Distal Transradial Access in the Anatomical Snuffbox for Interventional Coronary Procedures: Analysis of Access Site Pain and Complications.

INTRODUCTION: A novel arterial access distally on the radial artery through the anatomical snuffbox has been recently described for coronary interventional procedures. However, there is insufficient data comparing the advantages and limitations of distal transradial access (dTRA), conventional transradial access (TRA), and transfemoral access (TFA). The aim of this study was to compare the three access sites regarding local pain and complications during or after coronary interventional procedures. METHODS: This prospective observational single-center study included 211 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention, divided into three groups: dTRA (n=69), TRA (n=71), and TFA (n=71). The access site was chosen at the discretion of three operators. We administered a questionnaire to all patients, addressing local pain or discomfort during or after the procedure and the occurrence of possible complications such as distal pallor, local bleeding, and purple color on the access site. RESULTS: Pain on the access site during the procedure was reported more frequently in the TRA group (dTRA 15.9% vs. TRA 32.4% vs. TFA 15.5%). There were no differences in the occurrence of local pain after the procedure in all three groups (29.6% in the dTRA group, 28.2% in the TRA group, and 26.8% in the TFA group). Pain intensity, when it occurred, was higher in the dTRA group (dTRA 5.8 vs. TRA 4.8 vs. TFA 4.6 on a 1-10 scale), as was its duration (dTRA 13.7 vs. TRA 7.6 vs. TFA 8.2 days). Only two local bleeding events were reported, both in the TFA group. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of local pain on the puncture site after coronary interventional procedures did not differ among the three groups. The dTRA group presented a lower incidence of pain during the procedure when compared to TRA and a lower incidence of purple color when compared to TFA. However, pain intensity and duration were higher in the dTRA group when pain was reported. Using dTRA for coronary procedures is a feasible and safe strategy in selected cases.

Knee landmarks detection via deep learning for automatic imaging evaluation of trochlear dysplasia and patellar height.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a deep learning-based approach to automatically measure the patellofemoral instability (PFI) indices related to patellar height and trochlear dysplasia in knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. METHODS: A total of 763 knee MRI slices from 95 patients were included in the study, and 3393 anatomical landmarks were annotated for measuring sulcus angle (SA), trochlear facet asymmetry (TFA), trochlear groove depth (TGD) and lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) to assess trochlear dysplasia, and Insall-Salvati index (ISI), modified Insall-Salvati index (MISI), Caton Deschamps index (CDI) and patellotrochlear index (PTI) to assess patellar height. A U-Net based network was implemented to predict the landmarks' locations. The successful detection rate (SDR) and the mean absolute error (MAE) evaluation metrics were used to evaluate the performance of the network. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also used to evaluate the reliability of the proposed framework to measure the mentioned PFI indices. RESULTS: The developed models achieved good accuracy in predicting the landmarks' locations, with a maximum value for the MAE of 1.38 ± 0.76 mm. The results show that LTI, TGD, ISI, CDI and PTI can be measured with excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9), and SA, TFA and MISI can be measured with good reliability (ICC > 0.75), with the proposed framework. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a reliable approach with promising applicability for automatic patellar height and trochlear dysplasia assessment, assisting the radiologists in their clinical practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The objective knee landmarks detection on MRI images provided by artificial intelligence may improve the reproducibility and reliability of the imaging evaluation of trochlear anatomy and patellar height, assisting radiologists in their clinical practice in the patellofemoral instability assessment. KEY POINTS: • Imaging evaluation of patellofemoral instability is subjective and vulnerable to substantial intra and interobserver variability. • Patellar height and trochlear dysplasia are reliably assessed in MRI by means of artificial intelligence (AI). • The developed AI framework provides an objective evaluation of patellar height and trochlear dysplasia enhancing the clinical practice of the radiologists.

Distal transradial access in the anatomical snuffbox for interventional coronary procedures: analysis of access site pain and complications

INTRODUCTION: A novel arterial access distally on the radial artery through the anatomical snuffbox has been recently described for coronary interventional procedures. However, there is insufficient data comparing the advantages and limitations of distal transradial access (dTRA), conventional transradial access (TRA), and transfemoral access (TFA). The aim of this study was to compare the three access sites regarding local pain and complications during or after coronary interventional procedures. METHODS: This prospective observational single-center study included 211 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention, divided into three groups: dTRA (n=69), TRA (n=71), and TFA (n=71). The access site was chosen at the discretion of three operators. We administered a questionnaire to all patients, addressing local pain or discomfort during or after the procedure and the occurrence of possible complications such as distal pallor, local bleeding, and purple color on the access site. RESULTS: Pain on the access site during the procedure was reported more frequently in the TRA group (dTRA 15.9% vs. TRA 32.4% vs. TFA 15.5%). There were no differences in the occurrence of local pain after the procedure in all three groups (29.6% in the dTRA group, 28.2% in the TRA group, and 26.8% in the TFA group). Pain intensity, when it occurred, was higher in the dTRA group (dTRA 5.8 vs. TRA 4.8 vs. TFA 4.6 on a 1-10 scale), as was its duration (dTRA 13.7 vs. TRA 7.6 vs. TFA 8.2 days). Only two local bleeding events were reported, both in the TFA group. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of local pain on the puncture site after coronary interventional procedures did not differ among the three groups. The dTRA group presented a lower incidence of pain during the procedure when compared to TRA and a lower incidence of purple color when compared to TFA. However, pain intensity and duration were higher in the dTRA group when pain was reported. Using dTRA for coronary procedures is a feasible and safe strategy in selected cases.

Imaging evaluation of patellofemoral joint instability: a review.

The multifactorial origin of anterior knee pain in patellofemoral joint disorders leads to a demanding diagnostic process. Patellofemoral misalignment is pointed out as one of the main causes of anterior knee pain. The main anatomical risk factors of patellofemoral instability addressed in the literature are trochlear dysplasia, abnormal patellar height, and excessive tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. Diagnostic imaging of the patellofemoral joint has a fundamental role in assessing these predisposing factors of instability. Extensive work is found in the literature regarding the assessment of patellofemoral instability, encompassing several metrics to quantify its severity. Nevertheless, this process is not well established and standardized, resulting in some variability and inconsistencies. The significant amount of scattered information regarding the patellofemoral indices to assess the instability has led to this issue. This review was conducted to collect all this information and describe the main insights of each patellofemoral index presented in the literature. Five distinct categories were created to organize the patellofemoral instability indices: trochlear dysplasia, patellar height, patellar lateralization, patellar tilt, and tibial tubercle lateralization.

Auditory Information Reduces Response Time for Ball Rotation Perception, Increasing Counterattack Performance in Table Tennis.

Purpose: Identifying the magnitude of ball rotation is critical to reduce response time, aiming to improve table tennis performance. This study analyzed the influence of auditory and visual information on the perception accuracy and counterattack performance of table tennis players. Methods: Twenty-two high-level table tennis players (22.5 ± 6.1 years, 71.2 ± 9.8 kg, 173.5 ± 7.7 cm) performed two tasks. In the first task, the athletes analyzed audio and video files of the forehand movement on a computer screen with auditory, visual, and combined information and, as soon as possible, chose the ball spin type on a keyboard: fast (spinning ball forward at 140 rotations per second (rotations/s); medium (105 rotations/s); slow (84 rotations/s); or flat hit (70 rotations/s). In the second task, the athletes performed 80 counterattacks (forehand movement) at the table on a target (68x38 cm) with and without auditory information. Results: Friedman's ANOVA revealed a significant effect of condition for perception accuracy (p < .001). Post hoc tests showed higher perception accuracy in the combined and visual conditions. ANOVA also revealed a significant effect of condition for response time to perceive ball rotation (p < .001). The response time was shorter in the combined condition than the other conditions for all spin types. Kendall's analyses showed no significant correlations between perception accuracy and response time in any ball spin type. Regarding the counterattack performance, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated higher performance when auditory information was available (p = .022). Conclusions: As auditory information influences the response time and counterattack performance, it seems crucial for trainers and athletes to explore and include auditory perception training methods.

Perfuração coronária durante intervenção coronária percutânea: descrição de uma técnica de salvamento / Coronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention: description of a salvage technique

A perfuração de artéria coronária durante intervenção coronária percutânea é um evento incomum (0,43%), porém potencialmente grave e com elevado risco de tamponamento cardíaco e morte. Perfurações graves exigem implante de stent recoberto, muitas vezes indisponível. Descrevemos uma técnica alternativa e simples de tratamento, que pode ser realizada com uso de politetrafluoretileno de um balão amarrado sobre um stent coronário.

A coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention is an uncommon (0.43%) but potentially severe event, with high risk of cardiac tamponade and death. Severe perforations require placing a covered stent, which is often unavailable. We describe an alternative and simple treatment technique, which can be performed using polytetrafluoroethylene from a balloon tied over a coronary stent.

Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Objectives To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher's test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane's T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients < 60 years of age, 5.7% in patients between 60 and 70 years, and 5.2% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

Inflammation as a Prognostic Marker in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic cardiac disease of great importance worldwide and responsible for one-fifth of hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Pro-inflammatory mediators are involved in the pathophysiology of HF. However, the impact of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of the disease remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate inflammation as a prognostic marker in chronic HF. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, observational cohort study conducted from June 2018 through December 2019, we included outpatients with HF from a specialized service of a teaching hospital. Patients with decompensated HF requiring hospitalization in the last 30 days were excluded. At the time of inclusion, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin were collected and the presence of inflammation was defined as CRP/albumin ≥1.2. Patients with CRP/albumin ratio <1.2 (group A) and CRP/albumin ratio ≥1.2 (group B) were compared. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospitalization for decompensated HF, number of hospitalizations, and number of days of hospitalization in the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: We included 77 patients, 49 (63.3%) in group A and 28 (3.4%) in group B. Six patients in group A (12.2%) and 10 patients in group B (35.7%) required at least one hospitalization during follow-up (p=0.01). The rate of hospitalizations for decompensated HF for every 100 patients was 16.3 in group A vs 50.0 in group B (p=0.0001) and the average in-hospital length of stay was 12.2 vs 14.2 days per hospitalized patient (p=0.36) in groups A and B, respectively. The mortality rate was 6.1% in group A vs 7.1% in group B (p=0.86). CONCLUSION: In HF outpatients with inflammation evidentiated by the CRP/albumin ratio ≥1.2, the risk of death was similar to patients without inflammation criteria. However, the presence of inflammation led to a three-fold higher risk of hospitalization for HF decompensation.

Cost analysis of acute care resource utilization among individuals with sickle cell disease in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: The costs associated with the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) are understudied in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). We evaluated the cost of treating SCD-related acute complications and the potential cost-savings of hydroxyurea in a specialized hematology center in Brazil. METHODS: The costs (US dollars) of emergency department (ED) and hospitalizations from SCD-related complications between 01.01.2018 and 06.30.2018 were ascertained using absorption and micro-costing approaches. The reasons for acute hospital visits were grouped as: 1) vaso-occlusive (VOC) pain, 2) infection, 3) anemia exacerbation, and 4) chronic organ damage complications. Hydroxyurea adherence was estimated by medication possession ratio (MPR) during the study period. RESULTS: In total, 1144 patients, median age 17 years (range 0-70), 903 (78.9%) with HbSS/HbSß0-thalassemia, 441 (38.5%) prescribed hydroxyurea, visited the ED, of whom 381 (33%) were admitted. VOC accounted for 64% of all ED visits and 60% of all admissions. Anemia exacerbation was the most expensive reason for ED visit ($321.87/visit), while chronic organ damage carried the highest admission cost ($2176.40/visit). Compared with other genotypes, individuals with HbSS/HbSß0-thalassemia were admitted more often (79% versus 21%, p < 0.0001), and their admission costs were higher ($1677.18 versus $1224.47/visit, p = 0.0001). Antibiotics and analgesics accounted for 43% and 42% of the total ED costs, respectively, while housing accounted for 46% of the total admission costs. Costs of ED visits not resulting in admissions were lower among HbSS/HbSß0-thalassemia individuals with hydroxyurea MPR ≥65% compared with visits by patients with MPR <65% ($98.16/visit versus $182.46/visit, p = 0.0007). No difference in admission costs were observed relative to hydroxyurea use. DISCUSSION: In a LMIC hematology-specialized center, VOCs accounted for most acute visits from patients with SCD, but costs were highest due to anemia exacerbation. Analgesics, antibiotics, and housing drove most expenses. Hydroxyurea may reduce ED costs among individuals with HbSS/HbSß0-thalassemia but is dependent on adherence level.

High risk coronavirus disease 2019: The primary results of the CoronaHeart multi-center cohort study

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present high risk features during hospitalization, including cardiovascular manifestations. However, less is known about the factors that may further increase the risk of death in these patients. METHODS: We included patients with COVID-19 and high risk features according to clinical and/or laboratory criteria at 21 sites in Brazil from June 10th to October 23rd of 2020. All variables were collected until hospital discharge or in-hospital death. RESULTS: A total of 2546 participants were included (mean age 65 years; 60.3% male). Overall, 70.8% were admitted to intensive care units and 54.2% had elevated troponin levels. In-hospital mortality was 41.7%. An interaction among sex, age and mortality was found (p = 0.007). Younger women presented higher rates of death than men (30.0% vs 22.9%), while older men presented higher rates of death than women (57.6% vs 49.2%). The strongest factors associated with in-hospital mortality were need for mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.4­12.7), elevated C-reactive protein (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7­2.9), cancer (OR 1.8, 95 %CI 1.2­2.9), and elevated troponin levels (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4­2.3). A risk score was developed for risk assessment of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort showed that patients with COVID-19 and high risk features have an elevated rate of in-hospital mortality with differences according to age and sex. These results highlight unique aspects of this population and might help identifying patients who may benefit from more careful initial surveillance and potential subsequent interventional therapies

High risk coronavirus disease 2019: The primary results of the CoronaHeart multi-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present high risk features during hospitalization, including cardiovascular manifestations. However, less is known about the factors that may further increase the risk of death in these patients. METHODS: We included patients with COVID-19 and high risk features according to clinical and/or laboratory criteria at 21 sites in Brazil from June 10th to October 23rd of 2020. All variables were collected until hospital discharge or in-hospital death. RESULTS: A total of 2546 participants were included (mean age 65 years; 60.3% male). Overall, 70.8% were admitted to intensive care units and 54.2% had elevated troponin levels. In-hospital mortality was 41.7%. An interaction among sex, age and mortality was found (p = 0.007). Younger women presented higher rates of death than men (30.0% vs 22.9%), while older men presented higher rates of death than women (57.6% vs 49.2%). The strongest factors associated with in-hospital mortality were need for mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.4-12.7), elevated C-reactive protein (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-2.9), cancer (OR 1.8, 95 %CI 1.2-2.9), and elevated troponin levels (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3). A risk score was developed for risk assessment of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort showed that patients with COVID-19 and high risk features have an elevated rate of in-hospital mortality with differences according to age and sex. These results highlight unique aspects of this population and might help identifying patients who may benefit from more careful initial surveillance and potential subsequent interventional therapies.

Qualidade de vida em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca: análise de três anos em um serviço especializado

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) apresenta elevada morbimortalidade, além de exercer grande impacto sobre a qualidade de vida (QV). O Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) é um escore que avalia a QV dos pacientes portadores dessa síndrome, no qual uma maior pontuação reflete uma menor QV. Objetivo. Avaliar a QV dos pacientes com IC após três anos de seguimento em um serviço ambulatorial especializado de um hospital-escola. Métodos. Estudo unicêntrico, descritivo e prospectivo em que se aplicou o MLHFQ, de modo voluntário e sigiloso, a pacientes com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida acompanhados ambulatorialmente na clínica de IC. Foram analisados os resultados dos MLHFQ dos pacientes comparando-se o momento da inclusão no estudo, em 2014, e após o seguimento de três anos, em 2017/18. Resultados. Dos 76 pacientes inicialmente entrevistados, 74 (97,4%) responderam ao questionário e foram incluídos no estudo, em 2014. Após seguimento de três anos, 39,2% (29/74) dos pacientes responderam novamente ao questionário e em 59,8% (45/74) não se pôde aplicar o MLHFQ pela segunda vez (óbitos: 11; perda de acompanhamento no serviço: 21; não localizados: 13). O escore médio obtido pelo MLHFQ foi de 40,3 ± 21 pontos no momento da inclusão e 31,6 ± 23 pontos após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço (p=0,001). Conclusão. Observou-se baixa QV em pacientes com IC incluídos no estudo, havendo melhora significativa após três anos de acompanhamento no serviço especializado. As clínicas de IC podem aumentar expressivamente a QV dos pacientes portadores de IC, proporcionando potencial benefício prognóstico.

Background. Heart failure (HF) presents high morbidity and mortality, besides having great impact on quality of life (QoL). The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is a score that assesses the QoL of patients with this syndrome, in which the higher scores indicates lower QoL. Objective. To analyze the QoL of HF patients after three years of follow-up at the specialized outpatient service of a teaching hospital. Methods. Unicentric, descriptive, prospective study that voluntarily and confidentially applied MLHFQ in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction followed at the HF clinic. The results of the patients MLHFQ compared at the time of inclusion in the study in 2014 and after the three-year follow-up in 2017/18 were analyzed. Results. Of 76 interviewed patients, 74 (97.4%) answered the questionnaire and were included in the study in 2014. After three years, 39.2% (29/74) answered the questionnaire again and in 59.8% (45/74) cannot apply MLHFQ a second time (deaths: 11; loss of follow-up at the service: 21; not found: 13). The mean score reached by the MLHFQ was 40.3 ± 21 points after inclusion and 31.6 ± 23 points after three years of follow-up at the service (p=0.001). Conclusion. We observed low QoL in the patients with HF included on this study, providing improvement of QoL after three years of follow-up at the specialized service. The HF clinics may significantly increase the QoL of HF patients, providing potential prognostic benefit.

Introducción. La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) tiene una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, además de tener un gran impacto en la calidad de vida (CV). El cuestionario Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) es un score de puntos que evalúa la CV de los pacientes con este síndrome, en la que una puntuación más alta refleja una menor CV. Objetivo. Evaluar la CV de pacientes con IC tras tres años de seguimiento en un servicio ambulatorio especializado de un hospital universitario. Métodos. Estudio unicéntrico, descriptivo y prospectivo en el que se aplicó el MLHFQ, de forma voluntaria y confidencial, a pacientes con IC con fracción de eyección reducida seguidos de forma ambulatoria en la clínica de IC. Los resultados del MLHFQ de los pacientes se analizaron comparando el tiempo de inclusión en el estudio, en 2014, y después de los tres años de seguimiento, en 2017/18. Resultados. De los 76 pacientes entrevistados inicialmente, 74 (97,4%) respondieron el cuestionario y fueron incluidos en el estudio en 2014. Después de un seguimiento de tres años, el 39,2% (29/74) de los pacientes respondieron el cuestionario nuevamente y en el 59,8% (45/74) no se pudo aplicar el MLHFQ por segunda vez (muertes: 11; pérdida de seguimiento en el servicio: 21; no localizado: 13). La puntuación media obtenida por el MLHFQ fue de 40,3 ± 21 puntos en el momento de la inclusión y de 31,6 ± 23 puntos tras tres años de seguimiento en el servicio (p=0,001). Conclusión. Se observó baja CV en los pacientes con IC incluidos en el estudio, con mejoría significativa a los tres años de seguimiento en el servicio especializado. Las clínicas de IC pueden aumentar significativamente la CV de los pacientes con IC, proporcionando un beneficio pronóstico potencial.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Giant Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm.

Left ventricle pseudoaneurysm is usually a severe complication of acute myocardial infarction, caused by rupture of the myocardial wall with pericardium bleeding. Mortality can reach 50 to 80% within a week if not properly treated. Hemodynamic instability, cardiac tamponade, and cardiac arrest are life-threatening presentations that require surgical treatment. We report a case of a man with a left ventricle chronic giant pseudoaneurysm and unspecific symptoms. After critical judgement on a heart team basis, surgical treatment was successfully performed, with a good long-term clinical outcome.

Safety analysis of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure in Vitória, Espírito Santo

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan has proven its efficacy to reduce cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality and sudden death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Thus, it becomes important to evaluate the safety profile of the medication in clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to assess safety outcomes on the use of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with HFrEF attended in a Brazilian specialized service. Methods: Prospective observational study that included patients with HFrEF from a specialized ambulatory service, in functional class II-IV, initiated on sacubitril/valsartan as per clinical indication, with a four-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of symptomatic arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia and reduction of renal function. Serum potassium values, blood pressure and creatinine clearance were analyzed at inclusion and at the end of follow-up. A 5% significance level was considered for comparisons. Results: Twenty-six patients were analyzed, 57.7% male, mean age 57.8 ± 10 years, average left ventricle ejection fraction 29.9 ± 7.7%. Symptomatic hypotension occurred in 53.8%, hyperkalemia in 19.2% and reduction of renal function in 6.7%. There was significant difference from initial to final systolic (122 ± 24mmHg versus 109 ± 15mmHg; p=0.024) and diastolic (76 ± 18mmHg versus 66 ± 12mmHg; p=0.022) blood pressure, but no difference in serum potassium (4.8 ± 0.4mEq/L versus 5.0 ± 0.3mEq/L; p=0.07) and creatinine clearance (65 ± 23mL/min/1.73m² versus 66 ± 29mL/min/1.73m²; p=0.89). Conclusions: Symptomatic hypotension was the most frequent side-effect of sacubitril/valsartan. Reduction of blood pressure was observed at the end of follow-up, but no reduction of renal function or significant increase of serum potassium.

Force stability training decreased force variability of plantar flexor muscles without reducing postural sway in female older adults.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported a relationship between postural sway and force variability of the plantar flexor muscles (PFM), such that less force variability related to lower postural sway; however, this association does not seem to exist in older adults. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study investigated the effect of force stability training of the PFM on force variability (FV) of these muscles and postural sway in female older adults. METHODS: Thirty female older adults were divided into three groups: TG5 (n = 10), who trained at 5% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the PFM; TG10 (n = 10), who trained at 10 % of MVIC of the PFM; and CG (n = 10) who did not perform any specific training for the PFM. Postural sway was evaluated during upright bipodal posture. Postural sway and FV of the PFM were assessed before and after the training period. Participants trained once a week for four weeks. RESULTS: After the training period, the FV decreased significantly for both TG5 (pre = 3.26 ± 0.83; post = 2.53 ± 0.60 N) and TG10 (pre = 3.50 ± 0.72; post = 2.85 ± 0.86 N), but the mean sway amplitude increased for both TG5 (pre = 0.017 ± 0.03; post = 0.19 ± 0.04 cm) and TG10 (pre = 0.14 ± 0.04; post = 0.16 ± 0.04 cm). SIGNIFICANCE: The force stability training decreased the FV of the PFM, but this decrease was insufficient to reduce postural sway in female older adults.

Hemoglobina e sódio séricos:: marcadores prognósticos precoces na insuficiência cardíaca descompensada

Introdução. A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. Marcadores prognósticos clínicos e laboratoriais foram identificados, porém a influência precoce da hemoglobina (Hb) e do sódio (Na) séricos é pouco conhecida. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características clínicas e desfechos em pacientes internados por IC descompensada, conforme dosagem sérica de Hb e Na nas primeiras 24 horas. Material e métodos. Estudo prospectivo observacional que avaliou pacientes adultos internados por IC descompensada acompanhados por até 30 dias após a alta. Os grupos analisados foram: Hb e Na iniciais normais (grupo 1), Hb inicial < 10,0 mg/dl (grupo 2), Na inicial < 135 mEq/l (grupo 3), ou ambas as alterações (grupo 4). O desfecho primário avaliado foi óbito hospitalar ou até 30 dias após a alta. Resultados. Da amostra total de 40 pacientes, 37,5% eram do grupo 1, 35,0% do grupo 2, 7,5% do grupo 3 e 20,0% do grupo 4. A média de idade nos grupos foi de 67,2 ±15 vs 66,4 ±13 vs 59,0 ±11 vs 55,7 ±14 anos (p=0,08). Eram do sexo masculino 60,0%, 35,7%, 100% e 62,5% (p=0,08). Os desfechos observados para cada grupo foram, respectivamente, mortalidade de 6,7% vs 21,4% vs 0% vs 37,5% (p=0,007), reinternação em 30 dias 6,7% vs 28,6% vs 0% vs 12,5% (p=0,12), insuficiência renal aguda 20,0% vs 42,8% vs 33,3% vs 25,0% (p=0,04), necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva 13,3% vs 7,1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0,41) e tempo de internação 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 dias (p=0,03). Conclusões. Nos pacientes com IC descompensada, Hb < 10 mg/dl nas primeiras 24 horas da internação associou-se à ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda. A combinação de Hb < 10 mg/dl e Na < 135 mEq/l associou-se a maior mortalidade hospitalar e a aumento do tempo de internação.

Background. Acute decompensated heart failure (HF) has high morbidity and mortality. Clinical and laboratory prognostic markers have been identified, although the early influence of serum hemoglobin (Hb) and sodium (Na) is not precisely known. This study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes in patients with decompensated HF, according to serum dosage of Hb and Na within the first 24 hours of admission. Material and methods. Prospective observational study that included hospitalized patients with decompensated HF followed for up to 30 days after discharge. Groups were analyzed as follows: normal Hb and Na (group 1), initial Hb < 10.0 mg/dl (group 2), initial Na < 135 mEq/l (group 3), or both alterations (group 4). The primary outcome was in-hospital or 30-days death. Results. From the total 40 patients sample, 37.5% were in group 1, 35.0% group 2, 7.5% group 3, and 20.0% group 4. Average age was 67.2 ±15 vs 66.4 ±13 vs 59.0 ±11 vs 55.7 ±14 (p=0.08). Male subjects were 60.0%, 35.7%, 100% and 62.5% (p=0.08). Outcomes for each respective group were: mortality 6.7% vs 21.4% vs 0% vs 37.5% (p=0.007), 30-days re-admission 6.7% vs 28.6% vs 0% vs 12.5% (p=0.12), acute renal failure 20.0% vs 42.8% vs 33.3% vs 25.0% (p=0.04), invasive mechanical ventilation 13.3% vs 7.1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0.41), and length of hospitalization 16 ±10 vs 17 ±12 vs 24 ±11 vs 33 ±19 days (p=0.03). Conclusions. In patients with acute decompensated HF, Hb < 10 mg/dl within the first 24 hours of admission was associated to the occurrence of acute renal failure. The combination of Hb < 10 mg/dl and was associated to higher mortality and higher length of hospitalization.

Hemoglobina y sodio séricos:: marcadores pronósticos precoces en la insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada

Introducción. La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) descompensada presenta una elevada morbimortalidad. Si bien los marcadores pronósticos clínicos y de laboratorio se han identificados, la influencia precoz de la hemoglobina (Hb) y del sodio (Na) séricos es poco conocida. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características clínicas y resultados en pacientes internados por IC descompensada, conforme a la dosificación sérica de Hb y Na en las primeras 24 horas. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo observacional que evaluó pacientes adultos internados por IC descompensada seguidos por hasta 30 días después del alta hospitalaria. Los grupos analizados fueron: Hb y Na iniciales normales (grupo 1), Hb inicial < 10,0 mg/dl (grupo 2), Na inicial < 135 mEq/l (grupo 3), o ambas alteraciones (grupo 4). El resultado primario evaluado fue muerte hospitalaria hasta 30 días después del alta. Resultados. De la muestra total de 40 pacientes, el 37,5% eran del grupo 1, el 35,0% del grupo 2, el 7,5% del grupo 3 y el 20,0% del grupo 4. La media de edad en los grupos fue 67,2 ±15 vs 66,4 ±13 vs 59,0 ±11 vs 55,7 ±14 (p=0,08). Eran del sexo masculino 60,0%, 35,7%, 100% y 62,5% años (p=0,08). Los resultados observados para cada grupo fueron, respectivamente, mortalidad de 6,7% vs 21,4% vs 0% vs 37,5% (p=0,007), readmisión en 30 días: 6,7% vs 28,6% vs 0% vs 12,5% (p=0,12), insuficiencia renal aguda: 20,0% vs 42,8% vs 33,3% vs 25,0% (p=0,04), necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva: 13,3% vs 7,1% vs 0% vs 0% (p=0,41) y tiempo de internación: 16±10 vs 17±12 vs 24±11 vs 33±19 días (p=0,03). Conclusiones. En los pacientes con IC descompensada, Hb <10 mg/dl en las primeras 24 horas de la internación se ha asociado a la aparición de insuficiencia renal aguda. La combinación de Hb <10 mg/dl y Na <135 mEq/l se ha asociado a mortalidad más alta y a tiempo de internación más prolongado.