality in patients underwent CABG in AMI.

Contribuição relativa da troponina ultrassensível na classificação de risco pelo Timi Risk Score em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda sem supra de ST / Ultrasensitive troponin contribution to risk rating by the Timi Risk Score in patients with acute coronary

Fundamentos: O papel da troponina ultrassensível (Tus) no TIMI risk score (TRS) e na decisão clínica não foi aindaestabelecido. Objetivo: Avaliar a contribuição relativa do dado de Tuspositiva para a classificação final de risco em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SCASSST) utilizando o TRS. Métodos: Foram estudados 59 pacientes, 62% homens, idade= 64,2±9 anos, internados com SCASSST e Tuselevada. Todos realizaram cinecoronariografia (CAT). Avaliada a distribuição de risco pelo TRS nos subgrupos com ou sem lesão coronariana obstrutiva (DAC OBST)>70%. Mesma análise realizada para hipótese de Tus negativa.Resultados: Nos 43 (73%) pacientes com DAC OBST, foram encontrados, respectivamente, 21 (48,8%), 16(37,2%) e 6 (13,9%) pacientes com risco baixo (RB), moderado (RM) e alto (RA). Destes, 11 (25,5%) foramreclassificados, sendo 4 (9,3%) de RA para RM e 7 (16,3%) pacientes de RM para RB. Nos 16 (27%) pacientes semDAC OBST foram encontrados, respectivamente, 4 (25%), 8 (50%) e 4 (25%) com RB, RM e RA. Destes, 10 (62,5%) foram reclassificados, sendo 2 (12,5%) de RA para RM e 8 (50%) pacientes de RM para RB. Observou-se maior prevalência (62,5% vs. 25,5%, p=0,008) de reclassificação nos pacientes sem DAC OBST.Conclusões: A contribuição da Tus para a classificação do TRS como RM ou RA foi maior nos pacientes sem DAC OBST, sugerindo que a decisão de CAT influenciada pela Tus pode estar associada à menor prevalência deDAC OBST.

association between leptin with lipid profile and troponin in acute myocardial infarction patients

Fat cells, are the cells that primarily compose adipose tissue, specialized in storing energy as fat. Adipose tissue also serves as an important endocrine organ by producing hormones such as leptin, resistin, and the cytokine. Leptin is a protein hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism. Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI], is the interruption of blood supply to part of the heart, causing some heart cells to die. To investigate the levels of leptin and its effect on lipid profile level in Acute Myocardial Infarction. The study included 50 patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and forty healthy subject as control group. leptin and lipid profile levels were measured. The levels of leptin were significantly elevated in female patients group with[p=0.002], in male patients group[p=0.018] and in total patients group [p=0.001], cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly elevated with [p<0.001], while HDL-C was significantly lower with [p<0.001], there was positive correlation between leptin with, cholesterol LDL-C, triglyceride and VLDL, and there was negative correlation between leptin with HDL in acute myocardial infarction patients. Leptin negatively correlated with HDL and positively correlated with triglyceride and LDL this relation make this hormone act as atherosclerotic factor