First Evaluation of the Brazilian Advanced Life Support Training (TECA A)

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest (CA) is a common condition associated with high mortality. The Brazilian advanced life support training TECA A (Treinamento em Emergências Cardiovasculares Avançado — Advanced Cardiovascular Emergency Training) was created to train healthcare professionals in the management of CA. However, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of TECA A. Objective To assess the impact of TECA A on the management of CA using a simulated CA situation. Methods Fifty-six students underwent a simulated case of CA in a manikin. The students' performance in the management of CA was assessed for the time to first chest compression and defibrillation and for a global assessment score using a structured tool. These items were assessed and compared before and after the TECA A. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in CA trainings and absence from class. Categorical variables were compared using the McNemar test and quantitative variables using the Wilcoxon test. All tests were two-tailed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Compared with before TECA A, median global assessment scores were higher after TECA A (pre-training: 4.0 points [2.0-5.0] vs. 10 points [9.0-10.0]; p<0.001), the time to start chest compressions was shorter (pre-training: 25 seconds [15-34] vs. 19 seconds [16.2-23.0]; p=0.002) and so was the time to defibrillation (pre-training: 82.5 seconds [65.0-108.0] vs. 48 seconds [39.0-53.0]; p<0.001). Conclusions The TECA A promoted a higher adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and a reduction in the time elapsed from CA to first chest compression and defibrillation.

Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva no Infarto do Miocárdio: Análise Descritiva, Apresentação de Sintomas Isquêmicos e Preditores de Mortalidade / Pharmaco-invasive Strategy in Myocardial Infarction: Descriptive Analysis, Presentation of Ischemic Symptoms and Mortality Predictors

Resumo Fundamento O infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento-ST (IAMCSST) é definido por sintomas acompanhados por alterações típicas do eletrocardiograma. Entretanto, a caracterização dos sintomas isquêmicos não é clara, principalmente em subgrupos, como mulheres e idosos. Objetivos Analisar a tipificação dos sintomas isquêmicos, métricas temporais e observar a ocorrência de desfechos intra-hospitalares, em análise dos escores preditivos, em pacientes com IAMCSST, em estratégia fármaco-invasiva. Métodos Estudo envolvendo 2.290 pacientes. Tipos de apresentações clínicas pré-definidas: dor típica, dor atípica, dispnéia, sincope. Medimos o tempo entre o início dos sintomas à demanda pelo atendimento e o intervalo entre a chegada à unidade-médica e trombólise. Odds-ratios (OR; IC-95%) foram estimadas em modelo de regressão. Curvas ROCs foram construídas para preditores de mortalidade. Nível de significância adotado (alfa) foi de 5%. Resultados Mulheres apresentaram alta prevalência de sintomas atípicos; maior tempo entre o início dos sintomas e a procura por atendimento; atraso entre a chegada ao pronto-socorro e a fibrinólise. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 5,6%. Predição de risco pela classificação Killip-Kimball: AUC: [0,77 (0,73-0,81)] em classe ≥II. Subgrupos estudados [OR (IC-95%)]: mulheres [2,06 (1,42-2,99); p=0,01]; insuficiência renal crônica [3,39 (2,13-5,42); p<0,001]; idosos [2,09 (1,37-3,19) p<0,001]; diabéticos [1,55 (1,04-2,29); p=0,02]; obesos 1,56 [(1,01-2,40); p=0,04]; acidente vascular cerebral prévio [2,01 (1,02-3,96); p=0,04] correlacionaram-se com maiores taxas de mortalidade. Conclusão Apesar das mais altas taxas de mortalidade em alguns subgrupos, disparidade significativa persiste nas mulheres, com atrasos no reconhecimento dos sintomas e trombólise imediata. Destaca-se a aplicabilidade do escore Killip-Kimball na predição, independentemente da apresentação clínica.

Abstract Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined by symptoms accompanied by typical electrocardiogram changes. However, the characterization of ischemic symptoms is unclear, especially in subgroups such as women and the elderly. Objectives To analyze the typification of ischemic symptoms, temporal metrics and observe the occurrence of in-hospital outcomes, in the analysis of predictive scores, in patients with STEMI, in a drug-invasive strategy. Methods Study involving 2,290 patients. Types of predefined clinical presentations: typical pain, atypical pain, dyspnea, syncope. We measured the time between the onset of symptoms and demand for care and the interval between arrival at the medical unit and thrombolysis. Odds-ratios (OR; CI-95%) were estimated in a regression model. ROC curves were constructed for mortality predictors. The adopted significance level (alpha) was 5%. Results Women had a high prevalence of atypical symptoms; longer time between the onset of symptoms and seeking care; delay between arrival at the emergency room and fibrinolysis. Hospital mortality was 5.6%. Risk prediction by Killip-Kimball classification: AUC: [0.77 (0.73-0.81)] in class ≥II. Subgroups studied [OR (CI-95%)]: women [2.06 (1.42-2.99); p=0.01]; chronic renal failure [3.39 (2.13-5.42); p<0.001]; elderly [2.09 (1.37-3.19) p<0.001]; diabetics [1.55 (1.04-2.29); p=0.02]; obese 1.56 [(1.01-2.40); p=0.04]: previous stroke [2.01 (1.02-3.96); p=0.04] correlated with higher mortality rates. Conclusion Despite higher mortality rates in some subgroups, significant disparity persists in women, with delays in symptom recognition and prompt thrombolysis. We highlight the applicability of the Killip-Kimball score in prediction, regardless of the clinical presentation.

The Medical Burden of Heart Failure: A Comparative Delineation with Cancer in Brazil

Abstract Background: Due to its poor prognosis and mortality rates, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a malignant condition, comparable to some cancers in developed countries. Objectives: To compare mortality from HF and prevalent cancers using data from a nationwide database in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from Brazilian administrative databases of death records and hospitalization claims maintained by the Ministry of Health. Data were analyzed according to main diagnosis, year of occurrence (2005-2015), sex and age group. Descriptive analyses of absolute number of events, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, and in-hospital mortality rate were performed. Results: The selected cancers accounted for higher mortality, lower hospitalization and higher in-hospital mortality rates than HF. In a group analysis, HF showed mortality rates of 100-150 per 100,000 inhabitants over the period, lower than the selected cancers. However, HF had a higher mortality rate than each type of cancer, even when compared to the most prevalent and deadly ones. Regarding hospitalization rates, HF was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization when compared to cancer-related conditions as a group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that HF has an important impact on mortality, hospitalization and in-hospital mortality, comparable to or even worse than some types of cancer, representing a potential burden to the healthcare system.

Importância dos métodos de imagem no diagnóstico diferencial de cardiopatia hipertensiva e cardiomiopatia hipertrófica: relato de caso / The importance of imaging methods in the differential diagnosis of hypertensive cardiopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report

Caso clínico de homem de 31 anos, branco, casado, cozinheiro, natural do Nepal, procedente de São Paulo há 4 anos, em acompanhamento ambulatorial após encaminhamento do pronto-socorro (PS) por angina atípica e pressão alta sic. Pela análise do prontuário verificou-se que o paciente permaneceu no PS por 48 horas e ao exame físico a ausculta cardíaca era normal e a pressão arterial (PA) 140X85 mm Hg. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) mostrava critérios eletrocardiográficos para hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) e alterações da repolarização ventricular e os marcadores de necrose miocárdica apresentavam aumentos discretos. Na consulta ambulatorial o paciente não referia queixas, a PA estava normal e foram realizados: monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) de 24 horas, ecocardiograma (ECO) e angiotomografia de coronárias. A MAPA mostrou níveis pressóricos normais (vigília e sono respectivamente 112x65 e 106x51 mmHg), o ECO não detectou HVE e a angiotomografia de coronárias não identificou obstruções coronarianas e o escore de cálcio era zero. A ressonância magnética de coração (RMC) mostrou aumento da espessura miocárdica de ventrículo direito (VD), hipertrofia miocárdica assimétrica de predomínio septal acometendo paredes anterior e lateral do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) com maior espessura no segmento inferoseptal medial (25 mm). Detectou-se presença de realce tardio mesocárdico nas inserções superior e inferior do VD na região do septo interventricular, além de realce tardio heterogêneo em segmentos antero-septal e ínfero-septal mediobasal. A massa de fibrose miocárdica foi estimada em 6,4g (2,2% da massa total do VE). Todos esses achados são típicos de cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) com predomínio septal e envolvimento do VD. Este caso chamou a atenção por se tratar de paciente com apresentação clínica de angina, hipertensão e critérios de HVE pelo ECG não confirmada pelo ECO em que a RMC fez o diagnóstico de CMH. Portanto, a avaliação multimodal com diversas técnicas diagnósticas muitas vezes se faz necessária para a confirmação diagnóstica da CMH.

Clinical case of 31-year-old male patient, white, married, born in Nepal living in São Paulo for 4 years, refered to the emergency room (ER) for atypical angina and high blood pressure sic. He remained under observation for 48 hours, and during this period the physical examination showed normal cardiac auscultation and blood pressure (BP) 140X85 mm Hg. The electrocardiogram (ECG) had criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and ventricular repolarization abnormality. He also had a slight increase of myocardial necrosis markers. As his symptoms improved, he was sent to the cardiac ambulatory. When the patient returned to the ambulatory he had no cardiac complaints, his BP was normal. It was then requested 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), echocardiography (ECHO), and coronary angiotomography. The ABPM presented normal blood pressure levels (awake and asleep respectively 112x65 and 106x51 mmHg), the ECHO did not show LVH, coronary angiotomography did not detect coronary obstructions and the calcium score was zero. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) of the heart was performed which showed increased myocardial thickness of the right ventricle (RV), asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy of septal interventricular that also affecting anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle (LV) with greater thickness in the medial inferoseptal segment (25 mm). It also presented signal of late mesocardial enhancement in the superior and inferior RV insertions of the interventricular septum and heterogeneous late enhancement in anteroseptal and inferoseptal mediobasal segments. The myocardial fibrosis mass was estimated in 6.4g (2.2% of the total LV mass). All these findings are typical of septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with involvement of the RV. This case drew attention because it was a patient with a clinical presentation of angina, hypertension, and criteria for LVH by the ECG not confirmed by ECHO, but the CMR characterized as HCM. Therefore, multimodal evaluation diagnostic techniques in patient with electrocardiographic criteria of LVH without correlation with ECHO imagens were essential to the diagnosis of HCM.

Acurácia da redução do segmento-ST pós-trombólise como preditor de reperfusão adequada em estratégia fármaco-invasiva / Accuracy of post-thrombolysis ST-segment reduction as an adequate reperfusion predictor in the pharmaco-invasive aproach

Resumo Fundamento A intervenção coronária percutânea primária é considerada o "padrão-ouro" para reperfusão coronária. Entretanto, quando não disponível, a estratégia fármaco-invasiva é método alternativo, e o eletrocardiograma (ECG) tem sido utilizado para identificar sucesso na reperfusão. Objetivos Nosso estudo teve como objetivo examinar alterações no segmento-ST pós-lise e seu poder de prever a recanalização, usando os escores angiográficos TIMI e blush miocárdio (MBG) como critério de reperfusão ideal. Métodos Foram estudados 2.215 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supra-ST submetidos à fibrinólise [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] e encaminhados para angiografia coronária em até 24 h pós-fibrinólise ou imediatamente encaminhados à terapia de resgate. O ECG foi realizado pré-TNK e 60 min-pós. Os pacientes foram categorizados em dois grupos: aqueles com reperfusão ideal (TIMI-3 e MBG-3) e aqueles com reperfusão inadequada (fluxo TIMI <3). Foi definido o critério de reperfusão do ECG pela redução do segmento ST >50%. Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bicaudais. Resultados O critério de reperfusão pelo ECG apresentou valor preditivo positivo de 56%; valor preditivo negativo de 66%; sensibilidade de 79%; e especificidade de 40%. Houve fraca correlação positiva entre a redução do segmento-ST e os dados angiográficos de reperfusão ideal (r = 0,21; p <0,001) e baixa precisão diagnóstica, com AUC de 0,60 (IC-95%; 0,57-0,62). Conclusão Em nossos resultados, a redução do segmento-ST não conseguiu identificar com precisão os pacientes com reperfusão angiográfica apropriada. Portanto, mesmo pacientes com reperfusão aparentemente bem-sucedida devem ser encaminhados à angiografia brevemente, a fim de garantir fluxo coronário macro e microvascular adequados.

Abstract Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is considered the "gold standard" for coronary reperfusion. However, when not available, the drug-invasive strategy is an alternative method and the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to identify reperfusion success. Objectives Our study aimed to assess ST-Segment changes in post-thrombolysis and their power to predict recanalization and using the angiographic scores TIMI-flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) as an ideal reperfusion criterion. Methods 2,215 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing fibrinolysis [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] and referred to coronary angiography within 24 h post-fibrinolysis or immediately referred to rescue therapy were studied. The ECG was performed pre- and 60 min-post-TNK. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with ideal reperfusion (TIMI-3 and MBG-3) and those with inadequate reperfusion (TIMI and MBG <3). The ECG reperfusion criterion was defined by the reduction of the ST-Segment >50%. A p-value <0.05 was considered for the analyses, with bicaudal tests. Results The ECG reperfusion criterion showed a positive predictive value of 56%; negative predictive value of 66%; sensitivity of 79%; and specificity of 40%. There was a weak positive correlation between ST-Segment reduction and ideal reperfusion angiographic data (r = 0.21; p <0.001) and low diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.57-0.62). Conclusion The ST-Segment reduction was not able to accurately identify patients with adequate angiographic reperfusion. Therefore, even patients with apparently successful reperfusion should be referred to angiography soon, to ensure adequate macro and microvascular coronary flow.

Inspiratory Muscle Weakness is Related to Poor Short-Term Outcomes for Heart Transplantation

Abstract Introduction: In heart transplantation (HT) recipients, several factors are critical to promptly adopting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and may be important to predict outcomes way after surgery. This study aimed to determine preoperative patient-related risk factors that could adversely affect the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing HT. Methods: Twenty-one hospitalized patients with heart failure undergoing HT were evaluated according to respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity before HT. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time, reintubation rate, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were recorded, and assessed postoperatively. Results: Inspiratory muscle strength as absolute and percentpredicted values were strongly correlated with MV time (r=-0.61 and r=-0.70, respectively, at P<0.001). Concerning ICU length of stay, only maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) absolute and percent-predicted values were significantly associated. The absolute -MIP- was significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.58 at P=0.006) and the percent-predicted MIP was also significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.68 at P=0.0007). No associations were observed between preoperative functional capacity, age, sex, and clinical characteristics and MV time and ICU length of stay in the cohort included in this study. Patients with respiratory muscle weakness had a higher prevalence of prolonged MV, reintubation, and delayed ICU length of stay. Conclusion: An impairment of preoperative MIP was associated with poorer short-term outcomes following HT. As such, inspiratory muscle strength is an important clinical preoperative marker in patients undergoing HT.

Índice Hemodinâmico Agudo Prediz Mortalidade Intra-Hospitalar de Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda Descompensada / Acute Hemodynamic Index Predicts In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento O exame físico permite a avaliação prognóstica de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada, porém não é suficientemente confiável e depende da experiência clínica do profissional. Considerando as respostas hemodinâmicas a situações do tipo "luta ou fuga" tais como a admissão no serviço de emergência, foi proposto o índice hemodinâmico agudo (IHA), calculado a partir da frequência cardíaca e pressão de pulso. Objetivo avaliar a capacidade prognóstica intra-hospitalar do IHA na IC descompensada. Métodos estudo prospectivo, multicêntrico e observacional baseado no registro BREATHE, incluindo dados de hospitais públicos e privados no Brasil. Foram utilizadas análises ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic), de estatística c e de regressão multivariada, assim como o critério de informação de Akaike, para testar a capacidade prognóstica do IHA. O valor-p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Foram analisados dados de 463 pacientes com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida a partir do registro BREATHE. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 9%. A mediana do IHA foi considerada o valor de corte (4 mmHg⋅bpm). Um baixo IHA (≤ 4 mmHg⋅bpm) foi encontrado em 80% dos pacientes falecidos. O risco de mortalidade intra-hospitalar em pacientes com baixo IHA foi 2,5 vezes maior que aquele para pacientes com IHA > 4 mmHg⋅bpm. O IHA foi capaz de predizer independentemente a mortalidade intra-hospitalar na IC aguda descompensada [sensibilidade: 0,786; especificidade: 0,429; AUC (área sob a curva): 0,607 (0,540-0,674), p = 0,010] mesmo depois dos ajustes para comorbidades e uso de medicamentos [razão de chances (RC): 0,061 (0,007-0,114), p = 0,025]. Conclusões O IHA é capaz de predizer independentemente a mortalidade intra-hospitalar na IC aguda descompensada. Esse índice simples e realizado à beira do leito pode se mostrar útil em serviços de emergência. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):77-86)

Abstract Background The physical examination enables prognostic evaluation of patients with decompensated heart failure (HF), but lacks reliability and relies on the professional's clinical experience. Considering hemodynamic responses to "fight or flight" situations, such as the moment of admission to the emergency room, we proposed the calculation of the acute hemodynamic index (AHI) from values of heart rate and pulse pressure. Objective To evaluate the in-hospital prognostic ability of AHI in decompensated HF. Methods A prospective, multicenter, registry-based observational study including data from the BREATHE registry, with information from public and private hospitals in Brazil. The prognostic ability of the AHI was tested by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, C-statistics, Akaike's information criteria, and multivariate regression analyses. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results We analyzed data from 463 patients with heart failure with low ejection fraction. In-hospital mortality was 9%. The median AHI value was used as cut-off (4 mmHg⋅bpm). A low AHI (≤ 4 mmHg⋅bpm) was found in 80% of deceased patients. The risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with low AHI was 2.5 times that in patients with AHI > 4 mmHg⋅bpm. AHI independently predicted in-hospital mortality in acute decompensated HF (sensitivity: 0.786; specificity: 0.429; AUC: 0.607 [0.540-0.674]; p = 0.010) even after adjusting for comorbidities and medication use [OR: 0.061 (0.007-0.114); p = 0.025). Conclusions The AHI independently predicts in-hospital mortality in acute decompensated HF. This simple bed-side index could be useful in an emergency setting. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):77-86)

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Insuficiência cardíaca aguda (ICA) - decisão terapêutica: inotrópicos ou vasodilatadores? / Therapeutic decision in acute heart failure: inotropic agents or vasodilator drugs?

A insuficiência cardíaca aguda é a principal causa de hospitalização em pacientes acima de 65 anos, além de possuir altos índices de mortalidade hospitalar. Na sua abordagem terapêutica é mandatório um diagnóstico rápido e pronta caracterização do perfil hemodinâmico, baseando-se nos sinais clínicos de congestão e baixo débito cardíaco, para que possamos instituir a terapêutica com drogas endovenosas para alívio rápido dos sintomas, restabelecer a perfusão adequada dos órgãos e reduzir o risco de morte. As drogas a serem administradas de forma isolada ou em combinação são representadas pela furosemida endovenosa em infusão intermitente e contínua, dependendo do grau de congestão pulmonar e/ou sistêmica, as drogas vasodilatadoras e os agentes inotrópicos. As drogas vasodilatadoras, como o nitroprussiato de sódio e a nitroglicerina via endovenosa são, frequentemente, adicionadas aos diuréticos para o tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca aguda com perfil hemodinâmico B, promovendo estabilidade hemodinâmica mais rápida e pronto alívio da dispneia. O nitroprussiato de sódio é preferível nos pacientes com IC perfil B com níveis elevados de resistência vascular periférica e grave congestão pulmonar. Já a nitroglicerina é preferível nos pacientes com cardiopatia isquêmica ou com insuficiência coronariana aguda associada à insuficiência cardíaca. Os agentes inotrópicos positivos estão indicados nos pacientes com IC aguda e evidências de baixo débito cardíaco (perfil hemodinâmico C), a fim de garantir a melhora da perfusão tissular mediante aumento do débito cardíaco, principalmente, nos pacientes hipotensos e com piora da função renal. A associação de inotrópicos com vasodilatadores deve ser considerada quando existe a combinação de baixo débito cardíaco e aumento significativo de resistência vascular pulmonar e ou sistêmica

Acute heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in patients over 65 years of age and is accompanied by high hospital mortality rates. In its therapeutic approach, rapid diagnosis and prompt characterization of the hemodynamic profile based on clinical signs of congestion and low cardiac output are mandatory so that we can provide intravenous drug therapy for rapid symptom relief to restore adequate organ perfusion and reduce the risk of death. Drugs to be used alone or in combination are represented by intravenous furosemide in intermittent infusion and continue to depend on the degree of pulmonary and/or systemic congestion, vasodilator drugs, and inotropic agents. Vasodilator drugs, such as sodium nitroprusside and intravenous nitroglycerin, are often added to diuretics for the treatment of acute cardiac insufficiency with hemodynamic profile B, promoting faster hemodynamic stability and prompt relief of dyspnea. Sodium nitroprusside is preferable in patients with hemodynamic profile B with high peripheral vascular resistance and severe pulmonary congestion. Nitroglycerin is preferable in patients with ischemic heart disease or acute coronary insufficiency associated with heart failure (HF). Positive inotropic agents are indicated in patients with acute HF and evidence of low cardiac output (hemodynamic profile C) to ensure improvement in tissue perfusion by increasing cardiac output, especially in patients with hypotension and worsening renal function. The association of inotropes and vasodilators should be considered when there is a combination of low cardiac output and significant increase in pulmonary and/or systemic vascular resistance

Transplante cardíaco na Doença de Chagas / Heart transplantation in Chagas Disease

A doença de Chagas afeta 16 a 18 milhões de pessoas na América Latina. No Brasil, estima-se a existência de 5 a 7 milhões de chagásicos, encontrados em quase todos os estados brasileiros. Aproximadamente 30% dos infectados desenvolvem a forma crônica da doença, com elevadas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade pelo envolvimento cardíaco, e a miocardiopatia chagásica apresenta pior prognóstico quando comparada a outras etiologias da insuficiência cardíaca. Em nosso meio, aproximadamente 30% dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica refratária ao tratamento clínico, encaminhados para transplante cardíaco têm como etiologia a doença de Chagas. A experiência acumulada no Brasil demonstra que, a despeito de elevadas taxas da reativação da infecção pelo T. cruzi em decorrência da imunossupressão, os resultados do transplante cardíaco na doença de Chagas são altamente satisfatórios e com evolução pós-transplante a médio e longo prazo semelhante aos resultados do transplante cardíaco em pacientes não chagásicos. Esses resultados colocam o transplante cardíaco como uma excelente opção terapêutica nos casos de pacientes chagásicos com grave comprometimento funcional ou com arritmias malignas.

Chagas disease affects 16 to 18 million people in Latin America. In Brazil, the estimate is that there are 5-7 million people infected, located in almost all Brazilian states. Approximately 30% of those infected develop the chronic form of the disease, with high morbidity and mortality rates due to cardiac involvement, and Chagas cardiomyopathy has worse prognosis when compared to other causes of heart failure. In Brazil, approximately 30% of patients with chronic heart failure refractory to medical treatment, referred for heart transplantation have Chagas disease as etiology. The cumulative experience in Brazil shows that despite high rates of reactivation of infection with T. cruzi due to immunosuppression, the results of heart transplantation in Chagas disease are highly satisfactory and the results post-transplant in medium and long-term are similar to those of heart transplantation in patients without Chagas disease. These results make heart transplantation an excellent therapeutic option in cases of patients with Chagas disease with severe functional impairment or malignant arrhythmias.

A cycle ergometer exercise program improves exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients awaiting heart transplantation: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods: Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=11) - conventional protocol; and 2) Intervention Group (n=7) - stationary cycle ergometer exercise training. Functional capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test and inspiratory muscle strength assessed by manovacuometry before and after the exercise protocols. Results: Both groups demonstrated an increase in six-minute walk test distance after the experimental procedure compared to baseline; however, only the intervention group had a significant increase (P =0.08 and P =0.001 for the control and intervention groups, respectively). Intergroup comparison revealed a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.001). Regarding the inspiratory muscle strength evaluation, the intragroup analysis demonstrated increased strength after the protocols compared to baseline for both groups; statistical significance was only demonstrated for the intervention group, though (P =0.22 and P <0.01, respectively). Intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.01). Conclusion: Stationary cycle ergometer exercise training shows positive results on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation while on intravenous inotropic support.

Left Atrial Volume Determinants in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy / Determinantes do Volume do Átrio Esquerdo em Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Dilatada Não Isquêmica

Left atrial volume (LAV) is a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure.

O Volume do Átrio Esquerdo (VAE) é preditor prognóstico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca.

I Brazilian Registry of Heart Failure - Clinical Aspects, Care Quality and Hospitalization Outcomes / I Registro Brasileiro de Insuficiência Cardíaca – Aspectos Clínicos, Qualidade Assistencial e Desfechos Hospitalares

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in adults in Brazil. However, most of the available data is limited to unicenter registries. The BREATHE registry is the first to include a large sample of hospitalized patients with decompensated HF from different regions in Brazil. Objective: Describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of hospitalized patients admitted with acute HF. Methods: Observational registry study with longitudinal follow-up. The eligibility criteria included patients older than 18 years with a definitive diagnosis of HF, admitted to public or private hospitals. Assessed outcomes included the causes of decompensation, use of medications, care quality indicators, hemodynamic profile and intrahospital events. Results: A total of 1,263 patients (64±16 years, 60% women) were included from 51 centers from different regions in Brazil. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (70.8%), dyslipidemia (36.7%) and diabetes (34%). Around 40% of the patients had normal left ventricular systolic function and most were admitted with a wet-warm clinical-hemodynamic profile. Vasodilators and intravenous inotropes were used in less than 15% of the studied cohort. Care quality indicators based on hospital discharge recommendations were reached in less than 65% of the patients. Intrahospital mortality affected 12.6% of all patients included. Conclusion: The BREATHE study demonstrated the high intrahospital mortality of patients admitted with acute HF in Brazil, in addition to the low rate of prescription of drugs based on evidence. .

Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma das principais causas de hospitalização em adultos no Brasil, no entanto a maioria dos dados disponíveis é limitada a registros unicêntricos. O registro BREATHE é o primeiro a incluir uma ampla amostra de pacientes hospitalizados com IC descompensada de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas, tratamento e prognóstico intra-hospitalar de pacientes admitidos com IC aguda. Métodos: Estudo observacional tipo registro, com seguimento longitudinal. Os critérios de elegibilidade incluíram pacientes acima de 18 anos com diagnóstico definitivo de IC, admitidos em hospitais públicos ou privados. Os desfechos avaliados incluíram causas de descompensação, uso de medicações, indicadores de qualidade assistencial, perfil hemodinâmico e eventos intra-hospitalares. Resultados: O total de 1.263 pacientes (64 ± 16 anos, 60% mulheres) foi incluído a partir de 51 centros de diferentes regiões do Brasil. As comorbidades mais comuns foram hipertensão arterial (70,8%), dislipidemia (36,7%) e diabetes (34%). Em torno de 40% dos pacientes apresentavam função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo normal e a maioria foi admitida com perfil clínico-hemodinâmico quente-úmido. Vasodilatadores e inotrópicos endovenosos foram administrados a menos de 15% da amostra estudada. Indicadores de qualidade assistencial baseados nas orientações de alta hospitalar foram atingidos em menos de 65% dos pacientes. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar afetou 12,6% do total dos pacientes incluídos. Conclusão: O estudo BREATHE demonstrou a alta mortalidade intra-hospitalar dos pacientes admitidos com IC aguda no Brasil, somada à baixa taxa de prescrição de medicamentos baseados em evidências. .

Tratamento da emergência hipertensiva na dissecção aórtica / Treatment of hypertensive emergency in aortic dissection

A dissecção aórtica é a mais letal das emergências cardiovasculares e, portanto, requer diagnóstico preciso imediato e intervenções terapêuticas clínica e intervencionista em regimes de urgência. Os métodos de imagens, como a ecocardiografia e a angiotomografia, são os métodos diagnósticos de escolha e devem ser considerados na suspeita clínica de dissecção aórtica. A hipertensão é o principal fator de risco para a dissecção e, com frequência, o paciente com dissecção aórtica se apresenta com um quadro de emergência hipertensiva que requer terapêutica rigorosa e imediata. O objetivo da terapêutica é o imediato controle da pressão arterial com nitroprussiato de sódio e a redução da frequência cardíaca com betabloqueador endovenoso, reduzindo a pressão de pulso e o stress parietal na aorta e reduzindo o risco de rotura da aorta ou propagação anterógrada ou retrógada da dissecção. Feito o diagnóstico, a dissecção que envolve a aorta ascendente (Tipo A) deve ser tratada cirurgicamente em regime de emergência. Adissecção restrita à aorta descendente (Tipo B) recebe abordagem clínica inicial e, na vigência de complicações como expansão da falsa luz, hemotórax, dor persistente ou isquemia visceral, deve ser tratada invasivamente com o implante endovascular de stents

Aortic dissection is the most lethal cardiovascular emergencies and, therefore, it requires prompt and accurate diagnosis as well as interventional and clinical therapeutic interventions in emergency regimes. Theimaging methods, such as echocardiography and angiotomography, are the diagnostic methods of choice and should be considered in clinical suspicion of aortic dissection. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for dissection and often the patient with aortic dissection presents with a case of hypertensive emergency that requires accurate and immediate therapy. The goal of therapy is the immediate control of blood pressure withsodium nitroprusside and the heart rate reductionwith intravenous beta-blocker, reducing pulse pressure and the parietal stress in the aorta and the risk of aortic rupture or anterograde or retrograde propagation of dissection. Diagnosed dissection involving the ascending aorta (Type A) should be surgically treated in emergency. The dissection restricted to the descending aorta (Type B) receives initial clinical approach and, in the presence of complications such as expansion of the false lumen, hemothorax, persistent pain or visceral ischemia, it should be treated invasively with endovascular stenting.

Indicações e seleção do paciente para transplante cardíaco / Indications and patient selection for cardiac transplantation

O transplante cardíaco está indicado para pacientes cominsuficiência cardíaca grave com sintomas incapacitantes, a despeitode estarem recebendo tratamento farmacológico otimizado e deterem se esgotado as possibilidades cirúrgicas de tratamento. Entreoutros fatores, as limitações referentes à disponibilidade de doadoresde coração efetivos, principalmente no Brasil, tornam a escolhacriteriosa do receptor cardíaco, além de um desafio, uma granderesponsabilidade para a prática diária do cardiologista clínico.Hiponatremia, insuficiência renal, caquexia cardíaca, anemia, baixosníveis de colesterol, queda dos níveis de hemoglobina e dependênciade inotrópicos são fatores clínico-laboratoriais associados a mauprognóstico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) avançada.Os escores de risco [HFSS (Heart Failure Survival Score) eSHFM (Seattle Heart Failure Model)] devem ser utilizados comoferramentas acessórias para avaliar a gravidade dos pacientes comIC avançada. VO2 pico < 10 ml/kg/min e VE/VCO2 > 34 no teste doexercício cardiopulmonar estão relacionados com mortalidade empacientes ambulatorialmente avaliados para transplante cardíaco. Ahemodinâmica pulmonar, assim como o perfil imunológico, deveser rotineiramente acessada em pacientes candidatos a transplantecardíaco. Os pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar fixa estão sobrisco de desenvolverem insuficiência cardíaca direita fatal apóso transplante cardíaco. Por sua vez, a presença de anticorposcirculantes contra os antígenos HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)é um fator de risco para rejeição do enxerto após o transplantede coração. Finalmente, a indicação do transplante cardíaco emsituações clínicas extremas vem aumentando e se tornando umdesafio na prática clínica cardiológica.

The heart transplantation is indicated for patients with severeheart failure and disabling symptoms despite being receivingoptimal pharmacological treatment and having exhausted thepossibilities of surgical treatment. Among other factors, thelimitations related to the availability of effective heart donor,mainly in Brazil, make a judicious choice of the heart receptorin addition to a challenge, a huge responsibility for the dailypractice of clinical cardiologists. Hyponatremia, renal failure,cardiac cachexia, anemia, low cholesterol levels, decrease inhemoglobin levels and dependence on inotropes are clinical andlaboratory factors associated with poor prognosis in patientswith advanced heart failure. The risk scores [HFSS (HeartFailure Survival Score) and SHFM (Seattle Heart FailureModel)] should be used as ancillary tools to assess the severityof patients with advanced HF. Peak of VO2 < 10 ml/kg/minand VE/VCO2 > 34 during the cardio-pulmonary exercise testare related to mortality in ambulatory patients evaluated forcardiac transplantation. Pulmonary hemodynamics as wellas the immunological profile should be routinely accessed inpatients who are candidates for cardiac transplantation. Patientswith fixed pulmonary hypertension are at risk for fatal rightheart failure after heart transplantation. In turn, the presenceof circulating antibodies to Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA)is a risk factor for graft rejection after heart transplantation.Finally, the indication of cardiac transplantation in extremeclinical situations are increasing and becoming a challenge incardiology clinical practice.

Disfunção endotelial na insuficiência cardíaca / Endothelial dysfunction in heart failure

Insuficiência cardíaca é caracterizada, dentre outrosaspectos, por vasoconstrição periférica secundária à ativaçãoneuro-hormonal e alteração da função endotelial. O endotélioregula a homeostase vascular e, nesse contexto, o óxido nítricose destaca devido sua importância quanto à promoção devasodilatação, inibição da ativação plaquetária, inibição daagregação dos monócitos ao endotélio e inibição da proliferaçãoanormal da musculatura lisa vascular, Está bem demonstradona literatura médica que, nos portadores de insuficiência cardíaca,a disfunção endotelial ocorre com frequência e, quandopresente, provoca significativo impacto prognóstico negativo.No entanto, a disfunção endotelial melhora consideravelmentecom o tratamento clínico...

Heart failure is characterized by peripheral vasoconstrictiondue to neuro hormonal activation and alteration of endothelialfunction. The endothelium regulates vascular homeostasis,nitric oxide stands out, owing its importance as promotingvasodilation, inhibition of platelet activation, aggregationinhibition of monocytes to endothelium and inhibiting theabnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle. It is welldemonstrated in the literature that in heart failure patients,endothelial dysfunction occurs frequently and when presentit leads to a significant negative prognostic impact, however,considerable improvement occurs when clinical treatment isapplied...