Use of CPAP to Reduce Arterial Stiffness in Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Without Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (STIFFSLEEP): an Observational Cohort Study Protocol

INTRODUCTION: Sleepiness is a cardinal symptom in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) but most patients have unspecific symptoms. Arterial stiffness, evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) risk. Arterial stiffness was reported to be higher in patients with OSA, improving after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This study aims to assess whether the same effect occurs in patients with OSA and without sleepiness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This observational study assesses the CV effect of CPAP therapy on a cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe OSA; the effect on the subcohorts of sleepy and non-sleepy patients will be compared. A systematic and consecutive sample of patients advised CPAP therapy will be recruited from a single outpatient sleep clinic (Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central-CHLC, Portugal). Eligible patients are male, younger than 65 years, with confirmed moderate-to-severe OSA and apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) above 15/hour. Other sleep disorders, diabetes or any CV disease other than hypertension are exclusion criteria. Clinical evaluation at baseline includes Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and sleepiness is defined as ESS above 10. OSA will be confirmed by polygraphic study (cardiorespiratory, level 3). Participants are advised to undertake an assessment of carotid-femoral PWV (cf-PWV) and 24 hours evaluation of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), at baseline and after 4 months of CPAP therapy. Compliance and effectiveness of CPAP will be assessed. The main outcome is the variation of cf-PWV over time.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Carotid Plaques Improves Prediction of Obstructive Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease in Women

Does carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular events, have predictive incremental value over established risk factors for stable coronary artery disease (CAD)? Prospective study of 300 patients, with suspected stable CAD, admitted for an elective coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound. The CAD patients had a higher cIMT, which showed a modest predictive accuracy for CAD (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.638, 95% confidence interval 0.576-0.701, P < .001). The cIMT was an independent predictor of CAD, together with age, gender, and diabetes. C-statistic for CAD prediction by traditional risk factors was not significantly different from a model that included cIMT, carotid plaque presence, or both. However, in women, it was significantly increased by the addition of cIMT or carotid plaque presence. Although cIMT cannot be used as a sole indicator of CAD, it should be considered in the panel of investigations that is requested, particularly in women who are candidates for coronary angiography.

Alcohol Septal Ablation in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Four Years of Experience at a Reference Center

INTRODUCTION: We describe our center's initial experience with alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The procedure, its indications, results and clinical outcomes will be addressed, as will its current position compared to surgical myectomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of ASA in all patients treated in the first four years of activity at our center. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all consecutive and unselected patients treated by ASA between January 2009 and February 2013. RESULTS: In the first four years of experience 40 patients were treated in our center. In three patients (7.5%) the intervention was repeated. Procedural success was 84%. Minor complications occurred in 7.5%. Two patients received a permanent pacemaker for atrioventricular block (6% of those without previous pacemaker). The major complication rate was 5%. There were no in-hospital deaths; during clinical follow-up (22 ± 14 months) cardiovascular mortality was 2.5% and overall mortality was 5%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results presented reflect the initial experience of our center with ASA. The success rate was high and in line with published results, but with room to improve with better patient selection. ASA was shown to be safe, with a low complication rate and no procedure-related mortality. Our experience confirms ASA as a percutaneous alternative to myectomy for the treatment of symptomatic patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy refractory to medical treatment.

Impacto do Exercício Físico Combinado na Percepção do Estado de Saúde da Pessoa com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week combined training programme (aerobic and strength exercise) compared to an aerobic training programme, and respiratory physiotherapy on COPD patients' health. METHODS: Fifty subjects with moderate to severe COPD were randomly assigned to two groups. Combined group (CG, n=25) who underwent combined training, and aerobic group (AG, n=25) who underwent aerobic training. These were compared with fifty COPD subjects who underwent respiratory physiotherapy, breathing control and bronchial clearance techniques (RP group, n = 50). We evaluated health state through two questionnaires, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and SF-36, at the beginning and at the end of the programme. RESULTS: The CG group showed differences (p<0.0001) in modification rates in state of health compared to the AG and RP groups in the activity (64 ± 9%, 19 ± 7%, 1 ± 15%) , impact (35 ± 5%, 20 ± 18%, 1 ± 14%) and total (41 ± 9%, 26 ± 17%, 1 ± 15%) domains assessed by the SGRQ, and the physical function (109 ± 74%, 22 ± 12%, 0.1 ± 18%), physical role (52 ± 36%, 11 ± 15%, 1.3 ± 21%) and vitality (83 ± 39%, 14 ± 38%) domains assessed by SF-36. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that combined training in subjects with COPD appears to be a more effective method, with better clinical changes, and improvements in health state perception.

Mixomas Cardíacos, 13 Anos de Experiência no seu Diagnóstico Ecocardiográfico

INTRODUCTION: Transthoracic echocardiography is the method of choice for the diagnosis of cardiac myxomas, but the transesophageal approach provides a better definition of the location and characteristics of the tumor. The authors review their thirteen years' experience on the echocardiographic diagnosis of this pathology. METHODS: From 1994 to 2007, 41 cardiac tumors were diagnosed in our echocardiographic laboratory, of which 27 (65.85%) were cardiac myxomas. The exams and the patients' clinical files were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients, 22 (81.5%) were female, with a mean age of 62.1 +/- 13.6 years (25-84 years). The predominant clinical features were due to the obstruction caused by the tumor in more than two thirds of the patients, followed by constitutional symptoms in one third and embolic events in 30%. In the lab results, anemia was found in three patients and elevated sedimentation rate and CRP in two. In two patients the myxoma was found by chance. All the cases were of the sporadic type, although we found a prevalence of thyroid disease of 14% (4 patients). All patients underwent urgent surgical resection except one, in whom surgery was refused due to advanced age and comorbidities. The myxomas followed a typical distribution with 24 (88.8%) located in the left atrium, 18 of them attached to the atrial septum (AS) and two to the mitral valve. In one patient, the tumor involved both atria. The other two cases originated in the right atrium at the AS. Embolic phenomena were more frequent in small tumors (p = 0.027) and in those with a villous appearance (p = 0.032). Obstructive manifestations were associated with larger tumors (p = 0.046) and larger left atria (p = 0.048). In our series, there were no deaths during hospitalization or in the follow-up period of 5.2 +/- 3.7 years in 19 patients. There were two recurrences, both patients being successfully reoperated. CONCLUSION: Myxoma is the most common cardiac tumor. Transesophageal echocardiography provides excellent morphologic definition, aiding in diagnosis and follow-up. Most clinical manifestations are obstructive and are associated with larger tumors. Small tumors with a friable appearance have a higher chance of embolization. Surgical resection is usually curative and the long-term prognosis is excellent.

A Importância da Dispneia no Diagnóstico da Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica. Uma Análise Descritiva de uma Coorte Estável em Portugal (Ensaio Clínico SAFE)

Introdução: Este estudo teve como objectivo determinar os principais sintomas percepcionados pelos doentes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) numa coorte de doentes que participaram num grande ensaio clínico, que avaliou o tiotrópio e que decorreu em Portugal. População e métodos: A caracterização dos sintomas, no momento de avaliação basal dos doentes foi efectuada através do recurso a um questionário padronizado. Os doentes foram inquiridos quanto aos principais sintomas que tinham levado ao diagnóstico e também quanto ao sintoma actual mais problemático. Resultados: Os resultados foram obtidos de 298 doentes, maioritariamente masculinos (95%), que apresentavam, uma média (desvio padrão) de volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo basal de 1,1 (0,4) L (40,6 [13.3] % do valor preditivo), uma duração média da doença de 14,4 (10,1) anos e uma carga tabágica de 55,1 (25,3) unidades maço ano. A dispneia foi o sintoma mais frequentemente reportado, como tendo sido o sintoma que levou ao diagnóstico da doença (55,0% de doentes), seguindo-se-lhe a tosse (33,2%). A dispneia foi também o sintoma actual mais problemático (82,6%), seguindo-se-lhe também a tosse (8,4%). A presença de dispneia ou tosse foi independente da gravidade da DPOC. As comorbilidades mais frequentemente reportadas foram as doenças cardiovasculares (49% dos doentes), gastrointestinais (20%) e metabólicas (16%), principalmente a diabetes mellitus.

Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica em Portugal: Estudo Pneumobil (1995) e Estudo de Prevalência de 2002 Revisitados

Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) tem sido, ao longo dos anos, uma importante causa de morbilidade e mortalidade no mundo. Em 1995, a implementação de um rastreio da função respiratória pareceu a forma mais adequada para alertar para os sintomas respiratórios negligenciados e sensibilizar para os rastreios espirométricos. Em 2002, foram criadas novas normas consensuais de diagnóstico e o reconhecimento de que a prevalência da DPOC depende dos critérios de definição de obstrução das vias aéreas. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisitar estes 2 estudos e publicar alguns dos resultados e respetivas metodologias. Métodos: Dos 12 684 indivíduos que constavam da base de dados do Pneumobil, apenas os indivíduos com 40 e mais anos (n = 9061) foram considerados para esta análise. No estudo de 2002 foi incluída uma amostra aleatorizada e representativa de 1384 indivíduos, com idades entre os 35 e os 69 anos. Resultados: A prevalência da DPOC foi de 8,96% no estudo Pneumobil e de 5,34% no estudo de 2002. Em ambos os estudos, a presença da DPOC foi superior no sexo masculino, tendo-se verificado uma associação positiva entre a presença da DPOC e os grupos etários mais velhos. Nos fumadores e ex-fumadores encontrou-se maior proporção de casos com DPOC. Conclusões: A prevalência em Portugal é mais baixa do que noutros países europeus, o que pode estar relacionado com uma menor prevalência de tabagismo. De um modo geral, os fatores de risco mais importantes que mostraram a associação com a DPOC foram a idade maior do que 60 anos, o sexo masculino e a exposição tabágica. Todos os aspetos e as limitações que se referem a diferentes critérios de definição e a metodologias de recrutamento realçam a necessidade de métodos padronizados para determinar a prevalência da DPOC e os fatores de risco associados,cujos resultados possam ser comparados entre países, como acontece no projeto BOLD.

Uropatia Obstrutiva Alta

As lesões obstrutivas do aparelho urinário são muito frequentes. Apresenta-se uma revisão da etiologia e fisiopatologia da uropatia obstrutiva alta. Descreve-se pormenorizadamente a sua clínica e diagnóstico realçando-se os exames complementares mais adequados. Por fim apresentam-se as orientações terapêuticas e o prognóstico das diversas situações englobadas neste capítulo.

Perturbações Obstrutivas do Sono na Criança

Os autores apresentam uma revisão teórica sobre as perturbações obstrutivas do sono na criança, nomeadamente a Roncopatia Primária, caracterizada pela ausência de complicações associadas, e o Síndroma de Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono, associado a hipoxémia, hipercápnia, alterações do sono e sintomatologia diurna. São abordados aspectos particulares neste grupo etário, tais como a fisiopatologia, sintomatologia, métodos de diagnóstico e medidas terapêuticas de eleição. Salienta-se a importância de um diagnóstico e intervenção precoces, prevenindo assim as complicações cardiopulmonares, neurocognitivas, e dismorfias faciais que daí podem advir.

Um Caso Clínico de Uropatia Obstrutiva

Os autores descrevem o caso clínico de uma criança do sexo masculino, de 3 anos de idade, internada na Unidade de Nefrologia do Hospital Dona Estefânia por infecção urinária. O início das queixas remonta a três meses antes do internamento com o aparecimento de disúria e hematúria macroscópica na sequência do descolamento das aderências baiano prepuciais. Posteriormente surgem alguns episódios febris de curta duração, sendo internado no decurso de um destes. Os exames complementares revelaram além de uma infecção urinária, um megauretero obstrutivo à direita e a biópsia renal a existência de lesões graves e extensas características de uma nefropatia obstrutiva. Os autores a partir deste caso questionam as limitações da ecografia no diagnóstico pré-natal das uropatias malformativas e a valorização de alguns sinais e sintomas no rastreio da infecção urinária.

Methadone Intoxication in a Child: Toxic Encephalopathy?

Methadone is used in the treatment of opioid addiction. Acute intoxication can lead to severe consequences and can even be lethal. In several case reports and small series, a presumably toxic leukoencephalopathy is described resulting from inhalation of heroin. We present the case of a 3-year-old boy who ingested methadone accidentally. In a coma with acute obstructive hydrocephalus owing to massive cerebellar edema and supratentorial lesions, he was successfully treated with methylprednisolone and cerebrospinal fluid external drainage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an encephalopathy associated with synthetic opioid intoxication.

A Review of National Guidelines for Management of COPD in Europe

The quality of care can be improved by the development and implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Different national guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exist in Europe and relevant differences may exist among them.This was an evaluation of COPD treatment guidelines published in Europe and Russia in the past 7 years. Each guideline was reviewed in detail and information about the most important aspects of patient diagnosis, risk stratification and pharmacotherapy was extracted following a standardised process. Guidelines were available from the Czech Republic, England and Wales, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Sweden. The treatment goals, criteria for COPD diagnosis, consideration of comorbidities in treatment selection and support for use of long-acting bronchodilators, were similar across treatment guidelines. There were differences in measures used for stratification of disease severity, consideration of patient phenotypes, criteria for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and recommendations for other medications (e.g. theophylline and mucolytics) in addition to bronchodilators.There is generally good agreement on treatment goals, criteria for diagnosis of COPD and use of long-acting bronchodilators as the cornerstone of treatment among guidelines for COPD management in Europe and Russia. However, there are differences in the definitions of patient subgroups and other recommended treatments.

Pancreatic Involvement by Plasma Cell Neoplasms

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic involvement by plasma cell neoplasms is an extremely rare event, with only 50 cases described in the literature. They can present as a primary solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma or plasmacytoma secondary to a plasma cell myeloma. Clinical manifestations are due to the presence of a pancreatic mass usually in the pancreas head, which causes extra-biliary obstruction and abdominal pain. METHODS: Abdominal imaging including CT scan or endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration tissue sampling is essential for the initial diagnostic procedure. However, immunohistochemical analysis of the biopsy specimen or flow cytometry of the aspirated material is crucial to prove the monoclonality and the final diagnosis of a plasma cell neoplasm. DISCUSSION: Management of these situations include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or combined therapy. Novel medications including the immunomodulatory drugs or the proteasome inhibitors followed by consolidation with intensive chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation are nowadays used as upfront treatment in the cases associated to a plasma cell myeloma. CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity, plasma cell neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and pancreatic neoplasms since they are potentially treatable situations.

Under-Report and Underdiagnosis of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in an African Country

BACKGROUND: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are greatly underestimated. The aim of this study was to assess the burden associated with reported CRD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as defined on the basis of various standardized criteria, by estimating their point prevalence in a sample of individuals attending the Primary Health Care (PHC) level and Emergency Room (ER) Departments in Cape Verde (CV) archipelago. The second aim of the study was to identify factors related to airways obstruction and reported CRD in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in CV during 2 weeks. Outpatients aged more than 20 years seeking care at PHC level and ER answered a standardized questionnaire and were subjected to spirometry, independently of their complaint. Two criteria for airways obstruction were taken into account: forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) <80% of the predicted value and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.70. RESULTS: A total of 274 individuals with a satisfactory spirometry were included. 22% of the individuals had a FEV(1) < 80%. Individuals older than 46 years had a higher risk of having airways obstruction. Asthma diagnosis (11%) had a clear association with airways obstruction. Smoking was a risk factor for a lower FEV(1). Working in a dust place and cooking using an open fire were both related to chronic bronchitis and asthma diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Under-report and underdiagnosis of chronic respiratory conditions seem to be a reality in CV just as in other parts of the world. To improve diagnosis, our results reinforce the need of performing a spirometry