Carlos Vicente Serrano Júnior

I Latin American Guidelines for the assessment and management of decompensated heart failure

Edimar Alcides Bocchi, Fabio Vilas-Boas, Sergio Perrone, Angel G Caamano, Nadine Clausell, Maria da Consolacao VMoreira, Jorge Thierer, Hugo Omar Grancelli, Carlos Vicente Serrano Junior, Denilson Albuquerque, Dirceu Almeida,Fernando Bacal, Luis Felipe Moreira, Adonay Mendonza, Antonio Magana, Arturo Tejeda, Daniel Chafes, Efraim Gomez,Erick Bogantes, Estela Azeka, Evandro Tinoco Mesquita, Francisco Jose Farias B Reis, Hector Mora, Humberto Vilacorta,Jesus Sanches, Joao David de Souza Neto, Jose Luis Vuksovic, Juan Paes Moreno, Julio Aspe y Rosas, Lidia ZytynskiMoura, Luis Antonio de Almeida Campos, Luis Eduardo Rohde, Marcos Parioma Javier, Martin Garrido Garduno, MucioTavares, Pablo Castro Galvez, Raul Spinoza, Reynaldo Castro de Miranda, Ricardo Mourilhe Rocha, Roberto Paganini,Rodolfo Castano Guerra, Salvador Rassi, Sofia Lagudis, Solange Bordignon, Solon Navarette, Waldo Fernandes, AntonioCarlos Pereira Barretto, Victor Issa, Jorge Ilha Guimaraes.

[Cardiovascular events: a class effect by COX-2 inhibitors].

Non-steroidal anti-inflamatories (NSAIDs) are widely used in the treatment of post-surgery pain1, osteoarthritis2, rheumatoid arthritis3 and muscle-skeletal pain4,5, in different conditions. Major effects are: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic6. Generally speaking, such effects are associated to the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). COX catalyzes the transformation of arachidonic acid into different lipid mediators called prostaglandins and thromboxanes2. Those substances play a relevant hemostatic role in protecting gastric mucosa, renal physiology, and platelet aggregation, in addition to having their production induced under conditions such as inflammation and cancer7. Two isozymes – or forms of the COX enzyme – have been characterized: cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cycloxygenase-2(COX-2)2. COX-1 has shown to be constitutive in all body tissues8. It is the only isozyme found in platelets, leading to the formation of TXA2. It is found in gastric mucosa, among other tissues, where it catalyzes the biosynthesis of cytoprotective prostaglandins in vascular endotelium and in renal tissue. Finally, it is believed that COX-1 also plays a role in pathologic conditions such as inflammation7. On the other hand, COX-2 is shown to be increased in inflammatory and cell transformation processes particularly9-12, although its constitutive expression has been demonstrated in some CNS and kidney tissues7.

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: from evidence to clinical practice – position statement 2014 of Brazilian Diabetes Society

There is a very well known correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular disease but many health care professionals are just concerned with glycemic control, ignoring the paramount importance of controlling other risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of serious cardiovascular diseases. This Position Statement from the Brazilian Diabetes Society was developed to promote increased awareness in relation to six crucial topics dealing with diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Glicemic Control, Cardiovascular Risk Stratification and Screening Coronary Artery Disease, Treatment of Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, Antiplatelet Therapy and Myocardial Revascularization. The issue of what would be the best algorithm for the use of statins in diabetic patients received a special attention and a new Brazilian algorithm was developed by our editorial committee. This document contains 38 recommendations which were classified by their levels of evidence (A, B, C and D). The Editorial Committee included 22 specialists with recognized expertise in diabetes and cardiology.

Ativação plaquetária em formas clínicas distintas da doença arterial coronariana (papel da P-selectina e de outros marcadores nas anginas estável e instável)

OBJETIVO: Os marcadores da ativacao plaquetaria em geral se apresentam elevados na doenca arterial coronariana. Desse modo, procuramos identificar a presenca e as potenciais associacoes de diferentes marcadores da ativacao plaquetaria. METODOS: Estudamos pacientes com angina instavel (n=28), pacientes com angina estavel (n=36) e pacientes sem doenca arterial coronariana (n=30); sexo e idade foram estratificados. Os niveis sanguineos da molecula de adesao P-selectina, do thromboxane B2 e de serotonina foram medidos por imunoensaios enzimaticos. RESULTADOS: Quando comparamos os grupos, os resultados foram: a P-selectina, o thromboxane B2 e os niveis do serotonina apresentaram-se significativamente mais elevados nos pacientes com angina instavel do que nos pacientes com angina estavel. CONCLUSAO: Estes marcadores da ativacao plaquetaria podem, portanto, identificar formas instaveis de doenca arterial coronariana.

Lack of clopidogrel-statin interaction in patients undergoing coronary stent implantation

BACKGROUND Some studies have suggested reduced activity of clopidogrel on platelet activation and adherence in patients using statins. OBJECTIVE To assess whether platelet activation and aggregation decrease with clopidogrel, and whether there is a reduction of the action of clopidogrel when associated with atorvastatin or simvastatin. METHODS This prospective study included 68 patients with stable angina with previous use of simvastatin, atorvastatin, or no statin (control group), with previous elective indication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Platelet activation was analyzed by means of platelet count, levels of P-selectin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (with and without ADP stimulation) by flow cytometry. The findings were analyzed before and after percutaneous coronary intervention and the administration of clopidogrel. RESULTS We observed reduction in platelet activity with use of clopidogrel. Furthermore, no differences were found between the variables analyzed to prove reduced activity of clopidogrel when combined with statins. We observed levels of p-selectin (pre-angioplasty: 14.23 ± 7.52 x 8.83 x 11.45 ± 7.65 ± 7.09; after angioplasty: 21.49 ± 23.82 x 4 37 ± 2.71 x 4.82 ± 4.47, ρ < 0.01) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (pre-angioplasty: 98.97 ± 0.43 ± 1.25 x 98.79 x 99.21 ± 0.40 after angioplasty: 99.37 ± 0.29 ± 1.47 x 98.50 x 98.92 ± 0.88, ρ = 0.52), respectively, in the control, atorvastatin and simvastatin groups. CONCLUSION We concluded that platelet activation decreases with administration of clopidogrel, and clopidogrel has no antiplatelet effect reduced in the presence of simvastatin or atorvastatin.FUNDAMENTO: Alguns estudos tem sugerido reducao da atividade do clopidogrel sobre a ativacao e adesao plaquetarias em pacientes em uso de estatinas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a ativacao e agregacao plaquetarias diminuem com clopidogrel, e se ocorre reducao da acao do clopidogrel quando associado a atorvastatina ou a sinvastatina. METODOS: Estudo prospectivo que incluiu 68 pacientes com angina estavel em uso previo de sinvastatina, atorvastatina, ou nenhuma estatina (grupo controle), com indicacao previa eletiva de realizacao de intervencao coronaria percutânea. Foi analisada a ativacao plaquetaria atraves do numero de plaquetas, niveis de P-selectina e glucoproteina IIb/IIIa (com e sem estimulo de ADP) atraves de citometria de fluxo. Os resultados foram analisados antes e apos a intervencao coronaria percutânea e da administracao de clopidogrel. RESULTADOS: Observamos reducao da atividade plaquetaria com uso de clopidogrel. Alem disso, nao houve diferencas entre as variaveis analisadas que comprovassem reducao da atividade do clopidogrel quando associado a estatinas. Observou-se niveis de p-selectina (pre-angioplastia: 14,23±7,52 x 11,45±8,83 x 7,65±7,09; pos angioplastia: 21,49±23,82 x 4,37±2,71 x 4,82±4,47, ρ<0,01) e glicoproteina IIb/IIIa (pre-angioplastia: 98,97±0,43 x 98,79±1,25 x 99,21±0,40; pos angioplastia: 99,37±0,29 x 98,50±1,47 x 98,92±0,88, ρ=0,52), respectivamente nos grupos controle, atorvastatina e sinvastatina. CONCLUSAO: Concluimos que a ativacao plaquetaria diminui com a administracao de clopidogrel, e que o clopidogrel nao tem seu efeito antiplaquetario reduzido na presenca de sinvastatina ou atorvastatina.

The ORBITA trial: A point of view

Treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) relies on improved prognosis and relief of symptoms. National and international guidelines on CAD support the indication for revascularization in patients with limiting symptoms and refractory to drug treatment. Previous studies attested the efficacy of angioplasty to improve angina as well as the functional capacity of patients with symptomatic stable CAD. The ORBITA trial, recently published in an international journal, showed no benefit in terms of exercise tolerance compared to a placebo procedure in a population of single-vessel patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention. In this point of view article, the authors discuss the ORBITA trial regarding methodological issues, limitations and clinical applicability.

Prognostic Differences between Men and Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Data from a Brazilian Registry

Background Gender-related differences have been reported in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The description of this comparative finding in a Brazilian registry has not yet been documented. Objective To compare male vs. female patients regarding the baseline characteristics, coronary findings, treatment and in-hospital and long-term prognosis. Methods This is a retrospective, multicenter and observational study that included 3,745 patients (2,437 males and 1,308 females) between May 2010 and May 2015. The primary in-hospital outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of combined events (cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, death, stroke and bleeding). The comparison between groups was performed using the chi-square and the t test, considering p < 0.05 as significant. In the long term, mortality and combined events were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with a mean follow-up of 8.79 months. Results The mean age was 60.3 years for males and 64.6 for females (p < 0.0001). The most prevalent risk factor was systemic arterial hypertension in 72.9% of the women and 67.8% of the men (p = 0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was carried out in 44.9% of the males and 35.4% of the females (p < 0.0001), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 17% of the males and 11.8% of females (p < 0.0001), with a higher prevalence of three-vessel coronary artery disease in males (27.3% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.0001). Approximately 79.9% of the female patients received a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation, while in the male patients, this diagnosis was attained in 71.5% (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the short and long term, regarding both mortality and the combined events. Conclusion Several gender-related differences were observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome regarding the demographic characteristics, coronary artery disease pattern and implemented treatment. However, the prognostic evolution was similar between the groups.

Heart Failure with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction inPatients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results: Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2015; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)Background The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization.

Heart Failure with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results: Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2015; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)Background The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization.

Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção do Ventrículo Esquerdo Preservada em Pacientes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio

Background: The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results: Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2015; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)Background The prevalence and clinical outcomes of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction after acute myocardial infarction have not been well elucidated. Objective To analyze the prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction and its association with mortality. Methods Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 1,474) were prospectively included. Patients without heart failure (Killip score = 1), with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥ 50%), and with systolic dysfunction (Killip score > 1 and left ventricle ejection fraction < 50%) on admission were compared. The association between systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality was tested in adjusted models. Results Among the patients included, 1,256 (85.2%) were admitted without heart failure (72% men, 67 ± 15 years), 78 (5.3%) with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (59% men, 76 ± 14 years), and 140 (9.5%) with systolic dysfunction (69% men, 76 ± 14 years), with mortality rates of 4.3%, 17.9%, and 27.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Logistic regression (adjusted for sex, age, troponin, diabetes, and body mass index) demonstrated that heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.35–6.27; p = 0.006) and systolic dysfunction (OR 5.38; 95% CI 3.10 to 9.32; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion One-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted with heart failure had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Although this subgroup exhibited more favorable outcomes than those with systolic dysfunction, this condition presented a three-fold higher risk of death than the group without heart failure. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction encounter elevated short-term risk and require special attention and monitoring during hospitalization.