Desfechos em Pacientes com Fenômeno de No-Reflow Coronário e a Relação entre a Molécula-1 de Lesão Renal e o Fenômeno de No-Reflow Coronário

Background Coronary no-reflow phenomenon (CNP) is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE).Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels and CNP in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods This study included a total of 160 patients (113 males and 47 females; mean age: 61.65±12.14 years) who were diagnosed with STEMI. The patients were divided into two groups, the reflow group (RG) (n=140) and the no-reflow group (NRG) (n=20). Patients were followed during one year. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results CNP was observed in 12.50% of the patients. Serum KIM-1 was significantly higher in the NRG than in the RG (20.26±7,32 vs. 13.45±6.40, p<0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the NRG than in the RG (29.41 (28.48-31.23) vs. 27.56 (25.44-31.03), p=0.047). Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower in the NRG than in the RG (61.6±8.04 vs. 80.37±14.61, p<0.001). The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) was significantly higher in the NRG than in the RG (3.06±2.22 vs. 2.36±2.85, p=0.016). The incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the NRG than in the RG (15% vs. 2.90%, p=0.013). The baseline KIM-1 level (OR=1.19, 95% CI:1.07 to 1.34, p=0.002) and HR (OR=0.784, 95% CI:0.69 to 0.88, p<0.001) were the independent predictors of CNP.Conclusion In conclusion, baseline serum KIM-1 concentrations and lower HR are independently associated with CNP in STEMI patients and the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the NRG in the one-year follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):238-247)     

Otimização da Terapia de Reperfusão no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST por Meio de Telemedicina Baseada no WhatsApp®

Background About 40% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Brazil do not receive reperfusion therapy.Objective The use of a telemedicine network based on WhatsApp^® could increase the percentage of patients receiving reperfusion therapy.Methods A cross-sectional study analyzed outcomes before and after the organization of a telemedicine network to send the electrocardiogram via WhatsApp® of patients suspected of STEMI from 25 municipalities that are members of the Regional Health Department of Ribeirão Preto (DRS−XIII) to a tertiary hospital, which could authorize immediate patient transfer using the same system. The analyzed outcomes included the percentage of patients who received reperfusion therapy and the in-hospital mortality rate. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The study compared 82 patients before (February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2018) with 196 patients after this network implementation (February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2020). After implementing this network, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients who received reperfusion therapy (60% vs. 92%), relative risk (RR): 1.594 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.331 – 1.909], p < 0.0001 and decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate (13.4% vs. 5.6%), RR: 0.418 [95%CI 0.189 – 0.927], p = 0.028.Conclusion The use of WhatsApp^®-based telemedicine has led to an increase in the percentage of patients with STEMI who received reperfusion therapy and a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate.     

O Impacto da Educação na Mortalidade por Todas as Causas após Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST (IAMCSST): Resultados do Brasília Heart Study

Background Low schooling has been considered an important modifiable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease for a long time. Despite that, whether this factor impacts the outcomes following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is poorly understood.Objective To investigate whether schooling stands as an independent risk factor for mortality in STEMI patients.Methods STEMI-diagnosed patients were consecutively enrolled from a prospective cohort (Brasilia Heart Study) and categorized according to years of study quartiles (0-3, 4-5, 6-10 and >10 years). Groups were compared by student’s t test for continuous variables and qui-square for categorical. Incidence of all-cause mortality was compared with Kaplan-Meyer with Cox regression adjusted by age, gender, and GRACE score. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. SPSS21.0 was used for all analysis.Results The mean schooling duration was 6.63±4.94 years. During the follow-up period (mean: 21 months; up to 6.8 years), 83 patients died (cumulative mortality of 15%). Mortality rate was higher among the lowest quartile compared to those in the highest quartile [18.5 vs 6.8%; HR 2.725 (95% CI: 1.27-5.83; p=0.01)]. In multivariate analysis, low schooling has lost statistical significance for all-cause mortality after adjustment for age and gender, with HR of 1.305 (95% CI: 0.538-3.16; p=0.556), and after adjustment by GRACE score with an HR of 1.767 (95% CI: .797-3.91; p=0.161).Conclusion Low schooling was not an independent risk factor for mortality in STEMI patients.     

Níveis mais Baixos de Fetuína-A Sérica estão Associados a um Maior Risco de Mortalidade em Dez Anos em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio por Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST

BackgroundFetuin-A is an anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification factor involved in the course of coronary artery disease (CAD). In line with these functions, fetuin-A has been investigated as a cardiovascular risk marker in many studies. However, the association between fetuin-A and the prognosis of CAD patients is still controversial.ObjectivesThe present study was conducted to identify the association between serum fetuin-A level and long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsOne hundred eigthy consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled in the study. The study population was divided into subgroups (lower, ≤288 µg/ml; and higher, >288 µg/ml) according to the median fetuin-A level. Clinical follow-up data was obtained by annual contact with the patients or family members by telephone. The causes of death were also confirmed by the national health database. Two-sided p-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 10 years, 71 deaths were recorded , 62 of whom died from CVD. Both CVD and all-cause mortality were found to be significantly higher in the lower fetuin-A group than the higher fetuin-A group (44% vs 24%, p= 0.005; 48% vs 31%, p= 0.022, respectively). In Cox regression proportional hazard analyses, fetuin-A was found to be an independent predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality.ConclusionsLow fetuin-A concentration is associated with a poor long-term prognosis after STEMI, regardless of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings have strengthened previous studies that consistently demonstrate the determining role of anti-inflammatory mediators in acute coronary syndromes.     

Terapia Hormonal e Hipertensão em Mulheres na Pós-Menopausa: Resultados do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil)

BackgroundHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in post-menopausal women. Although menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a very effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms during this period, the influence of this therapy on blood pressure is not yet clear.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between the use of MHT and hypertension in participants of the ELSA-Brasil.MethodsA cross-sectional study using the baseline ELSA-Brasil data in a cohort of 2,138 women who had experienced natural menopause. This study analyzed hypertension, defined as arterial pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or previous antihypertensive use, and use of MHT, with participants being classified into never, past, and current users. Associations were assessed using an adjusted logistic regression model, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.ResultsOverall, 1,492 women (69.8%) had never used MHT, 457 (21.4%) had used it in the past, and 189 (8.8%) were current users. The use of MHT was more common in women who had a body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m²and triglyceride levels <150 mg/dl, and who were physically less inactive, non-smokers, and non-diabetics. Current MHT users were less likely to have hypertension (OR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.41-0.85) compared to those who had never used MHT. In most cases, MHT was started at or before 59 years of age, within 10 years of becoming menopausal, and its use lasted for up to five years.ConclusionCurrent MHT use was not related to hypertension, particularly in healthy women and in those under 60 years of age.     

Efeitos Terapêuticos da Tripla Antiagregação Plaquetária em Pacientes Femininas Idosas com Diabetes e Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio

BackgroundDual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the cornerstone treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of triple antiplatelet therapy (TAPT) in elderly female patients with diabetes and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsWe designed a randomized, single-blind study. Control group A (97 elderly male patients with diabetes and STEMI, whose CRUSADE scores were < 30) received aspirin, ticagrelor, and tirofiban. A total of 162 elderly female patients with diabetes and STEMI were randomly divided into two groups according to CRUSADE score. Group B (69 patients with CRUSADE score > 31) received aspirin and ticagrelor. Group C (93 patients with CRUSADE score < 30) received aspirin, ticagrelor and tirofiban. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsCompared to the findings in group A, post-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 blood flow and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 were significantly less prevalent in group B (p < 0.05). When compared to groups A and C, the incidence of major adverse complications was significantly higher in group B (p < 0.05).ConclusionTAPT could effectively reduce the incidence of major complications in elderly female patients with diabetes and STEMI. However, close attention should be paid to hemorrhage in patients receiving TAPT. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

A Molécula de Lesão Renal-1 está Associada à Nefropatia Induzida por Contraste em Pacientes Idosos com IAMSSST

Background Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and the association between CIN and oxidative mechanisms is well documented.Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and CIN in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).Methods This study included a total of 758 patients with NSTEMI, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); 15 developed CIN after PCI, and another 104 were the control group, matched for age > 65 years. Baseline to 48-to-72-hour laboratory values and clinical outcomes were recorded. Patients were followed during one year. P values of < 0.05 were considered significant.Results CIN was observed in 12.60% of the patients. Serum KIM-1 was significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (14.02 [9.53 – 19.90] vs. 5.41 [3.41 – 9.03], p < 0.001). The Mehran score was significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (14 [5 – 22] vs. 5 [2 – 7], p = 0.001). MACE were significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (7 [46.70%] vs. 12 [11.50%], p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline KIM-1 level (OR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.20 – 2.27, p = 0.002) and Mehran score (OR = 1.457, 95% CI: 1.01 – 2.08, p = 0.039) were independent predictors of CIN in elderly patients with NSTEMI.Conclusion Baseline serum KIM-1 concentration and Mehran score are independent predictors of CIN in elderly patients with NSTEMI. Additionally, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial reinfarction, stroke, and MACE were significantly higher in the CIN group at one-year follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

Valor Prognóstico da Ultrassonografia Pulmonar para Resultados Clínicos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca: Uma Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise

BackgroundThere is conflicting information about whether lung ultrasound assessed by B-lines has prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF).ObjectivesTo evaluate the prognostic value of lung ultrasound assessed by B-lines in HF patients.MethodsFour databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) were systematically searched to identify relevant articles. We pooled the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from eligible studies and carried out heterogeneity, quality assessment, and publication bias analyses. Data were pooled using a fixed-effects or random-effect model. A p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsNine studies involving 1,212 participants were included in the systematic review. B-lines > 15 and > 30 at discharge were significantly associated with increased risk of combined outcomes of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization (HR, 3.37, 95% CI, 1.52-7.47; p = 0.003; HR, 4.01, 95% CI, 2.29-7.01; p < 0.001, respectively). A B-line > 30 cutoff at discharge was significantly associated with increased risk of HF hospitalization (HR, 9.01, 95% CI, 2.80-28.93; p < 0.001). Moreover, a B-line > 3 cutoff significantly increased the risk for combined outcomes of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization in HF outpatients (HR, 3.21, 95% CI, 2.09-4.93; I2 = 10%; p < 0.00001).ConclusionB-lines could predict all-cause mortality and HF hospitalizations in patients with HF. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed to explore whether dealing with B-lines would improve the prognosis in clinical settings.     

O Escore Gensini e a Carga Trombótica Adicionam Valor Preditivo ao Escore SYNTAX na Detecção de No-Reflow após Infarto do Miocárdio

Background No-reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with poor prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). SYNTAX score is a good predictor of no-reflow.Objective We aimed to evaluate whether atherosclerotic burden (Gensini score) and thrombus burden in the culprit coronary artery would improve the ability of the SYNTAX score to detect no-reflow.Methods In this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with STEMI who presented within 12 h of onset of symptoms were selected for this study. No-reflow was defined as TIMI flow < 3 o r TIMI flow = 3 but myocardial blush grade <2. Thrombus burden was quantified according to the TIMI thrombus grade scale (0 to 5).Results A total of 481 patients were included (mean age 61±11 years). No-reflow occurred in 32.8%. SYNTAX score (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01–1.08, p<0.01), thrombus burden (OR=1.17, 95%CI 1.06–1.31, p<0.01), and Gensini score (OR=1.37, 95%CI 1.13–1.65, p<0.01) were independent predictors of no-reflow. Combined scores had a larger area under the curve than the SYNTAX score alone (0.78 [0.73–0.82] vs 0.73 [0.68–0.78], p=0.03). Analyses of both categorical (0.11 [0.01–0.22], p=0.02), and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI>0) (0.54 [0.035–0.73], p<0.001) showed improvement in the predictive ability of no-reflow in the combined model, with integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of 0.07 (0.04–0.09, p<0.001).Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, atherosclerotic burden and thrombus burden in the culprit artery add predictive value to the SYNTAX score in detecting the no-reflow phenomenon. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

Influência da Localização Geográfica no Acesso às Terapias de Reperfusão e Mortalidade de Pacientes com IAMcSST em Sergipe: Registro VICTIM

BackgroundThe concentration of high-complexity services in Aracaju, Sergipe can impose certain disparity in the quality of care for the patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (STEMI) who receive care from Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and whose symptoms started in other health regions of the state.ObjectiveTo evaluate disparities in access to reperfusion therapies and 30-day mortality, among patients with STEMI, who were users of SUS, in each of the 7 health regions of Sergipe.MethodsA total of 844 patients with STEMI in the period from 2014 to 2018, assisted by the only hospital with the capacity to offer primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) to SUS users in the state of Sergipe, were evaluated. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to the location at the onset of symptoms, following the existing division of health regions in the state. For comparison between groups, a significant difference was considered when p < 0.05.ResultsOf the total of 844 patients suffering from STEMI who were transferred to the hospital with PPCI that serves SUS patients, 386 patients (45.8%) underwent primary angioplasty. The mean rate of fibrinolytic use was 2.6%, with no differences between the regions. The mean total time of arrival to the hospital with PPCI was 21 hours and 55 minutes, with a median of 10 hours and 22 minutes (6 hours and 30 minutes to 22 hours and 52 minutes). Total 30-day mortality was 12.8%, but without differences between the regions, even when adjusted for age and sex.ConclusionsThis study reveals that fibrinolytics are underused throughout the state and that there is a significant delay in access to the hospital with PPCI, in all health regions of Sergipe.     

Treinamento de Não-Cardiologistas pode Melhorar os Resultados do Tratamento de Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supra de ST

BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization, emerging countries will have an enormous growth in the number of heart attacks and related deaths. The main medical issue in Brazil is mortality caused by acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The Society of Cardiology in the State of São Paulo has never trained non-cardiologists as emergency personnel. Patients usually seek help from emergency departments instead of calling for an ambulance.ObjectivesWe aimed at reducing in-hospital death rates from acute myocardial infarction by training emergency personnel in the city of Sao Paulo.MethodsWe used a training program for the personnel of five hospitals with >100 patients admitted with STEMI per year, and at least 15% in-hospital STEMI-associated mortality rate. We performed internet training, biannual-quarterly symposia for up to 400 participants, informative folders and handouts. Statistical analysis used the two proportion comparison test with p <0.05.ResultsNearly 200 physicians and 350 nurses attended at least one training from May 2010 to December 2013. Initially, many emergency physicians could not recognize an acute myocardial infarction on the electrocardiogram, but tele-electrocardiography is used in some emergency departments to determine the diagnosis. The death rate in the five hospitals decreased from 25.6%, in 2009, to 18.2%, in 2010 (p=0.005). After the entire period of training, the STEMI-associated death rate in all public hospitals of São Paulo decreased from 14.31%, in 2009, to 11.25%, in 2014 (p<0.0001).ConclusionEven simple training programs for emergency personnel can greatly reduce acute myocardial infarction death rates in undeveloped countries.     

Revascularização Completa Versus Tratamento da Artéria Culpada no Infarto com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro Multicêntrico

BackgroundData on the management and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease are limited in Brazil, showing that the available revascularization strategies should be investigatedObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of complete revascularization versus treatment of the culprit artery only in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted at two medical centers in southern Brazil with a 1-year follow-up after the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, or recurrent angina, while the secondary outcome was stroke, nonfatal cardiac arrest, major bleeding, or need for reintervention. The probability of outcomes occurring was compared between the groups using binary logistic regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsEighty-five patients were included. Their mean age was 62±12 years, and 61 (71.8%) were male. Fifty-eight (68.2%) were treated with complete revascularization and 27 (31.8%) with incomplete revascularization. The chance of both the primary and secondary outcomes occurring was significantly greater among patients treated with incomplete revascularization when compared to those treated with complete revascularization (odds ratio [OR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-16.1 vs. OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.9, respectively), as well as cardiac death (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.2-35.3).ConclusionRegistry data from two centers in southern Brazil demonstrate that the complete revascularization strategy is associated with a significant reduction in primary and secondary outcomes in a 1-year follow-up when compared to the incomplete revascularization strategy (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):229-237)     

Alterações Precoces nas Interleucinas Circulantes e no Risco Inflamatório Residual após Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio

BackgroundPatients with acute myocardial infarction may have a large infarcted area and ventricular dysfunction despite early thrombolysis and revascularization.ObjectiveTo investigate the behavior of circulating cytokines in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and their relationship with ventricular function.MethodsIn the BATTLE-AMI (B and T Types of Lymphocytes Evaluation in Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial, patients with STEMI were treated with a pharmacoinvasive strategy. The plasma levels of cytokines (IL-1 β , IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18) were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline and after 30 days. Infarcted mass and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were examined by 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsCompared to baseline, lower levels were detected for IL-1 β (p = 0.028) and IL-18 (p < 0.0001) 30 days after STEMI, whereas higher levels were observed for IL-4 (p = 0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.0001) at that time point. Conversely, no changes were detected for IL-6 levels (p = 0.63). The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6 correlated at baseline (rho = 0.45, p < 0.0001) and 30 days after STEMI (rho = 0.29, p = 0.009). At baseline, correlation between IL-6 levels and LVEF was also observed (rho = -0.50, p = 0.004).ConclusionsDuring the first month post-MI, we observed a marked improvement in the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, except for IL-6. These findings suggest residual inflammatory risk. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)     

A Sonotrombólise Promove Melhora dos Índices de Motilidade e Perfusão do Ventrículo Esquerdo após o Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio

BackgroundIt has recently been demonstrated that the application of high-energy ultrasound and microbubbles, in a technique known as sonothrombolysis, dissolves intravascular thrombi and increases the angiographic recanalization rate in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of sonothrombolysis on left ventricular wall motion and myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI, using real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography (RTMPE).MethodsOne hundred patients with STEMI were randomized into the following 2 groups: therapy (50 patients treated with sonothrombolysis and primary coronary angioplasty) and control (50 patients treated with primary coronary angioplasty). The patients underwent RTMPE for analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), wall motion score index (WMSI), and number of segments with myocardial perfusion defects 72 hours after STEMI and at 6 months of follow-up. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPatients treated with sonothrombolysis had higher LVEF than the control group at 72 hours (50% ± 10% versus 44% ± 10%; p = 0.006), and this difference was maintained at 6 months of follow-up (53% ± 10% versus 48% ± 12%; p = 0.008). The WMSI was similar in the therapy and control groups at 72 hours (1.62 ± 0.39 versus 1.75 ± 0.40; p = 0.09), but it was lower in the therapy group at 6 months (1.46 ± 0.36 versus 1.64 ± 0.44; p = 0.02). The number of segments with perfusion defects on RTMPE was similar in therapy and control group at 72 hours (5.92 ± 3.47 versus 6.94 ± 3.39; p = 0.15), but it was lower in the therapy group at 6 months (4.64 ± 3.31 versus 6.57 ± 4.29; p = 0.01).ConclusionSonothrombolysis in patients with STEMI resulted in improved wall motion and ventricular perfusion scores over time.     

Fatores que Impactam a Decisão de Realizar Ventriculografia Esquerda em Doença Arterial Coronariana

BackgroundLeft ventriculography is an invasive method for assessment of left ventricular systolic function. Since the advent of noninvasive methods, its use has been questioned, as it carries some risk to the patient.ObjectiveTo assess which factors are independently associated with the decision to perform ventriculography in patients with coronary artery disease.MethodsAnalytical, retrospective, database review study of electronic medical records comparing 21 predefined variables of interest among patients undergoing coronary angiography. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.ResultsWe evaluated 600 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Left ventriculography was performed in the majority of cases (54%). After multivariate analysis, patients with chronic coronary syndrome (OR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.20–2.46; p < 0.01) were more likely to undergo the procedure. Patients with known ventricular function (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40–0.85; p < 0.01); those with a history of CABG (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14–0.69; p < 0.01) or hypertension (OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36–0.94; p = 0.02); and those with higher creatinine levels (OR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26–0.69; p < 0.01) had greater odds of not undergoing ventriculography.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing coronary angiography, a diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome was independently associated with greater likelihood of left ventriculography, while having previously determined ventricular function, a history of hypertension or CABG, and higher creatinine levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing this procedure.     

Acurácia da Redução do Segmento-ST Pós-Trombólise como Preditor de Reperfusão Adequada em Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva

Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is considered the “gold standard” for coronary reperfusion. However, when not available, the drug-invasive strategy is an alternative method and the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to identify reperfusion success.Objectives Our study aimed to assess ST-Segment changes in post-thrombolysis and their power to predict recanalization and using the angiographic scores TIMI-flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) as an ideal reperfusion criterion.Methods 2,215 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing fibrinolysis [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] and referred to coronary angiography within 24 h post-fibrinolysis or immediately referred to rescue therapy were studied. The ECG was performed pre- and 60 min-post-TNK. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with ideal reperfusion (TIMI-3 and MBG-3) and those with inadequate reperfusion (TIMI and MBG <3). The ECG reperfusion criterion was defined by the reduction of the ST-Segment >50%. A p-value <0.05 was considered for the analyses, with bicaudal tests.Results The ECG reperfusion criterion showed a positive predictive value of 56%; negative predictive value of 66%; sensitivity of 79%; and specificity of 40%. There was a weak positive correlation between ST-Segment reduction and ideal reperfusion angiographic data (r = 0.21; p <0.001) and low diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.57-0.62).Conclusion The ST-Segment reduction was not able to accurately identify patients with adequate angiographic reperfusion. Therefore, even patients with apparently successful reperfusion should be referred to angiography soon, to ensure adequate macro and microvascular coronary flow.     

Escore de Cálcio Coronário e Estratificação do Risco de Doença Arterial Coronariana em Pacientes com Acidente Vascular Encefálico Isquêmico Aterosclerótico e não-Aterosclerótico

BackgroundIschemic Stroke (IS) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) frequently coexist and share atherosclerotic disease risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, IS subtypes may be considered CAD risk equivalents, but the evidence for non-atherosclerotic IS is uncertain. Additionally, the Coronary Calcium Score (CCS) is an accurate marker to address CAD risk; however, CCS distribution between IS subtypes is not well characterized.ObjectivesTo compare the CCS between atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic IS groups; and to determine which covariates were associated with high CCS in IS.MethodsThis cross-sectional design included all patients with IS, 45 to 70 years of age at the time of the stroke, consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation hospital between August 2014 and December 2016, without prevalent CAD. All patients underwent CT scanning for CCS measurement. CCS≥100 was considered a high risk for CAD, with a significance level of p<0.05.ResultsFrom the 244 studied patients (mean age 58.4±6.8 years; 49% female), 164 (67%) had non-atherosclerotic etiology. The proportions of CCS≥100 were similar between the atherosclerotic and the non-atherosclerotic groups (33% [n=26] x 29% [n=47]; p= 0.54). Among all IS patients, only age ≥60 years was independently associated with CCS≥100 (OR 3.5; 95%CI 1.7-7.1), accounting for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, sedentarism, and family history of CAD.ConclusionAtherosclerotic IS did not present a greater risk of CAD when compared to non-atherosclerotic IS according to CCS. Only age ≥60 years, but not etiology, was independently associated with CCS≥100.     

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.     

O Prognóstico da Doença Arterial Coronariana em um Hospital Público no Brasil: Achado do Estudo ERICO

BackgroundLong-term prognosis post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in secondary care is not well-known. The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) as a predictor of long-term mortality was evaluated in a community hospital in Brazil.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare short and long-term prognosis after an ACS event according to severity of obstructive disease in patients attended in a secondary community hospital from prospective CAD cohort in Brazil (the Strategy of Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome, ERICO study).MethodsSurvival analyses were performed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models (hazard ratios (HR) with respective 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate cumulative all-cause, CVD and CAD mortality according the coronary artery obstruction: no-obstruction (reference group), 1-vessel-disease, 2-vessel-disease, multivessel-disease) among 800 adults from an ERICO study during a 4-year-follow-up. HR are presented as crude and further adjusted for potential confounders from 180 days to 4-year follow-up after ACS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPoorer survival rates were detected among individuals with multivessel-disease (all-cause, CVD and CAD, p-log rank< 0.0001). After multivariate adjustments, multivessel-disease |(HR; 2.33 (CI 95%; 1.10-4.95)) and 1-vessel-disease obstructed (HR; 2.44 (CI 95%; 1.11-5.34)) had the highest risk for all-cause mortality compared to those with no obstruction at 4-year follow-up.ConclusionsNot only multivessel-disease, but also 1-vessel-disease patients showed a high long-term mortality risk post-ACS. These findings highlight the importance of having a better approach in the treatment and control of cardiovascular risk even in apparently low-risk individuals attended to in secondary care.     

Valor Prognóstico de Rigidez Aórtica usando Ressonância Magnética Cardiovascular em Idosos com Suspeita ou Confirmação de Doença Arterial Coronariana

BackgroundAortic stiffness is established as a marker of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a comprehensive assessment of aortic stiffness and myocardial ischemia in a single examination. However, prognostic data concerning aortic stiffness in elderly patients remain limited.ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic value of aortic stiffness using CMR-based pulse wave velocity (PWV) in elderly patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThis study enrolled consecutive patients aged >70 referred for adenosine stress perfusion CMR including PWV between 2010 and 2014. Patients were followed up for occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, late revascularization (>180 days after CMR), and ischemic stroke. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictors of MACE. A p-value of <0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsMean PWV was 13.98±9.00 m/s. After a median follow-up period of 59.6 months in 263 patients (55% female, 77±5 years), 61 MACE occurred. Patients with elevated PWV (>13.98 m/s) had significantly higher rates of MACE (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.05-2.94; p=0.03) than those with non-elevated PWV (<13.98 m/s). Multivariate analysis demonstrated diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial ischemia, and elevated PWV as independent predictors for MACE (p<0.05 for all). PWV provided an incremental prognostic value over clinical data, LVEF, and ischemia (increased global chi-square=7.25, p=0.01).ConclusionAortic stiffness using CMR is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular events in elderly patients with known or suspected CAD.