Endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration in chronic pancreatitis: differential diagnosis between pseudotumoral masses and pancreatic cancer.

CONTEXT: Pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to differentiate from pancreatic carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration in differentiating between inflammatory masses and malignancies in chronic pancreatitis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care endoscopy unit. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Between February 1997 and December 2006, 69 pancreatic head masses from patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis underwent EUS-FNA using a linear echoendoscope and 22-gauge needles. Final diagnoses were obtained from surgery or clinical follow-up. The patients were subdivided into two groups: pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: Pseudotumoral masses and adenocarcinoma were found in 58 and 11 patients, respectively. The size of the lesions and the clinical presentation were similar in both groups, but the cancer patients were older than the patients with pseudotumoral masses (P=0.020). Fourteen of the 58 (24.1%) pseudotumoral masses were misdiagnosed as cancers, and 4 of the 11 (36.4%) cancers were erroneously diagnosed as pseudotumoral masses when evaluated by EUS alone. EUS-FNA confirmed the final diagnosis in 66 of the 69 (95.7%) cases. Cytopathology correctly classified 8 of the 11 (72.7%) malignancies and all benign cases. Three of the 11 (27.3%) cancers were misdiagnosed as pseudotumoral masses, and no pseudotumoral mass was diagnosed as a cancer. In two cases, the specimens were inadequate for cytopathological assessment. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA were 72.7%, 100%, 100%, 95.1% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound alone for differentiating between pseudotumoral masses and pancreatic cancer arising from chronic pancreatitis is unsatisfactory. Fine needle aspiration of these tumors significantly improves diagnostic capability.

The cytoprotective effect of a nitric oxide donor drug on gastric mucous membrane of rats treated with ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered today a very important group of medication, with a wide variety of therapeutic use, in different areas of modern medicine. Despite their beneficial effects on the patient, these drugs show a high incidence of side effects, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. The physiopathological mechanisms of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induced lesions and the gastric mucosa defense mechanism became an important source for medical research, especially those which try to evaluate the role of nitric oxide as a cytoprotective agent. AIM: To define a possible cytoprotective effect of a nitric oxide donor, isosorbide dinitrate, on the gastric mucous of rats submitted to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ketoprofen treatment. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats, previously submitted to starvation for 24 hours and divided in three groups: group I (standard): animals that received isotonic saline solution intragastric by gavage and intravenous. Group II (control-ketoprofen): animals that received isotonic saline solution intragastric by gavage and ketoprofen intravenous. Group III (nitrate/ketoprofen): animals that received 2mM solution of isosorbide dinitrate intragastric by gavage and ketoprofen intravenous. Later on, these animals were sacrificed and had their stomach removed and submitted to macroscopical, microscopical and biochemical studies. The evaluated parameters were: a) gastric lesion index; b) gastric mucous layer thickness; c) gastric tissue nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentration and d) gastric tissue malondialdehyde concentration. RESULTS: a) Gastric lesion index evaluation showed a smaller statistically significant incidence on the animals of group III; b) group III showed a thicker mucous layer, which also was statistically significant, when compared to group II; c) the variation on tissue nitrate/nitrite concentration was similar in all three groups, without statistical significance when compared to each other. CONCLUSION: Isosorbide dinitrate has a cytoprotective activity on the gastric mucosa of rats submitted to ketoprofen action.

Anorectal manometry in children with chronic functional constipation.

BACKGROUND: The anorectal manometry is a very utilized and well recognized examination in children with chronic functional constipation. The major manometric findings in these children are: anal hypotonia, anal hypertonia, paradoxal contraction of the external anal sphincter, decreased ability of internal anal sphincter to relax during rectal distension and alterations in rectal contractility, sensibility and compliance. AIMS: To evaluate the anal basal pressure and the relaxation reflex before and after standard treatment for a better understanding of the physiopathologic mechanisms involved in pediatric chronic functional constipation. METHODS: Anorectal manometry was performed before treatment on 20 children with chronic functional constipation aged 4 to 12 years and the results were compared to those obtained after standard treatment, with a good outcome. RESULTS: There was a reduction in anal basal pressure after treatment, but no differences were detected between the anorectal manometries performed before and after treatment in terms of amplitude and duration of relaxation, residual pressure, latency time, or descent and ascent angle. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the anal basal pressure decreased in children recovering from chronic functional constipation, but the standard treatment did not provide all the conditions necessary for the relaxation reflex of constipated children to return to the values described in normal children.

Viability of a 12-ring complete tracheal segment transferred in the form of a compound flap: an experimental study in dogs.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of an ideal substitute for the injured tracheal tissues. Autologous or homologous grafts and prostheses are inadequate because of their unreliable and nonviable nature for the reconstruction of a complete tracheal segment (CTS). OBJECTIVE: We studied the viability of a 12-ring CTS transferred in the form of a compound flap from the sternohyoid muscle (SM) for tracheal reconstruction. METHODS: Sixteen mongrel dogs of both sexes were divided into two groups of eight dogs each. In group I (control), a 12-ring CTS was removed and then reimplanted as an autograft. In group II, an SM flap was used to envelop four rings of the CTS to produce a compound CTS flap neovascularized by the SM (CTSNV). After 21 days, a 12-ring CTSNV, consisting of the four rings previously covered with SM, four rings above, and four rings below (without muscle covering), was sectioned and completely separated from the trachea. The CTS was then reimplanted at its original site, with the SM being the only vascular supply pedicle for the flap. RESULTS: The results were evaluated clinically and by macroscopic and microscopic examination of the surgical specimens. All the animals in group I (control) died or were killed by the first or second week because of necrosis and stenosis of the CTS graft. In group II, all animals were killed after 77 days of follow-up without showing any alteration in the CTSNV. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a compound 12-ring CTSNV flap remains viable and can be mobilized from the trachea without the risk of necrosis or stenosis.

Functional evaluation of temporary focal cerebral ischemia: experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: Despite cerebral ischemia being a frequent clinical pathologic state, the tolerance of neural tissue to oxygen absence and to reperfusion is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effects of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, by analyzing the mitochondrial respiration. METHOD: Sixty-four adult rats underwent focal cerebral ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion, during 15, 30 and 60 minutes, followed by 10 minutes or 19 hours of reperfusion. The effects of ischemia were analyzed measuring the O2 consumption by mitochondria in the ischemic and non-ischemic areas. RESULTS: There was compromise of the mitochondrial respiration after 30 and 60 minutes of ischemia, followed by 10 minutes of reperfusion but there was no alteration in this function after 19 hours of reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Compromise of the mitochondrial function occurred after 30 minutes of ischemia but, until one hour of ischemia, if the reperfusion was prolonged there was no evidence of ischemic/reperfusion injuries.

[Clinical presentation of children with celiac disease attended at a Brazilian specialized university service, over two periods of time]. / Apresentação clínica de doença celíaca em crianças durante dois períodos, em serviço universitário especializado.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated changes in the forms of clinical presentation of celiac disease in children and adults, with an increased occurrence of atypical forms. AIM: To determine this fact in Clinical Hospital, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Celiac patients were studied over two different periods of time, from January 1978 to December 1987 (group 1 = G1) and from January 1988 to December 1997 (group 2 = G2). Time of disease, age at diagnosis and nutritional status and clinical forms were investigated. The typical form was considered to be present if the patient had at least two of the following signs/symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal distention, and weight loss, associated or not with others. RESULTS: Clinical forms (%) - G1: typical 57.14 and atypical 42.85. G2: typical 55.18 and atypical 44.82. Median age at diagnosis: 23 months (G1) and 21 months (G2). Interval between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis: 13 months (G1) and 11 months (G2). Gomez nutritional status G1: Eutrophy = 23.8, DI = 47.61, DII = 23.8 and DIII = 4.76. G2: Eutrophy = 20.68, DI = 48.27, DII = 27.58 and DIII = 3.44. Waterloo G1: Eutrophy = 23.8, Wasting = 14.28, Stunting = 28.57 and Chronic = 33.33. G2: Eutrophy = 20.68, Wasting = 13.79, Stunting = 34.48 and Chronic = 31.03. No statistically significant differences occurred between the groups for any of these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: No change in the forms of presentation or remaining clinical characteristics of celiac disease occurred in our service. This may be due to the population characteristics or to differences among health services, or to different periods of observation.

Correlation between oxygen consumption calculated using Fick's method and measured with indirect calorimetry in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the oxygen consumption index measured by using indirect calorimetry (VO2I Delta) with a portable metabolic cart and calculated according to Fick's principle (VO2 I Fick) in critically ill patients. METHODS: Fourteen patients (10 men and 4 women, mean age 39.4 +/- 5.4 years) were analyzed, 5 of them trauma victims and 9 sepsis victims. The following mean scores were obtained for these patients: APACHE II = 21.3+/-1.8, ISS = 24.8+/-6, and sepsis score = 19.6+/-2.3. The mortality risk (odds ratio), calculated from APACHE II, was 41.9+/-7.1%. All patients underwent mechanical ventilation and invasive hemodynamic monitoring with a Swan-Ganz catheter. VO2 was obtained using the 2 methods (VO2I Delta and VO2I Fick) at 4 different times (T1-T4). RESULTS: A good correlation was found between the 2 methods (r=0.77) for the mean of the 4 serial measurements. No statistically significant differences were observed between indirect calorimetry and Fick's equation at T1 (VO2I Delta = 138+/-28 and VO2I Fick = 59+/-38 mL.min-2.m-2, P=0.10) and T3 (VO2I Delta = 144+/-26 and VO2I Fick = 158+/-35 mL.min-2.m-2, P=0.14), but a significant difference was observed at T2 (VO2I Delta = 141+/-27 and VO2I Fick = 155+/-26 mL.min-2.m-2, P=0.03) and T4 (VO2I Delta = 145+/-24 and VO2I Fick = 162+/-26 mL.min-2.m-2, P=0.01). CONCLUSION: We may state that indirect calorimetry can be used for oxygen consumption analysis in critically ill patients and is as efficient as Fick's reverse equation, with the benefit of being a noninvasive and risk-free procedure.

Indirect calorimetry can be used to measure cardiac output in septic patients?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare two different cardiac output (CO) monitoring systems based on the thermodilution principle (Thermo-CO) and indirect calorimetry (Fick mixed-CO) in septic patients. METHODS: Prospective study in septic patients admitted in an intensive care unit of a university hospital. Nineteen patients aged on average 45.4 +/- 21.5 years were enrolled in the study. Four series of hourly measurements by the two techniques were carried out simultaneously. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between Thermo-CO and Fick mixed-CO (7.0 +/- 1.8 L.min-1 and 6.4 +/- 1.7 L.min-1.). Parallel analysis of Fick mixed-CO and Fick atrial-CO was performed introducing a correction factor for the eight atrial samples in order to adjust the values of oxygen saturation obtained from atrial blood (Fick corrected atrial-CO) to those obtained from mixed venous blood. No significant differences could be detected between Fick mixed-CO and Fick corrected atrial-CO. The correlation coefficients of Thermo CO/Fick mixed-CO and Fick mixed-CO/Fick corrected atrial-CO were 0.84 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed that the agreement between the two methods was satisfactory on the basis of the decisions made for treatment. Indirect calorimetry is useful to measure CO in patients with septic shock.

Effect of thalidomide on the healing of colonic anastomosis, in rats.

PURPOSE: Thalidomide, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, as re-emerged as an option for the treatment of Crohn's disease refractory to standard therapy. We studied the effect of thalidomide on the healing of colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty male rats (Rattus norvegicus), were divided into 3 groups of 20 animals each, respectively receiving 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg thalidomide by the oral route for 7 days, or saline solution (control). All animals were submitted to continuous end-to-end anastomosis with 6-0 Prolene sutures. After sacrifice the anastomoses were analyzed macroscopically and submitted to determination of hydroxyproline, to histology and to immunohistochemistry for metalloproteinase 1, metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference in macroscopic aspect or hydroxyproline determination (p= 0.5403). In the immunohistochemical analysis, the following p values were obtained: p = 0.5817 for VEGF, p = 0.1854 for metalloproteinase 1, and p = 0.0023 for metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor, with this last value being considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that thalidomide influenced collagen maturation. There was a stronger action of metalloproteinases, possibly indicating a negative tendency for the healing process.

Lipid peroxidation and urinary excretion of vitamin E in rats submitted to an immunological inflammatory process.

Inflammation is a protective physiologic response, generally controlled by the organism at the injury site. Vitamin E is the most important antioxidant in the lipid phase present in nature and acts by interrupting the chain reaction produced by free radicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inflammation on vitamin E levels and lipid peroxidation in rats. Forty Wistar rats (four groups of 10 rats each) were studied over a period of 15 days. Two substances inducing the inflammatory process were parenterally administered, anti-rat basement membrane serum (ABMG) and Freund's complete adjuvant (FAG). Lipid peroxidation levels in hepatic and renal tissue and in plasma and urine were analyzed and compared with the control (CG). Vitamin E was determined by HPLC and lipid peroxidation by quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). ABMG produced more (p < 0.05) TBARS in renal and hepatic tissues (0.7 +/- 0.11 and 1.28 +/- 0.27 nmol/g protein, respectively) compared to CG (0.65 +/- 0.81 and 0.69 +/- 0.13 nmol/g protein). Analysis of TBARS in urine did not show statistically significant differences between the experimental groups and the control. Vitamin E levels in the hepatic tissue of ABMG and FAG (40.7 +/- 10.04 and 44.26 +/- 20.24 micrograms/g tissue) were higher than in CG (22.37 +/- 8.20 micrograms/g tissue) while in kidney tissue and plasma these values were lower (P < 0.05). Renal excretion was increased (P < 0.05) in the group that received anti-rat basement membrane serum (22.39 +/- 0.11 mmol/mL) compared to CG (0.56 +/- 0.056 mmol/mL). We conclude that the acute inflammatory process causes important alterations in the metabolism of vitamin E and lipid peroxidation leading to a significantly increased excretion of this vitamin in the urine.

Indirect calorimetry can be used to measure cardiac output in septic patients? / A calorimetria indireta pode ser utilizada para medir o débito cardíaco em pacientes sépticos?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare two different cardiac output (CO) monitoring systems based on the thermodilution principle (Thermo-CO) and indirect calorimetry (Fick mixed-CO) in septic patients. METHODS: Prospective study in septic patients admitted in an intensive care unit of a university hospital. Nineteen patients aged on average 45.4 ± 21.5 years were enrolled in the study. Four series of hourly measurements by the two techniques were carried out simultaneously. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between Thermo-CO and Fick mixed-CO (7.0 ± 1.8 L.min-1 and 6.4 ± 1.7 L.min-1.). Parallel analysis of Fick mixed-CO and Fick atrial-CO was performed introducing a correction factor for the eight atrial samples in order to adjust the values of oxygen saturation obtained from atrial blood (Fick corrected atrial-CO) to those obtained from mixed venous blood. No significant differences could be detected between Fick mixed-CO and Fick corrected atrial-CO. The correlation coefficients of Thermo CO/Fick mixed-CO and Fick mixed-CO/Fick corrected atrial-CO were 0.84 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed that the agreement between the two methods was satisfactory on the basis of the decisions made for treatment. Indirect calorimetry is useful to measure CO in patients with septic shock.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as medidas do débito cardíaco (DC) obtidas pela termodiluição (DC-termo) e pela calorimetria indireta (DC-Fick misto) em pacientes com choque séptico. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo em pacientes sépticos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário. Foram estudados 19 pacientes (45,4 ± 21,5 anos). Foram realizadas quatro séries de medidas do DC pelos dois métodos, simultaneamente. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores do DC-termo e DC-Fick misto (7,0 ± 1,8 L.min-1 e 6,4 ± 1,7 L.min-1, respectivamente). Na avaliação dos oito casos (DC-Fick misto/DC Fick atrial), introduziu-se um fator de correção para aproximar os valores do conteúdo de O2 atrial (DC-Fick atrial corrigido) com o venoso misto. Não houve diferença significativa do DC-Fick misto e DC-Fick atrial corrigido nos 4 tempos. A correlação foi de 0.84 para o DC-termo/DC-Fick misto e de 0.94 para o DC-Fick misto/DC-Fick atrial corrigido. CONCLUSÃO: A calorimetria indireta é um bom método para a medida do DC em pacientes vítimas de choque séptico, sobretudo nos casos onde a monitorização hemodinâmica invasiva não está disponível ou está contra indicada.

Effect of thalidomide on the healing of colonic anastomosis, in rats / Efeito da talidomida na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas em ratos

PURPOSE: Thalidomide, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, as re-emerged as an option for the treatment of Crohn's disease refractory to standard therapy. We studied the effect of thalidomide on the healing of colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty male rats (Rattus norvegicus), were divided into 3 groups of 20 animals each, respectively receiving 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg thalidomide by the oral route for 7 days, or saline solution (control). All animals were submitted to continuous end-to-end anastomosis with 6-0 Prolene sutures. After sacrifice the anastomoses were analyzed macroscopically and submitted to determination of hydroxyproline, to histology and to immunohistochemistry for metalloproteinase 1, metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference in macroscopic aspect or hydroxyproline determination (p= 0.5403). In the immunohistochemical analysis, the following p values were obtained: p = 0.5817 for VEGF, p = 0.1854 for metalloproteinase 1, and p = 0.0023 for metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor, with this last value being considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that thalidomide influenced collagen maturation. There was a stronger action of metalloproteinases, possibly indicating a negative tendency for the healing process.

OBJETIVO: Sabe-se que agentes farmacológicos podem influenciar no processo de cicatrização. A talidomida, devido às suas propriedades antiinflamatórias, tem ressurgido como uma opção no tratamento da doença de Crõhn refratária à terapêutica convencional. Neste trabalho, estudamos o efeito da talidomida na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas no rato. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 60 animais Rattus norvegius, com peso médio de 300g. Organizou-se 3 grupos de 20 animais, sendo um grupo controle (AC), um grupo (BD), com administração de talidomida 0,5 mg/kg por 7 dias e um grupo (AD) com administração de talidomida 1,0 mg/kg por 7 dias. Foi realizada anastomose término-terminal contínua de prolene 6-0. O sacrifício foi no 7º. dia pós operatório e as anastomoses foram analisadas quanto a aspecto macroscópico, dosagem de hidroxiprolina, histologia em hematoxilina-eosina e imuno-histoquímica para metaloproteinase 1, inibidor de metaloproteinase 1 e VEGF. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para a observação macroscópica e para dosagem de hidroxiprolina (p=0,5403). Na análise imunohistoquímica, para VEGF houve p=0,5817, para metaloproteinase 1, p=0,1854 e para inibidor de metaloproteinase, p=0,0023, considerado estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que a talidomida influenciou na maturação do colágeno. Notou-se maior ação das metaloproteinases, que pode significar uma tendência negativa para o processo cicatricial.

Efeito da drenagem abdominal na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas: estudo experimental em ratos / The role of abdominal drain on colonic anastomosis healing: an experimental study in rats

A deiscência de anastomose é uma complicação importante nas cirurgias do aparelho digestivo. Vários fatores podem prejudicar o processo de cicatrização, entre eles, a presença de drenos na cavidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a interferência da drenagem abdominal na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas, em ratos. Quarenta ratos que foram distribuídos em 4 grupos, sendo submetidos à ressecção de segmento do colón, com anastomose local. Um grupo foi controle e nos demais foram colocados drenos de Látex, PVC e Silicone, respectivamente. O sacrifício ocorreu após 1 semana, quando foram avaliados os aspectos da cavidade abdominal (peritonite, aderências, deiscências e abscessos), a histologia e bioquímica (hidroxiprolina). No total, foram analisados, individualmente, 18 critérios: 4 macroscópicos, 13 microscópicos e 1 bioquímico. O grupo látex apresentou uma discrepância negativa em relação aos outros grupos. O grupo Controle (sem dreno) apresentou cicatrização positiva em relação aos outros grupos. Com base nos resultados, concluímos que a utilização de drenos (independente do material) seria um fator negativo para a cicatrização da anastomose. Entre os drenos, os de Látex interferiram negativamente na cicatrização quando comparado com os drenos de outros materiais.

Anastomosis dehiscence is a main complication of the gastrointestinal surgical procedures. Different factors might influence the healing process, including the presence of an abdominal drain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of different abdominal drains, on the colonic anastomosis healing, in rats. Forty rats, all submitted to a colonic resection followed by a local anastomosis, were divided into 4 groups. Group I was the control. Groups II, III and IV received and abdominal drain constituted of latex, PVC or silicone, respectively. One week after, animals were killed and had their abdominal cavity inspected macroscopically (peritonitis, adhesions, dehiscence, and abscesses). The anastomotic regions were submitted to histological and biochemical evaluations. In total, 4 macroscopic, 13 histological and 1 biochemical criteria were evaluated and some of them did not show statistical differences between groups. Group II showed a negative outcome in comparison to the others. Control groups had a positive healing condition in comparison to the others. In conclusion, the abdominal drain, independently of the constituting material, is a negative factor which interferes with anastomosis healing, compared to controls. The latex drain showed the worse effect on healing, when compared to other drains.

The cytoprotective effect of a nitric oxide donor drug on gastric mucous membrane of rats treated with ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug / Efeito citoprotetor de uma droga doadora de óxido nítrico na membrana da mucosa gástrica de ratos tratados com o antiinflamatório não-esteróide - o cetoprofeno

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered today a very important group of medication, with a wide variety of therapeutic use, in different areas of modern medicine. Despite their beneficial effects on the patient, these drugs show a high incidence of side effects, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. The physiopathological mechanisms of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induced lesions and the gastric mucosa defense mechanism became an important source for medical research, especially those which try to evaluate the role of nitric oxide as a cytoprotective agent. AIM: To define a possible cytoprotective effect of a nitric oxide donor, isosorbide dinitrate, on the gastric mucous of rats submitted to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ketoprofen treatment. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats, previously submitted to starvation for 24 hours and divided in three groups: group I (standard): animals that received isotonic saline solution intragastric by gavage and intravenous. Group II (control-ketoprofen): animals that received isotonic saline solution intragastric by gavage and ketoprofen intravenous. Group III (nitrate/ketoprofen): animals that received 2mM solution of isosorbide dinitrate intragastric by gavage and ketoprofen intravenous. Later on, these animals were sacrificed and had their stomach removed and submitted to macroscopical, microscopical and biochemical studies. The evaluated parameters were: a) gastric lesion index; b) gastric mucous layer thickness; c) gastric tissue nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentration and d) gastric tissue malondialdehyde concentration. RESULTS: a) Gastric lesion index evaluation showed a smaller statistically significant incidence on the animals of group III; b) group III showed a thicker mucous layer, which also was statistically significant, when compared to group II; c) the variation on tissue nitrate/nitrite concentration was similar in all three groups, without statistical significance when compared...

RACIONAL: Drogas antiinflamatórias não-esteróides são consideradas, atualmente, importante grupo de medicamentos, com ampla variedade de uso terapêutico, em diferentes áreas da medicina moderna. Apesar de seus efeitos benéficos para o paciente, apresentam grande incidência de efeitos colaterais, principalmente no trato gastrointestinal. Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos de lesões induzidas por essas drogas e os mecanismos de defesa da mucosa gástrica tornaram-se uma importante linha de pesquisa médica, especialmente procurando avaliar o papel de óxido nítrico como agente citoprotetor. OBJETIVO: Estudar uma droga doadora de ácido nítrico - o dinitrato de isossorbida - e sua ação citoprotetora da mucosa gástrica de ratos submetidos ao tratamento com uma droga antiinflamatória - o cetoprofeno. MÉTODOS: Ratos machos adultos previamente submetidos a jejum de 24 horas, foram divididos em três grupos: a) grupo I (controle): animais, que receberam apenas solução salina isotônica via intragástrica, por gavagem e via endovenosa; b) grupo II (cetoprofeno-controle): animais que receberam solução salina via intragástrica por gavagem e cetoprofeno via endovenosa, e c) grupo III (nitrato/cetoprofeno): animais que receberam solução de 2 mM de dinitrato de isossorbida a via intragástrica por gavagem e cetoprofeno via endovenosa. Esses grupos foram, posteriormente, submetidos a exames macroscópico, microscópico e bioquímico, avaliando-se os seguintes parâmetros: a) determinação do índice de lesão gástrica; b) determinação da espessura da camada do muco secretor; c) determinação da concentração de ácido nítrico x tecidual, e d) determinação da concentração do malondialdeído tecidual. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se menor índice de lesão gástrica nos animais do grupo III (nitrato), assim como maior espessura da camada do muco secretor nos animais deste grupo, do que nos animais do grupo II (cetoprofeno). A variação da concentração do ácido nítrico x tecidual foi semelhante nos três grupos. A taxa...

Lordose lombar: estudo dos valores angulares e da participação dos corpos vertebrais e discos intervertebrais / Lumbar lordosis: a study of angle values and of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs role

Foi estudado, em indivíduos normais, o valor angular da lordose lombar e a participação dos corpos vertebrais e discos intervertebrais na sua composição. Foram avaliadas as radiografias da coluna lombar de 350 indivíduos normais e assintomáticos com a idade variando de 18 a 50 anos (média 29,0 anos ± 8,24), sendo 143 homens e 207 mulheres. Foram medidas a curvatura lombossacra (L1S1) e a curvatura lombolombar (L1L5). As medidas das curvaturas lombares e dos seus componentes apresentaram grande variabilidade. Foram observados valores médios de -61° para a curvatura lombossacra e de -45° para a curvatura lombolombar. As medidas dos corpos vertebrais apresentaram valores cifóticos para L1, neutros para L2, e progressivamente lordóticos de L3 a L5. Os discos intervertebrais apresentaram angulação lordótica progressiva desde L1-L2. Os elementos caudais da curvatura, discos intervertebrais L4-L5 e L5-S1 e o corpo vertebral L5 corresponderam a quase 60 por cento medida angular da curvatura lombossacra. Foi observada diferença significante entre os sexos masculino e feminino para as medidas das curvaturas lombares, e dos corpos vertebrais L2 e L4, tendo sido observados valores maiores no sexo feminino. Foram observadas diferenças relacionadas à idade na medida das curvaturas lombares e dos corpos vertebrais.

The angular value of lumbar lordosis and the role of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs in its constitution were studied in normal individuals. X-Ray images of lumbar spine were studied in 350 normal and asymptomatic individuals, ages ranging from 18 to 50 years old (average 29.0 years old ± 8.24), being 143 males and 207 females. The lumbosacral (L1S1) and the lumbolumbar (L1L5) curves were measured. Measurements for lumbar curves and their components presented a large variation. Average values of -61° were seen for lumbosacral curve and of -45° for lumbolumbar curve. Vertebral bodies measurements presented kyphotic values for L1, neutral for L2, and progressively lordotic for L3 - L5. Intervertebral discs presented a progressive lordotic angulation from L1-L2. Caudal elements of curvature, intervertebral discs L4-L5 and L5-S1 and the vertebral body L5 accounted for nearly 60 percent of the angular measurement of lumbosacral curvature. A significant difference was seen between males and females for lumbar curvature measurements, and for vertebral bodies L2 and L4, with females presenting higher values. Age-related differences were found in lumbar curvature and vertebral bodies measurements.

Efeito da desnutrição na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas: estudo experimental em ratos / Effects of malnutrition on colonic anastomosis healing: an experimental study in rats

A deiscência de anastomose é uma das mais graves complicações advindas de operações do tubo gastrintestinal. Algumas condições gerais podem prejudicar o processo de cicatrização, tais como: desnutrição e hipoalbuminemia. Este estudo experimental teve como objetivo avaliar a cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas na vigência de desnutrição protéico-calórica e hipoalbuminemia. Dividimos os animais em dois grupos, sendo um deles o controle e o outro desnutrido (ingestão diária de metade da ração do grupo controle por vinte dias). O peso corporal, a albumina sérica, a evolução clínica, a cavidade abdominal, os aspectos macro e microscópicos da anastomose, a esteatose hepática e a concentração tecidual de hidroxiprolina foram observadas em cada animal. Pudemos notar que o método utilizado para desnutrir os animais mostrou-se eficaz, uma vez que houve redução significativa do peso do grupo experimental. Observamos que o grupo desnutrido apresentou dados necroscópicos de pior prognóstico e mortalidade superior ao grupo controle. Concluímos que a desnutrição influencia negativamente na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas e aumenta significativamente a mortalidade.

Dehiscence of colonic anastomosis is one of the most severe complications after gastrointestinal surgery. The intestinal anastomosis healing complication is associated to several factors like malnutrition and hypoalbuminemia. This is an experimental study that aimed to evaluate the colonic anastomosis healing in malnutrition and hypoalbuminemia conditions. Animals were separated in two experimental groups: control and submitted to malnutrition (daily food intake as half of the control group per 20 days). Body weight, clinical outcome, serum albumin, abdominal cavity aspects, gross and microscopic aspects of the anastomosis, hepatic steatosis and tissue hydroxyproline dosage were compared between groups. Our results show that malnutrition development was efficient since a significant loss of body weight was observed in the experimental group. The malnutrition group of rats presented pathologic data all suggestive of lower prognostic and higher mortality rate. In conclusion, malnutrition interferes with the normal colonic anastomosis healing and increases the mortality rate.

Efeito da anemia aguda na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas: estudo experimental em ratos / Effect of the acute anemia in the healing of colonic anastomoses: experimental study in rats

Existem vários fatores, tanto locais como sistêmicos, que interferem na ocorrência das deiscências de anastomoses colônicas, como a vascularização da anastomose, técnica cirúrgica utilizada, uso de agentes farmacológicos e condições gerais do paciente,incluindo a anemia aguda. Esse estudo experimental teve como objetivo a avaliação da cicatrização da anastomose colônica em ratos na vigência de anemia aguda. Foram utilizados dois grupos de 20 ratos (grupo controle sem anemia e grupo com anemia aguda - provocada por punção da veia cava inferior com sangramento de 30por cento da volemia) submetidos a laparotomia para secção segmentar do cólon e confecção de anastomose término-terminal.Os animais foram sacrificados no 8º dia de pós-operatório. A anastomose, após uma análise macroscópica, foi estudada do ponto de vista bioquímico e histopatológico. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística utilizando os testes de Fisher e de Mann Whitney, com nível de significância menor que 5por cento(p < 0,05).Os resultados histológicos foram consistentes com cicatrização alterada nos animais anêmicos. Os animais anêmicos apresentaram maior quantidade de fibrina e infiltrado monocitário, que são fatores deletérios na cicatrização e menor quantidade nos parâmetros dilatação linfática, congestão vascular e neoformação vascular, que são fatores adjuvantes na cicatrização de anastomoses. O presente estudo mostra que isoladamente a anemia aguda causa efeitos adversos negativos nos parâmetros histológicos da cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas.

Padrão endometrial em mulheres submetidas à laqueadura tubária / Endometrial status in women submitted to tubal ligation

OBJETIVO: estudar as modificações histológicas que ocorrem no endométrio de mulheres antes e seis meses após serem submetidas à laqueadura tubária (LT) e correlacionar esses achados com os níveis de progesterona (P4) sérica. MÉTODO: foram incluídas 16 mulheres com ciclos menstruais normais, antes e no sexto ciclo após a LT. Os níveis de P4 foram determinados a partir do 8º dia, de 2 em 2 dias até a ovulação e no 8º, 10º e 12º dia pós-ovulatório ou no 24º dia do ciclo. Realizou-se biópsia endometrial entre o 10º e 12º dia pós-ovulatório ou no 24º dia do ciclo, correlacionando com a P4. A análise estatística foi realizada com uso do teste não paramétrico de McNemar para avaliação da dosagem hormonal e o teste exato de Fisher para a avaliação histológica do endométrio, sendo considerado estatisticamente significativo p<0,05. RESULTADOS: a média de idade foi 34,1±1,3 anos. O intervalo intermenstrual foi 27,1±2,6 dias e a duração do sangramento de 3 a 5 dias, não havendo diferença entre os períodos estudados. Antes da LT, 8/16 (50,0 por cento) dos casos tinham endométrio secretor compatível com o dia do ciclo, 3/16 (18,8 por cento) secretor incompatível e 3/16 (18,8 por cento) disfuncional, sugerindo defeito da fase lútea 6/16 (37,5 por cento). Na fase pós-LT, 7/16 (43,8 por cento) tinham endométrio secretor compatível, 3/16 (18,8 por cento) secretor incompatível e 4/16 (25,0 por cento) disfuncional, sugerindo defeito da fase lútea em 7/16 (43,8 por cento). Em 2/16 (12,5 por cento) dos casos antes da LT e outros 2/16 (12,5 por cento) pós-LT não foi possível fazer a avaliação histológica, devido a material insuficiente ou endometrite inespecífica. Na fase lútea pós-LT, os níveis médios da P4 foram significativamente mais baixos nos dias +8, +10 e +12 do que na pré-LT, sendo na pré-LT, respectivamente, 15,1; 18,0 e 20,7 ng/ml e na pós-LT, 10,6; 8,0 e 5,4 ng/ml (p<0,05). Na pré-LT, 5/8 (62,5 por cento) dos casos com endométrio compatível tinham P4 >10 ng/ml e 3/8 (37,5 por cento) tinha P4 <10 ng/ml. Na pós-LT, quando o endométrio foi secretor compatível, a P4 foi >10 ng/ml em 4/7 (57,1 por cento) e P4 <10 ng/ml em 3/7 (42,9 por cento). Essas diferenças não foram significantes (p>0,05). CONCLUSAO: seis meses pós-LT, não se modificaram o intervalo intermenstrual e a duração do sangramento. A P4 diminuiu durante a fase lútea, embora não tenha interferido na resposta endometrial

Anorectal manometry in children with chronic functional constipation

RACIONAL: A manometria é um exame bastante utilizado e bem reconhecido no diagnóstico diferencial da constipação intestinal crônica na criança. Os achados manométricos mais comumente verificados nas crianças com constipação intestinal crônica funcional são: hipotonia e hipertonia anal, contração paradoxal do esfíncter anal externo, habilidade diminuída do esfíncter anal interno para relaxar durante a distensão retal, aumento da complacência e do limiar de sensibilidade retal, além de diminuição da contratilidade retal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a pressão basal anal e o reflexo reto esfincteriano antes e após o tratamento convencional, para melhor entendimento dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos na constipação intestinal crônica funcional na criança.MÉTODOS: Compararam-se as manometrias anorretais realizadas antes e após tratamento, em 20 crianças de 4 a 12 anos com constipação intestinal crônica funcional com boa resposta terapêutica convencional. RESULTADOS: Houve redução da pressão basal anal após o tratamento mas não ocorreram diferenças na manometria realizada antes e após tratamento quanto a amplitude e duração do relaxamento, pressão residual, tempo de latência e ângulos de subida e de descida. CONCLUSÕES: Concluiu-se que a pressão basal anal diminui na criança com constipação funcional com boa resposta à terapêutica convencional, mas este tratamento não proporcionou todas as condições necessárias para que o reflexo reto esfincteriano retornasse a valores descritos em crianças normais.

Functional evaluation of temporary focal cerebral ischemia: experimental model

OBJECTIVE: Despite cerebral ischemia being a frequent clinical pathologic state, the tolerance of neural tissue to oxygen absence and to reperfusion is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effects of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, by analyzing the mitochondrial respiration. METHOD: Sixty-four adult rats underwent focal cerebral ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion, during 15, 30 and 60 minutes, followed by 10 minutes or 19 hours of reperfusion. The effects of ischemia were analyzed measuring the O2 consumption by mitochondria in the ischemic and non-ischemic areas. RESULTS: There was compromise of the mitochondrial respiration after 30 and 60 minutes of ischemia, followed by 10 minutes of reperfusion but there was no alteration in this function after 19 hours of reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Compromise of the mitochondrial function occurred after 30 minutes of ischemia but, until one hour of ischemia, if the reperfusion was prolonged there was no evidence of ischemic/reperfusion injuries