Abstract Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant prescribed to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders. It has a narrow therapeutic window and must have its effect controlled. Prothrombin test, expressed in INR value, is used for dose management. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) is an important outcome of quality control of anticoagulation therapy and is influenced by several factors. The aim of this study was to identify genetic, demographic, and clinical factors that can potentially influence TTR. In total,422 patients using warfarin were investigated. Glibenclamide co-medication and presence of CYP2C9*2 and/or *3 alleles were associated with higher TTR, while amiodarone, acetaminophen and verapamil co-medication were associated with lower TTR. Our data suggest that TTR is influenced by co-medication and genetic factors. Thus, individuals in use of glibenclamide may need a more careful monitoring and genetic testing (CYP2C9*2 and/or *3 alleles) may improve the anticoagulation management. In addition, in order to reach and maintain the INR in the target for a longer period, it is better to discuss dose adjustment in office instead of by telephone assessment. Other studies are needed to confirm these results and to find more variables that could contribute to this important parameter.

This is the report of a case of fetal tachyarrhythmia with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction detected by pre-natal echocardiography in a fetus at 25-weeks gestation. Adenosine infusion via cordocentesis was performed as a diagnostic test to differentiate between atrioventricular nodal reentrant supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and atrial flutter. After infusion, transient 2:1 atrioventricular dissociation was obtained and the diagnosis of atrial flutter was made. Transplacental therapy with digoxin and amiodarone was then successfully used.

INTRODUÇÃO: Fibrilação atrial tem sido tratada pelo procedimento do Labirinto (Cox) e suas modificações. Há, no entanto, evidências de que o isolamento dos óstios das veias pulmonares ou exclusão do átrio esquerdo poderia ser eficaz para este fim. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Avaliamos os resultados iniciais da técnica simplificada de isolamento cirúrgico dos óstios das veias pulmonares para tratar fibrilação atrial crônica em pacientes operados por lesão valvar mitral. Foram tratados 7 pacientes por esta técnica (grupo IVP) e comparados com série prévia de 57 casos submetidos a cirurgia do Labirinto (Cox 3). RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 49±8 anos vs 49±11 anos, (IVP vs. Cox3), sendo 71% e 72% (IVP vs. Cox 3) do sexo feminino. Dimensões do átrio esquerdo 5,5±0,7 cm vs. 6,0±1,1 cm (IVP vs. Cox 3). Fração de ejeção ventricular 63±10% vs. 64±6% (IVP vs. Cox 3). Tempo CEC 91±33 min vs. 104±29 min (IVP vs. Cox 3). Tempo de isquemia71±23 min vs. 83±26 min (IVP vs. Cox 3). Ritmo pós-operátório sinusal/atrial n(%): 6(86) vs. 46(80) (IVP vs. Cox 3). Ritmo marcapasso n(%):1 (14) vs. 4 (7) (IVP vs. Cox 3). Fibrilação atrial n(%): 0 vs. 7 (13) (IVP vs. Cox 3). CONCLUSÕES: Resultados iniciais mostram reversão a ritmo sinusal na maioria dos casos em ambos procedimentos e manutenção do ritmo a longo prazo. Foi iniciado estudo prospectivo randomizado para avaliar o IVP comparativamente ao procedimento Cox 3.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation, nowadays, has been treated surgically by the maze procedure and its modifications. However, there is some evidence that points to the pulmonary vein ostia as trigger point for this arrhythmia. We postulate a surgical approach of pulmonary vein isolation or left atrial isolation in order to treat this disease. In this study we show the initial results of this technique in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients were operated on by pulmonary vein isolation (IVP) and compared to the past results of the 57 patients in which the maze procedure had been done (Cox 3). RESULTS: Age - 49±8 years vs. 49±11 years (IVP vs. Cox 3), 71% and 72% (IVP vs. Cox 3) were female. Left atrium size was 5.5±0.7 cm vs. 6.0±1.1 cm (IVP vs. Cox 3). Ventricular EF 63±10% vs. 64±6% (IVP vs. Cox 3). Extracorporeal circulation time 91±33 min vs.104±29 min (IVP vs. Cox 3). Aortic cross-clamping 71±23 min vs. 83±26 min (IVP vs. Cox 3). Cardiac rhythm: sinusal / atrial n(%): 6(86) vs. 46(80) (IVP vs. Cox 3). Cardiac pace rhythm n(%):1 (14) vs. 4 (7) (IVP vs. Cox 3). Atrial fibrillation n(%):0 vs. 7 (13) (IVP vs. Cox 3). CONCLUSIONS: The initial results show sinus rhythm restoration and its maintenance. We have already started a double-blind randomized trial between these two surgical techniques.