Comparison of clinical outcomes in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement with mechanical or biological substitutes: a 20 years cohort.

BACKGROUND: The choice of prosthesis for mitral valve replacement still remains controversial. This study assessed mortality, bleeding events and reoperation in patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery with biological or mechanical substitutes. METHODS: A total of 352 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery between 1990 and 2008 with 5 to 23 years of follow-up were retrospectively evaluated in a cohort study. RESULTS: The 5, 10, 15 and 20 year survival rates after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 87.7%, 74.2%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, while after surgery with a biological substitute, they were 87.6%, 71.0%, 64.2% and 56.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.38). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with death were age, bleeding events and renal failure. The probabilities of remaining free of reoperation at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 94.4%, 92.7%, 92.7% and 92.7%; after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 95.9%, 86.4%, 81.2% and 76.5%, respectively (p = 0.073). There was a significantly higher incidence of reoperation for the bioprosthetic valve replacement group (p = 0.008). The probabilities of remaining free of bleeding events at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 95.0%, 91.0%, 89.6% and 89.6%, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 96.9%, 94.0%, 94.0% and 94.0%, (p = 0.267). CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that: 1) mortality during follow-up was statistically similar for both groups; 2) there was a greater tendency to reoperation in the bioprosthesis group; 3) the probability of remaining free from reoperation remained unchanged after 10 years' follow-up for patients with mechanical substitute valves; 4) the probability of remaining fee from bleeding events remained unchanged after 10 years' follow-up for patients given bioprostheses; 5) the baseline characteristics of patients were the greatest determinants of later mortality after surgery; 6) the type of prosthesis was not an independent predictive factor of any of the outcomes tested in the multivariate analysis.

Tumour necrosis factor -308 and -238 promoter polymorphisms are predictors of a null virological response in the treatment of Brazilian hepatitis C patients.

Certain host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect the likelihood of a sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment in subjects infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). SNPs in the promoters of interleukin (IL)-10 (-1082 A/G, rs1800896), myxovirus resistance protein 1 (-123 C/A, rs17000900 and -88 G/T, rs2071430) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (-308 G/A, rs1800629 and -238 G/A, rs361525) genes and the outcome of PEGylated α-interferon plus ribavirin therapy were investigated. This analysis was performed in 114 Brazilian, HCV genotype 1-infected patients who had a SVR and in 85 non-responders and 64 relapsers. A significantly increased risk of having a null virological response was observed in patients carrying at least one A allele at positions -308 [odds ratios (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.44-4.63, p = 0.001] or -238 (OR = 7.33, 95% CI = 3.59-14.93, p < 0.001) in the TNF promoter. The risk of relapsing was also elevated (-308: OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.51-5.44, p = 0.001; -238: OR = 4.20, 95% CI = 1.93-9.10, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression of TNF diplotypes showed that patients with at least two copies of the A allele had an even higher risk of having a null virological response (OR = 16.43, 95% CI = 5.70-47.34, p < 0.001) or relapsing (OR = 6.71, 95% CI = 2.18-20.66, p = 0.001). No statistically significant association was found between the other SNPs under study and anti-HCV therapy response.

C-reactive protein and cognition are unrelated to leukoaraiosis.

Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with leukoaraiosis in elderly brain. However, several studies indicate that leukoaraiosis is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. It is unknown how the effect of CRP on cognition is mediated by leukoaraiosis. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between serum levels of CRP, the presence of leukoaraiosis, and cognitive impairment in a population of coronary patients over 50 years old. CRP levels explained 7.18% (P: 0.002) of the variance of the MMSE. The adjustment for the presence of leukoaraiosis little changed this variance (5.98%, P: 0.005), indicating that only a small portion of the CRP influence on cognition was mediated via leukoaraiosis. Patients with CRP levels ≥ 5.0 had 2.9 (95% CI: 1.26-6.44) times more chance to present cognitive impairment (P: 0.012). We found that elevated serum levels of CRP were associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment in elderly and it was not mediated by presence of leukoaraiosis.

Symptomatic treatment of the common cold with a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The common cold and other viral airway infections are highly prevalent in the population, and their treatment often requires the use of medications for symptomatic relief. Paracetamol is as an analgesic and antipyretic; chlorphenamine is an antihistamine; and phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor and decongestant. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine in the symptomatic treatment of the common cold and flu-like syndrome in adults. METHODS: This study enrolled 146 individuals aged 18 to 60 years who had moderate to severe flu-like syndrome or common cold. After clinical examination and laboratory tests, individuals were randomly assigned to receive the fixed-dose combination (73) or placebo (73), five capsules per day for 48 to 72 hours. The primary efficacy endpoint was the sum of the scores of 10 symptoms on a four-point Likert-type scale. To evaluate treatment safety, the occurrence of adverse events was also measured. RESULTS: Mean age was 33.5 (±9.5) years in the placebo group and 33.8 (±11.5) in the treatment group. There were 55 women and 18 men in the placebo group, and 46 women and 27 men in the treatment group. Comparison of overall symptom scores in the two groups revealed a significantly greater reduction in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p = 0.015). Analysis at the first 13 dose intervals (± 66 h of treatment) showed a greater reduction of symptom scores in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). The number and distribution of adverse events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine was safe and more effective than placebo in the symptomatic treatment of the common cold or flu-like syndrome in adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01389518.

Response to treatment in Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C is associated with a single-nucleotide polymorphism near the interleukin-28B gene.

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) upstream of interleukin (IL)28B was recently identified as an important predictor of the outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL28B gene polymorphism (rs12979860) and virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients. Brazilian patients (n = 263) who were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and were receiving PEG-IFN/RBV were genotyped. Early virological response (EVR) (12 weeks), end-of-treatment response (EOTR) (48 weeks), sustained virological response (SVR) (72 weeks) and relapse were evaluated using conventional and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The frequency of the C allele in the population was 39%. Overall, 43% of patients experienced SVR. The IL28B CC genotype was significantly associated with higher treatment response rates and a lower relapse rate compared to the other genotypes [84% vs. 58% EVR, 92% vs. 63% EOTR, 76% vs. 38% SVR and 17% vs. 40% relapse rate in CC vs. other genotypes (CT and TT), respectively]. Thus, the IL28B genotype appears to be a strong predictor of SVR following PEG-IFN/RBV therapy in treatment-naïve Brazilian patients infected with HCV genotype 1. This study, together with similar research examining other SNPs, should help to define adequate protocols for the treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype 1, especially those with a poor prognosis.

The effectiveness of retreatment with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C genotype 2 and 3: a prospective cohort study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) do not respond to treatment with conventional interferon (IFN) combined with ribavirin (RBV). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of retreatment with peginterferon alfa-2a or 2b (PEG-IFN 2a or 2b) concomitantly with RBV in patients with HCV genotype 2 and 3, which were non-responders or relapsers to initial treatment with IFN / RBV and to identify possible predictors of sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS: From September 2003 to March 2009 a cohort of 216 patients who had previously failed therapy with a regimen of standard interferon and ribavirin, were followed in a specialized service implemented in the Brazilian Unified Health System, Rio Grande do Sul. All patients were retreated with PEG-IFN 2a or 2b per week, associated with RBV, through oral route, with doses determined according to weight (1,000 mg if weight ≤ 75 Kg and 1,250 mg if ≥ 75 Kg) per day for 48 weeks. The HCV-RNA was tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Virological Response (VR) within 48 weeks and SVR in the 72 weeks was considered for evaluation of treatment efficacy. Analyses were performed in patients who received at least one dose of PEG-IFN. RESULTS: The SVR rate for non-responders to previous treatment was 34.4% and for relapsers was 50% (p = 0.031). As predictive factors that contribute to improve SVR, were identified the age (p = 0.005), to be relapsers to previous treatment (p = 0.023) and present liver biopsy examination Metavir F0-F2 (p = 0.004). In assessing the safety profile, 51 patients (23.6%) discontinued treatment prematurely. CONCLUSIONS: This alternative retreatment for patients who have failed prior therapies for anti-HCV, has demonstrated promising SVR rate, provided that it includes a careful selection of patients with predictors of response and adverse events monitored.

Hypoglycemia frequency and treatment satisfaction in patients receiving insulin analogues for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hypoglycemia and the treatment satisfaction in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin analogues. METHODS: This observational retrospective study included 516 adult patients with T1D from 38 cities in Southern Brazil. Demographics and clinical data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Hypoglycemia was defined as an event based on either symptoms or self-monitored blood glucose < 70 mg/dL. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and with a specific question with scores ranging from 0-10. Common mental disorders were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS: Overall, the mean age was 38 ± 14 years and 52% of the participants were women. The median diabetes duration was 18 years. The scores for insulin analogue treatment satisfaction were higher than those for previous treatments. DTSQ scores had a median value of 32 (interquartile range 29-35) and remained unchanged over time. The percentage of patients with hypoglycemia (including severe and nocturnal) was comparable across groups divided according to duration of use of insulin analogues. Most patients (n=395, 77%) screened positive for common mental disorders. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with insulin analogue treatment was high and remained unchanged with time. Episodes of hypoglycemia also remained unchanged over time among patients using insulin analogues.

Evaluation of severe hypoglycemia and common mental disorders in patients receiving insulin analogues for treatment of type 1 diabetes.

This is a retrospective report of the frequency of severe hypoglycemia and the association between common mental disorders and type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin analogues. Patients with severe hypoglycemia compared with those without this complication had a higher prevalence of positive screening for common mental disorders (88% vs. 77%, respectively, p = 0.03).

Interferon-lambda 3 and 4 Polymorphisms Increase Sustained Virological Responses and Regulate Innate Immunity in Antiviral Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-Alpha.

Sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment denotes that the host genetics controls the immune response and unequivocally contribute to viral clearance or disease severity. In this context, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the locus of interferon lambda 3 and 4 genes (IFNL3/4) have been important genetic markers of responsiveness to CHC as prognostic markers for the pegylated-Interferon-alpha/ribavirin (Peg-IFN-α/RBV). Here, we analyzed 12 SNPs at the IFNL3/4 region in 740 treatment-naïve patients with CHC infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, or 3 treated with Peg-IFN-α/RBV. Individually, rs12979860-CC, rs8109886-CC, or rs8099917-TT were predictive markers of SVR, while rs12979860-CC demonstrated the stronger effect. Besides, the genotypic combination of these three predictors' genotypes, CC/CC/TT, increased the rate of SVR. Serum levels of cytokines and gene expression analysis on the genes IFNL3, IFNL4, IFNA1, and some of the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were measured in a subgroup of 24 treated patients and 24 healthy volunteers. An antagonist effect was highlighted between the expression of IFNL3/4 and IFNA1 mRNA among patients. Besides, a prominent production of the pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL4 and CXCL10 was observed at a 12-week treatment follow-up. Lower serum levels of these chemokines were detected in patients with an rs12979860-CC genotype associated with the better treatment outcome. Also, lower expression levels of the IFI6, IFI16, IRF9 genes were observed among rs12979860-CC individuals. In conclusion, a combination of the genotypes at the IFNL3/4 locus can act as a better marker for the prognosis for virological responses in an admixed Brazilian population presenting the modulating effect over innate immunity and inflammation that are controlling the outcome of the viral infection, but also other infectious diseases. This study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (accession number NCT01889849 and NCT01623336).

Increasing rational use of cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: public health strategy combining guideline with peer-review of prescriptions.

OBJECTIVES: Since 2002, the treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (CHEIs) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been paid for by the public health system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for any patient that fulfills clinical criteria established by an evidence-based guideline developed and published by the Ministry. The aim of this study was to evaluate compliance of prescription patterns to the national guideline for use of CHEIs' in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. METHODS: We created a regional expert-committee reference center to review all prescriptions of CHEIs and to send feedback to physicians whenever prescriptions without compliance to the guideline were noted. One thousand three hundred ninety-nine (1,399) CHEI prescriptions presented to the public health system from 2005 to 2007 were evaluated by an expert team of neurologists and psychiatrists. Clinical history, performance on mental status screening by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR), laboratory results, and neuroimaging findings were evaluated in relation to the adherence to the national guideline's recommendations. If the prescription was rejected because of lack of adherence to the criteria of the guideline, a written response was sent by the expert committee to physicians concerning the request. RESULTS: The majority of the requests (n = 1,044; 75 percent) did not meet the AD guideline's criteria, either for diagnosis or for treatment, and were not granted. A diagnostic mistake was evident in 64.3 percent of cases. Findings of vascular or Parkinson's dementia or severe AD were the main reasons for rejection. Rivastigmine was the most prescribed cholinesterase inhibitor, used in 86 percent of cases. Of note was the reduction in the number of CHEIs prescriptions in the years following this intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The public health strategy of using expert-review of prescriptions and their compliance to national guideline revealed a low rate of rational use of CHEIs for dementia. Such a strategy is relevant for protecting patients from unproven medical interventions and for reducing waste of resources.

Pharmacokinetics comparison of two pegylated interferon alfa formulations in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Several countries have used pegylation technology to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of essential drugs. Recently, a novel interferon alfa-2b protein conjugated to four-branched 12 kDa polyethylene glycol molecules was developed jointly between Cuba and Brazil. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of BIP48 (pegylated interferon alfa-2b from Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, Brazil) to those of PEGASYS® (commercially available pegylated interferon alfa-2a from Roche Pharmaceutical). METHODS: This phase I, single-centre, randomized, double-blind crossover trial enrolled 31 healthy male volunteers aged 19 to 35 who were allocated to two stages, either side of a 5-week wash-out period, with each arm lasting 14 consecutive days after subcutaneous administration of 180 µg of one formulation or the other (study or comparator). The main outcome variable was serum pegylated interferon concentrations in 15 samples collected during the course of the study and tested using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: There were no differences between formulations in terms of magnitude or absorption parameters. Analysis of time parameters revealed that BIP48 remained in the body significantly longer than PEGASYS® (Tmax: 73 vs. 54 h [p = 0.0010]; MRT: 133 vs. 115 h [p = 0.0324]; ke: 0.011 vs. 0.013 h(-1) [p = 0.0153]; t1/2: 192 vs. 108 h [p = 0.0218]). CONCLUSION: BIP48 showed the expected pharmacokinetic profile for a pegylated product with a branched molecular structure. Compared to PEGASYS®, the magnitude absorption was similar, but time parameters were consistent with slower elimination. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. A phase II-III repeated-dose clinical trial is ongoing to study these findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (accession number NCT01889849 ). This trial was retrospectively registered in June 2013.

A double-blind, randomized, crossover study of prosigne versus botox in patients with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.

There is a lack of evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of the recently released Chinese botulinum toxin serotype A (Prosigne) for the treatment of focal dystonias and hemifacial spasm. Determining a more precise role of Prosigne in the treatment of such conditions is of paramount importance, because botulinum toxin type A treatments have a huge economic implication in health services, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Prosigne in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in comparison to Botox. We performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover study enrolling 26 patients. There were no significant differences between Prosigne and Botox regarding subjective global improvement, response onset, efficacy duration, and incidence and severity of adverse events. Our results suggest that Prosigne and Botox are comparable with respect to efficacy and safety for the short-term treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.

Evaluation of severe hypoglycemia and common mental disorders in patients receiving insulin analogues for treatment of type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACT This is a retrospective report of the frequency of severe hypoglycemia and the association between common mental disorders and type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin analogues. Patients with severe hypoglycemia compared with those without this complication had a higher prevalence of positive screening for common mental disorders (88% vs.77%, respectively, p = 0.03).

Hypoglycemia frequency and treatment satisfaction in patients receiving insulin analogues for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hypoglycemia and the treatment satisfaction in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin analogues. Subjects and methods: This observational retrospective study included 516 adult patients with T1D from 38 cities in Southern Brazil. Demographics and clinical data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Hypoglycemia was defined as an event based on either symptoms or self-monitored blood glucose < 70 mg/dL. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and with a specific question with scores ranging from 0-10. Common mental disorders were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: Overall, the mean age was 38 ± 14 years and 52% of the participants were women. The median diabetes duration was 18 years. The scores for insulin analogue treatment satisfaction were higher than those for previous treatments. DTSQ scores had a median value of 32 (interquartile range 29-35) and remained unchanged over time. The percentage of patients with hypoglycemia (including severe and nocturnal) was comparable across groups divided according to duration of use of insulin analogues. Most patients (n=395, 77%) screened positive for common mental disorders. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with insulin analogue treatment was high and remained unchanged with time. Episodes of hypoglycemia also remained unchanged over time among patients using insulin analogues.

Impact on pregnancies in south Brazil from the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic: cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of a new subtype of the influenza virus in 2009 generated interest in the international medical community, the media, and the general population. Pregnant women are considered to be a group at risk of serious complications related to the H1N1 influenza virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and teratogenic effects of pregnancies exposed to the H1N1 virus during the Influenza A epidemic that occurred in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2009. METHODS: This is an uncontrolled prospective cohort study of pregnant women with suspected symptoms of Influenza A who were reported in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases-Influenza (SINAN-Influenza) during the epidemic of 2009 (database from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). There were 589 cases of pregnant women with suspected infection. Among these, 243 were tested by PCR and included in the analysis. The main outcome measures were: maternal deaths, pregnancy outcome, stillbirths, premature births, low birth weight, congenital malformations, and odds ratios for H1N1+ and non-H1N1 pregnant women. RESULTS: There were one hundred and sixty-three (67%) confirmed cases of H1N1, 34 cases (14%) of seasonal Influenza A and 46 (19%) who were negative for Influenza A. There was no difference between the three groups in clinical parameters of the disease. There were 24 maternal deaths--18 of them had H1N1. There were 8 stillbirths--5 were children of H1N1 infected mothers. There were no differences in perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The present data do not indicate an increase in teratogenic risk from exposure to the influenza A (H1N1) virus. These results will help to strengthen the data and clarify the health issues that arose after the pandemic.

A double-blind, randomised, crossover trial of two botulinum toxin type a in patients with spasticity.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (btxA) is one of the main treatment choices for patients with spasticity. Prosigne® a new released botulinum toxin serotype A may have the same effectiveness as Botox® in focal dystonia. However, there are no randomized clinical trials comparing these formulations in spasticity treatment. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Prosigne® with Botox® in the treatment of spasticity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover study consisting of 57 patients with clinically meaningful spasticity. The patients were assessed at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after Prosigne® or Botox® administration. The main outcomes were changes in the patients' Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) scores and adverse effects related to the botulinum toxin. Both of the toxins were significantly effective in relieving the level of spasticity in adults and children. There were no significant differences found between the Prosigne® and Botox® treatments regarding their MAS, FIM and PEDI scores. Likewise, the incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Prosigne® and Botox® are both efficient and comparable with respect to their efficacy and safety for the three month treatment of spasticity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00819065.

Effectiveness of alpha interferon (+ ribavirin) in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C genotypes 2 and 3 in a Brazilian sample.

CONTEXT: Pharmacovigilance studies aim to detect, assess, understand and prevent risks of adverse effects of medications or any other possible drug related problem. Alpha interferon is being produced by Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil and used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C at Brazilian National Health System. OBJECTIVE: To study the safety profile and effectiveness of alpha interferon in a sample of Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C genotypes 2 and 3, in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. METHOD: We followed a cohort of chronic hepatitis C genotypes 2 and 3 patients treated with alpha interferon plus ribavirin in a specialized outpatient clinic in southern Brazil. Adverse events were collected and classified according to severity in monthly structured interviews. To measure effectiveness, hepatitis C viral load was evaluated before, at the end and 24 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: We followed 141 patients during the study period, of which 52.5% were female with mean age of 52 years. The most frequent adverse events were fatigue (84%), headache (79%) and myalgia (75%). There were 13 treatment interruptions due to adverse events, 9 of those considered serious adverse events. Virological response at end of treatment was 54.6% and after 24 weeks 39.7%, considering all patients who started treatment. CONCLUSION: The product produced by Bio-Manguinhos has similar efficacy and adverse event and sustained virological response profiles comparable to those found in the literature. This is the first study of pharmacovigilance performed with the Brazilian product. These data will be useful for planning and management of this disease in Brazil.

Outcomes of patients subjected to aortic valve replacement surgery using mechanical or biological prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluates outcomes in patients subjected to surgery for replacement of the aortic valve using biological or mechanical substitutes, where selection of the type of prosthesis is relevant. METHODS: Three hundred and one patients, randomly selected, who had been subjected to aortic valve replacement surgery between 1990 and 2005, with a maximum follow-up period of 20 years. RESULTS: Survival at 5, 10 and 15 years after surgery using mechanical substitute was 83.9%, 75.4% and 60.2% and, for biological substitute, was 89.3%, 70.4% and 58.4%, respectively (P = 0.939). Factors associated with death were: age, obesity, pulmonary disease, arrhythmia, bleeding and aortic valve failure. Probability free of reoperation for these patients at 5, 10 and 15 years after surgery using mechanical substitute was 97.9%, 95.8% and 95.8% and, for those using bioprostheses, was 94.6%, 91.0% and 83.3%, respectively (P = 0.057). Factors associated with reoperation were: renal failure, prosthesis endocarditis and age. Probability free of bleeding events at 5, 10 and 15 years after surgery using mechanical substitute was 94.5%, 91.7% and 91.7% and, for bioprostheses, was 98.6%, 97.8% and 97.8%, respectively (P = 0.047). Factors associated with bleeding events were: renal failure and mechanical prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have concluded that: 1) mortality was statistically similar in the groups; 2) patient characteristics at baseline were a major determinant of late mortality after surgery; 3) there was a tendency toward reoperation in the bioprostheses group; 4) patients using mechanical prosthesis had more bleeding events as time passed; 5) data presented in this paper is in accordance with current literature.

[High cost drugs for rare diseases in Brazil: the case of lysosomal storage disorders]. / Medicamentos de alto custo para doenças raras no Brasil: o exemplo das doenças lisossômicas.

This paper approaches in a critical way aspects of Brazilian public policies for drugs, emphasizing those classified as high cost and for rare diseases. The lysosomal storage diseases was taken as an example because of their rarity and the international trend for the development of new drugs for their treatment, all at high costs. Three lysosomal storage diseases were approached: Gaucher disease, Fabry disease and mucopolysaccharidosis type I. Gaucher disease has its treatment drug licensed in Brazil and guidelines for its use are established through a clinical protocol by the Ministry of Health. The others have their drug treatments registered in Brazil; however, no treatment guidelines for them have been developed by the government. The objective of the paper was to foster the discussion on the role of health technology assessment for high-cost drugs for rare diseases in Brazil, emphasizing the need for establishing health policies with legitimacy towards these diseases. Despite the difficulties in establishing a health policy for each rare disease, it is possible to create rational models to deal with this growing challenge.