Two-Year Follow-Up of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in a Specialized Center in Brazil

The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) may vary significantly among countries. Although populous, Brazil is often underrepresented in international records. This study aimed to describe the quality of care and the two-year incidence of cardiovascular events and associated prognostic factors in CIHD patients in a tertiary public health care center in Brazil. Patients with CIHD who reported for clinical evaluation at Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brazil) were registered and followed for two years. The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. From January 2016 to December 2018, 625 participants were included in the study. Baseline characteristics show that 33.1% were women, median age 66.1 [59.6 - 71.9], 48.6% had diabetes, 83.1% had hypertension, 62.6% had previous MI, and 70.4% went through some revascularization procedure. At a median follow-up (FU) of 881 days, we noted 37 (7.05%) primary endpoints. After adjustments, age, previous stroke, and LDL-cholesterol were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Comparing baseline versus FU, participants experienced relief of angina based on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) scale according to the following percentages: 65.7% vs. 81.7% were asymptomatic and 4.2% vs. 2.9% CCS 3 or 4 (p < 0.001). They also experienced better quality of medication prescription: 65.8% vs. 73.6% (p < 0.001). However, there was no improvement in LDL-cholesterol or blood pressure control. This study shows that CIHD patients had a two-year incidence of the primary composite endpoint of 7.05%, and the reduction of LDL-cholesterol was the only modifiable risk factor associated with prognosis.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk biomarkers after moderate consumption of red wine and cachaça in a randomized crossover trial: The Wine and Cachaça Study (WICAS)

INTRODUCTION

Moderate daily consumption of alcohol (MDCA) is associated with cardiovascular risk (CVR) reduction in observational studies. Some researches have suggested that this benefit may be associated not only with red wine consumption but also with other beverages. However, there are no clinical trials evaluating the possible CVR benefit of Brazilian spirit (cachaça) in humans.

METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized, crossover study including healthy individuals initially assigned to a MDCA of cachaça or red wine for a period of 4 weeks. After a one-week abstinence period, the type of drink was changed for another 4 weeks of intervention. The MDCA for both beverages was determined as a dose equivalent to 28 g of ethanol per day for men and 14 g for women. CVR biomarkers analyses were performed before and after each intervention to assess the serologic status of C-reactive protein, lipid profile, platelet aggregation and glycemic profile. This study is registered on the ISRCTN platform under number 15978506.

RESULTS

Of the 42 subjects initially randomized, 2 refused to continue in the study. The median age was 44.3 ± 10.3 years and 19 were male (47.5%). Adherence to the protocol was considered ideal with 100% regular use in both interventions and only 3 individuals in each intervention group reported alcohol abuse. There was no significant variation in anthropometric measurements during the study, except for weight gain (0.7 kg) in the red wine group (p = 0.005). The median of the delta of platelet aggregation for MDCA of cachaça was 1.2% (-1.1 to 5.3) and the median of the delta to the MDCA of wine was -1.6% (-4.5 to 2) (p = 0.02). The other biomarkers didn't show any statistically significant variation.

CONCLUSION

Moderate consumption of wine and cachaça was related to variation in laboratory biomarkers of CVR related to atherosclerosis. There was significant weight gain during the period of wine consumption and there was observed a difference between platelet aggregation values after both interventions.

Coronary atherosclerotic burden assessed by SYNTAX scores and outcomes in surgical, percutaneous or medical strategies: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Coronary atherosclerotic burden and SYNTAX Score (SS) are predictors of cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the value of SYNTAX scores (SS, SYNTAX Score II (SSII) and residual SYNTAX Score (rSS)) for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Medicine, Angioplasty or Surgery Study database patients with stable multivessel CAD and preserved ejection fraction.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients with CAD undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medical treatment (MT) alone from January 2002 to December 2015.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Primary: 5-year all-cause mortality. Secondary: composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke and subsequent coronary revascularisation at 5 years.

RESULTS

A total of 1719 patients underwent PCI (n=573), CABG (n=572) or MT (n=574) alone. The SS was not considered an independent predictor of 5-year mortality in the PCI (low, intermediate and high SS at 6.5%, 6.8% and 4.3%, respectively, p=0.745), CABG (low, intermediate and high SS at 5.7%, 8.0% and 12.1%, respectively, p=0.194) and MT (low, intermediate and high SS at 6.8%, 6.9% and 6.5%, respectively, p=0.993) cohorts. The SSII (low, intermediate and high SSII at 3.6% vs 7.9% vs 10.5%, respectively, p<0.001) was associated with a higher mortality risk in the overall population. Within each treatment strategy, SSII was associated with a significant 5-year mortality rate, especially in CABG patients with higher SSII (low, intermediate and high SSII at 1.8%, 9.7% and 10.0%, respectively, p=0.004) and in MT patients with high SSII (low, intermediate and high SSII at 5.0%, 4.7% and 10.8%, respectively, p=0.031). SSII demonstrated a better predictive accuracy for mortality compared with SS and rSS (c-index=0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary atherosclerotic burden alone was not associated with significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality. The SSII better discriminates the risk of death.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN66068876.

Surgical and percutaneous revascularization outcomes based on SYNTAX I, II, and residual scores: a long-term follow-up study

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of SYNTAX scores I, II, and residual with cardiovascular outcomes of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and compare both procedures in a long-term follow-up.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center study from the MASS registry at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo, Brazil in which 969 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing CABG (559) or PCI (410) were included. We assessed the SYNTAX scores I, II and residual in both interventions. Clinical endpoints were the first occurrence of a composite of overall death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization (MACCE) and the total occurrence of each component of MACCE.

Results

In the CABG sample, SSI had a median of 23 (IQR 17–29.5), median SSII of 25.4 (IQR 19.2–32.8), and median rSS of 2 (IQR 0–6.5); in PCI SSI had a median of 14 (IQR 10–19.1), median SSII of 28.7 (IQR 23–34.2), and median rSS of 4.7 (IQR 0–9). Total of 174 events were documented and CABG patients had a lower rate of MACCE (15.6% vs. 21.2%; adjusted HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.13–3.47; P = 0.016) and repeat revascularization (3.8% vs. 11.5%; adjusted HR 4.35; CI 95% 1.74–10.85; P = 0.002) compared with PCI. No SYNTAX score tertile found a difference in death rate between procedures. In a multivariate analysis, the rSS was an independent predictor for MACCE (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.06; P = 0.001). Regarding death, the only independent predictors were ejection fraction and renal function.

Conclusion

Surgical revascularization resulted in a more complete revascularization and lower rates of major cardiac or cerebrovascular events in a long-term follow-up. Also, grading the incompleteness of revascularization through the residual SYNTAX score identified a higher event rate, suggesting that complete revascularization is associated with a better prognosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01616-6.

Effect of diabetic kidney disease on therapeutic strategies for coronary artery disease: ten year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The best treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and chronic kidney disease is unknown.

METHODS

This retrospective study included MASS registry patients with DM2 and multivessel CAD, stratified by kidney function. Primary endpoint was combined of mortality, myocardial infarction, or additional revascularization.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Primary endpoint occurrences among strata 1 and 2 were 53.4% and 40.7%, respectively (P=.020). Mortality rates were 37.4% and 24.6% in strata 1 and 2, respectively (P<.001). We observed a lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (P=.027 for stratum 1 and P<.001 for stratum 2) and additional revascularization (P=.001 for stratum 1 and P<.001 for stratum 2) for those in the surgical group. In a multivariate analysis, eGFR was an independent predictor of MACE (P=.034) and mortality (P=.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Among subjects with DM2 and CAD the presence of lower eGFR rate was associated with higher rates of MACE and mortality, irrespective of treatment choice. CABG was associated with lower rates of MACE in both renal function strata. eGFR was an independent predictor of MACE and mortality in a 10-year follow-up.

Long-term outcomes of patients with stable coronary disease and chronic kidney dysfunction: 10-year follow-up of the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD); however, there is limited randomized data on long-term outcomes of CAD therapies in these patients. We evaluated long-term outcomes of CKD patients with CAD who underwent randomized therapy with medical treatment (MT) alone, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

METHODS

Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained in 611 patients randomized to one of three therapeutic strategies in the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II trial. Patients were categorized in preserved renal function and mild or moderate CKD groups depending on their eGFR (≥90, 89-60 and 59-30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). The primary clinical endpoint, a composite of overall death and myocardial infarction, and its individual components were analyzed using proportional hazards regression (Clinical Trial registration information: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Registration number: ISRCTN66068876).

RESULTS

Of 611 patients, 112 (18%) had preserved eGFR, 349 (57%) mild dysfunction and 150 (25%) moderate dysfunction. The primary endpoint occurred in 29.5, 32.4 and 44.7% (P = 0.02) for preserved eGFR, mild CKD and moderate CKD, respectively. Overall mortality incidence was 18.7, 23.8 and 39.3% for preserved eGFR, mild CKD and moderate CKD, respectively (P = 0.001). For preserved eGFR, there was no significant difference in outcomes between therapies. For mild CKD, the primary event rate was 29.4% for PCI, 29.1% for CABG and 41.1% for MT (P = 0.006) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.88; P = 0.03 for PCI versus MT; and adjusted HR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.31-0.76; P = 0.002 for CABG versus MT]. We also observed higher mortality rates in the MT group (28.6%) compared with PCI (24.1%) and CABG (19.0%) groups (P = 0.015) among mild CKD subjects (adjusted HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.76; P = 0.003 for CABG versus MT; adjusted HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.07-4.28; P = 0.58 for PCI versus MT). Results were similar with moderate CKD group but did not achieve significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary interventional therapy, both PCI and CABG, is associated with lower rates of events compared with MT in mild CKD patients >10 years of follow-up. More study is needed to confirm these benefits in moderate CKD.

Pharmacological therapy and cardiovascular risk reduction for type 2 diabetes

SUMMARY The pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus has presented important advances in recent years, which has impacted the treatment of patients with established cardiovascular disease or with high cardiovascular risk. In this scenario, two drug classes have emerged and demonstrated clear clinical benefits: SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists. The present review discusses the pharmacology, adverse effects, and clinical trials that have demonstrated the benefits of these medications in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Significant association of SYNTAX score on release of cardiac biomarkers in uncomplicated post-revascularization procedures among patients with stable multivessel disease: MASS-V Study group

This study investigated the relationship between angiographic complexities of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by SYNTAX Score synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery score (SYNTAX Score) and cardiac biomarker elevation after revascularization procedures.This is a post-hoc analysis of the medicine, angioplasty or surgery study V study of patients with stable CAD. High-sensitivity troponin 1 (hs-TnI) and creatinine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) were assessed before and after cardiovascular procedures. Baselines SYNTAX Scores (SXScores) were calculated by blinded investigators to patient characteristics.Of the 202 patients studied, the mean SXScore was 21.25 ± 9.24; 40.10 ± 7.09 in the high SXScore group and 19.06 ± 6.61 in low/mid SXscore group (P < .0001). Positive correlations existed between SXScore and median peaks after procedural hs-TnI (r = 0.18, P = .009) and CK-MB (r = 0.24, P = .001) levels. In patients with high SXScores (≥33), the median peaks of post-procedural hs-TnI (P = .034)and CK-MB (P = .004) levels were higher than in low/mid SXScore group (<33).The release of hs-TnI at 6 (P = .002), 12 (P = .008), and 24 hours (P = .039) was higher in high SXScore group than in low/mid SXscore group (<33) as was the release of CK-MB at 6 (P < .0001), 12 (P < .0001), 24 (P = .001), 36 (P = .007), 48 (P = .008), and 72 hours (P = .023). After multivariable analysis, high SXScore was a significant independent predictor of release of CK-MB and hs-TnI peaks higher than the median.The increase in release of cardiac biomarkers was significantly associated with the extent of atherosclerosis identified by the SYNTAX Score.

P1832Myocardial injury assessed by T1 mapping after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. a pre-specified analysis of mass V trial

Background

Myocardial structural damage may occur during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and is identified by the significant release of cardiac biomarkers. However, the evidence of these structural myocardial changes after CABG by current imaging methods remains unknown. To evaluate myocardial structure, we used the T1 mapping of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before and after on-pump and off-pump CABG.

Methods

Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and preserved ventricular function were included and underwent on or off-pump CABG. CMR and T1 mapping were performed using the MOLLI technique (modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery). Values of native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were compared before and after on and off-pump procedures.

Results

Of 110 eligible patients, 34 were excluded due to the presence of new late enhancement or edema. Of 76 patients remained, 32 (42%) underwent on-pump (Group A) and 44 (58%) off-pump CABG (Group B). All baseline characteristics were similar between groups, besides the Syntax Score that was higher in Group A (25 × 21, p=0.002). For group A, native T1 before and after procedures was 1013 ms (998–1043) and 1004 ms (793–1048), p=0.19, and ECV was 26.4 (23.9–27.6) and 31.2 (27.6–33.9), p<0.001. For group B, native T1 before and after procedures was 1015 ms (970–1044) and 992 ms (867–1051), p=0.003, and ECV 27.5 (25.3–29.9) and 30.3 (26.5–34.3), p=0.02. The comparison of native T1 difference before and after procedures between groups A and B was not significant (Delta T1 −9.8 (−102 to 51.8) × −25.4 (−119 to 51,2), p=0.87. However, the difference of ECV between groups was statistically significant (ECV Delta 3.8 (2.2 to 7.1) × 1.3 (−1.1 to 4.9), p=0.039, respectively, for groups A and B.

Figure 1

Conclusion

In this sample, T1 mapping identified significant myocardial structural changes in both surgical revascularization procedures. Additionally, a marked myocardial injury generated by ECV changes were observed after on-pump CABG.

P1835Application of SYNTAX score I, II and residual SYNTAX as predictors of long-term clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

The evaluation of coronary disease by SYNTAX score I (SSI) is used to grade coronary complexity. Following SSI, two other scores were developed: SYNTAX score II (SSII) and residual SYNTAX score (rSS). Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evidence about the prognostic significance of these scores among patients undergoing CABG.

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the relation of the SSI, SSII and rSS score with outcomes in a long-term follow-up after elective CABG.

Methods

This is a single center, registry-based study. Baseline SSI was calculated from patients undergoing CABG by interventional cardiologists. SSI results were considered as usual: <23, 23–32 and >32. SSII and rSRR were then calculated and categorized in tertiles: <21.4, 21.4–29.4 and >29.4 for SSII and 0, 1–5 and >5 for rSS. Primary outcome was a composite of overall death, myocardial infarction, additional revascularization, or stroke (MACCE).

Results

Data were obtained from 559 patients. Median follow-up was 6 years (IQR: 4.9–9.8) and 170 events were documented. The Kaplan-Meier curves (figure 1) showed significant differences of MACCE in higher SSI, SSII and rSS (p=0.039, 0.033, <0.001 respectively). After multivariate adjustment, rSS, ejection fraction (EF) and age were found to be independent predictors of MACCE (p<0.001, 0.034 and 0.006, respectively).

Figure 1

Conclusion

In this sample SSI, II and residual were associated with the occurrence of events. However, just the rSS remained an independent predictor of MACCE together with age and EF.

The ORBITA trial: A point of view

Treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) relies on improved prognosis and relief of symptoms. National and international guidelines on CAD support the indication for revascularization in patients with limiting symptoms and refractory to drug treatment. Previous studies attested the efficacy of angioplasty to improve angina as well as the functional capacity of patients with symptomatic stable CAD. The ORBITA trial, recently published in an international journal, showed no benefit in terms of exercise tolerance compared to a placebo procedure in a population of single-vessel patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention. In this point of view article, the authors discuss the ORBITA trial regarding methodological issues, limitations and clinical applicability.

Predictors of response to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus peginterferon alfa-2a combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic hepatitis B, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) for 48-weeks results in higher rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss than either monotherapy.

AIM

To identify baseline and on-treatment factors associated with HBsAg loss at Week 72 and provide a model for predicting HBsAg loss in patients receiving combination therapy for 48 weeks.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of data from an open-label study where patients were randomised to TDF (300 mg/day, oral) plus PEG-IFN (PI, 180 μg/week, subcutaneous) for 48 weeks (TDF/PI-48w); TDF plus PEG-IFN for 16 weeks, TDF for 32 weeks (TDF/PI-16w+TDF-32w); TDF for 120 weeks (TDF-120w) or PEG-IFN for 48 weeks (PI-48w). Logistic regression methods were used to identify models that best predicted HBsAg loss at Week 72.

RESULTS

Rates of HBsAg loss at Week 72 were significantly higher in the TDF/PI-48w group (6.5%) than in the TDF/PI-16w+TDF-32w (0.5%), TDF-120w (0%) and PI-48w (2.2%) groups (P = 0.09). The only baseline factor associated with response was genotype A. HBsAg decline at Week 12 or 24 of treatment was associated with HBsAg loss at Week 72 (P < 0.001). HBsAg decline >3.5 log₁₀ IU/mL at Week 24 in the TDF/PI-48w group resulted in a positive predictive value of 85% and a negative predictive value of 99% for HBsAg loss at Week 72.

CONCLUSIONS

HBsAg decline at Week 24 of TDF plus PEG-IFN combination therapy may identify patients who, after completing 48 weeks of treatment, have a better chance of achieving HBsAg loss at Week 72.

The efficacy and safety of thymosin alpha-1 in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B; results from a randomized clinical trial

Thymalfasin (thymosin alpha-1; Talpha1) is a 28-amino acid polypeptide that has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term, dose-related efficacy and safety of Talpha1 treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients with positive HBV-DNA and abnormally high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. A total of 316 patients were randomized to receive either 0.8 or 1.6 mg of Talpha1 monotherapy for 24 weeks. At the end of the 72-week observation period (12 months after cessation of therapy), 36.4% of patients in the 1.6-mg treatment group achieved normalization of ALT, 30% achieved clearance of HBV-DNA by branched DNA vs 15% by transcription-mediated amplification, and 22.8% achieved clearance of HBe-antigen. Patients in the 0.8-mg treatment group achieved similar efficacy rates, although patients with advanced fibrosis demonstrated a significantly better response rate when treated with 1.6 mg of Talpha1 monotherapy vs 0.8 mg (as determined by intragroup analysis; patients were not stratified by liver biopsy). All adverse drug reactions were mild and most involved the fluctuation of liver enzymes, which was most likely related to the positive immune effects caused by the response to Talpha1 treatment. Adverse event incidence was similar in the 1.6- and 0.8-mg treatment groups. In conclusion, Talpha1 at doses of 0.8 and 1.6 mg exhibits long-term efficacy against hepatitis B with a good safety profile.

Sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic disease that may have an autoimmune basis. Most patients have a circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody that appears to be targeted against a 50-kD nuclear envelope protein. The clinical applications of this antibody have not yet been defined. Other autoantibodies directed against antigens, such as cathepsin G, elastase, and anticardiolipin, may also be detected in some patients. It is suggested that primary sclerosing cholangitis may have a bacterial cause. Helicobacter gene sequences have been detected in liver tissues in primary sclerosing cholangitis. The role of Helicobacter spp and other bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis remains to be determined. Primary sclerosing cholangitis may overlap with autoimmune hepatitis in some cases, although the real prevalence of this association remains to be determined. Many prognostic models have been created, but they lack cross-validation, and their clinical usefulness remains limited. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but magnetic resonance imaging may be a viable alternative in many cases. Clinical trials with cladibrine, pentoxifylline, and budesonide have failed to demonstrate benefits. Orthotopic liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment.

Sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology. Immunogenetic factors are considered important in its pathogenesis. The genetic susceptibility to primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated, in part, with the HLA HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 haplotype. Liver histology in primary sclerosing cholangitis is characterized by a portal inflammatory infiltrate mostly composed of memory T cells. Many patients eventually will develop cholangiocarcinoma, and inactivation of the p16 tumor-suppressor gene might be involved in neoplastic transformation. Alcohol consumption might be a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma, and, in some patients, elevation of serum CA19-9 marks the neoplastic transformation. To date, no medical treatment has been proven effective. Endoscopic therapy might be useful in some patients, but controlled studies are lacking. Liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Posttransplant survival and quality of life are continuously improving despite the fact that the disease may recur in some patients after transplantation. Nevertheless, patient selection and timing of indication for liver transplantation remain uncertain.

Sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that progresses to death as a result of liver failure or cholangiocarcinoma. Susceptibility to PSC is associated with the HLA A1-B8-DR3 haplotype, and new associations with HLA C and tumor necrosis factor genes have been detected. A circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody is found in many patients with PSC, but its antigen or antigens have not been identified. Some studies suggest that this antigen may be an anti-nuclear membrane protein rather than cytoplasmic. Diagnosis of PSC is based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, but magnetic resonance cholangiography is a promising noninvasive alternative. Medical treatment remains elusive. In highly selected patients, endoscopic or even surgical treatment can be tried. Orthotopic liver transplantation remains the only effective therapy, but inflammatory bowel disease may run a more aggressive clinical course after this procedure. Sclerosing cholangitis may recur after transplantation, but this has had no clinical implications to date.

Elevation of gamma delta T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and livers of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and other autoimmune liver diseases

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is possibly an autoimmune disease. Although gamma delta T cells represent a small proportion of the total T-cell population in healthy individuals, there is evidence to suggest a role for these cells in autoimmunity. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the population of gamma delta T cells in patients with PSC, compared with other chronic liver diseases. An elevation in the percentage and absolute numbers of gamma delta T cells was found in the peripheral blood of patients with PSC (8.66% and 0.13 x 10(-6)/L [P < .01 and < .05, respectively]) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (8.03% and 0.13 x 10(-6)/L [both P < 0.001]) compared with controls (4.10% and 0.06 x 10(-6)/L). We also found an elevation in the percentage and absolute numbers of gamma delta T cells in the portal areas of patients with PSC (10.55% and 4.33 [P < .001 and < .001, respectively]), AIH (7.16% and 4.55 [P = .001 and < .001, respectively]), and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (5.57% and 3.49 [P = .008 and < .001, respectively]) when compared with controls (2.23% and 0.81). These findings suggest a role for gamma delta T cells in the mechanism of immune damage in autoimmune liver diseases.

Biliary expression of heat shock protein: a non-specific feature of chronic cholestatic liver diseases

AIM

To analyse the expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 60 in biliary epithelium in auto-immune liver conditions and also in chronic cholestatic and other liver diseases.

METHODS

Hepatic expression of HSP-60 in frozen liver biopsy specimens from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), auto-immune hepatitis (AIH), obstructive jaundice (LDO), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and from normal controls was studied by immunohistochemistry using the APAAP technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

Increased expression of HSP-60 was demonstrated in the biliary epithelium of patients with PBC, LDO and, to a lesser extent, with PSC. Focal, weaker, biliary epithelial expression of HSP-60 was observed in AIH, ALD and normal liver tissue. Increased expression was also seen on Kupffer cells in LDO and in hepatocytes in areas of piecemeal necrosis in AIH.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced biliary expression of HSP-60 is a common feature of chronic biliary disease irrespective of aetiology and is not specific to auto-immune diseases.

Superficial thrombophlebitis, dysplasia, and cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Cholangiocarcinoma occurs in approximately 10% of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Usually, liver failure, rapidly progressing jaundice, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase levels are suggestive diagnostic features. We report two cases of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis who developed cholangiocarcinoma without jaundice and with no changes in their serum biochemistry. Both patients were taking ursodeoxycholic acid at the time of tumor diagnosis. Initial suspicion of malignancy was based on the development of superficial thrombophlebitis. Liver histology showed evidence of bile duct epithelial dysplasia in areas free from tumor in one patient, and in the other, bile duct epithelial dysplasia preceded the appearance of cholangiocarcinoma by at least 18 months. In one of the cases, the dysplastic epithelium stained positively for carcinoembryonic antigen. The histological finding of bile duct epithelial dysplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis may suggest either imminent or actual development of cholangiocarcinoma and may thus affect consideration of orthotopic liver transplantation. In addition, the development of superficial thrombophlebitis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis should arouse suspicion of the presence of cholangiocarcinoma even if there is no evidence of deterioration of the liver function or a dominant stricture on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.

Medindo o impacto da promoção do aleitamento materno em serviços de atenção primária à saúde em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Através da aplicação de um questionário padronizado a todas as mães que procuraram os serviços de puericultura das unidades sanitárias (US) da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), RS, em setembro de 1990, buscou-se conhecer o impacto dos grupos de gestantes na promoção do aleitamento materno. Os resultados obtidos para 347 crianças revelaram que quase metade delas pertencia a famílias com renda inferior a dois salários mínimos mensais; 1/4 de suas mães apresentavam escolaridade inferior a quatro anos, sendo estas as que mais frequentaram os grupos. Apesar da maioria das mães ter feito pré-natal e pouco menos da metade ter participado dos grupos de gestantes, 1/3 das crianças estavam desmamadas aos três meses de idade e cerca de 80% delas haviam recebido chás nos primeiros meses. Os dados obtidos revelam um serviço com sérias deficiências em incentivar o aleitamento e em retardar a introdução de outros alimentos na dieta infantil. Espera-se, a partir dos dados obtidos, poder contribuir para a reestruturação dos programas existentes, bem como poder demonstrar que, a partir de recursos mínimos e de uma metodologia relativamente simples, é possível avaliar a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos à população.