Fetal echocardiography audit in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

Delayed detection of congenital heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributes to the poor outcome of infants with cardiac anomalies. Fetal echocardiography (FE) can detect heart defects in-utero as early as the 18th gestational week (GA), giving parents and medical professionals time to prepare for the baby's delivery and appropriate treatment. University College Hospital, Nigeria, is one of the few centres in Nigeria where FE is performed. Objectives: To examine the indications for referral for FE and the diagnoses made in our first four years of performing FE. Methods: FE was performed in the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, using the GE Voluson P6 machine with a 2-6-RS probe. Demographic information was obtained from the antenatal clinic records of the women who had FE using a semi-structured questionnaire. FE diagnoses were retrieved from the FE register. Results: A total of 129 women whose records were available were studied. The mean age of the women was 31.7±5.5 years. Forty-two women (32.6%) were referred because of echogenic foci, making this the most common indication for FE. Twenty-nine (22.5%) fetuses had structural heart defects, the most common being Ventricular Septal Defect. Conclusion: There is a need for Obstetricians and Paediatricians to be aware of the indications for fetal echocardiography and refer women appropriately

Chinese consensus on the use of antiarrhythmic drugs for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation / 中华内科杂志

Rhythm control is crucial part of comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Rhythm control can reduce the burden of AF effectively, reduce symptoms, and improve the prognosis in early AF. Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are the first-line treatment for rhythm-control strategies. This consensus focuses on the principle of rhythm control in AF, the characteristics of AADs, and the medication recommendations for patients in different populations suffering from AF. Hence, this consensus aims to support clinical decision-making for AF therapy.

Ablation therapies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and patient-level network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION@#Despite promising trials, catheter ablation is still regarded as an adjunct to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various ablation therapies and AADs.@*METHOD@#Randomised controlled trials or propensity score-matched studies comparing atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence among any combination of ablation modalities or AAD were retrieved. Kaplan-Meier curves and risk tables for this outcome were graphically reconstructed to extract patient-level data. Frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) using derived hazard ratios (HRs), as well as 2 restricted mean survival time (RMST) NMAs, were conducted. Treatment strategies were ranked using P-scores.@*RESULTS@#Across 24 studies comparing 6 ablation therapies (5,132 patients), Frequentist NMA-derived HRs of atrial fibrillation recurrence compared to AAD were 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.25-0.48) for cryoballoon ablation (CBA), 0.34 (95% CI=0.25-0.47) for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 0.14 (95% CI=0.07-0.30) for combined CBA and RFA, 0.20 (95% CI=0.10-0.41) for hot-balloon ablation, 0.43 (95% CI=0.15-1.26) for laser-balloon ablation (LBA), and 0.33 (95% CI=0.18-0.62) for pulmonary vein ablation catheter. RMST-based NMAs similarly showed significant benefit of all ablation therapies over AAD. The combination of CBA + RFA showed promising long-term superiority over CBA and RFA, while LBA showed favourable short-term efficacy.@*CONCLUSION@#The advantage of ablation therapies over AAD in preventing atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence suggests that ablation should be considered as the first-line treatment for PAF in patients fit for the procedure. The promising nature of several specific therapies warrants further trials to elicit their long-term efficacy and perform a cost-benefit analysis.

Antiarrhythmic active components in traditional Chinese medicine acting on potassium channels / 中国中药杂志

Arrhythmia is an external manifestation of cardiac electrophysiological disorder. It exists in healthy people and patients with various heart diseases, which is often associated with other cardiovascular diseases. The contraction and diastole of myocardium are inseparable from the movement of ions. There are many ion channels in the membrane and organelle membrane of myocardium. The dynamic balance of myocardial ions is vital in maintaining myocardial electrical homeostasis. Potassium ion channels that have a complex variety and a wide distribution are involved in the whole process of resting potential and action potential of cardiomyocytes. Potassium ion channels play a vital role in maintaining normal electrophysiological activity of myocardium and is one of the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has unique advantages in treating arrhythmia for its complex active components and diverse targets. A large number of TCM preparations have definite effect on treating arrhythmia-related diseases, whose antiarrhythmic mechanism may be related to the effect on potassium channel. This article mainly reviewed the relevant studies on the active components in TCM acting on different potassium channels to provide references for clinical drug use and development.

Clinical characteristics of 42 children with focal atrial tachycardia originated from the right atrial appendage / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feature and treatment of atrial tachycardia (AT) originated from right atrial appendage (RAA) in children. Methods: The data of 42 children with AT originated from RAA, who were admitted the First Hospital of Tsinghua University from January 2010 to September 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The clinical characteristics, treatment and efficacy were analyzed. The children were divided into tachycardia cardiomyopathy group and normal cardiac function group. The differences in the ablation age and the heart rate during AT between two groups were compared by independent sample t-test. Results: Among 42 children, there were 20 males and 22 females. The age of onset was 2.7 (0.6, 5.1) years. Their age at radiofrequency ablation was (6.5±3.6) years, and the weight was (23.4±10.0) kg. Thirty-two children (76%) had sustained AT. The incidence of tachycardia cardiomyopathy was 43% (18/42). Compared to that of the normal cardiac function group, the ablation age and the heart rate at atrial tachycardia of the tachycardia cardiomyopathy group were higher ((8.1±3.8) vs. (5.3±3.1) years, t=-2.63, P=0.012; (173±41) vs. (150±30) beats per minute, t=-2.05, P=0.047. Thirty-eight children (90%) responded poorly to two or more antiarrhythmic drugs. The immediate success rate of radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) was 57% (24/42), and the AT recurrence rate was 17% (4/24). Twenty-two children underwent RAA resection, and their AT were all converted to sinus rhythm after the surgery. During the RAA resection, 10 cases of right atrial appendage aneurysm were found, 9/18 of which failed the RFCA. Conclusions: The AT originated from the RAA in children tend to present with sustained AT, respond poorly to antiarrhythmic drugs, and has a low success rate of RFCA as well as high recurrence rate. Resection of the RAA is a safe and effective complementary treatment.

ablación de fibrilación auricular como tratamiento de primera línea: revisión de la literatura / Ablation as a first line treatment for atrial fibrillation: a review

RESUMEN La ablación con radiofrecuencia (RF) o con Criobalón (CRIO) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) paroxística y persistente es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en pacientes seleccionados. Datos recientes demuestran que la ablación proporciona mejores resultados en comparación con fármacos antiarrítmicos (FAA) en el tratamiento de la FA temprana. Los estudios que comparan RF y CRIO mostraron una eficacia y seguridad comparables en el aislamiento de venas pulmonares (PVI) para pacientes con FA paroxística sintomática. OBJETIVOS: Revisar estudios clínicos que comparan el tratamiento de la FA con ablación versus FAA como terapia de primera línea en pacientes con FA sin tratamiento previo. La eficacia y la seguridad se compararán entre las dos cohortes y entre los subgrupos. MÉTODO: Se incluye un total de 6 estudios en los que participaron 1212 pacientes con FA: 609 pacientes fueron aleatorizados a ablación de FA y 603 a tratamiento farmacológico En comparación con el tratamiento con FAA, la ablación se asoció con una reducción en la recurrencia de arritmias auriculares (32,3 % frente a 53 %; riesgo relativo [RR], 0,62; IC del 95 %, 0,51-0,74; P < 0,001; I 2 = 40 %, NNT: 5). El uso de ablación también se asoció con una reducción de las arritmias auriculares sintomáticas (11,8 % frente a 26,4 %; RR, 0,44; IC del 95 %, 0,27-0,72; P = 0,001; I 2 = 54%) y hospitalización (5,6% vs 18,7%; RR, 0,32; IC 95%, 0,19-0,53; P< 0,001) sin diferencias significativas en los eventos adversos graves entre los grupos (4,2 % frente a 2,8 %; RR, 1,52; IC del 95 %, 0,81-2,85; P = 0,19). CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes con FA paroxística, una estrategia de control precoz del ritmo cardíaco, se asocia con una mayor probabilidad de supervivencia, menos procedimientos repetidos, menos hospitalizaciones y, probablemente, una disminución en la progresión a FA persistente.

INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon (CRYO) ablation in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are safe and effective treatments in selected patients. Recent data show that ablation provides better results compared to antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) in the treatment of early AF. Studies comparing RF and CRYO showed comparable efficacy and safety in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. OBJETIVES: Review of clinical trials comparing treatment of AF with ablation versus AAD as first-line therapy in patients with AF with no previous treatment. Efficacy and safety are compared between the two cohorts and between subgroups. METHODS: A total of 6 studies involving -212 AF patients were included: 609 were randomized to AF ablation and 603 to pharmacological treatment. Ablation, compared with AAD, was associated with a reduction in recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (32.3% vs. 53%; relative risk [RR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.51-0.74, P< 0.001, I2 = 40%, NNT: 5). The use of ablation was also associated with a reduction in symptomatic atrial arrhythmias (11.8% vs. 26.4%; RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.72; P= 0.001; I2 = 54%) and hospitalization (5.6% vs 18.7%; RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19-0.53; P <0.001) with no significant differences in major adverse events (4.2% vs. 2.8%; RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.81-2.85; P=0.19). CONCLUSION: In patients with paroxysmal AF, an early cardiac rhythm control with ablation is associated with a higher probability of survival, fewer repeat procedures, fewer hospitalizations, and probably a decrease in progression to persistent AF.

Tireotoxicose induzida pela amiodarona - revisão de literatura e atualização clínica / Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis - literature review & clinical update

Resumo A amiodarona é amplamente utilizada no tratamento de arritmias atriais e ventriculares, porém devido sua alta concentração de iodo, o uso crônico da droga pode induzir distúrbios tireoidianos. A tireotoxicose induzida pela amiodarona (TIA) pode descompensar e exacerbar anormalidades cardíacas subjacentes, provocando aumento da morbidade e mortalidade, principalmente em pacientes com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo <30%. Os casos de TIA são classificados em dois subtipos que direcionam a conduta terapêutica. Os riscos e benefícios de manter a amiodarona devem ser avaliados de maneira individualizada, e a decisão de continuar ou suspender a droga deve ser tomada conjuntamente por cardiologistas e endocrinologistas. O tratamento de TIA tipo 1 é semelhante ao do hipertireoidismo espontâneo, sendo indicado o uso de drogas antitireoidianas (metimazol e propiltiouracil) em doses elevadas. A TIA tipo 1 mostra-se mais complicada, pois apresenta proporcionalmente maiores números de recorrências ou até mesmo a não remissão do quadro, sendo recomendado o tratamento definitivo (tireoidectomia total ou radioiodo). TIA tipo 2 é geralmente autolimitada, mas devido a elevada mortalidade associada a tireotoxicose em pacientes cardiopatas, o tratamento deve ser instituído para que o eutireoidismo seja atingido mais rapidamente. Em casos bem definidos de TIA tipo 2, o tratamento com corticosteroides é mais efetivo do que o tratamento com drogas antitireoidianas. Em casos graves, independentemente do subtipo, a restauração imediata do eutiroidismo por meio da tireoidectomia total deve ser considerada antes que o paciente evolua com piora clínica excessiva, pois a demora na indicação da cirurgia está associada ao aumento da mortalidade.

Abstract Amiodarone is widely used in treating atrial and ventricular arrhythmias; however, due to its high iodine concentration, the chronic use of the drug can induce thyroid disorders. Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) can decompensate and exacerbate underlying cardiac abnormalities, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <30%. AIT cases are classified into two subtypes that guide therapeutic management. The risks and benefits of maintaining the amiodarone must be evaluated individually, and the therapeutic decision should be taken jointly by cardiologists and endocrinologists. Type 1 AIT treatment is similar to that of spontaneous hyperthyroidism, using antithyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil) at high doses. Type 1 AIT is more complicated since it has proportionally higher recurrences or even non-remission, and definitive treatment is recommended (total thyroidectomy or radioiodine). Type 2 AIT is generally self-limited, yet due to the high mortality associated with thyrotoxicosis in cardiac patients, the treatment should be implemented for faster achievement of euthyroidism. Furthermore, in well-defined cases of type 2 AIT, the treatment with corticosteroids is more effective than treatment with antithyroid drugs. In severe cases, regardless of subtype, immediate restoration of euthyroidism through total thyroidectomy should be considered before the patient progresses to excessive clinical deterioration, as delayed surgery indication is associated with increased mortality.

Uso de la ivrabadina para el tratamiento de la taquicardia ectópica de la unión congénita / Use of ivabradine for the treatment of congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia

Resumen La taquicardia ectópica de la unión en su variante congénita es una taquiarritmia pediátrica poco frecuente, que por su naturaleza incesante y su refractariedad a los agentes farmacológicos tradicio nales lleva asociada una alta morbimortalidad. Se presentan los casos clínicos de dos pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de taquicardia ectópica de la unión congénita, que mostraron respuesta inadecuada a las alternativas de tratamiento habituales y que, en consecuencia, desarrollaron miocardiopatía dilatada y disfunción ventricular secundaria a la taquicardia sostenida. En ambos se utilizó ivabradina como alternativa farmacológica innovadora pare el control de ésta con excelente respuesta clínica.

Abstract The congenial form of junctional ectopic tachycardia is a rare variant of pediatric tachyarrhythmia that due to its incessant nature and its refractoriness to the traditionally used antiarrhythmic agents has a high morbimortality The clinical cases of two patients with a diagnosis of congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia with inadequate response to the regular pharmacological options, who developed dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular dysfunc tion secondary to sustained tachycardia, are presented. In both ivrabadine, a new innovative option was used with excellent clinical response.

Silymarin's defensive role against hepatotoxicity induced by amiodarone in albino rats / El efecto defensivo de silimarin contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por amiodarona en ratas albinas

SUMMARY: Amiodarone (AMD), an orally powerful antidysrhythmic medication that has caused hepatotoxicity on long-term administration, is commonly used across the world. Silymarin ameliorative effects (SLM); this research elucidated the magnitude of the damage to the liver tissue in AMD. We divided 24 albino rats evenly into four groups given daily doses by gastric tube for eight weeks as follows; the 1st group acted as a control group; the 2nd group received SLM; the 3rd group received AMD; and the 4th group received AMD parallel to SLM. Liver tissues prepared for light, electron microscopic and serum samples screened for biomarkers (I)liver injury enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); (II) oxidative and antioxidant stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (III) inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The findings showed that AMD caused hepatic histological changes that included congestion of the blood vessels, leucocytic infiltration and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Ultrastructural degeneration of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum swelling, nuclear pyknosis and increased fat droplets and lysosomes were observed. The biochemical findings showed an increase in the AMD group's ALT and AST activities. The group of rats treated with AMD and SLM, increased the improvements in histology and ultrastructure, while the ALT and AST levels were reduced. Our findings collectively agreed that SLM has a protective impact on AMD hepatotoxicity which can be due to its antioxidant properties.

RESUMEN: La amiodarona (AMD) es un fuerte medicamento antiarrítmico administrado por vía oral que ha causado hepatotoxicidad en la administración a largo plazo utilizado con frecuencia en todo el mundo. Efectos de mejora de la silimarina (SLM); esta investigación analizó la magnitud del daño al tejido hepático en la DMAE. Dividimos 24 ratas albinas de manera uniforme en cuatro grupos que recibieron dosis diarias por sonda gástrica durante ocho semanas de la siguiente manera; el primer grupo fue designado como grupo control; el segundo grupo recibió SLM; el tercer grupo recibió AMD; y el cuarto grupo recibió AMD en paralelo a SLM. Se prepararon tejidos hepáticos para muestras de suero, microscopía de luz y electrónica y se analizaron para biomarcadores (I) enzimas de daño hepático, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST); (II) estrés oxidativo y antioxidante, malondialdehído (MDA) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD); y (III) marcadores inflamatorios, factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a) e interleucina-6 (IL-6). Los hallazgos mostraron que la DMAE genera cambios histológicos hepáticos que incluyen congestión de los vasos sanguíneos, infiltración leucocítica y vacuolación citoplásmica. Se observó una degeneración ultraestructural de las mitocondrias, aumento del retículo endoplásmico, picnosis nuclear y aumento de gotitas de grasa y lisosomas. Los hallazgos bioquímicos mostraron un aumento en las actividades de ALT y AST del grupo AMD. El grupo de ratas tratadas con AMD y SLM, aumentó las mejoras en histología y ultraestructura, mientras que se redujeron los niveles de ALT y AST. Nuestros hallazgos coincidieron colectivamente en que SLM tiene un impacto protector sobre la hepatotoxicidad de AMD debido a sus propiedades antioxidantes.

Flutter auricular neonatal: presentación de tres casos / Neonatal atrial flutter: Presentation of three cases

Resumen Introducción: El flutter auricular es un tipo poco frecuente de arritmia fetal y neonatal. A pesar de que puede conducir a graves morbilidades, como hidrops fetal o incluso el fallecimiento, el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz confieren un buen pronóstico a la mayoría de los casos. Pacientes y métodos: Se presentan tres casos de flutter auricular, dos de inicio en periodo fetal y uno en periodo neonatal, y se revisa la literatura en relación con las características clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas del flutter auricular fetal y neonatal. Resultados y discusión: En el flutter auricular fetal la terapia materna con fármacos antiarrítmicos es el tratamiento más empleado durante la gestación. El tratamiento postnatal más utilizado es la cardioversión eléctrica sincronizada. El flutter auricular no suele asociar cardiopatía estructural; la recidiva neonatal es poco habitual y normalmente no precisa la administración de tratamiento profiláctico.

Abstract Introduction: Atrial flutter is a rare type of fetal and neonatal arrhythmia. Although it can lead to serious morbidities such as fetal hydrops or even death, diagnosis and early treatment confer a good prognosis in most cases. Patients and methods: Three cases of atrial flutter are presented, two of which start in the fetal period and one in the neonatal period. The literature is reviewed in relation to the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of fetal and neonatal atrial flutter. Results and discussion: In fetal atrial flutter maternal therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs is the most used treatment during pregnancy. The most used postnatal treatment is synchronized electrical cardioversion. Atrial flutter does not usually associate structural heart disease, neonatal recurrence is uncommon and usually does not require prophylactic treatment.

Fibrilação Atrial (Parte 1): Fisiopatologia, Fatores de Risco e Bases Terapêuticas / Atrial Fibrillation (Part 1): Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Therapeutic Basis

Resumo A fibrilação atrial é a arritmia sustentada mais comum na prática clínica com predileção pelas faixas etárias mais avançadas. Com o envelhecimento populacional, as projeções para as próximas décadas são alarmantes. Além de sua importância epidemiológica, a fibrilação atrial é destacada por suas repercussões clínicas, incluindo fenômenos tromboembólicos, hospitalizações e maior taxa de mortalidade. Seu mecanismo fisiopatológico é complexo, envolvendo uma associação de fatores hemodinâmicos, estruturais, eletrofisiológicos e autonômicos. Desde os anos 1990, o estudo Framingham em análises multivariadas já demonstrou que, além da idade, a presença de hipertensão, diabetes, insuficiência cardíaca e doença valvar é preditor independente dessa normalidade do ritmo. Entretanto, recentemente, vários outros fatores de risco estão sendo implicados no aumento do número de casos de fibrilação atrial, tais como sedentarismo, obesidade, anormalidades do sono, tabagismo e uso excessivo de álcool. Além disso, as mudanças na qualidade de vida apontam para uma redução na recorrência de fibrilação atrial, tornando-se uma nova estratégia para o tratamento de excelência dessa arritmia cardíaca. A abordagem terapêutica envolve um amplo conhecimento do estado de saúde e hábitos do paciente, e compreende quatro pilares principais: mudança de hábitos de vida e tratamento rigoroso de fatores de risco; prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos; controle da frequência; e controle do ritmo. Pela dimensão de fatores envolvidos no cuidado ao paciente portador de fibrilação atrial, ações integradas com equipes multiprofissionais estão associadas aos melhores resultados clínicos.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, with a preference for older age groups. Considering population ageing, the projections for the next decades are alarming. In addition to its epidemiological importance, atrial fibrillation is evidenced by its clinical repercussions, including thromboembolic phenomena, hospitalizations, and a higher mortality rate. Its pathophysiological mechanism is complex and involves an association of hemodynamic, structural, electrophysiological, and autonomic factors. Since the 1990s, the Framingham study of multivariate analyses has demonstrated that hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and valvular disease are independent predictors of this rhythm abnormality along with age. However, various other risk factors have been recently implicated in an increase of atrial fibrillation cases, such as sedentary behavior, obesity, sleep disorders, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use. Moreover, changes in quality of life indicate a reduction in atrial fibrillation recurrence, thus representing a new strategy for excellence in the treatment of this cardiac arrhythmia. Therapeutic management involves a broad knowledge of the patient's health state and habits, comprehending 4 main pillars: lifestyle changes and rigorous treatment of risk factors; prevention of thromboembolic events; rate control; and rhythm control. Due to the dimension of factors involved in the care of patients with atrial fibrillation, integrated actions performed by interprofessional teams are associated with the best clinical results.

Clinical comprehensive evaluation of Wenxin Granules in treatment of arrhythmia with deficiency of Qi and Yin / 中国中药杂志

This study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules in the treatment of arrhythmia(ventricular premature beat and atrial premature beat) with deficiency of Qi and Yin. The multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA) model was adopted, and the criterion layer and index layer were weighted by experts. CSC v2.0 was used for clinical comprehensive evaluation. This study embodies the clinical value of Wenxin Granules, promotes its safe, effective and rational use, and provides a basis for national medical decision-making. The multi-source evidence shows that the major adverse reaction of Wenxin Granules is gastrointestinal damage. According to the available studies, Wenxin Granules has controllable risk and thus is rated as grade B in terms of safety. The systematic evaluation of effectiveness shows that compared with antiarrhythmic western medicine, Wenxin Granules demonstrates improved clinical efficacy and electrocardiogram efficacy, which is supported by high-quality evidence, and thus the effectiveness of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. Economic research shows that Wenxin Granules is more economical than antiarrhythmic western medicine, which is supported by sufficient evidence and clear results, and thus the economy of this preparation is rated as grade B. The indications and contraindications of Wenxin Granules are clear and detailed to different types of arrhythmia, which, together with the precise positioning and prominent clinical innovation and industrial innovation, rates it as grade A in terms of innovation. The suitability of drug storage, prescription circulation, dosage form and course of treatment basically meet the clinical medication needs of doctors and patients, and thus the suitability of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade B. Because of the few restrictions and the sustainable resources of medicinal materials, the accessibility of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. The prescription compatibility focuses on the pathogenesis characteristics of deficiency of Qi and Yin, and there are more than 3 000 cases studied. Therefore, the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules are evaluated as grade B. Based on the evidence from all the above dimensions, Wenxin Granules has the clinical comprehensive value of class A and prominent characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. It is suggested to include Wenxin Granules into the policy results related to basic clinical medication management according to the procedure.

Cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito em maratonista: relato de caso / Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in marathon runners: case report

A cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito é uma desordem hereditária caracterizada pela substituição fibrogordurosa do músculo cardíaco. O manejo clínico busca reduzir os riscos de morte súbita e melhorar a qualidade de vida, aliviando os sintomas arrítmicos e de insuficiência cardíaca. O ecocardiograma é o exame inicial para a investigação da cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito, podendo apresentar dilatação das câmaras direitas e disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direito. Este relato chama atenção por envolver o diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito em paciente atleta. Mulher, 47 anos, maratonista, sem história familiar de morte súbita cardíaca, deu entrada na emergência com palpitação associada à pré-síncope. O eletrocardiograma da admissão mostrava taquicardia ventricular. O ecocardiograma revelou aumento de câmaras cardíacas direitas e disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direito. O cateterismo cardíaco não evidenciou doença coronária obstrutiva. A paciente foi orientada acerca da necessidade de suspensão de atividades físicas, porém, 3 meses depois, foi readmitida com instabilidade hemodinâmica por nova taquicardia ventricular, tendo sido cardiovertida. Realizou ressonância cardíaca, que evidenciou áreas de discinesia e formação de microaneurismas em ventrículo direito. Foi diagnosticada com cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito, tendo sido com cardioversor desfibrilador implantável, amiodarona e betabloqueador. A diferenciação entre a cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito e o coração do atleta representa um desafio, devido à sobreposição de alterações estruturais que coexistem nessas entidades, daí a importância da análise integrada de fatores clínicos, eletrocardiográficos e morfofuncionais.(AU)

Translational Approach for Percutaneous Interventions for the Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Abstract New translational concepts on cellular and tissue substrate of cardiac arrhythmias have been responsible for the development of non-pharmacological interventions, with important achievements compared to the conventional approach with antiarrhythmic drugs. In addition, the increasing knowledge of anatomical and electrophysiological studies, sophisticated mapping methods, special catheters, and controlled clinical trials have favored the progression of ablation of tachyarrhythmias, particularly of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.

Ações Transmurais Inotrópicas e Antiarrítmicas da Ranolazina em um Modelo Celular da Síndrome do QT Longo Tipo 3 / Inotropic and Antiarrhythmic Transmural Actions of Ranolazine in a Cellular Model of Type 3 Long QT Syndrome

Resumo A Ranolazina (RANO), conhecida na clínica como Ranexa, é um fármaco que previne a arritmia cardíaca através da inibição da corrente de sódio tardia (INaT). Um gradiente de voltagem transmural do canal Nav1.5 encontra-se na parede ventricular esquerda do coração. Assim, investigamos os efeitos da RANO em cardiomiócitos saudáveis e em modelo celular da Síndrome do QT longo tipo 3 (SQTL tipo 3). Usamos células isoladas do endocárdio (ENDO) e do epicárdio (EPI) e um software de medição com detecção de bordas por vídeo e microscopia de fluorescência para monitorar os transientes de cálcio. A RANO (0,1, 1, 10 e 30 uM, a 25OC) em uma série de frequências de estimulação teve impacto pouco significativo sobre ambos os tipos de células, mas a RANO (30uM) a 35OC minimizou o encurtamento dos sarcômeros em ~21% para células do endocárdio. Em seguida, para simular a SQTL tipo 3, as células do ENDO e EPI foram expostas à toxina ATX-II da anêmona do mar, que aumenta a INaT. As arritmias celulares induzidas por ATX-II foram suprimidas com o uso da RANO (30 µM) a 35OC. Com base nesses resultados, podemos concluir que a RANO tem um impacto pouco significativo sobre o encurtamento dos sarcômeros de células saudáveis do ENDO e EPI. Além disso, ela suprime as arritmias induzidas por INaT para níveis semelhantes nas células do ENDO e EPI.

Abstract Ranolazine (RANO) prevents cardiac arrhythmia by blocking the late sodium current (INaL). A transmural gradient of Nav1.5 is found in the left ventricular wall of the heart. Thus, we investigated the effects of RANO in healthy cardiomyocytes and in a cellular model of type 3 long QT syndrome (LQT3). We used isolated endocardium (ENDO) and epicardium (EPI) cells and a video edge detection system and fluorescence microscopy to monitor calcium transients. RANO (0.1, 1, 10 and 30 uM, at 25oC) at a range of pacing frequencies showed a minor impact on both cell types, but RANO at 30uM and 35oC for ENDO cells attenuated sarcomere shortening by~21%. Next, to mimic LQT3, we exposed ENDO and EPI cells to anemone toxin II (ATX-II), which augments INaL. Cellular arrhythmias induced by ATX-II were abrogated by RANO (30 µM) at 35oC. Based on our results we can conclude that RANO has a minor impact on sarcomere shortening of healthy ENDO and EPI cells and it abrogates arrhythmias induced by INaLto a similar level in ENDO and EPI cells.

Reconhecimento da paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica na emergência: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Recognizing thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis on emergency settings: a case report and literature revie

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação inusitada do hipertireoidismo, porém é considerada urgência endocrinológica e ainda frequentemente subdiagnosticada. Sua apresentação clínica consiste na tríade de défice de potássio, tireotoxicose e fraqueza muscular ­ sendo esse último sintoma comum em diversas patologias. Realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica e destacamos, por meio do relato de caso, a importância do diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, possibilitando uma evolução favorável ao paciente, independente de sua etnia, sexo ou região geográfica. Atentamos ainda ao tratamento da doença, que, apesar de sua simplicidade, acarreta muitos equívocos.

The thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, but is considered an endocrinological urgency, and yet frequently underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation consists of potassium deficit, thyrotoxicosis, and muscular weakness, with the latter symptom being very common in several pathologies. We performed a bibliographic review and highlight, through a case report, the importance of the early diagnosis of this disease to allow favorable progression to the patient, regardless of ethnicity, sex, or geographical region. We also reinforce the importance of the disease treatment which, despite its simplicity, leads to many mistakes.