Comparing modified Lee and White method against 20-minute whole blood clotting test as bedside coagulation screening test in snake envenomation victims

Abstract Background: Twenty-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) and Modified Lee and White (MLW) method are the most routinely employed bedside tests for detecting coagulopathic snake envenomation. Our study compared the diagnostic utility of MLW and 20WBCT for snakebite victims at a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, South India. Methods: This single-center study recruited 267 patients admitted with snake bites. 20WBCT and MLW were performed simultaneously at admission along with the measurement of Prothrombin Time (PT). The diagnostic utility of 20WBCT and MLW was determined by comparing the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy at admission with an INR value > 1.4. Results: Out of 267 patients, 20 (7.5%) patients had VICC. Amongst those who had venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), MLW was prolonged for 17 patients, (Sn 85% 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.1-96.0) whereas 20WBCT was abnormal for 11 patients (Sn 55%, 95% CI: 32.04-76.17). MLW and 20WBCT were falsely positive for the same patient (Sp 99.6%, 95% CI: 97.4-99.9%). Conclusion: MLW is more sensitive than 20WBCT to detect coagulopathy at the bedside amongst snakebite victims. However, further studies are necessary for standardizing bedside coagulation tests in snakebite cases.

Avaliação do perfil clínico-terapêutico e da resposta à profilaxia dos portadores de hemofilia A e B em um centro de referência no Ceará / Evaluation of the clinical-therapeutic profile and the response to prophylaxis of patients with hemophilia A and B in a reference center in Ceará

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico-terapêutico e a resposta à profilaxia em pacientes hemofílicos A e B em um centro de referência no Ceará. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com dados de 133 hemofílicos A e B, em profilaxia entre 2016 e 2021, por meio de prontuários médicos e sistema Web Coagulopatias. Resultados: Os pacientes todos do sexo masculino em sua maioria foram hemofílicos A (93,2%), na forma grave, residentes em Fortaleza, com maior prevalência do município de Guaiúba. A maioria fazia uso de Fator VIII recombinante e em profilaxia secundária, em relação ao comprometimento articular a maioria não apresentou relato de hemartroses (66,9%), articulação-alvo (87,9%) ou artropatia (54,9%), porém os hemofílicos em profilaxia terciária apresentaram um maior comprometimento articular em relação a profilaxia primária e secundária. Verificou-se uma correlação negativa entre o tempo de profilaxia e a dose de fator utilizada, demonstrando que quanto maior o tempo de profilaxia menor a dose do fator utilizada. Um total de 13 hemofílicos A grave desenvolveram inibidor de fator VIII realizando imunotolerância (ITI) com sucesso total em 84,6%. Por meio da curva ROC, foi verificado uma associação entre a necessidade de ITI e a dose de fator de coagulação, com acurácia de 67,7% de que o uso de doses maiores de fator predispõe ao desenvolvimento de inibidores. Conclusão: Os dados do estudo permitem inferir que quanto mais precoce o tratamento de profilaxia menor é comprometimento articular, dose do fator utilizada e menor predisposição de desenvolver inibidores dos fatores da coagulação.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical-therapeutic profile and response to prophylaxis in hemophiliac A and B patients at a referral center in Ceará. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, with data from 133 hemophiliacs A and B, undergoing prophylaxis between 2016 and 2021, using medical records and the Web Coagulopathies system. Results: Most of the patients were male patients with severe hemophilia A (93.2%), residing in Fortaleza, with a higher prevalence in the city of Guaiúba. Most made use of recombinant Factor VIII and in secondary prophylaxis, in relation to joint involvement, the majority did not report hemarthroses (66.9%), target joint (87.9%) or arthropathy (54.9%). however, hemophiliacs on tertiary prophylaxis showed greater joint impairment in relation to primary and secondary prophylaxis. There was a negative correlation between the prophylaxis time and the factor dose used, demonstrating that the longer the prophylaxis time, the lower the factor dose used. A total of 13 severe A hemophiliacs developed factor VIII inhibitor performing immunotolerance (ITI) with total success in 84.6%. Using the ROC curve, an association was verified between the need for ITI and the dose of coagulation factor, with an accuracy of 67.7% that the use of higher doses of factor predisposes to the development of inhibitors. Conclusion: The study data allow us to infer that the earlier the prophylaxis treatment, the less joint impairment, the dose of the factor used and the less predisposition to develop coagulation factor inhibitors.

Autonomía y dignidad en personas que viven con hemofilia / Autonomy and dignity in people living with hemophilia

INTRODUCCIÓN. La hemofilia es una condición rara hereditaria, crónica, potencialmente discapacitante e incapacitante, caracterizada por frecuentes sangrados debidos al déficit del factor VIII coagulante, Hemofilia A o del factor IX Hemofilia B. Las evaluaciones de calidad de vida en personas con hemofilia, basadas principalmente en el aspecto biológico, llevaron a considerar un importante enfoque bioético que evalúe la afectación de la autonomía y dignidad debida a la enfermedad. OBJETIVO. Registrar la percepción de la autonomía y dignidad de personas que viven con hemofilia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Población de 92 y muestra de 28 varones mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de hemofilia, atendidos en la Clínica de Coagulopatías Congénitas del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el periodo marzo 2021 a agosto del 2021. Se excluyó a varones menores de 18 años atendidos en otras instituciones del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Estudio basado en el desarrollo de las capacidades centrales descritas por Martha Nussbaum. Se aplicó el test The Hemophilia Well Being Index que evaluó calidad de vida con relación al bienestar personal asociado a salud, y la herramienta Body Mapping que analizó en base al interpretativismo fenomenológico. RESULTADOS. El 100% de personas presentaron afectación en algún área de la vida investigada por el Hemophilia Well Being Index, que se confirma con las expresiones escritas y gráficas recopiladas por el Body Mapping. CONCLUSIÓN. La autonomía y dignidad se encuentran afectadas en las personas que viven con hemofilia, al igual que las capacidades centrales; es importante valorar cómo estos parámetros afectan la consecución de logros, lo que se debe considerar en estudios futuros.

INTRODUCTION. Hemophilia is a rare hereditary, chronic, potentially disabling and incapacitating condition, characterized by frequent bleeds due to deficiency of clotting factor VIII, Hemophilia A or factor IX Hemophilia B. Quality of life assessments in people with hemophilia, mainly based on the biological aspect, led to consider an important bioethical approach that evaluates the impairment of autonomy and dignity due to the disease. OBJECTIVE. To record the perception of autonomy and dignity of people living with hemophilia. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Population of 92 and sample of 28 males over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of hemophilia, attended at the Congenital Coagulopathy Clinic of the Carlos Andrade Marin Specialty Hospital in the period March 2021 to August 2021. Males under 18 years of age attended in other institutions of the National Health System were excluded. The study was based on the development of the central capabilities described by Martha Nussbaum. The test The Hemophilia Well Being Index was applied, which evaluated quality of life in relation to personal wellbeing associated with health, and the tool Body Mapping which analyzed based on phenomenological interpretivism. RESULTS. 100% of people presented affectation in some area of life investigated by the Hemophilia Well Being Index, which is confirmed by the written and graphic expressions collected by the Body Mapping. CONCLUSION. Autonomy and dignity are affected in people living with hemophilia, as are core capacities; it is important to assess how these parameters affect achievement, which should be considered in future studies.

Infusão endovenosa domiciliar: tecnologias educativas para o cuidado à pessoa com hemofilia / Infusión intravenosa domiciliaria: tecnologías educativas para el cuidado de personas con hemofilia / Home intravenous infusion: educational technologies for the care of people with hemophilia

Resumo Objetivo Elaborar e validar tecnologias educativas para o cuidado domiciliar de pessoas com hemofilia em infusão endovenosa do fator de coagulação. Método Estudo metodológico, desenvolvido em três etapas: elaboração de tecnologias educativas, avaliação de conteúdo e aparência por juízes e apreciação por pessoas com hemofilia. As tecnologias educativas − cartilha e infográfico − foram elaboradas mediante revisão de literatura. Na etapa de avaliação com juízes, foi utilizada a técnica Delphi em duas rodadas, por meio do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo, concordância superior a 0,80 em relação a clareza de linguagem, pertinência prática e relevância teórica. Na avaliação com o público-alvo, foi considerado o nível de concordância de respostas positivas maior ou igual a 80% nos itens de organização, o estilo de escrita, a aparência e a motivação para a leitura. Resultados A cartilha apresentou índice de validade de conteúdo global de 0,88 na primeira rodada e 0,98 na segunda; e o infográfico, 0,88 na primeira rodada e 0,97 na segunda. Na apreciação das tecnologias educativas pelo público-alvo, o nível de concordância das respostas positivas foi superior a 80%. Conclusão Este estudo elaborou tecnologias educativas, cartilha e infográfico, que poderão contribuir com a adesão ao tratamento e promoção do cuidado, por meio de padronização das orientações às pessoas com hemofilia em infusão endovenosa domiciliar.

Resumen Objetivo Elaborar y validar tecnologías educativas para el cuidado domiciliario de personas con hemofilia sobre la infusión intravenosa domiciliaria del factor de coagulación. Métodos Estudio metodológico desarrollado en tres etapas: elaboración de tecnologías educativas, evaluación de contenido y apariencia por jueces y valoración por parte de personas con hemofilia. Las tecnologías educativas (cartilla e infográfico) fueron elaboradas mediate revisión de literatura. En la etapa de evaluación con jueces, se utilizó el método Delphi en dos rondas, por medio del Índice de Validez de Contenido, concordancia superior a 0,80 con relación a la claridad del lenguaje, pertinencia práctica y relevancia teórica. En la evaluación con el público destinatario, se consideró el nivel de concordancia de respuestas positivas mayor o igual a 80 % en los ítems organización, estilo de escritura, apariencia y motivación para lectura. Resultados La cartilla presentó un Índice de Validez de Contenido global de 0,88 en la primera ronda y 0,98 en la segunda. El infográfico presentó 0,88 en la primaria ronda y 0,97 en la segunda. En la valoración de las tecnologías educativas por el público destinatario, el nivel de concordancia de las respuestas positivas fue superior al 80 %. Conclusión En este estudio se elaboraron tecnologías educativas, cartilla e infográfico, que podrán contribuir con la adherencia al tratamiento y promoción del cuidado, mediante la estandarización de las instrucciones a personas con hemofilia sobre infusión intravenosa domiciliaria.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate educational technologies for home care of people with hemophilia on intravenous infusion of clotting factor. Method This is a methodological study, developed in three stages: development of educational technologies, content and appearance assessment by judges, and appraisal by people with hemophilia. The educational technologies - a booklet and an infographic - were developed through a literature review. In the assessment stage with judges, the Delphi technique was used in two rounds, through Content Validity Index, agreement greater than 0.80 in regarding clarity of language, practical relevance, and theoretical relevance. In the assessment with the target audience, the level of agreement of positive responses greater than or equal to 80% in the items of organization, writing style, appearance and motivation for reading was considered. Results The booklet presented a global content validity index of 0.88 in the first round and 0.98 in the second; and the infographic, 0.88 in the first round and 0.97 in the second. In the assessment of educational technologies by the target audience, the level of agreement of positive responses was higher than 80%. Conclusion This study developed educational technologies, a booklet and an infographic, which could contribute to adherence to treatment and promotion of care, by standardizing the guidelines for people with hemophilia in intravenous infusion at home.

O acesso global e nacional ao tratamento da hemofilia: reflexões da bioética crítica sobre exclusão em saúde / Global and national access to the treatment of hemophilia: reflections from critical bioethics on health exclusion / El acceso global y nacional al tratamiento de la hemofilia: reflexiones de la bioética crítica sobre exclusión en salud

A hemofilia é uma doença rara, hereditária e caracterizada pela falta de fatores de coagulação, o que provoca sangramentos espontâneos e artropatias incapacitantes. O componente mais dispendioso em seu tratamento é a reposição do fator de coagulação. O presente ensaio examina, a partir da perspectiva da Bioética Crítica, modelo teórico baseado na articulação da Teoria Crítica com os Estudos da Colonialidade, o panorama do acesso global ao tratamento e o programa brasileiro. Demonstrou-se um quadro marcado por extremas disparidades de acesso em nível tanto global quanto nacional, cujas causas estão diretamente relacionadas com a formação histórica de um sistema-mundo baseado na dominação dos meios materiais, ideias e instituições pelos países centrais. Para seu enfrentamento, concluiu-se pela necessidade de contínuas pressões sociais, estímulo a uma produção científica e regulação tecnológica verdadeiramente comprometida com o cumprimento do direito fundamental à saúde.(AU)

Hemophilia is a rare, hereditary disease characterized by a lack of clotting factors, which causes spontaneous bleeding and disabling arthropathy. The most expensive component in its treatment is clotting factor replacement therapy. This essay examines, based on the perspective of Critical Bioethics - a theoretical model based on the articulation between Critical Theory and Coloniality Studies -, the panorama related to the global access to that treatment and the Brazilian program. A scenario marked by extreme disparities of access was found, both in the global and in the national levels, whose causes are directly related to the historical formation of a world system based on the domination of material means, ideas and institutions by central countries. To face this situation, a continuous social pressure is needed, as well as incentive to scientific production and technological regulation truly committed to the enforcement of the fundamental right to health.(AU)

La hemofilia es una enfermedad rara, hereditaria, caracterizada por la falta de factores de coagulación, lo que provoca sangrados espontáneos y artropatías discapacitantes. El componente más caro de su tratamiento es la reposición del factor de coagulación. El presente ensayo examina, a partir de la perspectiva de la Bioética Crítica, un modelo teórico basado en la articulación de la Teoría Crítica con los Estudios de la Colonialidad, el panorama del acceso global al tratamiento y el programa brasileño. Demostró ser un cuadro marcado por disparidades extremas de acceso, tanto en nivel global como nacional, cuyas causas están directamente relacionadas con la formación histórica de un sistema de mundo basado en la dominación de los medios materiales, ideas e instituciones por los países centrales. La conclusión para enfrentarlo fue la necesidad de continuas presiones sociales y estímulo a una producción científica y regulación tecnológica verdaderamente comprometidas con el cumplimiento del derecho fundamental a la salud.(AU)

Impact of arterial procedures on coagulation and fibrinolysis - a pilot study

Abstract Objective: The main goal of our study was to assess the impact of vascular procedures on the activity of hemostatic and fibrinolytic pathways. Methods: We enrolled 38 patients with ≥ 45 years old undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm or peripheral artery disease under general or regional anesthesia and who were hospitalized at least one night after the procedure. Patients undergoing carotid artery surgery and those who had acute bypass graft thrombosis, cancer, renal failure defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73m2, venous thromboembolism three months prior to surgery, or acute infection were excluded from the study. We measured levels of markers of hemostasis (factor VIII, von Willebrand factor:ristocetin cofactor [vWF:CoR], antithrombin), fibrinolysis (D-dimer, tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], plasmin-antiplasmin complexes), and soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (sCD40L) before and 6-12h after vascular procedure. Results: Significant differences between preoperative and postoperative levels of factor VIII (158.0 vs. 103.3, P<0.001), antithrombin (92.1 vs. 74.8, P<0.001), D-dimer (938.0 vs. 2406.0, P=0.005), tPA (10.1 vs. 12.8, P=0.002), and sCD40L (9092.9 vs. 1249.6, P<0.001) were observed. There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative levels of vWF:CoR (140.6 vs. 162.8, P=0.17) and plasmin-antiplasmin complexes (749.6 vs. 863.7, P=0.21). Conclusion: Vascular surgery leads to significant alterations in hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems. However, the direction of these changes in both pathways remains unclear and seems to be different depending on the type of surgery. A study utilizing dynamic methods of coagulation and fibrinolysis assessment performed on a larger population is warranted.

Manejo de hemorragia asociada a anticoagulantes orales directos: estado actual de las estrategias de reversión / Management of bleeding associated with direct oral anticoagulants: update on reversal strategies

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban have at least comparable efficacy as vitamin K antagonists along with a better safety profile, reflected by a lower incidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Specific reversal agents have been developed in recent years. Namely, idarucizumab, a specific antidote for dabigatran, is currently approved in most countries. Andexanet, which reverses factor Xa inhibitors, has been recently approved by the FDA, and ciraparantag, a universal antidote targeted to reverse all DOACs, is still under investigation. In this review we provide an update on the pharmacology of DOACs, the risk of hemorrhagic complications associated with their use, the measurement of their anticoagulant effect and the reversal strategies in case of DOAC-associated bleeding.

Fibrinolíticos: indicações e tratamento das complicações hemorrágicas / Fibrinolytics: indications and treatment of hemorrhagic complications

Os fibrinolíticos pertencem a uma classe de medicamentos especializada em promover a lise da fibrina e a consequente dissolução do trombo. Esse efeito baseia-se na transformação do plasminogênio em plasmina, potente enzima proteolítica. A sua aplicação nas diferentes síndromes cardiovasculares agudas alterou o curso natural do infarto agudo do miocárdio, da embolia pulmonar e do acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo. Na prática, temos três gerações de fibrinolíticos disponíveis: estreptoquinase, alteplase e tenecteplase, essa última com alta afinidade à fibrina. As complicações hemorrágicas, embora raras, devem ser identificadas e tratadas de forma precoce. Isso se deve aos distúrbios da coagulação, especialmente, queda do fibrinogênio e outros fatores de coagulação, mais predominantes com a estreptoquinase. A correção baseia-se na administração de crioprecipitado e plasma fresco, ricos, respectivamente, em fibrinogênio e fatores de coagulação. A inexperiência ao administrar tais medicamentos e o receio hemorrágico tem sido fator agravante na sobrevida dessas doenças. Campanhas educacionais poderão amenizar tal cenário, especialmente, em centros mais carentes de recursos tecnológicos

Fibrinolytics belong to a class of drugs specialized in promoting lysis of fibrin and consequent dissolution of the thrombus. This effect is based on the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, a potent proteolytic enzyme. Its application in different acute cardiovascular syndromes has changed the natural course of acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and acute ischemic stroke. In practice, three generations of fibrinolytics are available: streptokinase, alteplase, and tenecteplase (the latter having high affinity to fibrin). Hemorrhagic complications, although rare, must be identified and treated early. This is due to coagulation disorders, especially the decrease in fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, more prevalent with streptokinase. Correction is based on the administration of cryoprecipitate and fresh plasma, which are rich in fibrinogen and coagulation factors, respectively. Inexperience in administering these drugs and hemorrhagic fear are aggravating factors of disease progression. Educational programs can mitigate such scenarios, especially in centers that lack technological resources.Inexperience administering such medicines and hemorrhagic fear has been an aggravating factor in the lives of these diseases. Educational campaigns will be able to mitigate such a scenario especially in the most lacking centers of technological resources

Anticoagulação no paciente oncologico / Anticoagulation in the oncologic patient

A doença neoplásica associa-se a um aumento da incidência de eventos tromboembólicos. Os fatores associados a esses fenômenos englobam não apenas o estado pró-trombótico associado ao câncer, mas também os efeitos colaterais dos quimioterápicos, além da imobilidade associada a algumas situações, como intervenções cirúrgicas, por exemplo. De acordo com a American Cancer Society (ACS), que desenvolveu a mais recente diretriz sobre profilaxia e tratamento da TVP em pacientes oncológicos, somando os fatores de risco já existentes aos fatores intrínsecos dos pacientes oncológicos, esses pacientes são, quase sempre, classificados como de alto risco. A simplicidade de administração oral sem necessidade de monitorização laboratorial torna os novos anticoagulantes orais uma alternativa atrativa para a prevenção e o manejo de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes oncológicos. Subgrupos de estudos maiores demonstram a eficácia e segurança dessa classe de fármacos nesse grupo de pacientes, porém, mais estudos estão sendo conduzidos, a fim de responder com mais clareza a esta questão. O estado pró-trombótico promovido pela doença neoplásica acarreta maior risco de fenômenos embólicos em pacientes oncológicos com fibrilação atrial (FA). Não existem recomendações específicas para terapia antitrombótica para pacientes com FA e câncer. Não há evidência que essa população apresente risco aumentado de acidente vascular cerebral embólico em comparação com os pacientes com FA sem neoplasia associada. Os pacientes portadores de FA e câncer concomitantemente são mais idosos do que os pacientes portadores apenas de FA. Ainda existem muitas controvérsias com relação à anticoagulação no paciente oncológico. Novos estudos com foco nessa temá- tica contribuirão muito para o manejo mais homogêneo e embasado nessa população

Neoplastic disease is associated with an increase in the incidence of thromboembolic events. Factors associated with these phenomena include not only the prothrombotic state associated with cancer, but also the side effects of chemotherapy, and the immobility associated with certain situations, such as surgical interventions. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), which produced the latest guidelines on prophylaxis and treatment of DVT in cancer patients, adding the existing risk factors to the intrinsic factors of cancer patients, these patients are almost always classified as high risk. The simplicity of oral administration, without the need for laboratory monitoring, makes the new oral anticoagulants an attractive alternative in the prevention and management of thromboembolic events in cancer patients. Subgroups of larger studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this class of drugs in this group of patients. However, further studies are being conducted in order to answer this question more clearly. The prothrombotic state promoted by the neoplastic disease presents a higher risk of embolic phenomena in cancer patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). There are no specific recommendations for antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF and cancer. There is no evidence that this population presents an increased risk of embolic cerebrovascular event compared to patients with AF without associated neoplasia. It is known that cancer patients with concomitant cancer and AF are older than non-cancer patients. There is still much controversy regarding anticoagulation in cancer patients. New studies focusing on this theme will contribute to a more homogeneous and grounded management of this population

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes hemofílicos atendidos no centro de hematologia e hemoterapia do Piauí-HEMOP

A doença renal crônica é caracterizada pelo comprometimento renal da função glomerular, tubular e endócrina, de maneira lenta, progressiva e irreversível, tendo a anemia como uma importante complicação, cuja intensidade e prevalência estão relacionadas ao estágio da doença renal e à deficiência na produção de Eritropoetina (EPO). O tratamento com eritropoetina recombinante humana (rHuEPO) já é aplicado mundialmente e tem resposta satisfatória na regularização dos níveis dehemoglobina. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da rHuEPO em pacientes hemodialisados, por meio de avaliação e correlação de parâmetros hematológicos da linhagem eritrocitária (hemácias, hematócrito e hemoglobina), e bioquímicos (ferro e ferritina). Para tal proposição, foram avaliados dois grupos distintos, sendo um grupo teste, com 77 pacientes, que fizeram uso de rHuEPO por três semanas, e um segundo grupo controle, com 38 pacientes que não utilizaram este tratamento, totalizando 115 pessoas. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente em planilha do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2010, Epi-Info 4.1, Teste t-Student, e do programa Graph Pad Prism, Versão 5.0, com correlação de Pearson Qui-quadrado, por meio do programa SPSS, versão 10.0...

The chronic kidney disease is characterized by renal impairment of glomerular function, tubular and endocrine of slow, progressive and irreversible, with anemia as an important complication, whose intensity and prevalence are related to the stage of kidney disease and disability in the production of Erythropoietin (EPO). Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is already used worldwide and has satisfactory response in the regulation of hemoglobin levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rHuEPO in hemodialysis patients by analyzing haematological parameters erythrocyte lineage (erythrocyte, hematocrit and hemoglobin) and biochemical parameters such as iron and ferritin. For this proposition, we evaluated two distinct groups, namely (1) the test group, with 77 patients who used rHuEPO during three weeks and a second control group, with 38 patients who did not use rHuEPO, totaling 115 patients. Data were statistically analyzed in spreadsheet program Microsoft office excel 2010 Epi-Info 4.1, test t-Student test and the program Graph Pad Prism Version 5.0 with Pearson's chi-square correlation using SPSS version 10.0...

Violence against metropolitan bus drivers and fare collectors in Brazil / Violência a motoristas e cobradores de ônibus metropolitanos, Brasil

OBJECTIVE To analyze the correlation between sociodemographic factors and working conditions of bus workers in a metropolitan area and violence against them. METHODS This cross-sectional study used a nonprobabilistic sample estimated according to the number of workers employed in bus companies located in three cities in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region in 2012 (N = 17,470). Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a digital questionnaire. The factors associated with violence were analyzed in two stages using Poisson regression, according to each level. The magnitude of the association was evaluated using prevalence ratios with robust variance and a statistical significance of 5%, and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. RESULTS The study sample comprised 782 drivers and 691 fare collectors; 45.0% participants reported at least one act of violence in the workplace in the last 12 months, with passengers being predominantly responsible. The age of the bus workers was inversely associated with violence. Chronic diseases, sickness absenteeism, and working conditions were also associated with violence. CONCLUSIONS The findings on the correlation between violence and working conditions are essential for implementing prevention strategies by transportation service managers. .

OBJETIVO Analisar associação entre fatores sociodemográficos e de condições de trabalho e violência contra profissionais de ônibus de região metropolitana. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com amostra não probabilística, estimada segundo quotas do efetivo distribuído nas empresas de ônibus localizadas em três cidades da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, em 2012 (n = 17.470). Foram realizadas entrevistas face a face com questionário digital. A análise dos fatores associados à violência foi realizada em duas etapas, pela regressão de Poisson, de acordo com cada nível. A magnitude da associação foi aferida pelas razões de prevalência com variância robusta e significância estatística de 5%. Foram obtidos intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS Participaram da pesquisa 782 motoristas e 691 cobradores. Quase metade (45,0%) dos participantes relatou pelo menos um episódio de violência no trabalho nos últimos 12 meses, predominantemente praticado pelos passageiros. A idade do trabalhador rodoviário foi inversamente associada à violência. Doenças crônicas, absenteísmo-doença e condições de trabalho foram associados à violência. CONCLUSÕES As informações trazidas sobre a associação da violência com as condições de trabalho são fundamentais para guiar estratégias de prevenção indicadas aos gestores da produção dos serviços de transporte. .

Readability of medicinal package leaflets: a systematic review / Legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To review studies on the readability of package leaflets of medicinal products for human use. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review between 2008 and 2013 using the keywords “Readability and Package Leaflet” and “Readability and Package Insert” in the academic search engine Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online, comprising different bibliographic resources/databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria were applied to prepare the draft of the report. Quantitative and qualitative original studies were included. Opinion or review studies not written in English, Portuguese, Italian, French, or Spanish were excluded. RESULTS We identified 202 studies, of which 180 were excluded and 22 were enrolled [two enrolling healthcare professionals, 10 enrolling other type of participants (including patients), three focused on adverse reactions, and 7 descriptive studies]. The package leaflets presented various readability problems, such as complex and difficult to understand texts, small font size, or few illustrations. The main methods to assess the readability of the package leaflet were usability tests or legibility formulae. Limitations with these methods included reduced number of participants; lack of readability formulas specifically validated for specific languages (e.g., Portuguese); and absence of an assessment on patients literacy, health knowledge, cognitive skills, levels of satisfaction, and opinions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the package leaflets presented various readability problems. In this review, some methodological limitations were identified, including the participation of a limited number of patients and healthcare professionals, the absence of prior assessments of participant literacy, humor or sense of satisfaction, or the predominance of studies not based on role-plays about the use of medicines. These limitations should be avoided in future ...

OBJECTIVO Analisar a literatura sobre legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos para uso humano. MÉTODOS Estudo de revisão sistemática, utilizando as palavras-chave “Readability and Package Leaflet” e “Readability and Package Insert”e a ferramenta de busca académica b-on, que contém diferentes bases bibliográficas. O período analisado foi entre 2008 e 2013. Foram aplicados os critérios PRISMA para redigir o relatório da revisão. Foram incluídos artigos originais de pesquisa quantitativa ou qualitativa. Os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos de opinião ou de revisão, ou escritos numa língua diferente do inglês, português, italiano, francês ou espanhol. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 202 trabalhos, dos quais 180 foram excluídos e 22 selecionados para análise: dois com profissionais de saúde, 10 com pacientes, três sobre reações adversas e sete descritivos. As bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade, entre os quais: textos insuficientemente claros e simples, utilização de tamanhos de letra pequenos e número reduzido de ilustrações. Os principais métodos utilizados para avaliar a legibilidade das bulas foram as fórmulas e os testes de legibilidade/usabilidade. Entre as limitações metodológicas, foram identificados aspetos como o recurso a amostras pequenas, a inexistência de fórmulas de legibilidade específicas para a língua em causa, e.g., português, e a realização de testes de compreensão em grupos de pacientes sem avaliação prévia da literacia, dos conhecimentos específicos na área da saúde, das capacidades cognitivas, ou do grau de satisfação dos participantes. CONCLUSÕES Em geral, as bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade. Adicionalmente, nesta revisão foram identificadas algumas limitações metodológicas nos estudos revistos (e.g. a participação de um número reduzido de pacientes e profissionais de saúde, a ausência da avaliação prévia da literacia, do humor ou satisfação dos participantes ...

CoagVDb: a comprehensive database for coagulation factors and their associated SAPs

The current state of the art in medical genetics is to identify and classify the functional (deleterious) or non-functional (neutral) single amino acid substitutions (SAPs), also known as non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs). The primary goal is to elucidate the mechanisms through which functional SAPs exert their effects, and ultimately interrogating this information for association with complex phenotypes. This work focuses on coagulation factors involved in the coagulation cascade pathway which plays a vital role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the human system. We developed an integrated coagulation variation database, CoagVDb, which makes use of the biological information from various public databases such as NCBI, OMIM, UniProt, PDB and SAPs (rsIDs/variant). CoagVDb enriched with computational prediction scores classify SAPs as either deleterious or tolerated. Also, various other properties are incorporated such as amino acid composition, secondary structure elements, solvent accessibility, ordered/disordered regions, conservation, and the presence of disulfide bonds. This specialized database provides integration of various prediction scores from different computational methods along with gene, protein, and disease information. We hope our database will act as a useful reference resource for hematologists to reveal protein structure-function relationship and disease genotype-phenotype correlation.

Resultados de operación acceso y del Programa Nacional de Hemostasia y Trombosis / The results of operation access and the National Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program

En el decenio que va desde 1996 hasta 2006, se establecieron en Chile las políticas sanitarias programáticas que se hicieron cargo de la dramática situación que vivían hasta ese momento las personas afectadas de hemofilia. En dicho período fue fundamental la implementación de la Operación Acceso y del Programa Nacional de Hemostasia y Trombosis, ambos a cargo del Ministerio de Salud con el apoyo de la Sociedad Chilena de la Hemofilia y de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Chile. Este proceso trajo aparejado además la sistematización en cuanto a registro de casos, un avance cualitativo y cuantitativo en cuanto al acceso a tratamientos, así como a medicamentos seguros, efectivos y oportunos para la comunidad hemofílica del país con independencia de su sistema previsional. El artículo anterior de esta serie describe los programas, y este los resultados en el mencionado período.

During the time span going from 1996 to 2006 the healthcare policies that address hemophilic patient’s dramatic needs were set up in Chile. Operation Access and the National Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program were implemented, both in charge of the Ministry of Health, with the support of the Chilean Society of Hemophilia and the School of Medicine of the University of Chile. The process was coupled with the systematization of case registries, a qualitative and quantitative advance in access to treatment options, including timely access to safe and effective medications, regardless of the health insurance system to which patients belonged. The previous article of this series describes both programs, while the present article describes the results in that the ten-year period.

Uso de warfarina y bajo rango de INR en la prevención de trombosis venosa recurrente / Use of warfarin and low range INR in the prevention of recurrent venous thrombosis

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la efectividad de un rango de la Razón Normalizada Internacional (INR) entre 1,5 y 1,9 en la prevención de la recurrencia de trombosis venosa y de las complicaciones hemorrágicas asociadas al uso de warfarina. Entre enero del 2006 y noviembre del 2009, se estudiaron 39 pacientes, con edades entre 10 y 78 años y diagnóstico de trombosis venosa profunda y/o embolismo pulmonar que recibieron warfarina al menos durante 6 meses. Los sujetos fueron separados aleatoriamente en dos grupos: a 20 pacientes se le ajustó la dosis para mantener el INR entre 1,5 y 1,9 y a 19 pacientes se les mantuvo el INR entre 2 y 3. A cada individuo se le cuantificó la actividad plasmática de los factores II, VII, IX y X a la primera y entre la cuarta y quinta semanas, luego de estabilizado el INR. En ambos grupos, la actividad de los factores se encontró por debajo del valor normal con diferencia significativa entre los grupos (p<0,05). No se detectó recurrencia de trombosis durante el seguimiento. Solo se presentaron manifestaciones hemorrágicas menores en un sujeto con INR entre 1,5 y 1,9 y en cuatro del otro grupo (p = NS). Los resultados del presente trabajo sugieren que un rango de INR entre 1,5 y 1,9, provee un esquema de anticoagulación eficaz para la prevención de recurrencia de trombosis venosa con menor frecuencia de hemorragias. Sin embargo, es necesario seguir incorporando más individuos en el estudio para obtener mayor certeza en el análisis de estos resultados.

The object of this work was to determine the efficacy of a low range International Normalized Ratio (INR) between 1.5 and 1.9, in preventing recurrent venous thrombosis and the hemorrhagic manifestations that can complicate anticoagulation with warfarin. Thirty nine patients, 10 to 78 years of age were studied between January 2006 and November 2009. All of them had been treated with warfarin, for at least 6 months, due to deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The subjects were separated, at random, into two groups. In group A (20 patients), the doses of warfarin were adjusted until the INR was stabilized between 1.5 and 1.9; in group B, the INR was maintained between 2 and 3. The coagulant activities of plasma factors II, VII, IX and X were determined in a week and between the fourth and fifth weeks, after stabilization of the INR. Plasma activities of the coagulation factors assayed were abnormally low in both groups, in the two opportunities they were determined, although significantly lower in group B (p<0.05). No thromboembolic episodes occurred during the study, in any of the patients. One of the patients from group A and four from group B, presented minor hemorrhagic manifestations (p N.S.) The above results suggest that a range on INR lower that 2, could be sufficient to prevent recurrent thrombotic episodes while diminishing the frequency of hemorrhagic complications associated with the use of warfarin. However, it is necessary to continue incorporating more individuals in the study to obtain greater certainty in the analysis of these results.

Tratamiento odontológico en niños contrastornos de la hemostasia: revisión de la literatura y recomendaciones para la clínica / Dental treatment in children with hemostasis disorders: literature review and recommendations for the clinical practice

El odontólogo debe comprender qué ocurre cuando se lesiona un vaso o tejido durante procedimientos quirúrgicos o traumáticos que le pueden suceder a un paciente normal ycon trastornos de la hemostasia. Con la elaboración de la historia clínica se pueden detectar antecedentes importantes que permitan tomar acciones preventivas o implementar otras, de tal forma que la atención del paciente sea más segura. La hemostasia es un fenómeno fisiológico complejo por el cual se detiene la hemorragia. Es un mecanismo de defensa que con la respuesta inflamatoria y la reparación ayudan a proteger la integridad vasculardespués de la agresión de los tejidos. El propósito de este artículo es revisar los mecanismos normales de hemostasia, los trastornos más frecuentes que predisponen a eventos hemorrágicos y las herramientas que se disponen para su control, así como las recomendaciones para la evaluación, diagnóstico y tratamiento odontológico en cada paciente...

The dentist must understand the events that occur when vessels or tissues are damaged during surgical or traumatic procedures that can happen to a healthy patient or one withhemostatic disorders. The elaboration of the clinical history is important to identify this kind of disorders, so the dentist can plan and implement safer preventive and other type ofprocedures for the patient. Hemostasis is a complex physiological phenomenon that causes the bleeding process to stop. It is a defense mechanism that, along with the inflammatory response and healing, protects vascular integrity after tissue aggression. The purpose of this article is to review the normal hemostatic mechanisms, the most frequent disorders that predispose bleeding events, and the available resources to control them, as well as the recommendations for an effective evaluation, diagnosis and dental treatment for each patient...