In-Hospital Management and Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Adherence in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Primary Results of the First Brazilian Registry of Heart Failure (BREATHE).

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF), a common cause of hospitalization, is associated with poor short-term clinical outcomes. Little is known about the long-term prognoses of patients with HF in Latin America. METHODS: BREATHE was the first nationwide prospective observational study in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure (HF). Patients were included during 2 time periods: February 2011-December 2012 and June 2016-July 2018 SUGGESTION FOR REPHRASING: In-hospital management, 12-month clinical outcomes and adherence to evidence-based therapies were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3013 patients were enrolled at 71 centers in Brazil. At hospital admission, 83.8% had clear signs of pulmonary congestion. The main cause of decompensation was poor adherence to HF medications (27.8%). Among patients with reduced ejection fraction, concomitant use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors and spironolactone decreased from 44.5% at hospital discharge to 35.2% at 3 months. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 12 months was 27.7%, with 24.3% readmission at 90 days and 44.4% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national prospective registry of patients hospitalized with acute HF, rates of mortality and readmission were higher than those reported globally. Poor adherence to evidence-based therapies was common at hospital discharge and at 12 months of follow-up.

Long-term Survival Following Heart Transplantation for Chagas Versus Non-Chagas Cardiomyopathy: A Single-center Experience in Northeastern Brazil Over 2 Decades.

Data on post-heart transplant (HT) survival of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) are scarce. We sought to evaluate post-HT survival in patients with CC as compared with other causes of heart failure across different eras of HT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cohort study of 376 adult HT recipients between October 1997 and November 2019. Participants were classified according to the etiology of heart failure as CC (N = 66), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (N = 214), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (N = 96), and according to the era of HT as early (1997-2009), recent (2010-2014), and current era (2015-2019). Results: After a mean follow-up of 5.0 y (0-20.5 y), post-HT survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 y were comparable between groups. One-y survival improved from 70% in the early eras to 80% in the current era (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.97; P = 0.034). After adjustment for sex, age, and mechanical circulatory support, time-related improvement in survival was observed only in patients without CC (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.91; P = 0.019) but not in those with CC (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.36-2.73; P = 0.98). Causes of death were similar between patients with CC and the other etiological subgroups. Conclusions: Posttransplant survival is comparable between patients with CC, nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Although survival has improved significantly over years for most HT recipients, it has remained unchanged for those with Chagas disease. These trends underscore the importance of scientific research, policy discussions and a collaborative registry of heart transplantation in Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Spatial Distribution of Mortality for Heart Failure in Brazil, 1996 - 2017. / Distribuição Espacial de Mortalidade por Insuficiência Cardíaca no Brasil, 1996-2017.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and is associated with the high use of resources and healthcare costs. In Brazil, the HF prevalence is around 2 million patients, and its incidence is of approximately 240,000 new cases per year. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal trend of mortality caused by HF in Brazil, from 1996 to 2017. METHODS: This is an ecological study developed with secondary data on HF mortality in Brazil. During the period, 1,242,014 cases of death caused by heart failure were analyzed. The existence of spatial autocorrelation of cases was calculated using the Global Moran Index (GMI) and, when significant, the Local Moran Index, considering p<0.05. The relative risk of the clusters was calculated. RESULTS: The mortality rate due to HF was diversified in all Brazilian regions, with an emphasis in the South, Southeast, and Northeast. The GMI indicated positive spatial autocorrelation (p=0.01) in all periods. Municipalities located in the South, Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest showed a higher Relative Risk for mortality from HF, and most municipalities in the North were classified as a protective factor against this cause of death. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a decline in mortality rates across the national territory. The highest concentration of mortality rates is in the North and Northeast regions, highlighting priority vulnerable areas in the planning and controlling strategies of health services.

FUNDAMENTO: Insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma das principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade no mundo, e está associada ao alto uso de recursos e custos com saúde. No Brasil, a prevalência de IC é de aproximadamente 2 milhões de pacientes, e sua incidência é de aproximadamente 240.000 novos casos por ano. OBJETIVO: A investigação objetivou analisar a tendência espaço-temporal da mortalidade causada por IC no Brasil, de 1996 a 2017. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo ecológico desenvolvido com dados secundários sobre mortalidade por IC no Brasil. Durante o período, 1.242.014 casos de morte causada por IC foram analisados. A existência da autocorrelação espacial de casos foi calculada utilizando o Índice de Moran Global (IMG) e, quando significativo, o Índice de Moran Local, considerando p <0,05. O risco relativo dos grupos foi calculado. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade causada por IC foi diversificada em regiões brasileiras, com ênfase no sul, sudeste e nordeste. O IMG indicou autocorrelação espacial positiva (p=0,01) em todos os períodos. Cidades localizadas no sul, sudeste, nordeste e centro-oeste mostraram maior risco relativo para mortalidade causada por IC, e a maioria das cidades do norte foi classificada como um fator protetivo contra esta causa de morte. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo demonstrou declínio nas taxas de mortalidade no território nacional. A maior concentração de taxas de mortalidade está nas regiões norte e nordeste, enfatizando as áreas prioritárias de vulnerabilidade no planejamento e estratégias de controle de serviços de saúde.

Factors associated with Physical Activity Counseling by Health Workers Questionnaire: construction, validation and reliability / Questionário sobre fatores associados para o Aconselhamento para Atividade Física por Trabalhadores da Saúde: construção, validação e reprodutibilidade

The main purpose of this study is to describe the development, validation and reliability of a ques-tionnaire to measure the associated factors of physical activity counseling by health workers. The development of the questionnaire was carried out in four steps: construction of the analytical matrix; face validation; pilot study; and reliability assessment. The analytical matrix consisted of ten modules with a total of 47 questions. In the second step, 21 Brazilian experts of different knowledge back-grounds gave their opinion on the presentation, clarity and adequacy of each item. In the third step, a pilot study was carried out with 20 professionals (doctors, nurses and community health agents) from the Joao Pessoa, Paraíba Family Health Strategy. In the last step, reliability index was assessed among a sample of 53 health workers from five health units. The final version of the questionnaire was composed of 53 questions distributed in ten modules. Results showed a total validity index of 0.90 ranging from 0.83 to 0.95 in the modules. The clarity and adequacy of the scale showed mean values of 0.93 (ranging from 0.87 to 0.96) and 0.95 (ranging from 0.91 to 0.98), respectively. Eight out of ten modules showed all items with reliability greater than 0.60 (kappa). The questionnaire showed a satisfactory validity and reliability and it is recommended for studies to measure physical activity counseling and other practices in health promotion by health workers in the primary health care

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o desenvolvimento, validação e reprodutibilidade de um questionário para mensurar fatores associados à prática do aconselhamento para atividade física por trabalhadores de saúde. O desenvolvimento do questionário foi realizado em quatro etapas: construção da matriz analítica; validação de face; estudo piloto; estudo de reprodutibilidade. A primeira etapa resultou numa matriz analítica com dez módulos com um total de 47 questões. Na segunda etapa, 21 brasileiros especialistas em diferentes áreas opinaram sobre a apresentação, clareza e adequação de cada item. Na terceira etapa, foi realizado o estudo piloto com 20 profissionais (médicos, enfermeiros e agentes comunitários de saúde) da Estratégia de Saúde da Família de João Pessoa-PB. Por fim, uma amostra de 53 trabalhadores participou do estudo de reprodutibili-dade. A versão final do questionário foi composta de 53 questões distribuídas em dez módulos. Foi encontrado um índice de validade geral de 0,90, variando de 0,81 a 0,95 nos módulos. A clareza e adequação da escala demonstraram valores médios de 0,93 (variando entre 0,87 e 0,96) e 0,95 (variando entre 0,91 e 0,98), respectivamente. Oito dos dez módulos apresentaram todos os itens com valores de reprodutibilidade acima de 0,60 (kappa). O questionário apresentou validade satisfatória e reprodutibilidade adequada, recomendando a sua utilização em estudos que visam avaliar a prática de aconselhamento de atividade física e outras prá-ticas de promoção da saúde por trabalhadores de saúde da atenção primaria à saúde

Distribuição Espacial de Mortalidade por Insuficiência Cardíaca no Brasil, 1996-2017 / Spatial Distribution of Mortality for Heart Failure in Brazil, 1996 - 2017

Resumo Fundamento Insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma das principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade no mundo, e está associada ao alto uso de recursos e custos com saúde. No Brasil, a prevalência de IC é de aproximadamente 2 milhões de pacientes, e sua incidência é de aproximadamente 240.000 novos casos por ano. Objetivo A investigação objetivou analisar a tendência espaço-temporal da mortalidade causada por IC no Brasil, de 1996 a 2017. Métodos Este é um estudo ecológico desenvolvido com dados secundários sobre mortalidade por IC no Brasil. Durante o período, 1.242.014 casos de morte causada por IC foram analisados. A existência da autocorrelação espacial de casos foi calculada utilizando o Índice de Moran Global (IMG) e, quando significativo, o Índice de Moran Local, considerando p <0,05. O risco relativo dos grupos foi calculado. Resultados A taxa de mortalidade causada por IC foi diversificada em regiões brasileiras, com ênfase no sul, sudeste e nordeste. O IMG indicou autocorrelação espacial positiva (p=0,01) em todos os períodos. Cidades localizadas no sul, sudeste, nordeste e centro-oeste mostraram maior risco relativo para mortalidade causada por IC, e a maioria das cidades do norte foi classificada como um fator protetivo contra esta causa de morte. Conclusões O estudo demonstrou declínio nas taxas de mortalidade no território nacional. A maior concentração de taxas de mortalidade está nas regiões norte e nordeste, enfatizando as áreas prioritárias de vulnerabilidade no planejamento e estratégias de controle de serviços de saúde.

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and is associated with the high use of resources and healthcare costs. In Brazil, the HF prevalence is around 2 million patients, and its incidence is of approximately 240,000 new cases per year. Objective The present investigation aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal trend of mortality caused by HF in Brazil, from 1996 to 2017. Methods This is an ecological study developed with secondary data on HF mortality in Brazil. During the period, 1,242,014 cases of death caused by heart failure were analyzed. The existence of spatial autocorrelation of cases was calculated using the Global Moran Index (GMI) and, when significant, the Local Moran Index, considering p<0.05. The relative risk of the clusters was calculated. Results The mortality rate due to HF was diversified in all Brazilian regions, with an emphasis in the South, Southeast, and Northeast. The GMI indicated positive spatial autocorrelation (p=0.01) in all periods. Municipalities located in the South, Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest showed a higher Relative Risk for mortality from HF, and most municipalities in the North were classified as a protective factor against this cause of death. Conclusions The study showed a decline in mortality rates across the national territory. The highest concentration of mortality rates is in the North and Northeast regions, highlighting priority vulnerable areas in the planning and controlling strategies of health services.

Associated factors with physical activity counseling among Brazilian Family Health Strategy workers.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors with physical activity counseling among Brazilian Family Health Strategy workers. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a random sample of 591 health workers who work in the Family Health Teams of João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. Counseling for physical activity was defined as any advising targeted for increasing patients' physical activity levels conducted for at least six months. The following factors were considered: time working in health care units, amount of daily attendance, continuing education, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, attitude, self-rated health, physical activity level and nutritional status. Prevalence of counseling was 46.3%, being higher among physicians (74.5%; 95%CI: 59.6-85.2) and nurses (60.3%; 95%CI: 48.0-71.4) compared to community health workers (42.9%; 95%CI: 38.2-47.7) and nurses assistants (31.5%; 95%CI: 20.2-45.4). The results showed health professionals with positive self-rated health, without perception of barriers, having a positive attitude and high self-efficacy were more likely to perform physical activity counseling. Knowledge and actions on factors associated with physical activity counseling can help broaden the involvement of primary health care providers in health education.

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.

Associated factors with physical activity counseling among Brazilian Family Health Strategy workers / Fatores associados ao aconselhamento em atividade física entre trabalhadores da Estratégia Brasileira de Saúde da Família

Abstract This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors with physical activity counseling among Brazilian Family Health Strategy workers. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a random sample of 591 health workers who work in the Family Health Teams of João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. Counseling for physical activity was defined as any advising targeted for increasing patients' physical activity levels conducted for at least six months. The following factors were considered: time working in health care units, amount of daily attendance, continuing education, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, attitude, self-rated health, physical activity level and nutritional status. Prevalence of counseling was 46.3%, being higher among physicians (74.5%; 95%CI: 59.6-85.2) and nurses (60.3%; 95%CI: 48.0-71.4) compared to community health workers (42.9%; 95%CI: 38.2-47.7) and nurses assistants (31.5%; 95%CI: 20.2-45.4). The results showed health professionals with positive self-rated health, without perception of barriers, having a positive attitude and high self-efficacy were more likely to perform physical activity counseling. Knowledge and actions on factors associated with physical activity counseling can help broaden the involvement of primary health care providers in health education.

Resumo O estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao aconselhamento para atividade física entre trabalhadores da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Trata-se de estudo transversal com amostra de 591 trabalhadores de Equipes de Saúde da Família de João Pessoa-PB, Brasil. Aconselhamento para atividade física foi definido como qualquer recomendação direcionada a aumentar os níveis de atividade física dos usuários conduzida por pelo menos seis meses. Foram considerados os seguintes fatores: tempo de trabalho, quantidade de atendimentos, educação permanente, barreiras percebidas, autoeficácia, atitude, autoavaliação de saúde, nível de atividade física e estado nutricional. A prevalência de aconselhamento foi de 46,3%, sendo maior entre médicos (74,5%; IC95%: 59,6-85,2) e enfermeiros (60,3%; IC95%: 48,0-71,4) em relação aos agentes comunitários de saúde (42,9%; IC95%: 38,2-47,7) e técnicos de enfermagem (31,5%; IC95%: 20,2-45,4). Profissionais com autoavaliação positiva de saúde, sem percepção de barreiras, com atitude positiva e alta autoeficácia, apresentaram maior chance de realizar aconselhamento. Conhecimentos e ações sobre os fatores associados ao aconselhamento podem ajudar a ampliar o envolvimento dos profissionais em iniciativas de educação em saúde.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SCREEN TIME, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND SLEEP IN ADOLESCENTS IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of sleep quality and duration and its association with the level of physical activity, screen time and nutritional status in adolescents. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 1,432 adolescents (53.1%, female), ten to 14 years old (12.0±1.0 year) from public schools in Joao Pessoa, Northeast Brazil. Physical activity (≥300 vs. <300 minutes/week), screen time (≤2 vs. >2 h/day) and duration (<8 vs. ≥8 h/day) and perception of sleep quality (negative vs. positive perception) were measured by questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (low weight / normal weight vs. overweight / obesity). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze association between variables, considering different aggregation of negative factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of insufficient duration and negative perception of sleep quality was 12.6% (95%CI 10.9-14.4) and 21.0% (95%CI 18.9-23.1), respectively. There was a linear trend in the chance of the adolescents to present insufficient duration of sleep as a result of simultaneous negative factors (physical inactivity, excessive screen time, being overweight) (OR=4.31; 95%CI 1.50-12.48). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents exposed simultaneously to low levels of physical activity, excessive screen time and overweight had a lower sleep duration.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valve and atrial fibrillation or flutter: Rationale and design of the RIVER trial.

The efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation or flutter remain uncertain. DESIGN: RIVER was an academic-led, multicenter, open-label, randomized, non-inferiority trial with blinded outcome adjudication that enrolled 1005 patients from 49 sites in Brazil. Patients with a bioprosthetic mitral valve and atrial fibrillation or flutter were randomly assigned (1:1) to rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (15 mg in those with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) or dose-adjusted warfarin (target international normalized ratio 2.0-30.); the follow-up period was 12 months. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, major bleeding, valve thrombosis, systemic embolism, or hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary composite outcome, bleeding events, and venous thromboembolism. SUMMARY: RIVER represents the largest trial specifically designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a direct oral anticoagulant in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation or flutter. The results of this trial can inform clinical practice and international guidelines.

Physical activity, screen time, nutritional status and sleep in adolescents in northeast brazil / Prática de atividade física, tempo de tela, estado nutricional e sono em adolescentes no nordeste do brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the prevalence of sleep quality and duration and its association with the level of physical activity, screen time and nutritional status in adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 1,432 adolescents (53.1%, female), ten to 14 years old (12.0±1.0 year) from public schools in Joao Pessoa, Northeast Brazil. Physical activity (≥300 vs. <300 minutes/week), screen time (≤2 vs. >2 h/day) and duration (<8 vs. ≥8 h/day) and perception of sleep quality (negative vs. positive perception) were measured by questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (low weight / normal weight vs. overweight / obesity). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze association between variables, considering different aggregation of negative factors. Results: The prevalence of insufficient duration and negative perception of sleep quality was 12.6% (95%CI 10.9-14.4) and 21.0% (95%CI 18.9-23.1), respectively. There was a linear trend in the chance of the adolescents to present insufficient duration of sleep as a result of simultaneous negative factors (physical inactivity, excessive screen time, being overweight) (OR=4.31; 95%CI 1.50-12.48). Conclusions: Adolescents exposed simultaneously to low levels of physical activity, excessive screen time and overweight had a lower sleep duration.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência da percepção da qualidade e duração do sono e sua associação com o nível de atividade física, tempo de tela e estado nutricional em adolescentes. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 1.432 adolescentes (53,1% do sexo feminino), de dez a 14 anos de idade (12,0±1,0 ano) e de escolas públicas de João Pessoa (PB). A atividade física (≥300 vs. <300 min/semana), o tempo de tela (≤2 vs. >2 h/dia) e a duração (<8 vs. ≥8 h/dia) e percepção da qualidade do sono (percepção negativa vs. percepção positiva) foram mensuradas por questionário. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo índice de massa corporal (baixo peso/peso normal vs. sobrepeso/obesidade). A regressão logística binária foi utilizada para analisar a associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: A prevalência de duração insuficiente e a percepção negativa da qualidade do sono foram de 12,6% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 10,9-14,4) e 21,0% (IC95% 18,9-23,1), respectivamente. Identificou-se tendência linear de aumento na chance de os adolescentes apresentarem duração insuficiente de sono com o aumento do número de fatores negativos (inatividade física, tempo excessivo de tela, excesso de peso corporal) a que eles estavam expostos (Odds Ratio [OR]=4,31; IC95% 1,50-12,48). Conclusões: Adolescentes expostos simultaneamente a baixos níveis de atividade física, tempo excessivo de tela e excesso de peso tiveram menor duração de sono.

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.

Rivaroxaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve.

BACKGROUND: The effects of rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve remain uncertain. METHODS: In this randomized trial, we compared rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily) with dose-adjusted warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2.0 to 3.0) in patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve. The primary outcome was a composite of death, major cardiovascular events (stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, valve thrombosis, or hospitalization for heart failure), or major bleeding at 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 1005 patients were enrolled at 49 sites in Brazil. A primary-outcome event occurred at a mean of 347.5 days in the rivaroxaban group and 340.1 days in the warfarin group (difference calculated as restricted mean survival time, 7.4 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.4 to 16.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). Death from cardiovascular causes or thromboembolic events occurred in 17 patients (3.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 26 (5.1%) in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.20). The incidence of stroke was 0.6% in the rivaroxaban group and 2.4% in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.88). Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (1.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 13 (2.6%) in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.21 to 1.35). The frequency of other serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve, rivaroxaban was noninferior to warfarin with respect to the mean time until the primary outcome of death, major cardiovascular events, or major bleeding at 12 months. (Funded by PROADI-SUS and Bayer; RIVER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02303795.).