Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents with Fontan Circulation

Abstract Background: Long-term outcomes of patients with Fontan circulation are uncertain regarding the prevalence and role of risk factors (RFs) such as increased body mass index (BMI), arterial hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of RFs in patients with univentricular heart, with variable follow-up times. Methods: This mixed cohort study was performed with 66 patients, who underwent blood count, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid profile tests; systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) measurements; and anthropometric and sociodemographic data collection. Cardiovascular RFs among first-degree relatives and physical activity habits were also assessed. Prevalence was described using proportions, with a 95% confidence interval. Continuous variables (height, weight, age, SBP, DBP) were described as means and standard deviations (m±SD). Associations between RFs were assessed using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests. Spearman's correlation was used for analyzing CRP and the presence of 2 or more RFs. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check for data normality. Statistical significance considered p<0.05. Results: In our population, 19.7% were overweight, mean SBP was 89.44±37.4, and mean DBP was 60.0±26.08. The most prevalent diseases in the interviewees' families were systemic arterial hypertension (30.3%), obesity (16.7%), and 2 or more cardiovascular RFs among first-degree relatives (13.8%). We observed a trend towards significance between the presence of 2 familial RFs and overweight, as well as a risk profile for cardiovascular disease. There was an association between the BMI percentile, the presence of 2 or more RFs (p<0.05), and CRP (p<0.01). Conclusions: Overweight is common in patients with univentricular heart, being related to more than 2 cardiovascular RFs among first-degree relatives; physical inactivity and changes in lipid profiles are also frequent.

Interdisciplinary Group Intervention on Nutritional Profile, Quality of Life, and Stress During Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background: Participating in therapeutic operative groups with nutritional and psychological interventions might influence the recovery of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of group interventions on the nutritional profile, stress, and quality of life of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, adult patients of the Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Rehabilitation (CPMR) unit were randomized into control group (CG), receiving standard follow-up assessment by the CPMR unit, and intervention group (IG), which additionally participated in 6 meetings of an interdisciplinary group with a nutritionist and a psychologist. Anthropometric data and results from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were analyzed. Student's t-tests, Generalized Estimation Equations (GEE), Mann-Whitney tests, and Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analyses, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The sample consisted of 76 patients: 31 in the IG (64±9.2 years old) and 45 in the CG (61.4±11.8 years old). There was a significant reduction (p<0.001) in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, and an increase (p=0.010) in the consumption of healthy food only in the IG. The consumption of unhealthy food was reduced in both groups (p<0.001), the physical aspect of quality of life improved (p=0.018), and women presented better physical (p=0.011) and mental results (p=0.008). Conclusions: This group intervention was effective regarding the nutritional status of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The physical aspect of quality of life showed improvements in both groups.

Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children: a Meta-Analysis Update

Abstract Background Obesity and overweight in childhood can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease throughout live. Objectives This study provides an update of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) published in 2014, to assess the effects of physical activity interventions on preventing cardiovascular risk factors in childhood. Methods This update combines data from the previous search with new data obtained from June 2013 to June 2020. Searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL. The RCTs enrolled used interventions with physical activity longer than six months in school children aged 6-12 years, and evaluated body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects model and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 28,603 articles were retrieved, and 17 RCTs (11,952 subjects) were included. Physical activity interventions were associated with reduction in SBP [−2.11mmHg (95%CI −3.67, −0.54), I243%], DBP [−2.08mmHg (95%CI −3.68, −0,49), I265%] and TG [-0.08mmol/L (95% CI -0.13, -0.03), I20%], and increase in TC [0.17mmol/L (95%CI 0.04, 0.30), I20%]. However, the interventions were not associated with reductions in BMI [−0.03 kg/m2 (95%CI −0.17, 0.10), I20%]. Conclusion This update confirms and reinforces the beneficial effects of physical activity intervention in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and TG levels.

Healthy School, Happy School: Design and Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial Designed to Prevent Weight Gain in Children / Escola Saudável é mais Feliz: Design e Protocolo de um Ensaio Clinico Randomizado Desenvolvido para Prevenir o Ganho de Peso em Crianças

Abstract Background: Schools have become a key figure for the promotion of health and obesity interventions, bringing the development of critical awareness to the construction and promotion of a healthy diet, physical activity, and the monitoring of the nutritional status in childhood and adolescence. Objectives: To describe a study protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve knowledge of food choices in the school environment. Methods: This is a cluster-randomized, parallel, two-arm study conducted in public elementary and middle schools in Brazil. Participants will be children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15 years, from both genders. The interventions will be focusing on changes in lifestyle, physical activities and nutritional education. Intervention activities will occur monthly in the school's multimedia room or sports court. The control group arm will receive usual recommendations by the school. The primary outcome variable will be anthropometric measures, such as body mass index percentiles and levels of physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: We expect that after the study children will increase the ingestion of fresh food, reduce excessive consumption of sugary and processed foods, and reduce the hours of sedentary activities. Conclusion: The purpose of starting the dietary intervention at this stage of life is to develop a knowledge that will enable for healthy choices, providing opportunities for a better future for this population.

Resumo Fundamento: As escolas tornaram-se essenciais para a promoção de saúde e de intervenções para obesidade, propiciando o desenvolvimento de consciência crítica para a construção e promoção de dieta saudável, atividade física e monitoramento do status nutricional na infância e adolescência. Objetivos: Descrever um protocolo de estudo para avaliar a eficiência de uma intervenção projetada para aprimorar o conhecimento sobre escolhas alimentares no ambiente escolar. Métodos: Estudo clínico randomizado em cluster, paralelo, de dois braços, conduzido em escolas públicas de ensino fundamental e médio no Brasil. Os participantes serão crianças e adolescentes entre 5 e 15 anos de idade, dos dois sexos. As intervenções se concentrarão em mudanças de estilo de vida, atividade física e educação nutricional. As atividades de intervenção ocorrerão mensalmente na sala de multimídia ou quadra de esportes das escolas. O grupo controle receberá as recomendações usuais através da escola. O desfecho primário será a mudança nas medidas antropométricas, como índice de massa corporal e os níveis de atividade física conforme o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Resultados: Esperamos que, após o estudo, as crianças aumentem o consumo de alimentos frescos, reduzam o consumo excessivo de alimentos açucarados e processados, e reduzam as horas gastas em atividades sedentárias. Conclusão: O propósito de iniciar a intervenção dietética nessa fase da vida é desenvolver o conhecimento que permitirá escolhas saudáveis, propiciando oportunidades para um melhor futuro para essa população.

Excesso de Peso, Variáveis Antropométricas e Pressão Arterial em Escolares de 10 a 18 Anos / Excess Weight, Anthropometric Variables and Blood Pressure in Schoolchildren aged 10 to 18 years

Fundamento: Estima-se que a prevalência de hipertensão em crianças e adolescentes varie entre 1-13%. O excesso de peso e a obesidade central estão relacionados aos níveis pressóricos em adultos e podem ser importantes na patogênese precoce da HAS quando presentes na infância. Objetivos: Identificar a associação entre variáveis antropométricas e níveis pressóricos em escolares de 5.ª a 8.ª séries e avaliar qual medida obteve maior correlação com a medida dos níveis pressóricos. Métodos: Estudo transversal contemporâneo com amostra de base populacional probabilística por conglomerados em escolas públicas do ensino fundamental de Porto Alegre, de alunos matriculados entre a 5.ª e a 8.ª série. Foram coletados dados sobre fatores de risco familiares e antropometria. A análise estatística incluiu correlações e ajuste dos intervalos de confiança para conglomerados. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 12,57 (± 1,64) anos, dos quais 55,2% eram do sexo feminino. Encontraram-se 11,3% da amostra com níveis pressóricos alterados e 16,2% com valores limítrofes. Das variáveis antropométricas analisadas, a que demonstrou maior correlação com valores pressóricos aumentados foi o diâmetro do quadril (r = 0,462, p < 0,001) seguido de circunferência abdominal menor (r = 0,404, p < 0,001) e prega cutânea abdominal (r = 0,291, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Foi observada associação entre as circunferências da cintura e dobras cutâneas e níveis pressóricos aumentados nos escolares da amostra. Portanto, é de fundamental importância que a aferição da pressão arterial e as medidas de cintura e quadril sejam rotina nos serviços de saúde ...

Background: The prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents is estimated to range between 1% and 13%. Excess weight and central obesity are related to blood pressure levels in adults, and may be important in the early pathogenesis of SH when present in childhood. Objectives: To study the association between anthropometric variables and blood pressure levels in schoolchildren from the 5th and 8th grades, and to identify which parameter was more strongly correlated with blood pressure levels. Methods: Contemporary cross-sectional study with probabilistic population-based cluster sampling of schoolchildren enrolled from the 5th to the 8th grades in public elementary schools of Porto Alegre. Data on familial risk factors and anthropometry were collected. Statistical analysis included correlations and cluster-adjusted confidence intervals. Results: The mean age of participants was 12.57 (± 1.64) years, and 55.2% of them were females. Abnormal blood pressure levels were found in 11.3% of the sample and borderline values, in 16.2%. Among the anthropometric variables analyzed, hip circumference was the one with the strongest correlation with increased blood pressure (r = 0.462, p < 0.001), followed by waist circumference (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) and abdominal skinfold (r = 0.291, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We observed an association of waist circumference and skinfolds with increased blood pressure levels in the schoolchildren of the sample. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that early measurements of blood pressure, and waist and hip circumferences become a routine in health services in order to prevent this condition. .

Comparação das curvas NCHS, CDC e OMS em crianças com risco cardiovascular / Comparison of NCHS, CDC, and WHO curves in children with cardiovascular risk

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade de acordo com três curvas de crescimento: OrganizaçãoMundialde Saúde(OMS/2006), National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS/1977) e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/2000) em crianças com fatores de risco cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados dados de 118 crianças e adolescentes, com idade entre 2 e 19 anos, atendidos entre os anos de 2001 a 2009 no Ambulatório de Cardiologia Pediátrica Preventiva do Instituto de Cardiologia de Porto Alegre. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso, altura, idade e sexo. Estas foram classificadas quanto aos critérios peso/idade, estatura/idade e índice de massa corpórea (IMC). Os pontos de corte adotados foram de três curvas de crescimento OMS/2006, NCHS/1977, CDC/2000. RESULTADOS: Quanto ao critério peso/idade pelo NCHS, 18% das crianças foram classificadas com eutrofia e 82% com peso elevado; pelo CDC, 28% eutróficas e 72% peso elevado; e pela OMS, 16,0% com eutrofia e 84% com peso elevado. Segundo o IMC, foram classificadas com baixo peso 0,8% da população, segundo CDC e OMS; eutróficos 7,6% e 6,8%, sobrepeso 26,3% e 11,9%, e com obesidade 65,3% e 80,5%, pelo CDC e OMS, respectivamente. Quanto ao critério estatura/idade, não houve diferença significativa entre os referenciais; em média, 98,3% da população estudada apresentou estatura adequada para idade. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que as novas curvas da OMS são mais sensíveis para identificar obesidade em uma população de risco, o que tem importantes implicações para o manejo preventivo e terapêutico.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to three growth curves, created by theWorld Health Organization (WHO/2006), by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS/1977), and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/2000) in children with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Data from 118 children and adolescents, aged between 2 and 19 years, treated between the years 2001 to 2009 at the Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Outpatient Clinic of the Instituto de Cardiologia de Porto Alegre were evaluated. The variables analyzed were: weight, height, age, and gender. Variables were classified according to the following criteria: weight/age, height/age, and body mass index (BMI). The cutoff points used were obtained from the three growth curves: WHO/2006, NCHS/1977, and CDC/2000. RESULTS: Regarding the criterion weight/age by the NCHS curve, 18% of the children were classified as having normal weight, and 82% had excess weight; by the CDC curve, 28% had normal and 72% had excess weight; by the WHO curve, 16.0% had normal weight and 84% had excess weight. According to the BMI, 0.8% of the population was underweight. According to the CDC and WHO curves, 7.6% and 6.8% had normal weight; 26.3% and 11.9% were overweight; and 65.3% and 80.5% were obese, respectively. Regarding the height/age criterion, there was no significant difference between the references and, on average, 98.3% of the population showed adequate height for age. CONCLUSION: The new WHO curves are more sensitive to identify obesity in a population at risk, which has important implications for preventive and therapeutic management.

O efeito do índice de massa corporal sobre as complicações no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio em idosos / The effect of the body mass index on postoperative complications of coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do índice de massa corporal (IMC) no pós-operatório de pacientes idosos submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, realizado em hospital acadêmico, com todos os pacientes (n=290), com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, submetidos a CRM, no período de agosto de 2006 a julho de 2007. Os pacientes foram divididos em tercis de IMC (<22, 22-27, >27 kg/m²). As variáveis incluídas no estudo foram coletadas a partir dos prontuários dos pacientes e analisadas por meio de regressão logística na associação com as categorias de IMC. RESULTADOS: No grupo com magreza foram encontrados maiores percentuais de disfunção pulmonar, renal, permanência hospitalar e mortalidade cirúrgica imediata; porém sem significância estatística. Dos pacientes do sexo feminino, do grupo magreza e eutrofia, 61,5 por cento tiveram permanência hospitalar por um período maior que sete dias pós-operatório; contra 42,5 por cento do sexo masculino (P=0,003). No grupo com magreza, foi encontrada associação entre o tempo de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) e a disfunção renal com P < 0,001 e, no grupo eutrófico com P=0,04. A obesidade obteve associação protetora para disfunção pulmonar (RR=0,99), reinternações (RR=0,45) e mortalidade (RR=0,77), e fator de risco para disfunção renal (RR=1,12). CONCLUSÕES: Em curto prazo, idosos com menor IMC podem ter o risco para complicações aumentado. Em contraste, a obesidade pode exercer um efeito protetor, com exceção da disfunção renal.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of BMI (body mass index) in the postoperative period of elderly patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective study, carried out in academic hospital, with all patients (n=290), aged or above 60 years, undergone CABG, from August 2006 to July 2007. The patients were divided into tertiles of BMI (<22, 22-27,> 27kg/m²). The variables included in the study were collected from medical records of patients and analyzed by logistic regression in association with the categories of BMI. RESULTS: In the group with malnutrition were found larger percentage of impaired lung, kidney, hospital stay and immediate surgical mortality; but without statistical significance. Among female patients, the group malnutrition and eutrophy, 61.5 percent had hospital stay for a period longer than seven postoperative days compared to 42.5 percent male patients (P=0.003). In the group with malnutrition was found association between the CPB time and renal dysfunction with P<0.001 and, in eutrophic group with P=0.04. Obesity obtained protective association for lung dysfunction (RR=0.99), readmissions (RR=0.45) and mortality (RR = 0.77), and risk factor for renal dysfunction (RR=1.12). CONCLUSIONS: In short-term, elderly with lower BMI may have increased the risk for complications. In contrast, obesity can have a protective effect, except for renal dysfunction.