Electrocardiographic and Autonomic Nervous System Changes after Changes in the Posture of Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. / Alterações Eletrocardiográficas e do Sistema Nervoso Autônomo com a Mudança de Postura em Crianças e Adolescentes com Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare inherited neuromuscular disease. At first, cardiac involvement may be asymptomatic. Therefore, assessing patients using non-invasive methods can help detect any changes. OBJECTIVES: Analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) test and heart rate variability (HRV) of the DMD group and compare the information with that of the age-matched control group. METHODS: A prospective study with 27 male patients with DMD (11.9 years old), who underwent clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring. ECG (200% increase) was assessed by two independent observers. HRV was measured over time (24 h) and in the frequency domain, in the supine and sitting positions. The healthy group consisted of nine patients (11.0 years old). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 60% (34 to 71%). The Kappa coefficient for ECG measurements ranged from 0.64 to 1.00. An increase in the R/S ratio in V1 was observed in 25.9% of the subjects, pathological Q wave in 29.6%, and fragmented QRS in 22.2% in inferior/high lateral regions, with a negative correlation with EF (p = 0.006). There was low HRV, without the influence of any variable, including treatment. With the change in position, there was an increase in HR (p = 0.004), but there was no change in HRV. The LF/HF ratio was 2.7 in the DMD group and 0.7 in the control group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In DMD subjects, prominent R waves in V1 and changes in the inferior/high lateral regions occurred in almost 30% of the cases. Lower vagal tone was observed without the influence of the variables age, ejection fraction, QT dispersion, and treatment. Despite the increase in HR, there was no adequate HRV response to the change in position.

FUNDAMENTO: Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. O acometimento cardíaco inicial pode ser assintomático. Portanto, a avaliação por métodos não invasivos pode auxiliar sua abordagem. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o eletrocardiograma (ECG) e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) do grupo com DMD, e comparar com a do grupo controle pareado por idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com 27 pacientes masculinos com DMD (idade de 11,9 anos) que foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, ECG, ecocardiograma e Holter. ECG (aumento de 200%) foi avaliado por dois observadores independentes. VFC foi feita no domínio do tempo (24 h) e da frequência na posição supina e sentada. O grupo saudável foi de nove pacientes (11,0 anos). Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. RESULTADOS: A média da fração de ejeção (FE) foi de 60% (34 a 71%). O coeficiente de Kappa para as medidas do ECG variou de 0,64 a 1,00. Foram verificados aumento da relação R/S em V1 em 25,9%, onda Q patológica em 29,6% e QRS fragmentado em 22,2% em regiões inferior/lateral alta, este com correlação negativa com FE (p = 0,006). Houve baixa VFC, sem influência de nenhuma variável, inclusive tratamento. Com a mudança da posição, houve aumento da FC (p = 0,004), porém não houve alteração da VFC. A relação LF/HF foi de 2,7 na DMD e de 0,7 no controle (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÕES: Nos participantes com DMD, as ondas R proeminentes em V1 e alterações nas regiões inferior/lateral alta ocorreram em quase 30% dos casos. Houve menor tônus vagal sem influência das variáveis idade, fração de ejeção, dispersão do QT e tratamento. Apesar do aumento da FC, não houve resposta adequada da VFC com a mudança de posição.

Alterações Eletrocardiográficas e do Sistema Nervoso Autônomo com a Mudança de Postura em Crianças e Adolescentes com Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne / Electrocardiographic and Autonomic Nervous System Changes after Changes in the Posture of Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Resumo Fundamento: Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. O acometimento cardíaco inicial pode ser assintomático. Portanto, a avaliação por métodos não invasivos pode auxiliar sua abordagem. Objetivos: Analisar o eletrocardiograma (ECG) e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) do grupo com DMD, e comparar com a do grupo controle pareado por idade. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo com 27 pacientes masculinos com DMD (idade de 11,9 anos) que foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, ECG, ecocardiograma e Holter. ECG (aumento de 200%) foi avaliado por dois observadores independentes. VFC foi feita no domínio do tempo (24 h) e da frequência na posição supina e sentada. O grupo saudável foi de nove pacientes (11,0 anos). Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Resultados: A média da fração de ejeção (FE) foi de 60% (34 a 71%). O coeficiente de Kappa para as medidas do ECG variou de 0,64 a 1,00. Foram verificados aumento da relação R/S em V1 em 25,9%, onda Q patológica em 29,6% e QRS fragmentado em 22,2% em regiões inferior/lateral alta, este com correlação negativa com FE (p = 0,006). Houve baixa VFC, sem influência de nenhuma variável, inclusive tratamento. Com a mudança da posição, houve aumento da FC (p = 0,004), porém não houve alteração da VFC. A relação LF/HF foi de 2,7 na DMD e de 0,7 no controle (p = 0,002). Conclusões: Nos participantes com DMD, as ondas R proeminentes em V1 e alterações nas regiões inferior/lateral alta ocorreram em quase 30% dos casos. Houve menor tônus vagal sem influência das variáveis idade, fração de ejeção, dispersão do QT e tratamento. Apesar do aumento da FC, não houve resposta adequada da VFC com a mudança de posição.

Abstract Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare inherited neuromuscular disease. At first, cardiac involvement may be asymptomatic. Therefore, assessing patients using non-invasive methods can help detect any changes. Objectives: Analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) test and heart rate variability (HRV) of the DMD group and compare the information with that of the age-matched control group. Methods: A prospective study with 27 male patients with DMD (11.9 years old), who underwent clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring. ECG (200% increase) was assessed by two independent observers. HRV was measured over time (24 h) and in the frequency domain, in the supine and sitting positions. The healthy group consisted of nine patients (11.0 years old). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 60% (34 to 71%). The Kappa coefficient for ECG measurements ranged from 0.64 to 1.00. An increase in the R/S ratio in V1 was observed in 25.9% of the subjects, pathological Q wave in 29.6%, and fragmented QRS in 22.2% in inferior/high lateral regions, with a negative correlation with EF (p = 0.006). There was low HRV, without the influence of any variable, including treatment. With the change in position, there was an increase in HR (p = 0.004), but there was no change in HRV. The LF/HF ratio was 2.7 in the DMD group and 0.7 in the control group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: In DMD subjects, prominent R waves in V1 and changes in the inferior/high lateral regions occurred in almost 30% of the cases. Lower vagal tone was observed without the influence of the variables age, ejection fraction, QT dispersion, and treatment. Despite the increase in HR, there was no adequate HRV response to the change in position.

Quality of Life After Diagnosis of Neurally Mediated Reflex Syncope by Tilt Test

Abstract Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) results in impaired quality of life (QoL). The response during the head-up tilt test (HUTT) influences QoL and recurrence. Objectives: To analyze the influence of the type of HUTT response on QoL in patients with VVS and recurrence of events after the exam. Methods: The SF-36 and Impact of Syncope on Quality of Life (ISQL) questionnaires were applied over 12 months after the HUTT. Unpaired Student's t test was used for differences between 2 groups of quantitative data with normal distribution. The recurrence of syncope episodes was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier curve, and the log-rank test was applied to compare the curves regarding responses to the HUTT. Statistical significance was set at p value < 0.05. Results: We analyzed 82 patients (43.7 years old), 69% with previous recurrence (2.8 prior episodes). Cardioinhibitory response occurred in 46 patients; vasodepressor response occurred in 36, and 85.4% of patients received non-pharmacological treatment after the HUTT. During clinical follow-up, 43.9% had recurrence, mainly young patients (35.7 years; p = 0.002). On the SF-36, the best score was in functional capacity in men (p = 0.04) and patients without prior trauma (p = 0.001). There were lower limitations due to pain in patients without prior trauma (p = 0.003) and patients without prodromes (p = 0.009). On the ISQL, there were better mean scores in men (p = 0.002) and in patients without prior trauma (p = 0.02). Patients with cardioinhibitory response had better SF-36 and ISQL scores (p < 0.001). There was greater VVS recurrence in the cardioinhibitory response group (log-rank p = 0.011; hazard ratio: 8.48; 95% confidence interval: 7.59 to 9.3) from the second to the fourth month, with stabilization in the eighth month after the HUTT, when compared to patients with vasodepressor response. Conclusion: The majority of patients with VVS reproduced during the HUTT under non-pharmacological treatment did not report worsening of QoL during clinical follow-up. Worse QoL was observed in non-young patients and in patients with vasodepressor response, and it was not influenced by recurrence after the HUTT.

Clinical and Autonomic Profile, and Modified Calgary Score for Children and Adolescents with Presumed Vasovagal Syncope Submitted to the Tilt Test. / Perfil Clínico, Autonômico e Escore de Calgary Modificado de Crianças e Adolescentes com Presumida Síncope Vasovagal Submetidos ao Teste de Inclinação.

BACKGROUND: In the pediatric population, syncope is mainly from vasovagal (VVS) origin. Its evaluation must be done by clinical methods, and the tilt test (TT) can contribute to the diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical profile, Calgary and modified Calgary scores, response to TT and heart rate variability (HRV) of patients aged ≤ 18 years with presumed VVS. To compare the variables between patients with positive and negative responses to TT. METHOD: Observational and prospective study, with 73 patients aged between 6 and 18 years, submitted to clinical evaluation and calculation of scores without previous knowledge of the TT. It was done at 70º under monitoring for HRV analysis. P-value < 0.05 was the statistical significance criterion. RESULTS: Median age was 14.0 years; 52% of participants were female, 72 had Calgary ≥ -2 (mean 1.80), and 69 had modified Calgary ≥ -3 (mean 1.38). Prodromes were observed in 59 patients, recurrence in 50 and trauma in 19. The response to TT was positive in 54 participants (49 vasovagal, with 39 vasodepressor responses), with an increase in the low frequency (LF) component and a decrease in the high frequency (HF) component (p < 0,0001). In the supine position, LF was 33.6 in females and 47.4 in normalized units for males (p = 0.02). When applying the operating characteristic curve for positive TT, there was no statistical significance for HRV and scores. CONCLUSION: Most children and adolescents with a presumed diagnosis of VVS presented a typical clinical scenario, with a Calgary score ≥ -2, and a predominant vasodepressor response to TT. Greater sympathetic activation was observed in the supine position in males. Calgary scores and sympathetic activation did not predict the response to TT.

FUNDAMENTO: A síncope, na população pediátrica, tem como sua principal causa, a vasovagal (SVV). Sua avaliação deve ser feita por métodos clínicos e o teste de inclinação (TI) pode contribuir para seu diagnóstico. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o perfil clínico, os escores de Calgary e de Calgary modificado, a resposta ao TI e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) de pacientes ≤ 18 anos de idade, com presumida SVV. Comparar as variáveis entre pacientes com resposta positiva e negativa ao TI. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional e prospectivo, com 73 pacientes com idades entre 6 e 18 anos, submetidos à avaliação clínica e ao cálculo dos escores, sem o conhecimento do TI. Este foi feito a 70º sob monitoramento para análise da VFC. Valor-p < 0,05 foi considerado como o critério de significância estatística. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi de 14,0 anos, sendo que 52% eram no sexo feminino, 72 apresentaram Calgary ≥ -2 (média 1,80) e 69 com Calgary modificado ≥ -3 (média 1,38). Ocorreram pródromos em 59 pacientes, recorrência em 50 e trauma em 19. A resposta ao TI foi positiva em 54 (49 vasovagal, com 39 vasodepressora), com aumento do componente de baixa frequência (BF) e diminuição da alta frequência (AF) (p < 0,0001). Na posição supina, o BF foi de 33,6 no sexo feminino e 47,4 em unidades normalizadas no sexo masculino (p = 0,02). Aplicando-se a curva de operação característica para TI positivo, não houve significância estatística para VFC e os escores. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria das crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico presumido de SVV apresentaram um cenário clínico típico, com escore de Calgary ≥ -2, e resposta vasodepressora predominante ao TI. Verificou-se uma maior ativação simpática na posição supina no sexo masculino. Os escores de Calgary e a ativação simpática não permitiram predizer a resposta ao TI.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Rheumatic Valve Disease.

The lifetime risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) is 1 in 3 adults, resulting in a prevalence of 2-4%. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a frequent aetiology of valvular heart disease in lowand middle-income countries. Between 21% and 80% of patients with mitral valve disease, especially with stenosis, may have AF. Both these conditions, AF and RHD, present a state of persistent inflammation. In turn, inflammation is a frequent cause of anisocytosis, which can be evidenced through the parameter RDW (red bold cell distribution width). Factors associated with increased RDW are also known as risk factors associated with a higher incidence of AF. RDW may have an independent role in the pathogenesis of AF and the increased propensity of both thromboembolic and bleeding events. Another marker involved in the incidence of AF is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. This is also a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation and is associated with a higher rate of AF recurrence. This review will evaluate these biomarkers and their association with cardiovascular events in patients with AF and RHD. The hypotheses and current debates about the relationship of biomarkers with the severity of chronic valve dysfunction, with acute rheumatic carditis in the paediatric population, and with the presence of thrombus in the left atrium will be discussed.

The First Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Atrial Fibrillation: Primary Results of the RECALL Study.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 1.5 million people in Brazil; however, epidemiological data are limited. We sought to evaluate the characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes in patients with AF in Brazil by creating the first nationwide prospective registry. METHODS: RECALL was a multicenter, prospective registry that included and followed for 1 year 4,585 patients with AF at 89 sites across Brazil from April 2012 to August 2019. Patient characteristics, concomitant medication use, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable models. RESULTS: Of 4,585 patients enrolled, the median age was 70 (61, 78) years, 46% were women, and 53.8% had permanent AF. Only 4.4% of patients had a history of previous AF ablation and 25.2% had a previous cardioversion. The mean (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.2 (1.6); median HAS-BLED score was 2 (2, 3). At baseline, 22% were not on anticoagulants. Of those taking anticoagulants, 62.6% were taking vitamin K antagonists and 37.4% were taking direct oral anticoagulants. The primary reasons for not using an oral anticoagulant were physician judgment (24.6%) and difficulty in controlling (14.7%) or performing (9.9%) INR. Mean (SD) TTR for the study period was 49.5% (27.5). During follow-up, the use of anticoagulants and INR in the therapeutic range increased to 87.1% and 59.1%, respectively. The rates/100 patient-years of death, hospitalization due to AF, AF ablation, cardioversion, stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding were 5.76 (5.12-6.47), 15.8 (14.6-17.0), 5.0 (4.4-5.7), 1.8 (1.4-2.2), 2.77 (2.32-3.32), 1.01 (0.75-1.36), and 2.21 (1.81-2.70). Older age, permanent AF, New York Heart Association class III/IV, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia were independently associated with increased mortality while the use of anticoagulant was associated with lower risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: RECALL represents the largest prospective registry of patients with AF in Latin America. Our findings highlight important gaps in treatment, which can inform clinical practice and guide future interventions to improve the care of these patients.

Perfil Clínico, Autonômico e Escore de Calgary Modificado de Crianças e Adolescentes com Presumida Síncope Vasovagal Submetidos ao Teste de Inclinação / Clinical and Autonomic Profile, and Modified Calgary Score for Children and Adolescents with Presumed Vasovagal Syncope Submitted to the Tilt Test

Resumo Fundamento A síncope, na população pediátrica, tem como sua principal causa, a vasovagal (SVV). Sua avaliação deve ser feita por métodos clínicos e o teste de inclinação (TI) pode contribuir para seu diagnóstico. Objetivos Analisar o perfil clínico, os escores de Calgary e de Calgary modificado, a resposta ao TI e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) de pacientes ≤ 18 anos de idade, com presumida SVV. Comparar as variáveis entre pacientes com resposta positiva e negativa ao TI. Método Estudo observacional e prospectivo, com 73 pacientes com idades entre 6 e 18 anos, submetidos à avaliação clínica e ao cálculo dos escores, sem o conhecimento do TI. Este foi feito a 70º sob monitoramento para análise da VFC. Valor-p < 0,05 foi considerado como o critério de significância estatística. Resultados A mediana de idade foi de 14,0 anos, sendo que 52% eram no sexo feminino, 72 apresentaram Calgary ≥ -2 (média 1,80) e 69 com Calgary modificado ≥ -3 (média 1,38). Ocorreram pródromos em 59 pacientes, recorrência em 50 e trauma em 19. A resposta ao TI foi positiva em 54 (49 vasovagal, com 39 vasodepressora), com aumento do componente de baixa frequência (BF) e diminuição da alta frequência (AF) (p < 0,0001). Na posição supina, o BF foi de 33,6 no sexo feminino e 47,4 em unidades normalizadas no sexo masculino (p = 0,02). Aplicando-se a curva de operação característica para TI positivo, não houve significância estatística para VFC e os escores. Conclusões A maioria das crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico presumido de SVV apresentaram um cenário clínico típico, com escore de Calgary ≥ -2, e resposta vasodepressora predominante ao TI. Verificou-se uma maior ativação simpática na posição supina no sexo masculino. Os escores de Calgary e a ativação simpática não permitiram predizer a resposta ao TI.

Abstract Background In the pediatric population, syncope is mainly from vasovagal (VVS) origin. Its evaluation must be done by clinical methods, and the tilt test (TT) can contribute to the diagnosis. Objectives To analyze the clinical profile, Calgary and modified Calgary scores, response to TT and heart rate variability (HRV) of patients aged ≤ 18 years with presumed VVS. To compare the variables between patients with positive and negative responses to TT. Method Observational and prospective study, with 73 patients aged between 6 and 18 years, submitted to clinical evaluation and calculation of scores without previous knowledge of the TT. It was done at 70º under monitoring for HRV analysis. P-value < 0.05 was the statistical significance criterion. Results Median age was 14.0 years; 52% of participants were female, 72 had Calgary ≥ -2 (mean 1.80), and 69 had modified Calgary ≥ -3 (mean 1.38). Prodromes were observed in 59 patients, recurrence in 50 and trauma in 19. The response to TT was positive in 54 participants (49 vasovagal, with 39 vasodepressor responses), with an increase in the low frequency (LF) component and a decrease in the high frequency (HF) component (p < 0,0001). In the supine position, LF was 33.6 in females and 47.4 in normalized units for males (p = 0.02). When applying the operating characteristic curve for positive TT, there was no statistical significance for HRV and scores. Conclusion Most children and adolescents with a presumed diagnosis of VVS presented a typical clinical scenario, with a Calgary score ≥ -2, and a predominant vasodepressor response to TT. Greater sympathetic activation was observed in the supine position in males. Calgary scores and sympathetic activation did not predict the response to TT.

Vasoactive Biomarkers in Patients With Vasovagal Syncope During Head-Up Tilt Test: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope. Some stages of its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and endothelin (ET) may be involved during acute orthostatic stress. Objective: To analyze plasma changes in NOx and ET and heart rate variability (HRV) in the supine positions (T1) and during the head-up tilt test (HUTT) (T2), in patients with VVS (case group) and control group. Methods: Thirty-seven patients (17 in the case group and 20 in the control group), matched for age and sex (mean aged 31.8 years) underwent HUTT with simultaneous HRV recording and venipuncture. Blood samples were collected during phases T1 and T2 and the analysis was performed without knowledge of the HUTT result. Results: In the total sample, there was an increase in NOx values (P = .014), however there was no increase in ET values from phase T1 to phase T2. Patients with VVS tended to increase plasma NOx values (P = .057) and had significantly higher plasma values compared to ET (P = .033) between phases T1 to T2. In the control group, there was no significant change in the values of these vasoactive substances. Regarding HRV, there were a decrease in the component HF (high frequency) and increased of the LF (low frequency)/HF ratio during HUTT. Conclusions: There was an increase in ET during HUTT occurred only in the case group. These patients are more likely to have an imbalance between antagonistic vasoactive biomarkers during orthostatic stress.

Cardiac and Vascular Causes of Syncope and Atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Among the most common causes of cardiac syncope are arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease, both of which can coexist. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main causes of cardiac and vascular syncope related to atherosclerosis, its epidemiological and clinical aspects, warning signs, and initial approach. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiac syncope may have a frequency of up to 34% in elderly people. Atherosclerosis-related causes of cardiac and vascular syncope may be due to cardiac arrhythmia and/or structural impairment of the heart or arteries. Late ventricular tachycardia and late-onset high-grade atrioventricular block associated with myocardial ischemia may occur with syncope, which is related to higher mortality. Besides ventricular dysfunction, concentric remodeling is also a prognostic factor. In calcific degenerative aortic stenosis, syncope carries a worse prognosis than the other cardinal signs. Cardiac syncope has a high recurrence and mortality rate. There are red flag alerts that must be considered in risk stratification.

Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Mitral Stenosis.

Rheumatic valve disease is present in 0.4 % of the word population, mainly in lowincome countries. Rheumatic mitral stenosis affects more women and between 40 to 75 % of patients may have atrial fibrillation (AF), more frequently in upper-middle income countries. This rhythm disturbance is due to increased atrial pressure, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and left atrial enlargement. There is also an increase in the prevalence of AF with age in patients with mitral stenosis. The risk of stroke is 4 % per year. Success rates for cardioversion, Cox-Maze procedure, and catheter ablation are low. Therefore, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist is mandatory for Evaluated Heart valves, Rheumatic or Artificial (EHRA) classification type 1. However, this anticoagulation is used by less than 80 % of those eligible and less than 30 % have the international normalized ratio in the therapeutic range. The safety and efficacy of using rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant, were demonstrated in the RIVER trial with a sample of 1005 patients with AF and bioprosthetic mitral valve. The indication for valve replacement, that is, if severe mitral stenosis or severe mitral regurgitation, was not specified. A randomized, open-label study (DAVID-MS) is underway to compare the effectiveness and safety of dabigatran and warfarin therapy for stroke prevention in patients with AF and moderate or severe mitral stenosis. Thus, the applicability of the use of direct anticoagulants in patients with AF and mitral stenosis and also in those undergoing mitral bioprostheses surgery will be the subject of further studies. The findings may explain if specific atrial changes of mitral stenosis even after the valve replacement will influence thromboembolic events with direct anticoagulants.

Perfil clínico e evolução de pacientes com infecção relacionada a dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis / Clinical profile and outcome of patients with cardiac implantable electronic device-related infection

Resumo Fundamento Houve aumento expressivo na incidência de infecções relacionadas a dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis (DCEI) nos últimos anos, com impacto na mortalidade. Objetivos Verificar a proporção de pacientes com infecção de DCEI e analisar seu perfil clínico, as variáveis relacionadas com a infecção e sua evolução. Método Estudo retrospectivo, observacional e longitudinal com 123 pacientes com infecção de DCEI entre 6.406 procedimentos. Foram usados os testes paramétricos, e o nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5%. Resultados A idade média dos pacientes foi de 60,1 anos, e 71 eram homens. A média de internação foi de 35,3 dias, e houve remoção total do sistema em 105 pacientes. Identificaram-se endocardite infecciosa (EI) e sepse em 71 e 23 pacientes, respectivamente. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi 19,5%. Houve associação entre EI e extrusão do gerador (17,0% vs. 19,5% nos grupos com e sem EI, respectivamente, p = 0,04; associação inversa) e sepse (15,4% vs. 3,2%, p = 0,01). Houve associação entre morte intra-hospitalar e EI (83,3% vs. 52,0% com e sem morte, respectivamente, p = 0,005) e sepse (62,5% vs. 8,1%, p < 0,0001). Foi dada alta hospitalar a 99 pacientes. Durante a média de seguimento clínico de 43,8 meses, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 43%, e 65,2% dos pacientes com sepse faleceram (p < 0,0001). A curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier não indicou associação significante com sexo, agente etiológico, fração de ejeção, EI e modalidade de tratamento. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 32,8% entre os pacientes submetidos a reimplante de eletrodos por via endocárdica e 52,2% entre aqueles por via epicárdica (p = 0,04). Não houve influência da etiologia chagásica, a qual correspondeu a 44,7% das cardiopatias de base, quanto às variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais ou à evolução. Conclusões A taxa de infecção foi de 1,9%, com predomínio em homens. Houve associação entre mortalidade intra-hospitalar e EI e sepse. Após a alta hospitalar, a taxa de mortalidade anual foi de 11,8%, com influência de sepse durante a internação e o implante epicárdico. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background In recent years, the incidence of infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has increased sharply, impacting mortality. Objective To verify the proportion of patients with CIED infection; to analyze their clinical profile and the variables related to the infection and its progression. Methods Retrospective and longitudinal observational study including 123 patients with CIED infection among 6406 procedures. Parametric tests and a level of significance of 5% were used in the statistical analyses Results The mean age of patients was 60.1 years and mean length of stay in hospital was 35.3 days; most (71) patients were male, and the system was completely removed in 105 cases. Infectious endocarditis (IE) and sepsis were observed in 71 and 23 patients, respectively. Intra-hospital mortality was 19.5%. IE was associated with extrusion of the generator (17.0% vs 19.5% with and without IE, respectively, p = 0.04, inverse association) and sepsis (15.4% vs 3.2%, p = 0.01). Intra-hospital death was associated with IE (83.3% vs 52.0% with and without intra-hospital death, respectively, p = 0.005) and sepsis (62.5% vs 8.1%, p < 0.0001). Ninety-nine patients were discharged. During a mean follow-up of 43.8 months, mortality rate was 43%; among patients with sepsis, it was 65.2% (p < 0.0001). By applying a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, we did not indicate significant associations with sex, etiologic agent, ejection fraction, IE, or treatment modality. The death rate was 32.8% for patients subjected to endocardial electrode reimplantation and 52.2% for epicardial reimplantation (p = 0.04). Chagasic etiology (44.7% of the baseline heart diseases) did not influence clinical and laboratory variables or disease progression. Conclusion The infection rate was 1.9%, mostly in men. We observed an association of intra-hospital mortality with IE and sepsis. After discharge, the annual mortality rate was 11.8%, influenced by sepsis during hospitalization and epicardial implantation. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device-Related Infection. / Perfil Clínico e Evolução de Pacientes com Infecção Relacionada a Dispositivos Cardíacos Eletrônicos Implantáveis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has increased sharply, impacting mortality. OBJECTIVE: To verify the proportion of patients with CIED infection; to analyze their clinical profile and the variables related to the infection and its progression. METHODS: Retrospective and longitudinal observational study including 123 patients with CIED infection among 6406 procedures. Parametric tests and a level of significance of 5% were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 60.1 years and mean length of stay in hospital was 35.3 days; most (71) patients were male, and the system was completely removed in 105 cases. Infectious endocarditis (IE) and sepsis were observed in 71 and 23 patients, respectively. Intra-hospital mortality was 19.5%. IE was associated with extrusion of the generator (17.0% vs 19.5% with and without IE, respectively, p = 0.04, inverse association) and sepsis (15.4% vs 3.2%, p = 0.01). Intra-hospital death was associated with IE (83.3% vs 52.0% with and without intra-hospital death, respectively, p = 0.005) and sepsis (62.5% vs 8.1%, p < 0.0001). Ninety-nine patients were discharged. During a mean follow-up of 43.8 months, mortality rate was 43%; among patients with sepsis, it was 65.2% (p < 0.0001). By applying a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, we did not indicate significant associations with sex, etiologic agent, ejection fraction, IE, or treatment modality. The death rate was 32.8% for patients subjected to endocardial electrode reimplantation and 52.2% for epicardial reimplantation (p = 0.04). Chagasic etiology (44.7% of the baseline heart diseases) did not influence clinical and laboratory variables or disease progression. CONCLUSION: The infection rate was 1.9%, mostly in men. We observed an association of intra-hospital mortality with IE and sepsis. After discharge, the annual mortality rate was 11.8%, influenced by sepsis during hospitalization and epicardial implantation. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Houve aumento expressivo na incidência de infecções relacionadas a dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis (DCEI) nos últimos anos, com impacto na mortalidade. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a proporção de pacientes com infecção de DCEI e analisar seu perfil clínico, as variáveis relacionadas com a infecção e sua evolução. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional e longitudinal com 123 pacientes com infecção de DCEI entre 6.406 procedimentos. Foram usados os testes paramétricos, e o nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 60,1 anos, e 71 eram homens. A média de internação foi de 35,3 dias, e houve remoção total do sistema em 105 pacientes. Identificaram-se endocardite infecciosa (EI) e sepse em 71 e 23 pacientes, respectivamente. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi 19,5%. Houve associação entre EI e extrusão do gerador (17,0% vs. 19,5% nos grupos com e sem EI, respectivamente, p = 0,04; associação inversa) e sepse (15,4% vs. 3,2%, p = 0,01). Houve associação entre morte intra-hospitalar e EI (83,3% vs. 52,0% com e sem morte, respectivamente, p = 0,005) e sepse (62,5% vs. 8,1%, p < 0,0001). Foi dada alta hospitalar a 99 pacientes. Durante a média de seguimento clínico de 43,8 meses, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 43%, e 65,2% dos pacientes com sepse faleceram (p < 0,0001). A curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier não indicou associação significante com sexo, agente etiológico, fração de ejeção, EI e modalidade de tratamento. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 32,8% entre os pacientes submetidos a reimplante de eletrodos por via endocárdica e 52,2% entre aqueles por via epicárdica (p = 0,04). Não houve influência da etiologia chagásica, a qual correspondeu a 44,7% das cardiopatias de base, quanto às variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais ou à evolução. CONCLUSÕES: A taxa de infecção foi de 1,9%, com predomínio em homens. Houve associação entre mortalidade intra-hospitalar e EI e sepse. Após a alta hospitalar, a taxa de mortalidade anual foi de 11,8%, com influência de sepse durante a internação e o implante epicárdico. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Effects of Radiotherapy in Coronary Artery Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the effects of radiotherapy (RT) on coronary artery disease, its mechanisms, and clinical and laboratory evidence and discusses ways to minimize radiation-induced coronary atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is known in patients undergoing thoracic RT. One of the damages occurs in the coronary arteries, with accelerated atherosclerosis manifesting decades later. There is clinical and laboratory evidence of coronary damage in retrospective studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Clinical studies have shown that RT cardiotoxicity occurs decades after radiation, regardless of chemotherapy, and may occur earlier in patients with pre-existing risk factors or disease. The pathogenesis of radiation-induced coronary artery disease is complex and multifactorial, including endothelial dysfunction, altered vascular tone, hemostatic imbalance, and inflammatory activation. Some factors are responsible, such as mean heart dose, RT chest site, patient position, techniques, and breathing maneuvers. There are approaches to reduce radiation-induced cardiac toxicity. Among them, besides the mentioned factors, metformin and anti-inflammatory agents can minimize coronary damage, with impact on morbidity and mortality.

Metodologia para realizar e interpretar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise individual de dados de participantes / Methodology to perform and interpret a systematic review and individual meta-analysis of participants' data

Metanálise é o método estatístico utilizado na revisão sistemática para integrar os resultados dos estudos incluídos e aumentar o poder estatístico da pesquisa primária.Estudos de metanálise, decorrentes de uma revisão sistemática, envolvem a combinação e a análise de evidências, que são utilizadas para produzir resultados baseados em conjunto de pesquisas prévias. Métodos tradicionais de metanálise sintetizam os dados agregados obtidos de publicações de estudo, como estimativa de efeito de tratamento (odds ratio, risco relativo) e sua incerteza associada (erro padrão ou intervalo de confiança). Uma abordagem alternativa é a metanálise individual de dados de participantes ou de pacientes, nos quais os dados de nível individual bruto para cada estudo são obtidos e utilizados para síntese. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar, de forma metodológica, como realizar e interpretar uma revisão sistemática e uma metanálise individual de dados de participantes. (AU)

A meta-analysisis the statistical method used in the systematic review to integrate the result sof includeds tudies, and to increase the statistical power of primary research. Meta-analysis studies, stemming from a systematic review, involve the combination and analysis of evidence that are used to produce results based on a set of previous research. Traditional meta-analysis methods synthesize aggreg ate data obtained from study publications, such as anestimate of treatment effect (odds ratio, relative risk) and the ir associated uncertainty (standard error or confidence interval). An alternative approach isthe individual meta-analysis of participants' or patients' data, in whichgross individual-level data for eachstudy are obtained and used for synthesis. The objective of this articleis to present a method o logical way of performing and in ter preting a systematic review and individual meta-analysisof the participants' data. (AU)

Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Dementia: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Effect of Anticoagulation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the cardiovascular risk factors for dementia. Several longitudinal studies have reported an association between AF and dementia independently of stroke history. Although the mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood, proposed mechanisms include cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammation, genetic factors, cerebral microbleeds, and recurrent silent cerebral ischemia. Oral anticoagulation can be used to minimize risk of cognitive decline and dementia, given that brain insults can be caused by chronic microemboli or microbleeds. However, controversy on the effects of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants on this risk exists. This article will address these aspects, with data on the studies already published and a critical view on this subject.

How Heart Rate Should Be Controlled in Patients with Atherosclerosis and Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. The main objectives are to discuss the prognosis of heart rate, its association with coronary atherosclerosis, and the modalities of control of the heart rate in sinus rhythm and in the rhythm of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS: As a therapeutic option for control heart rate, medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin, and finally ivabradine have been studied. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are contraindicated in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The influence of the magnitude of heart rate reduction and beta-blocker dose on morbidity and mortality will be discussed. Regarding the patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, there are different findings in heart rate control with the use of a beta-blocker. Patients eligible for ivabradine have clinical benefits and increased ejection fraction. Vagal nerve stimulation has low efficacy for the control of heart rate. Complementary therapies such as tai chi and yoga showed no effect on heart rate. In this review, we discuss the main therapeutic options for the control of heart rate in patients with atherosclerosis and heart failure. More research is needed to examine the effects of therapeutic options for heart rate control in different population types, as well as their effects on clinical outcomes and impact on morbidity and mortality.

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083465).

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators.

Epicardial adipose tissue and carotid artery disease: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is now widely recognized as a multifactorial disease with outcomes that arise from complex factors such as plaque components, blood flow, and inflammation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot, abundant in proinflammatory cytokines, and has been correlated with the extent and severity of carotid artery disease (CD). The locations most frequently affected by carotid atherosclerosis are the proximal internal carotid artery (ie, the origin) and the common carotid artery bifurcation. Progression of atheromatous plaque at the carotid bifurcation results in luminal narrowing, often accompanied by ulceration. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between EAT and CD. The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with CD in different ages and sex. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that (1) examined the association between EAT and CD, (2) focus on cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, (3) will conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) will published as original articles written in English or other languages, and (6) have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: We propose the current protocol to evaluate the evaluation of EAT with ED. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will not need ethical approval, because it does not involve human beings. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083458).

Statins in adult patients with HIV: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV have been found to suffer from lipid abnormalities, including elevated levels of total and LDL-cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are significant causes of mortality among the general population. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of statins classes on HIV patients. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English up to 31 December 2017, and which include direct and/or indirect evidence, will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching four electronic databases and cross-referencing. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will all-cause mortality, new event of acute myocardial infarction, stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome and urgent revascularization procedures and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes will be assessment of the differences in change of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment instrument for RCTs and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument for observational studies. Network meta-analysis will be performed using multivariate random-effects meta-regression models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to provide a hierarchy of statins that reduce cardiovascular mortality in HIV patients. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42017072996).