Out of hospital cardiac arrest, first steps to know and follow in Mexico to have cardioprotected territories. A point of view of a group of experts / Paro cardiaco extrahospitalario, primeros pasos que se deben conocer y hacer en México para tener espacios cardioprotegidos. Punto de vista de un grupo de expertos

Abstract Sudden cardiac death is a common occurrence. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a global public health problem suffered by ≈3.8 million people annually. Progress has been made in the knowledge of this disease, its prevention, and treatment; however, most events occur in people without a previous diagnosis of heart disease. Due to its multifactorial and complex nature, it represents a challenge in public health, so it led us to work in a consensus to achieve the implementation of cardioprotected areas in Mexico as a priority mechanism to treat these events. Public access cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation require training of non-medical personnel, who are usually the first responders in the chain of survival. They should be able to establish a basic and efficient CPR and use of the automatic external defibrillator (AED) until the emergency services arrive at the scene of the incident. Some of the current problems in Mexico and alternative solutions for them are addressed in the present work.

Resumen La muerte súbita cardíaca (SCD) es un acontecimiento común. El paro cardiaco extrahospitalario (OHCA) es un problema de salud pública mundial que sufren ≈3.8 millones de personas al año. Se ha avanzado en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, su prevención y tratamiento, sin embargo, la mayoría de los eventos se producen en personas sin diagnóstico previo de cardiopatía. Debido a su carácter multifactorial y complejo, representa un reto en salud pública, lo que obliga a trabajar en un consenso para lograr la implementación de "Espacios Cardio protegidos" en México, como mecanismo prioritario de atención a estos eventos. La reanimación cardiopulmonar básica (RCPB) y la desfibrilación temprana de acceso público requieren de entrenamiento al personal no médico, que suelen ser los primeros respondientes para iniciar la cadena de la supervivencia. Ellos deberían instaurar una RCPB eficiente y el uso del desfibrilador automático externo (AED) hasta que lleguen al lugar del incidente los servicios de emergencias. El presente trabajo menciona algunos de los problemas actuales en México y algunas opciones de solución para los mismos.

Análisis de la la muerte súbita cardíaca por prolapso de la válvula mitral en una autopsia de una mujer sin antecedente de cardiopatía. Reporte de caso / Analysis of sudden cardiac death due to mitral valve prolapse in an autopsy of a woman with no history of heart disease. Case report

Resumen En Costa Rica, el Reglamento de la Autopsia Hospitalaria y Médico Legal establece que la autopsia médico legal es obligatoria para toda muerte súbita. La patología cardíaca es responsable aproximadamente del 80 % de las muertes súbitas que requieren una autopsia forense; el prolapso de la válvula mitral (degeneración mixomatosa de la válvula mitral) es una de las formas más comunes de valvulopatía cardíaca, es relativamente común (2%-3% de la población general), y a menudo se considera benigno, la tasa anual de muerte cardíaca súbita (MSC) en individuos con MVP (0,2%-0,4% /año) es aproximadamente el doble que el observado en la población general (0,1%-0,2% año).

Abstract In Costa Rica, the Hospital and Legal Autopsy Regulations establish that a legal medical autopsy is mandatory for all sudden deaths. Cardiac pathology is responsible for approximately 80% of sudden deaths requiring a forensic autopsy; Mitral valve prolapse (myxomatous mitral valve degeneration) is one of the most common forms of heart valve disease, is relatively common (2%-3% of the general population), and is often considered benign, the annual rate of Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in individuals with MVP (0.2%-0.4%/year) is approximately twice that observed in the general population (0.1%-0.2%/year).

A case of sudden hearing loss combined with familial hyperlipidemia / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of blood lipids. The clinical manifestations are mainly atherosclerosis caused by the deposition of lipids in the vascular endothelium. The link between abnormal lipid metabolism and sudden hearing loss remains unclear. This article presents a case study of sudden hearing loss accompanied by familial hyperlipidemia. Pure tone audiometry indicated intermediate frequency hearing loss in one ear. Laboratory tests showed abnormal lipid metabolism, and genetic examination identified a heterozygous mutation in theAPOA5 gene. Diagnosis: Sudden hearing loss; hypercholesterolemia. The patient responded well to pharmacological treatment. This paper aims to analyze and discuss thepotential connection between abnormal lipid metabolism and sudden hearing loss.

Sudden infant death syndrome — a community intervention project / Síndrome da morte súbita do lactente — projeto de intervenção na comunidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To capacitate pregnant women to comply with measures designed to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted before and after the intervention that included pregnant women attending the Course of Preparation for Childbirth and Parenthood of Health Centers Cluster. Six training sessions were given in the context of preventing this syndrome. Three questionnaires were applied, one to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women before classes, other was submitted after the sessions, and another, one month after the birth of the babies, to identify what skills were acquired and which were practiced. Results: Among 77 studied pregnant women, 70 answered pre-session questionnaire and the proportion of correct answers varied from from 60.0% to 84.3%. After the intervention, 64 women answered the questionnaire and the proportion of correct answers varied between 79.7% and 100% . Prior to the intervention, the most wrong answers were related to the role of smoking as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome and to the use of pacifiers as a protective measure. After the sessions, all women answered correctly to the questions concerning where the baby should sleep and the safest way to lay the baby in the cradle. Conclusions: Health education with the aim of establishing measures may have a significant impact in terms of care delivery and mortality rate caused by sudden infant death syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Capacitar as grávidas para o cumprimento de medidas de prevenção da síndrome de morte súbita do lactente. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo quase-experimental pré- e pós-intervenção que integrou as grávidas que frequentavam o Curso de Preparação para o Parto e Parentalidade do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde. Foram ministradas seis sessões formativas no âmbito da prevenção desta síndrome. Três questionários foram aplicados, um para avaliar os conhecimentos das gestantes antes das aulas, outro foi submetido após as sessões, e outro, um mês após o nascimento dos bebês para identificar que conhecimentos foram adquiridos e quais foram praticados. Resultados: Da amostra de 77 grávidas, relativamente ao questionário pré-sessão (n=70), obteve-se uma proporção de respostas corretas entre 60,0-84,3%. Posteriormente à intervenção (n=64), verificou-se um incremento dos conhecimentos com 79,7-100% de acertos. Previamente à intervenção, as respostas mais erradas às questões eram inerentes ao papel do tabagismo como fator de risco para síndrome de morte súbita do lactente e ao uso da chupeta como medida protetora. Após as sessões, todas as mulheres responderam corretamente às questões relativas ao local onde o bebê deve dormir e à forma mais segura de colocar o bebê no berço. Conclusões: Este projeto demonstrou que a educação para a saúde com o intuito de instituir medidas pode ter um impacto significativo em termos de prestação de cuidados e taxa de mortalidade por síndrome de morte súbita do lactente.

Knowledge about sudden infant death syndrome prevention among postpartum women in Southern Brazil, 2019: a cross-sectional survey / Conocimiento sobre la prevención del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante en puérperas del Sur de Brasil, 2019: un estudio transversal / Conhecimento sobre prevenção da síndrome da morte súbita do lactente entre puérperas no Sul do Brasil, 2019: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective To assess knowledge on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention among postpartum women who received prenatal care in public and private services in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2019. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with postpartum women who gave birth in that municipality in 2019; the outcome was the indication of incorrect sleeping position (side/supine position) to prevent SIDS; the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between those who underwent prenatal care in public and private services. Results Among all 2,195 postpartum women, 67.7% (95%CI 65.7;69.6) were unaware of the position that prevents SIDS, 71.6% were public care service users; 77.8% of them feared choking/suffocation; 1.9% were informed about SIDS during prenatal care; doctors/nurses (70.5%) and grandmothers (65.1%) were influential regarding the baby's sleeping position. Conclusion Most postpartum women were unaware of the sleeping position that prevents SIDS, especially those receiving care in the public sector; in general, this subject is not discussed in prenatal care.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el conocimiento sobre la prevención del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (SMSL) entre puérperas que realizaron prenatal en servicios públicos y privados en Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2019. Métodos Estudio transversal, con puérperas que dieron a luz en Rio Grande, en 2019; el resultado consistió en la indicación de posición incorrecta para dormir (lado/supino) para prevenir el SMSL; utilizando chi-cuadrado, se compararon las proporciones entre mujeres que recibieron atención prenatal en servicios públicos y privados. Resultados Entre las 2.195 puérperas, 67,7% (IC95% 65,7;69,6) desconocían como se previene el SMSL, estando el 71,6%, en la red pública; 77,8% temía asfixiarse/ahogarse; el 1,9% fue informado sobre el SMSL durante el prenatal; los médicos(as)/enfermeros(as) (70,5%) y los abuelos (65,1%) influyeron en la posición para dormir del bebé. Conclusión La mayoría de las puérperas desconocían la posición que previene el SMSL, especialmente en la red pública; en general, este tema no está cubierto en la atención prenatal.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento sobre prevenção da síndrome da morte súbita do lactente (SMSL) entre puérperas com pré-natal realizado nos serviços público e privado de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2019. Métodos Estudo transversal, com puérperas do município; seu desfecho constituiuse da indicação de posição incorreta para dormir (decúbito lateral ou dorsal), visando prevenir a SMSL; utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções do desfecho e de exposição entre puérperas que realizaram pré-natal nos serviços público e privado. Resultados De 2.195 puérperas, 67,7% (IC95% 65,7;69,6), majoritariamente atendidas na rede pública (71,6%), desconheciam a posição preventiva da SMSL; 77,8% temiam engasgo/afogamento; 1,9% foram informadas sobre SMSL no pré-natal; médicos(as)/enfermeiros(as) (70,5%) e avós (65,1%) mostraram-se influentes na decisão sobre como posicionar o bebê adormecido. Conclusão A maioria das puérperas, especialmente as atendidas na rede pública, desconhecia a posição que previne SMSL; geralmente, o tema não é abordado no pré-natal.

The potential relationship between uric acid and the recovery in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Objective Serum uric acid is proven to be associated with chronic hearing loss, but its effect on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic values of serum uric acid levels in SSNHL patients. Methods The clinical records of SSNHL patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into different groups based on hearing recovery and audiogram type, and uric acid levels were compared. Based on uric acid levels, patients were categorized into normouricemia and hyperuricemia groups, and clinical features and hearing recovery were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. Results In total, 520 SSNHL patients were included in this study, including 226 females and 294 males. In female patients, 186 patients were included in the normouricemia group, and 40 patients were enrolled in the hyperuricemia group. Significant differences were observed in uric acid levels, Total Cholesterol (TC), rate of complete recovery, and slight recovery between the two groups. In male patients, 237 subjects were categorized into the normouricemia group, and 57 patients were included in the hyperuricemia group. The rate of complete recovery and slight recovery was lower in the hyperuricemia group compared to the normouricemia group. All patients were further divided into good recovery and poor recovery groups based on hearing outcomes. The uric acid levels, initial hearing threshold, rate of hyperuricemia, and TC were lower in the good recovery group than the poor recovery group both in female and male patients. Binary logistic regression results showed that uric acid levels, initial hearing threshold, and hyperuricemia were associated with hearing recovery. Conclusion Hyperuricemia might be an independent risk factor for hearing recovery in SSNHL patients. Serum uric acid and initial hearing threshold possibly affected the hearing outcome in males and females with SSNHL. Level of evidence Level 4.

Sudden pediatric death unveiling pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

ABSTRACT Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal vascular connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, often associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Most PAVMs are asymptomatic, but life-threatening complications like pulmonary hemorrhage, brain abscesses, and paradoxical emboli can emerge, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. We report a case of sudden pediatric death in a two-year-old female with no past medical history. Initial vomiting and fast deterioration resulted in a sudden cardiac arrest. The postmortem examination found histological evidence of consistent, extensive lung damage. The absence of the characteristic symptoms made for some challenges when it came to diagnosis, showing precisely that in early life, you could well have many difficulties in catching PAVMs. This case highlights the need to take PAVMs into account as a potential cause of sudden death, particularly when there are no conspicuous symptoms. Awareness among forensic pathologists and consideration of genetic analysis for HHT in such cases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Hemorragia Intracerebral Imprevisible en un Hombre Joven: La Importancia de la Tomografía computarizada craneal post-mortem / Unpredictable Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Young Male: The Importance of Post-Mortem Cranial Computed Tomography

La muerte súbita es aquella que ocurre dentro de las 24 horas posteriores al inicio de los síntomas y se caracteriza por ser clínicamente inexplicable, inesperada y repentina. Debido a la naturaleza de la muerte súbita, no es posible llegar a un diagnóstico preciso sin una autopsia. En esta comunicación breve, evaluaremos el caso de un empleado de crucero de 33 años, sin historial médico/farmacológico previo, el cual falleció súbitamente mientras reposaba en su camarote. Debido a las sospechas iniciales de una posible muerte causada por una sobredosis de cocaína, se le realizó un panel toxicológico abarcador el cual resultó negativo. Empero, una tomografía computarizada (TC) craneal sin contraste revirtió la hipótesis inicial y la autopsia neuropatológica -sorpresivamente- confirmó que la verdadera causa de muerte fue la ruptura de un aneurisma sacular desconocido en el polígono de Willis.

Sudden death occurs within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and is characterized by being clinically inexplicable, sudden, and unexpected. Due to the nature of sudden death, it is not possible an accurate diagnosis without performing an autopsy. In this brief communication, we will evaluate the case of a 33-year-old cruise employee, with no prior medical/pharmacological history, who suddenly died while resting in his cabin. Due to initial suspicions of a possible cocaine overdose death, a comprehensive toxicology panel was performed, although yielding a negative result. A cranial computed tomography without contrast reversed the initial hypothesis and the neuropathological autopsy -surprisingly- confirmed that the true cause of death was the rupture of an unknown saccular aneurysm in the Circle of Willis.

Actualización de las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro / Update on safe sleep recommendatios

La muerte súbita de un lactante puede ser de causa explicada, indeterminada ­si no se investigó en forma suficiente­ o inexplicada ­cuando una investigación completa no permite determinar su causa­. La muerte súbita inexplicada, o síndrome de muerte súbita infantil, afecta en particular a las poblaciones más vulnerables. La muerte de estos niños que nacen con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo es la parte visible de una problemática que se origina en el embarazo. Disminuir la cantidad de niños vulnerables depende de políticas de salud y, sobre todo, de lograr mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población. Son acciones a largo plazo. Conocer a fondo los factores de riesgo que pueden desencadenar la muerte inesperada es lo que se puede hacer ya. La actualización de las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro refleja nuevos conocimientos basados en la evidencia científica y un enfoque integral de los aspectos socioculturales relacionados con esta problemática.

Sudden unexpected infant death may be explained, cause by an etiology, unexplained but insufficiently investigated, or unexplained when a full investigation fails to determine the cause. Unexplained sudden death in infancy or sudden infant death syndrome particularly affects the most vulnerable populations. The death of these children who are born with alterations in their neurodevelopment is the visible part of a problem that originates in pregnancy. Reducing the number of vulnerable children depends on health policies and, above all, on improving the living conditions of the population. These are long-term actions. Knowing in depth the risk factors that can trigger unexpected death is what can be done now. The update of the recommendations on safe sleep reflects new knowledge based on scientific evidence and a comprehensive approach to the sociocultural aspects related to this problem.

Actualización de las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguroUpdate on safe sleep recommendatios

RESUMEN La muerte súbita de un lactante puede ser de causa explicada, indeterminada -si no se investigó en forma suficiente- o inexplicada -cuando una investigación completa no permite determinar su causa-. La muerte súbita inexplicada, o síndrome de muerte súbita infantil, afecta en particular a las poblaciones más vulnerables. La muerte de estos niños que nacen con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo es la parte visible de una problemática que se origina en el embarazo. Disminuir la cantidad de niños vulnerables depende de políticas de salud y, sobre todo, de lograr mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población. Son acciones a largo plazo. Conocer a fondo los factores de riesgo que pueden desencadenar la muerte inesperada es lo que se puede hacer ya. La actualización de las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro refleja nuevos conocimientos basados en la evidencia científica y un enfoque integral de los aspectos socioculturales relacionados con esta problemática.

ABSTRACT Sudden unexpected infant death may be explained, cause by an etiology, unexplained but insufficiently investigated, or unexplained when a full investigation fails to determine the cause. Unexplained sudden death in infancy or sudden infant death syndrome particularly affects the most vulnerable populations. The death of these children who are born with alterations in their neurodevelopment is the visible part of a problem that originates in pregnancy. Reducing the number of vulnerable children depends on health policies and, above all, on improving the living conditions of the population. These are long-term actions. Knowing in depth the risk factors that can trigger unexpected death is what can be done now. The update of the recommendations on safe sleep reflects new knowledge based on scientific evidence and a comprehensive approach to the sociocultural aspects related to this problem.

The prognostic value of peripheral blood parameters on all-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Objective: To determine whether peripheral blood parameters have any predictive value for all-frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Methods: We chose 78 individuals with all-frequency SSNHL who had been admitted to our department. They were divided into two groups: the effective group and the ineffective group. In patients with all-frequency SSNHL, the prognostic variables, including peripheral blood tests and clinical traits, were examined by a logistic regression analysis. In addition, the predictive value was carried out. Results: The effective rate of all-frequency SSNHL was 61.5%. Pre-treatment hearing level and the proportion of patients with diabetes were both significantly lower in the effective group than in the ineffective group (p = 0.024 and 0.000, respectively). The levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were also significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Pre-treatment hearing level and fibrinogen level both significantly impacted the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL (p = 0.032 and 0.002, respectively), according to a logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the prognosis was significantly predicted by both fibrinogen level and pre-treatment hearing level (p = 0.001 and 0.0002, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the fibrinogen level had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 60.0% for predicting the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL. Conclusion: For the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL, the fibrinogen level can be regarded as a useful predictor. The level of C-reactive protein, however, does not have a significant prognostic effect on predicting all-frequency SSNHL. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to the level of fibrinogen in the acute period of all-frequency SSNHL. Level of Evidence: 4.

Desfibrilador subcutáneo. Primeros casos en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, incluyendo dos pacientes pediátricos / Use of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator. First cases reported from National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez-Mexico

Resumen Introducción: El desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI) transvenoso es el tratamiento de elección para la prevención de muerte súbita (MS) cardiaca por arritmias ventriculares malignas. Su uso se puede ver limitado cuando existe infección del sistema de estimulación o en población pediátrica donde representa un reto por diversas razones, incluyendo: las mínimas dimensiones del sistema venoso de los niños, la longitud de los electrodos, el tamaño del generador, así como por la complejidad anatómica en casos de cardiopatía congénita asociada. Objetivo: El presente artículo tiene por objetivo presentar la primera serie de casos de pacientes mexicanos a los cuales se les implantó un DAI subcutáneo (DAI-SC) como terapia para la prevención de MS. Métodos: Se presentan los cuatro primeros casos que fueron implantados en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez con un DAI-SC (Emblem, Boston Scientific, EE.UU.), tres de ellos eran pacientes pediátricos, incluyendo el primer implante de este tipo de dispositivo en un paciente pediátrico en América Latina. Las técnicas de tres y dos incisiones fueron empleadas bajo anestesia general. Resultados: Se realizó el implante exitoso con técnica de tres incisiones en los dos primeros casos y con técnica de dos incisiones en los dos últimos casos. Se corroboró el adecuado funcionamiento del dispositivo en sala, con la verificación de terapia apropiada (65 J) de la fibrilación ventricular inducida mediante estimulación a 50 Hz. No hubo complicaciones inmediatas. Un paciente presentó descargas apropiadas a los dos meses del implante. En el seguimiento, un niño desarrolló erosión de la piel a nivel de la curva del electrodo en el esternón, sin datos de infección. En quirófano se resecó la piel dañada, se retiró el barril y la seda de fijación, se realizó lavado quirúrgico y se volvió a cerrar la piel, logrando así evitar el retiro del sistema. Conclusiones: El DAI-SC es una terapia alternativa al DAI endovenoso y puede ser considerado de primera elección en aquellos casos que no requieran de estimulación ventricular, incluyendo pacientes pediátricos. Pueden ocurrir complicaciones cutáneas, pero no representan una amenaza como las complicaciones venosas de los DAI convencionales.

Abstract Introduction: The transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the treatment of choice for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Its use could be restricted when device-related infections occurs or in the pediatric population. In the later, an ICD represents a challenge, due to the minimal dimensions of the venous system in children, the length of the electrodes, the size of the generator, as well as the anatomical complexity in cases with associated congenital heart disease. Objective: This article presents the first Mexican patients with a subcutaneous ICD (SC-ICD) implant as a therapy for the prevention of SCD. Methods: The first four cases were implanted at the Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology with a SC-ICD (Emblem, Boston Scientific, USA), three of them were pediatric patients, including the first implant of this type of device in a pediatric patient in Latin America. The 3-incision and 2-incision techniques were used under general anesthesia. Results: A successful implantation was obtained with the 3-incision technique in the first 2 cases and the last 2 with the 2-incision technique. Proper functioning of the device was corroborated in the operating room with proof of appropriate therapy (65 J) for ventricular fibrillation induced with 50 Hz stimulation. No immediate complications were observed. One patient had appropriate shocks two months after the implant. During follow-up, one child developed skin erosion at the level of the curve of the electrode on the sternum, with no signs of infection. In the operating room, the damaged skin was resected, the barrel and the fixation silk were removed, surgical lavage was performed, and the skin was closed again, thus avoiding removal of the system. Conclusions: The SC-ICD is an alternative therapy to the transvenous ICD. It can be considered first choice in subjects who do not require ventricular pacing, including pediatric patients. Skin complications can occur but do not pose a threat as venous complications of conventional ICDs.

Efecto de los fármacos en la prolongación del QT y la aparición de muerte súbita en la COVID-19 / Effect of Drugs on QT Prolongation and Sudden Death in COVID-19

Introducción: Las evidencias científicas han demostrado que durante el período pandémico por la COVID-19 ha existido un incremento de la incidencia de muerte súbita cardiovascular, proporcional al incremento de los casos y a la letalidad por la enfermedad. Objetivos: Compilar información sobre los fármacos empleados en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 y sus posibles efectos en la prolongación del intervalo QT y la aparición de muerte súbita. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de información a partir de las bases de datos PubMed, Medline y SciELO, en los idiomas español e inglés en el período de enero de 2020 a enero de 2023. Resultados: Los hallazgos más recientes sugieren que los factores relacionados con el tratamiento médico del paciente para sus enfermedades cardiovasculares previas, el empleo concomitante de drogas para otras comorbilidades, el ensayo de nuevas drogas que se investigan en la actualidad para el tratamiento de la enfermedad y el uso inadecuado de fármacos en complicaciones graves por la COVID-19, pueden ocasionar prolongación del intervalo QT y arritmias ventriculares tipo torsades de pointes, lo que puede conllevar a la aparición de muerte súbita. Conclusiones: Ha sido demostrado el efecto deletéreo de los fármacos en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 y sus posibles asociaciones a la terapéutica del paciente, en la prolongación del tiempo de repolarización ventricular cardíaca, cuya traducción eléctrica es un intervalo QT prolongado y su contribución a la génesis de arritmias malignas potencialmente fatales capaces de desencadenar un paro cardíaco y evolucionar a la muerte súbita(AU)

Scientific evidence has shown an increase in the incidence of sudden cardiovascular death during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This has been proportional to the increase in cases and mortality from the disease. Direct and indirect injury to the myocardium and vascular system allow to partially explain the statistics. Among the factors related to the medical treatment of the patient for previous cardiovascular diseases, it is the concomitant use of drugs for other comorbidities. The trial of new drugs for the treatment of this condition and the inappropriate use of drugs in serious complications from COVID-19 are currently being investigated. These can cause QT prolongation and torsades de pointes ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden death. Monitoring the QT interval is recommended, before and during treatment, in patients who come to the emergency room with a clinical condition suggestive of COVID-19. Additionally, modifiable factors favoring its prolongation should be evaluated. Decision-making in the application of therapeutic protocols in patients with COVID-19 with prolonged QTc at baseline, or with increased QTc after starting treatment, must go through the analysis of the risk/benefit ratio defined by a multi- and interdisciplinary team(AU)

Síndrome de barlow: causa olvidada de miocardiopatía dilatada y muerte súbita / Barlow syndrome: A rare etiology of sudden death

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 60 años, con an tecedente de prolapso de la válvula mitral, que consultó por disnea y palpitaciones de 2 semanas de evolución hasta clase funcional IV. En el electrocardiograma de ingreso se evidenció ritmo de fibrilación auricular de moderada respuesta con extrasístoles ventriculares fre cuentes. Se realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico donde se observó prolapso de la válvula mitral con deterioro grave de la función ventricular. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Barlow. La paciente intercurrió durante la internación con tres episodios de paro cardiorrespiratorio que revir tieron con maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar avanzada. Durante la internación se realizó balance negativo, se revirtió a ritmo sinusal y se colocó cardio desfibrilador implantable en prevención secundaria. En el seguimiento persiste con deterioro grave de la función ventricular. Destacamos el síndrome de Barlow como una causa poco frecuente de muerte súbita y su asociación con miocardiopatía dilatada.

Abstract We present the case of a 60-year-old woman, with a history of mitral valve prolapse, who consulted for dyspnea and palpitations of 2 weeks of evolution up to functional class IV. The admission electrocardio gram showed a moderately responsive atrial fibrilla tion rhythm with frequent ventricular extra systoles. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed which showed mitral valve prolapse with severe impairment of ventricular function. Barlow syndrome was diagnosed. During hospitalization, the patient presented three epi sodes of cardiorespiratory arrest that were reversed with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. During admission, a negative balance was performed, sinus rhythm was reverted and an implantable auto matic defibrillator was placed in secondary prevention. During follow-up, severe deterioration of ventricular function persisted. We highlight Barlow syndrome as a rare cause of sudden death and its association with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Miocardiopatía hipertrófica en la edad pediátrica. Revisión a propósito de una serie de casos

Introducción: La miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) constituye una enfermedad compleja y variable en cuanto a morfología, fisiopatología, pronóstico y sobrevida. Se caracteriza por una hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque en ocasiones puede ser biventricular o ventricular derecha aislada. En la edad pediátrica predominan las causas no sarcoméricas. La ecocardiografía es el método diagnóstico más utilizado para caracterizar la morfología y repercusión hemodinámica, sin embargo, la resonancia magnética cardíaca (RMC) es de elección por aportar mayores ventajas morfológicas y funcionales. Las pruebas genéticas son de gran importancia en la determinación del diagnóstico etiológico, manejo terapéutico y pronóstico. El tratamiento tiene como objetivo principal mejorar la capacidad funcional y aliviar los síntomas. Los betabloqueantes no vasodilatadores son considerados de primera líneay en algunos casos se puede recurrir a terapias avanzadas como disopiramida o terapia de reducción septal (TRS), uso del cardiodesfibrilador implantable (CDI), y en ocasiones se debe considerar trasplante cardiaco en pacientes con síntomas refractarios al tratamiento médico y en MCH del tipo obstructivo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal. Resultados: Se estudiaron 12 pacientes, desde enero de 2020 a diciembre de 2022, con edades comprendidas desde 5 meses hasta 16 años, diagnosticados con MCH de presentación clínica variable y de distintas etiologías. Conclusión: La MCH de causas no sarcoméricas como los síndromes malformativos y errores innatos del metabolismo son las que tienen peor pronóstico y sobrevida. La finalidad de detectar precozmente la MCH es el inicio temprano de la terapia específica, para así retrasar el compromiso cardiovascular y mejorar la sobrevida.

Introduction: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex and variable disease in terms of morphology, pathophysiology, prognosis and survival. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, although it can sometimes be biventricular or isolated right ventricular. In the pediatric population, non-sarcomeric causes predominate. Echocardiography is the most widely used diagnostic method to characterize morphology and hemodynamic repercussions; however, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is preferred because it provides greater morphological and functional advantages. Genetic tests are of great importance in determining the etiological diagnosis, therapeutic management and prognosis. The main objective of the treatment is to improve functional capacity and alleviate symptoms. Non-vasodilator beta-blockers are considered first-line treatment and in some cases advanced therapies such as disopyramide or septal reduction therapy (SRT), use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can be used; heart transplantation should be considered in patients with symptoms refractory to medical treatment and in HCM of the obstructive type. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results: 12 patients were studied, from January 2020 to December 2022, with ages ranging from 5 months to 16 years, diagnosed with HCM of variable clinical presentation and of different etiologies. Conclusion: HCM from non-sarcomeric causes such as malformation syndromes and inborn errors of metabolism have the worst prognosis and survival. The purpose of early detection of HCM is the early initiation of specific therapy, in order to delay cardiovascular compromise and improve survival.

Cardioverter-defibrillator reduces mortality risk in eligible ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients: Sub-analysis of the multi-center Improve SCA study

Background & Objective: Despite the burden of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) worldwide, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are underutilized, particularly in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Improve SCA trial demonstrated that primary prevention (PP) patients in these regions benefit from an ICD or a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). We aimed to compare the rate of device therapy and mortality among ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM and NICM) PP patients who met guideline indications for ICD therapy and had an ICD/CRT-D implanted. Methods: Improve SCA was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded multicenter trial that enrolled patients from the above-mentioned regions. All-cause mortality and device therapy were examined by cardiomyopathy (ICM vs NICM) and implantation status. Cox proportional hazards methods were used, adjusting for factors affecting mortality risk. Results: Of 1848 PP NICM patients, 1007 (54.5%) received ICD/CRT-D, while 303 of 581 (52.1%) PP ICM patients received an ICD/CRT-D. The all-cause mortality rate at 3 years for NICM patients with and without an ICD/CRT-D was 13.1% and 18.3%, respectively (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38e0.68, p < 0.001). Similarly, all-cause mortality at 3 years in ICM patients was 13.8% in those with a device and 19.9% in those without an ICD/CRT-D (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33e.0.88, p ¼ 0.011). The time to first device therapy, time to first shock, and time to first antitachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy were not significantly different between groups (p 0.263). Conclusions: In this large data set of patients with a guideline-based PP ICD indication, defibrillator device implantation conferred a significant mortality benefit in both NICM and ICM patients. The rate of appropriate device therapy was also similar in both groups.

Heart rate variability in patients presenting with anginal symptoms in absence of cardiac and other diseases

Objectives: Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). Modulation of cardiac autonomic tone as assessed by heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) is found reduced in patients with CAD; myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction and some other cardiovascular diseases. Reduced HRV has been found associated with sudden cardiac death in these CAD patients. Several patients present with anginal symptoms clinically in absence of CAD or other diseases. The status of HRV is not much clear in these patients. Thus, we aimed to assess HRV in patients with angina with and without myocardial ischemia and compare it with HRV of healthy subjects of similar age groups and follow-up patients for 1 year for cardiac/health events. Materials and Methods: The study included 61 consecutive male patients clinically presenting with angina and 30 healthy subjects. Based on Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging, patients were divided into two groups; patients with myocardial perfusion defects (MPD), (n = 33, age 54.91 ± 7.43 years) and patients with no MPD (NMPD), NMPD (n = 28, age 53.04 ± 8.50 years). Short-term HRV was assessed in all patients and subjects in resting supine position following standard protocol. All MPD and 25 NMPD patients could be followed up for 1 year for cardiac/health events. Results: Surprisingly, the NMPD patients showed significantly reduced HRV, Standard deviation of the N-N intervals, The square root of the mean squared differences of successive N-N intervals, Percentage of the number of interval differences of successive N-N intervals greater than >50 ms divided by total number of R-R intervals, low frequency (LF) power, High Frequency (HF) power and total power as compared to both MPD patients and healthy subjects. (Total power [NMPD vs. MPD]: 610.1 [379.9–1072.8] vs. 1508.0 [748.4–2339.4] millisecond squares (ms2 ), P = 0.001), healthy subjects (Total power: 1414.6 [1104.6-2141.5] ms2 , P = 0.001). The markers of sympathetic tone; LF (normalised unit) and LF/HF ratio were higher in NMPD patients as compared to MPD patients resulting in an altered sympathovagal balance. During a 1-year follow-up, sudden death was seen in one MPD patient (3.1%) and two NMPD patients (8%). Conclusion: The NMPD patients showed significantly reduced HRV as compared to both MPD patients and Healthy subjects with an altered sympathovagal balance. Sudden death was also seen in NMPD patients as MPD patients.

Challenges of Second-hand Smoke: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

Second-hand tobacco smoke as defined by WHO is the smoke emitted by a smoker or released from a burnt cigarette or any tobacco product. It is highly prevalent all over the globe but its serious health implications are often neglected by the public and the scientific community alike. Second-hand smoke has everlasting impact on all the body’s major organs, especially among the vulnerable population of children, pregnant ladies, people with chronic diseases and senior citizens. Although India started its war against this menace earlier than other counties, all its efforts remain bootless as its approach and implementation have a wide range of lacunae. This review aims to give a big picture of second-hand smoke, highlighting its pathophysiological changes in the body, socioeconomic impact, various strategies, and the gap that prevents these strategies from finding a favorable result in India. It becomes all the more important to reduce its impact owing to the increase in prevalence among youth reducing their vitality, derailing the society and the nation. It is recommended that the health authorities approach this health problem with utmost seriousness as a laid-back approach could welcome this silent killer’s known and unknown repercussions

Síndrome da morte súbita do lactente: evidências científicas que baseiam as recomendações atuais / Sudden infant death syndrome: scientific evidence underlying current recommendations

Introdução: A síndrome da morte súbita do lactente (SMSL) pode ser definida como a morte inesperada de uma criança menor de um ano durante o sono, de causa inexplicada mesmo após necrópsia. É uma condição com fatores de risco conhecidos e, em sua maioria, modificáveis. Objetivo: Destacar as evidências científicas nas quais se baseiam as recomendações da Academia Americana de Pediatria e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria para prevenção da SMSL. Métodos: Revisão da literatura a partir da revisão das recomendações das sociedades para prevenção de SMSL, em busca de evidências que corroborem cada recomendação. Resultados: As recomendações para prevenção da SMSL incluem dormir em posição supina; utilizar uma superfície firme, plana e não inclinada para dormir; aleitamento materno pelo maior tempo possível; dormir no quarto dos pais nos seis primeiros meses de vida; manter o berço livre de objetos macios; oferecer a chupeta durante o sono; evitar a exposição ao tabagismo; não utilizar monitores cardiorrespiratórios. Para todas essas recomendações, foram apresentadas evidências científicas provenientes, de forma majoritária, de estudos de caso-controle. Conclusão: As recomendações para prevenção da SMSL são baseadas em evidências científicas suficientes, e é preciso que os profissionais da saúde que atendem a crianças pequenas e suas famílias estejam sempre atualizados e atentos a elas, promovendo de forma ativa a segurança do sono.

Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), defined as the unexpected death of a child under one year of age during sleep, of unexplained cause even after autopsy, is a condition with known and mostly modifiable risk factors.Objective: To highlight the scientific evidence on which the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics for SIDS prevention are based. Methods: Literature review based on the societies' recommendations for SIDS prevention, searching for evidence that supports each recommendation. Results:The recommendations for SIDS prevention include placing the infant in a supine position for sleep; using a firm, flat, and non-inclined sleep surface; breastfeeding for as long as possible; room-sharing with parents for the first six months of life; keeping the crib free from soft objects; offering a pacifier during sleep; avoiding exposure to smoking; not using cardiorespiratory monitors. For all these recommendations, scientific evidence was presented, predominantly from case-control studies. Conclusion: The recommendations for SIDS prevention are based on sufficient scientific evidence, and healthcare professionals who care for young children and their families need to stay updated and attentive to them, actively promoting sleep safety.