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Background Nut consumption has been related to improvements on cardiometabolic parameters and reduction in the severity of atherosclerosis mainly in primary cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet (DIetaCArdioprotetoraBrasileira, DICA Br) based on consumption of inexpensive locally accessible foods supplemented or not with mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI). Methods DICA-NUTS study is a national, multicenter, randomized 16-week follow-up clinical trial. Patients over 40 years old with diagnosis of previous MI in the last 2 to 6 months will be recruited (n = 388). A standardized questionnaire will be applied to data collection and blood samples will be obtained. Patients will be allocated in two groups: Group 1: DICA Br supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts, 10 g of cashew, 10 g of Brazil nuts); and Group 2: only DICA Br. The primary outcome will consist of LDL cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcomes will consist of other markers of lipid profile, glycemic profile, and anthropometric data. Discussion It is expected that DICA Br supplemented with mixed nuts have superior beneficial effects on cardiometabolic parameters in patients after a MI, when compared to DICA Br. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03728127. First register: November 1, 2018; Last update: June 16, 2021. World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN): U1111-1259-8105.

Submitted by DSpace Unilasalle (dspace@unilasalle.edu.br) on 2021-07-30T17:29:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin_NEJM.pdf: 657905 bytes, checksum: abd774ed0fca84d1bf82fc915cc48491 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-30T17:29:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin_NEJM.pdf: 657905 bytes, checksum: abd774ed0fca84d1bf82fc915cc48491 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020 BACKGROUND Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy of these therapies is limited. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, three-group, controlled trial involving hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 who were receiving either no supplemental oxygen or a maximum of 4 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive standard care, standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily, or standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily plus azithromycin at a dose of 500 mg once daily for 7 days. The primary outcome was clinical status at 15 days as assessed with the use of a seven-level ordinal scale (with levels ranging from one to seven and higher scores indicating a worse condition) in the modified intention-to-treat population (patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19). Safety was also assessed. RESULTS A total of 667 patients underwent randomization; 504 patients had confirmed Covid-19 and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. As compared with standard care, the proportional odds of having a higher score on the seven-point ordinal scale at 15 days was not affected by either hydroxychloroquine alone (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 2.11; P=1.00) or hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.73; P=1.00). Prolongation of the corrected QT interval and elevation of liver-enzyme levels were more frequent in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, than in those who were not receiving either agent. CONCLUSIONS Among patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate Covid-19, the use of hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, did not improve clinical status at 15 days as compared with standard care. (Funded by the Coalition Covid-19 Brazil and EMS Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04322123.)

RESUMO Introducao: A intervencao coronaria percutânea (ICP) em arterias de fino calibre corresponde a 30 a 40% dos procedimentos terapeuticos invasivos, e exibe taxas elevadas e persistentes de reestenose, a despeito da evolucao dos dispositivos empregados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a evolucao do perfil desta modalidade terapeutica no Brasil nos ultimos 10 anos. Metodos: Foram incluidos 24.895 pacientes do registro da Central Nacional de Intervencoes Cardiovasculares (CENIC) submetidos a 25.892 procedimentos com pelo menos um stent com diâmetro [...]

Increased adiposity has been associated to worse metabolic profile, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. There are two main adipose tissue depots in the body, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, which differ in anatomical location. A large body of evidence has shown the metabolic activity of adipose tissue; lipectomy and/or liposuction therefore appear to be alternatives for improving metabolic profile through rapid loss of adipose tissue. However, surgical removal of adipose tissue may be detrimental for metabolism, because subcutaneous adipose tissue has not been associated to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, animal studies have shown a compensatory growth of adipose tissue in response to lipectomy. This review summarizes the implications of obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction, its relationship with the different adipose tissue depots, and the effects of lipectomy on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has already been demonstrated to be related to a chronic and complex inflammatory process, in which the loss of endothelial protective properties - the so-called endothelial dysfunction - plays a central role. A number of different approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have been tested with inconclusive results so far. One field of special interest is the impact of the different macronutrients and dietary patterns in the inflammatory response that, ultimately, leads to endothelial dysfunction and increased cardio-metabolic risk. Although apparently simple, interventions regarding dietary habits have complex implications and involve a number of covariates that may interfere in the final results. To date, results about the protective effects of diet - in general - regarding cardio-metabolic risk remain to be fully proven.

Hyperactivity of sympathetic nervous system is one of the main mechanisms to play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Its high prevalence and the low rates of adequate blood pressure control with pharmacological treatment brought interest to novel therapeutical strategies. Percutaneous renal sympathetic denervation emerged as an effective and safe alternative to reduce blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. Other potential indications to this procedure are heart failure, cases of insulin resistance, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmias.

INTRODUÇÃO: O stent farmacológico eluidor de paclitaxel, não-polimérico, Amazonia® PAX não mostrou diferença na reestenose coronária ou eventos clínicos aos 4 meses de evolução quando comparado com o stent Taxus®. Entretanto, o desempenho do stent Amazonia® PAX em cenários de maior complexidade e com seguimento angiográfico mais longo ainda não foi demonstrado. MÉTODOS: O Estudo PAX-B foi um estudo prospectivo, não-randomizado, multicêntrico, que avaliou os resultados tardios de pacientes tratados com o stent Amazonia® PAX. O desfecho primário foi a perda tardia do lúmen intrastent. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 103 pacientescom média de idade de 61,3 ± 11,4 anos, 26,2% eram diabéticos, 24,3% apresentaram-se com síndrome coronária aguda e 71,6% tinham lesões tipo B2/C. Implante de múltiplos stents ocorreu em 4,7% dos casos e o sucesso angiográfico foi de 100%. Na fase hospitalar, a taxa de infarto agudo do miocárdio periprocedimento foi de 3,9%, e um desses eventos levou à revascularização da lesão-alvo (RLA). No seguimento angiográfico de 9 meses, a mediana da perda tardia do lúmen intrastent foi de 0,91 [0,50; 1,21] mm. As taxas cumulativas de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores nos seguimentos de 6 meses, 9 meses e 12 meses foram, respectivamente, de 7,8%, 18,5% e 21,3%, principalmente em decorrência de RLA. Não se observou morte ou trombose de stent em 12 meses. CONCLUSÕES: O stent Amazonia® PAX demonstrou excelentes resultados imediatos e alto perfil de segurança. Entretanto, as taxas de recorrência angiográfica foram relativamente altas, em razão da pouca eficácia na inibição da formação de hiperplasia neointimal. BACKGROUND: The non-polymeric paclitaxel-eluting sent Amazonia® PAX did not show differences in the occurrence of coronary restenosis or clinical events after 4 months of follow-up when compared with the Taxus® stent. However, the performance of the Amazonia® PAX stent in more complex cases and with longer angiographic follow-up has not been demonstrated. METHODS: The PAX-B study was a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter study assessing the late follow-up of patients treated with the Amazonia® PAX stent. The primary outcome was in-stent late lumen loss. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients with mean age of 61.3 ± 11.4 years were included, 26.2% were diabetics, 24.3% had acute coronary syndromes and 71.6% had type B2/C lesions. Multiple stents were performed in 4.7% of the cases and angiographic success was 100%. During hospitalization, the periprocedural acute myocardial infarction rate was 3.9% and one of these events led to target lesion revascularization (TLR). At 9-month angiographic follow-up, the median in-stent late lumen loss was 0.91 [0.50; 1.21] mm. The cumulative rates of major adverse cardiac events at the 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-up were 7.8%, 18.5% and 21.3%, respectively, mostly due to TLR. There was no death or stent thrombosis at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The stent Amazonia® PAX demonstrated excellent immediate results and high safety profile. However, angiographic recurrence rates were relatively high, due to low efficacy in inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia.

BackgroundIntravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides a sensitive and reproducible measurement of the coronary artery dimensions, atherosclerotic plaque, and arterial lumen. Advances in IVUS technology now allow for the characterisation of the composition and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques. Although previous studies have reported data using IVUS with radiofrequency analysis, little is known regarding the use of a new modality (iMap®, Boston Scientific – Santa Clara, CA, USA) of atherosclerotic plaque characterisation. This study aims to analyse the morphological, phenotypic, and tissue characteristics of ‘culprit’ and ‘non-culprit’ atherosclerotic plaques determined by angiography in patients undergoing coronary angiography due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsThis will be a prospective, cross-sectional, single centre study (Hospital São Paulo – Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo/UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Fifty patients will be selected for the ultrasound analysis according to the following inclusion criteria: age

Background Compared with the Taxus® stent, the non-polymeric paclitaxel-eluting Amazonia® PAX stent shows no differences in the occurrence of coronary restenosis or clinical events after four months of follow-up. However, the performance of the Amazonia® PAX stent in more complex cases and with longer angiographic follow-up has not been demonstrated. Methods The PAX-B study was a prospective, non-randomised, multicentre study assessing the long-term follow-up of patients treated with the Amazonia® PAX stent. The primary outcome was late in-stent lumen loss. Results The study included 103 patients with a mean age of 61.3 ± 11.4 years; 26.2% were diabetics, 24.3% had acute coronary syndromes, and 71.6% had type B2/C lesions. Multiple stents were implanted in 4.7% of the patients, and angiographic success was achieved in 100% of the cases. During hospitalisation, the periprocedural acute myocardial infarction rate was 3.9%, and one of these events led to target-lesion revascularisation (TLR). At the nine-month angiographic follow-up, the median late in-stent lumen loss was 0.91 [0.50; 1.21] mm. The cumulative rates of major adverse cardiac events at the six-month, nine-month, and 12-month follow-ups were 7.8%, 18.5%, and 21.3%, respectively, mostly due to TLR. There were no deaths or stent thromboses at 12 months. Conclusions The Amazonia® PAX stent showed excellent immediate results and a good safety profile. However, angiographic recurrence rates were relatively high because of the low efficacy of neointimal hyperplasia inhibition.

Background The use of portable respiratory monitoring (PM) has been proposed for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but most studies that validate PM accuracy have not followed the best standards for diagnostic test validation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of PM performed at home to diagnose OSAS and its outcomes after first validating PM in the laboratory setting by comparing it to polysomnography (PSG). Methods Patients with suspected OSAS were submitted, in random order, to PM at the sleep laboratory concurrently with PSG (lab-PM) or at home-PM. The diagnostic performance was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (−LR), intraclass correlation coefficients, κ statistic, and Bland-Altman plot. Results One hundred fifty-seven subjects (73% men, mean age ± SD, 45 ± 12 yr) with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 31 (SD ± 29) events/h were studied. Excluding inadequate recordings, 149 valid comparisons with lab-PM and 121 with unattended home-PM were obtained. Compared to PSG for detecting AHI > 5, the lab-PM demonstrated sensitivity of 95.3%, specificity of 75%, +LR of 3.8, and −LR of 0.11; the home-PM exhibited sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 64%, +LR of 2.7, and −LR of 0.05. Kappa statistics indicated substantial correlation between PSG and PM results. Bland-Altman plot showed smaller dispersion for lab-PM than for home-PM. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients among the three AHIs and clinical outcomes were similar, denoting comparable diagnostic ability. Conclusions This study used all available comparison methods to demonstrate accuracy of PM in-home recordings similar to that of repeated PSGs. PM increases the possibility of correctly diagnosing and effectively treating OSAS in populations worldwide.

INTRODUÇÃO: A valvotomia mitral percutânea com único balão é a técnica mais utilizada para tratamento de pacientes com estenose mitral sintomática. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho do novo balão único de dilatação "tipo Inoue" em pacientes com estenose mitral sintomática submetidos a valvotomia mitral percutânea com único balão. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo pacientes com estenose mitral sintomática submetidos a valvotomia mitral percutânea com único balão entre março de 2008 e setembro de 2009, comparando o grupo tratado com balão "tipo Inoue" ao grupo tratado com balão clássico de Inoue. Ecocardiograma antes e após a valvotomia mitral percutânea com único balão e seguimento clínico tardio foram realizados. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de comparação: grupo A, novo balão (n = 16); e grupo B, balão de Inoue (n = 10). Ambos os grupos apresentavam características clínicas semelhantes. A área mitral aumentou de 1,03 ± 0,24 cm² para 1,75 ± 0,22 cm² no grupo A, e de 1,08 ± 0,25 cm² para 1,88 ± 0,41 cm² no grupo B (P = 0,33). Não ocorreram casos de perfuração cardíaca, tamponamento ou insuficiência mitral grave requerendo cirurgia. Duas pacientes apresentaram hematoma > 10 cm no grupo A (12,5% no grupo A vs. 0 no grupo B; P = 0,27). A sobrevivência livre de eventos foi de 100% no grupo A e de 90% no grupo B (P = 0,21). CONCLUSÕES: A valvotomia mitral percutânea por balão mostrou-se segura e eficaz. Neste estudo, o novo balão de dilatação demonstrou resultados superponíveis aos do balão clássico de Inoue. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) with a single balloon is the most used technique to treat symptomatic mitral stenosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new single balloon (Inoue-type) in patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis undergoing percutaneous mitral commissurotomy with a single balloon. METHOD: Patients undergoing PMC with a single balloon from March/2008 to September/2009 were included, comparing the group treated with the Inoue-type balloon to the group treated with Inoue's classic balloon. Pre and post procedure echocardiogram and late follow up were carried out. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups for comparison: A, Inoue-type balloon (n = 16) and B, original Inoue balloon (n = 10). Both groups presented similar clinical characteristics. Mitral valve area increased from 1.03 ± 0.24 cm² to 1.75 ± 0.22 cm² in group A and 1.08 ± 0.25 cm² to 1.88 ± 0.41 cm² in B (P = 0.33). There were no cases of cardiac perforation, cardiac tamponate and severe mitral insufficiency requiring surgery. Two group A patients presented hematoma > 10 cm (12.5% in group A vs. 0 in group B; P = 0.27). Event free survival was 100% in group A and 90% in group B (P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy is safe and effective. The new Inoue-type balloon showed comparable results with Inoue's classic balloon.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and it is associated with other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. The mechanisms of the underlying disease development and progression are not completely established and there is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment. In the gold standard treatment for NAFLD weight loss, dietary therapy, and physical activity are included. However, little scientific evidence is available on diet and/or physical activity and NAFLD specifically. Many dietary approaches such as Mediterranean and DASH diet are used for treatment of other cardiometabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but on the basis of its components their role in NAFLD has been discussed. In this review, the implications of current dietary and exercise approaches, including Brazilian and other guidelines, are discussed, with a focus on determining the optimal nonpharmacological treatment to prescribe for NAFLD.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been linked to resistant hypertension, but the magnitude of this association and its independence of confounding have not been established. Methods Case patients were 63 patients with resistant hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg using at least three BP-lowering drugs, including a diuretic), and control subjects were 63 patients with controlled BP receiving drug treatment. The primary outcome was the frequency of OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 10 episodes per hour) determined with a portable home monitor. The comparison of AHI episodes in patients truly normotensive, truly hypertensive, and in patients with white coat or masked hypertension, based on BP determined at office and by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was a secondary outcome. Results Case patients and control subjects were well matched for confounding factors. OSAS was present in 45 case patients (71%) and in 24 control subjects (38%) [p Conclusions The magnitude and independence of the risk of OSAS for resistant hypertension strengthen the concept that OSAS is a risk factor for resistant hypertension. Comorbid OSAS should be considered in patients with resistant hypertension.

Among its many consequences, the one that carries the greatest burden with regard to morbidity is embolic stroke. The rate of ischemic stroke among patients with nonvalvular AF averages 5% per year, a fivefold increase compared with that of people without AF 2 . The risk of stroke increases with age. The annual risk of stroke attributed to AF is 1.5% in subjects aged 50 to 59 years and 23% in those aged 80 to 89 years. Importantly, the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary site of thrombus formation as a precursor to embolic stroke in nonvalvular AF patients 1 . In these patients, anticoagulation with warfarin has become standard medical therapy, reducing the risk of stroke by ~60%. Nonetheless, the long-term use of warfarin carries several drawbacks and complications, including non-tolerance, non-adherence, interactions with food and other medications, a very narrow therapeutic range, and an increased risk of bleeding 3 . In addition, oral anticoagulation is contraindicated in up to 40% of patients with AF who are at risk for stroke. Accordingly, several surgical and percutaneous techniques have been explored to occlude the LAA for stroke prevention. As an alternative to surgical closure, percutaneous transcatheter LAA closure (LAAC) represents a novel approach to prevent strokes in highrisk patients with nonvalvular AF and contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. In selected patients, dedicated LAAC devices such as Watchman (Atritech Inc, Plymouth, Minn) and the Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP; AGA Medical Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) have shown encouraging initial results. For instance, The Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients With AF (PROTECT AF) trial — the only randomized study to address this issue — has shown the therapeutic noninferiority of LAAC when used as an alternative to longterm warfarin in preventing stroke (with less intracranial hemorrhages) in patients with a CHADS 2 score ≥1 4 . The events in the Watchman group occurred early and were related to the procedure, predominantly pericardial effusion and procedural stroke related to air embolism. Besides the aforementioned clinical criteria for percutaneous LAAC and the assessment of stroke risk by CHADS 2 and the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores, anatomical characteristics of the LAA should be taken into account when selecting candidates for this procedure. The left atrial appendage is a long, tubular and hooked structure which has a narrow junction with the venous component of the atrium. In adults, the mean volume of the LAA is approximately 5.2 ml, with orifice diameters ranging from 5 to 40 mm. There is considerable inter-individual variability in the size and shape of the LAA. Functions of the LAA include modulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone, decompression of the left atrium in the setting of elevated atrial pressure and volume overload, production of natriuretic peptides (atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide) and contribution to the diastolic filling of the left ventricle 5

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular (CV) risk factor and elevated blood pressure poses a significant burden for the whole CV hemodynamics. Along the last decades different techniques and resources have been developed, including ultrasound´s M-mode and B-mode, spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler and color Doppler. Techniques from newer resources as speckle tracking, twist and tridimensional ultrasound are continuously being inserted in the echocardiography labs routine around the world. Many of the older and newer techniques interpretation have a subject component from the echocardiographer. The clinician must have minimum technical echocardiography knowledge and assess if the echocardiogram data match clinical and other exams data. Systemic arterial hypertension leads to morphologic and hemodynamic changes in the heart. These changes are signals of progressive damage along the years. Echocardiography is a powerful tool to assess these diagnostic and prognostic information.

Hypertension is a well established cardiovascular risk factor and its deleterious effects had already been largely studied. Although the benefits of adequate blood pressure (BP) control have already been demonstrated, the prevalence of persons who fail to achieve such control is alarming. A number of causes for uncontrolled hypertension can be listed. According to recent guidelines, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important, although neglected cause of hypertension that is resistant to optimal medical therapy. Specific treatment for OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be a helpful adjunct to conventional pharmacological therapy to attain controlled BP levels.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. A large body of evidence have demonstrated the increased risk for CVD and mortality associated with uncontrolled hypertension and also the benefits of an adequate blood pressure (BP) control. In some cases, lack of adherence to treatment found during the evaluation of a subject with poor BP control may be part of a more complex scenario, as depression. It is known that individuals with depression have a higher risk of CVD-related morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment have beneficial effects.

Cohort studies have demonstrated the association between blood pressure and increased cardiovascular events. There are different therapeutic strategies to achieve goals of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For a long time, therapeutic targets were not well defined and the concept of "smaller is better" was used diffusely. However, clinical trials have shown the presence of a "J-curve" in different clinical situations: below a certain level of blood pressure, more aggressive reductions may not represent benefit and increase the incidence of adverse events in elderly patients, patients with coronary artery disease, patients with diabetes or chronic renal failure.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, with a prevalence of 29% in those older than 70 years or aged 50-70 years who are either smokers or diabetic [1,2]. The majority of persons with this condition are asymptomatic, and less a fifth report typical intermittent claudication [3].

INTRODUÇÃO: O ultrassom intracoronário (USIC) é um método capaz de fornecer medida sensível e reprodutível das dimensões da artéria coronária, da placa aterosclerótica e do lúmen arterial. Avanços em sua tecnologia permitem agora a caracterização da composição e da morfologia das placas ateroscleróticas. Embora estudos prévios tenham reportado dados utilizando USIC com análise de radiofrequência, o uso de uma nova modalidade (iMap®, Boston Scientific, Santa Clara, Estados Unidos) de caracterização da placa aterosclerótica é muito pouco conhecida. Nosso objetivo será analisar as características morfológicas, teciduais e fenotípicas das placas ateroscleróticas consideradas angiograficamente culpadas e não-culpadas em pacientes submetidos a angiografia coronária decorrente de infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, transversal, em único centro (Hospital São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)/UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil). Serão selecionados 50 pacientes para análise ultrassonográfica, de acordo com os seguintes critérios de inclusão: idade < 75 anos, IAM sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST ou IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST recente, com ou sem uso de fibrinolítico prévio. CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo objetivará a caracterização morfológica, tecidual e fenotípica da placa aterosclerótica utilizando uma nova modalidade de imagem ainda pouco estudada em pacientes com IAM. BACKGROUND: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides a sensitive and reproducible measurement of coronary artery dimensions, atherosclerotic plaque, and arterial lumen. Advances in IVUS technology now allow the characterization of the composition and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques. Although previous studies have reported data using IVUS radiofrequency analysis, the use of a new modality (iMap®, Boston Scientific, Santa Clara, USA) of atherosclerotic plaque characterization is very little known. Our objective is to analyze the morphological, phenotypic and tissue characteristics of culprit and non-culprit atherosclerotic plaques determined by angiography in patients undergoing coronary angiography due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional, single center study (Hospital São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)/UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Fifty patients will be selected for ultrasound analysis according to the following inclusion criteria: age < 75 years, non-ST-segment elevation AMI or recent ST-segment elevation AMI, with or without previous fribrinolytic agents. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is aimed at obtaining morphological, phenotypic and tissue characteristics of the atherosclerotic plate using an imaging modality not extensively evaluated in patients with AMI. Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Setor de Hemodinâmica e Cardiologia Intervencionista Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Boston Scientific Setor de Imagem em Cardiologia Intervencionista Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein UNIFESP, EPM, Setor de Hemodinâmica e Cardiologia Intervencionista UNIFESP, EPM SciELO

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Mostofsky et al,1 which showed that a moderate regular chocolate intake was associated with a lower rate of heart failure hospitalization or death between middle-aged and elderly Swedish women. However, some considerations must be made. First, women with diabetes or previous myocardial infarction on baseline were excluded because persons with these conditions receive dietary counseling and may have changed their diet. On the other hand, the …

FUNDAMENTO: O volume de placa (VP) está relacionado a eventos cardiovasculares maiores (ECVM) após o implante de stents coronarianos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre o VP antes do procedimento avaliado por angiografia e desfechos clínicos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospectivo incluindo pacientes submetidos a implante de stents coronarianos em um centro de referência. O VP antes do implante do stent foi avaliado pela fórmula descrita por Giugliano (Am J Cardiol 2005; 95:173): VP = À X (comprimento da lesão) X [(diâmetro do vaso/2)² - (diâmetro luminal mínimo/2)²]. Os ECVM foram registrados no seguimento clínico de um ano e análise de regressão linear múltipla foi realizada para identificar os preditores de eventos. RESULTADOS: A amostra estudada consistiu em 824 pacientes, com idade média de 60 ± 11 anos, sendo 70,0% do gênero masculino. O diabete melito estava presente em 21,0% e o comprometimento triarterial em 12,0%. O diâmetro médio de referência foi de 3,3 ± 3,2 mm, a média do comprimento da lesão foi de 10,2 ± 4,7 mm e a média da estenose residual foi de 1,0% ± 12,0%. Os pacientes com ECVM apresentaram VP maior do que aqueles sem eventos (92,84 ± 42,85 vs 85 ± 46,85; p = 0,03). Outras variáveis associadas com ECVM na análise univariada foram comprometimento triarterial, IAM, diâmetro do vaso e comprimento da lesão tratada. O VP manteve a associação significativa com ECVM após ajuste para as variáveis descritas e diabete melito. CONCLUSÃO: O volume da placa do ateroma antes do implante do stent foi maior nos pacientes que apresentaram ECVM no seguimento clínico em um ano, independentemente de outros preditores de eventos. BACKGROUND: Plaque volume (PV) is related to major cardiovascular events (MACE) after coronary stent implantation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between PV before the procedure evaluated by angiography and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing coronary stent implantation in a referral center. PV before the stent implantation was evaluated by the formula described by Giugliano (Am J Cardiol 2005, 95:173): VP = À X (lesion length) X [(vessel diameter/2)² - (minimum luminal diameter/2)²]. The MACE were registered at clinical follow-up of one year and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of events. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 824 patients, mean age 60 ± 11 years, 70.0% were male. Diabetes mellitus was present in 21.0% and triple vessel involvement in 12.0%. Average reference diameter was 3.3 ± 3.2 mm, average lesion length was 10.2 ± 4.7 mm and mean residual stenosis was 1.0% ± 12.0%. Patients with MACE had higher PV than those without events (92.84 ± 42.85 vs 85 ± 46.85, p = 0.03). Other variables associated with MACE in the univariate analysis were triple vessel involvement, myocardial infarction, vessel diameter and length of the lesion treated. PV maintained a significant association with MACE after adjusting for the variables described and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: The volume of atheromatous plaque before stenting was higher in patients with MACE on clinical follow-up in one year, regardless of other predictors of events. FUNDAMENTO: El volumen de placa (VP) está relacionado a eventos cardiovasculares mayores (ECVM) tras implantación de stentscoronarios. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la asociación entre el VP antes del procedimiento evaluado por angiografía y desenlaces clínicos. MÉTODOS: Se trata de estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluye a pacientes sometidos a implantación de stentscoronarios en un centro de referencia. El VP antes de la implantación del stent se evaluó por la fórmula descrita por Giugliano (Am J Cardiol 2005; 95:173): VP = Π X (longitud de la lesión) X [(diámetro del vaso/2)² - (diámetro luminal mínimo/2)²]. Los ECVM fueron registrados en el seguimiento clínico de un año y análisis de regresión lineal múltiple se llevó a cabo para identificar los predictores de eventos. RESULTADOS: La muestra estudiada consistió en 824 pacientes, con edad promedio de 60 ± 11 años, con el 70% del género masculino. El diabetes melito estaba presente en el 21,0% y el compromiso triarterial en el 12%. El diámetro medio de referencia fue de 3,3 ± 3,2 mm, la media del longitud de la lesión fue de 10,2 ± 4,7 mm y la media de la estenosis residual fue del 1% ± 12%. Los pacientes con ECVM presentaron VP mayor que aquellos sin eventos (92,84 ± 42,85 vs 85 ± 46,85; p = 0,03). Otras variables asociadas con ECVM en el análisis univariado fueron el compromiso triarterial, el IAM, el diámetro del vaso y longitud de la lesión tratada. El VP mantuvo la asociación significativa con ECVM tras ajuste para las variables descritas y diabetes melito. CONCLUSIÓN: El volumen de la placa del ateroma antes de la implantación del stent fue mayor en los pacientes que presentaron ECVM en el seguimiento clínico en un año, independientemente de otros predictores de eventos.

Antimicrobial- and antiseptic-impregnated catheters are strategies recommended to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) colonisation. Few data regarding chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated catheters in intensive care unit (ICU) patients have been reported. We performed a prospective, randomised study comparing the colonisation rates of chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated CVCs (group 1) against standard CVCs (group 2). In order to assess catheter colonisation rates, a 4cm segment from the tips of aseptically removed catheters was cultured by the roll-plate method. In all, 109 patients were enrolled with successful catheter insertion, 51 of them in group 1 and 58 in group 2. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regards to age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, ICU admission diagnosis, infection risk, catheter insertion sites or catheter length of stay. The colonisation rates were 29.4% (15 catheters) for group 1 and 34.5% (20 catheters) for group 2 (P=0.50). Double-lumen CVCs impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine were not effective in reducing the incidence of catheter colonisation in ICU patients.

A 55-year-old woman seeks medical attention with palpitations, atypical chest pain and dyspnea upon exertion, lasting for 12 months. ECG showed left ventricular hypertrophy. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiogram confirmed hypertrophy of the left chambers and showed a quadricuspid aortic valve, with equal-sized cusps, in addition to a moderate regurgitant central flow. Upon echocardiography, the quadricuspid valve is identified by its characteristic "X" form during diastole and rectangular aspect during systole. Heart failure symptoms are presumably caused by valve insufficiency due to abnormal leaflet coaptation. Considering the possibility of progressive regurgitation, follow up on the patient was performed with periodic echocardiographic control. Symptoms responded to treatment.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for resistant hypertension. Overnight polysomnography and portable sleep monitors are not generally available and questionnaires may be useful for screening OSAS. In a case-control study, we investigate the association between resistant hypertension and sleep disorders evaluated by the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). METHODS: Cases were 63 patients with resistant hypertension (either systolic blood pressure (BP) > or =140 mm Hg or diastolic BP > or =90 mm Hg using at least three BP-lowering drugs, including a diuretic). Controls were 63 patients with controlled BP under drug treatment. All the patients were submitted to ambulatory BP monitoring and level III polysomnography by means of a portable monitor. The prevalence of high risk in the Berlin Questionnaire and high score in the ESS (>10) was compared between the groups. Diagnostic performance for OSAS of both questionnaires was calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of high score in ESS was 44% in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of high risk for OSAS in Berlin Questionnaire in the cases group (78% vs. 48%; P < 0.001). In a logistic regression model, high risk for OSAS in Berlin Questionnaire was independently associated with resistant hypertension (odds ratio 4.1; confidence interval 95% 1.80-9.31; P < 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of OSAS was 85.5% (75.3-92.0%) and 65.0% (52.0-76.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High risk for OSAS assessed by the Berlin Questionnaire is highly prevalent and associated with resistant hypertension. This questionnaire may be used as screening for OSAS in patients with this clinical condition.

To the Editor:—In her paper published in September,1 Nelson showed the burden of obesity among veterans, describing the higher percentage of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other cardiovascular risk factors in this population. This is reinforced by Adams et al., who brings to public the results of a half million people- and 10-year cohort demonstrating that overweight, and not only obesity itself, is related to an increased risk of death.2 There already is a large body of evidence supporting the relationship between weight gain (in any BMI range) and other indicators of excessive weight with the incidence of hypertension, diabetes, dislipidemia and their augmented risk to health.3 The same happens to the benefits of treatment.4,5 All these data support the conclusion that obesity, as hypertension, is a public health problem and a complex, multifactorial, chronic disease, characterized by a continuum of risk, with the highest ones located at the extremes, and a crescendo range between them. So, it is time to face the concept of pre-obesity and treat it like an illness because, as in pre-hypertension, the risk is already elevated, and even higher in the obese and previously ill subjects.