Guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy / Diretriz da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia sobre Diagnóstico e Tratamento de Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia da Doença de Chagas

This guideline aimed to update the concepts and formulate the standards of conduct and scientific evidence that support them, regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the Cardiomyopathy of Chagas disease, with special emphasis on the rationality base that supported it.  Chagas disease in the 21st century maintains an epidemiological pattern of endemicity in 21 Latin American countries. Researchers and managers from endemic and non-endemic countries point to the need to adopt comprehensive public health policies to effectively control the interhuman transmission of T. cruzi infection, and to obtain an optimized level of care for already infected individuals, focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic opportunistic opportunities.   Pathogenic and pathophysiological mechanisms of the Cardiomyopathy of Chagas disease were revisited after in-depth updating and the notion that necrosis and fibrosis are stimulated by tissue parasitic persistence and adverse immune reaction, as fundamental mechanisms, assisted by autonomic and microvascular disorders, was well established. Some of them have recently formed potential targets of therapies.  The natural history of the acute and chronic phases was reviewed, with enhancement for oral transmission, indeterminate form and chronic syndromes. Recent meta-analyses of observational studies have estimated the risk of evolution from acute and indeterminate forms and mortality after chronic cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic approaches applicable to individuals with Indeterminate form of Chagas disease were specifically addressed. All methods to detect structural and/or functional alterations with various cardiac imaging techniques were also reviewed, with recommendations for use in various clinical scenarios. Mortality risk stratification based on the Rassi score, with recent studies of its application, was complemented by methods that detect myocardial fibrosis.  The current methodology for etiological diagnosis and the consequent implications of trypanonomic treatment deserved a comprehensive and in-depth approach. Also the treatment of patients at risk or with heart failure, arrhythmias and thromboembolic events, based on pharmacological and complementary resources, received special attention. Additional chapters supported the conducts applicable to several special contexts, including t. cruzi/HIV co-infection, risk during surgeries, in pregnant women, in the reactivation of infection after heart transplantation, and others.     Finally, two chapters of great social significance, addressing the structuring of specialized services to care for individuals with the Cardiomyopathy of Chagas disease, and reviewing the concepts of severe heart disease and its medical-labor implications completed this guideline.

Esta diretriz teve como objetivo principal atualizar os conceitos e formular as normas de conduta e evidências científicas que as suportam, quanto ao diagnóstico e tratamento da CDC, com especial ênfase na base de racionalidade que a embasou. A DC no século XXI mantém padrão epidemiológico de endemicidade em 21 países da América Latina. Investigadores e gestores de países endêmicos e não endêmicos indigitam a necessidade de se adotarem políticas abrangentes, de saúde pública, para controle eficaz da transmissão inter-humanos da infecção pelo T. cruzi, e obter-se nível otimizado de atendimento aos indivíduos já infectados, com foco em oportunização diagnóstica e terapêutica. Mecanismos patogênicos e fisiopatológicos da CDC foram revisitados após atualização aprofundada e ficou bem consolidada a noção de que necrose e fibrose sejam estimuladas pela persistência parasitária tissular e reação imune adversa, como mecanismos fundamentais, coadjuvados por distúrbios autonômicos e microvasculares. Alguns deles recentemente constituíram alvos potenciais de terapêuticas. A história natural das fases aguda e crônica foi revista, com realce para a transmissão oral, a forma indeterminada e as síndromes crônicas. Metanálises recentes de estudos observacionais estimaram o risco de evolução a partir das formas aguda e indeterminada e de mortalidade após instalação da cardiomiopatia crônica. Condutas terapêuticas aplicáveis aos indivíduos com a FIDC foram abordadas especificamente. Todos os métodos para detectar alterações estruturais e/ou funcionais com variadas técnicas de imageamento cardíaco também foram revisados, com recomendações de uso nos vários cenários clínicos. Estratificação de risco de mortalidade fundamentada no escore de Rassi, com estudos recentes de sua aplicação, foi complementada por métodos que detectam fibrose miocárdica. A metodologia atual para diagnóstico etiológico e as consequentes implicações do tratamento tripanossomicida mereceram enfoque abrangente e aprofundado. Também o tratamento de pacientes em risco ou com insuficiência cardíaca, arritmias e eventos tromboembólicos, baseado em recursos farmacológicos e complementares, recebeu especial atenção. Capítulos suplementares subsidiaram as condutas aplicáveis a diversos contextos especiais, entre eles o da co-infecção por T. cruzi/HIV, risco durante cirurgias, em grávidas, na reativação da infecção após transplante cardíacos, e outros.    Por fim, dois capítulos de grande significado social, abordando a estruturação de serviços especializados para atendimento aos indivíduos com a CDC, e revisando os conceitos de cardiopatia grave e suas implicações médico-trabalhistas completaram esta diretriz. 

Prognosis of chronic Chagas heart disease and other pending clinical challenges.

In this chapter, the main prognostic markers of Chagas heart disease are addressed, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and questions, establishing the basis for a broad discussion of recommendations and new approaches to managing Chagas cardiopathy. The main biological and genetic markers and the contribution of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. We also discuss the most recent therapeutic proposals for heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmias, as well as current experience in heart transplantation in patients suffering from severe Chagas cardiomyopathy. The clinical and epidemiological challenges introduced by acute Chagas disease due to oral contamination are discussed. In addition, we highlight the importance of ageing and comorbidities in influencing the outcome of chronic Chagas heart disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of public policies, the vital role of funding agencies, universities, the scientific community and health professionals, and the application of new technologies in finding solutions for better management of Chagas heart disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Role of Myocardial Deformation Indices and Right Ventricle Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Abstract Background: Right ventricular dysfunction is a major complication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, despite its prognostic implications, is rarely considered in routine clinical analysis. Objectives: To compare RV function variables with standard and advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with stable COPD and controls. Methods: Twenty COPD patients classified as GOLD ≥ II (13 men aged 68.4 ± 8.3 years) and 20 matched controls were compared. Myocardial strain/strain rate indices were obtained by tissue Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Right ventricular ejection fraction was obtained with three-dimensional software. Free wall myocardial thickness (FWMT) and tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) were also measured. Numerical variables were compared between groups with Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Associations between categorical variables were determined with Fisher's exact test. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: All myocardial deformation indices, particularly global longitudinal strain (-17.2 ± 4.4 vs -21.2: ± 4.4 = 0.001) and 3D right ventricular ejection fraction (40.8 ± 9.3% vs 51.1 ± 6.4% p <0.001) were reduced in COPD patients. These patients presented higher right ventricular FWMT and lower TAPSE values than controls. Conclusion: Myocardial deformation indices, either tissue Doppler or speckle tracking echocardiography and 3D right ventricular ejection fraction, are robust markers of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with stable COPD. Assessing global longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography is a more practical and reproducible method.

Perfil alimentar de transplantados cardíacos de um centro transplantador brasileiro - Atuação da enfermagem neste cenário / Perfil alimentario de los trasplantes de corazón en un centro de trasplante brasileño - Desempeño de la enfermería en este escenario / Food profile of heart transplants in a brazilian transplantation center - Nursing performance in this scenario

Objetivo- Descrever o perfil alimentar de pacientes pós transplante cardíaco (TC) tardio de um centro transplantador brasileiro. Método- Estudo observacional transversal com delineamento descritivo. O estudo ocorreu em uma instituição de ensino público de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de 2017 a 2019. Resultados-. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 62 indivíduos transplantados entre os anos de 2006 a 2016. Aproximadamente 63% era do sexo masculino. A média de idade foi de 46,53 anos. O consumo de carboidratos e gorduras foi adequado em 46,77% e 59,68% da amostra, respectivamente. Já o consumo de proteínas foi acima do recomendado em 77,42% e o consumo de fibras abaixo do recomendado em 79,03%. Conclusão- Houve a predominância do sexo masculino. Os indivíduos apresentaram um consumo adequado somente de carboidratos e gorduras. Não houve na literatura estudos descrevendo a atuação do enfermeiro no processo de nutrição neste cenário(AU)

Objective- To describe the dietary profile of patients after late heart transplantation (HT) from a Brazilian transplant center. Method- Cross-sectional observational study with descriptive design. The study took place in a public education institution in Minas Gerais. Data collection took place from 2017 to 2019. Results-. The study sample consisted of 62 individuals transplanted between 2006 and 2016. Approximately 63% were male. The mean age was 46.53 years. The consumption of carbohydrates and fats was adequate in 46.77% and 59.68% of the sample, respectively. The consumption of proteins was above the recommended in 77.42% and the consumption of fibers below the recommended in 79.03%. Conclusion- There was a predominance of males. The individuals presented an adequate consumption of only carbohydrates and fats. There were no studies in the literature describing the role of nurses in the nutrition process in this scenario(AU)

Objetivo- Describir el perfil dietético de pacientes después de un trasplante cardíaco (TC) tardío de un centro de trasplante brasileño. Método- Estudio observacional transversal con diseño descriptivo. El estudio se llevó a cabo en una institución de educación pública en Minas Gerais. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo de 2017 a 2019. Resultados-. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por 62 individuos trasplantados entre 2006 y 2016. Aproximadamente el 63% eran hombres. La edad media fue de 46,53 años. El consumo de carbohidratos y grasas fue adecuado en el 46,77% y 59,68% de la muestra, respectivamente. El consumo de proteína estuvo por encima del nivel recomendado en un 77,42% y el consumo de fibra por debajo del nivel recomendado en un 79,03%. Conclusión- Hubo predominio del sexo masculino. Los individuos presentaron un consumo adecuado de solo carbohidratos y grasas. No hubo estudios en la literatura que describieran el papel del enfermero en el proceso de nutrición en este escenario.(AU)

Prognosis of chronic Chagas heart disease and other pending clinical challenges

In this chapter, the main prognostic markers of Chagas heart disease are addressed, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and questions, establishing the basis for a broad discussion of recommendations and new approaches to managing Chagas cardiopathy. The main biological and genetic markers and the contribution of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. We also discuss the most recent therapeutic proposals for heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmias, as well as current experience in heart transplantation in patients suffering from severe Chagas cardiomyopathy. The clinical and epidemiological challenges introduced by acute Chagas disease due to oral contamination are discussed. In addition, we highlight the importance of ageing and comorbidities in influencing the outcome of chronic Chagas heart disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of public policies, the vital role of funding agencies, universities, the scientific community and health professionals, and the application of new technologies in finding solutions for better management of Chagas heart disease.

Comparison of Quality of Life Between Patients with Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Recipients

Abstract Introduction: Heart transplantation is the treatment indicated for patients with advanced and refractory heart failure (HF). The transplant is expected to increase survival and improve the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to compare the level of HRQoL, as well as social and clinical variables, between patients with advanced HF and heart transplant (HT) recipients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at a Brazilian university hospital, during outpatient consultations. The level of HRQoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and the comparison of the level of HRQoL was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Two hundred sixty-two patients participated in the study. Seventy-nine of them had advanced-stage HF and 183 were HT recipients. Compared to patients with advanced HF, HT recipients had a better level of HRQoL, were less frequently absent from work due to health problems, had higher income, used a higher number of medications, and there was a higher percentage of retirees among them (P-value < 0.001). Conclusion: In every comparison, HT recipients showed a better level of HRQoL than patients with advanced HF, along with less absence from work and higher income. These results suggest that heart transplantation can improve HRQoL and survival of patients with advanced HF.

Comparison of Quality of Life Between Patients with Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Heart transplantation is the treatment indicated for patients with advanced and refractory heart failure (HF). The transplant is expected to increase survival and improve the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to compare the level of HRQoL, as well as social and clinical variables, between patients with advanced HF and heart transplant (HT) recipients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at a Brazilian university hospital, during outpatient consultations. The level of HRQoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and the comparison of the level of HRQoL was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-two patients participated in the study. Seventy-nine of them had advanced-stage HF and 183 were HT recipients. Compared to patients with advanced HF, HT recipients had a better level of HRQoL, were less frequently absent from work due to health problems, had higher income, used a higher number of medications, and there was a higher percentage of retirees among them (P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In every comparison, HT recipients showed a better level of HRQoL than patients with advanced HF, along with less absence from work and higher income. These results suggest that heart transplantation can improve HRQoL and survival of patients with advanced HF.

Implications for Clinical Practice from a Multicenter Survey of Heart Failure Management Centers.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Impacts of social inequalities on the survival of heart transplant recipients in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplant (HT) is an alternative for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Social inequalities may influence survival, but are still not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social and clinical inequalities on the survival of HT recipients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted at a Brazilian hospital from 2006 to 2018. RESULTS: Three hundred and two patients were analyzed. Most HT recipients were male (205, 67.9%), mixed race 146 (48.3%), retired (166, 56.5%), median age 47 (38-57) years, and had studied no more than eight years (191, 65.8%), were younger than 60 years old (256, 84.7%). 149 (51.7%) had per capita monthly income inferior to one Brazilian minimum wage, equivalent to US$250. 123 (95.4%) out of 129 patients had allograft cellular rejection 2R or 3R. Median donor age was 32 (23-39) years. The overall survival was 76.6%, 62.2%, and 58.2%, at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Age <60 years old and higher income were associated with a greater chance of survival (p-values .009 and <.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Younger age and higher per capita income had positive impact on HT recipient survival. The level of education did not affect survival in this cohort.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Heart Transplant Recipients Living in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HT) is the treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). It is hoped that the procedure increases both survival rates and the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which may, however, be compromised by post-transplant complications. The objective of this study was to analyze the level of HRQoL in HT recipients and considered the influence of variables from social and clinical contexts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of HT recipients. The level of HRQoL was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire during outpatient consultation. RESULTS: This study analyzed 186 HT recipients from a total of 192 eligible patients. The median level of HRQoL was ≥67.8 points in all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and general score of perception of the level of quality of life (QoL) and health. Variables such as age, ethnicity, per capita income, time from last hospitalization, number of current medications, and number of hospitalizations after HT were significantly related to at least 1 domain of the WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSION: In this study, HRQoL of HT recipients living in a developing country can be considered satisfactory given the high score obtained in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF and in the perception of the level of QoL and health.

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Heart Transplantation for Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Heart transplantation (HT) is an established treatment for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Chagas disease (CD), caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) is an important cause of HF in Latin America. Considering CD is a chronic infectious disease, the use of immunosuppressive therapy after HT can reactivate T. cruzi infection and compromise outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment of this complication is extremely important, which requires knowledge, experience, and a high degree of suspicion by transplant physicians. Furthermore, with the international immigration of people, CD is no longer exclusive to Latin America, since a large number of immigrants with T. cruzi infection are living in non-endemic countries. This phenomenon represents not only a new global epidemiological problem, but also a challenge for transplant teams. This review aims to discuss the peculiarities of HT in the context of CD, with a focus on reactivation of the infection, clinical manifestations, etiological treatment of T. cruzi and differential diagnosis with allograft rejection, among HT recipients.

Chagas Disease Infection Reactivation after Heart Transplant.

Chagas disease, caused by a Trypanosona cruzi infection, is one of the main causes of heart failure in Latin America. It was originally a health problem endemic to South America, predominantly affecting residents of poor rural areas. With globalization and increasing migratory flows from these areas to large cities, the immigration of T. cruzi chronically-infected people to developed, non-endemic countries has occurred. This issue has emerged as an important consideration for heart transplant professionals. Currently, Chagas patients with end-stage heart failure may need a heart transplantation (HTx). This implies that in post-transplant immunosuppression therapy to avoid rejection in the recipient, there is the possibility of T. cruzi infection reactivation, increasing the morbidity and mortality rates. The management of heart transplant recipients due to Chagas disease requires awareness for early recognition and parasitic treatment of T. cruzi infection reactivation. This issue poses challenges for heart transplant professionals, especially regarding the differential diagnosis between rejection and reactivation episodes. The aim of this review is to discuss the complexity of the Chagas disease reactivation phenomenon in patients submitted to HTx for end-stage chagasic cardiomyopathy.