Mais do que uma causa rara de hipertensão arterial pulmonar no idoso

© 2020 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).An 80-year-old woman with a history of systemic hypertension and dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for sick sinus syndrome presented to the hospital with worsening dyspnea and fatigue for several months. The chest X-ray (Figure 1A) showed a markedly enlarged cardiac silhouette along with a tubular opacity (dotted lines) paralleling the right heart border. Echocardiographic examination depicted dilated right heart chambers, right ventricular dysfunction and a high probability of pulmonary hypertension.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Un caso único de distrofia muscular facioscapulohumeral tipo 1 y miocardiopatía hipertrófica sarcomérica

© 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unexpected mass in the left atrium

Todo o conteúdo do periódico, exceto onde está identificado, está licenciado sob uma Licença Creative Commons.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cardiopatia e gravidez : o estado da arte

Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. on behalf of Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-nd/4.0/).The association between heart disease and pregnancy is increasingly prevalent. Although most women with heart disease tolerate the physiological changes of pregnancy, there are heart conditions that manifest for the first time during pregnancy and others that totally contraindicate a pregnancy. It is therefore important to establish multidisciplinary teams dedicated to the management of women with heart disease who intend to become, or who already are, pregnant. The aim of this article is to systematically review current knowledge on the approach to women with high-risk cardiovascular disease during pregnancy.A associação entre cardiopatia e gravidez é cada vez mais frequente. Ainda que a grande maioria das mulheres com doenças cardíacas tolere as alterações fisiológicas da gravidez, existem patologias cardíacas que se manifestam pela primeira vez durante o estado gravídico e outras que contraindicam totalmente uma gravidez pelo risco materno que lhe está associado. Desta forma, torna-se premente a criação de equipas multidisciplinares dedicadas à abordagem de mulheres com doença cardíaca que pretendem engravidar ou que já estão grávidas. O objetivo deste artigo é sistematizar, com base no conhecimento atual, a abordagem de mulheres com doença cardiovascular de alto risco durante a gravidez.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bacteriologic investigation of the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis

SIQUEIRA JR. et al. Bacteriologic investigation of the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod., v. 104, n. 1, p. 122-130, 2007.Objective. This clinical study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate as irrigants in reducing the cultivable bacterial populations in infected root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis. Study design. According to stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria, 32 teeth with primary intraradicular infections and chronic apical periodontitis were selected and followed in the study. Bacterial samples were taken at the baseline (S1) and after chemomechanical preparation using either NaOCl (n 16) or chlorhexidine (n 16) as irrigants (S2). Cultivable bacteria recovered from infected root canals at the 2 stages were counted. Isolates from S2 samples were identified by means of 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Results. At S1, all canals were positive for bacteria, and the median number of bacteria per canal was 7.32 105 for the NaOCl group and 8.5 105 for the chlorhexidine group. At S2, the median number of bacteria in canals irrigated with NaOCl and chlorhexidine was 2.35 103 and 2 102, respectively. Six of 16 (37.5%) canals from the NaOCl group and 8 of 16 (50%) canals from the chlorhexidine group yielded negative cultures. Chemomechanical preparation using either solution substantially reduced the number of cultivable bacteria in the canals. No significant difference was observed between the NaOCl and chlorhexidine groups with regard to the number of cases yielding negative cultures (P .72) or quantitative bacterial reduction (P .609). The groups irrigated with NaOCl or chlorhexidine showed a mean number of 1.3 and 1.9 cultivable species per canal, respectively. The great majority of isolates in S2 were from gram-positive bacteria, with streptococci as the most prevalent taxa. Conclusions. The present findings revealed no significant difference when comparing the antibacterial effects of 2.5% NaOCl and 0.12% chlorhexidine used as irrigants during the treatment of infected canal

Hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crónica: experiência inicial de doentes submetidos a tromboendarterectomia pulmonar

© 2021 Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. on behalf of Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Introduction and objectives: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is a potentially curative procedure in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study reports the initial experience of a Portuguese PH center with patients undergoing PEA at an international surgical reference center. Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive CTEPH patients followed at a national PH center, who underwent PEA at an international surgical reference center between October 2015 and March 2019. Clinical, functional, laboratory, imaging and hemodynamic parameters were obtained in the 12 months preceding the surgery and repeated between four and six months after PEA. Results: 27 consecutive patients (59% female) with a median age of 60 (49-71) years underwent PEA. During a median follow-up of 34 (21-48) months, there was an improvement in functional class in all patients, with only one cardiac death. From a hemodynamic perspective, there was a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure from 48 (42-59) mmHg to 26 (22-38) mmHg, an increase in cardiac output from 3.3 (2.9-4.0) L/min to 4.9 (4.2-5.5) L/min and a reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance from 12.1 (7.2-15.5) uW to 3.5 (2.6-5,2) uW. During the follow-up, 44% (n=12) of patients had no PH criteria, 44% (n=12) had residual PH and 11% (n=3) had PH recurrence. There was a reduction of N-terminal pro-B-type natriureticpeptide from 868 (212-1730) pg/mL to 171 (98-382) pg/mL. Rright ventricular systolic function parameters revealed an improvement in longitudinal systolic excursion and peak velocity of the plane of the tricuspid ring from 14 (13-14) mm and 9 (8-10) cm/s to 17 (16-18) mm and 13 (11-15) cm/s, respectively. Of the 26 patients with preoperative right ventricular dysfunction, 85% (n=22) recovered. The proportion of patients on specific vasodilator therapy decreased from 93% to 44% (p<0.001) and the proportion of those requiring oxygen therapy decreased from 52% to 26% (p=0.003). The six-minute walk test distance increased by about 25% compared to the baseline and only eight patients had significant desaturation during the test. Conclusion: Pulmonary endarterectomy performed at an experienced high-volume center is a safe procedure with a very favorable medium-term impact on functional, hemodynamic and right ventricular function parameters in CTEPH patients with operable disease. It is possible for PH centers without PEA differentiation to refer patients safely and effectively to an international surgical center in which air transport is necessary.Introdução e objetivos A tromboendarterectomia pulmonar (TP) é um procedimento potencialmente curativo em doentes com hipertensão pulmonar (HP) tromboembólica crónica (TEC). O objetivo deste trabalho é reportar a experiência inicial de um centro português de tratamento de HP em doentes submetidos a TP num centro de referência cirúrgico internacional. Métodos Estudo observacional prospetivo de doentes consecutivos com diagnóstico de CTEPH seguidos em centro nacional de tratamento de HP e submetidos a TP em centro de referência cirúrgico internacional entre outubro de 2015 e março de 2019. Parâmetros clínicos, funcionais, laboratoriais, imagiológicos e hemodinâmicos foram obtidos nos 12 meses precedentes à cirurgia e repetidos entre quatro a seis meses após a TP. Resultados Foram submetidos a TP 27 doentes consecutivos (59% do sexo feminino) com mediana de 60 (49-71) anos. Durante um seguimento mediano de 34 (21-48) meses, verificou‐se melhoria da classe funcional em todos os doentes, tendo ocorrido apenas um óbito de causa cardíaca. Do ponto de vista hemodinâmico, observou‐se redução da pressão média na artéria pulmonar de 48 (42-59) mmHg para 26 (22-38) mmHg, aumento do débito cardíaco de 3,3 (2,9-4,0) L/min para 4,9 (4,2-5,5) L/min e redução das resistências vasculares pulmonares de 12,1 (7,2-15,5) uW para 3,5 (2,6-5,2) uW. Tendo em conta os parâmetros hemodinâmicos avaliados pós‐TP e a sua evolução durante o seguimento clínico, 44% (n = 12) dos doentes deixaram de ter critérios de HP, 44% (n = 12) mantiveram HP e 11% (n = 3) evoluíram com recorrência de HP. Laboratorialmente, a salientar redução do NT‐proBNP de 868 (212–1730) pg/mL para 171 (98–382) pg/mL. Dos parâmetros de função sistólica ventricular direita, verificou‐se melhoria da excursão e velocidade de pico sistólicas longitudinais do plano do anel tricúspide de 14 (13-14) mm e 9 (8-10) cm/s para 17 (16-18) mm e 13 (11-15) cm/s, respetivamente. Dos 26 doentes com critérios de disfunção sistólica ventricular direita pré‐cirurgia, 85% (n = 22) apresentaram critérios de recuperação. A proporção de doentes sob terapêutica vasodilatadora específica diminuiu de 93% para 44% (p < 0,001) e a proporção daqueles requerendo OLD diminuiu de 52% para 26% (p = 0,003). A distância percorrida no teste dos seis minutos de marcha aumentou em cerca de 25% relativamente ao valor prévio à intervenção cirúrgica e apenas oito doentes mantiveram dessaturação significativa durante a prova. Conclusão A TP realizada em centro cirúrgico de elevado volume é um procedimento seguro e com impacto muito favorável em médio prazo nos parâmetros funcionais, hemodinâmicos e de função ventricular direita em doentes com HPTEC operável. É possível, para centros de tratamento de HP sem diferenciação em TP, a referenciação dos doentes com segurança e efetividade a um centro cirúrgico internacional em que para tal seja necessário aerotransporte.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Programa de seguimento protocolado de doentes com insuficiência cardíaca : impacto no prognóstico e na qualidade de vida

© 2020 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.Introduction: Heart failure is associated with high rates of readmission and mortality, and there is a need for measures to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of the implementation of a protocol-based follow-up program for heart failure patients on readmission and mortality rates and quality of life. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed, with a prospective registry of 50 consecutive patients discharged after hospitalization for acute heart failure. The study group was followed by a cardiologist at days 7-10 and the first, third, sixth and 12th month after discharge, with predefined procedures. The control group consisted of patients hospitalized for heart failure prior to implementation of the program and followed on a routine basis. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding mean age (67.1±11.2 vs. 65.8±13.4 years, p=0.5), NYHA functional class (p=0.37), or median left ventricular ejection fraction (27% [19.8-35.3] vs. 29% [23.5-40]; p=0.23) at discharge. Mean follow-up after discharge was similar (11±5.3 vs. 10.9±5.5 months, p=0.81). The protocol-based follow-up program was associated with a significant reduction in allcause readmission (26% vs. 60%, p=0.003), heart failure readmission (16% vs. 36%, p=0.032), and mortality (4% vs. 20%, p=0.044). In the study group there was a significant improvement in all quality of life measures (p<0.001). Conclusion: A protocol-based follow-up program for patients with heart failure led to a signif-icant reduction in readmission and mortality rates, and was associated with better quality of life.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Terapia de movimento induzido pela restrição na hemiplegia: um estudo de caso único

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) consists of restraining movement of the non-affected arm while providing intensive training of the affected upper extremity. Positive results have been reported after CIMT in individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke. This study is a longitudinal, ABA-design documentation of the effects of CIMT on upper extremity function of an individual with chronic left hemiparesis. Baseline phases (A) lasted two weeks and intervention (B) involved restrain of the non-affected arm with a splint and five three-hour weekly sessions of training of the affected arm, for two weeks. During the six study weeks upper extremity function was assessed by means of the Action Research Arm (ARA) and movement quality and dexterity were assessed with the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), five times a week. Quality and frequency of use of the upper extremity were assessed by the Motor Activity Log (MAL) once a week. Collected data were statistically analysed. Results showed significant gains in quality of movement (WMFT) during intervention (p;0.05). As to dexterity (WMFT) and functioning (ARA), significant gain trends were detected during the first four weeks, performance having stabilised thereafter (p>;0.05). MAL analysis did not detect any clinically relevant change. This study thus documented motor performance gains after CIMT in a patient with chronic hemiparesis.A terapia de movimento induzido por restrição (TMIR) tem mostrado resultados positivos em indivíduos hemiparéticos após acidente vascular cerebral; consiste na contenção do membro superior não-afetado e treinamento intensivo do membro afetado. Este estudo visou documentar longitudinalmente os efeitos da TMIR na funcionalidade do membro superior de um indivíduo com hemiparesia esquerda crônica. Neste estudo de caso único tipo ABA, as fases linha de base (A) duraram duas semanas e a intervenção (B) compreendeu a contenção do membro sadio com um splint e cinco sessões semanais de 3 horas de treino do membro superior afetado, durante duas semanas. As medidas de funcionalidade Action Research Arm (ARA) e de qualidade de movimento e destreza Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) foram coletadas cinco vezes por semana, e a medida de qualidade e freqüência de uso do membro superior, Motor Activity Log (MAL), uma vez por semana por seis semanas. Os dados coletados foram tratados estatisticamente. Os resultados mostram ganhos significativos na qualidade de movimento (WMFT) durante a intervenção (p;0,05). Quanto à destreza (WMFT) e funcionalidade (ARA), foram detectadas tendências significativas de ganho durante as quatro primeiras semanas; após a intervenção, houve estabilização do desempenho (

Non‐invasive telemonitoring improves outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction : a study in high‐risk patients

© 2020 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.Aims: Non-invasive telemonitoring (TM) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) may be useful in the early diagnosis of HF decompensation, allowing therapeutic optimization and avoiding re-hospitalization. We describe a TM programme in this population and evaluate its effectiveness during a 12 month period. Methods and results: We conducted a single-centre study of patients discharged from hospital after decompensated HF, allocated into three groups: prospective TM programme, prospective HF protocol follow-up programme (PFP) with no TM facilities, and retrospective propensity-matched usual care (UC). TM effectiveness was assessed by all-cause hospitalizations and mortality; HF-related hospitalization (HFH), days lost to unplanned hospital admissions/death, functional capacity and quality of life (New York Heart Association, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, 6 min walk test, and plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) were also evaluated. A total of 125 patients were included [65.9 ± 11.9 years, 32% female, left ventricular ejection fraction 27% (21-32)]. TM was similar to PFP regarding effectiveness; TM reduced all-cause hospitalization and mortality (HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.11-0.71; P < 0.01) and HFH (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10-0.89; P < 0.05) as compared with UC. TM reduced the average number of days lost due to unplanned hospital admissions or all-cause death as compared with PFP (5.6 vs. 12.4 days, P < 0.05) and UC (5.6 vs. 48.8 days, P < 0.01). Impact on quality of life was similar between TM and PFP (P = 0.36). Conclusions: In patients with HFrEF and recent HF hospitalization, non-invasive TM reduced 12 month all-cause hospitalization/mortality and HFH as compared with usual care. TM also reduced the number of days lost due to unplanned hospital admission/death as compared with either an optimized protocol-based follow-up programme or usual care.This work was supported by National Health System programme with specific budget attributed to non-invasive TM of HF patients. TM was performed in cooperation with Linde Healthcare®, which had no role in the data interpretation or writing of the report. The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the study and had the final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Differential regulation of lung homeostasis and silicosis by the TAM receptors MerTk and Axl

IntroductionTAM receptor-mediated efferocytosis plays an important function in immune regulation and may contribute to antigen tolerance in the lungs, a site with continuous cellular turnover and generation of apoptotic cells. Some studies have identified failures in efferocytosis as a common driver of inflammation and tissue destruction in lung diseases. Our study is the first to characterize the in vivo function of the TAM receptors, Axl and MerTk, in the innate immune cell compartment, cytokine and chemokine production, as well as the alveolar macrophage (AM) phenotype in different settings in the airways and lung parenchyma.MethodsWe employed MerTk and Axl defective mice to induce acute silicosis by a single exposure to crystalline silica particles (20 mg/50 μL). Although both mRNA levels of Axl and MerTk receptors were constitutively expressed by lung cells and isolated AMs, we found that MerTk was critical for maintaining lung homeostasis, whereas Axl played a role in the regulation of silica-induced inflammation. Our findings imply that MerTk and Axl differently modulated inflammatory tone via AM and neutrophil recruitment, phenotype and function by flow cytometry, and TGF-β and CXCL1 protein levels, respectively. Finally, Axl expression was upregulated in both MerTk-/- and WT AMs, confirming its importance during inflammation.ConclusionThis study provides strong evidence that MerTk and Axl are specialized to orchestrate apoptotic cell clearance across different circumstances and may have important implications for the understanding of pulmonary inflammatory disorders as well as for the development of new approaches to therapy