<p><strong>Background:</strong> Heart failure (HF) constitutes an important growing medical and economic problem with high prevalence and mortality. Prognosis assessment remains a challenge because of the dynamic nature of HF and the existence of some unexplained variation in outcomes. Our objective was to refine the process of prognostic assessment in current HF patients.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> We conducted a systematic review to identify existing risk prediction models in ambulatory HF patients, a meta-analysis to identify mortality predictors in HF patients treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a retrospective cohort study to validate a new model, the HF Meta-Score, derived from the results of the meta-analysis and a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study to evaluate whether circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) are associated with functional capacity and mortality in ambulatory HF patients.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> We identified 20 risk prediction models in ambulatory HF patients; only five were externally validated showing limited discrimination and calibration. The two most validated models were derived from HF cohorts from the 1990s and reported limited performance in ICD patients. In a meta-analysis, we identified that age, baseline renal function, history of heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA class, atrial fibrillation, wide QRS and the occurrence of appropriate or inappropriate ICD shocks were independent mortality predictors. Some of these predictors were omitted in previously identified models. From the results of the meta-analysis, we developed the HF Meta-Score that showed better performance that an existing model. We observed that CPCs were independently associated with functional capacity and outcomes in ambulatory HF patients.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> These results open many pathways to further refine the prognostic assessment in ambulatory HF patients. The HF Meta-Score is a promising score. The clinical utility of the HF Meta-Score and of the incorporation of new predictive factors, such as CPCs, needs to be tested.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa que consistiu em avaliar o potencial de leigos para atuar como circunstantes nos procedimentos de reanimação cardiorrespiratória e no manejo do desfibrilador externo automático (DEA). Teve como objetivos: descrever o perfil dos participantes; realizar um processo de capacitação dos participantes sobre os primeiros atendimentos à PCR, utilizando o protocolo de atendimento à PCR da AHA para leigos; destacar as habilidades apontadas por eles e analisar suas percepções sobre o processo de atendimento inicial à PCR e o manejo do DEA. Pela especificidade do objeto de estudo, a metodologia utilizada foi pesquisa-ação. A investigação foi realizada na cidade de Marília/SP. O local foram selecionados por meio de mapeamentos específicos e de acordo com a legislação estadual e municipal sobre quais deveriam atender as exigências ao disponibilizar pessoas com capacitação específica, além da manutenção do dispositivo DEA. Selecionou-se um local público, o Terminal de Transporte Urbano de Marília/SP, segundo o número de circulação de pessoas por dia. Os sujeitos deste estudo foram pessoas voluntárias, leigas, trabalhadores de diversas categorias profissionais e ocupacionais do Terminal. Os sujeitos participaram de reuniões informativas sobre a pesquisa e a importância dos procedimentos iniciais à PCR. Realizou-se-se o curso de capacitação e, em seguida, um grupo focal para coleta de dados. Focou-se nas percepções dos participantes sobre o atendimento inicial à PCR, os sentimentos e habilidades relatadas em relação ao processo preconizado como um todo, incluindo o manejo dos materiais envolvidos nessa situação simulada. Posterior à coleta, os dados foram categorizados, tendo sido usada a técnica de análise de conteúdo descrita por Bardin. Os dados foram analisados e discutidos à luz dos referenciais teóricos e pedagógicos propostos por Paulo Freire, a teoria do modelo de crenças em saúde do campo da promoção da saúde e o papel do Estado democrático. Como resultados obteve-se os Grupos 1 e 2, compostos por 11 participantes, em sua maioria constituído de homens. Observaram-se diferenças relacionadas a escolaridade, capacidade comunicativa e intensidade na participação. As principais categorias empíricas foram: as percepções sobre cidadania; as vivências antes do curso; a percepção sobre o processo de capacitação e a não operacionalização do preceito legal. Em síntese, verificou-se o desconhecimento sobre a existência do arcabouço legal, assim como direito de acesso aos serviços e bens públicos decorrentes dos princípios normativos no resgate à cidadania. Emergiram expressões inusitadas de medo de agir por desconhecimento e por temer consequências do insucessos enfrentamento de processos judiciais, em contraste à solidariedade. Sobre habilidade antes do curso de simulação, os participantes relataram alguma vivência na preparação para o advento mal súbito, sobressaindo a insuficiência no aprendizado das habilidades manuais. Após a simulação, houve relatos de possibilidade e de enfrentamento da situação como circunstante, valorizando a oportunidade de aprendizado e apontando a necessidade de maior tempo para a assimilação de conteúdo, com foco nas habilidades em massagem cardíaca e segurança na condução da situação. Quanto à tecnologia DEA, foram unânimes quanto à facilidade interativa com o circunstante. Enfatizaram a necessidade de implementar processos de capacitação para leigos com o uso do DEA, condicionados à mobilização da sociedade civil n a operacionalização dos dispositivos legais por meio de reordenamento das políticas públicas locais. / Qualitative research, which was to assess the potential for laymen to act as bystanders in CPR procedures and management of the automated external defibrillator (AED). Aimed to describe the profile of the participants, conduct a training process with the participants on the first calls to PCR using the PCR protocol compliance with AHA for laymen; highlight the skills mentioned by participants and analyze the perceptions of participants about the process of initial care and management of the PCR DEA. The specificity of the object of study, the methodology was action research and the test was performed in the city of Marilia / SP. The sites were selected through specific mappings and in accordance with state law and city where they should meet the requirements to provide people with specific training in addition to maintaining the device DEA. We selected the public place, Terminal Urban Transport Marilia/SP according to the number of movements of people per day. The subjects of this study were secular groups, made up of volunteers / workers of various professional and occupational this Terminal. Proceeded methodological following routes: the subjects participated in briefings on the research procedures and the importance of the initial PCR. Proceeded to the training course and programming focus group data collection. Focused on participants\' perceptions about the initial care to PCR, feelings and skills reported in relation to the process advocated as a whole, including the handling of the materials involved in this situation simulated. After collection, the data were categorized, relying on the technique of content analysis described by Bardin. Data were analyzed and discussed in the light of theoretical / pedagogical proposed by Paulo Freire\'s, theory of health belief model in the field of health promotion and the role of the democratic state. The results obtained Groups 1 and 2, comprising 11 participants, mostly consisting of men. Observed among members, differences related to education: communication ability and intensity of participation. The main categories were: perceptions of citizenship; experiences before the course, the perception about the training process and not operationalize the legal precept. In summary there was ignorance about the existence of the legal framework for the majority, as well as right of access to public goods and services resulting in the rescue of normative principles to citizenship. Emerged unusual expressions of fear to act by ignorance and/or fear the consequences of failure to act and facing lawsuits contrast with the predominance of either solidarity. About skills before the course simulation, emerged on experience in preparation for the event sudden illness, highlighting the inadequacy of learning with regard to craftsmanship. After the simulation showed reports of chance and face the situation as bystander, valuing the learning opportunity and pointing the need for more time in the assimilation of content focusing on skills in CPR and driving safety of the situation. As for technology DEA was unanimous to its ease interactive with the bystander. It was emphatically the need to implement the processes of training lay people using the DEA, conditioned the mobilization of civil society in the operationalization of legal devices through reorganization of local public policies.

Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa que consistiu em avaliar o potencial de leigos para atuar como circunstantes nos procedimentos de reanimação cardiorrespiratória e no manejo do desfibrilador externo automático (DEA). Teve como objetivos: descrever o perfil dos participantes; realizar um processo de capacitação dos participantes sobre os primeiros atendimentos à PCR, utilizando o protocolo de atendimento à PCR da AHA para leigos; destacar as habilidades apontadas por eles e analisar suas percepções sobre o processo de atendimento inicial à PCR e o manejo do DEA. Pela especificidade do objeto de estudo, a metodologia utilizada foi pesquisa-ação. A investigação foi realizada na cidade de Marília/SP. O local foram selecionados por meio de mapeamentos específicos e de acordo com a legislação estadual e municipal sobre quais deveriam atender as exigências ao disponibilizar pessoas com capacitação específica, além da manutenção do dispositivo DEA. Selecionou-se um local público, o Terminal de Transporte Urbano de Marília/SP, segundo o número de circulação de pessoas por dia. Os sujeitos deste estudo foram pessoas voluntárias, leigas, trabalhadores de diversas categorias profissionais e ocupacionais do Terminal. Os sujeitos participaram de reuniões informativas sobre a pesquisa e a importância dos procedimentos iniciais à PCR. Realizou-se-se o curso de capacitação e, em seguida, um grupo focal para coleta de dados. Focou-se nas percepções dos participantes sobre o atendimento inicial à PCR, os sentimentos e habilidades relatadas em relação ao processo preconizado como um todo, incluindo o manejo dos materiais envolvidos nessa situação simulada. Posterior à coleta, os dados foram categorizados, tendo sido usada a técnica de análise de conteúdo descrita por Bardin. Os dados foram analisados e discutidos à luz dos referenciais teóricos e pedagógicos propostos por Paulo Freire, a teoria do modelo de crenças em saúde do campo da promoção da saúde e o papel do Estado democrático. Como resultados obteve-se os Grupos 1 e 2, compostos por 11 participantes, em sua maioria constituído de homens. Observaram-se diferenças relacionadas a escolaridade, capacidade comunicativa e intensidade na participação. As principais categorias empíricas foram: as percepções sobre cidadania; as vivências antes do curso; a percepção sobre o processo de capacitação e a não operacionalização do preceito legal. Em síntese, verificou-se o desconhecimento sobre a existência do arcabouço legal, assim como direito de acesso aos serviços e bens públicos decorrentes dos princípios normativos no resgate à cidadania. Emergiram expressões inusitadas de medo de agir por desconhecimento e por temer consequências do insucessos enfrentamento de processos judiciais, em contraste à solidariedade. Sobre habilidade antes do curso de simulação, os participantes relataram alguma vivência na preparação para o advento mal súbito, sobressaindo a insuficiência no aprendizado das habilidades manuais. Após a simulação, houve relatos de possibilidade e de enfrentamento da situação como circunstante, valorizando a oportunidade de aprendizado e apontando a necessidade de maior tempo para a assimilação de conteúdo, com foco nas habilidades em massagem cardíaca e segurança na condução da situação. Quanto à tecnologia DEA, foram unânimes quanto à facilidade interativa com o circunstante. Enfatizaram a necessidade de implementar processos de capacitação para leigos com o uso do DEA, condicionados à mobilização da sociedade civil n a operacionalização dos dispositivos legais por meio de reordenamento das políticas públicas locais. / Qualitative research, which was to assess the potential for laymen to act as bystanders in CPR procedures and management of the automated external defibrillator (AED). Aimed to describe the profile of the participants, conduct a training process with the participants on the first calls to PCR using the PCR protocol compliance with AHA for laymen; highlight the skills mentioned by participants and analyze the perceptions of participants about the process of initial care and management of the PCR DEA. The specificity of the object of study, the methodology was action research and the test was performed in the city of Marilia / SP. The sites were selected through specific mappings and in accordance with state law and city where they should meet the requirements to provide people with specific training in addition to maintaining the device DEA. We selected the public place, Terminal Urban Transport Marilia/SP according to the number of movements of people per day. The subjects of this study were secular groups, made up of volunteers / workers of various professional and occupational this Terminal. Proceeded methodological following routes: the subjects participated in briefings on the research procedures and the importance of the initial PCR. Proceeded to the training course and programming focus group data collection. Focused on participants\' perceptions about the initial care to PCR, feelings and skills reported in relation to the process advocated as a whole, including the handling of the materials involved in this situation simulated. After collection, the data were categorized, relying on the technique of content analysis described by Bardin. Data were analyzed and discussed in the light of theoretical / pedagogical proposed by Paulo Freire\'s, theory of health belief model in the field of health promotion and the role of the democratic state. The results obtained Groups 1 and 2, comprising 11 participants, mostly consisting of men. Observed among members, differences related to education: communication ability and intensity of participation. The main categories were: perceptions of citizenship; experiences before the course, the perception about the training process and not operationalize the legal precept. In summary there was ignorance about the existence of the legal framework for the majority, as well as right of access to public goods and services resulting in the rescue of normative principles to citizenship. Emerged unusual expressions of fear to act by ignorance and/or fear the consequences of failure to act and facing lawsuits contrast with the predominance of either solidarity. About skills before the course simulation, emerged on experience in preparation for the event sudden illness, highlighting the inadequacy of learning with regard to craftsmanship. After the simulation showed reports of chance and face the situation as bystander, valuing the learning opportunity and pointing the need for more time in the assimilation of content focusing on skills in CPR and driving safety of the situation. As for technology DEA was unanimous to its ease interactive with the bystander. It was emphatically the need to implement the processes of training lay people using the DEA, conditioned the mobilization of civil society in the operationalization of legal devices through reorganization of local public policies.

The number of annual implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implants has substantially increased over the last 5 years and is expected to grow rapidly. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have a proven mortality benefit by terminating the life-threatening arrhythmias, even near end of life. In patients with moderate/severe symptomatic heart failure, enough clinical literature representing mortality benefits has been published, but limited numbers of studies have reviewed the dwindling risk-benefit profile near end of life, studying quality of life (QoL)/psychosocial impact. Criteria outlining either continued use or deactivation policy/procedures near end of life have not been clearly defined and/or largely implemented, which in turn requires more focused research using multifactorial approach to determine improved patient-centered outcomes.

Depuis le début des années 2000, le défibrillateur automatique implantable (DAI) est prescrit de manière prophylactique aux populations à risque de mort subite. Nombre de ces implantations semblent prématurées, ce qui pose problème en raison des complications post-opératoires encourues. Il apparaît donc important de mieux définir la population à risque de mort subite, afin d'optimiser la sélection des patients.Le pouvoir prédictif de mort subite des différents descripteurs du Holter a fait l'objet de nombreuses études univariées, sans permettre d'amélioration des critères de sélection. Dans ce mémoire, nous présentons l'analyse multivariée des descripteurs du Holter que nous avons menée. Nous avons extrait l'ensemble des descripteurs calculables sur la base étiquetée d'enregistrements de patients, victimes ou non d'arythmies traitées par le DAI, dont nous disposons. À l'aide de connaissances physiologiques sur l'arythmogenèse, nous avons réalisé une sélection des descripteurs les plus pertinents. Puis, par une méthode originale de conception et d'évaluation de classifieur, nous avons construit un classifieur ad hoc, basé, sur les connaissances physiologiques de l'arythmogenèse ; ce classifieur discrimine les patients à risque, des patients pour lesquels l'implantation ne paraît pas opportune.Au vu des performances atteintes, il semble possible d'améliorer la fiabilité des indications d'implantation prophylactique, à l'aide de méthodes d'apprentissage statistique. Pour valider cette conclusion, il paraît néanmoins nécessaire d'appliquer la méthode exposée dans la présente étude à une base de données de plus grande dimension, et de contenu mieux adapté à nos objectifs. / Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been prescribed for prophylaxis since the early 2000?s, for patients at high risk of SCD. Unfortunately, most implantations to date appear unnecessary. This result raises an important issue because of the perioperative and postoperative risks. Thus, it is important to improve the selection of the candidates to ICD implantation in primary prevention. Risk stratification for SCD based on Holter recordings has been extensively performed in the past, without resulting in a significant improvement of the selection of candidates to ICD implantation. The present report describes a nonlinear multivariate analysis of Holter recording indices. We computed all the descriptors available in the Holter recordings present in our database. The latter consisted of labelled Holter recordings of patients equipped with an ICD in primary prevention, a fraction of these patients received at least one appropriate therapy from their ICD during a 6-month follow-up. Based on physiological knowledge on arrhythmogenesis, feature selection was performed, and an innovative procedure of classifier design and evaluation was proposed. The classifier is intended to discriminate patients who are really at risk of sudden death from patients for whom ICD implantation does not seem necessary. In addition, we designed an ad hoc classifier that capitalizes on prior knowledge on arrhythmogenesis. We conclude that improving prophylactic ICD-implantation candidate selection by automatic classification from Holter recording features may be possible. Nevertheless, that statement should be supported by the study of a more extensive and appropriate database.

Personer som överlevt hjärtstopp, eller som löper stor risk att drabbas av allvarlig ventrikulär arytmi, kan skyddas mot framtida livshotande arytmier med en implanterbar defibrillator (ICD). För att bryta kammartakykardier kan ICD:n avge högvoltschocker från en elektrod i höger kammare. Chockerna upplevs av många som smärtsamma. Många personer som fått en ICD implanterad beskriver ökad oro och ångest. Syftet var att belysa personers upplevelser och erfarenheter av att leva med ICD. Som metod valdes litteraturöversikt. Efter sökning i databaserna PubMed och CINAHL inkluderades 15 kvalitativa intervjustudier publicerade 2009-2018. Dessa analyserades utifrån kvalitativ innehållsanalys och resulterade i fyra kategorier; Ett oförutsägbart liv, Ett förändrat liv, Vägen framåt och Trygg trots allt. Dessa kan beskrivas som steg i en trappa. Resultatet i denna litteraturöversikt visade att många beskrev den första tiden efter ICDimplantationen som svår, med smärtor, oro och depression. Livet beskrevs ha blivit förändrat och rädsla för ICD-chocker upplevdes ha stor påverkan i det dagliga livet. Genom självpåtagna begränsningar försökte personerna kontrollera sin situation för att förebygga chocker. De flesta kunde efter en tid acceptera ICD-behandlingen som en del av livet och anpassade sig till situationen. Kategorin Trygg trots allt var inte ett konstant tillstånd, då en upplevd ICD-chock kunde rasera tryggheten och föra processen bakåt. Slutsatsen var att det mesta som berättades berörde chocken, hur den kändes, rädsla för chock, vad som kan utlösa en chock och hur den kan undvikas. ICD-chocken blev något som berörde varje aspekt av livet. Ändå fann många en ny balans där ICD:n blev en del av livet och accepterades som en livvakt. Stöd från vårdpersonal var viktigt för att uppleva trygghet, men ett personcentrerat stöd behöver utvecklas. / Persons who survived sudden cardiac arrest or who are at risk for severe ventricular arrythmias, can be protected from future life-threatening arrythmias by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). To terminate ventricular arrythmias, the ICD can deliver high-voltage shocks from an electrode placed in the right ventricle. The shocks are by most people felt to be painful. Many persons who have an ICD implanted, experience increased anxiety and distress. The aim if the study was to illustrate persons’ experiences of living with an ICD The chosen method was a literature review. After searching the databases PubMed and CINAHL, 15 qualitative interview studies, published between 2009 and 2019, were included. These were analyzed with qualitative content analysis and resulted in four categories; An unpredictable life, A changed life, The road ahead and Safe anyway. These categories can be described as four steps. The result of this literature review showed that many described the first period after ICD implantation as difficult, including pain, anxiety and depression. Life was experienced to have changed and fear of ICD-shocks was considered to have great impact on daily life. Through self-imposed restrictions the persons tried to control their situation to prevent shocks. Most persons could by time accept the ICD-treatment as a part of life and adjusted to the situation. The level Safe anyway was not a constant condition as an experience of shock diminished safety and brought the process backward. The conclusion was that most what was narrated concerned the shock, what it felt like, fear of shock, what might trigger a shock and how to avoid it. The ICD shock was something that affected every aspect of life. Still many found a new balance in life where the ICD became an important part of life and was accepted as a body guard. Support from health professionals was important to experience safety but a person-centered support needs to be developed.

L’arrêt cardiaque extra-hospitalier (ACEH) est un problème de santé publique majeur. La réanimation cardio-pulmonaire (RCP) précoce ainsi que la défibrillation par les témoins sont associées à une augmentation du taux de survie. Cependant, malgré d’importants efforts ces dernières années, les taux de survie restent faibles dans la plupart des pays. Ce travail avait pour objectif d’identifier des facteurs ayant un impact sur la défibrillation publique, la RCP précoce et les connaissances du public sur la défibrillation. Nous avons testé différentes stratégies de déploiement des défibrillateurs automatisés externes (DAE). Nous avons également analysé l’effet du niveau socio-économique des quartiers sur la RCP par les témoins. Enfin, nous avons cherché à évaluer les connaissances du public concernant la localisation et les conditions d’utilisation du DAE le plus proche dans des lieux publics très fréquentés. Tous les ACEH survenus à Paris entre 2000 et 2010 ont été enregistrés dans un registre et géocodés. Nous avons comparé une stratégie basée sur les recommandations de placement d’un DAE dans les lieux où plus d’un ACEH survenait tous les cinq ans à deux nouvelles stratégies : une stratégie de maillage régulier du territoire avec des DAE placés à distances régulières et une stratégie de placement dans différents types de lieux publics. Le nombre de DAE nécessaires ainsi que la distance médiane entre les ACEH et le DAE le plus proche étaient calculés pour chaque stratégie. Nous avons également recherché l’association entre le niveau socio-économique des quartiers sur le fait de bénéficier d’une RCP. Enfin, nous avons réalisé une enquête dans des lieux publics très fréquentés (gare, centres commerciaux, jardin public) auprès de toutes les personnes situées dans un rayon de 100 mètres autour d’un DAE pour analyser leur connaissance de la localisation du DAE et leur capacité à l’utiliser. Parmi 4176 ACEH, 1372 (33%) sont survenus dans des lieux publics. La stratégie basée sur les recommandations aurait conduit au placement de 170 DAE avec une distance aux ACEH de 416 (180-614) mètres et une augmentation continue du nombre de DAE. Avec la stratégie de maillage régulier du territoire, le nombre de DAE et la distance aux ACEH auraient changé selon la taille du maillage avec un nombre optimal de DAE évalué entre 200 et 400. Avec la stratégie de placement dans différents types de lieux publics, la distance médiane entre les ACEH et les DAE aurait été de 324 mètres pour les bureaux de poste (195), 239 mètres pour les stations de métro (302), 137 mètres pour les stations Velib’ (957) et 142 mètres pour les pharmacies (1466). Parmi les 4009 ACEH géocodables enregistrés, 777 (19,4%) ont bénéficié d’une RCP par un témoin. Ceux qui en ont bénéficié étaient plus fréquemment dans un lieu public, en présence d’un témoin et dans un quartier de statut socio-économique (SSE) non défavorisé. Dans une analyse multiniveaux la RCP par les témoins était significativement moins fréquente dans les quartiers de SSE défavorisé que dans les quartiers d’autres SSE (OR 0,85 ; 95% IC 0,72-0,99). Notre enquête a été menée auprès de 301 participants. Environ la moitié des participants (49%) avaient bénéficié d’une formation aux premiers secours, dont 70% après 2007 et 37% qui avaient suivi une initiation d’une heure. Le logo universel des DAE était reconnu par 37% des participants et 64% pouvaient reconnaître un DAE en photo. La localisation du DAE le plus proche était connue par 16% des participants avec un impact positif des formations après 2007 et de la reconnaissance du logo ou des photos (p<0,0001). Une majorité de participants (66%) savaient qu’ils avaient le droit d’utiliser un DAE et 59% savaient dans quelles circonstances l’utiliser. Seulement 25% des participants déclaraient savoir comment utiliser un DAE. Notre travail présente une approche originale pour optimiser les stratégies de déploiement des DAE. (...) / Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major public health concern. Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are associated with higher survival rates for OHCA victims. Unfortunately, despite major efforts over the past decade, survival rates remain low in many communities. This work sought to highlight factors affecting public defibrillation, early CPR and public knowledge on defibrillation. We assessed different strategies for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) deployment. We also aimed to focus effect of neighborhood socio-economic status on bystander CPR. Finally, we sought to analyze public awareness of the AED nearest location and knowledge of AED use. All OHCAs attended by EMS in Paris between 2000 and 2010 were prospectively recorded and geocoded. We compared a guidelines-based strategy of placing an AED in locations where more than one OHCA had occurred within the past five years to two novel strategies: a grid-based strategy with a regular distance between AEDs and a landmark-based strategy. The expected number of AEDs necessary and their median (IQR) distance to the nearest OHCA were assessed for each strategy. We also evaluated the relationship between neighbourhood SES characteristics and the fact of receiving bystander CPR. Then, we performed a survey in three kinds of places (train station, city mall and public park) of all individuals within 100 meters from an AED to analyze their knowledge of the closest AED location and their confidence to use it. Of 4,176 OHCAs, 1,372 (33%) occurred in public settings. The guidelines-based strategy would result in the placement of 170 AEDs, with a distance to OHCA of 416 (180-614) meters and a continuous increase in the number of AEDS. In grid-based strategy, the number of AEDs and their distance to the closest OHCA would change with the grid size, with a number of AEDs between 200 and 400 seeming optimal. In landmark-based strategy, median distances between OHCAs and AEDs would be 324 meters if placed at post offices (n=195), 239 at subway stations (n=302), 137 at bike-sharing stations (n=957), and 142 at pharmacies (n=1466). Of the 4,009 OHCA with mappable addresses recorded, 777 (19.4%) received bystander CPR. Those receiving it were more likely to be in public locations, have had a witness to their OHCA, and to have collapsed in a non-low SES neighbourhood. In a multilevel analyses, bystander CPR provision was significantly less frequent in low than in higher SES neighbourhoods (OR 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.99). A total of 301 people responded to the survey. About half respondents (49%) had a Basic Life Support training experience with 70 % of them trained after 2007 and 37% who attempted a one hour training initiation. The universal AED sign was recognized by 37% of all respondents and 64% could recognize an AED on a picture. The closest AED location was known by 16% of the respondents with a positive impact of training after 2007 and knowledge of AED sign and picture (p<0.0001). A majority of respondents (66%), considered they had the right to use an AED and 59% knew in which circumstances it is necessary to use it. Only 25% of the respondents declared to know how to use an AED. Our work presents an original evidence-based approach to strategies of AED deployment to optimize their number and location. This rational approach can estimate the optimal number of AEDs for any city. In Paris, OHCA victims were less likely to receive bystander CPR in low SES neighbourhoods. These first European data are consistent with observations in North America and Asia. Our survey conducted in places known to be at risk of OHCA highlights the need for a better AED visibility in public places and the need to improve public knowledge and confidence in the use of AED. (...)

A estratificação de risco para morte súbita em pacientes com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica ainda é um desafio. Sua prevenção pelo cardiodesfibrilador automático é eficaz, porém, onerosa e não isenta de riscos. Pacientes com indicação de cardiodesfibrilador automático para prevenção primária, baseada em fatores de risco clínicos, apresentam baixa taxa de terapias apropriadas. Estudos que validem novos fatores de risco são necessários, visando identificar pacientes com maior probabilidade de morte súbita e, portanto, que se beneficiam do implante do dispositivo. Estudos que correlacionam a presença de realce tardio com arritmias ventriculares e morte súbita foram realizados, entretanto, sua aplicabilidade clinica ainda não é consenso. Objetivos: Avaliar, em portadores de cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, se a presença e a extensão de realce tardio, identificado pela tomografia computadorizada, correlaciona-se com a ocorrência de taquiarritmias ventriculares registradas no monitor de eventos do cardiodesfibrilador automático, durante um seguimento clínico ambulatorial. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica dos ambulatórios de Eletrofisiologia e Miocardiopatias do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I composto por aqueles que receberam terapia apropriada pelo cardiodesfibrilador automático ou tiveram apenas a documentação de taquicardia ventricular não sustentada pelo cardiodesfibrilador automático; grupo II, composto por pacientes sem documentação de arritmias ventriculares no monitor de eventos. As variáveis contínuas foram comparadas utilizando-se testes t de Student pareado ou Wilcoxon; para as categóricas o teste do x2. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o programa SPSS. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Sessenta e um pacientes (idade média 39±15 anos, 51% mulheres, com seguimento médio 5,13±3,0 anos) foram avaliados. Em 91,8%, a indicação do cardiodesfibrilador automático foi por prevenção primária. Durante o seguimento clínico, cinco pacientes (8,2%) apresentaram terapias apropriadas e 15 (24,6%) tiveram taquicardia ventricular não sustentada, mas sem terapia. A densidade de fibrose (incluindo massa de ventrículo esquerdo acometida e percentual de acometimento) não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos I e II (4,3±4,8% vs 7,0±7,7% nos grupos I e II, respectivamente, p = 0,13). Entretanto, 85% dos pacientes com taquicardia ventricular apresentavam fibrose à tomografia computadorizada. Maiores densidades de fibrose se correlacionaram com idades mais jovens, com menores frações de ejeção e sexo masculino. Espessura septal >= 30mm se correlacionou à maior massa de fibrose. Houve correlação entre o surgimento de fibrilação atrial e maior porcentual de fibrose do ventrículo esquerdo. Dentre os fatores que se correlacionaram com maior densidade de fibrose, nenhum deles se correlacionou com eventos arrítmicos ventriculares. A associação dos fatores clínicos ou fatores clínicos isolados que motivaram a indicação do implante do cardiodesfibrilador automático não se correlacionou com eventos arrítmicos. Os pacientes do grupo I apresentaram maior diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo e maior diâmetro do átrio esquerdo quando comparado com os pacientes do grupo II (47,7±4,7mm vs 43.1±5,4 mm, p = 0,002 e 47,8±8mm vs 41,5±7,1mm, p = 0,003, respectivamente). Conclusões: 1. A presença de fibrose detectada pela tomografia computadorizada apresenta razoável sensibilidade para identificação de pacientes com risco para taquicardia ventricular; 2. A densidade de fibrose foi similar nos pacientes dos grupos I e II; 3. Pacientes com fibrilação atrial apresentaram maior densidade de fibrose ventricular detectada pela tomografia computadorizada em comparação aos pacientes sem fibrilação atrial; 4. O diâmetro diastólico final de ventrículo esquerdo e o diâmetro atrial esquerdo associaram-se à maior risco de taquicardia ventricular; 5. Os fatores de risco convencionais, associados ou não à fibrose, não se correlacionaram com maior probabilidade de ocorrência de eventos arrítmicos ventriculares. / Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients is still challenging. Primary prevention of sudden death with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is an effective, however, costly and not risk-free method. Patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indicated for primary prevention based on clinical risk factors display low rates of appropriate therapies. Studies evaluating new risk factors are needed seeking to identify who would be mostly at risk of sudden cardiac death, and therefore benefit from cardioverter-defibrillator. Studies have been conducted to establish a correlation between late enhancement and ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death; however, its clinical applicability is still controversial. Objective: To evaluate if the presence and extension of late enhancement, identified by computed tomography, correlates with the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. Methods: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy followed in Electrophysiology and Cardiomyopathies divisions at Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: group I composed by those with appropriate therapies (shock or overdrive) or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia; and group II, composed by patients without documented ventricular arrhythmias. Continuous variables were compared using paired t-student test or Wilcoxon test. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square test. For data analysis, the SPSS program was used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty one patients (mean age 39 ± 15 years, 51% female, average follow up 5.13 ± 3 years) were evaluated. In 91.8%, cardioveter-defibrillator was indicated by primary prevention. During the follow up, five patients (8.2%) had appropriate therapies and 15 (24.6%) presented non-sustained ventricular tachycardia without therapies. Fibrosis density, (including left ventricular mass compromise and percentage) was not statistically different between the groups (4.3±4.8% for group I vs. 7.0±7.7% for group II, p =0.13). However, 85% of patients with ventricular tachycardia had fibrosis on cardiac computed tomography. Larger fibrosis density correlated with younger age, reduced ejection fraction and male gender. Septum >30 mm correlated with fibrosis mass. There was a correlation between atrial fibrillation and higher left ventricular fibrosis percentage. Among the factors that correlated with higher fibrosis density, none of them had correlation with ventricular arrhythmic events. The combination of clinical factors that motivated the implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator did not correlate with arrhythmic events. Patients at group I had larger left ventricular diastolic diameter (47.7±4.7 vs. 43.1±5.4mm, respectively, p= 0.002) and left atrium diameter (47.8±8.2 vs. 41.5±7.1 mm, respectively, p=0.003). Conclusions: 1. The presence of fibrosis detected by cardiac tomography had reasonable sensitivity to identify patients at risk of ventricular tachycardia; 2. Fibrosis density was similar between groups I and II; 3. Patients with atrial fibrillation had more fibrosis density detected by cardiac tomography compared to patients without atrial fibrillation; 4. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter and left atrial diameter correlated with increased risk of ventricular tachycardia; 5. Classical risk factors, associated or not with fibrosis, did not correlate with increased probability of ventricular arrhythmic events.

Dispositional optimism, as a stable outcome expectancy, has been shown to predict health outcomes in several contexts. Research has demonstrated that health-impaired subjects with optimistic outlooks fared better than those with a pessimistic outlook. Choice of coping strategies has been theorized as the mediating factor through which optimism operates. However, the construct of dispositional optimism has been challenged as a polar opposite of neuroticism, thus contending that optimism is not an independent notion. The present study was designed to evaluate further the theoretical underpinnings of dispositional optimism theory. Subjects were selected from a population of cardiac patients who received an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD). This device, designed to save the patient from sudden cardiac death, dispenses an electric shock to the heart should it exhibit sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. This research project examined the relationship of dispositional optimism, coping, and neuroticism to psychological distress, life satisfaction, health perception, and frequency of prior AICD discharges. Intact data from 50 of the 60 participants were examined in multiple regression analyses. The results of the analyses were diverse. Principal findings were (a) general psychological distress was predicted solely by neuroticism but optimism predicted the majority of unique variance in the "style" with which subjects approach the assessment of distress; (b) optimism was subsumed under neuroticism in predicting health perception; (c) avoidance coping interacted with optimism in predicting a significant amount of unique variance over and above neuroticism in the number of AICD discharges experienced by the patients. In this latter finding, pessimistic patients who did not use avoidance coping received a greater number of discharges. Thus, optimism and neuroticism were not parallel constructs in all dependent variables. Also, the optimism/avoidance coping interaction in predicting an actual medical outcome was unprecedented. Limitations and directions for future research were discussed.

Nursing care continuing the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is an inseparable part of the patient?s care. As there are various types of arrhythmias and different types of treatment, similarly, the subsequent nursing care has its specifics as well. It relates not only to the post-treatment care but also to pre-surgery preparation and subsequent education. The theoretical part of the thesis contains the information on arrhythmias, their development and treatment. Organizations associating nurses working in arrhythmologic centres are mentioned as well. The practical part consists of the survey research. The quantitative enquiry is conducted in arrhythmologic centres by means of questionnaires addressing the nurses. The qualitative part contains interviews with patients who underwent some of the types of cardiac arrhythmia treatment. The objective of the thesis was to find out whether the nurses are aware of the specifics of the nursing care that follows the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, in which stage the treatment is the most demanding for nurses and whether they can apply standardized nursing procedures in their work. Another objective is focused on mapping of the educative activity within the nursing care. Interviews with the patients are aimed at the areas of admission, prior to surgery, after surgery and during education. They should outline the view from ?the other side?. All the defined hypotheses were confirmed. The cardinal hypothesis of the thesis was the assumption that nurses, when providing nursing care to patients undergoing treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, do not work according to standardized nursing procedures. Subsequently, a draft of standardized nursing procedure focused on nursing care of patients undergoing implantation of a permanent cardiostimulator was prepared ? it could be applied in the University Hospital in Plzeň where most of the enquiry was conducted.