Pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Chile during the first wave of pandemic / Farmacoterapia y desenlaces clínicos de pacientes de COVID-19 hospitalizados en Chile durante la primera ola de pandemia

BACKGROUND: The largest growth in cases of COVID-19 worldwide during 2020 was in the Americas, and Chile was one of the most affected countries. AIM: To describe, characterize, and evaluate the use of drugs as treatment for COVID-19 in hospitalized patients in Chile during the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, observational study that included 442 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted in Chilean hospitals between March 21 and September 22, 2020. The analysis included demographics, comorbidities, specific drug therapy, and outcomes over a 28-day follow-up period. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 68 years (IQR 55-73), and 38.9% were women. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (57.7%) and diabetes (36.9%). Fifty-seven (12.9%) patients died. Hypertension (HR 2.99; CI 95% 1.43-6.26) and age ≥; 65 (2.14; CI 95% 1.10- 4.17) were the main predictors of mortality. Primary drugs were azithromycin (58.8%) and corticosteroids (51.1%). In this sample, azithromycin was a protective factor regarding mortality (HR 0.53; CI 95% 0.31-0.90), increasing clinical improvement and avoiding progression. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of use of drugs to treat COVID-19 in Chile during the first wave of the pandemic were very dynamic and followed the international, evidence-based guidelines. The low mortality rate indicates that the clinical management of hospitalized patients was adequate.

ANTECEDENTES: Durante 2020, el mayor incremento de casos de COVID-19 se observó en el continente americano, donde Chile fue uno de los países más afectados. Objetivos: Describir, caracterizar y evaluar el uso de fármacos indicados para tratar el COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados en Chile durante la primera ola de pandemia. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Un estudio multicéntrico observacional incorporó a 442 pacientes con infección confirmada por SARS- CoV-2 admitidos en hospitales chilenos entre el 21 de marzo y el 22 de septiembre de 2020. Se analizaron variables demográficas, comorbilidades, terapia farmacológica específica y desenlaces clínicos para un período de seguimiento de 28 días. Resultados: La mediana de la edad fue de 68 años (RIC 55-73), y un 38,9% fueron mujeres. Las comorbilidades más comunes fueron hipertensión (57,7%) y diabetes (36,9%). Cincuenta y siete (12,9%) de los pacientes murieron. Los principales predictores de mortalidad fueron la hipertensión (HR 2,99; IC 95% 1,43-6,26) y la edad ≥ 65 años (2,14; IC 95% 1,10- 4,17). Los fármacos más utilizados fueron azitromicina (58,8%) y corticosteroides (51,1%). En esta muestra, la azitromicina fue un factor de protección respecto a la mortalidad (HR 0,53; IC 95% 0,31-0,90), incrementando igualmente la mejoría y evitando la progresión. CONCLUSIONES: Los patrones de uso de fármacos para tatar COVID-19 en Chile durante la primera ola de pandemia fueron muy dinámicos y siguieron las directrices internacionales basadas en la evidencia. La baja mortalidad sugiere que el manejo de los pacientes hospitalizados fue adecuado.

Clinical application of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction based on modern pathophysiology mechanism / 中国中药杂志

Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction was firstly recorded in Treatise on Cold Damage(ZHANG Zhong-jing, Eastern Han dynasty). According to this medical classic, it is originally used in the treatment of the Shaoyang and Yangming syndrome. Based on the modern pathophysiological mechanism, this study interpreted the classic provisions of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction. Original records of "chest fullness" "annoyance" "shock" "difficult urination" "delirium" "heavy body and failing to turn over" all have profound pathophysiological basis, involving disorders in cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and mental systems. This formula is widely used, which can be applied to treat epilepsy, cerebral arteriosclerosis, cerebral infarction, and other cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular diseases, insomnia, constipation, anxiety, depression, cardiac neurosis and other acute and chronic diseases as well as diseases in psychosomatic medicine. The clinical indications include Bupleuri Radix-targeted syndrome such as fullness and discomfort in chest and hypochondrium, bitter taste mouth, dry throat, and dizziness, the insomnia, anxiety, depression, susceptibility to fright, upset, dreamfulness and other psychiatric symptoms, red tongue, thick and yellow tongue coating, and wiry hard and powerful pulse. This formula was found to be used in combination with other formulas, such as Gualou Xiebai Decoction, Wendan Decoction, Zhizhu Pills, Juzhijiang Decoction, Suanzaoren Decoction, and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction.

TCM understanding and treatment strategy of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction / 中国中药杂志

Hypertension and its target organ damage have become a major public health problem. Sexual dysfunction is a new problem in the treatment of modern hypertension. Modern pathophysiological studies have shown that hypertension can lead to sexual dysfunction. In addition, three major hypotensive drugs represented by diuretics can also lead to sexual dysfunction. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), hypertension belongs to "vertigo" "headache" "head wind", etc. In the past, the understanding of the TCM pathogenesis of hypertension was mainly from the perspectives of "liver wind" and "Yang hyperactivity". However, based on the in-depth research on ancient and modern literature and medical records and many years of clinical practice, it has been identified that kidney deficiency was the key pathogenesis. Hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction belongs to the category of kidney deficiency syndrome in TCM, especially the deficiency of kidney Yin. Previous studies by other research groups showed that Yin-enriching and kidney-tonifying method could effectively reduce blood pressure, improve sexual dysfunction, reverse risk factors, and protect target organs. This article systematically discussed the TCM understanding, modern pathophysiological mechanism, and the clinical treatment strategy of kidney-tonifying drugs(single drugs and compounds) in the treatment of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction in order to provide a scientific basis for kidney-tonifying method in the treatment of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction.

Advances in Medical Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension, with its main manifestations including hypertension and hypokalemia. Early identification of PA is extremely important as PA patients can easily develop cardiovascular complications such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The past decade has witnessed the rapid advances in the genetics of PA, which has shed new light on PA treatment. While surgery is the first choice for unilateral diseases, bilateral lesions can be treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The next-generation non-steroidal MRAs are under investigations. New medications including calcium channel blockers, macrophage antibiotics, and aldosterone synthase inhibitors have provided a new perspective for the medical treatment of PA.

Analysis of incidence and clinical characteristics of osteonecrosis of femoral head in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with glucocorticoid: A descriptive study based on a prospective cohort / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To describe the disease characteristics of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who experiencing prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) exposure.@*METHODS@#Between January 2016 and June 2019, 449 SLE patients meeting the criteria were recruited from multiple centers. Hip MRI examinations were performed during screening and regular follow-up to determine the occurrence of ONFH. The cohort was divided into ONFH and non-ONFH groups, and the differences in demographic baseline characteristics, general clinical characteristics, GC medication information, combined medication, and hip clinical features were compared and comprehensively described.@*RESULTS@#The age at SLE diagnosis was 29.8 (23.2, 40.9) years, with 93.1% (418 cases) being female. The duration of GC exposure was 5.3 (2.0, 10.5) years, and the cumulative incidence of SLE-ONFH was 9.1%. Significant differences ( P<0.05) between ONFH and non-ONFH groups were observed in the following clinical characteristics: ① Demographic baseline characteristics: ONFH group had a higher proportion of patients with body mass index (BMI)<20 kg/m 2 compared to non-ONFH group. ② General clinical characteristics: ONFH group showed a higher proportion of patients with cutaneous and renal manifestations, positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and anticardiolipin antibodies, severe SLE patients [baseline SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score ≥15], and secondary hypertension. Fasting blood glucose in ONFH group was also higher. ③ GC medication information: ONFH group had higher initial intravenous GC exposure rates, duration, cumulative doses, higher cumulative GC doses in the first month and the first 3 months, higher average daily doses in the first 3 months, and higher proportions of average daily doses ≥15.0 mg/d and ≥30.0 mg/d, as well as higher full-course average daily doses and proportion of full-course daily doses ≥30.0 mg/d compared to non-ONFH group. ④ Combined medications: ONFH group had a significantly higher rate of antiplatelet drug use than non-ONFH group. ⑤ Hip clinical features: ONFH group had a higher proportion of hip discomfort or pain and a higher incidence of hip joint effusion before MRI screening than non-ONFH group.@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of ONFH after GC exposure in China's SLE population remains high (9.1%), with short-term (first 3 months), medium-to-high dose (average daily dose ≥15 mg/d) GC being closely associated with ONFH. Severe SLE, low BMI, certain clinical phenotypes, positive aPLs, and secondary hypertension may also be related to ONFH.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Kuntai Capsule on Angiotensin II -Induced Hypertension in Ovariectomized Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Kuntai (KT) Capsule on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.@*METHODS@#Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table, 9 in each group: control, OVX sham+Ang II, OVX, OVX+Ang II, OVX+Ang II +E2, and OVX+Ang II +KT. OVX rats model was constructed by retroperitoneal bilateral ovariectomy. After 4 weeks of pretreatment with KT Capsule [0.8 g/(kg·d) and 17- β -estradiol (E2, 1.2 mg/(kg·d)] respectively, Ang II was injected into a micro-osmotic pump with a syringe to establish a hypertensive rat model. Blood pressure of rat tail artery was measured in a wake state of rats using a non-invasive sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure changes were compared between the intervention groups (OVX+Ang II +KT, OVX+Ang II +E2) and the negative control group (OVX+Ang II). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected respectively. The expressions of oxidative stress-related protein superoxide dismutase2 (SOD2) and anti-thioredoxin (TRX), autophagy marker protein [beclin1, light chain (LC) 3 II/I ratio and autophagy canonical pathway protein phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)] were evaluated by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the OVX+Ang II group, the systolic blood pressure of OVX+Ang II +KT group was significantly lowered (P<0.05) but not the diastolic blood pressure. Besides, SOD2 and TRX protein levels in mycardial tissues were significantly reduced in the OVX+Ang II +KT group compared with the OVX+Ang II group (P<0.05). Oxidative stress serum markers MDA and SOD were down- and up-regulated in the OVX+Ang II +KT group, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with OVX+Ang II group, the levels of cardiac proteins beclin-1 and LC3II/LC3 I in OVX+Ang II +KT group were also up-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR protein were down-regulated (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#KT could protect blood pressure of Ang II-induced OVX rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and up-regulating protective autophagy.

Interpretation and review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Hypertension in China (2020 edition) and exploration of traditional Chinese medicine for antihypertensive treatment / 中国中药杂志

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease-related deaths among urban and rural residents, and it has become a significant global public health issue. In October 2022, the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension in China(hereinafter referred to as the Practice Guidelines) were jointly released by the National Cardiovascular Center and other academic organizations. The Practice Guidelines sparked extensive discussions as they clearly lowered the diagnostic criteria for hypertension, raised the blood pressure targets for elderly patients, and proposed changes in the timing of early medication intervention. While these adjustments have some international evidence-based support, there is still debate regarding the cardiovascular benefits of intensified blood pressure control based on the existing level of evidence. Furthermore, whether the series of new standards proposed in the Practice Guidelines are suitable for the Chinese population and whether the hypertension control level in primary care in China can adapt to the new diagnostic and treatment standards require further in-depth research. In contrast to the strict blood pressure control concept emphasized in the Practice Guidelines, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) emphasizes the concept of comprehensive prevention and treatment and holistic therapy in the treatment of hypertension, including prehypertension, hypertension, and target organ damage. In recent years, based on abundant clinical trial research and high-quality evidence-based support, the advantages of TCM in treating hypertension have gradually emerged. Previous studies by this research team have found that the pathogenesis of hypertension includes three major types: fire syndrome, fluid retention syndrome, and deficiency syndrome. TCM treatment of hypertension features stable blood pressure reduction, gentle blood pressure lowering, and long-lasting effects. In addition to blood pressure reduction, it also has effects such as reversing risk factors and protecting target organ damage. It demonstrates the characteristics of multiple targets, multiple components, and comprehensive regulation, and can be applied throughout the entire process of prevention and treatment, including prehypertension, hypertension, and target organ damage in the early, middle, and late stages of hypertension. Therefore, it has certain clinical application prospects.

Review and prospect of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of hypertension / 中国中药杂志

Hypertension, a primary cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, has become a major global public health problem and caused a heavy burden of health economics on the society. In "the 20 Most Important and Most Preventable Health Problems" released by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, hypertension was ranked the second. Due to the disease complexity, many hypertension patients need to take antihypertensive drugs for life. Although significant progress has been achieved in blood pressure lowering by western medicines, the problems including adverse reactions, poor compliance due to long-term medication, and ineffective mitigation in clinical symptoms related to hypertension remain to be addressed. In the last decade, the research on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of hypertension has received much attention and achieved remarkable progress. The TCM treatment of hypertension is the most active area of research with integrated Chinese and western medicine in China. In addition to lowering blood pressure smoothly, TCM can alleviate clinical symptoms, reverse risk factors, improve the quality of life, and protect target organs from the damage caused by hypertension. This article systematically reviews the research progress of TCM in treating hypertension in the last decade from the following four aspects: consensus on guideline, clinical trial, experimental study, and systematic review/Meta-analysis. It summarized the evidence of TCM in reducing blood pressure and clarified the mechanism of TCM in reducing blood pressure, aiming to provide a reference for the TCM diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and the development of new drugs.

Estudo da adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo em funcionários de uma instituição pública de saúde e educação / Study of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in employees of a public health and education institution

Introdução: A hipertensão arterial está relacionada a altos custos para as áreas da saúde e previdência, devido às complicações decorrentes de sua evolução crônica. Faz-se, portanto, necessário o seu controle, por meio da adesão ao tratamento farmacológico e não farmacológico. Objetivo: Analisar a adesão de funcionários da saúde, de serviço público hospitalar ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo medicamentoso e suas possíveis relações. Método: Pesquisa observacional, transversal e descritiva de abordagem quantitativa composta por 57 trabalhadores que se auto-referiram hipertensos. Foram avaliadas características do perfil socioeconômico e laboral dos profissionais e sua adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo. Os resultados foram analisados por meio de estudo de frequência absoluta e relativa e a associação entre as variáveis por meio do teste do Qui-quadrado e Teste Exato de Fisher. Resultados: identificaram-se características do perfil dos participantes que contribuíram para a adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo e outros aspectos que limitavam a adesão terapêutica e demandavam intervenções, como: ampliação das ações de educação em saúde para todos os funcionários, possibilidades de seguimento daqueles já diagnosticados e rastreamento dos demais, com fortalecimento do vínculo e da comunicação entre o profissional de saúde e o funcionário, assim como ações voltadas a atividades físicas e qualidade de vida. No cuidado individual salientou-se o uso de pílula única e medidas para evitar o esquecimento das tomadas da medicação. Conclusões: O estudo foi capaz de caracterizar os funcionários e sua adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo, fatores facilitadores e dificultadores, e de sinalizar estratégias institucionais de intervenção para melhoria da adesão e qualidade de vida (AU).

Introduction: The arterial hypertension is related to high costs to the health and social security systems, due to complications of its chronic evolution. Therefore, its control is necessary through pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment adherence. Objective: To analyze the health worker's adherence to anti hypertensive treatment in a public hospital and its possible relations. Method: observational, cross-sectional, descriptive with quantitative approach research, consisting of 57 workers who self-report as hypertensive. Characteristics of the socioeconomic and work profile of professionals and their adherence to anti hypertensive treatment were evaluated. The results were analyzed by the study of absolute and relative frequency and the association between the variables using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: characteristics of the participants' profile that contributed to adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment and other aspects that limited therapeutic adherence and demanded interventions were identified, such as: expansion of health education actions for all employees, possibilities of following up those already diagnosed and tracking others, strengthening the bond and communication between the health professional and the employee, as well as actions aimed at physical activities and quality of life. In individual care, the use of a single pill and measures to avoid forgetting of medication taken were highlighted. Conclusion: the study was able to characterize the employees and their adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment, facilitating and hindering factors, and to point out institutional intervention strategies to improve adherence and quality of life (AU).

A importância do controle pressórico e alcance de metas pressóricas intensivas em pacientes diabéticos e em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral: os estudos optimal-diabetes e optimal-stroke / The importance of blood pressure control and intensive blood pressure targets in patients with diabetes and stroke: the optimaldiabetes and optimal-stroke trials

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica representa um dos principais problemas de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo. O controle pressórico estrito é essencial para a redução de eventos cardiovasculares maiores, pois a pressão arterial sistólica elevada é o principal fator de risco modificável para doenças cardiovasculares e mortalidade total. Ensaios clínicos randomizados prévios, como o SPRINT trial e o STEP trial, geraram evidências robustas sobre os benefícios do alcance de metas pressóricas intensivas na redução de eventos cardiovasculares maiores em pacientes hipertensos de alto risco cardiovascular não-diabéticos e sem acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) prévio. Porém, ainda há dúvidas sobre o benefício de tal estratégia nestas duas populações de pacientes. Para dar uma resposta definitiva a esta questão, os estudos OPTIMAL-DIABETES e OPTIMAL-STROKE estão sendo conduzidos com alto rigor científico no Brasil e estes já são os maiores estudos sobre o tema em nível global. Os resultados destes dois estudos, previstos para 2024/2025, são muito esperados para nos dar as evidências necessárias sobre o benefício do controle pressórico intensivo em pacientes diabéticos e pós-AVC (AU).

Hypertension represents one of the main public health problems in Brazil and in the world. Blood pressure (BP) control is essential to reduce major cardiovascular events, as high systolic BP is the main modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and any-cause deaths. Previous randomized clinical trials, such as the SPRINT trial and the STEP trial, have provided robust evidence on the benefits of intensive BP targets on the reduction of major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk without diabetes and previous stroke. However, there is still uncertainty about the benefits of such strategy on this two populations of patients. To provide a definitive answer to this question, the OPTIMAL-DIABETES and OPTIMAL-STROKE trials are being conducted with high scientific rigor in Brazil and these are already the biggest studies in this area globally. The results of these two trials, expected in 2024/2025, are long awaited to provide us the necessary evidence on the benefits of intensive BP control in patients with diabetes and patients with stroke (AU).

European Society of Hypertension Guidelines 2023: Hipertensão arterial - Estamos indo em qual direção? / Europeah direction are we heading?n Society of Hypertension Guidelines 2023: Arterial hypertension - In which direction are we heading?

A cada nova edição de diretrizes, algumas recomendações se consolidam e outras surgem, à luz de novas evidências, mudando comportamentos, entendimentos e trazendo novas possibilidades e desafios. A nova Diretriz da Sociedade Europeia de Hipertensão (ESH) de 2023 apresenta-se coerente com outras que foram publicados na última década. Ao mesmo tempo em que se mostra conservadora em alguns tópicos, avança de maneira inovadora em outros pontos sensíveis. Embora ampla e abrangente, percebe-se que o foco principal converge para alguns poucos e importantes objetivos. A Diretriz da ESH 2023 propõe como objetivos centrais: 1. Determinação incansável para que se atinja a meta pressórica recomendada; 2. Atenção máxima contra a inércia terapêutica; 3. Usar de múltiplas estratégias para o melhor engajamento do paciente ao tratamento. Além disso, traz recomendações importantes nas áreas de mecanismos fisiopatológicos, diagnóstico, tratamento, acompanhamento e destaques em situações especiais. Logo abaixo, destaco alguns aspectos que considero relevante (AU).

With each new edition of guidelines, some recommendations are consolidated, and others emerge in the light of new evidence, changing behaviors and understandings and bringing new possibilities and challenges. The new 2023 European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Guidelines are consistent with others published in the last decade. While being conservative on some topics, it advances in an innovative way on other sensitive points. Although broad and comprehensive, the focus converges on a few important objectives. The ESH 2023 Guideline proposes as central objectives: 1. Tireless determination to reach the recommended blood pressure goal. 2. Maximum attention against therapeutic inertia. 3. Using multiple strategies for better patient engagement with treatment. In addition, it brings important recommendations in the areas of pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and highlights in special situations. Below, I highlight some aspects that I consider relevant

Efficacy of a single dose of esmolol to prevent extubation-related complications during emergence from anesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Background Few trials have examined the efficacy of esmolol to attenuate hemodynamic and respiratory responses during extubation. However, the most appropriate dose of esmolol and an optimal protocol for administering this beta-blocker are uncertain. Methods Ninety patients ASA physical status I, II, and III (aged 18-60 years) scheduled to procedures with general anesthesia and tracheal extubation were selected. Patients were randomized into esmolol and placebo group to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single bolus dose of esmolol (2 mg.kg-1) on cardiorespiratory responses during the peri-extubation period. The primary outcome was the rate of tachycardia during extubation. Results The rate of tachycardia was significantly lower in esmolol-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients (2.2% vs. 48.9%, relative risk (RR): 0.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.01 to 0.32, p= 0.002). The rate of hypertension was also significantly lower in the esmolol group (4.4% vs. 31.1%, RR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.6, p= 0.004). Esmolol-treated patients were associated with higher extubation quality compared to patients who received placebo (p< 0.001), with an approximately two-fold increase in the rate of patients without cough (91.1%) in the esmolol group compared to the placebo group (46.7%). The rate of bucking was approximately 5-fold lower in the esmolol group (8.9% vs. 44.5%, respectively, RR: 0.20 (95% CI, 0.1 to 0.5, p= 0.002, with an NNT of 2.8). Conclusion A single bolus dose of esmolol is an effective and safe therapeutic strategy to attenuate cardiorespiratory responses during the peri-extubation period.

Barreras para el conocimiento, el tratamiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en América Latina: una revisión de alcance / Barriers to knowledge, treatment, and control of hypertension in Latin America: a scoping review / Barreiras ao conhecimento, tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial na América Latina: uma revisão de escopo

RESUMEN Objetivo. Agrupar las barreras para el conocimiento, tratamiento y control de la hipertensión en pacientes de América Latina mediante una revisión de alcance. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión de alcance de acuerdo con el marco metodológico de Arksey y O'Malley y las directrices para revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (PRISMA). Se efectuó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Salud y Scopus. La selección se realizó de manera independiente y en ciego en el aplicativo RAYYAN QCRI®. Por último, se abordaron los resultados de los estudios seleccionados de manera narrativa. Resultados. Se incluyeron ocho estudios cualitativos y cuantitativos que se adecuaban a nuestra pregunta de investigación. Las barreras descritas con más frecuencia son las propias del sistema que dificultan el acceso integral y equitativo a la atención médica y los medicamentos, la ausencia de programas educativos e intervenciones personalizadas que mejoren la adherencia a tratamientos y los cambios en el estilo de vida. El factor económico es crítico en América Latina e impide el acceso al sistema de salud y modificar el estilo de vida debido a los costos del transporte, las citas médicas y los medicamentos. Conclusiones. Las barreras detectadas afectan todas las dimensiones para la adherencia al tratamiento; entre ellas se destacan la falta de educación y posicionamiento de los tomadores de decisiones en la atención de la hipertensión.

ABSTRACT Objective. Group the barriers to knowledge, treatment, and control of hypertension in patients in Latin America through a scoping review. Methods. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus databases. Blind and independent selection was conducted in the RAYYAN QCRI application. Finally, the results of the selected studies were addressed narratively. Results. Eight qualitative and quantitative studies that fit the research question were included. The most frequently described barriers are systemic barriers that hinder comprehensive and equitable access to health care and medication, as well as a lack of educational programs, personalized interventions to improve adherence to treatments, and lifestyle changes. Economic factors are critical in Latin America, hindering access to the health system and changes to lifestyles due to the costs of transportation, medical appointments, and medicines. Conclusions. The detected barriers affect all dimensions of adherence to treatment; among the most important barriers are decision makers who lack education and positioning with respect to care of hypertension.

RESUMO Objetivo. Compilar as barreiras ao conhecimento, tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial em pacientes da América Latina por meio de uma revisão de escopo. Métodos. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo de acordo com a estrutura metodológica de Arksey e O'Malley e as diretrizes PRISMA para revisões sistemáticas e metanálises. Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Scopus. A seleção foi realizada de forma independente e cega no aplicativo RAYYAN QCRIâ. Por último, os resultados dos estudos selecionados foram abordados de forma narrativa. Resultados. Foram incluídos oito estudos qualitativos e quantitativos que se enquadravam na nossa questão de pesquisa. As barreiras mais frequentemente descritas são aquelas próprias do sistema que dificultam o acesso integral e equitativo a atendimento médico e medicamentos, a ausência de programas educativos e intervenções personalizadas que melhorem a adesão ao tratamento e as mudanças no estilo de vida. O fator econômico é crítico na América Latina e impede o acesso ao sistema de saúde para modificar o estilo de vida devido aos custos de transporte, consultas médicas e medicamentos. Conclusões. As barreiras detectadas afetam todas as dimensões da adesão ao tratamento, entre as quais se destaca a falta de capacitação e posicionamento dos tomadores de decisão sobre o cuidado da hipertensão.

Lack of access to medications for hypertension and diabetes mellitus among aged from 2017 to 2019 in Brazil / Falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes mellitus entre idosos de 2017 a 2019 no Brasil

Objective: to identify sociodemographic and regional differences in the lack of access of aged Brazilians to medicines for hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in the last 30 days, in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, based on data from the Telephone-based Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL). Methods: a population-based transversal study using data from VIGITEL. Were eligible the elderly (≥60 years) who answered affirmatively to the questions "In the past 30 days, did you have been without any hypertension medications for some time?", "In the past 30 days did you have been without any high to control diabetes for some time?", and "In the past 30 days, did you ran out of insulin?" Chisquared test was used to describe the prevalence of the outcome in accordance with the independent variables, and ajusted Poisson Regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratio and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: the prevalence of the outcome was 11.8% in 2017, 11.4% in 2018, and 11.2% in 2019. A higher prevalence of lack of access to medications for hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed among elderly people of black/brown/yellow/indigenous skin color, less educated, beneficiaries of Bolsa Família, without private health plan and living in the Northeast and North regions.Conclusion: there was a small reduction in the lack of access to medication for hypertension and diabetes between 2017 and 2019. Furthermore, the results reveal inequality in access to these medicines

Objetivos: identificar diferenças sociodemográficas e regionais na falta de acesso de idosos brasileiros a medicamentos para hipertensão e/ou diabetes mellitus nos últimos 30 dias, nos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019, com base nos dados da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL). Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional com dados do VIGITEL. Foram elegíveis os idosos (≥60 anos) que responderam afirmativamente às questões "'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem algum dos medicamentos para controlar a pressão alta por algum tempo?', 'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem algum dos medicamentos para controlar a diabetes por algum tempo?' e 'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem insulina?'". O teste qui-quadrado foi utilizado para descrever a prevalência do desfecho de acordo com as variáveis independentes e a Regressão de Poisson ajustada foi utilizada para estimar a razão de prevalência e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: a prevalência do desfecho foi de 11,8% em 2017, 11,4% em 2018 e 11,2% em 2019. A prevalência de falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes mellitus foi maior entre os idosos de cor da pele preta/parda/amarela/indígena, com menor escolaridade, beneficiários do Bolsa Família, sem plano privado de saúde e residentes nas regiões Nordeste e Norte. Conclusão: houve uma pequena redução na falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes entre 2017 e 2019. Além disso, os resultados revelam desigualdade no acesso a esses medicamentos

Alternativas de controle do diabetes / Alternatives for diabetes control / Alternativas para el control de la diabetes

O Diabetes desde a antiguidade tem sido uma das maiores causas de morte entre as populações do globo, e segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde continua assolando nos nossos dias. Apesar das descobertas de tratamentos mais eficazes, a doença vem avançando em progressões assustadoras atualmente, com projeções preocupantes para a saúde pública. Como estratégia de acompanhamento terapêutico, estatístico direcionado a portadores de diabetes, o Governo Federal lançou o programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensos e Diabéticos), que faz o acompanhamento da evolução da doença e das complicações dos pacientes. E neste sentido, também são utilizadas terapêuticas mais acessíveis como as plantas medicinais. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica abordando as opções de terapias de controle do diabetes oferecidas no Sistema Único de Saúde e pesquisar fitoterápicos com potencial hipoglicêmico aprovados pela Anvisa. Através de levantamento bibliográfico, foram identificadas oito espécies vegetais utilizadas pela medicina popular no controle do diabetes, sendo estas: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora e Baccharis Trimera. Essas plantas do programa, embora tenham comprovação de seu efeito hipoglicêmico e redutores dos sintomas diabéticos, pelas suas propriedades antioxidantes e antiinflamatórias, colabora para uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes.

Since antiquity, Diabetes has been one of the biggest causes of death amon-g populations around the globe, and according to the World Health Organization, it continues to plague our days. Despite discoveries of more effective treatments, the disease is currently advancing in frightening progressions, with worrying projections for public health. As a therapeutic, statistical follow-up strategy aimed at people with diabetes, the Federal Government launched the HIPERDIA (Hypertensive and Diabetic) program, which monitors the evolution of the disease and the complications of patients. And in this sense, more accessible therapies such as medicinal plants are also used. The objective of this research is to carry out a literature review addressing the options for diabetes control therapies offered in the Unified Health System and to search for herbal medicines with hypoglycemic potential approved by Anvisa. Through a bibliographical survey, eight plant species used by folk medicine to control diabetes were identified, namely: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora and Bacharis Trimera. These plants in the program, although they have evidence of their hypoglycemic effect and reduce diabetic symptoms, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to a better quality of life for patients.

La diabetes ha sido desde la antigüedad una de las principales causas de muerte entre las poblaciones del planeta, y según la Organización Mundial de la Salud sigue haciendo estragos en nuestros días. A pesar de los descubrimientos de tratamientos más eficaces, la enfermedad avanza actualmente con una progresión aterradora, con proyecciones preocupantes para la salud pública. Como estrategia de seguimiento terapéutico, estadísticamente dirigida a las personas con diabetes, el Gobierno Federal puso en marcha el programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensión y Diabetes), que controla la evolución de la enfermedad y las complicaciones de los pacientes. En este sentido, también se utilizan terapias más accesibles, como las plantas medicinales. El objetivo de esta investigación es realizar una revisión bibliográfica que aborde las opciones de terapias para el control de la diabetes ofrecidas en el Sistema Único de Salud y buscar fitoterapias con potencial hipoglucemiante aprobadas por Anvisa. Mediante un estudio bibliográfico, se identificaron ocho especies vegetales utilizadas por la medicina popular en el control de la diabetes, a saber: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora y Baccharis Trimera. Estas plantas del programa, aunque han demostrado su efecto hipoglucemiante y reductor de los síntomas diabéticos, por sus propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias, colaboran a una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes.

Pharmaceutical Care in Primary Care: an Experience with Hypertensive Patients in the North of Brazil

Abstract Background: Uncontrolled blood pressure has been associated with poor adherence to drug treatment. Objectives: To assess blood pressure control in hypertensive patients attending primary health centers after implementation of a pharmaceutical follow-up program in a city of the north of Brazil. Methods: Observational, cross sectional, descriptive study with 163 hypertensive patients attending public primary health care centers - one located on the riverside and one in the urban area of the city of Santarem, western Pará, Brazil. Adherence to the anti-hypertensive treatment was assessed using the eight-item Morisky test. Pharmacotherapy follow-up (Dader method) of patients with uncontrolled hypertension and non-adherent to anti-hypertensive treatment was performed. Results of the normality test showed that the data did not follow a normal distribution. Continuous variables were then compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and categorical variables by the likelihood ratio and the McNemar tests. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Of the total sample, 94.5% were not adherent to anti-hypertensive drug therapy and 77.2% had uncontrolled hypertension. Adherence rate was higher in men than women (p=0.006). Pharmacotherapy follow-up improved blood pressure levels, particularly systolic blood pressure (p<0.001). Conclusion: An individualized pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, considering regional and cultural specificities, can contribute to the treatment of hypertensin in the primary care.

Public Programs for Essential Medicine Access in a Small Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background: Public programs that provide access to essential medications have played an important role in the care of hypertensive and diabetic patients. However, access in small municipalities has been poorly studied. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic profile and the medication and health service usage of patients with systemic arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in a small municipality who use the public medication access programs Health has no Price (Saúde Não Tem Preço - SNTP) and the Minas Pharmacy Network. Methods: This cross-sectional study with 341 participants was conducted in 2019. Home interviews were conducted using a standardized, semi-structured questionnaire. The data are expressed as absolute and relative frequencies, and Pearson's chi-square test was used for comparisons between proportions (α = 5%). Results: Most of the participants (70.68%) had hypertension only, 11.14% had diabetes only, and 18.18% had both. Regarding the origin of the hypertension medications, 82.67% were provided by the Minas Pharmacy Network and/or SNTP programs. Regarding oral hypoglycemic agents and insulins, 88.61% were provided by the Minas Pharmacy Network and/or SNTP. Most participants were female (63.1%), at least 65 years of age (50.30%), non-White (66.96%), resided in an urban area (67.16%), were illiterate or had a low education level (89.94%), and had a maximum income ≤ 2 times the federal minimum salary (89.19%). Overall user perception was significantly better for SNTP (p=0.010). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that programs which provide access to essential medications are important sources of hypertension and diabetes medications in the study area, especially for people with low incomes.

Hipertensión arterial en paciente de raza negra: a propósito de un caso / Hypertension in a black patient: a purpose of a case

Hypertension in black patients is usually more frequent and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Due to demographic changes in the Chilean population, dealing with this group of patients has become more frequent. The case of a young Haitian patient with severe hypertension and target organ damage is presented.