Evolução Tardia das Próteses Biológicas e Mecânicas em Posição Aórtica

BackgroundDespite constant improvement and refinement of the prostheses, the decision between mechanical and biological valves for aortic valve replacement is still controversial.ObjectiveTo compare outcomes of aortic valve replacement with bioprosthesis and mechanical prosthesis.MethodsThis was an observational, historical cohort study with review of medical records. A total of 202 patients who underwent heart valve replacement surgery between 2004 and 2008 were selected, with a mean follow-up of 10 years. The level of significance set at 5%.ResultsMean age of patients was approximately 50 years; most patients were male (70%). Overall mortality- and reoperation-free survival was significantly higher in patients with mechanical prosthesis (HR=0.33; 95%CI=0.13-0.79; p=0.013). No difference was found in late mortality between the two groups. On the other hand, the risk of reoperation was significantly higher in patients with bioprosthesis than mechanical prosthesis (HR=0.062; 95%CI=0.008-0.457; p=0.006). The risk of composite adverse events – stroke, bleeding, endocarditis, thrombosis and paravalvular leak – was similar between the groups (HR=1.20; 95%CI= 0.74-1.93; p=0.44). The risk of bleeding was significantly higher in patients with mechanical prosthesis (HR=3.65; 95%CI= 1.43-9.29; p = 0.0064), although no case of fatal bleeding was reported.ConclusionNo difference in 10-year mortality was found between the groups. The risk of reoperation significantly increases with the use of bioprosthesis, especially for patients younger than 30 years. Patients with mechanical prosthesis are at increased risk of nonfatal bleeding.     

Razão Neutrófilo-Linfócito e Aterosclerose da Aorta Abdominal entre Indivíduos Assintomáticos

Background Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as an inflammatory marker that might be associated with coronary atherosclerosis, although most of the current data is restricted to the acute setting. Additionally, the association of NLR with extracoronary atherosclerosis and stable disease remains unclear.Objective To analyze the association between NLR and abdominal aortic atherosclerosis (AAAt).Methods We included asymptomatic individuals who underwent a health screening program. AAAt was measured by ultrasound. Absolute leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were used to calculate the NLR. The level of significance for statistical analysis was 0.05.Results Among 36,985 individuals (age: 42±10 years, 72% male), AAAt was identified in 7%. Those with AAAt were older and more likely to be male and diabetic. Presence of AAAt was associated with increased NLR (odds ratio [OR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.21). However, this association was no longer significant when the analysis was adjusted for risk factors (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.97-1.06), mostly due to the inclusion of age in the model. When neutrophils and lymphocytes were analyzed separately, the negative association between lymphocytes and AAAt was inverted once age was accounted for, suggesting a strong confounding effect of age on the relationship between lymphocytes and atherosclerosis. Finally, the association of neutrophils and AAAt lost significance after an additional adjustment for traditional risk factors, but not age alone.Conclusion Although the NLR was associated with AAAt, this was largely due to the confounding effect of age. Overall, the results suggest a limited role of leukocyte measurements as biomarkers of AAAt.     

Desempenho dos Índices de Gravidade na Predição de Complicações Pós-Operatórias de Revascularização Miocárdica

Background Patients in the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - CABG) surgery admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk of complications which increase the length of stay and morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early recognition of these risks is essential to optimize prevention strategies and a satisfactory clinical outcome.Objective To analyze the performance of severity indices in predicting complications in patients in the postoperative of CABG during the ICU stay.Methods A cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent isolated CABG and were admitted to the ICU of a cardiology hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) with a 95% confidence interval were analyzed to verify the accuracy of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroScore), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) indices in predicting complications.Results The sample consisted of 366 patients (64.58 ± 9.42 years; 75.96% male). The complications identified were: respiratory (24.32%), cardiovascular (19.95%), neurological (10.38%), hematological (10.38%), infectious (6.56%) and renal (3.55%). APACHE II showed satisfactory performance for predicting neurological (AUC 0.72) and renal (AUC 0.78) complications.Conclusion APACHE II excelled in predicting neurological and renal complications. None of the indices performed well in predicting the other analyzed complications. Therefore, severity indices should not be used indiscriminately in order to predict all complications frequently presented by patients after CABG. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):452-459)     

Impacto Atual da Circulação Extracorpórea na Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica no Estado de São Paulo

BackgroundPrevious results on the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have generated difficulties in choosing the best treatment for each patient undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery (CABG) in the current context.ObjectiveEvaluate the current impact of CPB in CABG in São Paulo State.MethodsA total of 2905 patients who underwent CABG were consecutively analyzed in 11 São Paulo State centers belonging to the São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery (REPLICCAR) I. Perioperative and follow-up data were included online by trained specialists in each hospital. Associations of the perioperative variables with the type of procedure and with the outcomes were analyzed. The study outcomes were morbidity and operative mortality. The expected mortality was calculated using EuroSCORE II (ESII). The values of p <5% were considered significant.ResultsThere were no significant differences concerning the patients’ age between the groups (p=0.081). 72.9% of the patients were males. Of the patients, 542 underwent surgery without CPB (18.7%). Of the preoperative characteristics, patients with previous myocardial infarction (p=0.005) and ventricular dysfunction (p=0.031) underwent surgery with CPB. However, emergency or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV patients underwent surgery without CPB (p<0.001). The ESII value was similar in both groups (p=0.427). In CABG without CPB, the radial graft was preferred (p<0.001), and in CABG with CPB the right mammary artery was the preferred one (p<0.001). In the postoperative period, CPB use was associated with reoperation for bleeding (p=0.012).ConclusionCurrently in the REPLICCAR, reoperation for bleeding was the only outcome associated with the use of CPB in CABG. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(4):595-601)     

Predição do Mapa de Estresse em Aorta Ascendente: Otimização da Posição Coaxial no Implante Valvar Aórtico Percutâneo

BackgroudTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can reduce mortality among patients with aortic stenosis. Knowledge of pressure distribution and shear stress at the aortic wall may help identify critical regions, where aortic remodeling process may occur. Here a numerical simulation study of the influence of positioning of the prosthetic valve orifice on the flow field is presented.ObjectiveThe present analysis provides a perspective of great variance on flow behavior due only to angle changes.MethodsA 3D model was generated from computed tomography angiography of a patient who had undergone a TAVR. Different mass flow rates were imposed at the inlet valve.ResultsSmall variations of the tilt angle could modify the nature of the flow, displacing the position of the vortices, and altering the prerssure distribution and the location of high wall shear stress.ConclusionThese hemodynamic features may be relevant in the aortic remodeling process and distribution of the stress mapping and could help, in the near future, the optimization of the percutaneous prosthesis implantation. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

Avaliação Macroscópica da Aterosclerose nas Artérias: Uma Ferramenta de Avaliação na Autópsia

BackgroundAtherosclerosis, in some cases, is an asymptomatic condition, and it is important to know the degree of arterial impairment caused by plaques and its association with risk factors. Autopsy examination provides understanding of basic disease processes and assessment to data about macroscopic characteristic of atherosclerotic involvement.ObjectiveTo macroscopically assess and standardize atherosclerotic involvement of aorta, carotid and iliac arteries and compare with age, gender and causes of death.MethodsWe collected 53 aortic arteries, 53 right carotid arteries, 53 left carotid arteries, 53 right iliac arteries and 53 left iliac arteries. For this assessment, the extension of fatty streaks, atheromatous plaques, fibrosis and calcification were considered, being the reference to score the degree of atherosclerotic involvement. Many degrees of atherosclerosis and accurate values were observed for mild, moderate and severe classification. For statistical analysis, data were analyzed using the software GraphPad Prism® 7.0. Differences were considered statistically significant if p-value was less than 5% (p <0.05).ResultsCarotid arteries had greater atherosclerotic involvement compared to the other arteries (K = 15.73, p = 0.0004). Atherosclerosis was progressive and significant with increasing age (carotid arteries: t = 6.321; p <0.0001; aorta: U = 83.5; p <0.0001; iliac: U = 306; p <0.0001) and as cause of cardiovascular death (carotids: t = 5.047; p <0.0001; aorta: U = 98.5; p = 0.0068; iliac: U = 467.5; p = 0.0012).ConclusionMacroscopic assessment of atherosclerosis is an innovative and low-cost way of direct visualization of atherosclerotic plaques, enabling an association with risk factors such as increasing age and cardiovascular diseases, providing important data for clinical practice.     

Relação entre o Realce Tardio pelo Gadolínio e os Parâmetros de Repolarização Ventricular em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida

BackgroundHeart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a highly prevalent disease that requires repeating hospitalizations, causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early recognition of poor outcome predictors is essential for patient management.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and repolarization parameters such as corrected QT (QTc) interval, Tp-e interval, frontal QRS-T angle detected by 12 lead electrocardiograph (ECG) in HFrEF.MethodIn this single-center, retrospective observational study included 97 consecutive HFrEF patients who had CMR scan. Study population was divided into two groups according to the presence of LGE. Echocardiographic and CMR measurements and demographic features were recorded. QTc intervals, Tp-e intervals, frontal QRS-T angles were calculated from the ECG. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsLGE was detected in 52 (53.6%) out of 97 HFrEF patients. QTc intervals (p=0.001), Tp-e intervals (p<0.001), frontal QRS-T angles (p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in LGE group when compared to non-LGE group. In univariate regression analysis which was performed to investigate the predictors of LGE in HFrEF, all three repolarization parameters were reached significant values but in multivariate analysis the only repolarization parameter remained significant was Tp-e interval (OR=1.085 95% CI 1.032-1.140, p=0.001).ConclusionWith the prolongation of the Tp-e interval, the presence of myocardial fibrosis which is an arrhythmogenic substrate, can be predicted in patients with HFrEF.     

Relação da Função Pulmonar e da Força Inspiratória com Capacidade Aeróbica e com Prognóstico na Insuficiência Cardíaca

Background Spirometry is underused in heart failure (HF) and the extent to which each defect associates with exercise capacity and prognosis is unclear.Objective To determine the distinct relationship of continuous %predicted FVC (ppFVC) and FEV₁/FVC with: 1) maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), exercise performance; and 2) prognosis for the composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implant.Methods A cohort of 111 HF participants (AHA stages C/D) without diagnosed pneumopathy, spirometry, manovacuometry and maximum cardiopulmonary test. The association magnitudes were verified by linear and Cox (HR; 95% CI) regressions, age/sex adjusted. A p<0.05 was considered significant.Results Age was 57±12 years, 60% men, 64% in NYHA III. Every 10%-point increase in FEV₁/FVC [β 7% (95% CI: 3–10)] and ppFVC [4% (2-6)] associated with ventilatory reserve (VRes), however only ppFVC associated with MIP [3.8 cmH₂O (0.3-7.3)], LVEF [2.1% (0.5-3.8)] and VO₂peak [0.5 mL/kg/min (0.1–1.0)], accounting for age/sex. In 2.2 years (mean), 22 events occurred, and neither FEV₁/FVC (HR 1.44; 95% CI: 0.97–2.13) nor ppFVC (HR 1.13; 0.89–1.43) was significantly associated with the outcome. Only in the LVEF ≤50% subgroup (n=87, 20 events), FEV₁/FVC (HR 1.50; 1.01–2.23), but not ppFVC, was associated with greater risk.Conclusions In chronic HF, reduced ppFVC associated with lower MIP, LVEF, VRes and VO₂peak, but no distinct poorer prognosis over 2.2 years of follow-up. Distinctively, FEV₁/FVC was associated only with VRes, and, in participants with LVEF ≤50%, FEV₁/FVC reduction proportionally worsened prognosis. Therefore, FEV₁/FVC and ppFVC add supplementary information regarding HF phenotyping.     

Avaliação de Padrões Pressóricos Dipper e Não-Dipper e Qualidade de Vida entre Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica

BackgroundNon-dipper blood pressure is defined by less than a 10% reduction in nighttime blood pressure, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-dipper blood pressure pattern, and both diseases are associated with lower quality of life.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with COPD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 142 patients with COPD. The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire and the Euro Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. To understand arterial stiffness, the augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was subsequently performed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to understand the relationship between different independent variables and blood pressure pattern. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsAs a result, 76.1% (n = 108) of the patients had non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Non-dipper patients had higher C-reactive protein (OR:1.123; 95% CI:1.016;1.242), augmentation index (OR: 1.057; 95% CI: 1.011;1.105) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire total score (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.001;1.042) than dipper patients. Also, as the number of people living at home increased, non-dipper blood pressure pattern was found to be more frequent (OR: 1.339; 95% CI: 1.009;1.777).ConclusionNon-dipper blood pressure pattern may increase cardiovascular risk by triggering inflammation and may adversely affect the prognosis of COPD by lowering the disease-related quality of life. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

Deficiência de Ferro na Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida: Fisiopatologia,Diagnóstico e Tratamento

Iron deficiency (ID) is an important comorbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection (HFrEF) and is highly prevalent in both anemic and non-anemic patients. In HFrEF, iron deficiency should be investigated by measurements of transferrin saturation and ferritin. There are two types of ID: absolute deficiency, with depletion of iron stores; and functional ID, where iron supply is not sufficient despite normal stores. ID is associated with worse functional class and higher risk of death in patients with HFrEF, and scientific evidence has indicated improvement of symptoms and quality of life of these patients with treatment with parenteral iron in the form of ferric carboxymaltose. Iron plays vital roles such as oxygen transportation (hemoglobin) and storage (myoblogin), and is crucial for adequate functioning of mitochondria, which are composed of iron-based proteins and the place of energy generation by oxidative metabolism at the electron transport chain. An insufficient generation and abnormal uptake of iron by skeletal and cardiac muscle cells contribute to the pathophysiology of HF. The present review aims to increase the knowledge of the pathophysiology of ID in HFrEF, and to address available tools for its diagnosis and current scientific evidence on iron replacement therapy.     

O Papel da Ecocardiografia sob Estresse na Detecção Precoce de Disfunção Diastólica em Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica Não Grave

Background Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HFpEF is common in COPD and is an independent risk factor for disease progression and exacerbation. Early detection, therefore, has great clinical relevance.Objectives The aim of the study is to detect the frequency of masked HFpEF in non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease, and to analyze the correlation between masked HFpEF and the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters.Methods We applied the CPET in 104 non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography was performed before and at peak CPET. Cut-off values for stress-induced left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD/ RVDD) were E/e’>15; E/e’>6, respectively. Correlation analysis was done between CPET parameters and stress E/e’. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results 64% of the patients had stress-induced LVDD; 78% had stress-induced RVDD. Both groups with stress LVDD and RVDD achieved lower load, lower V’O₂ and O₂-pulse, besides showing reduced ventilatory efficiency (higher VE/VCO₂ slopes). None of the CPET parameters were correlated to stress-induced left or right E/e’.Conclusion There is a high prevalence of stress-induced diastolic dysfunction in non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease. None of the CPET parameters correlates to stress-induced E/e’. This demands the performance of Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and CPET for the early detection and proper management of masked HFpEF in this population. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):259-265)     

Relações entre a Redução de Estrogênio,Obesidade e Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Preservada

The prevalence of obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases significantly in postmenopausal women. Although obesity is a risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), the mechanisms that link the cessation of ovarian hormone production, and particularly estrogens, to the development of obesity, LVDD, and HFpEF in aging females are unclear. Clinical, and epidemiologic studies show that postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity (defined by waist circumference) are at greater risk for developing HFpEF than men or women without abdominal obesity. The study presents a review of clinical data that support a mechanistic link between estrogen loss plus obesity and left ventricular remodeling with LVDD. It also seeks to discuss potential cell and molecular mechanisms for estrogen-mediated protection against adverse adipocyte cell types, tissue depots, function, and metabolism that may contribute to LVDD and HFpEF.     

Microalbuminúria e seu Significado Prognóstico em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda com Fração de Ejeção Preservada,Intermediária e Reduzida

BackgroundThe prevalence and significance of microalbuminuria have not been well studied in patients with different heart failure subtypes.ObjectiveThe prevalence and significance of microalbuminuria have not been well studied in patients with different heart failure subtypes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency and prognostic value of microalbuminuria in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).MethodsAll consecutive adult patients referred to the hospital due to AHF between June 2016 and June 2019 were enrolled. Microalbuminuria is defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) level in the range of 30–300 mg/g. Hospital mortality was the endpoint of this studyResultsOf the 426 AHF patients (mean age 70.64 ± 10.03 years, 53.3 % female), 50% had HFrEF, 38.3% had HFpEF, and 11.7% had HFmrEF at presentation.The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 35.2%, 28.8%, and 28.0% in HFrEF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF, respectively. A total of 19 (4.5%) patients died during the in-hospital course, and in-hospital mortality was higher in HFrEF patients (6.6%) compared to patients with HFpEF (2.5%) and HFmrEF (2.0%). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of microalbuminuria predicted in-hospital mortality in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF but not in HFpEF.ConclusionAlthough microalbuminuria was common in all subgroups of AHF patients, it has been found to predict prognosis only in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF.