José Rocha Faria Neto

An assessment of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in patients suspected of acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Leukocytes total count is an independent risk marker for cardiovascular events. The ratio between neutrophils and lymphocytes (N/L) count has been investigated as a new predictor for cardiovascular risk, although its diagnostic role when assessing patients suspected of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) condition is not yet known. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic power of N/L ratio in patients who have been admitted at a Chest Pain Unit (CPU) with the suspicion of ACS. METHODS Evaluation was conducted in 178 patients admitted with chest pain. Diagnostic flowchart including clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory data. Diagnosis obtained was: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with (AMI-STE) and with no segment T elevation (AMI-NSTE), unstable angina (UA ) and non-cardiac pain (NC). Total and differential leukocyte count was conducted in peripheral blood sample collected at admission. RESULTS Patients diagnosed with non-cardiac pain reported the lowest N/L ratio (n=45; 3.0 +/- 1.6), followed by UA (n=65; 3.6 +/- 2.9), AMI-NSTE (n=33; 4.8 +/- 3.7) and AMI-STE (n=35; 6.9 +/- 5.7); p < 0.0001. N/L ratio above 5.7 (highest quartile) reported 91.1% specificity, 4.51 odds ratio (CI 95% 1.51 to 13.45) for the final diagnosis of ACS when compared to the groups at lower quartiles. CONCLUSION The N/L ratio presents correlation with final diagnosis of patients with suspicion of ACS at admission. Considering this is a low cost, good reproductibility test, new studies should ellucidate whether the ratio may be of relevance for diagnosis flowcharts currently in use.

Health system barriers and facilitators to medication adherence for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

Background Secondary prevention is cost-effective for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but uptake is suboptimal. Understanding barriers and facilitators to adherence to secondary prevention for CVD at multiple health system levels may inform policy. Objectives To conduct a systematic review of barriers and facilitators to adherence/persistence to secondary CVD prevention medications at health system level. Methods Included studies reported effects of health system level factors on adherence/persistence to secondary prevention medications for CVD (coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease). Studies considered at least one of β blockers, statins, angiotensin–renin system blockers and aspirin. Relevant databases were searched from 1 January 1966 until 1 October 2015. Full texts were screened for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers. Results Of 2246 screened articles, 25 studies were included (12 trials, 11 cohort studies, 1 cross-sectional study and 1 case–control study) with 132 140 individuals overall (smallest n=30, largest n=63 301). 3 studies included upper middle-income countries, 1 included a low middle-income country and 21 (84%) included high-income countries (9 in the USA). Studies concerned established CVD (n=4), cerebrovascular disease (n=7) and coronary heart disease (n=14). Three studies considered persistence and adherence. Quantity and quality of evidence was limited for adherence, persistence and across drug classes. Studies were concerned with governance and delivery (n=19, including 4 trials of fixed-dose combination therapy, FDC), intellectual resources (n=1), human resources (n=1) and health system financing (n=4). Full prescription coverage, reduced copayments, FDC and counselling were facilitators associated with higher adherence. Conclusions High-quality evidence on health system barriers and facilitators to adherence to secondary prevention medications for CVD is lacking, especially for low-income settings. Full prescription coverage, reduced copayments, FDC and counselling may be effective in improving adherence and are priorities for further research.

ERICA: prevalence of dyslipidemia in Brazilian adolescents

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in Brazilian adolescents, as well as the prevalence of altered levels of such parameters. METHODS Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) were used. This is a country-wide, school-based cross-sectional study that evaluated 12 to 17-year old adolescents living in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. The average and distribution of plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were evaluated. Dyslipidemia was determined by levels of total cholesterol ≥ 170 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 45 mg/dL, or triglycerides ≥ 130 mg/dl. The data were analyzed by gender, age, and regions in Brazil. RESULTS We evaluated 38,069 adolescents – 59.9% of females, and 54.2% between 15 and 17 years. The average values found were: total cholesterol = 148.1 mg/dl (95%CI 147.1-149.1), HDL cholesterol = 47.3 mg/dl (95%CI 46.7-47.9), LDL cholesterol = 85.3 mg/dl (95%CI 84.5-86.1), and triglycerides = 77.8 mg/dl (95%CI 76.5-79.2). The female adolescents had higher average levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, without differences in the levels of triglycerides. We did not observe any significant differences between the average values among 12 to 14 and 15- to 17-year old adolescents. The most prevalent lipid alterations were low HDL cholesterol (46.8% [95%CI 44.8-48.9]), hypercholesterolemia (20.1% [95%CI 19.0-21.3]), and hypertriglyceridemia (7.8% [95%CI 7.1-8.6]). High LDL cholesterol was found in 3.5% (95%CI 3.2-4.0) of the adolescents. Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol was higher in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of Brazilian adolescents has alterations in their plasma lipids. The high prevalence of low HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia, especially in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions, must be analyzed in future studies, to support the creation of strategies for efficient interventions.

ERICA: prevalência de dislipidemia em adolescentes brasileiros

OBJETIVO Determinar a distribuicao de colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol e triglicerideos em adolescentes brasileiros, bem como a prevalencia de niveis alterados de tais parâmetros. METODOS Foram utilizados dados do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA), estudo transversal, de âmbito nacional e base escolar que avaliou adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos, residentes em municipios com mais de 100 mil habitantes. Foi avaliada a media e distribuicao dos niveis plasmaticos de colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol e triglicerideos. Dislipidemia foi determinada por niveis de colesterol total ≥ 170 mg/dl, LDL-colesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl, HDL-colesterol < 45 mg/dL ou triglicerideos ≥ 130 mg/dl. Os dados foram analisados por sexo, idade e regioes do Brasil. RESULTADOS Foram avaliados 38.069 adolescentes, 59,9% do sexo feminino; 54,2% com idade entre 15 a 17 anos. Os valores medios encontrados foram: colesterol total 148,1 mg/dl (IC95% 147,1-149,1), HDL-colesterol 47,3 mg/dl (IC95% 46,7-47,9), LDL-colesterol 85,3 mg/dl (IC95% 84,5-86,1), e triglicerideos 77,8 mg/dl (IC95% 76,5-79,2). Adolescentes do sexo feminino apresentaram niveis medios de colesterol total, LDL-colesterol e HDL-colesterol mais elevados, mas sem diferenca nos niveis de triglicerideos. Nao houve diferenca significativa de valores medios entre adolescentes de 12 a 14 e de 15 a 17 anos. As alteracoes com maior prevalencia foram HDL-colesterol baixo (46,8% [IC95% 44,8-48,9]), hipercolesterolemia (20,1% [IC95% 19,0-21,3]) e hipertrigliceridemia (7,8% [IC95% 7,1-8,6]). O LDL-colesterol elevado foi observado em 3,5% (IC95% 3,2-4,0) dos adolescentes. As prevalencias de HDL-colesterol baixo foram mais elevadas nas regioes Norte e Nordeste do Pais. CONCLUSOES Uma parcela significativa dos adolescentes brasileiros apresenta alteracoes dos lipides plasmaticos. A alta prevalencia de HDL-colesterol baixo e a hipertrigliceridemia, sobretudo nas regioes Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, devem ser analisadas em futuros estudos para subsidiar formulacoes de estrategias de intervencoes eficazes.

Impact of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in Brazilian populations.

Background High blood pressure is associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality in the Brazilian population. Lifestyle changes, including physical activity, are important for lowering blood pressure levels and decreasing the costs associated with outcomes. Objective Assess the impact of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in Brazilian individuals. Methods Meta-analysis and systematic review of studies published until May 2014, retrieved from several health sciences databases. Seven studies with 493 participants were included. The analysis included parallel studies of physical activity interventions in adult populations in Brazil with a description of blood pressure (mmHg) before and after the intervention in the control and intervention groups. Results Of 390 retrieved studies, eight matched the proposed inclusion criteria for the systematic review and seven randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Physical activity interventions included aerobic and resistance exercises. There was a reduction of -10.09 (95% CI: -18.76 to -1.43 mmHg) in the systolic and -7.47 (95% CI: -11.30 to -3.63 mmHg) in the diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions Available evidence on the effects of physical activity on blood pressure in the Brazilian population shows a homogeneous and significant effect at both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, the strength of the included studies was low and the methodological quality was also low and/or regular. Larger studies with more rigorous methodology are necessary to build robust evidence.

Síndrome do balonamento apical secundário ao uso abusivo de descongestionante nasal

We describe a typical case of apical ballooning syndrome in an octogenarian female patient with left ventricular wall motion abnormality on electrocardiography, whose ventricular function returned to normal. The patient has allergic rhinitis and had used nasal decongestant excessively a few hours prior to the episode of pain.

Monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial em filhos de hipertensos

OBJECTIVE: This study intended to evaluate blood pressure monitoring (BPM) data in young hypertensive offspring. METHODS: We evaluated 31 students, of ages ranging from 17 to 25 years, whose parents (one or both) were being treated for hypertension (group I) and 30 normotensive subjects, whose parents were not hypertensive (group II). Epidemiological data were collected from all participants and the blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained by BPM were compared. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between both groups when mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.195) and mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p=0.958); SBP decrease (p=0.61) and DBP decrease (p=0.289); SBP variability (p=0.24) and DBP variability (p=0.497) were compared. There were statistical differences, when pulse pressures (42.74 mmHg in group I and 45.53 in group II) and in the minimum SBP during the awake period (85.00 mmHg in group I and 90.27 mmHg in group II, p=0.048) were compared. Both parameters were higher in the group whose parents were not hypertensive individuals. CONCLUSION: In this population, there were statistical differences in pulse pressure and in minimum SBP during the awake period, being higher in the group whose parents were not hypertensive. There were no differences between the two groups in the other parameters analyzed.

A periodized model for exercise improves the intra-hospital evolution of patients after myocardial revascularization: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare models of the postoperative hospital treatment phase after myocardial revascularization. Design: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital patients in a hospital setting. Subjects: Thirty-two patients with indications for myocardial revascularization were included between January 2008 and December 2009, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%, 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) ≥60 and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥60% of predicted value. Interventions: Patients were randomly placed into two groups: one performed prescribed exercises according to the model proposed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the other according to a periodized model. Main measures: Partial pressure of O2 (Po2) and arterial O2 saturation (Sao2), percentage of predicted FVC and total distance on the six-minute walking test (6MWT). Results: Twenty-seven patients were re-evaluated upon release from the hospital (ACSM = 14 and PP = 13). Five patients extubated for more than 6 hours in the postoperative period were excluded from the sample. In the preoperative period the variables Po2, Sao2, % FVC and 6MWT were similar. In the postoperative period, a reduction was observed for all parameters in both groups. Upon comparison of the groups, a difference was observed in Po2 (ACSM = 68.0 ± 4.3 vs. PP = 75.9 ± 4.8 mmHg; P < 0.001), Sao2 (ACSM = 93.5 ± 1.4 vs. PP = 94.8 ± 1.2%; P = 0.018) and 6MWT (ACSM = 339.3 ± 41.7 vs. PP = 393.8 ± 25.7 m; P < 0.001). There was no difference in % FVC. Conclusion: Patients after myocardial revascularization following a periodized model of exercise presented a better intra-hospital evolution when compared to those using the ACSM model.

Statin-associated muscle symptoms: position paper from the Luso-Latin American Consortium.

Abstract In the last two decades, statin therapy has proved to be the most potent isolated therapy for attenuation of cardiovascular risk. Its frequent use has been seen as one of the most important elements for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in developed countries. However, the recurrent incidence of muscle symptoms in statin users raised the possibility of causal association, leading to a disease entity known as statin associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Mechanistic studies and clinical trials, specifically designed for the study of SAMS have allowed a deeper understanding of the natural history and accurate incidence. This set of information becomes essential to avoid an unnecessary risk of severe forms of SAMS. At the same time, this concrete understanding of SAMS prevents overdiagnosis and an inadequate suspension of one of the most powerful prevention strategies of our times. In this context, the Luso-Latin American Consortium gathered all available information on the subject and presents them in detail in this document as the basis for the identification and management of SAMS.

Regeneration of Tracheal Tissue in Partial Defects Using Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa

Background Surgical correction of tracheal defects is a complex procedure when the gold standard treatment with primary end-to-end anastomosis is not possible. An alternative treatment may be the use of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS). It has been used as graft material for bioengineering applications and to promote tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SIS grafts improved tracheal tissue regeneration in a rabbit model of experimental tracheostomy. Methods Sixteen rabbits were randomized into two groups. Animals in the control group underwent only surgical tracheostomy, while animals in the SIS group underwent surgical tracheostomy with an SIS graft covering the defect. We examined tissues at the site of tracheostomy 60 days after surgery using histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and analyzed the perimeter and area of the defect with Image-Pro® PLUS 4.5 (Media Cybernetics). Results The average perimeter and area of the defects were smaller by 15.3% (p = 0.034) and 21.8% (p = 0.151), respectively, in the SIS group than in the control group. Histological analysis revealed immature cartilage, pseudostratified ciliated epithelium, and connective tissue in 54.5% (p = 0.018) of the SIS group, while no cartilaginous regeneration was observed in the control group. Conclusions Although tracheal SIS engraftment could not prevent stenosis in a rabbit model of tracheal injury, it produced some remarkable changes, efficiently facilitating neovascularization, reepithelialization, and neoformation of immature cartilage.