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Moraes DN, Nascimento BR, Lima-Costa MF, Soares CPM, Ribeiro ALP. Vagal dysautonomia in patients with Chagas disease and mortality: 14-year results of a population cohort of the elderly. J Electrocardiol 2024; 82:1-6. [PMID: 37979240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Great part of Chagas disease (ChD) mortality occurs due to ventricular arrhythmias, and autonomic function (AF) may predict unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of AF indexes in ChD patients. METHODS The Bambuí Study of Aging is a prospective cohort of residents ≥60 years at study onset (1997), in the southeastern Brazilian city of Bambuí (15,000 inhabitants). Consented participants underwent annual follow-up visits, and death certificates were tracked. AF was assessed by the maximum expiration on minimum inspiration (E:I) ratio during ECG acquisition and by heart rate variability indices: SDRR (standard deviation of adjacent RR intervals) and RMSSD (square root of the mean of the sum of squares of the differences between adjacent RR intervals)), calculated using a computer algorithm. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to access the prognostic value of AF indexes, expressed as terciles, for all-cause mortality, after adjustment for demographic, clinical and ECG variables. RESULTS From 1742 qualifying residents, 1000 had valid AF tests, being 321 with ChD. Among these, median age was 68 (64-74) years, and 32.5% were men. In Cox survival analyses, only SDRR was associated with all-cause mortality in non-adjusted models: SDRR (hazard ratio (HR): 1.26 (95% CI 1.08-1.47), p < 0.001), E:I ratio (HR: 1.13 (95% CI 0,98-1.31), p = 0.10) and RMSSD (HR: 0.99 (0.86-1.16), p = 0.95). After adjustment for sex and age, none of the indexes remained as independent predictors. CONCLUSION Among elderly patients with ChD, AF indexes available in this cohort were not independent predictors of 14-year mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego N Moraes
- Serviço de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaúde do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruno R Nascimento
- Serviço de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaúde do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Serviço de Hemodinâmica, Hospital Madre Teresa, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Carla Paula M Soares
- Serviço de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaúde do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio Luiz P Ribeiro
- Serviço de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaúde do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Antonietti L, Mariani J, Martínez MJ, Santalla M, Vensentini N, Kyle DA, de Abreu M, Tajer C, Lacunza E, Ferrero P. Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of Chagas cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1250029. [PMID: 38173812 PMCID: PMC10762800 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1250029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas cardiomyopathy (CHCM) is the most important clinical manifestation of Chagas disease. The analysis of cardiac miRNAs may contribute to predicting the progression to CHCM in Chagas indeterminate phase and/or to the differential diagnosis for cardiomyopathy. Methods We carried out a case-control study to identify circulating miRNAs associated with CHCM. We assigned 104 participants to four groups: healthy controls (HC), Chagas non-cardiomyopathy controls, CHCM cases, and ischemic cardiomyopathy controls. We performed a clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory evaluation and profiled circulating miRNA in the serum samples. Results Differences between groups were observed in clinical variables and in the analysis of miRNAs. Compared to HC, CHCM participants had 4 over-expressed and 6 under-expressed miRNAs; miR-95-3p and miR-130b-3p were upregulated in CHCM compared with controls, Chagas non-cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy participants, suggesting that might be a hallmark of CHCM. Analysis of gene targets associated with cardiac injury yielded results of genes involved in arrhythmia generation, cardiomegaly, and hypertrophy. Conclusions Our data suggest that the expression of circulating miRNAs identified by deep sequencing in CHCM could be associated with different cardiac phenotypes in CHCM subjects, compared with Chagas non-CHCM, ischemic cardiomyopathy controls, and healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antonietti
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Health Sciences Institute, Arturo Jauretche National University, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier Mariani
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Health Sciences Institute, Arturo Jauretche National University, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Jose Martínez
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuela Santalla
- Cardiovascular Research Center Dr. Horacio Cingolani, Faculty of Medical Sciences, La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Vensentini
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Alfredo Kyle
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano de Abreu
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Health Sciences Institute, Arturo Jauretche National University, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Tajer
- Department of Cardiology, El Cruce Hospital, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Health Sciences Institute, Arturo Jauretche National University, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Lacunza
- Basic and Applied Inmunological Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola Ferrero
- Cardiovascular Research Center Dr. Horacio Cingolani, Faculty of Medical Sciences, La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Torres RM, Correia D, Nunes MDCP, Dutra WO, Talvani A, Sousa AS, Mendes FDSNS, Scanavacca MI, Pisani C, Moreira MDCV, de Souza DDSM, de W, Martins SM, Dias JCP. Prognosis of chronic Chagas heart disease and other pending clinical challenges. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210172. [PMID: 35674528 PMCID: PMC9172891 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this chapter, the main prognostic markers of Chagas heart disease are addressed, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and questions, establishing the basis for a broad discussion of recommendations and new approaches to managing Chagas cardiopathy. The main biological and genetic markers and the contribution of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. We also discuss the most recent therapeutic proposals for heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmias, as well as current experience in heart transplantation in patients suffering from severe Chagas cardiomyopathy. The clinical and epidemiological challenges introduced by acute Chagas disease due to oral contamination are discussed. In addition, we highlight the importance of ageing and comorbidities in influencing the outcome of chronic Chagas heart disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of public policies, the vital role of funding agencies, universities, the scientific community and health professionals, and the application of new technologies in finding solutions for better management of Chagas heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalmo Correia
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Walderez O Dutra
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - André Talvani
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil
| | - Andréa Silvestre Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | - Cristiano Pisani
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto do Coração, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Wilson de
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Brito BODF, Attia ZI, Martins LNA, Perel P, Nunes MCP, Sabino EC, Cardoso CS, Ferreira AM, Gomes PR, Luiz Pinho Ribeiro A, Lopez-Jimenez F. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction predicted by artificial intelligence using the electrocardiogram in Chagas disease patients-The SaMi-Trop cohort. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009974. [PMID: 34871321 PMCID: PMC8675930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in Chagas disease (ChD) is relatively common and its treatment using low-cost drugs can improve symptoms and reduce mortality. Recently, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ECG algorithm showed excellent accuracy to detect LVSD in a general population, but its accuracy in ChD has not been tested. Objective To analyze the ability of AI to recognize LVSD in patients with ChD, defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction determined by the Echocardiogram ≤ 40%. Methodology/principal findings This is a cross-sectional study of ECG obtained from a large cohort of patients with ChD named São Paulo-Minas Gerais Tropical Medicine Research Center (SaMi-Trop) Study. The digital ECGs of the participants were submitted to the analysis of the trained machine to detect LVSD. The diagnostic performance of the AI-enabled ECG to detect LVSD was tested using an echocardiogram as the gold standard to detect LVSD, defined as an ejection fraction <40%. The model was enriched with NT-proBNP plasma levels, male sex, and QRS ≥ 120ms. Among the 1,304 participants of this study, 67% were women, median age of 60; there were 93 (7.1%) individuals with LVSD. Most patients had major ECG abnormalities (59.5%). The AI algorithm identified LVSD among ChD patients with an odds ratio of 63.3 (95% CI 32.3–128.9), a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 83%, an overall accuracy of 83%, and a negative predictive value of 97%; the AUC was 0.839. The model adjusted for the male sex and QRS ≥ 120ms improved the AUC to 0.859. The model adjusted for the male sex and elevated NT-proBNP had a higher accuracy of 0.89 and an AUC of 0.874. Conclusion The AI analysis of the ECG of Chagas disease patients can be transformed into a powerful tool for the recognition of LVSD. Chagas disease (ChD) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and continues to be a health problem despite the control of its transmission. ChD is a heterogeneous condition with a wide variation in its clinical course and prognosis. The majority (60%–70%) of infected individuals remain asymptomatic throughout life. Although some develop only conduction defects and mild segmental wall motion abnormalities, others develop severe symptoms of heart failure (HF), thromboembolic phenomena, and life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. HF is one of major causes of the death of patients with ChD. There is some evidence on effective drugs against the parasite in the chronic form of the disease capable of preventing long-term adverse outcomes, but it is still limited. However low-cost medications are able to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life of patients with HF. Because of the lack of tertiary care facilities outside urban centers, an automatic diagnostic tool based on the ECG, which is a relatively simple exam without requiring human interpretation, would improve the capacity to recognize HF. Recently, digital signals of the electrocardiogram were recognized by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated with an excellent accuracy for HF in the general population. Our results demonstrate that AI-ECG could ensure a rapid recognition of HF in patients who require a referral to a cardiologist and the use of disease-modifying drugs. AI can be used as a powerful public heath tool, it can transform the lives of 6 million patients with ChD worldwide, and it may well have a formidable impact on patient management and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachi I. Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Larissa Natany A. Martins
- Telehealth Center, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Statistics, Instituto de Ciência Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo Perel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Carmo P. Nunes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ester Cerdeira Sabino
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ariela Mota Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo R. Gomes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Telehealth Center, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Telehealth Center, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- * E-mail: (ALPR); (FL-J)
| | - Francisco Lopez-Jimenez
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ALPR); (FL-J)
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Moraes DN, Nascimento BR, Beaton AZ, Soliman EZ, Lima-Costa MF, dos Reis RC, Ribeiro ALP. Value of the Electrocardiographic (P Wave, T Wave, QRS) Axis as a Predictor of Mortality in 14 Years in a Population With a High Prevalence of Chagas Disease from the Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging. Am J Cardiol 2018; 121:364-369. [PMID: 29191568 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We sought to investigate the prognostic value of the electrocardiogram (ECG) electrical axes (P wave, T wave and QRS) as predictors of mortality in the 14-year follow-up of the prospective cohort of all residents ≥60 years living in the southeastern Brazilian city of Bambuí, a population with high prevalence of Chagas disease (ChD). Baseline ECG axes were automatically measured with normal values defined as follows: P-wave axis 0° to 75°, QRS axis -30° to 90°, and T axis 15° to 75°. Participants underwent annual follow-up visits and death was verified using death certificates. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the prognostic value of ECG axes for all-cause mortality, after adjustment for potential confounders. From 1,742 qualifying residents, 1,462 were enrolled, of whom 557 (38.1%) had ChD. Mortality rate was 51.9%. In multivariable adjusted models, abnormal P-wave axis was associated with a 48% (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.88]) increased mortality risk in patients with ChD and 43% (HR = 1.43 [CI 1.13-1.81]) in patients without ChD. Abnormal QRS axis was associated with a 34% (HR = 1.34 [CI 1.04-1.73]) increased mortality risk in patients with ChD, but not in individuals without ChD. Similarly, in the ChD group, abnormal T-wave axis was associated with a 35% (HR = 1.35 [CI 1.07-1.71]) increased mortality, but not in patients without ChD. In conclusion, abnormal P-wave, QRS, and T-wave axes were associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with ChD. Abnormal P-wave axis was associated with mortality also among those without ChD, being the strongest predictor among ECG variables.
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Bocchi EA, Bestetti RB, Scanavacca MI, Cunha Neto E, Issa VS. Chronic Chagas Heart Disease Management: From Etiology to Cardiomyopathy Treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 70:1510-1524. [PMID: 28911515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection is endemic in Latin America and is becoming a worldwide health burden. It may lead to heterogeneous phenotypes. Early diagnosis of T. cruzi infection is crucial. Several biomarkers have been reported in Chagas heart disease (ChHD), but most are nonspecific for T. cruzi infection. Prognosis of ChHD patients is worse compared with other etiologies, with sudden cardiac death as an important mode of death. Most ChHD patients display diffuse myocarditis with fibrosis and hypertrophy. The remodeling process seems to be associated with etiopathogenic mechanisms and neurohormonal activation. Pharmacological treatment and antiarrhythmic therapy for ChHD is mostly based on results for other etiologies. Heart transplantation is an established, valuable therapeutic option in refractory ChHD. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are indicated for prevention of secondary sudden cardiac death. Specific etiological treatments should be revisited and reserved for select patients. Understanding and management of ChHD need improvement, including development of randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edimar Alcides Bocchi
- Heart Institute (Incor) of São Paulo, University Medical School São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Edecio Cunha Neto
- Heart Institute (Incor) of São Paulo, University Medical School São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Sarli Issa
- Heart Institute (Incor) of São Paulo, University Medical School São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers are differentially expressed in clinical stages of Chagas disease. Int J Cardiol 2015; 199:451-9. [PMID: 26277551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease has a long clinically silent period following Trypanosoma cruzi infection and before development of overt clinical pathology; detectable biomarkers of infection and pathogenesis are urgently needed. We tested 22 biomarkers known to be associated with cardiomyopathy to evaluate if a biomarker signature could successfully classify T. cruzi seropositive subjects into clinical Chagas disease stage groups. METHODS This cross-sectional retrospective case-control study enrolled T. cruzi seropositive blood donors (BD) who were further characterized as having chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC-BD) or not (nonCC-BD) and seronegative (SN) control donors; we also included clinically diagnosed Chagas cardiomyopathy patients (CC-P). All subjects underwent a health history questionnaire, medical examination, electro- and echocardiograms (ECG and Echo) and phlebotomy. Biomarkers were measured on blinded samples by luminex bead array and Ortho VITROS. RESULTS A clear biomarker pattern was observed only in more severe cardiac disease; this pattern included significantly elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α and soluble cardiovascular disease biomarkers CK-MB, troponin, myoglobin, VCAM and NTproBNP while there were lower levels of MPO, PAI-1, and MCP-1. The markers determined to be the most predictive of disease by ROC curve analysis were NTproBNP and T. cruzi PCR status. CONCLUSIONS Although many biomarkers demonstrated increased or decreased concentrations among the clinical forms of Chagas disease, NTproBNP and T. cruzi PCR were the only tests that would independently be of clinical value for disease staging, in concert with ECG, Echo and clinical assessments.
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Okamoto EE, Sherbuk JE, Clark EH, Marks MA, Gandarilla O, Galdos-Cardenas G, Vasquez-Villar A, Choi J, Crawford TC, Do RQ, Q R, Fernandez AB, Colanzi R, Flores-Franco JL, Gilman RH, Bern C. Biomarkers in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected and uninfected individuals with varying severity of cardiomyopathy in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3227. [PMID: 25275382 PMCID: PMC4183477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Twenty to thirty percent of persons with Trypanosoma cruzi infection eventually develop cardiomyopathy. If an early indicator were to be identified and validated in longitudinal studies, this could enable treatment to be prioritized for those at highest risk. We evaluated cardiac and extracellular matrix remodeling markers across cardiac stages in T. cruzi infected (Tc+) and uninfected (Tc−) individuals. Methods Participants were recruited in a public hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and assigned cardiac severity stages by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. BNP, NTproBNP, CKMB, troponin I, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TGFb1, and TGFb2 were measured in specimens from 265 individuals using multiplex bead systems. Biomarker levels were compared between Tc+ and Tc− groups, and across cardiac stages. Receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created; for markers with area under curve>0.60, logistic regression was performed. Results Analyses stratified by cardiac stage showed no significant differences in biomarker levels by Tc infection status. Among Tc+ individuals, those with cardiac insufficiency had higher levels of BNP, NTproBNP, troponin I, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 than those with normal ejection fraction and left ventricular diameter. No individual marker distinguished between the two earliest Tc+ stages, but in ROC-based analyses, MMP-2/MMP-9 ratio was significantly higher in those with than those without ECG abnormalities. Conclusions BNP, NTproBNP, troponin I, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels rose with increasing severity stage but did not distinguish between Chagas cardiomyopathy and other cardiomyopathies. Among Tc+ individuals without cardiac insufficiency, only the MMP-2/MMP-9 ratio differed between those with and without ECG changes. In Chagas disease, a parasitic disease found primarily in Central and South America, individuals are chronically infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. A few decades after initial infection, 20–30% of infected individuals will develop cardiac disease. If we were able to predict which individuals would progress to cardiac disease, treatment in these low resource areas could be targeted to those at highest risk. The ideal transition point to identify those at risk would be as individuals progress from a normal electrocardiogram to an abnormal electrocardiogram, the first step in the progression of cardiac disease. Previous studies have suggested a group of serum biomarkers able to differentiate between these stages of disease. However, our larger and more comprehensive study finds that none of the ten cardiac and remodeling biomarkers we tested are able to distinguish between healthy individuals and those with the earliest evidence of cardiac disease. We did find cardiac biomarkers to be elevated in those with severe cardiac disease as expected in both T. cruzi infected and uninfected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi E Okamoto
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline E Sherbuk
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eva H Clark
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Morgan A Marks
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Omar Gandarilla
- Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gerson Galdos-Cardenas
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Jeong Choi
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas C Crawford
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Rose Q
- VA Medical Center and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - Rony Colanzi
- Universidad Catolica Boliviana, Santa Cruz, Plurinational State of Bolivia
| | | | - Robert H Gilman
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Ribeiro ALP, Marcolino MS, Prineas RJ, Lima-Costa MF. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in elderly Chagas disease patients: 10-year follow-up of the Bambui Cohort Study of Aging. J Am Heart Assoc 2014; 3:e000632. [PMID: 24510116 PMCID: PMC3959704 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Electrocardiography has been considered an important tool in the management of Chagas disease (ChD) patients, although its value in elderly infected patients is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of electrocardiographic abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi infected and noninfected older adults. Methods and Results We studied 1462 participants in Bambuí City, Brazil, with electrocardiogram (ECG) records classified by the Minnesota Code. Follow‐up time was 10 years; the endpoint was mortality. Adjustment for potential confounding variables included age, gender, conventional risk factors, and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The mean age was 69 years (60.9% women). The prevalence of ChD was 38.1% (n=557). ECG abnormalities were more frequent in ChD patients (87.6% versus 77.7%, P<0.001). Right bundle branch block (RBBB) with left anterior hemiblock (LAH) was strongly related to ChD (OR: 11.99 [5.60 to 25.69]). During the mean follow‐up time of 8.7 years, 556 participants died (253 with ChD), and only 89 were lost to follow‐up. ECG variables of independent prognostic value for death in ChD included absence of sinus rhythm, frequent ventricular and supraventricular premature beats, atrial fibrillation, RBBB, old and possible old myocardial infarction, and left ventricular hypertrophy. The presence of any major ECG abnormalities doubled the risk of death in ChD patients (HR: 2.18 [1.35 to 3.53]), but it also increased the risk in non‐ChD subjects (HR: 1.50 [1.07 to 2.10]); the risk of death increased with the number of major abnormalities in the same patient. Conclusion ECG abnormalities are more common among elderly Chagas disease patients and strongly predict adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luiz P Ribeiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Requena-Méndez A, López MC, Angheben A, Izquierdo L, Ribeiro I, Pinazo MJ, Gascon J, Muñoz J. Evaluating Chagas disease progression and cure through blood-derived biomarkers: a systematic review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 11:957-76. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2013.824718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Ribeiro AL, Sabino EC, Marcolino MS, Salemi VMC, Ianni BM, Fernandes F, Nastari L, Antunes A, Menezes M, Oliveira CDL, Sachdev V, Carrick DM, Busch MP, Murphy EL. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi seropositive and seronegative former blood donors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2078. [PMID: 23469305 PMCID: PMC3585012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood donor screening leads to large numbers of new diagnoses of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, with most donors in the asymptomatic chronic indeterminate form. Information on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in infected blood donors is lacking and may help in counseling and recognizing those with more severe disease. OBJECTIVES To assess the frequency of ECG abnormalities in T.cruzi seropositive relative to seronegative blood donors, and to recognize ECG abnormalities associated with left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS The study retrospectively enrolled 499 seropositive blood donors in São Paulo and Montes Claros, Brazil, and 483 seronegative control donors matched by site, gender, age, and year of blood donation. All subjects underwent a health clinical evaluation, ECG, and echocardiogram (Echo). ECG and Echo were reviewed blindly by centralized reading centers. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction (EF)<0.50%. RESULTS Right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular block, isolated or in association, were more frequently found in seropositive cases (p<0.0001). Both QRS and QTc duration were associated with LVEF values (correlation coefficients -0.159,p<0.0003, and -0.142,p = 0.002) and showed a moderate accuracy in the detection of reduced LVEF (area under the ROC curve: 0.778 and 0.790, both p<0.0001). Several ECG abnormalities were more commonly found in seropositive donors with depressed LVEF, including rhythm disorders (frequent supraventricular ectopic beats, atrial fibrillation or flutter and pacemaker), intraventricular blocks (right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular block) and ischemic abnormalities (possible old myocardial infarction and major and minor ST abnormalities). ECG was sensitive (92%) for recognition of seropositive donors with depressed LVEF and had a high negative predictive value (99%) for ruling out LV dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS ECG abnormalities are more frequent in seropositive than in seronegative blood donors. Several ECG abnormalities may help the recognition of seropositive cases with reduced LVEF who warrant careful follow-up and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio L. Ribeiro
- Hospital das Clínicas and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ester C. Sabino
- Department of Infectious Disease and Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena S. Marcolino
- Hospital das Clínicas and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vera M. C. Salemi
- Cardiomyopathy Unit ofthe Heart Institute (InCor) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barbara M. Ianni
- Cardiomyopathy Unit ofthe Heart Institute (InCor) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Fernandes
- Cardiomyopathy Unit ofthe Heart Institute (InCor) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Nastari
- Cardiomyopathy Unit ofthe Heart Institute (InCor) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Antunes
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | - Márcia Menezes
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | | | - Vandana Sachdev
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Michael P. Busch
- Blood Systems Research Institute (BSRI) and University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eduard L. Murphy
- Blood Systems Research Institute (BSRI) and University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Haberland A, Munoz Saravia SG, Wallukat G, Ziebig R, Schimke I. Chronic Chagas disease: from basics to laboratory medicine. Clin Chem Lab Med 2013; 51:271-94. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2012-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abstract
Chagas cardiomyopathy is the most severe and life-threatening manifestation of human Chagas disease--a 'neglected' tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is endemic in all continental Latin American countries, but has become a worldwide problem because of migration of infected individuals to developed countries, mainly in Europe and North America. Chagas cardiomyopathy results from the combined effects of persistent parasitism, parasite-driven tissue inflammation, microvascular and neurogenic dysfunction, and autoimmune responses triggered by the infection. Clinical presentation varies widely according to the extent of myocardial damage, and manifests mainly as three basic syndromes that can coexist in an individual patient: heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and thromboembolism. NYHA functional class, left ventricular systolic function, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia are important prognostic markers of the risk of death. Management of Chagas cardiomyopathy focuses on the treatment of the three main syndromes. The use of β-blockers in patients with Chagas disease and heart failure is safe, well tolerated, and should be encouraged. Most specialists and international institutions now recommend specific antitrypanosomal treatment of patients with chronic Chagas disease, even in the absence of evidence obtained from randomized clinical trials. Further research on the management of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy is necessary.
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Muñoz-Saravia SG, Haberland A, Wallukat G, Schimke I. Chronic Chagas' heart disease: a disease on its way to becoming a worldwide health problem: epidemiology, etiopathology, treatment, pathogenesis and laboratory medicine. Heart Fail Rev 2012; 17:45-64. [PMID: 21165698 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-010-9211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is ranked as the most serious parasitic disease in Latin America. Nearly 30% of infected patients develop life-threatening complications, and with a latency of 10-30 years, mostly Chagas' heart disease which is currently the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America, enormously burdening economic resources and dramatically affecting patients' social and labor situations. Because of increasing migration, international tourism and parasite transfer by blood contact, intrauterine transfer and organ transplantation, Chagas' heart disease could potentially become a worldwide problem. To raise awareness of this problem, we reflect on the epidemiology and etiopathology of Chagas' disease, particularly Chagas' heart disease. To counteract Chagas' heart disease, in addition to the general interruption of the infection cycle and chemotherapeutic elimination of the infection agent, early and effective causal or symptomatic therapies would be indispensable. Prerequisites for this are improved knowledge of the pathogenesis and optimized patient management. From economic and logistics viewpoints, this last prerequisite should be performed using laboratory medicine tools. Consequently, we first summarize the mechanisms that have been suggested as driving Chagas' heart disease, mainly those associated with the presence of autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors; secondly, we indicate new treatment strategies involving autoantibody apheresis and in vivo autoantibody neutralization; thirdly, we present laboratory medicine tools such as autoantibody estimation and heart marker measurement, proposed for diagnosis, risk assessment and patient guidance and lastly, we critically reflect upon the increase in inflammation and oxidative stress markers in Chagas' heart disease.
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Machado FS, Jelicks LA, Kirchhoff LV, Shirani J, Nagajyothi F, Mukherjee S, Nelson R, Coyle CM, Spray DC, Campos de Carvalho AC, Guan F, Prado CM, Lisanti MP, Weiss LM, Montgomery SP, Tanowitz HB. Chagas heart disease: report on recent developments. Cardiol Rev 2012; 20:53-65. [PMID: 22293860 PMCID: PMC3275684 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0b013e31823efde2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of cardiac disease in endemic areas of Latin America. It is now being diagnosed in nonendemic areas because of immigration. Typical cardiac manifestations of Chagas disease include dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, cardioembolism, and stroke. Clinical and laboratory-based research to define the pathology resulting from T. cruzi infection has shed light on many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to these manifestations. Antiparasitic treatment may not be appropriate for patients with advanced cardiac disease. Clinical management of Chagas heart disease is similar to that used for cardiomyopathies caused by other processes. Cardiac transplantation has been successfully performed in a small number of patients with Chagas heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S. Machado
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, and Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Linda A. Jelicks
- Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Louis V. Kirchhoff
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA
| | - Jamshid Shirani
- Department of Cardiology St Luke’s Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, PA
| | - Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Shankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Randin Nelson
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Christina M. Coyle
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - David C. Spray
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Antonio C. Campos de Carvalho
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- National Cardiology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fangxia Guan
- Bioengineering Department of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cibele M. Prado
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Michael P. Lisanti
- Kimmel Cancer Center, Departments of Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Global Health Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Susan P. Montgomery
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Global Health Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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Gomes JAS, Campi-Azevedo AC, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Silveira-Lemos D, Vitelli-Avelar D, Sathler-Avelar R, Peruhype-Magalhães V, Silvestre KF, Batista MA, Schachnik NCC, Correa-Oliveira R, Eloi-Santos S, Martins-Filho OA. Impaired phagocytic capacity driven by downregulation of major phagocytosis-related cell surface molecules elicits an overall modulatory cytokine profile in neutrophils and monocytes from the indeterminate clinical form of Chagas disease. Immunobiology 2012; 217:1005-16. [PMID: 22387073 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The distinct ability of phagocytes to present antigens, produce cytokines and provide co-stimulatory signals may contribute to the severity of the outcome of Chagas disease. In this paper, we evaluate the phenotypic features of phagocytes along with the cytokine signature of circulating T-cells from Chagas disease patients with indeterminate (IND) and cardiac (CARD) clinical forms of the disease. Our data demonstrated that neutrophils from IND patients displayed an impaired ability to produce cytokines. A lower Trypanosoma cruzi phagocytic index and higher nitric oxide levels were characteristics of monocytes from IND. The impaired phagocytic capacity did not reflect on the levels of anti-T. cruzi IgG, but was detectable in the downregulation of Fc-γR, TLR and CR1 molecules. The monocyte-derived cytokine signature demonstrated that a down-regulated synthesis of IL-12 and a modulatory state were evidenced by a positive correlation between IL-12 and IL-10 with a lower synthesis of TNF-α. The down-regulation of MHC-II and CD86 in monocytes supports the occurrence of particularities in the APC-activation-arm in IND, and may be involved in the T-cell pro-inflammatory pattern counterbalanced by a potent IL-10 response. Our findings support the hypothesis that differential phenotypic features of monocytes from IND may be committed to the induction of a distinct immune response related to low morbidity in chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A S Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações Celulares, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Beleigoli AM, Lima-Costa MF, Diniz MDFH, Ribeiro AL. B-type natriuretic peptide and anthropometric measures in a Brazilian elderly population with a high prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Peptides 2011; 32:1787-92. [PMID: 21884743 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a diagnostic and prognostic tool in heart failure and also in Chagas disease, which is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and has cardiomyopathy as a main feature. BNP lipolytic actions and T. cruzi infection in the adipose tissue have been recently described. We aim to investigate the relationship between BNP and anthropometric measures and whether it is influenced by T. cruzi infection. We measured BNP, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF) and performed serological, biochemical and electrocardiographic exams in 1398 subjects (37.5% infected with T. cruzi) in a community-dwelling elderly population in Bambui city, Brazil. Linear multivariate regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of BNP levels. BNP levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T. cruzi-infected subjects than in the non-infected group (median=121 and 64pg/mL, respectively). BMI, WC and TSF in infected subjects were significantly lower than those in non-infected subjects (24.3 vs. 25.5kg/m2; 89.2 vs. 92.4cm; and 14.5 vs. 16.0mm, respectively). There was an inverse relationship between BNP levels and BMI (b=-0.018), WC (b=-0.005) and TSF (b=-0.193) levels. Infected and non-infected groups showed similar inverse relationships between BNP and BMI (b=-0.021 and b=-0.015, respectively). In conclusion, there was an inverse relationship between BNP levels and the anthropometric measures. Despite the actions in the adipose tissue, T. cruzi infection did not modify the associations between BNP and BMI, suggesting that body mass does not modify the accuracy of BNP in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alline Maria Beleigoli
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte, CEP 30130-100, Brazil.
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Fernandes F, Barbosa-Ferreira JM, Mady C. New diagnostic serum biomarkers for Chagas disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 5:203-11. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2011.566859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Talvani A, Teixeira MM. Inflammation and Chagas disease some mechanisms and relevance. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 76:171-94. [PMID: 21884892 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385895-5.00008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chagas cardiomyopathy is caused by infection with flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In patients, there is a fine balance between control of the replication and the intensity of the inflammatory response so that the host is unable to eliminate the parasite resulting in the parasite persisting as a lifelong infection in most individuals. However, the parasite persists in such a way that it causes no or little disease. This chapter reviews our understanding of many of the mediators of inflammation and cells which are involved in the inflammatory response of mammals to T. cruzi infection. Particular emphasis is given to the role of chemokines, endothelin and lipid mediators. Understanding the full range of mediators and cells present and how they interact with each other in Chagas disease may shed light on how we modulate disease pathogenesis and define new approaches to treat or prevent the disease.
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Lima-Costa MF, Matos DL, Ribeiro ALP. Chagas Disease Predicts 10-Year Stroke Mortality in Community-Dwelling Elderly. Stroke 2010; 41:2477-82. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.110.588061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa
- From the Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (M.F.L.-C.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Grais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (D.L.M.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; and Faculdade de Medicina (A.L.P.R.), Universidade Federal de Minas Grais,
| | - Divane L. Matos
- From the Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (M.F.L.-C.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Grais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (D.L.M.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; and Faculdade de Medicina (A.L.P.R.), Universidade Federal de Minas Grais,
| | - Antônio Luiz P. Ribeiro
- From the Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (M.F.L.-C.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Grais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou (D.L.M.), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil; and Faculdade de Medicina (A.L.P.R.), Universidade Federal de Minas Grais,
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Chagas cardiomyopathy: the potential of diastolic dysfunction and brain natriuretic peptide in the early identification of cardiac damage. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4. [PMID: 20877635 PMCID: PMC2943653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease remains a major cause of mortality in several countries of Latin America and has become a potential public health problem in non-endemic countries as a result of migration flows. Cardiac involvement represents the main cause of mortality, but its diagnosis is still based on nonspecific criteria with poor sensitivity. Early identification of patients with cardiac involvement is desirable, since early treatment may improve prognosis. This study aimed to assess the role of diastolic dysfunction, abnormal myocardial strain and elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the early identification of cardiac involvement in Chagas disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Fifty-four patients divided into 3 groups--group 1 (undetermined form: positive serology without ECG or 2D-echocardiographic abnormalities; N = 32), group 2 (typical ECG abnormalities of Chagas disease but normal 2D-echocardiography; N = 14), and group 3 (regional wall motion abnormalities, left ventricular [LV] end-diastolic diameter >55 mm or LV ejection fraction <50% on echocardiography; N = 8)--and 44 control subjects were studied. Patients with significant non-cardiac diseases, other heart diseases and previous treatment with benznidazol were excluded. The median age was 37 (20-58) years; 40% were men. BNP levels, longitudinal and radial myocardial strain and LV diastolic dysfunction increased progressively from group 1 to 3 (p for trend <0.01). Abnormal BNP levels (>37 pg/ml) were noted in 0%, 13%, 29% and 63% in controls and groups 1 to 3, respectively. Half of patients in the undetermined form had impaired relaxation patterns, whereas half of patients with ECG abnormalities suggestive of Chagas cardiomyopathy had normal diastolic function. In group 1, BNP levels were statistically higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction as compared to those with normal diastolic function (27 ± 26 vs. 11 ± 8 pg/ml, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, the combination of diastolic function and BNP measurement adds important information that could help to better stratify patients with Chagas disease.
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Lima-Costa MF, Cesar CC, Peixoto SV, Ribeiro ALP. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of mortality in community-dwelling older adults with Chagas disease: 10-year follow-up of the Bambui Cohort Study of Aging. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 172:190-6. [PMID: 20581155 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwq106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the prognostic value of brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for all-cause mortality among persons with Chagas disease, a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The authors used data on 1,398 participants (37.5% infected with T. cruzi) aged 60 years and over from the Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging in Brazil. From 1997 to 2007, 512 participants died, leading to 12,406 person-years of observation. The hazard ratio for death was 1.27 for each unit of log-transformed BNP level (95% confidence interval (CI: 1.11, 1.45) among infected persons, independent of potentially confounding factors. Infected persons with baseline BNP levels in the top quartile had a risk of death twice that of persons in the bottom quartile (hazard ratio = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.32). The discriminatory ability of BNP in predicting mortality (C = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.71) was similar to that of an electrocardiogram (C = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.71), with reasonably stable risk discrimination over time. BNP is a strong predictor of mortality in older adults with Chagas disease. Although the usefulness of BNP for risk stratification in this parasitic disease remains a topic of debate, this study found that BNP-based risk discrimination is at least comparable to that of an electrocardiogram.
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Abstract
A hundred years from its description, Chagas cardiomyopathy remains a challenging disease. Although successful vector-control strategies have decreased the incidence of Chagas disease in several Latin American countries, both migration to urban areas and immigration have spread the disease worldwide; and now, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and vertical transmission are a concern. The pathogenesis of Chagas cardiomyopathy involves complex host-parasite interactions, where low-grade but incessant systemic infection and triggered autoimmune reaction are the main mechanisms for its development, with the contribution of autonomic damage and microvascular disturbances. Chagas cardiomyopathy is the most important clinical presentation of Chagas disease and comprises a wide range of manifestations, including heart failure, arrhythmias, heart blocks, sudden death, thromboembolism, and stroke. Recently, simple clinical prognostic scores have been developed to identify high-risk patients and help with management. The treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy focuses mostly on managing heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolism. The role of specific antiparasitic therapy in the chronic form is not yet defined, and a randomized trial is now under way to address this crucial point. In this article, we review the main clinical aspects of Chagas cardiomyopathy and underscore some upcoming challenges for the appropriate control, diagnosis, and management of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Biolo
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Tanowitz HB, Machado FS, Jelicks LA, Shirani J, de Carvalho ACC, Spray DC, Factor SM, Kirchhoff LV, Weiss LM. Perspectives on Trypanosoma cruzi-induced heart disease (Chagas disease). Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 51:524-39. [PMID: 19410685 PMCID: PMC2677559 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a common cause of heart disease in endemic areas of Latin America. The year 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of T cruzi infection and Chagas disease by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas. Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops in from 10% to 30% of persons who are chronically infected with this parasite. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are important modalities in the evaluation and prognostication of individuals with chagasic heart disease. The etiology of chagasic heart disease likely is multifactorial. Parasite persistence, autoimmunity, and microvascular abnormalities have been studied extensively as possible pathogenic mechanisms. Experimental studies suggest that alterations in cardiac gap junctions may be etiologic in the pathogenesis of conduction abnormalities. The diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease is made by serology. The treatment of this infection has shortcomings that need to be addressed. Cardiac transplantation and bone marrow stem cell therapy for persons with Chagas disease have received increasing research attention in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert B Tanowitz
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Blum JA, Zellweger MJ, Burri C, Hatz C. Cardiac involvement in African and American trypanosomiasis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2008; 8:631-41. [PMID: 18922485 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(08)70230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT; sleeping sickness) are both caused by single-celled flagellates that are transmitted by arthropods. Cardiac problems are the main cause of morbidity in chronic Chagas disease, but neurological problems dominate in HAT. Physicians need to be aware of Chagas disease and HAT in patients living in or returning from endemic regions, even if they left those regions long ago. Chagas heart disease has to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, primarily in patients with pathological electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, such as right bundle branch block or left anterior hemiblock, with segmental wall motion abnormalities or aneurysms on echocardiography, and in young patients with stroke in the absence of arterial hypertension. In HAT patients, cardiac involvement as seen by ECG alterations, such as repolarisation changes and low voltage, is frequent. HAT cardiopathy in general is benign and does not cause relevant congestive heart failure and subsides with treatment. We review the differences between the American and African trypanosomiasis with the main focus on the heart.
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Vilas-Boas F, Feitosa GS, Soares MBP, Pinho-Filho JA, Nascimento T, Barojas MM, Andrade MVS, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos R, Bocchi E. Invasive and noninvasive correlations of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure due to Chagas cardiomyopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 14:121-6. [PMID: 18550922 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7133.2008.08166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure due to Chagas cardiomyopathy (HFCC) differs from failure with other etiologies because of the occurrence of intense inflammatory infiltrate and right ventricle compromise. This article investigates correlations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels with parameters of severity in HFCC. Twenty-eight patients and 8 normal controls underwent heart catheterization and clinical and laboratory analyses. BNP levels were higher in patients with HFCC (P<.0001) and correlated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class; right atrial pressure; wedge pressure; cardiac output; levels of serum sodium, hemoglobin, urea, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha; and ejection fraction. Interferon-gamma and transforming growth factor-beta did not correlate with BNP level. The authors conclude that BNP levels are elevated in patients experiencing HFCC, irrespective of NYHA class, and that the occurrence of HFCC correlates with severity of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Vilas-Boas
- Heart Failure Clinics and Academic Research Department of Santa Izabel Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Blum JA, Burri C, Hatz C, Kazumba L, Mangoni P, Zellweger MJ. Sleeping hearts: the role of the heart in sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis). Trop Med Int Health 2007; 12:1422-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01948.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rocha MOC, Teixeira MM, Ribeiro AL. An update on the management of Chagas cardiomyopathy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2007; 5:727-43. [PMID: 17678433 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.4.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, infects nearly 18 million people in Latin America and mainly affects the heart, causing heart failure, arrhythmias, heart block, thromboembolism, stroke and death. In this review, the clinical diagnosis and management of Chagas cardiomyopathy are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the clinical staging of patients and the use of various diagnostic tests that may be useful in individualizing treatment of the two most relevant clinical syndromes, that is, heart failure and arrhythmias. The relevance of specific treatments are discussed, stressing the important role of parasite persistence in disease pathogenesis. We also discuss new therapy modalities that may have a role in the treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel O C Rocha
- Internal Medicine Department and Coordinator, Postgraduate Course of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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