Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related to significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention of embolic events and rhythm control, little has been done to reduce its prevalence, progression and impact since it increases with aging as well as with common risk factors such as alcohol intake, tobacco use and stress as well as with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke, among other important comorbidities. Fortunately, new evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications and adequate risk factors and comorbidities control could be effective in primary and secondary AF prevention, especially in its paroxysmal forms. This is why a multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle modifications, risk factors and comorbidities control is necessary for conjunction with rhythm or rate control and anticoagulation. Unfortunately, that holistic approach strategy is not considered, is scarcely studied or is subtilized in general clinical practice. The present statement’s objectives are to: a) Review the relationship between habits, risk factors and illnesses with AF, b) Review the individual and common physiopathology mechanisms of each one of those conditions that may lead to AF, c) Review the effect of control of habits, risk factors and co-morbidities on the control and impact of AF, d) Supply guidelines and recommendations to start multidisciplinary and integrative AF treatment.

Resumen: La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia más frecuente y se asocia con importante morbilidad, mortalidad y costos. A pesar de los grandes avances en la prevención de eventos embólicos y en el control del ritmo, poco se ha realizado para reducir su prevalencia, progresión e impacto, debido a que incrementa con la edad y con la presencia de múltiples factores de riesgo muy comunes en la población, como obesidad, sedentarismo, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y estrés, así como hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus, insuficiencia cardiaca, apnea del sueño, enfermedad renal crónica, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cardiopatía isquémica y enfermedad vascular cerebral, entre otras comorbilidades importantes. Nuevas evidencias demuestran que las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y el control adecuado de factores de riesgo y comorbilidades pueden ser efectivos en la prevención primaria y secundaria de la FA, especialmente en sus formas paroxísticas; para ello es necesario un manejo multidisciplinario que integre las modificaciones en el estilo de vida, el manejo de factores de riesgo y control de comorbilidades en el tratamiento de la FA en conjunto con el control de ritmo o frecuencia y la anticoagulación. Desafortunadamente, en la práctica clínica, estas estrategias frecuentemente no son tomadas en cuenta, son subutilizadas y poco estudiadas. Los objetivos del presente posicionamiento son: a) revisar la relación entre factores de riesgo y comorbilidades con FA, b) revisar los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de cada una de estas condiciones, c) revisar el impacto del control de factores de riesgo y comorbilidades en el control e impacto de la FA y d) proporcionar guías y recomendaciones para la puesta en práctica de programas de tratamiento multidisciplinario e integral en pacientes con FA.

Abstract Objective: To know the epidemiological behavior and associations of AF in Mexican population. Material and methods: 8,686 patients from 38 cardiologists participating in REMECAR were analyzed. They were divided by gender and age, the comorbidities studied were obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypothyroidism, heart failure (HF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Program used: IBM SPSS Statistic. Results: AF was diagnosed in 498 patients (5.7%), with higher prevalence in men (6.1% vs. 5.3%) and older age in women (74.3 ± 12.1 vs. 70.5 + -12.3 years, p<0.0001). In those under 60 years, AF was associated in women with HF, in men with CKD, DM, stroke, hypothyroidism and HF. In women older than 60 years, AF was associated with CKD, dyslipidemia, stroke, chronic COPD and HF, in men with CKD, stroke, COPD, hypothyroidism, HF and IHD. AF in women increase the probability 1.13 for obesity, 1.13 for HBP, 2.8 for CKD, 2.9 for COPD, 4.3 for stroke and 6.5 for HF, in men increase the probability 1.05 for HBP, 1.4 for DM, 2.1 for CKD, 2.4 for COPD, 3.0 for hypothyroidism, 4.7 for stroke and 6.0 for HF. Conclusions: AF is a very common arrhythmia, with a higher prevalence in patients attending the cardiology consultation, in men and with an older age of presentation in women. The older the age, the higher the prevalence of AF and comorbidities, HF is the most frequent condition associated with AF.

Resumen Objetivo: Conocer el comportamiento epidemiológico y asociaciones de la FA en población mexicana. Material y métodos: Analizamos 8,686 pacientes de 38 cardiólogos inscritos en REMECAR, divididos por edad y sexo. Comorbilidades estudiadas: obesidad, ERC, HTA, DM, dislipidemia, EVC, EPOC, hipotiroidismo, IC y CI. Programa: IBM SPSS. Resultados: FA en 498 pacientes (5.7%), mayor prevalencia en hombres (6.1 vs. 5.3%), mayor edad en mujeres (74.3 ± 12.1 vs. 70.5 ± 12.3 años, p < 0.0001). En mujeres menores de 60 años la FA se asoció con IC (p = 0.041), en hombres con ERC (p = 0.43), DM (p = 0.009), EVC (p = 0.001), hipotiroidismo (p = 0.001) e IC (p = 0.001). En mujeres mayores de 60 años se asoció con ERC (p = 0.001), dislipidemia (p = 0.001), EVC (p = 0.001), EPOC (p = 0.001) e IC (p = 0.001), en hombres con ERC (p = 0.002), EVC (p = 0.001), EPOC (p = 0.002), hipotiroidismo (p = 0.002), IC (p = 0.001) y CI (p = 0.033). En mujeres la FA se asoció con 1.13 veces mayor probabilidad de obesidad, 1.13 de HTA, 2.8 de ERC, 2.9 de EPOC, 4.3 de EVC y 6.5 de IC, en hombres la FA se asoció con 1.05 veces mas probabilidad de HTA, 1.4 de DM, 2.1 de ERC, 2.4 de EPOC, 3 de hipotiroidismo, 4.7 de EVC y 6 de IC. Conclusiones: La FA es una arritmia muy frecuente, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes que acuden a consulta de cardiología, en hombres y mayor edad de presentación en las mujeres. A mayor edad, mayor prevalencia de FA y de comorbilidades, la IC es la condición más frecuente con la que se asoció la FA.

Contexto Estudos vem descrevendo correlação entre o número de plaquetas e o grau de fibrose hepática na hepatite viral crônica, mas poucas publicações estudaram esta correlação em pacientes com Esquistossomose mansoni. Objetivos Correlacionar a contagem de plaquetas com o padrão de fibrose periportal e com o diâmetro do baço, avaliados pela ultrassonografia em pacientes com Esquistossomose mansoni. Métodos Os pacientes com Esquistossomose mansoni foram avaliados pela ultrassonografia abdominal, por um único examinador, para determinação do padrão de fibrose periportal (classificação de Niamey) e do diâmetro do baço. A contagem de plaquetas foi realizada em contador automatizado. Resultados Cento e oitenta e sete pacientes com Esquistossomose mansoni com média de idade de 50,2 anos foram incluídos no estudo, 114 (61%) dos quais eram mulheres. De acordo com a classificação de Niamey, a ultrassonografia revelou que 37, 64, 64 e 22 pacientes exibiam padrões C, D, E e F, respectivamente. Nestes quatro grupos, o número médio de plaquetas foi 264, 196, 127 e 103 x 109/L, respectivamente, e o diâmetro médio do baço foi 9,2, 11,9, 14,9 e 16,2 centímetros, respectivamente. Observou-se, portanto, redução significativa na contagem de plaquetas associada à progressão da fibrose periportal e ao aumento do tamanho do baço. Conclusões Neste estudo verificou-se que a contagem de plaquetas foi inversamente correlacionada com o padrão de fibrose periportal, como também com o diâmetro do baço nos pacientes com Esquistossomose mansoni.

Context Studies have described the correlation between platelet count and the stages of fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis, but few publications have studied this correlation in Schistosomiasis mansoni. Objectives Therefore, this study aimed to correlate platelet count with both the periportal fibrosis pattern and spleen diameter evaluated by ultrasound exam in patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni. Methods Patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni were evaluated by abdominal ultrasound by a single examiner for the determination of periportal fibrosis pattern (Niamey classification) and spleen diameter. Platelet counts were performed in an automated cell counter. Results One hundred eighty-seven patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni (mean age: 50.2 years) were included in the study, 114 of whom (61%) were women. Based on the Niamey classification, the ultrasound analysis revealed that 37, 64, 64 and 22 patients exhibited patterns C, D, E and F, respectively. In these four groups, the mean number of platelets was 264, 196, 127 and 103 x 109/L and mean spleen diameter was 9.2, 11.9, 14.9 and 16.2 centimeters, respectively. A reduction in platelet count was significantly associated with both the progression of the periportal fibrosis and the increase in spleen size. Conclusions Platelet count in patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni was inversely correlated with the severity of periportal fibrosis and spleen diameter.

Desenvolver modelos de avaliação de satisfação que permitam comparar sistemas de saúde de diversos países é um esforço recente no Brasil. Esse tipo de avaliação representa importante ferramenta para desenvolver estratégias de gestão para o setor. Objetivo: identificar fatores e avaliar diferenças regionais do grau de satisfação dos usuários do sistema de saúde brasileiro, analisando os resultados da Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde (PMS) e Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde com foco na Atenção Básica (PMS-AB). Foi realizado estudo avaliativo de corte transversal, onde as amostras foram selecionadas de forma aleatória. Foram incluídas pessoas maiores de 18 anos que utilizaram o sistema de saúde em períodos anteriores às coletas de dados. Enquadraram-se nos critérios de inclusão 3.932 usuários da PMS e 591 da PMS-AB. Aplicou-se modelo logístico multivariado, tendo como variável dependente a satisfação e, como variáveis independentes, sexo, idade, escolaridade, forma de pagamento de serviço, situação conjugal, autopercepção de saúde, doença de longa duração, diagnóstico de depressão, tristeza, número de moradores por domicílio, tipo de construção, estratos geográficos e indicador de bens. Os resultados revelaram que ser jovem, usuário exclusivo do SUS, ter baixa escolaridade e autopercepção de saúde ruim gerou mais chances de insatisfação dos usuários com o sistema de saúde brasileiro. Os moradores da Região Sul do país estão mais satisfeitos com o atendimento em saúde, enquanto para pernambucanos as chances de satisfação são menores quando se avalia a qualidade dos serviços de saúde. Os moradores desse estado apresentaram maior insatisfação na resolução de seus problemas de saúde quando precisaram de internação.

Developing evaluation models of satisfaction that allow comparing health systems in different countries is a recent effort in Brazil. This is an important tool for building management strategies for the health sector. Objective: To evaluate regional variations related to the degree of user satisfaction with the Brazilian healthcare system, analyzing the results of the World Health Survey (WHS) and World Health Survey Focusing on Primary Health Care (WHS-PHC). The evaluation was done, based on a cross-sectional study with a random sample. People over 18 years of age who used the health system in periods before data collection were included. There were 3,932 users of WHS and 591 of WHS-PHC that fit these criteria. A multivariate logistic model was applied using satisfaction as the dependent variable and as independent variables: sex, age, educational level, service payment type, marital status, self-perception of health, long-term illness, diagnosis of depression, sadness, number of residents per household, type of house building, geographical stratum, and household goods index. The results revealed that being young and an exclusive user of the public National Health System, having low schooling and poor self-perception of health increased the chances of lower user satisfaction. Residents of the Southern Region of the country were more satisfied with their healthcare, while in Pernambuco, chances of satisfaction were lower when evaluating the quality of health services. The residents of this state showed greater satisfaction in solving their health problems when inpatient care was needed.

Desenvolver modelos de avaliação de satisfação que permitam comparar sistemas de saúde de diversos países é um esforço recente no Brasil. Esse tipo de avaliação representa importante ferramenta para desenvolver estratégias de gestão para o setor. Objetivo: identificar fatores e avaliar diferenças regionais do grau de satisfação dos usuários do sistema de saúde brasileiro, analisando os resultados da Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde (PMS) e Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde com foco na Atenção Básica (PMS-AB). Foi realizado estudo avaliativo de corte transversal, onde as amostras foram selecionadas de forma aleatória. Foram incluídas pessoas maiores de 18 anos que utilizaram o sistema de saúde em períodos anteriores às coletas de dados. Enquadraram-se nos critérios de inclusão 3.932 usuários da PMS e 591 da PMS-AB. Aplicou-se modelo logístico multivariado, tendo como variável dependente a satisfação e, como variáveis independentes, sexo, idade, escolaridade, forma de pagamento de serviço, situação conjugal, autopercepção de saúde, doença de longa duração, diagnóstico de depressão, tristeza, número de moradores por domicílio, tipo de construção, estratos geográficos e indicador de bens. Os resultados revelaram que ser jovem, usuário exclusivo do SUS, ter baixa escolaridade e autopercepção de saúde ruim gerou mais chances de insatisfação dos usuários com o sistema de saúde brasileiro. Os moradores da Região Sul do país estão mais satisfeitos com o atendimento em saúde, enquanto para pernambucanos as chances de satisfação são menores quando se avalia a qualidade dos serviços de saúde. Os moradores desse estado apresentaram maior insatisfação na resolução de seus problemas de saúde quando precisaram de internação.

Developing evaluation models of satisfaction that allow comparing health systems in different countries is a recent effort in Brazil. This is an important tool for building management strategies for the health sector. Objective: To evaluate regional variations related to the degree of user satisfaction with the Brazilian healthcare system, analyzing the results of the World Health Survey (WHS) and World Health Survey Focusing on Primary Health Care (WHS-PHC). The evaluation was done, based on a cross-sectional study with a random sample. People over 18 years of age who used the health system in periods before data collection were included. There were 3,932 users of WHS and 591 of WHS-PHC that fit these criteria. A multivariate logistic model was applied using satisfaction as the dependent variable and as independent variables: sex, age, educational level, service payment type, marital status, self-perception of health, long-term illness, diagnosis of depression, sadness, number of residents per household, type of house building, geographical stratum, and household goods index. The results revealed that being young and an exclusive user of the public National Health System, having low schooling and poor self-perception of health increased the chances of lower user satisfaction. Residents of the Southern Region of the country were more satisfied with their healthcare, while in Pernambuco, chances of satisfaction were lower when evaluating the quality of health services. The residents of this state showed greater satisfaction in solving their health problems when inpatient care was needed.

PURPOSE: To evaluate alanine aminotransferase levels before and after a hemodialysis session and to correlate these values with the hematocrit rate and weight loss during hemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum alanine aminotransferase levels, hematocrit rate and body weight were measured and correlated before and after a single hemodialysis session for 146 patients with chronic renal failure. An receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the serum alanine aminotransferase levels collected before and after hemodialysis was plotted to identify hepatitis C virus-infected patients. RESULTS: The mean weight loss of the 146 patients during hemodialysis was 5.3% (p < 0.001). The mean alanine aminotransferase levels before and after hemodialysis were 18.8 and 23.9 IU/, respectively, denoting a significant 28.1% increase. An equally significant increase of 16.4% in the hematocrit rate also occurred after hemodialysis. The weight loss was inversely correlated with the rise in both the alanine aminotransferase level (r = 0.3; p < 0.001) and hematocrit rate (r = 0.5; p < 0.001). A direct correlation was found between the rise in alanine aminotransferase levels and the hematocrit during the hemodialysis session (r = 0.4; p < 0.001). Based on the ROC curve, the upper limit of the normal alanine aminotransferase level should be reduced by 40% relative to the upper limit of normal if the blood samples are collected before the hemodialysis session or by 60% if blood samples are collected after the session. CONCLUSION: In the present study, significant elevations in the serum alanine aminotransferase levels and hematocrit rates occurred in parallel to a reduction in body weight after the hemodialysis session. These findings suggest that one of the factors for low alanine aminotransferase levels prior to hemodialysis could be hemodilution in patients with chronic renal failure.

A avaliação da satisfação com o sistema de saúde sob a ótica do usuário recoloca antigos questionamentos quanto à qualidade dos serviços oferecidos à população brasileira. Este trabalho analisa os resultados sobre satisfação com a assistência de saúde prestada (ambulatorial e internação) da Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde, realizada no Brasil no ano de 2003. Com o objetivo de explicar a satisfação com o atendimento em seus aspectos por meio de um pequeno número de fatores, foi utilizada a técnica de análise fatorial por componentes principais (ACP). Modelos de regressão múltipla permitiram identificar associações dos escores de satisfação com diferentes variáveis sócio-demográficas. O tempo de espera foi o item que demonstrou menor grau de satisfação, no caso de atendimento ambulatorial, e a liberdade de escolha do profissional de saúde, no caso de internação. Na ACP foram extraídos três componentes, que se relacionaram à satisfação com os profissionais, serviços e resolução do problema de saúde. A regressão múltipla revelou que ter sofrido algum tipo de discriminação (por sexo, idade, pobreza, classe social, raça ou tipo de doença) e ser usuário exclusivo do SUS implica o menor grau de satisfação dos usuários com o atendimento recebido.

Evaluation of users' satisfaction with the health system brings back longstanding questions concerning the quality of services provided to the Brazilian population. The current study analyzes satisfaction with outpatient and inpatient care based on the results of the World Health Survey, conducted in Brazil in 2003. To explain satisfaction with various aspects of care through a small number of factors, the factor analysis technique was used, through principal components analysis (PCA). Multiple regression models identified associations between satisfaction scores and different sociodemographic variables. For outpatient care, waiting time showed the lowest degree of satisfaction, and in the case of hospitalization, freedom to choose the physician was the worst evaluated aspect. Three components were extracted from the PCA, related respectively to satisfaction with health professionals, health services, and health problem solution. Multiple regression analysis showed that having experienced some type of discrimination (on the basis of gender, age, poverty, social class, skin color, or type of disease) and being an exclusive user of the public National Health System involved a lower degree of users' satisfaction.

A avaliação da satisfação com o sistema de saúde sob a ótica do usuário recoloca antigos questionamentos quanto à qualidade dos serviços oferecidos à população brasileira. Este trabalho analisa os resultados sobre satisfação com a assistência de saúde prestada (ambulatorial e internação) da Pesquisa Mundial de Saúde, realizada no Brasil no ano de 2003. Com o objetivo de explicar a satisfação com o atendimento em seus aspectos por meio de um pequeno número de fatores, foi utilizada a técnica de análise fatorial por componentes principais (ACP). Modelos de regressão múltipla permitiram identificar associações dos escores de satisfação com diferentes variáveis sócio-demográficas. O tempo de espera foi o item que demonstrou menor grau de satisfação, no caso de atendimento ambulatorial, e a liberdade de escolha do profissional de saúde, no caso de internação. Na ACP foram extraídos três componentes, que se relacionaram à satisfação com os profissionais, serviços e resolução do problema de saúde. A regressão múltipla revelou que ter sofrido algum tipo de discriminação (por sexo, idade, pobreza, classe social, raça ou tipo de doença) e ser usuário exclusivo do SUS implica o menor grau de satisfação dos usuários com o atendimento recebido.

Evaluation of users' satisfaction with the health system brings back longstanding questions concerning the quality of services provided to the Brazilian population. The current study analyzes satisfaction with outpatient and inpatient care based on the results of the World Health Survey, conducted in Brazil in 2003. To explain satisfaction with various aspects of care through a small number of factors, the factor analysis technique was used, through principal components analysis (PCA). Multiple regression models identified associations between satisfaction scores and different sociodemographic variables. For outpatient care, waiting time showed the lowest degree of satisfaction, and in the case of hospitalization, freedom to choose the physician was the worst evaluated aspect. Three components were extracted from the PCA, related respectively to satisfaction with health professionals, health services, and health problem solution. Multiple regression analysis showed that having experienced some type of discrimination (on the basis of gender, age, poverty, social class, skin color, or type of disease) and being an exclusive user of the public National Health System involved a lower degree of users' satisfaction.