Education and lifestyle measures for awareness of syncope prodroms to prevent syncope recurrence in schoolchildren

Background

Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion and is characterized by a sudden onset, short duration and spontaneous recovery. The prevalence of syncope is between 30 to 50% in children and adolescents, 75% of them could corresponding to neuromediated reflex syncope (NRS) and to postural orthostatic tachycardic syndrome (POTS). The efficacy of education and lifestyle measures to prevent syncope prodromes in schoolchildren is still little known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the education and lifestyle measures (syncope prodromes recognition, frequent water intake, counter-pressure maneuvers and physical activity) for preventing syncope prodromes in schoolchildren over 12 months.

Methods

We included 123 children and, at baseline, we assessed clinical parameters such as heart rate (HR), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), and oriented how to recognize syncope prodromes and triggers as well as to take lifestyle and other measures (frequent water intake, counter-pressure maneuvers and physical activity). We performed statistical analysis using ANOVA for continuous variables and Qui-Square Test or Fisher Exact Test for categorical variables, when appropriate.

Results

Children were divided in three groups: no NRS-POTS (noNRS-POTS; n=103, mean age: 10.0 years, 49 male, height: ∼1.42 m, weight: ∼60.9 kg, HR: ∼63 bpm, SBP: ∼100,1 mmHg and DBP: ∼65.8 mmHg), NRS (n=5, mean age: 10.4 years, 2 male, height: ∼1.39 m, weight: ∼63.9 kg, HR: ∼68 bpm, SBP: ∼107,2 mmHg and DBP: ∼69.8 mmHg), and POTS (n=15, mean age: 10.47 years, 6 male, height: ∼1.39 m, weight: ∼69.0 kg, HR: ∼53 bpm, SBP: ∼100,7 mmHg and DBP: ∼63.6 mmHg). From 123 children, 95% (n=117) had history of syncope prodromes and 13.8% (n=17) had syncope history. Over the 12-month, only 10.6% of them (n=13) continued to have syncope prodromes and, most interesting, none of them had a new syncope event.

Conclusion

Education and lifestyle measures were effective to significantly reduce syncope prodromes and to prevent any new syncope event.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Sao Paulo

Prospective, case-controlled study evaluating serum concentration of sirtuin-1 and mannose-binding lectin in patients with and without periodontal and coronary artery disease

Background:

Atherosclerosis and periodontal disease (PD) are inflammatory diseases that have been shown in studies to have a direct association. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an immune system protein that binds to periodontal pathogens favoring phagocytosis. Conversely, increased serum sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) concentration reduces the inflammatory process.

Methods:

This was a prospective, case-controlled study that analyzed serum concentration of biomarkers in patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD) and PD. A total of 78 patients were evaluated: 20 healthy individuals, 18 patients with CAD, 20 patients with PD, and 20 patients with both PD and CAD. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were analyzed before and after nonsurgical treatment of PD and also at two equivalent times in patients without PD. Serum MBL and SIRT1 concentration were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

A negative correlation was observed between changes in serum concentration of MBL and SIRT1 (r = −0.30; p = 0.006). Comparison between pre- and post-treatment of PD showed a reduction in MBL levels (886.27 ± 906.72 versus 689.94 ± 808.36; p = 0.002) and an increase in SIRT1 values (0.80 ± 1.01 versus 1.49 ± 1.55; p = 0.005) in patients with PD and without CAD. The same result was observed in patients with PD and CAD for MBL and SIRT1, respectively, of 1312.43 ± 898.21 versus 1032.90 ± 602.52 (p = 0.010) and 1.32 ± 1.0 versus 1.82 ± 1.75 (p = 0.044).

Conclusion:

PD treatment reduced MBL serum concentration and increased SIRT1 serum concentration in patients with and without CAD.

Influence of the treatment of periodontal disease in serum concentration of sirtuin 1 and mannose-binding lectin

BACKGROUND

Increased levels of periodontal pathogens disrupt the homeostasis between the host and its microbiota and increase susceptibility to periodontal diseases. Periodontitis increases the serum concentration of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), which exacerbates local inflammatory processes. In animal studies, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was associated with protection against inflammation. This study analyzed the influence of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum levels of MBL and SIRT1.

METHODS

Forty patients with periodontitis and 38 periodontally healthy individuals (aged 45 to 79 years) were included. Periodontitis patients received scaling and root planing using machine driven and hand instruments. Clinical parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, MBL, and SIRT1 levels were measured at baseline and at post-treatment.

RESULTS

For all patients, an inverse correlation was observed between serum concentrations of MBL and SIRT1 (r = -0.30; P = 0.006). Periodontal treatment reduced serum concentrations of MBL (1,099.35 ± 916.59 to 861.42 ± 724.82 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (6.05 ± 8.99 to 2.49 ± 2.89 mg/L; P = 0.009). By contrast, SIRT1 serum levels increased (1.06 ± 1.03 to 1.66 ± 1.64 ng/mL; P < 0.001) following periodontal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal treatment was associated with decreased serum concentrations of MBL and CRP and increased serum levels of SIRT1. Prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of these biomarkers on pathophysiology of periodontitis.

Risk Factors for Inspiratory Muscle Weakness in Chronic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure is commonly associated with inspiratory muscle weakness. However, few studies have investigated the risk factors for inspiratory muscle weakness in individuals with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction (left-ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40%).

METHODS

Seventy subjects were recruited in a cardiac center. We assessed clinical parameters, smoking history, peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, echocardiographic variables, and brain natriuretic peptide. The subjects were classified with inspiratory muscle weakness when the maximum inspiratory pressure was <70% of predicted values.

RESULTS

Thirty-six subjects (51%) had inspiratory muscle weakness. The subjects with inspiratory muscle weakness and the subjects with no inspiratory muscle weakness were similar in age, sex, body mass index, medication use, and physical activity. However, the subjects with inspiratory muscle weakness had lower LVEF (P = .003), systolic blood pressure (P = .01), diastolic blood pressure (P = .042), quadriceps muscle strength (P = .02), lung function (P = .035), increased brain natriuretic peptide (P = .02), smoking history (P = .01), and pulmonary hypertension incidence (P = .03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found a lower LVEF, increased smoking history, and lower systolic blood pressure as significant independent predictors for inspiratory muscle weakness.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of lower LVEF, lower systolic blood pressure, and smoking history predicted inspiratory muscle weakness. Patients with suspected inspiratory muscle weakness should be examined and, if inspiratory muscle weakness exists, then inspiratory muscle training should be provided. Reducing inspiratory muscle weakness has the potential to improve many of the deleterious effects of chronic heart failure.

Gene mutations of platelet glycoproteins and response to tirofiban in acute coronary syndrome

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

Glycoprotein inhibitors (abciximab, eptifibatide and tirofiban) are used in patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction before percutaneous coronary intervention. Of these, tirofiban is the least effective. We hypothesized that the response to tirofiban might be associated with glycoprotein gene mutations.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study at Emergency Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo.

METHOD

Intrahospital evolution and platelet aggregation in response to tirofiban were analyzed in relation to four glycoprotein mutations in 50 patients indicated for percutaneous coronary intervention: 17 (34%) with unstable angina and 33 (66%) with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Platelet aggregation was analyzed using the Born method. Blood samples were obtained before and one hour after tirofiban infusion. Glycoproteins Ia (807C/T ), Ib (Thr/Met) , IIb (Ile/Ser ) and IIIa (PIA ) were the mutations selected.

RESULTS

Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, previous coronary artery disease and stroke were similar between the groups. Mutant glycoprotein IIIa genotypes had lower platelet aggregation before tirofiban administration than that of the wild genotype (41.0% ± 22.1% versus 55.9% ± 20.8%; P = 0.035). Mutant glycoprotein IIIa genotypes correlated moderately with lower platelet inhibition (r = -0.31; P = 0.030). After tirofiban administration, platelet glycoprotein Ia, Ib, IIb and IIIa mutations did not influence the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation or intrahospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations of glycoproteins Ia, Ib, IIb and IIIa did not influence platelet aggregation in response to tirofiban in patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Assessment of the cardiovascular effects of electroconvulsive therapy in individuals older than 50 years

To evaluate the impact of electroconvulsive therapy on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and the occurrence of ischemia or arrhythmias, 38 (18 men) depressive patients free from systemic diseases, 50 to 83 years old (mean: 64.7 +/- 8.6) underwent electroconvulsive therapy. All patients were studied with simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring, starting 18 h before and continuing for 3 h after electroconvulsive therapy. Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, arrhythmias, and ischemic episodes were recorded. Before each session of electroconvulsive therapy, blood pressure and heart rate were in the normal range; supraventricular ectopic beats occurred in all patients and ventricular ectopic beats in 27/38; 2 patients had non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. After shock, systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure increased 29, 25, and 24% (P < 0.001), respectively, and returned to baseline values within 1 h. Maximum, mean and minimum heart rate increased 56, 52, and 49% (P < 0.001), respectively, followed by a significant decrease within 5 min; heart rate gradually increased again thereafter and remained elevated for 1 h. Analysis of heart rate variability showed increased sympathetic activity during shock with a decrease in both sympathetic and parasympathetic drive afterwards. No serious adverse effects occurred; electroconvulsive therapy did not trigger any malignant arrhythmias or ischemia. In middle-aged and elderly people free from systemic diseases, electroconvulsive therapy caused transitory increases in blood pressure and heart rate and a decrease in heart rate variability but these changes were not associated with serious adverse clinical events.

Electrocardiographic and blood pressure alterations during electroconvulsive therapy in young adults

OBJECTIVE

To study cardiovascular alterations in young patients with no apparent organic disease who underwent electroconvulsive therapy.

METHODS

The study comprised 47 healthy patients (22 males and 25 females) with a mean age of 30.3 years, who underwent electroconvulsive therapy. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitor) were performed during 24 hours. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed 4 hours prior to electric shock administration, during electric shock administration, and 3 hours after electric shock administration. Arrhythmias and alterations in the ST segment in 24 hours were recorded.

RESULTS

On electroconvulsive therapy, a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate was observed and the measurements returned to basal values after 25 minutes. Three females had tracings with depression of the ST segment suggesting myocardial ischemia prior to and after electroconvulsive therapy. Coronary angiography was normal. No severe cardiac arrhythmias were diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

1) Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe therapeutic modality in psychiatry; 2) it causes a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate; 3) it may be associated with myocardial ischemia in the absence of coronary obstructive disease; 4) electroconvulsive therapy was not associated with the occurrence of severe cardiac arrhythmias.