Association between the Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and New-onset Subclinical Macrovascular and Microvascular Diseases in the Chinese Population / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#The association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with subclinical macrovascular and microvascular diseases has been less investigated. We sought to examine the association between NLR and new-onset subclinical macrovascular and microvascular abnormalities in the Chinese population.@*METHODS@#From a community cohort, we included 6,430 adults aged ≥ 40 years without subclinical macrovascular and microvascular diseases at baseline. We measured subclinical macrovascular and microvascular abnormalities separately using the ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and albuminuria.@*RESULTS@#During a mean follow-up of 4.3 years, 110 participants developed incident abnormal ABI, 746 participants developed incident elevated baPWV, and 503 participants developed incident albuminuria. Poisson regression analysis indicated that NLR was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset abnormal ABI, elevated baPWV, and albuminuria. Compared to overweight/obese participants, we found a much stronger association between NLR and subclinical vascular abnormalities in participants with normal weight. Furthermore, we found an interaction between the NLR and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of new-onset abnormal ABI ( P for interaction: 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#NLR was associated with subclinical macrovascular and microvascular diseases in the Chinese population. Furthermore, in participants with normal weight, the association between NLR and subclinical vascular abnormalities was much stronger.

Isquemia aguda del canal anal / Acute Ischemia of the Anal Canal

Introducción: La isquemia anal aguda con gangrena es una entidad infrecuente, con escasa literatura publicada al respecto, cuyas cifras de mortalidad descritas se sitúan en un 20 por ciento - 40 por ciento de los casos. Debe considerarse en ancianos con enfermedad aterosclerótica que presenten síntomas gastrointestinales inferiores y shock hipotensivo. Puede ser causada por oclusión vascular aguda, enfermedad vascular grave o un estado de bajo flujo, aunque en algunos casos se presenta sin enfermedad vascular preexistente. Objetivo: Presentar la literatura existente acerca del manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico de la isquemia de canal anal en base a un caso clínico diagnosticado y tratado de urgencia en el hospital "Marina Baixa". Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de isquemia espontánea de canal anal en paciente de 76 años de edad con morbilidad cardiovascular asociada. Debuta como cuadro séptico sin evidencia de causa desencadenante. Conclusiones: Las pruebas endoscópicas y radiológicas deben realizarse con urgencia y la valoración quirúrgica está siempre justificada en estos pacientes debido a la alta tasa de mortalidad descrita en el manejo conservador del cuadro. En casos graves, la reanimación preoperatoria y cirugía urgente para resecar el segmento gangrenoso es necesaria. Sin embargo, el tratamiento de la proctitis isquémica aguda es controvertido y depende, en parte, del estado basal del paciente y los hallazgos clínicos, siendo importante examinar otras posibles etiologías de proctitis isquémica y así determinar qué pacientes necesitan intervención quirúrgica temprana en comparación con una actitud más conservadora(AU)

Introduction: Acute ischemic gangrene of the anus is an infrequent entity, with little published literature, whose reported mortality figures are 20-40 percent of cases. It should be considered in elderlies with atherosclerotic disease who present lower gastrointestinal symptoms and hypotensive shock. It can be caused by acute vascular occlusion, severe vascular disease, or a low-flow state, although in some cases it presents without pre-existing vascular disease. Objective: To present the existing literature on diagnostic and therapeutic management of ischemia of the anal canal upon the base of a clinical case diagnosed and treated as an urgency at Marina Baixa hospital. Clinical case: The case is presented of a 76-year-old patient with spontaneous ischemia of the anal canal and associated cardiovascular morbidity. It debuts as a septic condition without evidence of a triggering cause. Conclusions: Endoscopic and radiological tests should be performed urgently. Surgical assessment is always justified in these patients, due to the high mortality rate described in the conservative management of the condition. In severe cases, preoperative resuscitation and urgent surgery to resect the gangrenous segment is necessary. However, managment of acute ischemic proctitis is controversial and depends, in part, on the patient's baseline status and clinical findings, while it is important to examine other possible etiologies of ischemic proctitis and thus determine which patients need early surgical intervention compared to a more conservative attitude(AU)

Disección coronaria espontánea en paciente trasplantada de corazón / Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a heart transplant patient: report of one case

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome that predominantly affects women without cardiovascular risk factors. In transplant patients, spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an extremely rare condition, having been described in only three patients, in whom vascular damage secondary to the use of anticalcineurinics is postulated as a probable mechanism. We report a spontaneous coronary dissection in a female who received a heart transplant at 34 years of age. The diagnosis was made in a follow-up coronary angiography three years after transplantation, supplemented with optical coherence tomography. A percutaneous coronary revascularization of the involved artery was performed, with good immediate results and at one year of follow-up.

Disección coronaria espontánea asociada a lupus eritematoso sistémico / Spontaneous coronary dissection associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen A 29 year old female with a past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus, diagnosed 15 years earlier, presents with lupus nephritis, currently on peritoneal dialysis. She had myopericarditis in 2012 and is currently on immunosuppressants. The patient began with exertional dyspnea and angina 2 weeks before admission. An echocardiogram was performed, reporting severe mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. Afterwards, the patient presented with resting angina associated with an adrenergic and vagal response. Initially, rheumatology ruled out autoimmune activity caused by lupus. We performed a coronary angiogram based on clinical presentation, EKG changes and biomarkers, finding a trivascular coronary artery disease classified as a Markis I coronary artery ectasia and a coronary dissection of the ramus intermedius and the circumflex, posterior to the first obtuse marginal artery. Cardiothoracic surgery considered intervention with a coronary bridge posterior to the dissection of the intermedius ramus artery, marginal obtuse and posterolateral artery, as well as a mitral valve replacement and a tricuspid valve repair. Coronary dissection is more common in women (70%), clinical presentation varies from unstable angina to sudden death. In lupus nephritis, it is an uncommon form of extra renal vasculitis. Treatment depends on the number of arteries affected, as well as the haemodynamic state of the patient. It is imperative to individualize treatment options.

Abstract Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 29 años con antecedente de lupus eritematoso sistémico diagnosticado 15 años antes, que desarrolló nefropatía lúpica actualmente en diálisis peritoneal, cuadro de miopericarditis en 2012 y bajo tratamiento inmunosupresor. Inició con deterioro de su clase funcional por disnea y angina 2 semanas previas al ingreso. Se le realizó ecocardiograma, el cual reportó insuficiencias mitral y tricuspídea graves. Posteriormente presentó angina en reposo asociada a descarga adrenérgica y vagal. A su ingreso se descarta actividad lúpica por reumatología. Por presentación clínica, cambios en electrocardiograma y biomarcadores, se realizó cateterismo cardiaco, que reportó enfermedad coronaria trivascular con ectasia coronaria Markis I y disección coronaria de ramo intermedio y circunfleja posterior a la primera marginal obtusa. Se consideró por el servicio de cirugía cardiotorácica realizar intervención con puente coronario posterior a disección del ramo intermedio, marginal obtusa y posterolateral, así como cambio valvular mitral y plastia tricuspídea. La disección coronaria espontánea es más frecuente en las mujeres (70%); puede presentarse como angina inestable y hasta como muerte súbita. La asociación con lupus eritematoso sistémico es poco frecuente, con una incidencia del 0.42%. En la nefropatía lúpica es una manifestación poco frecuente de vasculitis extrarrenal. El tratamiento de elección depende del número de vasos afectados y del estado hemodinámico, por lo que es necesario individualizarlo para cada paciente.

Consideraciones hipotéticas sobre el comportamiento viral del SARS-Cov-2 (covid-19): enfermedad multisistémica / Hypothetical considerations on the viral behavior of SARS-Cov-2 (covid-19): multisystemic disease

El virus provoca una reacción vascular inflamatoria en el endotelio arterial de varios órganos, entre ellos el pulmón (afectando el intercambio de gases en la membrana alveolo-capilar), de ahí la insuficiencia respiratoria, pero también afecta a otros órganos. Cuando una persona adquiere el nuevo coronavirus, este entra a los pulmones e infecta directamente a los alvéolos, que absorben el aire que respiramos. En casos graves, esos sacos de aire se llenan de líquido, restándole espacio para el oxígeno. Esto es lo que se conoce como neumonía por covid-19. Los alvéolos se infectan y activan el sistema inmunitario, lo que puede conducir a una tormenta de citoquinas. El SARS-Cov-2 también causa coágulos de sangre, lo que ha provocado que personas de entre 30 y 40 años mueran por accidentes cerebrovasculares. La enfermedad inflama los vasos sanguíneos y eventualmente puede dañar las arterias coronarias que llevan sangre al corazón. Entonces, cabe preguntarse: ¿no será que, además de afectar la membrana alvéolo-capilar en el pulmón, e interferir en el intercambio de oxígeno, afecta el endotelio arterial y provoca una microangiopatía diseminada con coagulopatía? Ojalá se encuentre pronto la respuesta. Miles de los mejores científicos del mundo están trabajando para intentar comprender el nuevo coronavirus; han descifrado su código genético y producido decenas de artículos que proponen posibles tratamientos y vacunas. Recomiendo un interesante artículo publicado por los Dres. Alfonso Papa y Giustino Varrassi, que creo que coincide con mi opinión sobre la afectación vascular en el SARS-Cov-2 (covid-19),1 disponible en: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341553008. (AU)

The virus causes an inflammatory vascular reaction in the arterial endothelium of various organs, including the lung (affecting gas exchange in the alveolar-capillary membrane), hence the respiratory failure, but it also affects other organs. When a person acquires the new coronavirus, it enters to the lungs and directly infects the alveoli, which absorb the air we breathe. In severe cases, these air sacs fill with fluid, taking up space for oxygen. It is known as covid-19 pneumonia. The alveoli become infected and activate the immune system and can lead to a cytokine storm. SARS-Cov-2 also causes blood clots, which has caused people in their 30s to 40s to die from strokes. The disease inflames the blood vessels and can eventually damage the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart. So, it is worth asking: Is it not that, in addition to affecting the alveolar-capillary membrane in the lung, and interfering with oxygen exchange, it affects the arterial endothelium and causes disseminated micro-angiopathy with coagulopathy? Hopefully the answers will be found soon. Thousands of the world's best scientists are working to try to understand the new coronavirus. They cracked their genetic code and have produced dozens of articles suggesting possible treatments and vaccines. I add an interesting article published by Drs. Alfonso Papa and Giustino Varrassi. I think it matches my opinion about vascular involvement in SARS-Cov-2 (covid-19),1 available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341553008. (AU)

Translumbar hemodialysis long-term catheters: an alternative for vascular access failure / Cateter translombar para hemodiálise: uma alternativa para falência de acesso vascular

Abstract Introduction: Vascular access (VA) in hemodialysis (HD) is essential to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients survival. Unfortunately, after some years in HD program, a significant number of patients may develop VA failure for many reasons. In this situation, arterial venous fistula (AVF) confection or catheters placement in traditional vascular sites (jugular, femoral or subclavian) are not feasible. In this scenario, translumbar tunneled dialysis catheter (TLDC) may be a salvage option. Objectives: To describe placement technic, complications, and patency of 12 TLDC. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze 12 TLDC placement in an angiography suite using fluoroscopic guidance at the University Hospital of the Rio Grande do Norte Federal University from January 2016 to October 2017. The data collected of the total procedures performed consisted of demographic characteristics, success rates, observed complications, patient survival, and catheter patency. Results: All 12 TLDC were placed with success; there were only 2 significant periprocedure complications (major bleeding and extubation failure); 41.6% of patients presented a catheter-related first infection after 98 ± 72.1 (6-201) days, but catheter withdrawal was not necessary, mean total access patency was 315.5 (range 65 - 631) catheter-days, and catheter patency at 3, 6 and 12 months was 91 %, 75%, and 45%. Conclusion: TLDC is an option for patients with VA failure, improving survival and acting as a bridge for renal transplantation.

Resumo Introdução: O acesso vascular (AV) para hemodiálise (HD) é crucial para os pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC) estágio V. Infelizmente, com o passar dos anos, um percentual não desprezível desses enfermos evolui para falência de AV por diversos motivos, o que impossibilita a confecção de novas fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) ou o implante de cateteres venosos centrais nos sítios de punções tradicionais. Nesse cenário, o implante de cateteres translombares para hemodiálise (CTLHD) em veia cava inferior ganha destaque como medida salvadora. Objetivos: Relatar uma série de 12 casos de implante de CTLHD, sua técnica de implante, patência e complicações. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que analisou 12 implantes de CTLHD por radiologista intervencionista no setor de hemodinâmica do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), no período de janeiro/2016 a outubro/2017. Os dados coletados consistiram em: características demográficas da população estudada, taxa de sucesso, complicações observadas, sobrevida dos pacientes, patência do cateter e desfechos clínicos. Resultados: Todos os 12 CTLHD foram implantados e utilizados com sucesso; ocorreram apenas 2 complicações associadas ao procedimento (sangramento e falha na extubação); 41,6% dos pacientes apresentaram infecção relacionada ao cateter após 98 ± 72,1 dias (6-201 dias), mas não houve necessidade de remoção; e a patência foi de 315,5 cateteres-dia (65-631 dias). Conclusão: O CTLHD é uma opção para pacientes com falência de acesso vascular, prolongando a sobrevida dos pacientes e atuando como ponte para o transplante renal.

Spontaneous left anterior descending coronary artery dissection requiring coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a sudden separation between the layers of a coronary artery wall, non-iatrogenic or trauma related, that has been recognized as an important cause of myocardial infarction. Objective: To report an emblematic case, in terms of angiographic images, clinical presentation and predisposing factors, whose clinical management failure led to surgical intervention. Methods: A previously healthy 48-year-old male farmer was admitted to the emergency room complaining of anterior chest pain described as "tearing", which started after physical exertion. Anterior wall ST-segment depression was observed in the electrocardiogram and troponin levels were increased. The patient then underwent coronary catheterization. Angiography showed a tortuous left anterior descending coronary artery with a dissection line involving proximal and middle segments, resulting in mild to moderate luminal stenosis. At first, a conservative approach was chosen. Control cardiac catheterization, 3 months later, showed dissection progression to the distal segment. Results: The patient was referred to surgical treatment. Internal thoracic artery and a great saphenous vein graft were used to revascularize the target vessels. He had an uneventful postoperative course. Conclusion: In this report, we describe a typical clinical manifestation of an uncommon cause of acute myocardial infarction. The dissection was started by an extreme physical effort, which is a known triggering factor. Management of these cases is always challenging because there are no evidence-based therapies or guideline-based recomendations.

Graft Calcification Caused by a Torsion of the Hepatic Vein after a Living-Related Donor Liver Transplantation

Abstract: The torsion of vessels after liver transplantation rarely occurs. Likewise, calcification of a liver graft has seldom been reported. This report details a case which had torsion of the left hepatic vein on the seventh day after living-related donor liver transplantation. The torsion was reduced soon after re-exploration; however, congestion with partial necrosis of the graft occurred. On the follow-up imaging studies, some resolution of necrosis and graft regeneration were found, yet geographic calcification of the liver graft appeared. The patient died of pneumonia after 13 weeks, post-operation. The avoidance such torsion of vessels is necessary and important.(AU)

Reducing bed rest time from five to three hours does not increase complications after cardiac catheterization: the THREE CATH Trial / Redução do repouso de cinco para três horas não aumenta complicações após cateterismo cardíaco: THREE CATH Clinical Trial / La reducción del reposo de cinco para tres horas no aumenta las complicaciones después del Clinical Trial Three Cath

Abstract Objective: to compare the incidence of vascular complications in patients undergoing transfemoral cardiac catheterization with a 6F introducer sheath followed by 3-hour versus 5-hour rest. Methods: randomized clinical trial. Subjects in the intervention group (IG) ambulated 3 hours after sheath removal, versus 5 hours in the control group (CG). All patients remained in the catheterization laboratory for 5 hours and were assessed hourly, and were contacted 24, 48, and 72 h after hospital discharge. Results: the sample comprised 367 patients in the IG and 363 in the GC. During cath lab stay, hematoma was the most common complication in both groups, occurring in 12 (3%) IG and 13 (4%) CG subjects (P=0.87). Bleeding occurred in 4 (1%) IG and 6 (2%) CG subjects (P=0.51), and vasovagal reaction in 5 (1.4%) IG and 4 (1.1%) CG subjects (P=0.75). At 24-h, 48-h, and 72-h bruising was the most commonly reported complication in both groups. None of the comparisons revealed any significant between-group differences. Conclusion: the results of this trial show that reducing bed rest time to 3 hours after elective cardiac catheterization is safe and does not increase complications as compared with a 5-hour rest. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT-01740856

Resumo Objetivo: comparar a incidência de complicações vasculares em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco com introdutor 6 French sob abordagem transfemoral com repouso de 3 horas e de 5 horas Método: ensaio clínico randomizado. Os sujeitos incluídos no grupo intervenção (GI) deambularam 3 horas após a retirada do introdutor versus 5 horas para os do grupo controle (GC). Todos os pacientes permaneceram 5 horas no laboratório de hemodinâmica (LH), onde foram avaliados a cada hora, e foram contatados em 24, 48 e 72 h após a alta hospitalar. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 367 pacientes no GI e 363 no GC. Durante a permanência no LH, hematoma foi a complicação mais observada em ambos os grupos, ocorrendo em 12 (3%) pacientes do GI e 13 (4%) do GC (P=0,87). Sangramento ocorreu em 4 (1%) pacientes do GI e 6 (2%) do GC (P=0,51), e reação vasovagal em 5 (1,4%) pacientes do GI e 4 (1,1%) do GC (P=0,75). Em 24, 48 e 72 h, equimose foi a complicação mais relatada por ambos os grupos, seguida por dor no local da punção. Nenhuma das comparações revelou significância estatística entre os grupos. Conclusão: as resultados deste estudo demonstram que a redução do tempo de repouso para 3 horas após cateterismo cardíaco eletivo mostrou-se segura, não ocasionando um aumento de complicações quando comparada ao repouso de 5 horas. Registro Clinical Trials: NCT-01740856.

Resumen Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de complicaciones vasculares en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco con introductor 6 French bajo abordaje transfemoral con reposo de 3 horas y de 5 horas Método: ensayo clínico aleatorio. Los sujetos incluidos en el grupo intervención (GI) deambularon 3 horas después de la retirada del introductor versus 5 horas para los del grupo control (GC). Todos los pacientes permanecieron 5 horas en el laboratorio de hemodinámica (LH), en donde fueron evaluados a cada hora, y fueron contactados en 24, 48 y 72 h después del alta hospitalaria. Resultados: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 367 pacientes en el GI y 363 en el GC. Durante la permanencia en el LH, el hematoma fue la complicación más observada en los dos grupos, ocurriendo en 12 (3%) pacientes del GI y 13 (4%) del GC (P=0,87). La hemorragia ocurrió en 4 (1%) pacientes del GI y 6 (2%) del GC (P=0,51), y la reacción vasovagal en 5 (1,4%) pacientes del GI y 4 (1,1%) del GC (P=0,75). En 24, 48 y 72 h, la equimosis fue la complicación más relatada por los dos grupos, seguida por dolor en el local de la punción. Ninguna de las comparaciones reveló tener significación estadística entre los grupos. Conclusión: los resultados de este estudio demuestran que la reducción del tiempo de reposo para 3 horas después del cardíaco electivo se mostró segura, no ocasionando un aumento de complicaciones cuando comparada al reposo de 5 horas. Registro Clinical Trials: NCT-01740856

Potential Risk Factors Associated With Vascular Diseases in Patients Receiving Treatment for Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Currently, the hypertension (HTN) patients undergo appropriate medical treatment, and traditional risk factors are highly controlled. Therefore, potential risk factors of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (AVD) and venous thromboembolisms (VTE) in HTN should be reconsidered. We investigated thrombophilic genetic mutations and existing biomarkers for AVD or VTE in HTN patients receiving treatment. METHODS: A total of 183 patients were enrolled: AVD with HTN (group A, n=45), VTE with HTN (group B, n=62), and HTN patients without any vascular diseases (group C, n=76). The lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcy) levels, D-dimers, fibrinogen, antithrombin, lupus anticoagulant, and anti-cardiolipin antibody (aCL) were evaluated. Prothrombin G20210A, Factor V G1691A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients revealed wild type prothrombin G20210A and Factor V G1691A polymorphisms. The frequency of MTHFR polymorphisms was 677CT (n=84, 45.9%); 677TT (n=46, 25.1%); 1298AC (n=46, 25.1%); and 1298CC (n=2, 1.1%). The MTHFR 677TT genotype tended to increase the odds ratio (OR) to AVD events in HTN patients (OR 2.648, confidence interval 0.982-7.143, P=0.05). The group A demonstrated significantly higher Hcy levels (P=0.009), fibrinogen (P=0.004), and platelet counts (P=0.04) than group C. Group B had significantly higher levels of D-dimers (P=0.0001), platelet count (P=0.0002), and aCL (P=0.02) frequency than group C. CONCLUSIONS: The MTHFR 677TT genotype and Hcy level could be potential risk factors associated with development of AVD in HTN patients receiving treatment. D-dimer and aCL might be useful to estimate the occurrence of VTE in them.

Arteritis de células gigantes con compromiso de aorta y grandes vasos / Aortitis and large vessel involvement in giant cell arteritis

La arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) es una vasculitis sistémica de grandes vasos que no solo puede afectar a vasos craneales, si no que cada vez más frecuentemente se ha asociado a compromiso de vasos extracraneales. Este compromiso puede ser asintomático por lo que puede pasar inadvertido al estudio clínico básico y llevar a importantes complicaciones. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de ACG, ambos con aortitis y uno, además, con compromiso de grandes vasos del cayado aórtico y del cuello. Se discuten aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos, con el objetivo de vislumbrar estrategias de abordaje de futuros pacientes con presentaciones similares.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a age related, large vessels systemic vasculitis that not only affect cranial vessels, but is increasingly associated with extracranial vessel involvement. This extracranial involvement can be asymptomatic, so it can go unnoticed after basic clinical and laboratory study and lead to serious complications. We report two cases of GCA, both presenting aortitis and one of them presenting also involvement of aortic arch and of neck large vessels. We discuss physiopathologic, clinic and therapeutic aspects, with the aims of developing management strategies for the future patients with similar manifestations.

Repercussões vasculares do uso de CDL em pacientes hemodialíticos: análise ecográfica dos sítios de inserção / Implications of the use of vascular CDL in hemodialysis patients: analysis of echographic insertion sites

Introdução: A doença renal crônica é uma doença cuja prevalência tem aumentado no Brasil. A hemodiálise é sua principal modalidade terapêutica e tem, como via de acesso preferencial, a confecção de fístula arteriovenosa. Apesar disso, muitos pacientes necessitam do uso de cateteres duplo-lúmen, seja como acesso temporário ou permanente. Complicações vasculares relacionadas a este procedimento podem ocorrer, sendo o melhor método de avaliação não invasiva a análise ecográfica. Objetivo: Analisar as complicações pelo uso do cateter duplo-lúmen em pacientes com doença renal crônica, em hemodiálise, no Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa, PR, por meio do eco-Doppler. Métodos: Estudo observacional, analítico, tipo caso-controle, com obtenção dos dados por TASY®, questionário, exame físico direcionado e exame de imagem (eco-Doppler). Resultados: Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas se mostrou significativa isoladamente como preditora de repercussão vascular no eco-Doppler, que detectou alterações em 31,25% dos casos. O exame físico se mostrou de péssima acurácia em relação ao eco-Doppler na detecção das complicações (K = -0,123). Conclusão: Concluímos que as repercussões vasculares do uso de CDL são frequentes (31,25%), manifestando-se na forma de oclusões com/sem recanalização e estenoses. Sendo assim, é necessária uma análise prévia do sítio de inserção com o eco-Doppler, a fim de se evitar procedimentos desnecessários e com possíveis complicações. .

Introduction: Chronic renal failure is a disease which prevalence has been increasing in Brazil. Hemodialysis is their primary therapeutic modality and arterio-venous fistula their preferential access. Nevertheless, many patients require the use of double-lumen catheters, either as permanent or temporary access. Vascular complications related to this procedure may occur, and their best method of non-invasive analysis is ultrasound analysis. Objective: To analyze the complications by the use of double-lumen catheter in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, at "Santa Casa de Misericordia de Ponta Grossa" hospital, through eco-Doppler exam. Methods: Observational research, analytical, case-control type, to obtain data we used TASY®, interview, physical exam and imaging (eco-Doppler). Results: None of the variables was significant isolated as a predictor of vascular impact in eco-Doppler, which detected changes in 31.25% of the cases. Physical exam showed poor accuracy compared to Doppler capacity to detect complications (K = -0.123). Conclusion: We conclude that the vascular effects of the use of CDL are frequent (31.25%). Manifesting itself in the form of occlusions with/without recanalization and stenoses. This leads us to required a prior analysis of the insertion site with Doppler, in order to avoid unnecessary procedures and possible complications. .

Importancia médica del glucocáliz endotelial: Parte 2: su papel en enfermedades vasculares y complicaciones de la diabetes mellitus / Medical significance of endothelial glycocalyx: Part 2: Its role in vascular diseases and in diabetic complications

El glucocáliz endotelial es una capa constituida por glucosaminoglicanos, proteoglicanos y glucoproteínas que cubre al endotelio en su cara luminal. La participación del deterioro del glucocáliz endotelial parece esencial en los pasos iniciales de la fisiopatología de la aterosclerosis, de las complicaciones microangiopáticas de la diabetes mellitus y de la enfermedad venosa crónica. Los factores de riesgo de la aterosclerosis como la hipercolesterolemia, la hiperglucemia, la inflamación, el exceso de sodio y las fuerzas de tensión alteradas causan deterioro del glucocáliz. Esto provoca disfunción endotelial y permite la filtración de lipoproteínas (LDL) y de leucocitos al espacio subendotelial, iniciando la formación de la placa de ateroma. En la diabetes el glucocáliz adelgazado, principalmente por estrés oxidativo, posibilita la filtración de proteínas (albuminuria) y el trastorno endotelial de la microangiopatía. La hipertensión venosa crónica altera las fuerzas de tensión y daña el glucocáliz, lo que permite la filtración de leucocitos a las partes más profundas de la pared venosa, iniciando la inflamación y el deterioro morfológico y funcional de las venas que lleva a la enfermedad venosa crónica. El tratamiento con glucosaminoglicanos (sulodexida) logra prevenir o revertir el daño al glucocáliz endotelial y algunas de sus consecuencias; es eficaz en la enfermedad venosa crónica, especialmente con úlceras venosas. También ha sido útil en aterosclerosis obliterante de miembros inferiores y en la nefropatía diabética con albuminuria.

Endothelial glycocalyx is a layer composed by glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and glycoproteins attached to the vascular endothelial luminal surface. Shredding of glycocalyx appears as an essential initial step in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and microangiopathic complications of diabetes mellitus, as well as in chronic venous disease. Atherosclerosis risk factors, as hypercholesterolemia (LDL), hyperglycemia, inflammation, salt excess and altered shear stress can damage glycocalyx. This lead to endothelial dysfunction and allows LDL and leukocytes to filtrate to the subendothelial space initiating atheroma plaque formation. Degradation of glycocalyx in diabetes mellitus is mainly due to oxidative stress and enables protein filtration (albuminuria) and endothelial disorder of microangiopathy. Chronic venous hypertension brings to altered shears stress which results in shredded glycocalyx, this allows leukocytes to migrate into venous wall and initiate inflammation leading to morphologic and functional venous changes of the chronic venous disease. Treatment with glycosaminoglycans (sulodexide) prevents or recovers the damaged glycocalyx and several of its consequences. This drug improves chronic venous disease and promotes healing of chronic venous ulcers. It has also been useful in peripheral arterial obstructive disease and in diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria.

Frequency of and factors associated with vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation / Frequência e fatores relacionados a complicações vasculares após transplante hepático pediátrico

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the frequency and factors associated with vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation. METHOD: risk factors were evaluated in 99 patients under 18 years of age with chronic liver disease who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) between March of 1995 and November of 2009 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. The variables analyzed included donor and recipient age, gender, and weight; indication for transplant; PELD/MELD scores; technical aspects; postoperative vascular complications; and survival. RESULTS: vascular complications occurred in 19 patients (19%). Arterial events were most common, occurred earlier in the postoperative period, and were associated with high graft loss and mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, the following factors were identified: portal vein diameter < 3 mm, donor-to-recipient body weight ratio (DRWR), prolonged ischemic time, and use of arterial grafts. CONCLUSION: the choice of treatment depends on the timing of diagnosis; however, in this study, surgical revision or correction produced worse outcomes than percutaneous angioplasty. The reduction of risk factors and early detection of vascular complications are key elements to a successful transplantation. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a frequência e os fatores associados a complicações vasculares após transplante hepático pediátrico. MÉTODO: os fatores de risco foram avaliados em 99 pacientes com mais de 18 anos de idade comdoença hepática crônica submetidos a transplante hepático cadavérico (THC) entre marc¸o de1995 e novembro de 2009 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brasil. As variáveis analisadasincluíram: idade, sexo e peso dos doadores e receptores; indicac¸ão de transplante; escores PELD/MELD; aspectos técnicos; complicações vasculares pós-operatórias; e sobrevida. RESULTADOS: ocorreram complicações vasculares em 19 pacientes (19%). Os eventos arteriais foram mais comuns, tendo ocorrido precocemente no pós-operatório, e foram associados a altas taxas de perda do enxerto e mortalidade. Em uma análise multivariada, foram identificadosos seguintes fatores: diâmetro da veia porta < 3 mm, proporc¸ão de peso do doador/receptor (DRWR), tempo de isquemia prolongado e uso de enxertos arteriais. CONCLUSÃO: A escolha do tratamento depende do momento do diagnóstico; contudo, nessa série, a cirurgia de revisão, ou correc¸ão cirúrgica, produziu resultados piores que a angioplastia per-cutânea. A redução dos fatores de risco e a detecção precoce de complicações vasculares sãofundamentais para um transplante bem-sucedido. .

Long Term Outcomes of Pediatric Liver Transplantation According to Age

Liver transplantation (LT) has been the key therapy for end stage liver diseases. However, LT in infancy is still understudied. From 1992 to 2010, 152 children had undergone LT in Seoul National University Hospital. Operations were performed on 43 patients aged less than 12 months (Group A) and 109 patients aged over 12 months (Group B). The mean age of the recipients was 7 months in Group A and 74 months in Group B. The patients' survival rates and post-LT complications were analyzed. The mean Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease score was higher in Group A (21.8) than in Group B (13.4) (P = 0.049). Fulminant hepatitis was less common in Group A (4.8%) than in Group B (13.8%) (P = 0.021). The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and portal vein complication were more common in Group A (14.0%, 18.6%) than in Group B (1.8%, 3.7%) (P = 0.005). However, the 1, 5, and 10 yr patient survival rates were 93%, 93%, and 93%, in Group A and 92%, 90%, and 88% in Group B (P = 0.212). The survival outcome of pediatric LT is excellent and similar regardless of age. LTs in infancy are not riskier than those of children.

Importancia médica del glucocáliz endotelial / Medical significance of endothelial glycocalyx

El glucocáliz endotelial es una capa constituida por glucosaminoglicanos, proteoglicanos y glucoproteínas que cubre al endotelio vascular en su cara luminal. Tiene múltiples funciones: transducción de las fuerzas mecánicas de tensión, regulación de la permeabilidad vascular de líquidos y moléculas y de la activación de la coagulación y de la fibrinólisis, protege de la adhesión de leucocitos y plaquetas al endotelio. En general, el glucocáliz protege a la pared vascular de ataques patogénicos. La lesión del glucocáliz puede ocurrir por fuerzas de tensión anormales, especies reactivas de oxígeno, hipernatremia, hiperglucemia, hipercolesterolemia y moléculas inflamatorias, lo que causa disfunción endotelial, incremento en la permeabilidad, filtración de lipoproteínas al subendotelio, activación de la coagulación e incremento de la adherencia de leucocitos y plaquetas al endotelio vascular. La participación del deterioro del glucocáliz endotelial puede ser importante en la fisiopatología de diversas enfermedades vasculares.

Endothelial glycocalyx is a layer composed by glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and glycoproteins attached to the vascular endothelial luminal surface. It has several physiological roles: shear stress mechanotransduction to the endothelial cells, regulation of fluids and macromolecules vascular permeability, of coagulation cascade activation and fibrinolysis, and protects the endothelium from platelets and leukocytes adhesion. In general, glycocalyx protects vascular wall against pathogenic insults. The glycocalyx may be damaged by abnormal shear stress, reactive oxygen species, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and inflammatory molecules, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, enhanced vascular permeability, lipoproteins leakage to subendothelial space, activation of plasma coagulation, and increased adherence of platelets and leukocytes to the endothelial cells. Shredding of glycocalyx appears as an important initial step in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases.

Vasculite mesentérica em paciente com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil / Mesenteric vasculitis in a juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patient

A vasculite mesentérica lúpica (VML) é uma rara causa de dor abdominal aguda. Há poucos relatos de caso demonstrando VML em adultos e, particularmente, em crianças e adolescentes. No entanto, para o nosso conhecimento, a prevalência dessa grave vasculite em uma população pediátrica com lúpus ainda não foi estudada. Portanto, dados de 28 anos consecutivos foram revisados e incluídos 5.508 pacientes em seguimento no Hospital da Faculdade de Medicina da Univesidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). Identificamos 279 (5,1%) casos que preencheram critérios de classificação diagnóstica do American College of Rheumatology para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e um (0,4%) desses apresentou VML. Este paciente recebeu diagnóstico de LES aos 11 anos de idade. Aos 13 anos foi hospitalizado com dor abdominal difusa e aguda, náuseas, vômitos biliosos, distensão e rigidez abdominal, com descompressão brusca positiva. O paciente foi prontamente submetido à laparotomia exploradora, identificando isquemia intestinal segmentar, com edema de parede intestinal e aderências. Foi realizada ressecção parcial de intestino delgado, com lise das aderências e pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona. A análise histopatológica identificou arterite de vasos mesentéricos. Após 13 dias, apresentou recorrência de dor abdominal difusa intensa, sendo novamente submetido à laparotomia exploradora, identificando obstrução em intestino delgado por aderências, com gangrena intestinal. Nova ressecção intestinal foi realizada, além de pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona e infusão de imunoglobulina. Portanto, VML é uma rara e grave manifestação abdominal na população com lúpus pediátrico, e pode ser a única manifestação de atividade da doença. Além disso, este estudo reforça a importância do diagnóstico precoce e do tratamento imediato.

Lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Few cases of LMV have been reported in adults, children and adolescents. However, to our knowledge, the prevalence of that severe vasculitis in a pediatric population with lupus is yet to be studied. This study reviewed data from 28 consecutive years and included 5,508 patients being followed up at the hospital of the Faculdade de Medicina of the Univesidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). We identifi ed 279 (5.1%) patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology classifi cation criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), one of whom (0.4%) had LMV. That male patient was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 11 years. At the age of 13 years, he was hospitalized with diffuse and acute abdominal pain, nausea, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, rebound tenderness, and abdominal muscle guarding. The patient underwent laparotomy immediately, and segmentary intestinal ischemia with intestinal wall edema and adhesions were identifi ed. Partial small bowel resection with lysis of the adhesions was performed, as were pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone. The histopathologic analysis evidenced mesenteric arteritis. After 13 days, the diffuse and intense abdominal pain recurred, and the patient underwent a new laparotomy, during which adhesive small bowel obstruction with intestinal gangrene was identifi ed. New intestinal resection was performed, and the patient received pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone and infusion of immunoglobulin. Thus, LMV is a rare and severe abdominal manifestation of the pediatric population with lupus, and can be the only manifestation of disease activity. In addition, this study stresses the importance of the early diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Does carotid intima-media thickness have relationship with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a common reproductive endocrine disorder associated with cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors and metabolic disturbances and a genetically heterogeneous disease. Intima-media thickness [IMT] is an indicator of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the relation between IMT and PCOS in women. This cross-sectional study was performed on 44 PCOS patients and 44 healthy women. Data collection included lipid profiles, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI], and common and internal IMT of carotid artery which were measured in studied subjects. IMT was measured by a radiologist using a linear 12 MHz ultrasound probe [LOGIC S6, GE] in carotid setting. IMT of common carotid artery [56.8 +/- 7.6 in cases versus 49.8 +/- 7.3 in controls], internal carotid artery [56.9 +/- 6.03 in cases versus 49.6 +/- 6.9 in controls], and both common and internal carotid artery [56.6 +/- 6.7 in cases versus 49.7 +/- 6.9 in controls] were significantly higher in PCOS patients than healthy women [P < 0.001]. In summary, results demonstrated that carotid artery thickness as a risk for premature atherosclerosis in patients with PCOS is higher than healthy subjects. And hence care and monitoring of PCOS women with these risk factors sounds to be important and necessary.

Tratamiento endovascular exitoso del síndrome de cascanueces con stent autoexpandible / Successful endovascular treatment of nutcracker's syndrome with self-expanding stent

El síndrome de cascanueces (nutcracker's syndrome) se produce por compresión de la vena renal izquierda a su paso por la horquilla vascular, formada por la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior, causando una compresión extrínseca que genera estenosis funcional de la misma. Esto produce congestión e hipertensión de la vena renal izquierda que se traduce en insuficiencia y várices de la vena gonadal izquierda, hematuria unilateral y dolor lumbar izquierdo, el diagnóstico pocas veces se realiza, por su baja frecuencia y por la falta de sospecha clínica. El tratamiento del síndrome de cascanueces incluye el autotransplante renal, trasposición de arteria mesentérica superior, revascularización y más recientemente, la colocación de stent en la vena renal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que fue sometido a tratamiento endovascular exitoso con un stent autoexpandible en la vena renal izquierda, con criterios inmediatos de éxito por angiografía, reducción de la congestión venosa y por desaparición del gradiente cavo/renal.

Nutcracker's syndrome is caused by compression of the left renal vein between aorta and superior mesenteric artery, causing extrinsic compression generated functional stenosis. This causes congestion and hypertension of the left renal vein resulting in insufficiency and left gonadal vein varicose, unilateral hematuria and left flank pain, diagnosis is rarely identified by their low frequency and difficulty of suspecting, treatment of nutcracker's syndrome include renal autotransplantation, transposition of superior mesenteric artery revascularization and recently stenting in renal vein, we present the case of a patient, who showed this pathology by diagnostic support by image studies, was performed successfully implant a self-expanding stent with immediate success criteria by angiography, collateral reduction and by disappearance of cava/renal gradient.