Vitamin D status and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in different genders throughout life stages: A Brazilian cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mean concentration of 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH) D] and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in individuals residing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: The data of 80,000 consecutive individuals who had 25(OH) D measurements performed by electrochemiluminescence between 1/2/2018 and 2/5/2018 were selected. Patients who reported the use of therapies/supplements were excluded. Levels of 25(OH) D ≥20 ng/mL (ages <60 years) and ≥30 ng/mL (ages ≥60 years) were considered adequate. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 24,074 individuals (1-95 years old, 64.7% female). Descriptive curves showed that, in both sexes, the mean values of 25(OH) D decreased from the first years of life until adolescence, then slightly increased, and then tended to stabilize during adulthood. Levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL were observed in 6% of girls versus 3.6% of boys and in 13.6% of adolescent girls versus 12.6% of adolescent boys and 11% of adults. The percentage of seniors with serum levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL was 13.6% in women and 12.7% in men; 53.2% of women and 50.6% of men had levels <30 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Mean 25(OH) D values were higher in children and lower in adolescents and women. Approximately 90% of non-seniors and presumably healthy residents of the urban metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro presented satisfactory levels of 25(OH) D during the summer months; however, in over half of the elderly, the serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were inadequate. Therefore, strategies for the prevention of hypovitaminosis D should be considered in the senior population.

Vitamin D status and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in different genders throughout life stages: A Brazilian cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mean concentration of 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH) D] and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in individuals residing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: The data of 80,000 consecutive individuals who had 25(OH) D measurements performed by electrochemiluminescence between 1/2/2018 and 2/5/2018 were selected. Patients who reported the use of therapies/supplements were excluded. Levels of 25(OH) D ≥20 ng/mL (ages <60 years) and ≥30 ng/mL (ages ≥60 years) were considered adequate. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 24,074 individuals (1-95 years old, 64.7% female). Descriptive curves showed that, in both sexes, the mean values of 25(OH) D decreased from the first years of life until adolescence, then slightly increased, and then tended to stabilize during adulthood. Levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL were observed in 6% of girls versus 3.6% of boys and in 13.6% of adolescent girls versus 12.6% of adolescent boys and 11% of adults. The percentage of seniors with serum levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL was 13.6% in women and 12.7% in men; 53.2% of women and 50.6% of men had levels <30 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Mean 25(OH) D values were higher in children and lower in adolescents and women. Approximately 90% of non-seniors and presumably healthy residents of the urban metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro presented satisfactory levels of 25(OH) D during the summer months; however, in over half of the elderly, the serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were inadequate. Therefore, strategies for the prevention of hypovitaminosis D should be considered in the senior population.

Blood coagulation abnormalities in multibacillary leprosy patients.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic dermato-neurological disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection. In 2016, more than 200,000 new cases of leprosy were detected around the world, representing the most frequent cause of infectious irreversible deformities and disabilities. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present work, we demonstrate a consistent procoagulant profile on 40 reactional and non-reactional multibacillary leprosy patients. A retrospective analysis in search of signs of coagulation abnormalities among 638 leprosy patients identified 35 leprosy patients (5.48%) which displayed a characteristic lipid-like clot formed between blood clot and serum during serum harvesting, herein named 'leprosum clot'. Most of these patients (n = 16, 45.7%) belonged to the lepromatous leprosy pole of the disease. In addition, formation of the leprosum clot was directly correlated with increased plasma levels of soluble tissue factor and von Willebrand factor. High performance thin layer chromatography demonstrated a high content of neutral lipids in the leprosum clot, and proteomic analysis demonstrated that the leprosum clot presented in these patients is highly enriched in fibrin. Remarkably, differential 2D-proteomics analysis between leprosum clots and control clots identified two proteins present only in leprosy patients clots: complement component 3 and 4 and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family heavy chain-related protein (IHRP). In agreement with those observations we demonstrated that M. leprae induces hepatocytes release of IHRP in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that leprosy MB patients develop a procoagulant status due to high levels of plasmatic fibrinogen, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, von Willebrand factor and soluble tissue factor. We propose that some of these components, fibrinogen for example, presents potential as predictive biomarkers of leprosy reactions, generating tools for earlier diagnosis and treatment of these events.

Blood coagulation abnormalities in multibacilary leprosy patients

Hemostatic illnesses are frequently associated with acute and chronic infections. In the present work we demonstrated that leprosy patients developed hemostatic abnormalities, like the formation of an atypical lipid clot mass during sera harvesting, a phenomenon previously observed and never unraveled. We characterize the nature of the "leprosum clot", formed during a protrombotic state developed by some patients. During the proteomic analysis of the leprosum clot we discovered a set of potential serum biomarkers to leprosy reactional episodes diagnosis, which at this moment is based only in clinical features. Taking together, our data suggest that leprosy patients are suffering from a procoagulant status, being beneficiated by the introduction of routine coagulation tests during their treatment, which will aloud physicians to prevent some of the acute clinical symptoms related with superficial vein thrombosis such as cyanosis and tissue necrosis observed during severe cases of leprosy reactional episodes. (AU)

Changes in Medical Management after Coronary CT Angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) allows for non-invasive coronary artery disease (CAD) phenotyping. There are still some uncertainties regarding the impact this knowledge has on the clinical care of patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CAD phenotyping by CCTA influences clinical decision making by the prescription of cardiovascular drugs and their impact on non-LDL cholesterol (NLDLC) levels. METHODS: We analysed consecutive patients from 2008 to 2011 submitted to CCTA without previous diagnosis of CAD that had two serial measures of NLDLC, one up to 3 months before CCTA and the second from 3 to 6 months after. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were included, of which 69% were men, mean age 64 ± 12 years. CCTA revealed that 18 (18%) patients had no CAD, 38 (39%) had non-obstructive (< 50%) lesions and 41 (42%) had at least one obstructive ≥ 50% lesion. NLDLC was similar at baseline between the grups (138 ± 52 mg/dL vs. 135 ± 42 mg/dL vs. 131 ± 44 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.32). We found significative reduction in NLDLC among patients with obstrctive lesions (-18%, p = 0.001). We also found a positive relationship between clinical treatment intensification with aspirin and cholesterol reducing drugs and the severity of CAD. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CCTA results were used for cardiovascular clinical treatment titration, with especial intensification seen in patients with obstructive ≥50% CAD.

Changes in Medical Management after Coronary CT Angiography / Mudanças no Manejo Clínico após Angiotomografia Coronariana

AbstractIntroduction:Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) allows for non-invasive coronary artery disease (CAD) phenotyping. There are still some uncertainties regarding the impact this knowledge has on the clinical care of patients.Objective:To determine whether CAD phenotyping by CCTA influences clinical decision making by the prescription of cardiovascular drugs and their impact on non-LDL cholesterol (NLDLC) levels.Methods:We analysed consecutive patients from 2008 to 2011 submitted to CCTA without previous diagnosis of CAD that had two serial measures of NLDLC, one up to 3 months before CCTA and the second from 3 to 6 months after.Results:A total of 97 patients were included, of which 69% were men, mean age 64 ± 12 years. CCTA revealed that 18 (18%) patients had no CAD, 38 (39%) had non-obstructive (< 50%) lesions and 41 (42%) had at least one obstructive ≥ 50% lesion. NLDLC was similar at baseline between the grups (138 ± 52 mg/dL vs. 135 ± 42 mg/dL vs. 131 ± 44 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.32). We found significative reduction in NLDLC among patients with obstrctive lesions (-18%, p = 0.001). We also found a positive relationship between clinical treatment intensification with aspirin and cholesterol reducing drugs and the severity of CAD.Conclusion:Our data suggest that CCTA results were used for cardiovascular clinical treatment titration, with especial intensification seen in patients with obstructive ≥50% CAD.

ResumoFundamento:A Angiotomografia Coronariana (AngioTC Cor) permite a fenotipagem de Doença Arterial Coronariana (DAC) de forma não invasiva. Ainda há incertezas sobre o impacto que esse conhecimento promove no tratamento clínico do paciente.Objetivo:Avaliar se a fenotipagem da DAC por AngioTC Cor influencia na tomada de decisão sobre o início da terapêutica cardiovascular e seu impacto nos níveis séricos de colesterol não HDL (CNHDL).Métodos:Foram analisados pacientes consecutivos sem diagnóstico prévio de DAC que realizaram AngioTC Cor entre os anos 2008 e 2011 e que possuíam duas dosagens seriadas de colesterol até três meses antes da AngioTC Cor, e de três a seis meses após.Resultados:Um total de 97 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 69% homens, idade média de 64 ± 12 anos. A AngioTC Cor revelou que 18 (18%) pacientes não tinham lesões detectáveis, 38 (39%) tinham lesões não obstrutivas < 50%, e 41 (42%) tinham ao menos uma lesão obstrutiva ≥ 50%. As medidas de CNHDL basal foram similares entre os grupos, (138 ± 52 mg/dL vs. 135 ± 42 mg/dL vs. 131 ± 44 mg/dL, respectivamente, p = 0,32). Observou-se redução significativa do CNHDL apenas no grupo com lesões obstrutivas ≥ 50% (-18%, p = 0,001). Observa-se ainda relação entre a intensificação do tratamento clínico com AAS e drogas redutoras de colesterol proporcional à gravidade da DAC pela AngioTC Cor.Conclusão:Esses dados sugerem que o resultado da AngioTC Cor foi utilizado para a titulação terapêutica de pacientes com DAC, sendo o tratamento intensificado especialmente em DAC obstrutiva ≥ 50%.

Assessing Strategies for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction at the Outpatient Clinic / Avaliação de Estratégias para Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Normal no Ambulatório

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most common form of heart failure (HF), its diagnosis being a challenge to the outpatient clinic practice. Objective: To describe and compare two strategies derived from algorithms of the European Society of Cardiology Diastology Guidelines for the diagnosis of HFPEF. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 166 consecutive ambulatory patients (67.9±11.7 years; 72% of women). The strategies to confirm HFPEF were established according to the European Society of Cardiology Diastology Guidelines criteria. In strategy 1 (S1), tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) and electrocardiography (ECG) were used; in strategy 2 (S2), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement was included. Results: In S1, patients were divided into groups based on the E/E'ratio as follows: GI, E/E'> 15 (n = 16; 9%); GII, E/E'8 to 15 (n = 79; 48%); and GIII, E/E'< 8 (n = 71; 43%). HFPEF was confirmed in GI and excluded in GIII. In GII, TDE [left atrial volume index (LAVI) ≥ 40 mL/m2; left ventricular mass index LVMI) > 122 for women and > 149 g/m2 for men] and ECG (atrial fibrillation) parameters were assessed, confirming HFPEF in 33 more patients, adding up to 49 (29%). In S2, patients were divided into three groups based on BNP levels. GI (BNP > 200 pg/mL) consisted of 12 patients, HFPEF being confirmed in all of them. GII (BNP ranging from 100 to 200 pg/mL) consisted of 20 patients with LAVI > 29 mL/m2, or LVMI ≥ 96 g/m2 for women or ≥ 116 g/m2 for men, or E/E'≥ 8 or atrial fibrillation on ECG, and the diagnosis of HFPEF was confirmed in 15. GIII (BNP < 100 pg/mL) consisted of 134 patients, 26 of whom had the diagnosis of HFPEF confirmed when GII parameters were used. Measuring BNP levels in S2 identified 4 more patients (8%) with HFPEF as compared with those identified in S1. Conclusion: The association of BNP measurement and TDE data ...

Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal é a forma mais comum de insuficiência cardíaca e seu diagnóstico é um desafio na prática ambulatorial. Objetivo: Descrever e comparar duas estratégias, derivadas dos algoritmos do Consenso Europeu de Diastologia para diagnóstico de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 166 pacientes (67,9 ± 11,7 anos, 72% mulheres) ambulatoriais consecutivos. As estratégias para confirmar insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal foram estabelecidas de acordo com os critérios do Consenso Europeu de Diastologia. Na estratégia 1, utilizamos dados do eco Doppler tecidual e eletrocardiograma; na estratégia 2, incluímos o peptídeo natriurético tipo B. Resultados: Na primeira estratégia, os pacientes foram classificados em grupos, de acordo com a relação E/E': GI se E/E' > 15 (n = 16; 9%); GII se E/E' 8 a 15 (n = 79; 48%); e GIII se E/E' < 8 (n = 71; 43%). Insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal foi confirmada no GI e excluída no GIII. No GII, parâmetros do eco Doppler tecidual (volume do átrio esquerdo indexado ≥ 40 mL/m2; massa do ventrículo esquerdo indexado > 122 para mulheres e > 149 g/m2 para homens) e do eletrocardiograma (fibrilação atrial) foram analisados, confirmando insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal em mais 33 pacientes, totalizando 49 (29%). Na estratégia 2, utilizando o peptídeo natriurético tipo B, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos. O GI (peptídeo natriurético tipo B > 200 pg/mL) foi formado por 12 pacientes e a insuficiência cardíaca com fração ...

Assessing strategies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction at the outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most common form of heart failure (HF), its diagnosis being a challenge to the outpatient clinic practice. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare two strategies derived from algorithms of the European Society of Cardiology Diastology Guidelines for the diagnosis of HFPEF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 166 consecutive ambulatory patients (67.9±11.7 years; 72% of women). The strategies to confirm HFPEF were established according to the European Society of Cardiology Diastology Guidelines criteria. In strategy 1 (S1), tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) and electrocardiography (ECG) were used; in strategy 2 (S2), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement was included. RESULTS: In S1, patients were divided into groups based on the E/E'ratio as follows: GI, E/E'> 15 (n = 16; 9%); GII, E/E'8 to 15 (n = 79; 48%); and GIII, E/E'< 8 (n = 71; 43%). HFPEF was confirmed in GI and excluded in GIII. In GII, TDE [left atrial volume index (LAVI) ≥ 40 mL/m2; left ventricular mass index LVMI) > 122 for women and > 149 g/m2 for men] and ECG (atrial fibrillation) parameters were assessed, confirming HFPEF in 33 more patients, adding up to 49 (29%). In S2, patients were divided into three groups based on BNP levels. GI (BNP > 200 pg/mL) consisted of 12 patients, HFPEF being confirmed in all of them. GII (BNP ranging from 100 to 200 pg/mL) consisted of 20 patients with LAVI > 29 mL/m2, or LVMI ≥ 96 g/m2 for women or ≥ 116 g/m2 for men, or E/E'≥ 8 or atrial fibrillation on ECG, and the diagnosis of HFPEF was confirmed in 15. GIII (BNP < 100 pg/mL) consisted of 134 patients, 26 of whom had the diagnosis of HFPEF confirmed when GII parameters were used. Measuring BNP levels in S2 identified 4 more patients (8%) with HFPEF as compared with those identified in S1. CONCLUSION: The association of BNP measurement and TDE data is better than the isolated use of those parameters. BNP can be useful in identifying patients whose diagnosis of HF had been previously excluded based only on TDE findings.

[Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide measurement in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction]. / Utilidade do doseamento do peptídeo natriurético tipo B emdoentes ambulatórios com insuficiência cardíaca com fraçãode ejeção preservada.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is a highly prevalent syndrome that is difficult to diagnose in outpatients. The measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be useful in the diagnosis of HFPEF, but with a different cutoff from that used in the emergency room. The aim of this study was to identify the BNP cutoff for a diagnosis of HFPEF in outpatients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective, observational study enrolled 161 outpatients (aged 68.1±11.5 years, 72% female) with suspected HFPEF. Patients underwent ECG, tissue Doppler imaging, and plasma BNP measurement, and were classified in accordance with algorithms for the diagnosis of HFPEF. HFPEF was confirmed in 49 patients, who presented higher BNP values (mean 144.4pg/ml, median 113pg/ml, vs. mean 27.6pg/ml, median 16.7pg/ml, p<0.0001). The results showed a significant correlation between BNP levels and left atrial volume index (r=0.554, p<0.0001), age (r=0.452; p<0.0001) and E/E' ratio (r=0.345, p<0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for BNP to detect HFPEF was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.96; p<0.001), and 51pg/ml was identified as the best cutoff to detect HFPEF, with sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 86% and accuracy of 86%. CONCLUSIONS: BNP levels in outpatients with HFPEF are significantly higher than in those without. A cutoff value of 51pg/ml had the best diagnostic accuracy in outpatients.

Deficiência de vitamina D em pacientes com suspeita de insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção normal / Vitamin D deficiency among pacients with suspected heart failure with normal ejection fraction

Fundamentos: Estudos têm demonstrado forte associação entre déficit de vitamina D (VitD) e risco de doença cardiovascular. Níveis reduzidos de VitD apresentam elevada prevalência, e são considerados fator de mau prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Objetivo: Avaliar a deficiência de VitD em pacientes com suspeita de IC e fração de ejeção normal e sua correlação com marcadores de função diastólica e sistólica. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 85 pacientes ambulatoriais (idade 70,8±11,5 anos, sexo feminino 72 % - Rio de Janeiro, latitude -22° Sul) com suspeita de IC e que apresentavam fração FEVE normal. Os pacientes foram submetidos à dosagem de vitamina D 25-hidroxi (25(OH)D) e BNP e realização de ecocardiograma, Doppler tecidual e eletrocardiograma para investigação de ICFEN, de acordo com os critérios da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia. Resultados: ICFEN foi confirmada em 32 pacientes (38 %) que tinham valores maiores de BNP (135,1 mediana 109 pg/mL vs. 23,4 mediana 16,4 pg/mL; p<0,0001) e dos índices de disfunção diastólica (volume AE-I 44,2±8,9 mL/m2 vs. 29,3±7,4 mL/m2; relação E/E’ 14,5±6,6 vs. 7,5±2,1; p<0,0001). Valores de VitD foram menores no grupo com ICFEN, com significado estatístico (34,9±14,9 mcg/L vs. 45,0±17,6 mcg/L; p=0,008). Regressão binária logística mostrou idade (p=0,001) e VitD (p=0,036) como fatores independentes significativos para ICFEN. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a relação E/E’ e valores de VitD (r=-0,300 p=0,005). Conclusão: Pacientes com ICFEN apresentavam menores níveis séricos de VitD e quase a metade apresentava deficiência de VitD. Observou-se correlação negativa entre VitD e relação E/E’ marcador da pressão de enchimento do VE.

Background: Studies have shown a strong association between vitamin D (VitD) deficiency and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Widely prevalent, VitD deficiency is considered as a poor prognosis factor for heart failure (HF).Objective: To assess VitD deficiency among patients with heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) and correlations with systolic and diastolic function markers. Methods: A cross-section study with 85 outpatients (age 70.8±11.5 years, female 72 %, Rio de Janeiro, latitude -22°S) with suspected HF and normal EF, dosed with 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and BNP measurements, with echocardiograms, tissue Doppler and electrocardiograms for investigating HFNEF, in compliance with the criteria established by the European Society of Cardiology. Results: HFNEF was confirmed in 32 patients (38 %) with higher BNP values (135.1 median 109 pg/mL vs. 23.4 median 16.4 pg/mL; p<0.0001) and diastolic dysfunction rates (volume AE-I 44.2±8.9 mL/m2 vs. 29.3±7.4 mL/m2, E/E’ 14.5±6.6 vs. 7.5±2.1; p<0.0001). The VitD values were lower in the HFNEF group, with statistical significance (34.9±14.9 mcg/L vs. 45.0±17.6 mcg/L; p=0.008). A binary logistic regression revealed age (p=0.001) and vitamin D (p=0.036) as independent factors significant for HFNEF. A negative correlation was noted between the E/E` ratio and the VitD values (r=-0.300 p=0.005). Conclusion: HFNEF patients had lower serum VitD levels and almost half were VitD deficient. A negative correlation was noted between VitD and the E/E’ ratio, an LV filling pressure marker.

Estudo da prevalência de insuficiência cardíaca em indivíduos cadastrados noprograma médico de família - Niterói. Estudo Digitalis: desenho e método / Heart failure prevalence study among patients enrolled in the family health program, Niterói. The DIGITALIS Study: design and method

Fundamentos: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) representa um importante problema de saúde pública, tem custoelevado e crescente prevalência nos países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Dados do Sistema Único de Saúde, que responde por 80% do atendimento médico da população brasileira, mostram que as doenças cardiovasculares são a terceira causade internação, sendo a IC a causa mais frequente entre as doenças cardiovasculares após os 60 anos. Pesquisas sobre epidemiologia envolvendo prevalência da ICsão escassos no Brasil principalmente na atenção primária. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da insuficiência cardíaca na atenção primária. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, envolvendo 632 indivíduos selecionados de modoaleatório, com idade ≥45 anos, assistidos pelo Programa Médico de família de Niterói, RJ. O diagnóstico de IC será confirmado ou excluídoutilizando-se: exame clínico, eletrocardiograma, ecocardiograma e dosagem de BNP. Todos os pacientesserão classificados em estágios que avaliam a progressão fisiopatológica da IC, de acordo com o estabelecido na III Diretriz Brasileira de IC crônica.Conclusão: O estudo pretende estabelecer a prevalência de IC em uma comunidade urbana, o que irá ajudarno planejamento da política de saúde para o cuidado da IC.