A compreensão das expectativas dos pacientes candidatos ao transplante hepático / Understanding the expectations of patients who are candidates for liver transplantation / Comprender las expectativas de los pacientes candidatos a un trasplante de hígado

As doenças hepáticas crônicas trazem alterações metabólicas no organismo que alteram a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. A depender da gravidade clínica, o transplante hepático surge como uma proposta terapêutica que necessita de inclusão no Sistema Nacional de Transplantes e avaliação multiprofissional. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as expectativas que os pacientes candidatos ao transplante hepático expressam sobre esta terapêutica. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou o método da pesquisa documental nos Formulários de Avaliação Psicológica Pré Transplante do serviço de psicologia de um hospital universitário em Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram analisados 202 Formulários pelo método de análise de conteúdo de Bardin que se dividiram em três categorias: 1. Diminuição dos sintomas a recuperação à saúde; 2. Esperança frente ao desconhecido; 3. Reconstrução da identidade. A pesquisa permitiu identificar as principais expectativas dos pacientes relacionados ao transplante hepático, delineando os aspectos que são sustentadores para que os sujeitos deem continuidade ao tratamento, a saber: rede social de apoio, possibilidade de melhora clínica e aumento da sobrevida, sentimentos de esperança e desejo de qualidade de vida. O desejo de cura está relacionado à recuperação da cirurgia e não apenas ao desaparecimento da doença hepática. (AU)

Chronic liver diseases bring metabolic changes in the body that affect the individual's quality of life. Depending on the clinical severity, liver transplantation emerges as a therapeutic proposal that requires inclusion in the National Transplant System and multidisciplinary evaluation. The aim of this study was to identify the expectations that patients who are candidates for liver transplantation express about this therapy. This is a descriptive, qualitative study that used the documentary research method in the Pre-Transplant Psychological Assessment Forms of the psychology service at a university hospital in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. 202 Forms were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis method, which were divided into three categories: 1. Reduction of symptoms and recovery to health; 2. Hope in the face of the unknown; 3. Reconstruction of identity. The research identified the main expectations of patients related to liver transplantation, outlining the aspects that support subjects in continuing treatment, namely: social support network, the possibility of clinical improvement and increased survival, feelings of hope, and desire for quality of life. The desire for a cure is related to recovery from surgery and not just to the disappearance of liver disease. (AU)

Las enfermidades hepáticas crónicas traen alteraciones metabólicas en el organismo que alteran la calidad de vida. Dependiendo de la gravidad, el trasplante de hígado surge como una propuesta terapéutica que necesita de inclusión en el Sistema Nacional de Trasplante. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las expectativas que los pacientes candidatos al trasplante expresan sobre esta terapia. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, que se utilizó del método de la búsqueda documental en los Formulários de Evaluación Psicológica Pré Trasplante de un Servicio de Psicología de un Hospital Universitário de la ciudad de Fortaleza (Ceará). Se analizaron 202 Formulários por el método de análisis de contenidos de Bardin que se dividieron en tres categorias: Dismi-nución de los síntomas y la recuperación de la salud; Esperanza frente a lo desconocido; Reconstrucción de la identidad. La búsqueda permitió identificar las expectativas de los pacientes relacionados al trasplante de hígado. Desta-cando los aspectos que son fundamentales para que los sujetos continúen al tratamiento, tenemos: rede social de apoyo, posibilidad de mejora clínica y aumento de supervivencia, sentimientos de esperanza y deseo de calidad de vida. El deseo de cura está relacionado a la recuperación de la cirurgia y desaparición de la enfermedad hepática. (AU)

Impact of self-reported fasting duration on lipid profile variability, cardiovascular risk stratification and metabolic syndrome diagnosis

ABSTRACT Objective We sought to investigate the impact of self-reported fasting duration times on the lipid profile results and its impact on the cardiovascular risk stratification and metabolic syndrome diagnosis. Subjects and methods We analyzed data from all consecutive individuals evaluated in a comprehensive health examination at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein from January to December 2015. We divided these patients in three groups, according to the fasting duration recalled (< 8h, 8-12h and > 12h). We calculated the global cardiovascular risk and diagnosed metabolic syndrome according to the current criteria and estimated their change according to fasting duration. Results A total of 12,196 (42.3 ± 9.2 years-old, 30.2% females) patients were evaluated. The distribution of cardiovascular risk was not different among groups defined by fasting duration in both men and women (p = 0.547 for women and p = 0.329 for men). Similarly, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not influenced by the fasting duration (p = 0.431 for women and p = 0.166 for men). Conclusion Self-reported fasting duration had no significant impact on the lipid profile results, including triglyceride levels. Consequently, no changes on the cardiovascular risk stratification using the Framingham risk score nor changes on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome were noted.

Persistent Depressive Symptoms are Independent Predictors of Low-Grade Inflammation Onset Among Healthy Individuals / Sintomas Depressivos Persistentes são Preditores Independentes de Início de Inflamação de Baixo Grau em Indivíduos Saudáveis

Abstract Background: Depressive symptoms are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with non-diagnosed CVD. The mechanisms underlying this association, however, remain unclear. Inflammation has been indicated as a possible mechanistic link between depression and CVD. Objectives: This study evaluated the association between persistent depressive symptoms and the onset of low-grade inflammation. Methods: From a database of 1,508 young (mean age: 41 years) individuals with no CVD diagnosis who underwent at least two routine health evaluations, 134 had persistent depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI ≥ 10, BDI+) and 1,374 had negative symptoms at both time points (BDI-). All participants had been submitted to repeated clinical and laboratory evaluations at a regular follow-up with an average of 26 months from baseline. Low-grade inflammation was defined as plasma high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentrations > 3 mg/L. The outcome was the incidence of low-grade inflammation evaluated by the time of the second clinical evaluation. Results: The incidence of low-grade inflammation was more frequently observed in the BDI+ group compared to the BDI- group (20.9% vs. 11.4%; p = 0.001). After adjusting for sex, age, waist circumference, body mass index, levels of physical activity, smoking, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, persistent depressive symptoms remained an independent predictor of low-grade inflammation onset (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03-3.02; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Persistent depressive symptoms were independently associated with low-grade inflammation onset among healthy individuals.

Resumo Fundamento: Sintomas depressivos estão associados de forma independente ao risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular (DCV) em indivíduos com DCV não diagnosticada. Os mecanismos subjacentes a essa associação, entretanto, não estão claros. Inflamação tem sido indicada como um possível elo mecanicista entre depressão e DCV. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou a associação entre sintomas depressivos persistentes e o início de inflamação de baixo grau. Métodos: De um banco de dados de 1.508 indivíduos jovens (idade média: 41 anos) sem diagnóstico de DCV submetidos a pelo menos duas avaliações de saúde de rotina, 134 tinham sintomas depressivos persistentes (Inventário de Depressão de Beck - BDI ≥10, BDI+) e 1.374 não apresentavam sintomas em nenhuma das ocasiões (BDI-). Todos os participantes foram submetidos a repetidas avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais em seguimento regular, cuja média foi de 26 meses desde a condição basal. Definiu-se inflamação de baixo grau como concentração plasmática de proteína C reativa (PCR) ultrassensível > 3 mg/L. O desfecho foi a incidência de inflamação de baixo grau por ocasião da segunda avaliação clínica. Resultados: A incidência de inflamação de baixo grau foi maior no grupo BDI+ em comparação ao grupo BDI- (20,9% vs. 11,4%; p = 0,001). Após ajuste para sexo, idade, circunferência abdominal, índice de massa corporal, níveis de atividade física, tabagismo e prevalência de síndrome metabólica, os sintomas depressivos persistentes continuaram sendo um preditor independente de início de inflamação de baixo grau (OR = 1,76; IC 95%: 1,03-3,02; p = 0,04). Conclusões: Sintomas depressivos persistentes foram independentemente associados com início de inflamação de baixo grau em indivíduos saudáveis.

Association of subclinical inflammation, glycated hemoglobin and risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / Associação entre inflamação subclínica, hemoglobina glicada e risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the inter-relation between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycated hemoglobin in prediction of risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Methods We included all individuals participating in a check-up program at the Preventive Medicine Center of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in 2014. The Berlin questionnaire for risk of obstructive sleep apnea was used, and the high sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycated hemoglobin levels were evaluated. Results The sample included 7,115 participants (age 43.4±9.6 years, 24.4% women). The Berlin questionnaire showed changes in 434 (6.1%) individuals. This finding was associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein and glycated hemoglobin levels (p<0.001). However, only the association between the Berlin questionnaire result and glycated hemoglobin remained significant in the adjusted multivariate analysis, for the traditional risk factors and for an additional model, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Conclusion The glycated hemoglobin, even below the threshold for diagnosis of diabetes, is independently associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, even after adjustment for obesity and C-reactive protein. These findings suggest a possible pathophysiological link between changes in insulin resistance and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, independently from obesity or low-grade inflammation.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a inter-relação entre proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade e hemoglobina glicada na predição do risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono. Métodos Foram incluídos todos os indivíduos participantes do programa de check-up do Centro de Medicina Preventiva Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein em 2014. Foi aplicado o questionário de Berlin sobre risco de apneia do sono, e avaliadas as dosagens de hemoglobina glicada e proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade. Resultados Foram incluídos 7.115 participantes (idade 43,4±9,6 anos, 24,4% mulheres). A prevalência de alteração no questionário de Berlin foi de 434 (6,1%). A alteração do questionário de Berlin associou-se positivamente aos resultados da proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade e da hemoglobina glicada (p<0,001). No entanto, apenas a associação entre o resultado do questionário de Berlin e a hemoglobina glicada permaneceu significativa na análise multivariada ajustada tanto para fatores de risco tradicionais quanto para um modelo adicional, que incluiu também lipoproteína de alta densidade-colesterol (HDL-c) e triglicérides. Conclusão A hemoglobina glicada, mesmo em valores abaixo do critério diagnóstico para diabetes mellitus, está associada de forma independente ao risco para síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono, mesmo após ajuste para obesidade e proteína C-reativa. Estes achados sugerem possível ligação fisiopatológica entre alterações na resistência insulínica e a síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono, que independe da obesidade ou inflamação de baixo grau.

Cardiovascular Risk Stratification and Statin Eligibility Based on the Brazilian vs. North American Guidelines on Blood Cholesterol Management / Estratificação de Risco Cardiovascular e Elegibilidade para Estatina com Base na Diretriz Brasileira vs. Norte-Americana para Manejo do Colesterol

Abstract Background: The best way to select individuals for lipid-lowering treatment in the population is controversial. Objective: In healthy individuals in primary prevention: to assess the relationship between cardiovascular risk categorized according to the V Brazilian Guideline on Dyslipidemia and the risk calculated by the pooled cohort equations (PCE); to compare the proportion of individuals eligible for statins, according to different criteria. Methods: In individuals aged 40-75 years consecutively submitted to routine health assessment at one single center, four criteria of eligibility for statin were defined: BR-1, BR-2 (LDL-c above or at least 30 mg/dL above the goal recommended by the Brazilian Guideline, respectively), USA-1 and USA-2 (10-year risk estimated by the PCE ≥ 5.0% or ≥ 7.5%, respectively). Results: The final sample consisted of 13,947 individuals (48 ± 6 years, 71% men). Most individuals at intermediate or high risk based on the V Brazilian Guideline had a low risk calculated by the PCE, and more than 70% of those who were considered at high risk had this categorization because of the presence of aggravating factors. Among women, 24%, 17%, 4% and 2% were eligible for statin use according to the BR-1, BR-2, USA-1 and USA-2 criteria, respectively (p < 0.01). The respective figures for men were 75%, 58%, 31% and 17% (p < 0.01). Eighty-five percent of women and 60% of men who were eligible for statin based on the BR-1 criterion would not be candidates for statin based on the USA-1 criterion. Conclusions: As compared to the North American Guideline, the V Brazilian Guideline considers a substantially higher proportion of the population as eligible for statin use in primary prevention. This results from discrepancies between the risk stratified by the Brazilian Guideline and that calculated by the PCE, particularly because of the risk reclassification based on aggravating factors.

Resumo Fundamento: Existe controvérsia sobre a melhor forma de selecionar indivíduos para tratamento hipolipemiante na população. Objetivos: Em indivíduos saudáveis em prevenção primária: avaliar a relação entre o risco cardiovascular segundo a V Diretriz Brasileira de Dislipidemias e o risco calculado pelas pooled cohort equations (PCE); comparar a proporção de indivíduos elegíveis para estatinas, de acordo com diferentes critérios. Métodos: Em indivíduos de 40 a 75 anos submetidos consecutivamente a avaliação rotineira de saúde em um único centro, quatro critérios de elegibilidade para estatina foram definidos: BR-1, BR-2 (LDL-c acima ou pelo menos 30 mg/dL acima da meta preconizada pela diretriz brasileira, respectivamente), EUA-1 e EUA-2 (risco estimado pelas PCE em 10 anos ≥ 5,0% ou ≥ 7,5%, respectivamente). Resultados: Foram estudados 13.947 indivíduos (48 ± 6 anos, 71% homens). A maioria dos indivíduos de risco intermediário ou alto pela V Diretriz apresentou risco calculado pelas PCE baixo e mais de 70% daqueles considerados de alto risco o foram devido à presença de fator agravante. Foram elegíveis para estatina 24%, 17%, 4% e 2% das mulheres pelos critérios BR-1, BR-2, EUA-1 e EUA-2, respectivamente (p < 0,01). Os respectivos valores para os homens foram 75%, 58%, 31% e 17% (p < 0,01). Oitenta e cinco por cento das mulheres e 60% dos homens elegíveis para estatina pelo critério BR-1 não seriam candidatos pelo critério EUA-1. Conclusões: Comparada à diretriz norte-americana, a V Diretriz Brasileira considera uma proporção substancialmente maior da população como elegível para estatina em prevenção primária. Isso se relaciona com discrepâncias entre o risco estratificado pela diretriz brasileira e o calculado pelas PCE, particularmente devido à reclassificação de risco baseada em fatores agravantes.

The Expected Cardiovascular Benefit of Plasma Cholesterol Lowering with or Without LDL-C Targets in Healthy Individuals at Higher Cardiovascular Risk / Benefício Cardiovascular Esperado pela Redução do Colesterol Plasmático com ou sem Metas de LDL-C em Indivíduos Saudáveis de Risco Cardiovascular mais Elevado

Abstract Background: There is controversy whether management of blood cholesterol should be based or not on LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) target concentrations. Objectives: To compare the estimated impact of different lipid-lowering strategies, based or not on LDL-c targets, on the risk of major cardiovascular events in a population with higher cardiovascular risk. Methods: We included consecutive individuals undergoing a routine health screening in a single center who had a 10-year risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) ≥ 7.5% (pooled cohort equations, ACC/AHA, 2013). For each individual, we simulated two strategies based on LDL-c target (≤ 100 mg/dL [Starget-100] or ≤ 70 mg/dL [Starget-70]) and two strategies based on percent LDL-c reduction (30% [S30%] or 50% [S50%]). Results: In 1,897 subjects (57 ± 7 years, 96% men, 10-year ASCVD risk 13.7 ± 7.1%), LDL-c would be lowered from 141 ± 33 mg/dL to 99 ± 23 mg/dL in S30%, 71 ± 16 mg/dL in S50%, 98 ± 9 mg/dL in Starget-100, and 70 ± 2 mg/dL in Starget-70. Ten-year ASCVD risk would be reduced to 8.8 ± 4.8% in S50% and 8.9 ± 5.2 in Starget-70. The number of major cardiovascular events prevented in 10 years per 1,000 individuals would be 32 in S30%, 31 in Starget-100, 49 in S50%, and 48 in Starget-70. Compared with Starget-70, S50% would prevent more events in the lower LDL-c tertile and fewer events in the higher LDL-c tertile. Conclusions: The more aggressive lipid-lowering approaches simulated in this study, based on LDL-c target or percent reduction, may potentially prevent approximately 50% more hard cardiovascular events in the population compared with the less intensive treatments. Baseline LDL-c determines which strategy (based or not on LDL-c target) is more appropriate at the individual level.

Resumo Fundamentos: Há controvérsias sobre se o controle do colesterol plasmático deve ou não se basear em metas de concentração de colesterol LDL (LDL-c). Objetivos: Comparar o impacto estimado de diferentes estratégias hipolipemiantes, baseadas ou não em metas de LDL-c, sobre o risco de eventos cardiovasculares maiores em uma população de risco cardiovascular mais elevado. Métodos: Foram incluídos indivíduos consecutivamente submetidos a uma avaliação rotineira de saúde em um único centro e que apresentavam um risco em 10 anos de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica (DCVAS) ≥ 7,5% ("pooled cohort equations", ACC/AHA, 2013). Para cada indivíduo, foram simuladas duas estratégias baseadas em meta de LDL-c (≤ 100 mg/dL [Emeta-100] ou ≤ 70 mg/dL [Emeta-70]) e duas estratégias baseadas em redução percentual do LDL-c (30% [E30%] ou 50% [E50%]). Resultados: Em 1.897 indivíduos (57 ± 7 anos, 96% homens, risco em 10 anos de DCVAS 13,7 ± 7,1%), o LDL-c seria reduzido de 141 ± 33 mg/dL para 99 ± 23 mg/dL na E30%, 71 ± 16 mg/dL na E50%, 98 ± 9 mg/dL na Emeta-100 e 70 ± 2 mg/dL na Emeta-70. O risco em 10 anos de DCVAS seria reduzido para 8,8 ± 4,8% na E50% e para 8,9 ± 5,2 na Emeta-70. O número de eventos cardiovasculares maiores prevenidos em 10 anos por 1.000 indivíduos seria de 32 na E30%, 31 na Emeta-100, 49 na E50% e 48 na Emeta-70. Em comparação com a Emeta-70, a E50% evitaria mais eventos no tercil inferior de LDL-c e menos eventos no tercil superior de LDL-c. Conclusões: As abordagens hipolipemiantes mais agressivas simuladas neste estudo, com base em meta de LDL-c ou redução percentual, podem potencialmente prevenir cerca de 50% mais eventos cardiovasculares graves na população em comparação com os tratamentos menos intensivos. Os níveis basais de LDL-c determinam qual estratégia (baseada ou não em meta de LDL-c) é mais apropriada para cada indivíduo.

Check-up and cardiovascular risk progression: is there a room for innovation? / Check-up e progressão do risco cardiovascular: existe espaço para inovação?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of traditional check-up appointment on the progression of the cardiovascular risk throughout time. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 11,126 medical records of asymptomatic executives who were evaluated between January, 2005 and October, 2008. Variables included participants’ demographics characteristics, smoking habit, history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidemia, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, c-reactive protein, waist circumference, hepatic steatosis, Framingham score, metabolic syndrome, level of physical activity, stress, alcohol consumption, and body mass index. Results: A total of 3,150 patients was included in the final analysis. A worsening was observed in all risk factors, excepting in smoking habit, incidence of myocardial infarction or stroke and in the number of individuals classified as medium or high risk for cardiovascular events. In addition, a decrease in stress level and alcohol consumption was also seen. Conclusion: The adoption of consistent health policies by companies is imperative in order to reduce the risk factors and the future costs associated with illness and absenteeism. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do modelo tradicional de check-up na progressão do risco cardiovascular ao longo do tempo. Métodos: Estudo coorte-retrospectivo com análise de 11.126 prontuários de executivos assintomáticos, atendidos entre janeiro de 2005 e outubro de 2008. Foram observados dados demográficos, tabagismo, doenças cardiovasculares, diabetes, dislipidemia prévios, valores de colesterol total e frações, triglicérides, glicemia, proteína C-reativa, circunferência de cintura, esteatose hepática, escore de Framingham, síndrome metabólica, nível de atividade física, estresse, consumo de álcool e índice de massa corporal. Resultados: Foram incluídos 3.150 pacientes. Houve piora de todos fatores de risco, com exceção do tabagismo, do aumento na incidência de doenças cardiovasculares e da população com risco médio ou alto para eventos cardiovasculares. Houve ainda redução na prevalência de pouco ativos, estresse e consumo de álcool. Conclusão: É prioritária a adoção de políticas de saúde por parte das empresas, para a melhora da condição de saúde e a redução dos custos advindos das doenças, além do absenteísmo a eles associados. .

Prostate-Specific Antigen testing in men between 40 and 70 years in Brazil: database from a check-up program

Objectives To evaluate the PSA in a large population of Brazilian men undergone to check up, and correlate the PSA cutoffs with prostate size and urinary symptoms. Materials and Methods This is a cross sectional study performed with men between 40 and 70 years undergone to check-up. All men were undergone to urological evaluation, digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen, and ultrasonography The exclusion criteria were men who used testosterone in the last six months, or who were using 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. Results A total of 5015 men with an average age of 49.0 years completed the study. Most men were white and asymptomatic. The PSA in the three different aging groups were 0.9 ± 0.7ng/dL for men between 40 and 50; 1.2 ± 0.5ng/dL for men between 50 and 60; and 1.7 ± 1.5ng/dL for men greater than 60 years (p=0.001). A total of 192 men had PSA between 2.5 and 4ng/ml. From these men 130 were undergone to prostate biopsy. The predictive positive value of biopsy was 25% (32/130). In the same way, 100 patients had PSA >4ng/mL. From these men, 80 were undergone to prostate biopsy. In this group, the predictive positive value of biopsy was 40% (32/100). The Gleason score was 6 in 19 men (60%), 7 in 10 men (31%) and 8 in 3 men (9%). Conclusions The PSA level of Brazilian men undergone to check up was low. There was a positive correlation with aging, IPSS and prostate size. .

Uroflowmetry in a Large Population of Brazilian Men Submitted to a health check up program and its correlation with ipss and prostate size

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the uroflowmetry data in a large population of asymptomatic Brazilian men submitted to a health check up program and their correlation to IPSS and prostate size. Materials and Methods Asymptomatic men underwent a health check-up program between January and December 2012. The inclusion criteria were men between 40 and 70 years, IPSS ≤ 7, without bladder, prostate, urethral surgery, neurological diseases, urinary tract infection, PSA < 4.0 ng/dL and urinary volume higher than 150 mL. Urological assessment consisted of clinical history, IPSS, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate specific antigen (PSA), urinalysis, ultrasonography and uroflowmetry. Results A total of 1041 asymptomatic men were included in this study. The average age was 49 years and average maximum flow rate was 17.4 mL/s. In spite of IPSS and prostate size increase with aging, they had a weak correlation with Qmax cutoffs (10 mL/s and 15 mL/s). A total of 85 men (8.3%) had more than 60 years, and even in this group, Qmax was higher than 15 mL/s. Out of 1041 men, 117 had IPSS less than 8 and Qmax less than 10 mL/s. Conclusions In asymptomatic men there is a weak correlation between IPSS, prostate size and uroflowmetric data. The establishment of different normal cutoffs seems to be complicated and uroflowmetry data should be interpreted with caution in order to avoid misdiagnosis. .

Relevância da pré-hipertensão como categoria diagnóstica em adultos assintomáticos / Relevance of prehypertension as a diagnostic category in asymptomatic adults

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação da pré-hipertensão com perfis metabólico, inflamatório e de risco cardiovascular em indivíduos assintomáticos. MÉTODOS: Entre 2006 a 2009, 11.011 adultos assintomáticos (média de idade de 43 anos; 22% mulheres) foram submetidos a protocolo de check-up, sendo classificados em 3 grupos: normotensos (pressão arterial<120x80mmHg), pré-hipertensos (pressão arterial= 120/80mmHg e <140/90mmHg) e hipertensos (pressão arterial >140/90mmHg ou diagnóstico prévio de hipertensão arterial). Foram avaliados os perfis metabólico e de risco cardiovascular de cada um dos três grupos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de normotensão, préhipertensão e hipertensão foi, respectivamente, de 27,9%, 53,9% e 18,2%. Quando comparados com os indivíduos normotensos, os pré-hipertensos apresentaram média de idade maior (42,7 versus 40 anos; p<0,001), maior índice de massa corporal (média: 26,7kg/m² versus 24 kg/m²; p<0,001), níveis de triglicérides mais elevados (média: 139mg/dL versus 108mg/dL; p<0,001), níveis de LDL-colesterol mais elevados (média: 128mg/dL versus 117mg/dL; p<0,001) e níveis séricos menores de HDL-colesterol (média: 46,7mg/dL versus 52,7mg/dL; p<0,001). Os pré-hipertensos apresentaram maior prevalência de alterações na glicemia de jejum (OR: 1,69; IC95%: 1,39-2,04), sobrepeso e obesidade - ou seja, índice de massa corporal >25kg/m² (OR: 2,48; IC95%: 2,24-2,74), esteatose hepática (OR: 2,23; IC95%: 1,97-2,53), síndrome metabólica (OR: 3,05; IC95%: 2,67-3,49) e níveis >2mg/L de proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade (OR: 1,52; IC95%: 1,35-1,71). CONCLUSÃO: A pré-hipertensão está associada a aumento da prevalência de síndrome metabólica, esteatose hepática e inflamação subclínica.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of prehypertension with metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular risk profile in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, 11,011 asymptomatic adults (mean age: 43 years; 22% females), underwent a check-up protocol. They were divided into 3 groups: normotensive group (arterial pressure=120/80mmHg), prehypertensive group (arterial pressure >120/80mmHg and <140/90mmHg) and hypertensive group (arterial pressure>140/90mmHg or prior diagnosis of hypertension). Each group metabolic and cardiovascular group profile was assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of normotension, prehypertension and hypertension was 27.9%, 53.9% and 18.2%, respectively. Prehypertensive individuals were older (mean age: 42.7 versus 40 years; p<0.001) than normotensive patients, and had higher body mass index (mean: 26.7kg/m² versus 24kg/m²; p<0.001), higher plasma triglycerides levels (mean: 139mg/dL versus 108mg/dL; p<0.001), higher LDL-choleterol levels (mean: 128mg/dL versus 117mg/dL; p<0.001), and lower HDL-cholesterol (mean: 46.7mg/dL versus 52.7mg/dL; p<0.001). Prehypertensive individuals were more likely to have impaired fasting glucose (OR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.39-2.04), overweight and obesity - body mass index >25kg/m² (OR: 2.48; 95%CI: 2.24-2.74), hepatic steatosis: (OR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.97-2.53), metabolic syndrome (OR: 3.05; 95%CI: 2.67-3.49), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels>2mg/L (OR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.35-1.71). CONCLUSION: Prehypertension is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis and subclinical inflammation.

Response to treatment with interferon-alpha and ribavirin in patients with chronic Hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 and 3 depends on the degree of hepatic fibrosis

The combined therapy with interferon alfa plus ribavirin (INF+RBV) is considered the most appropriate treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 and 3 in Brazil. However, wide variations in the rates of sustained viral response (SVR) have been reported among such patients. We evaluated, retrospectively, factors associated with SVR in subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 and 3 and that received medication from the Health Secretariat of the state of São Paulo. One-hundred-seventy-seven consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated for 24 or 48 weeks according to the viral genotype. Patients co-infected with associated hepatic diseases or who had problems with alcohol abuse were excluded. The genotype of the HCV-RNA was identified through restriction analysis, the viral load through quantitative PCR (Amplicor, Roche) and the degree of hepatic fibrosis according to the Metavir score. Demographic, virological and histological parameters were submitted to binary logistic regression analysis to identify the variables associated with SVR. The overall rate of SVR was 36.4 percent for the 177 patients, and genotype 2 or 3 was the main parameter independently associated with SVR. Among the 77 patients with these viral genotypes, only the stage of fibrosis had a significant effect on the SVR (odds ratio (OR) = 3.035; 95 percent CI (confidence interval) = 1.196-7.699; p=0.019). The rate of SVR among the subjects with fibrosis at an advanced stage (F3-F4) was 38 percent, compared to 75 percent for patients with fibrosis at an initial stage (F0-F2). Consequently, other therapeutic options should be considered for patients with genotypes 2 and 3 who have advanced fibrosis.

Ocular changes due to systemic alpha-interferon therapy for hepatitis C

OBJETIVO: Avaliar alterações oculares (em especial lesões fundoscópicas) em pacientes com hepatite C tratados com alfa-interferon (IFN). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, descritivo e observacional de pacientes com hepatite C do serviço de Gastroenterologia da UNIFESP com indicações de uso de alfa-interferon entre novembro de 1999 e junho de 2000. Esses pacientes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo antes e 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses após o início do tratamento. Pacientes HIV positivos, ou com exposição prévia à droga foram excluídos. RESULTADOS: De um total de 51 pacientes selecionados, 31 foram acompanhados. A relação masculino-feminino foi de 1,55, e a média de idade de 47 anos. A acuidade visual corrigida variou de 20/15 a 20/40. Vinte e dois por cento dos pacientes queixaram-se de sensação de corpo estranho, principalmente nos dois primeiros meses de terapia. Queixas gerais foram: artralgia, cefaléia, depressão, fraqueza muscular. Achados oculares foram: hemorragia retiniana (um olho) e exsudatos moles (três olhos), todos assintomáticos. Em um paciente com história pregressa de tratamento com interferon, observou-se presença de hemorragia vítrea, exsudatos duros e moles e tortuosidade vascular. Um paciente faleceu durante o tratamento por infarto cardíaco. CONCLUSÕES: Existem alterações oculares por uso sistêmico de alfa-interferon. Não existem estudos no nosso país descrevendo essas alterações. Médicos clínicos gerais e gastroenterologistas devem prestar atenção a esse tipo de problema, e encaminhar os pacientes a um serviço de oftalmologia para acompanhamento paralelo.