Marcelo Westerlund Montera

Valor prognóstico do teste de caminhada de seis minutos na insuficiência cardíaca

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the true usefulness of the Six-Minute Walk Test as a prognostic indicator and its contribution to clinical practice with heart failure patients. METHODS In order to investigate the actual value of the Six-Minute Walk Test as an objective measure of mortality probability in patients with heart failure, the test was applied to 179 stable patients (120 men and 59 women, mean age 58.32 +/- 12.7 years, with NYHA class II and III heart failure and an ejection fraction (LVEF) of 34.91 +/- 12.4%). Patients were instructed to walk for 6 minutes and then, four hours later, underwent a conventional exercise stress test (as per Naughton Protocol). Patients were followed for an average of eighteen months. RESULTS The average distance walked was 521.11 +/- 76.1 meters. During the follow-up period, 66 patients (36.9%) died. There was a significant correlation between the distance walked during the test and mortality (p < 0.0001). The logistic regression model identified the distance walked during the test as the most important independent predictor of mortality (p = 0.0001). A distance shorter than 520 meters identified the patients with an increased probability of death. There was a significant correlation between the number of metabolic equivalents (METs) measured during the conventional exercise stress testing and mortality rate (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION The Six-Minute Walk test is a simple, safe and powerful method to assess the prognosis of patients with NYHA class II and III heart failure. It is an objective examination that may replace the conventional ergometric test for the prognostic evaluation of these patients.

Sumário de atualização da II Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda 2009/2011

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Assistência circulatória com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) no adulto: um conceito falido ou esquecido?

FUNDAMENTO: A oxigenacao por membrana extracorporea (ECMO) em recem-nascidos e criancas tem resultados excelentes. A experiencia em adultos e mais modesta e os resultados imediatos sao inferiores. Entretanto, a sobrevida em cinco anos de pacientes que sobrevivem a esse metodo e bastante promissora. Nao ha relato na literatura brasileira de experiencias com esse sistema nesse contexto. OBJETIVO: Relatar a experiencia com o uso da oxigenacao por membrana extracorporea no adulto que se apresenta em choque cardiogenico agudo e refratario. METODOS: Analise retrospectiva de prontuarios medicos de pacientes submetidos a implante do sistema de oxigenacao por membrana extracorporea para a assistencia circulatoria no choque cardiogenico agudo e refratario. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes (63,5 anos; 45,5% homens) foram considerados para analise no periodo de 2005 a 2007. O tempo medio de suporte circulatorio foi de 77 horas (10-240h) e cinco pacientes estavam vivos em 30 dias (45,5%). Dois pacientes foram subsequentemente submetidos a implante de assistencia circulatoria prolongada apos um periodo de ressuscitacao em ECMO, um dos quais foi submetido ao transplante cardiaco. As causas de morte durante a assistencia com ECMO (seis pacientes) incluiram falencia multiorgânica (66,6%) ou sangramento refratario (33,4%). CONCLUSAO: O sistema ECMO e uma opcao de assistencia circulatoria temporaria para pacientes adultos com falencia cardiaca aguda refrataria, podendo ser utilizado como ponte para a recuperacao ou com o intuito de selecionar candidatos a assistencia circulatoria prolongada (ponte para a ponte).

Correlation of myocardial interstitial collagen in the right ventricular septum with ventricular function of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 +/- 7.9% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3% vs. 15.8 +/- 4.1% vs. 17.5+/-7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 +/- 7.7% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.BACKGROUND: Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS: 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS: Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 ± 7.9% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3% vs. 15.8 ± 4.1% vs. 17.5±7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 ± 7.7% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.

Correlação do colágeno intersticial miocárdico do septo do ventrículo direito com a função ventricular em pacientes com cardiomiopatia isquêmica

BACKGROUND Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 +/- 7.9% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3% vs. 15.8 +/- 4.1% vs. 17.5+/-7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 +/- 7.7% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.BACKGROUND: Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS: 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS: Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 ± 7.9% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3% vs. 15.8 ± 4.1% vs. 17.5±7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 ± 7.7% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.

Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Crônica e Aguda

Parte 1: Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Cronica […] Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Cronica e Aguda

Correlación del colágeno intersticial miocárdico del septo del ventrículo derecho con la función ventricular en pacientes con cardiomiopatía isquémica

BACKGROUND Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 +/- 7.9% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3% vs. 15.8 +/- 4.1% vs. 17.5+/-7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 +/- 7.7% vs. 6.8 +/- 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.BACKGROUND: Myocardial collagen content influences ventricular relaxation, contraction, and morphology. Its relationship with ventricular function in patients (Pts) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) has not yet been fully studied in humans. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interstitial collagen content in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and ventricular function in ICMP. METHODS: 31 pts with coronary artery disease were divided into four groups as follows:The control group consisted of 7 pts with normal left (LVEF) and right (RVEF) ventricular ejection fraction (group C); Group 1: 5 patients with RVEF < 40%; Group 2: 9 pts with LVEF < 40%; and Group 3, 10 pts with biventricular dysfunction. RVEF and LVEF were measured by radionuclide angiography. For quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from the right ventricle and stained with picrosirius red. RESULTS: Mean CVF was significantly higher in group 3, compared with the control group and with groups 1 and 2 (30.2 ± 7.9% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3% vs. 15.8 ± 4.1% vs. 17.5±7.7%, respectively; p =0.0001). It was also significantly higher in patients belonging to group 2, compared with those in the control group (17.5 ± 7.7% vs. 6.8 ± 3.3%, p =0.0001). CVF was inversely correlated with RVEF (r = - 0.50, p = 0.003) and LVEF (r = -0.70, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In ICMP, CVF is elevated in non-infarcted areas of the right ventricular septum and inversely correlated with right and left ventricular function.

Avaliaçäo do perfil arritmogênico ventricular de pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada e fraçäo de ejeçäo diminuída

PURPOSE: To evaluate the arrhythmogenic profile of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of low ejection fraction and its prognostic significance. METHODS: Data from 40 patients (30 males; mean age: 52±13 years) were analysed including ventricular arrhythmias (24h - Holter monitoring), autonomic balance from heart rate variability in time domain (rMSSD and pNN50 indexes), ventricular late potentials (signal averaged electrocardiogram (ECG)) and dispersion of ventricular repolarization measured from 12-lead ECG. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias with at least one episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 60% of the patients. Depressed vagal activity was observed in more than half of the patients. In only 30% of the patients the signal-averaged ECG was positive. The dispersion of ventricular repolarization ranged from 20 to 100ms. The presence of >30 ventricular premature beats or nonsustained VT on Holter monitoring was the most significant predictor of cardiac death and sudden cardiac death with a relative risk of 1.9 and 3.2, respectively (p= 0.01 and 0.000). CONCLUSION: In this study population it was noted that patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and low ejection fraction had an abnormal electrical and autonomic cardiac behaviour. These findings could represent risk factors for the ocurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias or fatal events.