Browsing by Author "Bettencourt, P."
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- High Sensitivity Troponin T: A Biomarker of Ventricular Wall Stress in Acutely Decompensated Heart FailurePublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.
- High-Sensitivity Troponin T: A Biomarker for Diuretic Response in Decompensated Heart Failure PatientsPublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.Background. Patients presenting with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and positive circulating cardiac troponins were found to be a high-risk cohort. The advent of high-sensitive troponins resulted in a detection of positive troponins in a great proportion of heart failure patients. However, the pathophysiological significance of this phenomenon is not completely clear. Objectives. The aim of this study is to determine the early evolution and clinical significance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) in ADHF. Methods. Retrospective, secondary analysis of a prospective study including 100 patients with ADHF. Results. Globally, high-sensitivity troponin T decreased from day 1 to day 3 (P = 0,039). However, in the subgroup of patients who remained decompensated no significant differences in hsTnT from day 1 to day 3 were observed (P = 0,955), whereas in successfully compensated patients a significant reduction in hsTnT levels was observed (P = 0,025). High-sensitivity troponin T decrease was correlated with NTproBNP reduction (P = 0,007). Patients with hsTnT increase had longer length of stay (P = 0,033). Conclusions. Episodes of ADHF are associated with transient increases in the blood levels of hsTnT that are reduced with effective acute episode treatment. The decrease in hsTnT can translate less myocardial damage along with favourable ADHF treatment.
- Influence of spironolactone on matrix metalloproteinase-2 in acute decompensated heart failurePublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Oliveira, J.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes important for the resorption of extracellular matrices, control of vascular remodeling and repair. Increased activity of MMP2 has been demonstrated in heart failure, and in acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) a decrease in circulating MMPs has been demonstrated along with successful treatment.
- Left-sided infective endocarditis: analysis of in-hospital and medium-term outcome and predictors of mortalityPublication . Ferreira, J.; Gomes, F.; Rodrigues, P.; Araújo Abreu, M.; Maia, J.; Bettencourt, P.; Luz, A.; Torres, S.; Araújo Correia, J.Abstract Introduction: Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, infective endocarditis (IE) remains a challenging and potentially lethal disease. The prognosis of IE remains poor; in the last 30 years, its incidence and mortality have only been marginally reduced. Early identification of high-risk patients can change the course of the disease and improve outcomes. Objectives and methods: To describe and investigate predictors of mortality during hospital stay and in the six months after discharge in a cohort of left-sided IE patients in two tertiary centers. All patients diagnosed with IE (ICD9 code 133) were registered in a uniform database. Results: One hundred and forty-seven consecutive case patients with left-sided IE were included in this study. Thirty-five patients (23.8%) died during hospital stay. The variables significantly associated with increased mortality in univariate analysis were Charlson index ≥5, use of immunosuppressants, sepsis (severe sepsis and/or septic shock), cardiogenic shock and inappropriate use of antibiotic therapy. Conversely, surgical therapy and hospital length of stay ≥30 days were significantly associated with lower mortality. In multivariate analysis the most important predictors of in-hospital mortality were sepsis (severe and/or shock), use of immunosuppressants and inappropriate use of antibiotic therapy. There was a significant relation between the use of immunosuppressants and the occurrence of sepsis. The presence of significant valve disease after IE significantly increased the risk of heart failure. Conclusions: Our results may help to identify IE patients at increased risk for in-hospital mortality and medium-term disability. These findings can help to identify candidates for earlier and more aggressive management.
- Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Acutely Decompensated Chronic Heart FailurePublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism in acutely decompensated chronic heart failurePublication . Ferreira, J.P.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism in acutely decompensated chronic heart failurePublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.Spironolactone was likely to provide faster congestion relief. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Background/objectives Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) use in acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) may improve congestion through diuretic effect and prevent neurohormonal activation. We aimed to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of spironolactone in ADCHF. Methods Prospective, experimental, single-center, and single-blinded trial. Patients were treated with: standard ADCHF therapy or oral spironolactone 50–100 mg/d plus standard ADCHF therapy. Results During a 1 year period, 100 patients were enrolled, 50 included in the treatment group. Mean (SD) spironolactone dose (mg) at day 1 was 94.5 ± 23.3 and at day 3 was 62.7 ± 24.3. Worsening renal function (increase in pCr ≥ 0.3 mg/dL from day 1 to day 3) was more likely to occur in control group (20% vs. 4%; p = 0.038), serum potassium did not differ between groups, and plasma NTproBNP had a significant decrease in spironolactone group at day 3 (median [IQR], 2488 [4579] vs. 1555 [1832]; p = 0.05). Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients in the treatment group were free of congestion at day 3: less edema, rales, jugular venous pressure (JVP) and orthopnea (all, p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly higher proportion of patients were on oral furosemide at day 3 (44% vs. 82%; p < 0.001). Conclusions Our study supports the safety of high dose spironolactone in ADCHF and suggests a positive impact in the resolution of congestion. The important findings of our pilot study need to be confirmed in larger trials.
- Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Acutely Decompensated Chronic Heart FailurePublication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.
- Tailoring diuretic therapy in acute heart failure: insight on early diuretic response predictorsPublication . Ferreira, J.P.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.
- Tailoring diuretic therapy in acute heart failure: insight on early diuretic response predictors.Publication . Ferreira, J.; Santos, M.; Almeida, S.; Marques, I.; Bettencourt, P.; Cyrne-Carvalho, H.