Portal thrombosis after surgical treatment of schistosomatic portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the correlation between the effects of different surgical treatments and laboratory exams for schistosomal portal hypertension, especially concerning portal system thrombosis. The etiopathogenic factors of this thrombosis are not fully understood. In this study, the correlation between surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension and the occurrence of postoperative portal system thrombosis was investigated. METHODS: A total of 61 patients who underwent surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension were distributed into four groups: Patients in Group 1 (n=12) underwent portal variceal disconnection associated with splenic artery ligation and spleen preservation. Patients in Group 2 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection and total splenectomy. Patients in Group 3 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection with subtotal splenectomy, preserving the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. Patients in Group 4 (n=9) underwent portal variceal disconnection with total splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants on the greater omentum. Late postoperative portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 26 operated patients (42.6%), with no significant difference observed among the four surgical groups (p=0.217). Most of the thrombi only partially occluded the portal system veins. All the patients presented with a thrombus inside the portal vein. There was no difference in hematological and biochemical tests between groups with or without portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is often observed in the late postoperative period, irrespective of the surgical treatment employed, and is not associated with patient characteristics or any hematological and biochemical tests.

Care fragmentation in hepatopancreatic surgery and postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Practice fragmentation in surgery may be associated with poor quality of care. We sought to define the association between fragmented practice and outcomes in hepatopancreatic surgery relative to surgeon volume and sex. METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries who underwent hepatopancreatic surgery between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine provider sex-based differences in the rate of fragmented practice relative to the achievement of a textbook outcome and health care expenditures after adjusting for procedure-specific case volume. RESULTS: Among 37,416 patients, almost one-half were female (n = 18,333, 49.0%) with the majority treated by male surgeons (n = 33,697, 90.8%). Female surgeons were more likely to have a greater rate of fragmented practice (females: n = 242, 84.9% vs males: n = 1,487, 78.4%, P = .003; odds ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 2.33-3.03, P < .001). Patients treated by high rate of fragmented practice surgeons had increased odds of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.54), extended length-of-stay (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.38-1.68), 90-day-mortality (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.72), and lower odds of achieving a textbook outcome (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.83). This association persisted independent of surgeon-specific volume (textbook outcome, high vs low rate of fragmented practice: high-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.91, P = .021 vs. low-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.82, P < .001). Among patients treated by male surgeons, a high rate of fragmented practice was associated with reduced odds of achieving a textbook outcome (male surgeons: odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.82, P < .001; female surgeons: odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.05, P = .110). Treatment by surgeons with higher fragmented practice was associated with higher expenditures (index expenditure: percentage difference 9.87, 95% confidence interval, 7.42-12.36; P < .05). CONCLUSION: A high rate of fragmented practice adversely affected postoperative outcomes and healthcare expenditures even among high-volume surgeons with the impact varying based on surgeon sex.

Medicaid expansion and palliative care for advanced-stage liver cancer.

BACKGROUND: Medicaid expansion (ME) has contributed to transforming the United States healthcare system. However, its effect on palliative care of primary liver cancers remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ME and the receipt of palliative treatment in advanced-stage liver cancer. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage IV hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were identified from the National Cancer Database and divided into pre-expansion (2010-2013) and postexpansion (2015-2019) cohorts. Logistic regression identified predictors of palliative treatment. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis assessed changes in palliative care use between patients living in ME states and patients living in non-ME states. RESULTS: Among 12,516 patients, 4582 (36.6%) were diagnosed before expansion, and 7934 (63.6%) were diagnosed after expansion. Overall, rates of palliative treatment increased after ME (18.1% [pre-expansion] vs 22.3% [postexpansion]; P < .001) and are more pronounced among ME states. Before expansion, only cancer type and education attainment were associated with the receipt of palliative treatment. Conversely, after expansion, race, insurance, location, cancer type, and ME status (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; P = .018) were all associated with palliative care. Interestingly, the odds were higher if treatment involved receipt of pain management (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.23-2.43; P = .006). Adjusted DID analysis confirmed increased rates of palliative treatment among patients living in ME states relative to non-ME states (DID, 4.4%; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7; P = .008); however, racial disparities persist (White, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.8; P = .009; minority, 2.6; 95% CI, -2.5 to 7.6; P = .333). CONCLUSION: The implementation of ME contributed to increased rates of palliative treatment for patients residing in ME states after expansion. However, racial disparities persist even after ME, resulting in inequitable access to palliative care.

Prognostic value of nodal staging classification and number of examined lymph nodes among patients with ampullary cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease in the regional lymph nodes (LNs) is a strong indicator of worse outcomes among patients after curative-intent resection of ampullary cancer (AC). This study aimed to ascertain the threshold number of examined LNs (ELNs) for AC to compare the prognosis accuracy of various nodal classification schemes relative to long-term prognosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for AC (2004-2019) were identified using the National Cancer Database. Locally weighted regression scatter plot smoothing (LOWESS) curves were used to ascertain the optimal cut point for ELNs. The accuracy of the American Joint Committee on Cancer N classification, LN ratio, and log odds transformation (LODDS) ratio to stratify patients relative to survival was examined. RESULTS: Among 8127 patients with AC, 67% were male with a median age of 67 years (IQR, 59-74). Tumors were most frequently classified as T3 (34.9%), followed by T2 (30.6%); T1 (12.9%) and T4 (17.6%) were less common. LN metastasis was identified in 4606 patients (56.7%). Among patients with nodal disease, 37.0% and 19.7% had N1 and N2 disease, respectively. The LOWESS curves identified an inflection cutoff point in the hazard of survival at 20 ELNs. The survival benefit of 20 ELNs was more pronounced among patients without LN metastasis vs patients with N1 disease (median overall survival [OS]: 54.1 months [IQR, 45.9-62.1] in ≥20 ELNs vs 39.0 months [IQR, 35.8-42.2] in <20 ELNs; P < .001) or N2 disease (median OS: 22.5 months [IQR, 18.9-26.2] in ≥20 ELNs vs 25.4 months [IQR, 23.3-27.6] in <20 ELNs; P < .001). When comparing the 4 different N classification schemes, the LODDS classification scheme yielded the highest predictive ability. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of a minimum of 20 LNs was needed to stratify patients with AC relative to the prognosis and to minimize stage migration. The LODDS nodal classification scheme had the highest prognostic accuracy to differentiate survival among patients after PD for AC.

Coumarin/ß-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes Promote Acceleration and Improvement of Wound Healing.

Coumarins have great pharmacotherapeutic potential, presenting several biological and pharmaceutical applications, like antibiotic, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-HIV, and healing activities, among others. These molecules are practically insoluble in water, and for biological applications, it became necessary to complex them with cyclodextrins (CDs), which influence their bioavailability in the target organism. In this work, we studied two coumarins, and it was possible to conclude that there were structural differences between 4,7-dimethyl-2H-chromen-2-one (DMC) and 7-methoxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (MMC)/ß-CD that were solubilized in ethanol, frozen, and lyophilized (FL) and the mechanical mixtures (MM). In addition, the inclusion complex formation improved the solubility of DMC and MMC in an aqueous medium. According to the data, the inclusion complexes were formed and are more stable at a molar ratio of 2:1 coumarin/ß-CD, and hydrogen bonds along with π-π stacking interactions are responsible for the better stability, especially for (MMC)2@ß-CD. In vivo wound healing studies in mice showed faster re-epithelialization and the best deposition of collagen with the (DMC)2@ß-CD (FL) and (MMC)2@ß-CD (FL) inclusion complexes, demonstrating clearly that they have potential in wound repair. Therefore, (DMC)2@ß-CD (FL) deserves great attention because it presented excellent results, reducing the granulation tissue and mast cell density and improving collagen remodeling. Finally, the protein binding studies suggested that the anti-inflammatory activities might exert their biological function through the inhibition of MEK, providing the possibility of development of new MEK inhibitors.

Portal thrombosis after surgical treatment of schistosomatic portal hypertension

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the correlation between the effects of different surgical treatments and laboratory exams for schistosomal portal hypertension, especially concerning portal system thrombosis. The etiopathogenic factors of this thrombosis are not fully understood. In this study, the correlation between surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension and the occurrence of postoperative portal system thrombosis was investigated. METHODS: A total of 61 patients who underwent surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension were distributed into four groups: Patients in Group 1 (n=12) underwent portal variceal disconnection associated with splenic artery ligation and spleen preservation. Patients in Group 2 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection and total splenectomy. Patients in Group 3 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection with subtotal splenectomy, preserving the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. Patients in Group 4 (n=9) underwent portal variceal disconnection with total splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants on the greater omentum. Late postoperative portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 26 operated patients (42.6%), with no significant difference observed among the four surgical groups (p=0.217). Most of the thrombi only partially occluded the portal system veins. All the patients presented with a thrombus inside the portal vein. There was no difference in hematological and biochemical tests between groups with or without portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is often observed in the late postoperative period, irrespective of the surgical treatment employed, and is not associated with patient characteristics or any hematological and biochemical tests.

Primary tumor lymphovascular invasion negatively affects survival after colorectal liver metastasis resection? / Invasão angiolinfática no tumor primário compromete a sobrevida após ressecção de metástases hepáticas colorretais?

ABSTRACT Background: About 50% of the patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma will present with liver metastasis and 20% are synchronic. Liver resection is associated with improvement in survival in comparison to chemotherapy alone. Aim: To analyze the overall survival in patients submitted to liver resection of colorectal cancer metastasis and prognostic factors related to the primary and secondary tumors. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database regarding demographic, primary tumor and liver metastasis characteristics. Results: There were 84 liver resections due to colorectal cancer metastasis in the period. The 5-year disease-free and overall survivals were 27.5% and 48.8% respectively. The statistically significant factors for survival were tumor grade (p=0.050), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.021), synchronous metastasis (p=0.020), as well as number (p=0.004), bilobar distribution (p=0.019) and diameter of the liver metastasis over 50 mm (p=0.027). Remained as independent negative predictive factors: lymphovascular invasion (HR=2.7; CI 95% 1.106-6.768; p=0.029), synchronous metastasis (HR=2.8; CI 95% 1.069-7.365; p=0.036) and four or more liver metastasis (HR=1.7; CI 95% 1.046-2.967; p=0.033). Conclusion: The resection of liver metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma leads to good survival rates. Lymphovascular invasion was the single prognostic factor related to the primary tumor. Synchronous disease and four or more metastasis were the most significant factors related to the secondary tumor.

RESUMO Racional: Cerca de metade dos pacientes com adenocarcinoma colorretal apresentará metástases hepáticas. Apesar da superioridade do tratamento cirúrgico, os pacientes com elas compõem um grupo muito heterogêneo. Objetivo: Descrever o impacto de fatores relacionados ao tumor primário e ao secundário na sobrevida após ressecção de metástases hepáticas colorretais. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de base de dados mantida prospectivamente de pacientes operados. Resultados: Foram realizadas 84 hepatectomias para ressecção de metástases hepáticas de adenocarcinoma colorretal em 73 pacientes no período. A sobrevida global e livre de doença em cinco anos foram de 48,8 e 27,5%, respectivamente. Os principais preditores de sobrevida foram grau de diferenciação (p=0,050) e invasão angiolinfática (p=0,021) do tumor primário, metástases sincrônicas (p=0,020), número (p=0,004), distribuição bilobar (p=0,019) e diâmetro máximo maior que 50 mm (p=0,027) dos nódulos hepáticos. Foram significativos a presença de invasão angiolinfática (HR=2,7; IC 95% 1,106-6,768; p=0,029), metástases sincrônicas (HR=2,8; IC 95% 1,069-7,365; p=0,036) e número de nódulos hepáticos igual ou superior a quatro (HR=1,7; IC 95% 1,046-2,967; p=0,033). Conclusão: A ressecção de metástases hepáticas de adenocarcinoma colorretal proporciona melhora da sobrevida e os principais fatores prognósticos foram a invasão angiolinfática no tumor primário, metástases sincrônicas e quatro ou mais nódulos hepáticos.

Magnetic resonance imaging perfusion technique in the evaluation of achilles tendon injury in rabbits / Técnica de perfusão à rm na avaliação da lesão do tendão de aquiles em coelhos

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the experimental model of Achilles tendon injury. Methods: Twelve white male adults New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups, a group with resection of the central portion of the Achilles tendon (n = 8) and a control group (n = 4). Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed 4 weeks after the surgical procedure, followed by histological analysis of the tendons. Results: The main finding of this study was the difference (p < 0.001) in peak contrast enhancement on DCE-MRI, which demonstrated that the operated group had greater contrast uptake. The operated tendons showed histological disruption of their architecture, and cluttered appearance of tendinous fibers, with vascular and fibroblast proliferations. Conclusion: DCE-MRI is a technique with a potential to demonstrate changes in the vascularity pattern of the Achilles tendon before and after operation. DCE-MRI has a potential to be used in studies of tendinosis diagnosis and surgical follow-up. Level of evidence II, Experimental Study.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a captação do gadolínio (Gd) à ressonância magnética (DCRM) em modelo experimental de lesão do tendão de Aquiles. Métodos: Foram utilizados 12 coelhos machos, adultos e brancos da raça Nova Zelândia, distribuídos em dois grupos: operados (n = 8), com ressecção da porção central do tendão de Aquiles; e o grupo controle (n=4). Após quatro semanas, realizou-se ressonância magnética com técnica de avaliação dinâmica do meio de contraste, seguido de analise histológica dos tendões. Resultados: Houve diferença (p <0,001) do pico máximo de realce de contraste, na DCRM dinâmica do tendão de Aquiles entre os grupos operado e controle, sendo evidenciada maior captação de contraste no grupo operado. À histologia, os tendões operados apresentaram desorganização de sua arquitetura, fibras tendíneas de aspecto desordenado, com neoformação vascular e proliferação de fibroblastos. Conclusão: A DCRM apresentou potencial de demonstrar alterações do padrão de vascularização do tendão de Aquiles no pré e pós-operatório. A DCRM apresenta potencial para ser usada em estudos para controle de tratamento e diagnóstico da tendinose. Nível de evidência II, Estudo Experimental.

Factors associated with changes in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in trauma patients submitted to the "Red Wave", with evolution to rhabdomyolysis / Fatores associados à variação da creatina fosfoquinase (CPK) em pacientes vítimas de trauma, submetidos à "Onda Vermelha", com evolução à rabdomiólise

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and analyze factors associated with plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels in trauma victims with progression to rhabdomyolysis. Methods: we conducted a prospective, longitudinal study, with 50 patients submitted to the "Red Wave" protocol, with evolution to rhabdomyolysis after hospital admission. We studied the variables age, gender, trauma scores, mechanism and outcome, CPK at admission and final, intervals of days between laboratory evaluations, surgery and complications. We stratified CPK values in <500U/L, ≥500 - <1000 U/L, and ≥1000U/L, with calculation of the difference between the initial and final values. Results: at admission, 83% of patients (n=39) had CPK≥1000U/L, with predominance of blunt trauma and thoracic injury (p<0.05), as well as orthopedic fracture, acute renal failure and gastrointestinal bleeding, CPK being lower in those without acute renal injury, with a trend towards statistical significance. There were no differences in final CPK stratification. Factors that were independently associated with the greater CPK variation were, positively, hospitalization time greater than one week and compartment syndrome, and negatively, acute renal injury. Conclusion: the CPK level of 1000U/L remains the lower limit, with importance for early intervention in worsening conditions such as digestive hemorrhage, acute renal injury and compartment syndrome, which implied greater absolute differences between initial and final CPK, in addition to blunt trauma, thoracic injury and orthopedic fracture.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar e analisar fatores associados à variação dos níveis plasmáticos de creatina fosfoquinase (CPK) em vítimas de trauma com evolução à rabdomiólise. Métodos: estudo longitudinal prospectivo, com 50 pacientes que seguiram para o protocolo "Onda Vermelha", com evolução à rabdomiólise, após admissão hospitalar. Foram estudadas as variáveis: idade, sexo, escores, mecanismo e desfecho de trauma, CPK na admissão e final, intervalos de dias entre as avaliações laboratoriais, realização de cirurgia e complicações. Os valores da CPK foram estratificados em <500U/L; ≥500 - <1000 U/L; ≥1000U/L, com cálculo da diferença entre os valores inicial e final. Resultados: à admissão, 83% dos pacientes (n=39) apresentavam CPK≥1000U/L, com predomínio de trauma contuso e lesão torácica (p<0,05), além de fratura ortopédica, lesão renal aguda e hemorragia digestiva, sendo que a CPK era menor naqueles sem lesão renal aguda, com tendência à significância estatística. Não houve diferenças na estratificação por CPK final. Fatores que se revelaram independentemente associados à maior variação da CPK foram, positivamente, o tempo de internação superior a uma semana e síndrome compartimental, e negativamente, lesão renal aguda. Conclusão: como achado, nível de CPK de 1000U/L permanece como limite inferior, com importância à intervenção precoce em condições de agravamento do quadro, como hemorragia digestiva, lesão renal aguda e síndrome compartimental, que implicaram maiores diferenças absolutas entre CPK inicial e final, além do trauma contuso, lesão torácica e fratura ortopédica.

Correlation between the values of circulating blood elements with the size of spleen in the presence of schistosomal splenomegaly

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a possible relationship between the size of the spleen and values of circulating blood elements in patients with schistosomatic splenomegaly. Methods: ixty one patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni underwent a clinical exam and peripheral venous blood was collected for a hemogram. The erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte, and platelet values were determined. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound to measure the spleen. The hematological test results were compared to the size of the spleen. Results: The size of the spleen varied from 14.0 to 28.4 (19.9 ± 3.7) cm according to the ultrasound image. Thrombocytopenia was observed 58 (95%) patients, leukopenia in 55 (90%) patients, and anemia in 32 (52.4%) patients. Leukopenia was proportional to splenomegaly. Conclusion: Schistosomal splenomegaly leads to leukopenia in direct proportion to the size of the spleen.

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cholangiocarcinomas: predictive factors and survival / Expressão do receptor do fator de crescimento epitelial (EGFR) em colangiocarcinomas: fatores preditivos e sobrevida

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the expression of the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) by immunohistochemistry, and to verify its association with prognostic factors and survival of patients operated by cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: we verified the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR in 35 surgical specimens of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We obtained survival curves with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: we found significant EGFR expression in ten (28.6%) of the 35 CCAs, eight with score 3 and two with score 2. Advanced stages (III and IV) presented higher EGFR expression (p=0.07). The clinical characteristics that were most associated with positive EGFR expression were female gender (p=0.06) and absence of comorbidities (p=0.06). Overall survival at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was 100%, 82.5%, 59% and 44.2%, respectively. The survival of EGFR positive patients at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was 100%, 75%, 50% and 0%, whereas for negative EGFR patients it was 100%, 87.5%, 65.6% and 65.6%, respectively. Conclusion: EGFR expression occurred in 28.6% of the cases studied and was associated with lower survival.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a expressão do receptor do fator de crescimento epitelial (EGFR) por meio de imuno-histoquímica, e verificar sua associação com fatores prognósticos e com a sobrevida dos pacientes operados por colangiocarcinoma. Métodos: a expressão imuno-histoquímica de EGFR foi verificada em 35 peças cirúrgicas de colangiocarcinomas (CCA). Curvas de sobrevida foram obtidas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: expressão significativa de EGFR foi encontrada em dez (28,6%) de 35 CCA, oito com escore 3 e dois com escore 2. Estágios avançados (III e IV) apresentaram maior expressão de EGFR (p=0,07). As características clínicas que mais estiveram associadas com a expressão positiva de EGFR foram o sexo feminino (p=0,06) e ausência de comorbidades (p=0,06). A sobrevida global aos 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses foi de 100%, 82,5%, 59% e 44,2%, respectivamente. A sobrevida de pacientes EGFR positivos aos 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses foi de 100%, 75%, 50% e 0%, enquanto que para EGFR negativos foi de 100%, 87,5%, 65,6% e 65,6%, respectivamente. Conclusão: a expressão do EGFR ocorreu em 28,6% dos casos estudados e esteve associada a menor sobrevida.

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cholangiocarcinomas: predictive factors and survival / Expressão do receptor do fator de crescimento epitelial (EGFR) em colangiocarcinomas: fatores preditivos e sobrevida

avaliar a expressão do receptor do fator de crescimento epitelial (EGFR) por meio de imuno-histoquímica, e verificar sua associação com fatores prognósticos e com a sobrevida dos pacientes operados por colangiocarcinoma. Métodos: a expressão imunohistoquímica de EGFR foi verificada em 35 peças cirúrgicas de colangiocarcinomas (CCA). Curvas de sobrevida foram obtidas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: expressão significativa de EGFR foi encontrada em dez (28,6%) de 35 CCA, oito com escore 3 e dois com escore 2. Estágios avançados (III e IV) apresentaram maior expressão de EGFR (p=0,07). As características clínicas que mais estiveram associadas com a expressão positiva de EGFR foram o sexo feminino (p=0,06) e ausência de comorbidades (p=0,06). A sobrevida global aos 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses foi de 100%, 82,5%, 59% e 44,2%, respectivamente. A sobrevida de pacientes EGFR positivos aos 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses foi de 100%, 75%, 50% e 0%, enquanto que para EGFR negativos foi de 100%, 87,5%, 65,6% e 65,6%, respectivamente. Conclusão: a expressão do EGFR ocorreu em 28,6% dos casos estudados e esteve associada a menor sobrevida

Relação entre câncer, alergia e imunomediadores / Relationship between cancer, allergy and immunometers

Introdução: Vários estudos verificaram que pacientes com câncer apresentam menor incidência de alergia, enquanto outros não encontraram tal associação. Esses achados conflitantes decorrem de diferentes métodos utilizados e conceitos para definir alergia. Objetivos: Verificar se existe relação entre câncer e alergia. Métodos: Este estudo caso-controle incluiu pacientes maiores de 18 anos com diagnóstico de câncer, comparados com indivíduos sadios, pareados por sexo e idade. Realizou-se anamnese, testes percutâneos para alergia e dosagem sérica de eosinófilos. Ambos os grupos foram pareados quanto às variáveis de interesse e ajustaram-se eventuais desvios por análise multivariada. Resultados: Relato de alergia ocorreu em 30% dos pacientes no grupo com câncer e em 53% no grupo sem câncer (p = 0,001), já para os testes cutâneos ocorreu maior positividade no grupo com câncer (69%) do que no sem câncer (51%), (p = 0,01). Não houve diferença entre os valores dos eosinófilos. Conclusão: Pessoas com câncer apresentaram menor relato de alergia. Por outro lado, em indivíduos com câncer houve testes cutâneos positivos para alergia sem correspondência clínica. Portanto, em cancerosos, o teste cutâneo positivo para alergia não corresponde à presença de alergia clínica. (AU)

Introduction: Many studies have found patients with cancer present less allergy, while others did not found this association. The conflicting findings from prior studies are due to differences in the research methods, and in definitions of allergy. Objective: To identify a relation between cancer and allergy. Methods: This case-control study included patients older than 18 years of age, who presented a diagnosis of cancer, as compared to healthy individuals, paired by sex and ages. Anamnesis, allergy percutaneous test and a blood sample was collected to evaluate the eosinophils. Both groups were paired according to interest variables, and eventual deviations were adjusted by means of multivariate analysis. Results: Reports of allergies occurred in 30% of the patients with cancer, as compared to 53% in the non-cancer group (p = 0.001), whereas in the cutaneous tests, a greater positivity occurred in the cancer group (69%) than in the non-cancer group (51%), p = 0.01. No difference in the eosinophil values was observed within these groups. Conclusion: Patients with cancer present lower level of allergies. By contrast, in these cases, positive cutaneous tests detected allergies with no correspondence to clinical findings. Therefore, in presence of cancer, the positive cutaneous test for allergies is not related with clinical manifestation of allergy. (AU)

Análise retrospectiva de 103 casos de lesão diafragmática operados em um centro de trauma / Retrospective analysis of 103 diaphragmatic injuries in patients operated in a trauma center

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados ao óbito em pacientes com lesão diafragmática atendidos em hospital de referência para o trauma. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com lesão do diafragma atendidos no Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2014. Foi utilizado o Banco de Registros de Trauma Collector® (MD, USA). Utilizaram-se dados demográficos, localização da lesão diafragmática, lesões associadas de outros órgãos, número de lesões associadas, tipo de abordagem terapêutica, complicações e o escore de gravidade Injury Severity Score (ISS). A variável de interesse foi a ocorrência de óbito. Resultados: foram identificados 103 pacientes e a incidência de óbito foi de 16,5%. Lesões penetrantes ocorreram em 98% dos pacientes. Em análise univariada a mortalidade foi maior em pacientes cujo tratamento foi não operatório, sem rafia (p=0,023), e menor em pacientes submetidos à rafia diafragmática (p<0,001). O aumento do número de lesões associou-se ao aumento da incidência de óbitos (p=0,048). Em análise multivariada, ISS>24 (OR=4,0; p=0,029) e rafia do diafragma (OR=0,76; p<0,001) associaram-se à mortalidade. Conclusão: os achados indicam que a ruptura traumática do diafragma raramente se apresenta como lesão isolada, estando associada frequentemente à lesão de outros órgãos, especialmente fígado e vísceras ocas. Pode-se afirmar que a mortalidade foi mais elevada entre aqueles com ISS>24.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with death in patients with diaphragmatic injury treated at a trauma reference hospital. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of patients with diaphragm injury attended at the Risoleta Tolentino Neves Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, between January 2010 and December 2014. We used The Collector® database of trauma records (MD, USA). We gathered data on demographics, location of the diaphragmatic lesion, site and number of associated lesions, type of therapeutic approach, complications and Injury Severity Score (ISS). The variable of interest was the occurrence of death. Results: we identified 103 patients and mortality was 16.5%. Penetrating lesions occurred in 98% of patients. Univariate analysis showed a mortality higher in patients whose treatment was non-operative, without closing of the defect (p=0.023), and lower in patients submitted to diaphragmatic suturing (p<0.001). The increase in the number of lesions was associated with an increase in mortality (p=0.048). In multivariate analysis, ISS>24 (OR=4.0, p=0.029) and diaphragmatic suturing (OR=0.76, p<0.001) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm rarely presents as an isolated lesion, being frequently associated with injuries of other organs, especially the liver and hollow viscera. Mortality was higher among those with ISS>24.

VIPoma pancreático tratado com pancreatectomia distal e preservação esplênica com ligadura da artéria esplênica / Pancreatic VIPoma treated with distal pancreatectomy and splenic preservation with ligature of splenic artery

O VIPoma é um tumor neuroendócrino de baixa malignidade derivado das células das ilhotas não-beta do pâncreas, apresenta incidência de 1:10.000.000 pessoas na população e sua localização mais comum é no corpo e cauda do pâncreas. Seu tratamento curativo é cirúrgico, sendo geralmente realizada a pancreatectomia distal com esplenectomia. O caso relatado foi o de uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 31 anos, diagnosticada com VIPoma pancreático. O tratamento realizado foi a pancreatectomia distal com preservação esplênica e ligadura da artéria esplênica. A preservação esplênica diminui a morbidade perioperatória, sem prejudicar o resultado oncológico nos tumores de baixo grau de malignidade.

VIPoma is a low grade malignancy neuroendocrine tumor derived from non-beta pancreatic islet cells, it has an incidence of 1:10.000.000 individuals in the general population and its commoner location is in the body and tail of the pancreas. The curative treatment is surgery, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is usually the employed technique. The case reported was of a female patient, 31 years-old, diagnosed with pancreatic VIPoma. The chosen treatment was distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation and ligature of the splenic artery. Splenic preservation reduces the perioperatory morbidity, with no prejudice to the oncologic effect in the low grade malignancy tumors.

Associated factors to empyema in post-traumatic hemotorax / Fatores associados ao empiema em pacientes com hemotórax retido pós-traumático

ABSTRACTObjective:to analyze the associated factors with empyema in patients with post-traumatic retained hemothorax.Methods:prospective observational study. Data were collected in patients undergoing PD during emergency duty. Variables analyzed were age, sex, mechanism of injury, side of the chest injury, intrathoracic complications of RH, laparotomy, specific injuries, rib fractures, trauma scores, days to diagnosis, diagnostic method of RH, primary indication of PD, initial volume drained, length of the first tube removal, surgical procedure. Cumulative incidence of empyema, pneumonia and pulmonary contusion and the proportion of patients with empyema or without empyema in each category of each variable analyzed were obtained.Results: the cumulative incidence of PD among trauma patients was 1.83% and the RH among those with PD was 10.63%. There were 20 cases of empyema (32.8%). Most were male in the age from 20 to 29, victims of injury by firearm on the left side of the thorax. The incidence of empyema in patients with injury by firearms was lower compared to those with stab wound or blunt trauma; higher among those with drained volume between 300 and 599 ml. The median hospital lenght of stay was higher among those with empyema.Conclusion:the incidence of PD was 1.83% and RH was 10.63%, these results are consistent with the low severity of the patients involved in this study and consistent with the literature. The incidence of empyema proved to be negatively associated with the occurrence of injury by firearms and positively associated with a drained volume between 300 and 599 ml, compared with lower or higher volumes.

RESUMOObjetivo:analisar os fatores associados ao empiema em pacientes com hemotórax retido pós-traumático.Métodos:estudo prospectivo observacional. Os dados foram coletados de pacientes submetidos à drenagem pleural de emergência. Foram analisadas: idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, lado da lesão torácica, complicações intratorácicas decorrentes do hemotórax retido, laparotomia, lesões específicas, fratura de arcos costais, índices de trauma, dias até o diagnóstico, método diagnóstico do HR, indicação primária da drenagem pleural, volume inicial drenado, dias de permanência do primeiro dreno, procedimento cirúrgico. Obteve-se a incidencia acumulada de empiema, pneumonia e contusão pulmonar e a incidência de empiema em cada categoria das variaìveis analisadas.Resultados:a incidência acumulada de drenagem pleural por trauma foi 1,83% e a de hemotórax retido entre aqueles com derrame pleural foi de 10,63%. Houve 20 casos de empiema (32,8%). A maioria tinha entre 20 e 29 anos, era do sexo masculino e sofreu ferimento por arma de fogo. A incidência de empiema entre pacientes com ferimento por arma de fogo foi inferior aos demais mecanismos; superior entre aqueles com volume drenado entre 300 e 599 ml. O tempo mediano de permanência hospitalar foi maior nos pacientes com empiema.Conclusão:as incidências de derrame pleural e hemotórax retido entre aqueles com DP nessa amostra de baixa gravidade dos pacientes foram, respectivamente, 1,83% e 10,63%. A incidência de empiema revelou-se negativamente associada à ocorrência de ferimento por arma de fogo e positivamente associada a volume drenado entre 300 e 599 ml, bem como, ao tempo mediano de permanência hospitalar.

Closure of large wounds using rubber bands in rabbits / Fechamento de grandes feridas com fita elástica de borracha em coelhos

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of the rubber elastic band in the treatment of large wounds of the body wall of rabbits by means of traction of its edges. METHODS: we studied 30 New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups (n=10): Group 1- healing by secondary intention; Group 2- removal and eutopic repositioning of skin as full thickness skin graft; Group 3- Approximation of wound edges with elastic rubber band. In all animals, we removed a segment of the back skin and subcutaneous tissue down to the fascia, in accordance with an acrylic mold of 8cm long by 12cm wide. All animals were observed for 21 days. RESULTS: two animals of groups 1 and 2 had wound abscess. In Group 2, there was partial or total graft loss in 90% of animals. The complete closure of the wounds was observed in four animals of Group 1, six of Group 2 and eight of Group 3. There was no difference between the scar resistance values of groups 2 and 3, which were higher than those in Group 1. The scars of the three groups were characterized by the presence of mature connective tissue mixed with blood vessels and inflammatory infiltration, predominantly polymorphonuclear. CONCLUSION: the tensile strength of the wound edges with rubber elastic band is as efficient as the skin graft to treat rabbits' large body wounds.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a eficácia da fita elástica de borracha no tratamento de grandes feridas de parede corpórea de coelhos por meio da tração de suas bordas. MÉTODOS: foram estudados 30 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, distribuídos em três grupos (n=10): Grupo 1. Cicatrização por segunda intenção. Grupo 2. Retirada e reposicionamento eutópico da pele como enxerto de pele total. Grupo 3. Aproximação das bordas da ferida com fita elástica de borracha. Em todos os animais, foi retirado segmento de pele e tecido subcutâneo até a fáscia musculoaponeurótica do dorso, de acordo com um molde de acrílico, com 12cm de comprimento por 8cm de largura. Todos os animais foram acompanhados durante 21 dias. RESULTADOS: dois animais dos grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram abscesso na ferida. No Grupo 2, houve perda parcial ou total do enxerto em 90% dos animais. O fechamento completo das feridas foi observado em quatro animais do Grupo 1, seis do Grupo 2 e oito do Grupo 3. Não houve diferença entre os valores de resistência cicatricial dos grupos 2 e 3, que foram maiores do que os do Grupo 1. As cicatrizes dos três grupos caracterizaram-se pela presença de tecido conjuntivo maduro entremeado por vasos sanguíneos e infiltrado inflamatório, predominantemente polimorfonuclear. CONCLUSÃO: a tração das bordas da ferida com fita elástica de borracha constitui método tão eficaz quanto o enxerto de pele para tratar grandes feridas de parede corpórea de coelhos.

Reoperação para tratamento de cisto de colédoco no adulto / Reoperation for the treatment of choledochal cyst in adults

Cisto do colédoco refere-se à dilatação congênita da via biliar principal, associada ou não à de ductos intra-hepáticos segmentares. Relata-se o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 40 anos, com diagnóstico de cisto do colédoco, que aos 17 anos havia sido submetida a tratamento cirúrgico. Evoluiu com colangite de repetição e icterícia obstrutiva. Os exames por imagem revelaram dilatação das vias biliares intra-hepáticas, principalmente à esquerda, hepatolitíase e grande lesão cística no pedículo hepático. Durante a laparotomia evidenciou-se que o tratamento prévio havia sido colecistectomia e drenagem do cisto por meio de cistojejunostomia em Y de Roux, o qual estava obstruído. O tratamento consistiu em resseção do cisto do colédoco, hepatectomia dos segmentos 2 e 3 e confecção de hepaticojejunostomia em Y de Roux. A paciente encontra-se no quarto ano de acompanhamento ambulatorial, sem intercorrências. Em função da sua associação com o câncer, recomenda se que o tratamento do cisto de colédoco seja a ressecção e não apenas a drenagem.

Choledochal cyst refers to congenital dilatation of the main biliary route associated or not with the segmental intrahepatic ducts. We report the case of a female patient, 40 years old, with the diagnosis of choledochal cyst, who at 17 years of age had undergone surgical treatment. She evolved with cholangitis of repetition and obstructive jaundice. The imaging exams showed dilation of the biliary intra-hepatic routes, mainly on the left, hepatolithiasis, and a large cystic lesion in the liver pedicle. The laparotomy evidenced that the previous treatment had been a cholecystectomy and cyst draining through Roux cystojejunostomy in Y, which was blocked. The treatment consisted of resection of the choledochal cyst, hepatectomy of the 2 and 3 segments, and Roux hepaticojejunostomy in Y. The patient is in the fourth year of outpatient follow-up with no complications. On the basis of its association with cancer, resection and not just draining is the recommended treatment of choledochal cyst.

Haematological and biochemical characteristics of the splenic effluent blood in schistosomal patients undergoing splenectomy / Características hematológica e bioquímica do sangue efluente esplênico em pacientes esquistossomáticos submetidos à esplenectomia

OBJECTIVE: To assess hematological and biochemical features of splenic effluent blood and their influence on the rise of hematological values after splenectomy. METHODS: we studied 20 patients undergoing surgical treatment for schistosomatic portal hypertension. We collected blood samples for CBC, coagulation, bilirubin and albumin in the splenic vein (perioperative) and peripheral blood (immediately pre and postoperative periods). RESULTS: the splenic blood showed higher values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, as well as reduction of laboratory coagulation parameters in relation to peripheral blood collected preoperatively. In the postoperative peripheral blood there was an increase in the overall leukocytes and in their neutrophil component, and decreased levels of basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The other postoperative variables of complete blood count and coagulation tests were not different compared with the splenic blood. The albumin values were lower postoperatively when compared to preoperative and splenic blood. There were higher values of direct bilirubin in the postoperative period when compared with the preoperative and splenic blood. Postoperative indirect bilirubin was lower compared to its value in the splenic blood. CONCLUSION: hematological and biochemical values of splenic effluent blood are higher than those found in peripheral blood in the presence of schistosomal splenomegaly. However, the splenic blood effluent is not sufficient to raise the blood levels found after splenectomy. .

OBJETIVO: verificar valores hematológicos e bioquímicos do sangue efluído do baço e avaliar a sua influência na elevação dos valores hematológicos após esplenectomia. MÉTODOS: foram estudados 20 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico para hipertensão porta esquistossomática. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas para hemograma, coagulograma, bilirrubinas e albumina na veia esplênica (peroperatório) e no sangue periférico (pré e pós-operatórios imediatos). RESULTADOS: o sangue esplênico apresentou valores maiores de: hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito, contagem de plaquetas, global de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos e basófilos, bem como redução dos parâmetros laboratoriais da coagulação em relação ao sangue periférico colhido no pré-operatório. No sangue periférico pós-operatório, houve aumento do global de leucócitos e de seu componente neutrofílico, além de redução dos valores de basófilos, eosinófilos e linfócitos. As demais variáveis do hemograma e do coagulograma pós-operatórios não foram diferentes na comparação com o sangue esplênico. Os valores da albumina foram menores no pós-operatório em relação ao pré-operatório e sangue esplênico. Houve valores maiores para a bilirrubina direta pós-operatória em relação à pré-operatória e à do sangue esplênico. A bilirrubina indireta pós-operatória foi menor em relação ao seu valor no sangue esplênico. . CONCLUSÃO: os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos do sangue efluído do baço são superiores aos encontrados no sangue periférico ...

Papillary neoplasias of the biliary tract / Neoplasias papilíferas do trato biliar

The authors conducted a revisional study of intraepithelial papillary lesions of the bile ducts, characterized by being a kind of rare, intraductal growing cholangiocarcinoma. Articles published in the last 10 years were reviewed. The authors considered that the adenoma-carcinoma development is an important feature to warrant prophylactic measures through excisions. The histological type and biomolecular behavior may have relevance in the postoperative course of such lesions, which have a better prognosis when compared with other histological types. .

Os autores fizeram um estudo revisional sobre as lesões intraepiteliais papilíferas em ductos biliares, caracterizadas por serem um tipo de colangiocarcinoma raro, de crescimento intraductal. Foram revisados os artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Os autores consideraram que a evolução adenoma-carcinoma é uma característica importante para se adotar medidas profiláticas por meio de ressecções. O tipo histológico e comportamento biomolecular podem ter relevância na evolução pós-operatória destas afecções que apresentam melhor prognóstico quando comparadas aos outros tipos histológicos.