Complete Revascularization Versus Treatment of the Culprit Artery Only in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Multicenter Registry. / Revascularização Completa Versus Tratamento da Artéria Culpada no Infarto com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro Multicêntrico.

BACKGROUND: Data on the management and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease are limited in Brazil, showing that the available revascularization strategies should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of complete revascularization versus treatment of the culprit artery only in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted at two medical centers in southern Brazil with a 1-year follow-up after the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, or recurrent angina, while the secondary outcome was stroke, nonfatal cardiac arrest, major bleeding, or need for reintervention. The probability of outcomes occurring was compared between the groups using binary logistic regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included. Their mean age was 62±12 years, and 61 (71.8%) were male. Fifty-eight (68.2%) were treated with complete revascularization and 27 (31.8%) with incomplete revascularization. The chance of both the primary and secondary outcomes occurring was significantly greater among patients treated with incomplete revascularization when compared to those treated with complete revascularization (odds ratio [OR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-16.1 vs. OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.9, respectively), as well as cardiac death (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.2-35.3). CONCLUSION: Registry data from two centers in southern Brazil demonstrate that the complete revascularization strategy is associated with a significant reduction in primary and secondary outcomes in a 1-year follow-up when compared to the incomplete revascularization strategy (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):229-237).

FUNDAMENTO: São restritos os dados sobre o manejo e o prognóstico dos pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) com acometimento multiarterial no Brasil, o que mostra a necessidade de investigar as estratégias de revascularização disponíveis. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os desfechos relacionados à revascularização completa em comparação com o tratamento da artéria culpada em pacientes multiarteriais com IAMCSST. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada um estudo de coorte prospectiva em dois centros de hemodinâmica do Sul do Brasil, com seguimento de 1 ano após a intervenção índice. O desfecho primário foi composto de óbito cardiovascular, reinfarto ou angina recorrente e secundários acidente vascular encefálico, parada cardiorrespiratória não fatal, sangramento maior ou necessidade de reintervenção. A probabilidade de ocorrência de desfechos foi comparada entre os grupos através de regressão logística binária. Considerou-se como estatisticamente significativo o valor de probabilidade < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Participaram 85 pacientes, com média de idade de 62±12 anos, sendo 61 (71,8%) do sexo masculino. Cinquenta e oito (68,2%) pacientes receberam a estratégia de revascularização completa e 27 (31,8%), a de revascularização incompleta. A chance de ocorrência tanto do desfecho primário quanto do secundário foi significativamente maior entre os indivíduos tratados com revascularização incompleta quando comparados com os tratados com estratégia completa [razão de chances (OR) 5,1, intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 1,6-16,1 vs. OR 5,2, IC95% 1,2-22,9, respectivamente], assim como os óbitos cardiovasculares (OR 6,4, IC95% 1,2-35,3). CONCLUSÃO: Dados deste registro regional, de dois centros do Sul do Brasil, demonstram que a estratégia de revascularização completa esteve associada à redução significativa dos desfechos primário e secundário no seguimento de 1 ano quando comparada à estratégia de revascularização incompleta. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):229-237).

Revascularização Completa Versus Tratamento da Artéria Culpada no Infarto com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro Multicêntrico / Complete Revascularization Versus Treatment of the Culprit Artery Only in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Multicenter Registry

Resumo Fundamento São restritos os dados sobre o manejo e o prognóstico dos pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) com acometimento multiarterial no Brasil, o que mostra a necessidade de investigar as estratégias de revascularização disponíveis. Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos relacionados à revascularização completa em comparação com o tratamento da artéria culpada em pacientes multiarteriais com IAMCSST. Métodos Foi realizada um estudo de coorte prospectiva em dois centros de hemodinâmica do Sul do Brasil, com seguimento de 1 ano após a intervenção índice. O desfecho primário foi composto de óbito cardiovascular, reinfarto ou angina recorrente e secundários acidente vascular encefálico, parada cardiorrespiratória não fatal, sangramento maior ou necessidade de reintervenção. A probabilidade de ocorrência de desfechos foi comparada entre os grupos através de regressão logística binária. Considerou-se como estatisticamente significativo o valor de probabilidade < 0,05. Resultados Participaram 85 pacientes, com média de idade de 62±12 anos, sendo 61 (71,8%) do sexo masculino. Cinquenta e oito (68,2%) pacientes receberam a estratégia de revascularização completa e 27 (31,8%), a de revascularização incompleta. A chance de ocorrência tanto do desfecho primário quanto do secundário foi significativamente maior entre os indivíduos tratados com revascularização incompleta quando comparados com os tratados com estratégia completa [razão de chances (OR) 5,1, intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 1,6-16,1 vs. OR 5,2, IC95% 1,2-22,9, respectivamente], assim como os óbitos cardiovasculares (OR 6,4, IC95% 1,2-35,3). Conclusão Dados deste registro regional, de dois centros do Sul do Brasil, demonstram que a estratégia de revascularização completa esteve associada à redução significativa dos desfechos primário e secundário no seguimento de 1 ano quando comparada à estratégia de revascularização incompleta. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):229-237)

Abstract Background Data on the management and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease are limited in Brazil, showing that the available revascularization strategies should be investigated Objective To assess the outcomes of complete revascularization versus treatment of the culprit artery only in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at two medical centers in southern Brazil with a 1-year follow-up after the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, or recurrent angina, while the secondary outcome was stroke, nonfatal cardiac arrest, major bleeding, or need for reintervention. The probability of outcomes occurring was compared between the groups using binary logistic regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Eighty-five patients were included. Their mean age was 62±12 years, and 61 (71.8%) were male. Fifty-eight (68.2%) were treated with complete revascularization and 27 (31.8%) with incomplete revascularization. The chance of both the primary and secondary outcomes occurring was significantly greater among patients treated with incomplete revascularization when compared to those treated with complete revascularization (odds ratio [OR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-16.1 vs. OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.9, respectively), as well as cardiac death (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.2-35.3). Conclusion Registry data from two centers in southern Brazil demonstrate that the complete revascularization strategy is associated with a significant reduction in primary and secondary outcomes in a 1-year follow-up when compared to the incomplete revascularization strategy (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):229-237)

Inter-observer variation of Syntax score among cardiac surgeons, clinical and interventional cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: Despite the complexity of SYNTAX score (SS), guidelines recommend this tool to help choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main of three-vessel coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to compare the inter-observer variation in SS performed by clinical cardiologists (CC), interventional cardiologists (IC), and cardiac surgeons (CS). METHODS: Seven coronary angiographies from patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease chosen by a heart team were analyzed by 10 CC, 10 IC and 10 CS. SS was calculated via SYNTAX website. RESULTS: Kappa concordance was very low between CC and CS (k = 0.176), moderate between CS and IC (k = 0.563), and moderate between CC and IC (0.553). There was a statistically significant difference between CC, who classified more cases as low complexity (70%), and CS, who classified more cases as moderate complexity (80%) (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Concordance between SS analyzed by CC, CS and IC is low. The usefulness of SS in decision-making of revascularization strategy is undeniable and evidence supports its use. However, this study highlights the importance of well-trained professionals on calculating the SS. It could avoid misclassification of borderline cases.

Efetividade da Terapia Medicamentosa e dos Procedimentos de Revascularização como Estratégia Inicial na Doença Arterial Coronariana Estável: Estudo de Coorte / Effectiveness of Medical and Revascularization Procedures as the Initial Strategy in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Cohort Study

Fundamento: A cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) e a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) são estratégias amplamente utilizadas no manejo da doença arterial coronariana (DAC) estável. Objetivo: Avaliar o prognóstico de pacientes com DAC estável inicialmente tratada com terapia médica (TM), em comparação com os pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de revascularização. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de coorte com 560 pacientes ambulatoriais de um hospital terciário com seguimento médio de 5 anos. Os pacientes foram classificados nos grupos TM (n = 288), ICP (n = 159) e CRM (n = 113) de acordo com sua estratégia inicial de tratamento. Os desfechos primários foram mortalidade global e eventos combinados de morte, síndrome coronária aguda e AVC. Resultados: Durante o seguimento, as taxas de mortalidade foram de 11,1% em TM, 11,9% em ICP e 15,9% em pacientes submetidos à CRM, sem diferença estatística (Hazard Ratio [HR] para ICP, 1,05; Intervalo de Confiança de 95% [IC95%], 0,59 a 1,84; e HR para CRM, 1,20; IC95%, 0,68 a 2,15). Os desfechos combinados ocorreram com maior frequência entre os pacientes inicialmente submetidos à ICP em relação à TM (HR 1,50, IC 95% 1,05 a 2,14) e não diferiram entre TM e CRM (HR 1,24, IC95% 0,84 a 1,83). Entre os pacientes com diabetes (n = 198), a ICP foi a única estratégia terapêutica preditiva de desfechos combinados (HR 2,14; IC 95%: 1,25 a 3,63). Conclusão: Neste estudo observacional de doença arterial coronariana estável, não houve diferença na mortalidade global entre as estratégias iniciais de terapia médico ou de cirurgia de revascularização. Os pacientes inicialmente tratados com ICP tiveram maior chance de desenvolver eventos cardiovasculares maiores combinados

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are widely-used strategies in the management of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Objective: To evaluate the prognosis of patients with stable CAD initially treated by medical therapy (MT), compared to the patients who were submitted to revascularization procedures. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 560 patients from an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital, with a mean follow-up of 5 years. Patients were classified into MT (n = 288), PCI (n = 159) and CABG (n=113) groups according to their initial treatment strategy. Primary endpoints were overall mortality and combined events of death, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. Results: During follow-up, death rates were 11.1% in MT, 11.9% in PCI and 15.9% in CABG patients, with no statistical difference (hazard ratio [HR] for PCI, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.59 to 1.84; and HR for CABG, 1.20; 95% CI: 0.68 to 2.15). Combined outcomes occurred more often among patients initially submitted to PCI compared to MT (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.14), and did not differ between MT and CABG patients (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.83). Among patients with diabetes (n=198), PCI was the only therapeutic strategy predictive of combined outcomes (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.63). Conclusion: In this observational study of stable coronary artery disease, there was no difference in overall mortality between initial medical therapy or revascularization surgery strategies. Patients initially treated with PCI had greater chance to develop combined major cardiovascular events

Valores de LDL-Colesterol Estimados pela Equação de Friedewald são Afetados pelo Controle do Diabetes / Low-Density Lipoprotein Values Estimated by Friedewald Equation are Affected by Diabetes Control

Fundamento: A equação de Friedewald (EF) é amplamente utilizada para estimar o LDL-c sem utilizar ultracentrifugação. Entretanto, a equação tem limitações em determinados cenários clínicos. Objetivo: O nosso objetivo era investigar a possível importância das diferenças entre a EF e a medição direta de LDL-c em pacientes com diabetes. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo transversal entre 466 pacientes com doença coronária estável. Colesterol total, triglicérides, HDL-c e LDL-c foram coletados, e a EF foi calculada. A acurácia foi calculada como percentagem de estimativas dentro de 30% (P30) do LDL medido. O viés foi calculado como a diferença média entre o LDL-c medido e o estimado. A concordância entre os métodos foi avaliada utilizando gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: O viés foi de 3,7 (p=0,005) e 1,1 mg/dl (p=0,248), e a acurácia foi de 86% e 93% em pacientes diabéticos e não-diabéticos, respectivamente. Entre os pacientes com diabetes, o viés foi de 5 mg/dl (p=0,016) e 1,93 mg/dl (p=0,179), e a acurácia foi de 83% e 88% em indivíduos com hemoglobina A1c superior a 8 mg/dl versus abaixo do ponto de corte, respectivamente. O viés foi similar em pacientes sem diabetes comparados com pacientes com diabetes e HbA1C < 8 (1,1 e 1,93 mg/dl). Conclusão: A EF é imprecisa entre indivíduos gerais com diabetes. Porém, ao estratificar pacientes com diabetes em bom e mau controle da doença, o primeiro grupo se comporta como se não tivesse diabetes, com uma boa correlação entre o LDL-c calculado e o mensurado. É importante saber quando é razoável usar a EF, porque uma estimativa imprecisa dos níveis de LDL-c pode resultar no subtratamento da dislipidemia e predispor estes pacientes a eventos agudos

Background: Friedewald equation (FE) is widely used to estimate the LDL-c without the use of ultra-centrifugation. However, the equation has limitations in some clinical settings. Objective: Our goal was to investigate the potential importance of differences between FE and direct measurement of LDL-c in patients with diabetes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 466 patients with stable coronary disease. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c were collected, and FE was calculated. Accuracy was calculated as the percentage of estimates within 30% (P30) of measured LDL. Bias was calculated as the mean difference between measured and estimated LDL-c. Agreement between methods was evaluated using BlandAltman plots.Results: Bias was 3.7 (p=0.005) and 1.1 mg/dl (p=0.248), and accuracy was 86% and 93% in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively. Among patients with diabetes, bias was 5 mg/dl (p=0.016) and 1.93 mg/dl (p=0.179), and accuracy was 83% and 88% in subjects with Hemoglobin A1C above 8 mg/dl versus below cutoff point, respectively. Bias was similar in patients without diabetes compared to patients with diabetes and HbA1C < 8 (1.1 and 1.93 mg/dl). Conclusion: FE is inaccurate among overall individuals with diabetes. However, when stratifying patients with diabetes into good and poor disease control, the first group behaves as if it does not have diabetes, with a good correlation between calculated and measured LDL-c.It is important to know when is it reasonable to use FE because an inaccurate estimation of LDL-c levels could result in undertreatment of dyslipidemia and predispose these patients to acute events

Telemedicine-supported transition of stable coronary artery disease patients from tertiary to primary health care facilities: protocol for a randomized non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Many Brazilian patients with complex diseases who are treated in tertiary referral clinics have been stable for long periods. The main needs of these patients involve monitoring of risk factors and review of drug prescriptions, which could be satisfactorily done in primary care facilities. The goal of this protocol is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine services to support the transition of patients with stable chronic coronary artery disease from the tertiary to the primary level of care. METHODS/DESIGN: We designed a randomized non-inferiority protocol that will include 280 patients with stable coronary artery disease (for at least 12 months). Patients will be selected from the Ischemic Heart Disease Clinic in a tertiary care hospital in southern Brazil. Enrolled participants will be randomized into one of two groups: 12 months of follow-up at the same clinic; or 12 months of follow-up at a primary care facility with clinical support from a telemedicine platform including a toll-free line for physicians (intervention group). In the intervention group, decisions to refer patients to tertiary care during follow-up will be made jointly by primary physicians and medical teleconsultants. The groups will be compared in terms of the primary outcome-maintenance of baseline functional class 1 or 2 after 12 months. Secondary outcomes include control of risk factors and instability of the disease. DISCUSSION: We intend to determine the effectiveness of using telemedicine to qualify the transition of patients with chronic coronary disease from the tertiary to the primary level of care. This should facilitate the access of patients to the healthcare system, since care will be provided closer to their homes, and provide more opportunities for treatment of severe cases at tertiary care hospitals that are often overcrowded. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT02489565 - trial registration date May 13, 2015.

Relationship between vascular endothelium and periodontal disease in atherosclerotic lesions: Review article.

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal infection and the ensuing increase in the levels of inflammatory markers may be associated with myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The present article aimed at reviewing contemporary data on the pathophysiology of vascular endothelium and its association with periodontitis in the scenario of cardiovascular disease.

The effect of periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein, endothelial function, lipids and proinflammatory biomarkers in patients with stable coronary artery disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Scarce information exists regarding the preventive effect of periodontal treatment in the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Prevention may be achieved by targeting risk factors for recurrent coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with previous history of cardiovascular events. The aim of this trial is to compare the effect of two periodontal treatment approaches on levels of C-reactive protein, lipids, flow-mediated dilation and serum concentrations of proinflammatory and endothelial markers in stable CAD patients with periodontitis over a period of 12 months. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, parallel design, examiner blinded, controlled clinical trial. Individuals from both genders, 35 years of age and older, with concomitant diagnosis of CAD and periodontitis will be included. CAD will be defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following events 6 months prior to entering the trial: documented history of myocardial infarction; surgical or percutaneous myocardial revascularization and lesion >50% in at least one coronary artery assessed by angiography; presence of angina and positive noninvasive testing of ischemia. Diagnosis of periodontitis will be defined using the CDC-AAP case definition (≥2 interproximal sites with clinical attachment loss ≥6 mm and ≥1 interproximal site with probing depth ≥5 mm). Individuals will have to present at least ten teeth present to be included. One hundred individuals will be allocated to test (intensive periodontal treatment comprised by scaling and root planing) or control (community periodontal treatment consisting of one session of supragingival plaque removal only) treatment groups. Full-mouth six sites per tooth periodontal examinations and subgingival biofilm samples will be conducted at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome of this study will be C-reactive protein changes over time. Secondary outcomes include levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, fibrinogen, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin. These outcomes will be assessed at all time points over 12 months. Flow-mediated dilation will be assessed at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after periodontal therapy. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide new evidence regarding the effect of periodontal treatment on risk markers for recurrence of cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT01609725.

Valor prognóstico do fragmento N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético tipo B em cirurgia não-cardíaca / Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery

FUNDAMENTO: Já foi demonstrado o uso do NT-proBNP pré-operatório para prever resultado cardíaco adverso, embora estudos recentes tenham sugerido que a determinação do NT-proBNP pós-operatório possa fornecer um valor adicional em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia não cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o valor prognóstico perioperatório do NT-proBNP em pacientes de intermediário e alto risco cardiovascular submetidos à cirurgia não cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu prospectivamente 145 pacientes com idade > 45 anos, com pelo menos um fator de risco do Índice de Risco Cardíaco Revisado e submetidos à cirurgia de médio ou alto risco não-cardíaca. Os níveis de NTproBNP foram medidos no pré e pós-operatório. Preditores cardíacos de curto prazo foram avaliados por modelos de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Durante uma mediana de acompanhamento de 29 dias, 17 pacientes (11,7%) apresentaram eventos cardíacos adversos importantes (MACE - 14 infartos do miocárdio não fatais, 2 paradas cardíacas não-fatais e 3 mortes cardíacas). Os níveis ótimos de limiar discriminatório para o NT-proBNP pré e pós-operatório foram 917 e 2962 pg/ mL, respectivamente. O NT-proBNP pré e pós-operatório (OR = 4,7, IC 95%: 1,62-13,73, p = 0,005 e OR 4,5, IC 95%: 1,53-13,16, p = 0,006) foram associados de forma significativa com MACE (eventos cardíacos adversos maiores). O NTproBNP pré-operatório foi significativa e independentemente associado com eventos cardíacos adversos em análise de regressão multivariada (OR ajustado 4,2, IC 95%: 1,38-12,62, p = 0,011). CONCLUSÃO: O NT-proBNP é um importante marcador de curto prazo de eventos cardiovasculares perioperatórios em pacientes de alto risco. Os níveis pós-operatórios foram menos informativos do que os níveis pré-operatórios. Uma única medição de NT-proBNP pré-operatório deve ser considerada na avaliação de risco pré-operatório.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged >45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery. NT-proBNP levels were measured pre- and postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated by logistic regression models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 29 days, 17 patients (11.7%) experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE- 14 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 2 nonfatal cardiac arrests and 3 cardiac deaths). The optimum discriminatory threshold levels for pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP were 917 and 2962 pg/mL, respectively. Pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.62-13.73; p=0.005 and OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.53-13.16; p=0.006) were significantly associated with MACE. Preoperative NT-proBNP was significantly and independently associated with adverse cardiac events in multivariate regression analysis (adjusted OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.38-12.62; p=0.011). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP is a powerful short-term marker of perioperative cardiovascular events in high risk patients. Postoperative levels were less informative than preoperative levels. A single preoperative NT-proBNP measurement should be considered in the preoperative risk assessment.

Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged ≥ 45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery. NT-proBNP levels were measured pre- and postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated by logistic regression models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 29 days, 17 patients (11.7%) experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE- 14 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 2 nonfatal cardiac arrests and 3 cardiac deaths). The optimum discriminatory threshold levels for pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP were 917 and 2962 pg/mL, respectively. Pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.62-13.73; p=0.005 and OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.53-13.16; p=0.006) were significantly associated with MACE. Preoperative NT-proBNP was significantly and independently associated with adverse cardiac events in multivariate regression analysis (adjusted OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.38-12.62; p=0.011). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP is a powerful short-term marker of perioperative cardiovascular events in high risk patients. Postoperative levels were less informative than preoperative levels. A single preoperative NT-proBNP measurement should be considered in the preoperative risk assessment.

Clinical use of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I assay in intermediate- and high-risk surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin levels have been reported to add value in the detection of cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgery. A sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay could provide more accurate prognostic information. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 142 patients with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor who underwent noncardiac surgery. cTnI levels were measured postoperatively. Short-term cardiac outcome predictors were evaluated. RESULTS: cTnI elevation was observed in 47 patients, among whom 14 were diagnosed as having myocardial infarction (MI). After 30 days, 16 patients had major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Excluding patients with a final diagnosis of MI, predictors of cTnI elevation included dialysis, history of heart failure, transoperative major bleeding, and elevated levels of pre- and postoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Maximal cTnI values showed the highest sensitivity (94%), specificity (75%), and overall accuracy (AUC 0.89; 95% CI 0.80-0.98) for postoperative MACE. Postoperative cTnI peak level (OR 9.4; 95% CI 2.3-39.2) and a preoperative NT-proBNP level ≥917 pg/mL (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.05-11.6) were independent risk factors for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: cTnI was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for cardiac outcomes and should be considered as a component of perioperative risk assessment.

Interleukin-18: an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after 6 months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been associated with atherogenesis and plaque rupture in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies suggest that IL-18 may have a long-term prognostic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IL-18 levels and major adverse cardiovascular events within 6 months of follow-up in post-ACS patients. METHODS: One hundred and twelve consecutive patients admitted to a university hospital with ACS were included in the study. IL-18 and C-reactive protein were measured within the first 24 h of admission. Six months after hospital discharge, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, new episode of ACS, and need for unplanned revascularization) was assessed. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 64 +/- 11 years, and 58 (52%) were male. During the 6 months of follow-up, 33 patients (31.4%) experienced major adverse cardiovascular events. Median IL-18 serum levels were higher among patients who had events than among those who did not: 271.7 pg/ml (interquartile range: 172.9-389.6) and 139.7 pg/ml (interquartile range: 99.9-265.7), respectively (P < 0.01). In the Cox multivariate analysis, after adjustment for clinical risk factors and serum troponin, elevated levels of IL-18 were associated with higher incidence of events (hazard ratio: 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-5.52; P = 0.023). In this population, C-reactive protein was of borderline significance for events. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-18 levels in ACS patients were independent predictors of long-term cardiovascular events. These findings support the association between inflammation and prognosis of ACS patients, as well as the clinical impact of this biomarker.

[Cardiovascular prevention in diabetic patients: an evidenced-based review]. / Prevenção cardiovascular em pacientes com diabetes: revisão baseada em evidências.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition associated with cardiac complications, especially artherothrombotic disease. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of reducing cardiovascular burden on this population by adopting prevention strategies. This article revised clinical evidences on cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention actions, taking into consideration major recommendations in the field. Life-style changes with low-carbohydrate diet, weight control, and regular physical activity must be implemented. High-risk patients or with established cardiovascular disease ought to have glycemic levels<100 mg/dL and A1c<7%. It is recommended low dose of aspirin and statin for lipid management, targeting LDL<100 mg/dL, HDL>50 mg/dL and tryglycerides<150 mg/dL. Blood pressure control with non-pharmacological and antihypertensive drugs must be instituted, favoring ACE inhibitors as first option, mainly in patients with renal disease, and combined with tiazydes for the majority to achieve target blood pressure of <130/80 mmHg.

Prevenção cardiovascular em pacientes com diabetes: revisão baseada em evidências / Cardiovascular prevention in diabetic patients: an evidenced-based review

Diabetes mellitus é uma doença associada com elevada incidência de doença aterotrombótica, especialmente cardíaca. Diversos estudos demonstraram que é possível reduzir a carga de doença nesta população através de estratégias preventivas. Este artigo revisa as evidências sobre a estimativa de risco cardiovascular nessa população e ações de prevenção, levando em consideração as principais recomendações na área. Modificações no estilo de vida, como dieta pobre em carboidratos, redução de peso e prática regular de atividade física, devem ser instituídas. Todo paciente de alto risco ou com evidências de doença cardiovascular deve manter sua glicemia < 100 mg/dl e A1c < 7 por cento. É recomendado uso diário de AAS em doses baixas e estatinas para controle de lípides, tendo como alvo LDL < 100 mg/dl, HDL > 50 mg/dl e triglicerídios < 150 mg/dl. O controle da pressão arterial deve ser buscado com medidas não-farmacológicas e anti-hipertensivos, sendo inibidores do sistema renina-angiotensina indicados na maioria dos casos, especialmente naqueles pacientes com nefropatia, associado a diuréticos tiazídicos na sua maioria para alcançar níveis tensionais-alvo < 130/80 mmHg.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition associated with cardiac complications, especially atherotrombotic disease. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of reducing cardiovascular burden on this population by adopting prevention strategies. This article revised clinical evidences on cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention actions, taking into consideration major recommendations in the field. Life-style changes with low-carbohydrate diet, weight control, and regular physical activity must be implemented. High-risk patients or with established cardiovascular disease ought to have glycemic levels < 100 mg/dL and A1c < 7 percent. It is recommended low dose of aspirin and statin for lipid management, targeting LDL < 100 mg/dL, HDL > 50 mg/dL and tryglicerides < 150 mg/dL. Blood pressure control with non-pharmacological and antihypertensive drugs must be instituted, favoring ACE inhibitors as first option, mainly in patients with renal disease, and combined with tiazides for the majority to achieve target blood pressure of < 130/80 mmHg.