Dialysis headache: characteristics, impact and cerebrovascular evaluation / Cefaleia da diálise: características, impacto e avaliação cerebrovascular

ABSTRACT Background: Headache is one of the most frequent symptoms that occur during hemodialysis sessions. Despite the high prevalence of dialysis headache, it has been little studied. Objective: To evaluate the characteristics, impact and factors associated with dialysis headache. The behavior of the cerebral vasculature was also compared between patients with and without dialysis headache. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients who underwent hemodialysis were assessed through a semi-structured questionnaire, the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was performed in the first and fourth hours of hemodialysis. Results: A total of 100 patients were included; 49 of them had dialysis headache. Women (OR=5.04; 95%CI 1.95-13.04), younger individuals (OR=1.05; 95%CI 1.01-1.08), individuals with higher schooling levels (OR=3.86; 95%CI 1.4-10.7) and individuals who had spent longer times on dialysis programs (OR=0.99; 95%CI 0.98-1) had more dialysis headache (logistic regression). Individuals with dialysis headache had worse quality of life in the domains of pain and general state of health (56.9 versus 76.4, p=0.01; 49.7 versus 60.2, p=0.03, respectively). Dialysis headache was associated with significantly greater impact on life (OR=24.4; 95%CI 2.6-226.6; logistic regression). The pulsatility index (transcranial Doppler ultrasonography) was lower among patients with dialysis headache than among those without them. Conclusions: Dialysis headaches occur frequently and are associated with worse quality of life and patterns of cerebral vasodilatation.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A cefaleia é um dos sintomas mais frequentes que ocorrem durante as sessões de hemodiálise. Apesar da alta prevalência, essa cefaleia é pouco estudada. Objetivo: Avaliar as características, impacto e fatores associados à cefaleia da diálise. O comportamento da vasculatura cerebral também foi comparado entre pacientes com e sem cefaleia da diálise. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal. Pacientes consecutivos submetidos à hemodiálise foram avaliados por meio de questionário semiestruturado, do Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale e Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Foi realizada ultrassonografia Doppler transcraniana na primeira e na quarta horas de hemodiálise. Resultados: Foram incluídos 100 pacientes, 49 deles tinham cefaleia da diálise. Mulheres (OR=5,04; IC95% 1,95-13,04), indivíduos mais jovens (OR=1,05; IC95% 1,01-1,08), com maior escolaridade (OR=3,86; IC95% 1,4-10,7) e que passaram mais tempo em programas de diálise (OR=0,99, IC95% 0,98-1) tiveram mais cefaleia da diálise (regressão logística). Indivíduos com cefaleia dialítica tiveram pior qualidade de vida nos domínios dor e estado geral de saúde (56,9 versus 76,4, p=0,01; 49,7 versus 60,2, p=0,03, respectivamente). A cefaleia da diálise foi associada a um impacto significativamente maior na vida (OR=24,4; IC95% 2,6-226,6; regressão logística). O índice de pulsatilidade (ultrassonografia Doppler transcraniana) foi menor entre os pacientes com cefaleia da diálise do que entre aqueles sem. Conclusões: A cefaleia da diálise ocorre com frequência e está associada a pior qualidade de vida e a padrões de vasodilatação cerebral.

Sleep quality in COPD patients: correlation with disease severity and health status / Qualidade do sono em pacientes com DPOC: correlação com gravidade da doença e estado de saúde

To evaluate clinical predictors of poor sleep quality in COPD patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Consecutive stable patients with COPD were evaluated for OSA by means of overnight polysomnography; for sleep quality by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); and for disease impact by means of the COPD Assessment Test. COPD severity was graded in accordance with the 2020 GOLD guidelines. Predictors of poor sleep quality were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: We studied 51 patients with COPD alone and 51 patients with COPD and OSA. Both groups had similar age (66.2 ± 9.2 years vs. 69.6 ± 10.7, p = 0.09) and airflow limitation (p = 0.37). Poor sleep quality was present in 74.8% of the study participants, with no significant difference between COPD patients with and without OSA regarding PSQI scores (p = 0.73). Polysomnography showed increased stage 1 non-rapid eye movement sleep and arousal index, as well as reduced sleep efficiency and stage 3 non-rapid eye movement sleep, in the group of patients with COPD and OSA (p < 0.05). Independent predictors of poor sleep quality were GOLD grade C/D COPD (OR = 6.4; 95% CI, 1.79-23.3; p < 0.01), a COPD Assessment Test score ≥ 10 (OR = 12.3; 95% CI, 4.1-36.5; p < 0.01), and lowest SaO2 < 80% (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is quite common in patients with COPD and is associated with severe COPD and poor health status, having a negative impact on overall quality of life. Despite changes in polysomnography, OSA appears to have no impact on subjective sleep quality in COPD patients.

Avaliar os preditores clínicos de má qualidade do sono em pacientes com DPOC, com e sem apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS). Métodos: Pacientes estáveis consecutivos com DPOC foram avaliados quanto à AOS por meio de polissonografia noturna; quanto à qualidade do sono por meio do Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (IQSP) e quanto ao impacto da doença por meio do Teste de Avaliação da DPOC. A gravidade da DPOC foi classificada conforme as diretrizes de 2020 da GOLD. Os preditores de má qualidade do sono foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Foram estudados 51 pacientes com DPOC apenas e 51 pacientes com DPOC e AOS. Ambos os grupos eram semelhantes quanto à idade (66,2 ± 9,2 anos vs. 69,6 ± 10,7, p = 0,09) e limitação do fluxo aéreo (p = 0,37). Sono de má qualidade esteve presente em 74,8% dos participantes, sem diferença significativa entre os pacientes com DPOC, com e sem AOS, quanto à pontuação no IQSP (p = 0,73). A polissonografia mostrou aumento do estágio 1 do sono non-rapid eye movement e do índice de despertares, bem como redução da eficiência do sono e do estágio 3 do sono non-rapid eye movement nos pacientes com DPOC e AOS (p < 0,05). Os preditores independentes de má qualidade do sono foram DPOC grau C/D da GOLD (OR = 6,4; IC95%: 1,79-23,3; p < 0,01), pontuação ≥ 10 no Teste de Avaliação da DPOC (OR = 12,3; IC95%: 4,1-36,5; p < 0,01) e menor SaO2 < 80% (p < 0,0001). Conclusões: O sono de má qualidade é bastante comum em pacientes com DPOC e apresenta relação com DPOC grave e estado de saúde ruim, além de ter impacto negativo na qualidade de vida global. Não obstante as alterações na polissonografia, a AOS aparentemente não tem impacto na qualidade do sono referida por pacientes com DPOC.

Exercise Testing, Family History, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Markers for Cardiovascular Risk Reclassification in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and uncontrolled hypertension - Study design and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES: To describe the MORPHEOS (Morbidity in patients with uncontrolled HTN and OSA) trial, and describe the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: MORPHEOS is a multicenter (n=6) randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or placebo (nasal strips) for 6 months in adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients using at least one antihypertensive medication were included. Uncontrolled HTN was confirmed by at least one abnormal parameter in the 24-hour ABPM and ≥80% medication adherence evaluated by pill counting after the run-in period. OSA was defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hours. The co-primary endpoints are brachial BP (office and ambulatory BP monitoring, ABPM) and central BP. Secondary outcomes include hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) to heart, aorta, eye, and kidney. We pre-specified several sub-studies from this investigation. Visits occur once a week in the first month and once a month thereafter. The programmed sample size was 176 patients but the pandemic prevented this final target. A post-hoc power analysis will be calculated from the final sample. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02270658. RESULTS: The first 100 patients are predominantly males (n=69), age: 52±10 years, body mass index: 32.7±3.9 kg/m2 with frequent co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The MORPHEOS trial has a unique study design including a run-in period; pill counting, and detailed analysis of hypertension-mediated organ damage in patients with uncontrolled HTN that will allow clarification of the impact of OSA treatment with CPAP.

Influence of obesity in pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in obese women with obstructive sleep apnea

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of obesity on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjects and methods: A descriptive analytic cross- sectional study was carried out. Thirty-nine (39) sedentary climacteric women, aged 45 to 60 years, were evaluated and submitted to polysomnography. The participants were divided into 4 groups: a) 'eutrophic non-OSA' (n = 13); b) 'eutrophic OSA' (n = 5); c) 'obese non-OSA' (n = 6); d) 'obese OSA' (n = 15). All subjects underwent clinical and anthropometric evaluation, followed by pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: There was a significant difference in the predicted percentage values of FEV1/FVC when comparing 'eutrophic OSA' and 'obese OSA' (97.6% ± 6.1% vs. 105.7% ± 5.7%, respectively; p = 0.025). The other spirometric variables did not show any differences between the studied groups. There was no significant difference in the maximum distance walked when the 'eutrophic non-OSA', 'eutrophic OSA', 'obese non-OSA' and 'obese OSA' groups were compared. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, OSA itself did not influence pulmonary function or functional capacity parameters compared to eutrophic women. However, not only isolated obesity but also obesity associated with OSA can negatively impact sleep quality and lung function.

Função atrial esquerda pelo método de speckle tracking: além da avaliação volumétrica / Left atrial function using speckle tracking: beyond volumetric evaluation

Atualmente, a avaliação da função atrial esquerda é um método emergente que pode ter relação com o prognóstico dos pacientes. Classicamente, as medidas estáticas de diâmetro, área e volume são as mais usadas com esta finalidade. A técnica conhecida como speckle tracking é capaz de fornecer informações dinâmicas do átrio esquerdo ao longo do ciclo cardíaco, assim como detectar alterações na função atrial esquerda em fases subclínicas, antes de ocorrerem aumentos volumétricos ou disfunções diastólicas. Valores de normalidade para o speckle tracking estão sendo propostos, mas as diferenças metodológicas e de técnicas empregadas dificultam sua padronização. Esta revisão da literatura se propõe a discutir os avanços na análise da função atrial esquerda, em especial via speckle tracking

Obstructive sleep apnea and quality of life in elderly patients with a pacemaker / Apneia obstrutiva do sono e qualidade de vida em idosos portadores de marca-passo

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate quality of life in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have a pacemaker. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age) with a pacemaker. The dependent variable was quality of life, as evaluated with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sociodemographic and clinical parameters, including anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score), as well as the presence of OSA (defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h), were analyzed as independent variables. Patients with cognitive/neurological deficits or decompensated heart failure were excluded. Results: We evaluated 72 patients, 17 (23.6%) of whom presented OSA. Of those 17 patients, 9 (52.9%) were male. The mean age was 72.3 ± 9.3 years. A diagnosis of OSA was not associated with gender (p = 0.132), age (p = 0.294), or body mass index (p = 0.790). There were no differences between the patients with OSA and those without, in terms of the SF-36 domain scores. Fourteen patients (19.4%) presented moderate or severe anxiety. Of those 14 patients, only 3 (21.4%) had OSA (p = 0.89 vs. no OSA). Twelve patients (16.6%) had moderate or severe depression. Of those 12 patients, only 2 (16.6%) had OSA (p = 0.73 vs. no OSA). Conclusions: In elderly patients with a pacemaker, OSA was not found to be associated with quality of life or with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida em idosos portadores de marca-passo e apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS). Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal com idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos) portadores de marca-passo cardíaco. A variável dependente foi qualidade de vida, avaliada por meio do Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram analisados como variáveis independentes, entre os quais ansiedade e depressão (por meio da Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), assim como presença de AOS (definida como um índice de apneia-hipopneia ≥ 15 eventos/h). Pacientes com déficits cognitivos/neurológicos ou descompensação cardíaca foram excluídos. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 72 pacientes, 17 dos quais (23,6%) apresentaram AOS - 9 homens (52,9%). A média de idade foi de 72,3 ± 9,3 anos. Não houve associações de presença de AOS com sexo (p = 0,132), idade (p = 0,294) e índice de massa corpórea (p = 0,790). Não foram observadas diferenças dos domínios do SF-36 entre os grupos com e sem AOS. Em relação à ansiedade, 14 pacientes (19,4%) apresentaram sintomas moderados ou graves, dos quais apenas 3 (21,4%) tinham AOS (p = 0,89 vs. sem AOS). No tocante à depressão, 12 pacientes (16,6%) apresentaram sintomas moderados ou graves, dos quais 2 (16,6%) tinham AOS (p = 0,73 vs. sem AOS). Conclusões: Nesta amostra em idosos portadores de marca-passo, a presença de AOS não foi associada a qualidade de vida e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão.

Non Electrocardiographic alterations in exercise testing in asymptomatic women. Associations with cardiovascular risk factors

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Common and Associated with Heart Remodeling in Patients with Chagas Disease / Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono é Comum e está Associada à Remodelação Cardíaca em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas

Abstract Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is an important cause of morbimortality due to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias worldwide, especially in Latin America. Objective: To investigate the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with heart remodeling and cardiac arrhythmias in patients CD. Methods: Consecutive patients with CD, aged between 30 to 65 years old were enrolled. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, sleep study, 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiogram and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: We evaluated 135 patients [age: 56 (45-62) years; 30% men; BMI: 26 ± 4 kg/m2, Chagas cardiomyopathy: 70%]. Moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI, ≥ 15 events/h) was present in 21% of the patients. OSA was not associated with arrhythmias in this population. As compared to patients with mild or no OSA, patients with moderate to severe OSA had higher frequency of hypertension (79% vs. 72% vs. 44%, p < 0.01) higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure: 119 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 13 vs. 110 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0.01; larger left atrial diameter [37 (33-42) vs. 35 (33-39) vs. 33 (30-36) mm, p < 0.01]; and a greater proportion of left ventricular dysfunction [LVEF < 50% (39% vs. 28% vs. 11%), p < 0.01], respectively. Predictor of left atrial dimension was Log10 (AHI) (b = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.91 to 5.81; p < 0.01). Predictors of ventricular dysfunction were AHI > 15 events/h (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.31 - 9.98; p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.10; p < 0.01) and male gender (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.31 - 8.01; p = 0.01). Conclusions: OSA is independently associated with atrial and ventricular remodeling in patients with CD.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença de Chagas (DC) é uma causa importante de morbimortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca e arritmias malignas em todo o mundo, especialmente na América Latina. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) com remodelação cardíaca e arritmias cardíacas em pacientes com DC. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes consecutivos com DC, com idade entre 30 e 65 anos. Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, estudo do sono, Holter de 24 horas, ecocardiograma e monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial. Resultados: Foram avaliados 135 pacientes [idade: 56 (45-62) anos; 30% homens; IMC: 26 ± 4 kg/m2, cardiomiopatia chagásica: 70%]. AOS moderada a grave (índice de apneia-hipopneia, IAH, ≥ 15 eventos/h) estava presente em 21% dos pacientes. AOS não estava associada a arritmias nessa população. Em comparação com pacientes com AOS leve ou ausente, pacientes com AOS moderada a grave apresentaram maior frequência de hipertensão (79% vs. 72% vs. 44%, p < 0,01) e pressão arterial sistólica noturna mais alta: 119 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 13 vs. 110 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0,01; diâmetro do átrio esquerdo maior [37 (33‑42) vs. 35 (33-39) vs. 33 (30-36) mm, p < 0,01]; e maior proporção de disfunção ventricular esquerda [FEVE < 50% (39% vs. 28% vs. 11%), p < 0,01], respectivamente. O preditor de dimensão do átrio esquerdo foi Log10 (IAH) (β = 3,86, IC 95%: 1,91 a 5,81; p < 0,01). Os preditores de disfunção ventricular foram IAH >15 eventos/h (OR = 3,61, IC 95%: 1,31 - 9,98; p = 0,01), pressão arterial sistólica (OR = 1,06, IC95%: 1,02 - 1,10; p < 0,01) e sexo masculino (OR = 3,24, IC 95%: 1,31 - 8,01; p = 0,01). Conclusões: A AOS está independentemente associada à remodelação atrial e ventricular em pacientes com DC.

Intermittent claudication and severe renal artery stenosis are independently associated in hypertensive patients referred for renal arteriography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the presence of clinical symptoms of peripheral artery disease and severe renal artery stenosis in patients referred for renal angiography. METHOD: We included 82 patients with clinical suspicion of renovascular hypertension and performed an imaging investigation (renal Doppler ultrasound and/or renal scintigraphy) for possible renal artery stenosis. All patients underwent renal arteriography and were examined for peripheral artery disease based on the presence of intermittent claudication and ankle-brachial index test results. Severe renal artery stenosis was defined as a lesion causing 70% obstruction. RESULTS: Severe renal artery stenosis was present in 32 of 82 (39%) patients. Patients with severe renal artery stenosis were older (63±12 vs 56±12 years, p=0.006), had more intermittent claudication (55 vs 45%, p=0.027), and had a greater prevalence of an ankle-brachial index <0.9 (44% vs 20%, p=0.021) than patients without severe renal artery stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of intermittent claudication was independently associated with renal artery stenosis ≥70% (OR: 3.33; 95% CI 1.03-10.82, p=0.04), unlike the ankle-brachial index, which showed no association (OR: 1.44; 95% CI 0.37-5.66, p=0.60). CONCLUSION: Intermittent claudication is independently associated with severe renal artery stenosis (≥70%) in patients clinically suspected of having renovascular hypertension.

Individual and average responses of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness after four weeks of strength training in adolescents

Abstract Aims: To analyze the average and individual responses of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in adolescents after four weeks of strength training. Methods: 19 adolescents with sleep problems recruited in the Federal Institute of Pernambuco, were subject to anthropometric evaluations as well as those for body composition assessment, a 1 repetition maximum test, the sleep parameters (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI and Epworth Sleepiness Scale-ESS) and were submitted to four weeks of strength-training, performed alternately by segment, two sessions per week, according to recommendations for this population. Results: A decrease in the average PSQI score was observed (10.3±3.3 vs 8.8±4.0; p=0.006), but not in ESS (p>0.05), after intervention. The individual analyses demonstrated that ~63% of adolescents experienced reductions ≥ 3 points in the PSQI and ~58% of them experienced reductions ≥ 3 points in the measure of daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness reduced from 84.2% to 68.4% and from 52.6% to 31.6%, respectively. The comparisons of high and low responders to exercise training show that adolescents who reduced ≥3 points in the score of a least one sleep parameter presented lower weight, fat mass, and fat percentage (p<0.05). Conclusion: A short-term strength-training program is able to improve global sleep quality, but not daytime sleepiness in adolescents. Furthermore, the changes after training are highly heterogeneous. Further studies are required to better understand the effects of strength training on sleep parameters of adolescents.

Effects of isometric handgrip training in patients with cardiovascular disease: rationale and design of the ISOPRESS network

Meta-analytical studies have indicated that isometric handgrip training promotes significant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients with similar or greater decreases in blood pressure than observed after aerobic and dynamic resistance training. However, several gaps in the literature still need to be addressed. Thus, we designed the ISOPRESS network group, which consists of a task force of different research groups aimed at analyzing the effects of isometric handgrip training on different contexts, parameters, and populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the rationale and design behind the ISOPRESS, presenting the methods employed. The ISOPRESS questions involve whether isometric handgrip training is effective in hypertensives in different settings (ISOPRESS 1 - unsupervised training and ISOPRESS 2 - public health system), whether it works in patients with other cardiovascular diseases (ISOPRESS 3 - obstructive sleep apnea and ISOPRESS 4 - peripheral artery disease) and what are the mechanisms underlying the effects of isometric handgrip training in hypertensives (ISOPRESS 5 - neural mechanism). The study will yield information on the effectiveness of isometric handgrip training in different settings and patients with other cardiovascular diseases. Finally, it will help to understand the mechanisms involved in reducing blood pressure in hypertensives.(AU)

The role of physical exercise in obstructive sleep apnea / O papel do exercício físico na apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACT Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common clinical condition, with a variable and underestimated prevalence. OSA is the main condition associated with secondary systemic arterial hypertension, as well as with atrial fibrillation, stroke, and coronary artery disease, greatly increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is not tolerated by all OSA patients and is often not suitable in cases of mild OSA. Hence, alternative methods to treat OSA and its cardiovascular consequences are needed. In OSA patients, regular physical exercise has beneficial effects other than weight loss, although the mechanisms of those effects remain unclear. In this population, physiological adaptations due to physical exercise include increases in upper airway dilator muscle tone and in slow-wave sleep time; and decreases in fluid accumulation in the neck, systemic inflammatory response, and body weight. The major benefits of exercise programs for OSA patients include reducing the severity of the condition and daytime sleepiness, as well as increasing sleep efficiency and maximum oxygen consumption. There are few studies that evaluated the role of physical exercise alone for OSA treatment, and their protocols are quite diverse. However, aerobic exercise, alone or combined with resistance training, is a common point among the studies. In this review, the major studies and mechanisms involved in OSA treatment by means of physical exercise are presented. In addition to systemic clinical benefits provided by physical exercise, OSA patients involved in a regular, predominantly aerobic, exercise program have shown a reduction in disease severity and in daytime sleepiness, as well as an increase in sleep efficiency and in peak oxygen consumption, regardless of weight loss.

RESUMO A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é uma condição clínica comum, possuindo prevalência variável e subestimada. Principal condição associada à hipertensão arterial sistêmica secundária, associa-se ainda à fibrilação atrial, acidente vascular encefálico e doença arterial coronariana, aumentando a morbidade e mortalidade cardiovascular. O tratamento da AOS com pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas não é tolerado por todos os pacientes e, muitas vezes, não é indicado para formas leves. Daí, métodos alternativos de tratamento da AOS e de suas consequências cardiovasculares são necessários. A prática usual de exercícios físicos promove benefícios adicionais à redução do peso em pacientes com AOS; contudo, os mecanismos ainda são incertos. Entre as adaptações fisiológicas proporcionadas pelo exercício físico nessa população destacam-se o aumento do tônus da musculatura dilatadora das vias aéreas superiores e do tempo do estágio do sono de ondas lentas e a redução do acúmulo cervical de líquido, da resposta inflamatória sistêmica e do peso corpóreo. Os principais benefícios de programas de exercício físico para essa população incluem a redução da gravidade da AOS e da sonolência diurna e o aumento da eficiência do sono e consumo máximo de oxigênio. Poucos estudos avaliaram o papel do exercício físico realizado de forma isolada no tratamento da AOS, além de existirem muitas diferenças relacionadas aos protocolos de exercício utilizados. Entretanto, o emprego de exercícios aeróbios isolados ou combinados aos exercícios resistidos é um ponto comum entre os estudos. Nessa revisão, os principais estudos e mecanismos envolvidos no tratamento da AOS por meio da realização de exercícios físicos são apresentados. Além dos benefícios clínicos sistêmicos proporcionados pelo exercício físico, pacientes com AOS submetidos a um programa regular de exercícios predominantemente aeróbicos, apresentam redução da gravidade da doença e da sonolência diurna, aumento da eficiência do sono e do pico de consumo de oxigênio, independentemente da perda de peso.

Perfis metabólico e nutricional como preditores da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono / Metabolic and nutritional status as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os perfis metabólico e nutricional com a presença e gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes adultos e idosos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Laboratório do Sono e Coração do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico Universitário de Pernambuco, entre junho e setembro de 2014. Os pacientes se submeteram à polissonografia, à bioimpedância elétrica e a aferições antropométricas. Foram verificadas a presença da síndrome metabólica e outras morbidades. Resultados: A amostra total foi constituída por 50 pacientes, com idade média de 57,52±9,80 anos, sendo que 94% receberam diagnóstico de síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono e 74% possuíam síndrome metabólica. As seguintes médias foram obtidas: índice de massa corporal (31,54±5,82 kg/m2); circunferência do pescoço (39,14±4,33 cm); circunferência da cintura (106,72±11,22 cm); diâmetro abdominal sagital (23,00 cm [21,00-24,00]). O índice de massa corporal, a circunferência da cintura e o diâmetro abdominal sagital apresentaram valores mais elevados (p<0,05) entre os pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave, quando comparados aqueles com a forma leve. O diâmetro abdominal sagital apresentou moderada correlação com o índice de apneia e hipopneia e a gordura corporal apresentou fraca correlação. Conclusão: A obesidade, a circunferência do pescoço, o diâmetro abdominal sagital e a síndrome metabólica tiveram associação positiva com a gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Dentre os parâmetros antropométricos avaliados, o diâmetro abdominal sagital mostrou ser o mais adequado preditor para avaliar a presença e gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare metabolic and nutritional profiles with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods: This cross-sectional study included male and female adults and older adults treated at the Sleep and Heart Laboratory of Pernambuco Cardiologic Emergency Medical Services between June and September 2014. Patients underwent polysomnography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and anthropometric measurements. Presence of the metabolic syndrome and other morbidities was investigated. Results: The sample consisted of 50 patients with a mean age of 57.52±9.80 years, of which 94% were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and 74% had the metabolic syndrome. Other mean sample characteristics were: body mass index (31.54±5.82 kg/m2); neck circumference (39.14±4.33 cm); waist circumference (106.72±22.11 cm); sagittal abdominal diameter (23.00 cm [21.00-24.00]). Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had higher body mass index, waist circumference, and sagittal abdominal diameter (p<0.05) than those with mild condition. Sagittal abdominal diameter was correlated moderately with the apnea-hypopnea index and mildly with body fat. Conclusion: Obesity, neck circumference, and the metabolic syndrome had a positive association with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity. Of the study anthropometric parameters, sagittal abdominal diameter was the most suitable predictor of presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Qualidade do sono e tolerância ao esforço em portadores de apneia obstrutiva do sono / Sleep quality and stress tolerance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea / Calidad del sueño y la tolerancia al estrés en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño

INTRODUÇÃO: O sono é um estado natural e recorrente, no qual acontecem processos neurobiológicos importantes. A má qualidade do sono está diretamente associada com piores indicadores de saúde. A qualidade do sono pode ser medida objetiva e subjetivamente por métodos como a polissonografia, que é o padrão de referência, ou por meio de testes e questionários, como o índice de qualidade de sono de Pittsburgh (IQSP). OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a qualidade do sono com a tolerância ao esforço em pacientes portadores da síndrome da apneia/hipopneia obstrutiva do sono (SAHOS). MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 63 indivíduos (57 mulheres e seis homens), média de idade de 51,7 ± 6,6 anos; índice de massa corpórea (IMC) média de 28,2 ± 5,0 kg/m2); índice de apneia/hipopneia (IAH) médio de 7,3 ± 10,50 eventos/hora, verificado através da polissonografia. Para a avaliação da qualidade do sono, os participantes responderam ao IQSP, e para a avaliação da tolerância ao esforço, realizaram o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M). RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação entre o IQSP e o TC6M (Rs = -0,103620, p = 0,419), assim como entre o IAH e o TC6M (Rs = -0, 000984, p = 0,9939). Podemos sugerir que a qualidade do sono e a gravidade da SAHOS não afetam a tolerância ao esforço dos indivíduos com SAHOS. CONCLUSÃO: Estudos com uma amostra maior, levando-se em consideração a estratificação pela gravidade da SAHOS e utilizando métodos mais acurados de avaliação da capacidade funcional, devem ser realizados, a fim de que resultados mais abrangentes possam ser obtidos. .

INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a natural and recurring state, in which important neurobiological processes take place. Poor quality of sleep is directly associated with worse health indicators. Sleep quality can be measured objectively and subjectively by methods such as polysomnography, which is the gold standard, or tests and questionnaires as the Sleep Quality Index in Pittsburgh (PSQI). OBJECTIVE: To correlate the quality of sleep with exercise tolerance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: The study included 63 subjects (57 women and 6 men) aged 51.7 ± 6.6 years, with body mass index (BMI) 28.2 ± 5.0 kg/m2,apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 7.3±10:50 events/hour, assessed by polysomnography. To assess the quality of sleep, participants responded the PSQI instrument and were submitted to the exercise tolerance test through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: There was no correlation between the PSQI and the 6MWT (Rs = -0.103620, p = 0.419), and between the 6MWT and the AHI (R = -0, 000984, p = 0.9939). According to the results of this work, we suggest that the quality of sleep and the severity of OSAHS did not affect the exercise tolerance of individuals with OSAHS. CONCLUSION: Studies with a larger sample, taking into account the stratification by severity of OSAHS and using more accurate methods of functional capacity evaluation should be conducted, so that more comprehensive results can be obtained. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El sueño es un estado natural y recurrente durante el cual acontecen procesos neurobiológicos importantes. La mala calidad del sueño está asociada directamente con peores indicadores de salud. La calidad del sueño puede ser medida objetiva y subjetivamente mediante métodos como la polisomnografía,, que es el estándar de referencia, o pruebas y cuestionarios como el índice de calidad de sueño de Pittsburgh (ICSP), OBJETIVO: Correlacionar la calidad del sueño con la tolerancia al esfuerzo en pacientes portadores del síndrome de la apnea/hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS). MÉTODOS: Participaron en el estudio 63 individuos (57 mujeres y seis hombres), edad promedio de 51,7 ± 6,6 años; índice de masa corpórea (IMC) 28,2 ± 5,0 kg/m2); índice de apnea/hipopnea (IAH) 7,3 ± 10,50 eventos/hora, verificado por medio de la polisomnografía. Para la evaluación de la calidad del sueño, los participantes respondieron al ICSP y para la evaluación de la tolerancia al esfuerzo, realizaron la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (PC6M). RESULTADOS: No hubo correlación entre el ICSP y la PC6M (Rs = -0,103620, p = 0,419), ni entre el IAH y la PC6M (Rs = -0, 000984, p = 0,9939). Podemos sugerir que la calidad del sueño y la gravedad del SAHOS no afectan a la tolerancia al esfuerzo de los individuos con SAHOS. CONCLUSIÓN: Se deben realizar los estudios con una muestra mayor, teniéndose en consideración la estratificación según la gravedad del SAHOS y utilizándose métodos más precisos para evaluación de la capacidad funcional, a fin de que se puedan obtener resultados de más alcance. .

Lack of reliable clinical predictors to identify obstructive sleep apnea in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is common among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and may contribute to poor cardiovascular outcomes. However, obstructive sleep apnea is largely unrecognized in this population. We sought to identify the clinical predictors of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were recruited from a tertiary University Hospital and were evaluated using validated sleep questionnaires (Berlin and Epworth) and overnight portable monitoring. Ninety patients (males, 51%; age, 46±15 years; body mass index, 26.6±4.9 kg/m2) were included, and obstructive sleep apnea (respiratory disturbance index ≥15 events/h) was present in 37 patients (41%). RESULTS: Compared with the patients without obstructive sleep apnea, patients with obstructive sleep apnea were older and had higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, larger neck circumference, and higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth scale) was low and similar in the patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. The only predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (using a logistic regression analysis) were age ≥45 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI 95%], 1.47-13.54; p = 0.008) and the presence of atrial fibrillation [OR, 5.37; CI 95%, 1.43-20.12; p = 0.013]. CONCLUSION: Consistent clinical predictors of obstructive sleep apnea are lacking for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which suggests that objective sleep evaluations should be considered in this population, particularly among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. .

Hipertensão arterial e lesão renal: manuseio terapêutico / Hypertension and renal injury: therapeutic management

O rim e a hipertensão arterial (HA) mantêm uma relação íntima e complexa, podendo o primeiro sofrer as consequências de uma pressão arterial (PA) persistentemente elevada, bem como estar na origem da HA. A insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) terminal causada por hipertensão primária é uma das etiologias mais prevalentes entre pacientes que iniciam programa de diálise. O controle adequado da PA é fundamental, a fim de impedir a perda progressiva da função renal. Alcançar a meta de controle é difícil, requerendo normalmente a combinação de dois ou mais fármacos. Todos os anti-hipertensivos podem ser utilizados em pacientes com disfunção renal, preferencialmente os inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) e os bloqueadores dos receptores AT1 da angiotensina II (BRA), pelo efeito renoprotetor. Independente do tratamento escolhido, o controle da HA reduza progressão da doença renal nos estágios mais precoces e o risco cardiovascular em todos os estágios da doença, tendo grande impacto econômico.

The Kidneys and Hypertension (HTN) maintain a complex relationship. While the kidneys can suffer the consequences of a persistently high blood pressure, they can also be the source of HTN. The ESRD caused by essential hypertension is one of the most prevalent etiologies in patients starting dialysis. Adequate control of blood pressure is essential to prevent the progressive loss of renal function. The target blood pressure control is difficult to achieve, requiring the combination of two or more drugs. All antihypertensive agents can be used in patients with renal dysfunction, preferentially the inhibitors of the converting angiotensin enzyme and the Angiotensin II receptor blockers, by the renoprotective effect demonstrated. Regardless of the treatment chosen, the control of hypertension reduces the progression of renal disease in early stages and cardiovascular risk in all stages of the disease, with a huge economic impact.