Exploring Prehospital Data for Pandemic Preparedness: A Western Brazilian Amazon Case Study on COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The timely management of rapidly evolving epidemiological scenarios caused by disease outbreaks is crucial to prevent devastating consequences. However, delayed laboratory diagnostics can hamper swift health policy and epidemic response, especially in remote regions such as the western Brazilian Amazon. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume and characteristics of emergency medical services (EMS) in Manaus, focusing on how the pandemic affected sensitive indicators such as response time and the use of advanced life support ambulances. Additionally, the study seeks to understand how changes in prehospital EMS patterns, triggered by the pandemic, could be utilized as health surveillance tools, enabling a more rapid response in epidemic scenarios. METHODS: This retrospective, descriptive study included data from the SAMU (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência) medical records between January and June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 45,581 calls resulted in mobile units being dispatched during this period. These patients were predominantly male (28,227, 61.9%), with a median age of 47 years (IQR 30-67). The median response time significantly increased during the pandemic, reaching a median of 45.9 min (IQR 30.6-67.7) (p < 0.001). EMS calls were reduced for trauma patients and increased for other medical emergencies, especially respiratory conditions, concomitantly to an escalation in the number of deaths caused by SARS and COVID-19 (p < 0.001). The employment of advanced life support ambulances was higher during the pandemic phase (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary disorder in the volume and reason for EMS calls in Manaus. Consequently, sensitive indicators like the response time and the employment of advanced life support ambulances were negatively affected. Sudden prehospital EMS pattern changes could play an important role in health surveillance systems, allowing for earlier establishment of countermeasures in epidemics. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital EMS and its role in health surveillance should be further explored.

Evaluating the impact of short-term nitrate-rich dietary supplementation on endothelial function in COPD: A randomized crossover study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of dietary nitrate ingestion through l-arginine supplementation or dehydrated beet consumption on endothelial function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The secondary outcome was to analyze arterial stiffness, plasma nitrate, and nitrate/protein concentration. METHODS: In this randomized crossover study, subjects with COPD underwent three series of supplementation: (1) l-arginine, (2) dehydrated beetroot, and (3) a placebo that appeared like the other supplements. Each intervention lasted 14 days, with a 7-day washout period between series. Participants underwent endothelial function assessment using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and plasma nitrate levels were measured at the end of each supplementation series. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects (twelve male) completed the study protocol. Only five subjects presented endothelial dysfunction (RHI ≤0.51) at baseline. The mean baseline characteristics included age 66.5 ± 9.4 years, BMI 27.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2, FEV1, 0.79 (0.67-1.06) L. There were no differences (p > 0.05) between the groups or from pre-to post-interventions for RHI and arterial stiffness index (AIx) values, as well as parameters of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, such as blood flow velocity (BFV), shear stress, shear rate, FMD (mm), and FMD%. There was also no differences (p > 0.05) between the groups or from pre-to post-interventions plasma nitrate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Acute dietary supplementation with nitrates, at the doses provided, did not show a significant improvement in endothelial function assessed by FMD, EndoPAT, or plasma nitrate levels in COPD. These findings suggest that a higher dose or prolonged supplementation might be required to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Prone positioning in awake patients without ventilatory support does not alter major clinical outcomes in severe COVID-19: results from a retrospective observational cohort study, systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, clinicians recommended awake-prone positioning (APP) to avoid the worst outcomes. The objectives of this study were to investigate if APP reduces intubation, death rates, and hospital length of stay (HLOS) in acute COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort with non-mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in a reference center in Manaus, Brazil, 2020. Participants were stratified into APP and awake-not-prone positioning (ANPP) groups. Also, we conducted a systematic review and performed a meta-analysis to understand if this intervention had different outcomes in resource-limited settings (PROSPERO CRD42023422452). RESULTS: A total of 115 participants were allocated into the groups. There was no statistical difference between both groups regarding time to intubation (HR: 0.861; 95CI: 0.474-1.1562; p=0.622) and time to death (HR: 1.666; 95CI: 0.939-2.951; p=0.081). APP was not significantly associated with reduced HLOS. A total of 86 articles were included in the systematic review, of which 76 (88,3%) show similar findings after APP. Also, low/middle, and high-income countries were similar regarding such outcomes. CONCLUSION: APP in COVID-19 does not present clinical improvement that affects mortality, intubation rate and HLOS. The lack of a prone position protocol, obtained through a controlled study, is necessary. After 3 years, APP benefits are still inconclusive.

Respiratory muscle strength can improve the prognostic assessment in COPD.

Impaired lung function, respiratory muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are present in COPD and contribute to poor prognosis. However, the contribution of the combination of these manifestations to define prognosis in COPD is still unknown. This study aimed to define cut-off points for both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP, respectively) for mortality prediction over 42-months in patients with COPD, and to investigate its combination with other noninvasive established prognostic measures (FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD) to improve risk identification. Patients with COPD performed pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, six-minute walk and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and were followed over 42 months to analyze all-cause mortality. A total of 79 patients were included. The sample was mostly (91.1%) comprised of severe (n = 37) and very severe (n = 34) COPD, and 43 (54%) patients died during the follow-up period. Cut-points of ≤ 55 and ≤ 80 cmH2O for MIP and MEP, respectively, were associated with increased risk of death (log-rank p = 0.0001 for both MIP and MEP) in 42 months. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improved the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1 (log-ranks p = 0.006 for MIP and p < 0.001 for MEP), V̇O2peak (log-rank: p < 0.001 for both MIP and MEP) and 6MWD (log-ranks: p = 0.005 for MIP; p = 0.015 for MEP). Thus, patients severely affected by COPD presenting MIP ≤ 55 and/or MEP ≤ 80 cmH2O are at increased risk of mortality. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improve the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD in patients with COPD.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Associated with Noninvasive Ventilation on Physical Capacity and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blinded Clinical Trial Protocol.

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) seems to be a better choice to improve physical and functional capacity after acute infection. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of different strategies to optimize post-acute phase rehabilitation and reduce long COVID-19 physical deteriorations. Objective: To compare the use of a noninvasive ventilation (NIV) plus aerobic exercise strategy during PR program with to a standard PR (without NIV) on physical capacity and quality of life outcomes in post-COVID-19. Methods: Double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 100 individuals discharged from hospital in a post-acute phase of severe COVID-19 will be randomized into two groups: PR + NIV (Group 1) and PR (Group 2). Inclusion criteria include participants who present symptomatic dyspnea II and III by the modified Medical Research Council, aged 18 years or older. Both groups will receive aerobic and resistance exercise, and inspiratory muscle training. However, group 1 will perform aerobic training with bilevel NIV. Cardiopulmonary exercise test will assess the O2 peak uptake, 6-minute walk test will assess the walking distance and short-form 36 will assess the quality of life before and after 8 weeks (after 24 PR sessions). Moreover, patients will be contacted by telephone every 3 months for one year to record possible adverse events, hospitalizations, and death. All data will be registered in RedCap, and analyses will be performed in the STATA v13 software. Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-3t9pkzt.

Phenotyping cardiopulmonary exercise testing measures in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A comparison between Italy and Brazil.

BACKGROUND: While patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) constitutes a global health crisis the incidence, prevalence and prognosis of the disease may differ depending on the continent and country. OBJECTIVE: To profile, analyze and compare cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) data of patients with HFrEF between Italian and Brazilian cohorts. METHODS: In this observational study, a total of 630 patients with clinical and functional diagnosis of HFrEF (315 patients from Brazil and 315 patients from Italy) performed CPET. RESULTS: Although Brazilian patients were slightly younger (Brazil 60±10 vs Italy 64±11 p<0.001) with a better peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2), circulatory power and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p<0.01), ventilatory inefficiency and oscillation ventilation was higher when compared to the Italian cohort. When stratifying patients with LVEF≤30 % and age≥60 years, Brazilian patients presented worse ventilatory efficiency, and lower peak V̇O2 compared to the Italian cohort. CONCLUSION: Patients with HFrEF from Brazil exhibited higher ventilatory inefficiency and a greater prevalence of oscillatory ventilation during CPET compared to patients with the same diagnosis from Italy.

Impact of long COVID on the heart rate variability at rest and during deep breathing maneuver.

While the majority of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely, a significant percentage experience persistent symptom, which has been characterized as Long COVID and may be associated with cardiac and autonomic dysfunction. We evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during deep-breathing (M-RSA) in patients with Long COVID. Case-control design involved 21 patients with Long COVID and 20 controls; the HRV was evaluated (POLAR system) at rest in the supine position and during M-RSA and expressed in time domain and non-linear analysis. In the supine position we found a reduction HRV measures in Long COVID' patients compared to controls for: Mean_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_iRR (p < 0.001); STD_HR (p < 0.001); SD1 (p < 0.001); SD2 (p < 0.001); alpha2 (p < 0.001). In the M-RSA we found reduction Mean_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_HR (p < 0.001), rMSSD (p < 0.001), RR_tri-index (p < 0.001) in Long COVID' patients except for highest Mean_HR p < 0.001. In conclusion, Long COVID reduced HRV at rest and during deep breathing. These findings may imply impairment of cardiac autonomic control when symptoms of COVID-19 persist following initial recovery.

Predictors of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COPD patients according to the Weber classification.

BACKGROUND: Weber classification stratifies cardiac patients based on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2), the gold-standard measure of exercise capacity. OBJECTIVE: To determine if Weber classification is a useful tool to discriminate clinical phenotypes in COPD patients and to evaluate if disease severity and other clinical measures can predict V̇O2peak. METHODS: Three hundred and six COPD patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and were divided according to Weber class: 1) Weber A (n = 34); 2) Weber B (n = 88); 3) Weber C (n = 138); and 4) Weber D (n = 46). RESULTS: Weber class D patients demonstrated a reduced V̇O2 peak, heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V̇E), oxygen (O2) pulse, circulatory power (CP), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), oxygen saturation (SpO2%), delta (Δ)HR and ΔSpO2 when compared to Weber A and B (p<0.05). Moreover, Dyspnea and the V̇E/carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2) slope were higher in Weber D compared with Weber C and A (p<0.001). Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated significant predictors of V̇O2peak (R2= 0.131; Adj R 2 = 1.25), including HR (ß=0.5757; t = 5.7; P<0.001) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (ß=0.119; t = 2.16; P<0.03). Among the Weber C + D groups, predictors of V̇O2peak (R = 0.78; R2= 0.60; Adj R2 =0.59), dyspnea (ß=0.076; t = 1.111; P<0.27) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) (ß=0.75; t = 1.14; P<0.00). CONCLUSION: Weber classification may be a useful tool to stratify cardiorespiratory fitness in COPD patients. Other clinical measures may be useful in predicting peak V̇O2 in mild-to-severe COPD, moreover different phenotypes may be important tool to improve physical capacity of chronic disease patients.

Exercise oscillatory ventilation in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure: Clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) is considered an important variable for predicting poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there are no studies evaluating EOV presence in the coexistence chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and HFrEF. AIMS: I) To compare the clinical characteristics of participants with coexisting HFrEF-COPD with and without EOV during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET); and II) to identify the impact of EOV on mortality during follow-up for 35 months. METHODS: 50 stable HFrEF-COPD (EF<50%) participants underwent CPET and were followed for 35 months. The parametric Student's t-test, chi-square tests, linear regression model and Kaplan-Meier analysis were applied. RESULTS: We identified 13 (26%) participants with EOV and 37 (74%) without EOV (N-EOV) during exercise. The EOV group had worse cardiac function (LVEF: 30 ± 6% vs. N-EOV 40 ± 9%, p = 0.007), worse pulmonary function (FEV1: 1.04 ± 0.7 L vs. N-EOV 1.88 ± 0.7 L, p = 0.007), a higher mortality rate [7 (54%) vs. N-EOV 8 (27%), p = 0.02], higher minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (V̇˙E/ V̇˙ CO2) slope (42 ± 7 vs. N-EOV 36 ± 8, p = 0.04), reduced peak ventilation (L/min) (26.2 ± 16.7 vs. N-EOV 40.3 ± 16.4, p = 0.01) and peak oxygen uptake (mlO2 kg-1 min-1) (11.0 ± 4.0 vs. N-EOV 13.5 ± 3.4 ml●kg-1●min-1, p = 0.04) when compared with N-EOV group. We found that EOV group had a higher risk of mortality during follow-up (long-rank p = 0.001) than patients with N-EOV group. CONCLUSION: The presence of EOV is associated with greater severity of coexisting HFrEF and COPD and a reduced prognosis. Assessment of EOV in participants with coexisting HFrEF-COPD, as a biomarker for both clinical status and prognosis may therefore be warranted.

Non-invasive ventilatory support accelerates the oxygen uptake and heart rate kinetics and improves muscle oxygenation dynamics in COPD-HF patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) associated with high-intensity exercise on heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) recovery kinetics in in patients with coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF). METHODS: This is a randomized, double blinded, sham-controlled study involving 14 HF-COPD patients, who underwent a lung function test and Doppler echocardiography. On two different days, patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and two constant-work rate tests (80% of CPET peak) receiving Sham or NIPPV (bilevel mode - Astral 150) in a random order until the limit of tolerance (Tlim). During exercise, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy (Oxymon, Artinis Medical Systems, Einsteinweg, Netherland). RESULTS: The kinetic variables of both V̇O2 and HR during the high-intensity constant workload protocol were significantly faster in the NIPPV protocol compared to Sham ventilation (P < 0.05). Also, there was a marked improvement in oxygenation and lower deoxygenation of both peripheral and respiratory musculature in TLim during NIPPV when contrasted with Sham ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: NIPPV applied during high-intensity dynamic exercise can effectively improve exercise tolerance, accelerate HR and V̇O2 kinetics, improve respiratory and peripheral muscle oxygenation in COPD-HF patients. These beneficial results from the effects of NIPPV may provide evidence and a basis for high-intensity physical training for these patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Obstructive sleep apnea reduces functional capacity and impairs cardiac autonomic modulation during submaximal exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Functional capacity and heart rate variability (HRV) are important prognostic markers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). However, the impact of the overlap of these diseases and the one-year clinical follow-up has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the presence of OSA can impair functional performance and cardiac autonomic control during exercise in patients with COPD; and to verify whether the overlap of these diseases could lead to worse clinical outcomes during the one-year follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-four patients underwent pulmonary function tests, echocardiography and polysomnography for diagnostic confirmation, disease staging, exclusion of any cardiac changes, and allocation between groups. The patients underwent the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess functional capacity and HRV during exercise. Subsequently, patients were followed up for 12 months to record outcomes such as exacerbation, hospitalization, and deaths. At the end of this period, the patients were revaluated to verify the hypotheses of the study. RESULTS: The OSA-COPD group showed greater functional impairment when compared to the COPD group (p=0.003) and showed worse cardiac autonomic responses during the 6MWT with greater parasympathetic activation (p=0.03) and less complexity of the autonomic nervous system, in addition to being more likely to exacerbate (p=0.03) during one year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: OSA-COPD produces deleterious effects on functional performance and a greater autonomic imbalance that impairs clinical outcomes.

Discriminative value of pulse wave velocity for arterial stiffness and cardiac injury in prediabetic patients.

Background: Prediabetes (PD) is defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and may be associated with high risk of cardiovascular injury. It is recommended that PD patients be screened for signs of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury to reinforce therapeutic strategies. Objectives: To identify pulse wave velocity values discriminative for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury in PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with PD (N=43) and normoglycemic (N=37) patients who underwent clinical evaluation, arterial stiffness assessment by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using SphygmoCor, laboratory blood analysis, investigation of morphological and functional cardiac variables by transthoracic echocardiogram, and assessment of carotid intima-media-thickness (CIMT) by carotid ultrasonography. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and values of p<0.05 were considered significant. Results: A cfPWV cut-off value of 6.9 m/s was identified for IGT (Sensitivity [SE]: 74% and Specificity [SP]: 51%). Comparison of general data and risk factors between subsets with values above and below this cutoff value revealed higher rates of fasting glucose (p=0.02), obesity (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.004), early signs of left ventricle (p=0.017) and right ventricle (p=0.03) impaired diastolic function, and elevated CIMT in subjects with cfPWV ≥ 6.9m/s (p=0.04). Conclusions: In PD patients, a cfPWV cutoff of 6.9 m/s was considered a discriminative value for arterial stiffness. These findings highlight the value of early investigation of cardiovascular injury and aggressive therapy strategies with good control of risk factors in PD.

Contexto: O pré-diabetes (PD) é definido como glicemia de jejum alterada e/ou tolerância à glicose alterada (TGA) e pode estar associado a alto risco de lesão cardiovascular. Recomenda-se discriminar quais pacientes com PD podem apresentar sinais de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular para reforçar as estratégias terapêuticas. Objetivos: Identificar os valores discriminativos da velocidade de onda de pulso determinantes de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular em pacientes com PD. Métodos: Estudo transversal em pacientes com PD (N=43) e normoglicêmicos (N=37) submetidos a avaliação clínica, avaliação da rigidez arterial pela velocidade da onda de pulso carótido-femoral (cfPWV) utilizando SphygmoCor, análise laboratorial de sangue, investigação de alterações morfológicas e variáveis cardíacas funcionais por ecocardiograma transtorácico e avaliação da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC) pela ultrassonografia da carótida. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS, e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Foi identificado um valor de corte cfPWV de 6,9 m/s para TGA (sensibilidade 74% e especificidade 51%). A comparação dos dados e fatores de risco entre valores acima e abaixo do valor de corte estabelecido revelou glicemia de jejum elevada (p=0,02), obesidade (p=0,03), dislipidemia (p=0,004), sinais precoces de função diastólica prejudicada do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,017) e ventrículo direito (p=0,03) e maior EIMC em cfPWV ≥6,9m/s (p=0,04). Conclusões: Em pacientes com PD, o cfPWV de 6,9 m/s foi considerado um valor discriminativo de rigidez arterial. Esses achados reforçam que a investigação precoce da lesão cardiovascular e uma estratégia com terapia agressiva são valiosas no controle dos fatores de risco na PD.

Discriminative value of pulse wave velocity for arterial stiffness and cardiac injury in prediabetic patients / Valor discriminativo da velocidade da onda de pulso para rigidez arterial e lesão cardíaca em pacientes pré-diabéticos

Abstract Background Prediabetes (PD) is defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and may be associated with high risk of cardiovascular injury. It is recommended that PD patients be screened for signs of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury to reinforce therapeutic strategies. Objectives To identify pulse wave velocity values discriminative for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury in PD patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with PD (N=43) and normoglycemic (N=37) patients who underwent clinical evaluation, arterial stiffness assessment by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using SphygmoCor, laboratory blood analysis, investigation of morphological and functional cardiac variables by transthoracic echocardiogram, and assessment of carotid intima-media-thickness (CIMT) by carotid ultrasonography. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and values of p<0.05 were considered significant. Results A cfPWV cut-off value of 6.9 m/s was identified for IGT (Sensitivity [SE]: 74% and Specificity [SP]: 51%). Comparison of general data and risk factors between subsets with values above and below this cutoff value revealed higher rates of fasting glucose (p=0.02), obesity (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.004), early signs of left ventricle (p=0.017) and right ventricle (p=0.03) impaired diastolic function, and elevated CIMT in subjects with cfPWV ≥ 6.9m/s (p=0.04). Conclusions In PD patients, a cfPWV cutoff of 6.9 m/s was considered a discriminative value for arterial stiffness. These findings highlight the value of early investigation of cardiovascular injury and aggressive therapy strategies with good control of risk factors in PD.

Resumo Contexto O pré-diabetes (PD) é definido como glicemia de jejum alterada e/ou tolerância à glicose alterada (TGA) e pode estar associado a alto risco de lesão cardiovascular. Recomenda-se discriminar quais pacientes com PD podem apresentar sinais de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular para reforçar as estratégias terapêuticas. Objetivos Identificar os valores discriminativos da velocidade de onda de pulso determinantes de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular em pacientes com PD. Métodos Estudo transversal em pacientes com PD (N=43) e normoglicêmicos (N=37) submetidos a avaliação clínica, avaliação da rigidez arterial pela velocidade da onda de pulso carótido-femoral (cfPWV) utilizando SphygmoCor, análise laboratorial de sangue, investigação de alterações morfológicas e variáveis cardíacas funcionais por ecocardiograma transtorácico e avaliação da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC) pela ultrassonografia da carótida. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS, e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados Foi identificado um valor de corte cfPWV de 6,9 m/s para TGA (sensibilidade 74% e especificidade 51%). A comparação dos dados e fatores de risco entre valores acima e abaixo do valor de corte estabelecido revelou glicemia de jejum elevada (p=0,02), obesidade (p=0,03), dislipidemia (p=0,004), sinais precoces de função diastólica prejudicada do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,017) e ventrículo direito (p=0,03) e maior EIMC em cfPWV ≥6,9m/s (p=0,04). Conclusões Em pacientes com PD, o cfPWV de 6,9 m/s foi considerado um valor discriminativo de rigidez arterial. Esses achados reforçam que a investigação precoce da lesão cardiovascular e uma estratégia com terapia agressiva são valiosas no controle dos fatores de risco na PD.

Rehabilitation of Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Diabetic Myopathy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, causing serious damage to the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and other systems. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was 6.28% in 2017, considering all age groups worldwide (prevalence rate of 6,059 cases per 100,000), and its global prevalence is projected to increase to 7,079 cases per 100,000 by 2030. Furthermore, these individuals are often affected by diabetic myopathy, which is the failure to preserve muscle mass and function in the course of DM. This happens in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM. As skeletal muscle plays a key role in locomotion and glucose homeostasis, diabetic myopathy may contribute to additional complications of the disease. In addition, chronic hyperglycemia is associated with lung functional changes seen in patients with DM, such as reduced lung volumes and compliance, inspiratory muscle strength, and lung elastic recoil. Thus, the weakness of the inspiratory muscles, a consequence of diabetic myopathy, can influence exercise tolerance. Thus, moderate strength training in T2DM can contribute to the gain of peripheral muscle strength. Although the literature is robust on the loss of mass and consequent muscle weakness in diabetic myopathy, triggering pathophysiological factors, the impact on functional capacity, as well as the prescription of physical exercise for this condition deserves to be further explored. This review aims to explore the consequences of diabetic myopathy and its implication in rehabilitation from prescription to safety in the practice of physical exercises for these individuals.

Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Delivery Models in Comorbid Chronic Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure.

Among the most prevalent multimorbidities that accompany the aging process, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) stand out, representing the main causes of hospital admissions in the world. The prevalence of COPD coexistence in patients with CHF is higher than in control subjects, given the common risk factors associated with a complex process of chronic diseases developing in the aging process. COPD-CHF coexistence confers a marked negative impact on mechanical-ventilatory, cardiocirculatory, autonomic, gas exchange, muscular, ventilatory, and cerebral blood flow, further impairing the reduced exercise capacity and health status of either condition alone. In this context, integrated approach to the cardiopulmonary based on pharmacological optimization and non-pharmacological treatment (i.e., exercise-based cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation) can be emphatically encouraged by health professionals as they are safe and well-tolerated, reducing hospital readmissions, morbidity, and mortality. This review aims to explore aerobic exercise, the cornerstone of cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation, resistance and inspiratory muscle training and exercise-based rehabilitation delivery models in patients with COPD-CHF multimorbidities across the continuum of the disease. In addition, the review address the importance of adjuncts to enhance exercise capacity in these patients, which may be used to optimize the gains obtained in these programs.

Proportional Assist Ventilation Improves Leg Muscle Reoxygenation After Exercise in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory muscle unloading through proportional assist ventilation (PAV) may enhance leg oxygen delivery, thereby speeding off-exercise oxygen uptake ( V . ⁢ O 2 ) kinetics in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Ten male patients (HFrEF = 26 ± 9%, age 50 ± 13 years, and body mass index 25 ± 3 kg m2) underwent two constant work rate tests at 80% peak of maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test to tolerance under PAV and sham ventilation. Post-exercise kinetics of V . ⁢ O 2 , vastus lateralis deoxyhemoglobin ([deoxy-Hb + Mb]) by near-infrared spectroscopy, and cardiac output (Q T ) by impedance cardiography were assessed. RESULTS: PAV prolonged exercise tolerance compared with sham (587 ± 390 s vs. 444 ± 296 s, respectively; p = 0.01). PAV significantly accelerated V . ⁢ O 2 recovery (τ = 56 ± 22 s vs. 77 ± 42 s; p < 0.05), being associated with a faster decline in Δ[deoxy-Hb + Mb] and Q T compared with sham (τ = 31 ± 19 s vs. 42 ± 22 s and 39 ± 22 s vs. 78 ± 46 s, p < 0.05). Faster off-exercise decrease in Q T with PAV was related to longer exercise duration (r = -0.76; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PAV accelerates the recovery of central hemodynamics and muscle oxygenation in HFrEF. These beneficial effects might prove useful to improve the tolerance to repeated exercise during cardiac rehabilitation.

Lifestyle and rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: guidance for health professionals and support for exercise and rehabilitation programs.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease for both the general population and healthcare professionals caring for infected patients. Of particular concern is the potential for significant respiratory, cardiovascular, physical, and psychological dysfunctions.Areas covered: In this context, the current review will focus on the following areas: 1) staying physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) highlighting the importance of understanding COVID-19 mechanisms; 3) preventing infections for healthcare workers by using personal protective equipment; 4) highlighting importance of respiratory care and physical therapy during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19; and 5) facilitating referral to a rehabilitation program in patients recovering from COVID-19.Expert opinion: We recommend daily physical exercise, outdoors or at home, as physical exercise increases the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines; Patients with COVID-19 may develop severe acute respiratory syndrome, hypoxemia, diffuse alveolar damage, ACE2 reduction in the cardiovascular system and muscle weakness acquired through a prolonged hospital stay; The role of the physiotherapist in the hospital environment is of fundamental importance-early mobilization is highly recommended in severe cases of COVID-19.

Cardiorespiratory and skeletal muscle damage due to COVID-19: making the urgent case for rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: It has become increasingly evident that COVID-19 contributes to multiorgan pathophysiology. The systemic inflammatory response increases both pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels, leading to immune dysregulation and increasing the likelihood of incurring cardiac and pulmonary injuries. AREAS COVERED: Longer periods of hospitalization (~20 days) increase susceptibility to ICU-acquired muscle weakness and deconditioning, which decreases muscle function and functional capacity. These conditions affect the quality of life in the post-COVID-19 period and require multi-disciplinary approaches to rehabilitate the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems of these patients. In this context, this narrative review, which included articles published in the Embase, PEDro and PubMed databases up to December 2020, is focused on discussing the essential role of exercise and rehabilitation health professionals in the COVID-19 recovery process, from hospitalization to hospital discharge, addressing strategies for professionals to mitigate the cardiac and pulmonary impairments associated with hospitalization to home or ambulatory rehabilitation, purposing ways to conduct rehabilitation programs to restore their functional status and quality of life after the infection. EXPERT OPINION: In the current environment, these findings further point to the vital role of rehabilitation health professionals in the coming years and the urgent need to develop strategies to assist COVID-19 survivors.

Can Non-invasive Ventilation Modulate Cerebral, Respiratory, and Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation During High-Intensity Exercise in Patients With COPD-HF?

AIM: To evaluate the effect of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on (1) metabolic, ventilatory, and hemodynamic responses; and (2) cerebral (Cox), respiratory, and peripheral oxygenation when compared with SHAM ventilation during the high-intensity exercise in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS: On separate days, patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing and two constant-work rate tests receiving NIPPV or controlled ventilation (SHAM) (the bilevel mode-Astral 150) in random order until the limit of tolerance (Tlim). During exercise, oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb+Mb) and deoxyhemoglobin (DeoxyHb+Mb) were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy (Oxymon, Artinis Medical Systems, Einsteinweg, The Netherlands). NIPPV associated with high-intensity exercise caused a significant increase in exercise tolerance, peak oxygen consumption ( V · O 2 in mlO2·kg-1·min-1), minute ventilation peak ( V · E in ml/min), peak peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, %), and lactate/tlim (mmol/s) when compared with SHAM ventilation. In cerebral, respiratory, and peripheral muscles, NIPPV resulted in a lower drop in OxyHb+Mb (p < 0.05) and an improved deoxygenation response DeoxyHb+Mb (p < 0.05) from the half of the test (60% of Tlim) when compared with SHAM ventilation. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation during constant work-rate exercise led to providing the respiratory muscle unloading with greater oxygen supply to the peripheral muscles, reducing muscle fatigue, and sustaining longer exercise time in patients with COPD-HF.