Leucocyte-poor-platelet-rich plasma intra-operative injection in chondral knee injuries improve patients outcomes. A prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of intra-operative leucocyte-poor-platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (type P3-Bß with endogenous activation) injection in International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade III knee chondral injuries treated by chondroplasties, to increase and ameliorate the repair tissue. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups. Group A (control) consisted of 31 patients and Group B (PRP) 33 patients, totaling 64 patients analyzed. Patients also could had associated injuries (meniscal and/or ACL) being equally divided between both groups to avoid bias. PRP was injected at the end of surgery in group B. The patient outcomes were assessed using subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Tegner activity forms, prior to the surgery and three, six, 12, and 24 months after surgery (medium-term follow up). RESULTS: IKDC and KOOS scores showed increase at each evaluation time points after surgery in both groups, but the treated Group (B) showed a higher increase with statistically significant difference. The Tegner activity scores were higher for the treated group only at six and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Based on the subjective IKDC, KOOS, and Tegner scores, those patients affected by ICRS grade III chondral injuries undergoing arthroscopic chondroplasty who were also treated with PRP showed better and faster outcomes than the control group. Independently from the associated injury (meniscal or ACL). This difference could be measured for up to two years.

Telomere-associated genes and telomeric lncRNAs are biomarker candidates in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

In the past decade, research efforts were made to identify molecular biomarkers useful as therapeutic targets in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), the most frequent type of lung carcinoma. NSCLC presents different histological subtypes being the most prevalent LUSC (Lung Squamous Cell Cancer) and LUAD (Lung Adenocarcinoma), and only a subset of LUAD patients' present tumors expressing known targetable genetic alterations. Telomeres and its components, including telomerase, the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, have been considered potential cancer biomarkers due to their crucial role in cell proliferation and genome stability. Our study aims to quantify expression changes affecting telomere-associated genes and ncRNAs associated with telomere regulation and maintenance in NSCLC. We first assessed the transcriptome (RNA-Seq) data of NSCLC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and then we tested the expression of telomere-associated genes and telomeric ncRNAs (TERC, telomerase RNA component, and TERRA, telomere repeat-containing RNA) in Brazilian NCSLC patient samples by quantitative RT-PCR, using matched normal adjacent tissue samples as the control. We also estimated the mean size of terminal restriction fragments (TRF) of some Brazilian NSCLC patients using telomeric Southern blot. The TCGA analysis identified alterations in the expression profile of TERT and telomere damage repair genes, mainly in the LUSC subtype. The study of Brazilian NSCLC samples by RT-qPCR showed that LUSC and LUAD express high amounts of TERT and that although the mean TRF size of tumor samples was shorter compared to normal cells, telomeres in NSCLC are probably maintained by telomerase. Also, the expression analysis of Brazilian NSCLC samples identified statistically significant alterations in the expression of genes involved with telomere damage repair, as well as in TERC and TERRA, mainly in the LUSC subtype. We, therefore, concluded that telomere maintenance genes are significantly deregulated in NSCLC, representing potential biomarkers in the LUSC subtype.

Radiofrequency in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, via a systematic review, the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (PH). METHODS: Experimental or observational studies were included where RF treatment (ablation or microneedling) was performed, comparing the periods before and after treatment. RESULTS: Nine studies were considered eligible and included for analysis. In seven of nine studies, patients were subjected to RF only, and in two of nine studies RF was compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS). There was a reduction in the severity of PH in microneedling (three studies, mean difference -1.24, 95% CI -1.44 to -1.03). In a study that performed sympathetic RF ablation there was a greater reduction in PH severity compared to studies that performed microneedling (-2.42, 95% CI -2.55 to -2.29). There was improvement in the quality of life (QoL) after sympathetic RF ablation (two studies, mean difference -15.92, 95% CI -17.61 to -14.24). Regarding the microneedling procedure, there was a lower improvement in QoL, (two studies, -9.0, 95% CI -9.15 to -8.85). One study comparing sympathetic RF ablation with VATS applied the QoL questionnaire, and the VATS showed superior results. One of the two studies comparing compensatory sweating in RF ablation with VATS showed that compensatory hyperhidrosis was higher in VATS; however, the other study did not observe this difference. One study compared the recurrence of symptoms between VATS and RF ablation; symptom recurrence was shown to be higher in RF. CONCLUSIONS: RF is effective for PH treatment, with superior results obtained with sympathetic ablation compared to microneedling.

A novel device for greater precision and safety in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The complications of the open-wedge osteotomy technique (slope, hypo- and hypercorrection and fractures) are related to difficulties in the control of the open-wedge angle during surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cadaveric study, we evaluated the safety and precision of a novel system, the Realignment High Control System (RHC), in the correction of knee mechanical axis and slope. The RHC has a fixation plate coupled to a dynamic device that opens the osteotomy continuously, allowing plate fixation before osteotomy wedge opening. RESULTS: All procedures were easily performed, with no fractures. The openings equaled the indicated by the navigation system for 7.5° and 10°, and for 5°, there was a statistically, although not clinically significant, difference of 0.6°. The slope shown by the RHC setting and in the navigation system was significantly different for the 10° setting only, with a mean difference of 0.563°. CONCLUSIONS: RHC facilitates the surgical technique of high tibial osteotomy, with gradual wedge opening, precise correction of the mechanical axis, and appropriate control of the tibial slope, even with larger openings.

Diagnosis and classification of chondral knee injuries: comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of patients undergoing knee arthroscopy for chondral lesions. The hypothesis was that MRI displays low sensitivity in the diagnosis and classification of chondral injuries. METHODS: A total of 83 knees were evaluated. The MRIs were performed using the same machine (GE SIGNA HDX 1.45 T). The MRI results were compared with the arthroscopy findings, and an agreement analysis was performed. Thirty-eight of the 83 MRI exams were evaluated by another radiologist for inter-observer agreement analysis. These analyses were performed using the kappa (κ) coefficient. RESULTS: The highest incidence of chondral injury was in the patella (14.4 %). The κ coefficient was 0.31 for the patellar surface; 0.38 for the trochlea; 0.46 for the medial femoral condyle; 0.51 for the lateral femoral condyle; and 0.19 for the lateral plateau. After dividing the injuries into two groups (ICRS Grades 0-II and Grades III and IV), the following κ coefficients were obtained as follows: 0.49 (patella); 0.53 (trochlea); 0.46 (medial femoral condyle); 0.43 (medial plateau); 0.67 (lateral femoral condyle); and 0.51 (lateral plateau). The MRI sensitivity was 76.4 % (patella), 88.2 % (trochlea), 69.7 % (medial femoral condyle), 85.7 % (medial plateau), 81.8 % (lateral femoral condyle) and 75 % (lateral plateau). Comparing the radiologists' evaluations, the following κ coefficients were obtained as follows: 0.73 (patella); 0.63 (trochlea); 0.84 (medial femoral condyle); 0.72 (medial plateau); 0.77 (lateral femoral condyle); and 0.91 (lateral plateau). CONCLUSION: Compared with arthroscopy, MRI displays moderate sensitivity for detecting and classifying chondral knee injuries. It is an important image method, but we must be careful in the assessment of patients with suspected chondral lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Proposal to utilize simplified Swensen protocol in diagnosis of isolated pulmonary nodule.

BACKGROUND: The problem of diagnosing whether a solitary pulmonary nodule is benign or malignant is even greater in developing countries due to a higher prevalence of infectious diseases. These infections generate a large number of patients who are generally asymptomatic and with a pulmonary nodule that cannot be accurately defined as having benign or malignant etiology. PURPOSE: To verify the percentages of benign versus malignant non-calcified nodules, the length of time after contrast agent injection is spiral computed tomography (CT) most sensitive and specific, and whether three postcontrast phases are necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 23 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules identified on chest radiographs or CT. Spiral scans were obtained with Swensen protocol, but at 3, 4, and 5 min after contrast injection onset. Nodules were classified as benign or malignant by histopathological examination or by an absence or presence of growth after 2 years of follow-up CT. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients studied, 18 (78.2%) showed a final diagnosis of benign and five (21.7%) malignant nodules. Despite the small sample size, we obtained results similar to those of Swensen et al., with 80.0% sensitivity, 55.5% specificity, and 60.8% accuracy. Four minutes gave the greatest mean enhancement in both malignant and benign lesions. CONCLUSION: Small non-calcified benign nodules were much more frequent than malignant nodules. The best time for dynamic contrast-enhanced CT density analysis was 4 min postcontrast. As well as saving time and money, this simplified Swensen protocol with only precontrast and 4 min postcontrast phases also reduces patient exposure to ionizing radiation.

THE ROUND LIGAMENT IN DEVELOPMENTAL HIP DYSPLASIA: ARE ITS MECHANICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL PROPERTIES PRESERVED?

Introduction: During open surgical dislocated hip reduction, several anatomical structures, such as the round ligament, are approached. However, there is controversy over both the possibility of preserving the ligament and its functional importance. Materials and Methods: This experimental study used skeletally immature rabbits as a model for congenital hip dislocation. Thirty-six rabbits comprised the sample that was submitted to the round ligament analysis. The sample was stratified for analysis (biomechanics, zymography, histology, and immunohistochemistry). Statistical analysis compared the unstable side to the control side of each rabbit. Results: Biomechanical assays showed that the mean maximal strength of the round ligament on the unstable side was similar to that of the control side (p = 0.594), which was also the case with maximum deformation (p = 0.328). Histologically, there was a statistically significant increase in cellularity on the unstable side (p <0.001). Additionally, there was significantly greater collagen occupancy on the control side (p <0.001). Zymography revealed no significant difference in the amount of active metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) (p = 0.068). Conclusions: Although histological analysis found evidence of significant changes in the RL in unstable hips, there were no significant differences in zymography, and no changes were observed in biomechanical tests. Evidence Level V; Experimental study.

Introdução: Durante a redução cirúrgica aberta de luxação de quadril, várias estruturas anatômicas são abordadas, entre elas, o ligamento redondo. No entanto, há controvérsias quanto à possibilidade de preservação desse ligamento, bem como sua importância funcional. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo experimental usou coelhos esqueleticamente imaturos como modelo de luxação congênita do quadril. Trinta e seis coelhos compuseram a amostra que foi submetida à análise do ligamento redondo. A amostra foi estratificada para análise (biomecânica, zimografia, histologia e imuno-histoquímica). A análise estatística comparou o lado instável com o lado controle de cada coelho. Resultados: Os ensaios biomecânicos mostraram que a força máxima média do ligamento redondo no lado instável era semelhante ao lado controle (p = 0,594), o que também ocorreu com a deformação máxima (p = 0,328). Em termos histológicos, houve um aumento estatisticamente significante da celularidade no lado instável (p < 0,001). Além disso, houve maior ocupação de colágeno no lado controle (p < 0,001). A zimografia não mostrou diferença significativa da quantidade de metaloproteinase 2 ativa (MMP-2) (p = 0,068). Conclusões: Embora a análise histológica tenha encontrado evidências de alterações significativas do LR nos quadris instáveis, não houve diferenças significativas na zimografia e não foram observadas alterações nos testes biomecânicos. Nível de evidência V; Estudo experimental.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Chondral Injuries In Young Patients.

Objective The present study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications to treat young patients with knee chondral lesions with no arthrosis. Methods Prospective clinical and functional evaluation of 30 young adult patients with knee chondral lesions submitted to conservative treatment with HA or PRP for a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for the evaluation. Results According to the WOMAC score, the PRP group showed significant improvement in all evaluated points, whereas the HA group presented no score improvement. In the VAS, the PRP group showed improvement in all evaluated points, and the HA group presented improvement at 6 and 12 months. Compared to the HA group, the PRP group presented better WOMAC scores at all evaluated points and better VAS scores up to 6 months after treatment. Conclusion Platelet-rich plasma application resulted in better clinical and functional outcomes at both the WOMAC and VAS scores when applied to knees from young patients with chondral lesions, but no arthrosis. These outcomes were sustained for up to 12 months. Level of evidence Randomized clinical trial (Type 2B).

INTRAARTICULAR EPSILON AMINOCAPROIC ACID VERSUS TRANEXAMIC ACID IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare the clinical efficacy of intraarticular epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial, including sixty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee divided into two groups of 30 patients. In the TXA group, 1 g of TXA (0.05 g/ml) was applied intraarticularly, and in the EACA group, 4 g of EACA (0.2 g/ml) was applied intraarticularly. Serum hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Htb) were measured during the preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. The range of motion and pain were evaluated by clinical examination. To evaluate knee function before and 2 months after surgery, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was used. RESULTS: In total, 56 (93.3%) patients were evaluated up to the second postoperative month. No significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05) was found in the decrease in Hgb or Htb at 24 or 48 hours. Regarding assessment of the pain, WOMAC score and gain in knee flexion, no significant advantages up to 60 days after surgery (p > 0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in Hgb and Htb during the first 48 hours postoperatively and the risk of transfusion were similar with the intraarticular use of 1 g of TXA and 4 g of EACA in TKA. The possible benefits regarding knee pain, gain in flexion and function were also similar for the two drugs. Level of Evidence II, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Single-Centre, Prospective Clinical Trial.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a eficácia clinica do uso intra-articular do ácido épsilon aminocaproico (AEAC) versus o ácido tranexâmico (ATX) na prótese total do joelho. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo, centro-único, duplo-cego e randomizado. Sessenta pacientes com osteoartrose de joelho foram incluídos. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos de 30 pacientes. No grupo ATX, foi aplicado 1 g de ATX (0.05 g/ml) intra-articular e, no grupo AEAC, foram aplicados 4 g de AEAC (0.2 g/ml) intra-articular. Valores séricos da hemoglobina (Hb) e hemtatócrito (Ht) foram dosados no pré-operatório e com 24 e 48 horas após a cirurgia. A amplitude de movimento e a dor também foram avaliadas no exame clínico. O índice WOMAC foi utilizado para avaliar a função do joelho antes e após dois meses da cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 56 (93.3%) pacientes até o segundo mês pós-operatório. Depois da cirurgia, não houve diferenças entre os grupos (p > 0.05) na queda do valor de Hb e Ht com 24 ou 48 horas. Com relação à avaliação da dor, WOMAC e ganho de flexão do joelho, não houve vantagem significativa para nenhum dos grupos até os 60 dias depois da cirurgia(p > 0.05). CONCLUSÃO: A queda do valor da Hb e do Ht durante as primeiras 48 horas pós-operatórias e o risco de transfusão foram similares com o uso intra-articular de 1 g de ATX e 4 g de AEAC na artroplastia total do joelho. Os possíveis benefícios com relação ao controle da dor, ganho de flexão e função foram similares entre as duas drogas. Nível de Evidência II, Ensaio-Clínico Prospectivo, Randomizado, Duplo Cego, Centro-Único.

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy in plantar hyperhidrosis.

Plantar hyperhidrosis can cause great changes to an individual's quality of life. We described a case successfully treated by the minimally invasive method of percutaneous injection of 7.0% phenolic solution into the lumbar sympathetic chains.

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) AND TRANEXAMIC ACID (TXA) APPLIED IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and tranexamic acid (TXA) applied in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: We selected and randomized 84 patients. TXA was applied in 23 patients, PRP in 20, and PRP in combination with TXA in 20. Hemoglobin was measured preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. The function questionnaire, pain scale and gain of knee flexion were monitored until the second postoperative year. RESULTS: There was a difference (p <0.01) in the decrease in hemoglobin 48 hours after surgery between the TXA group and the control and PRP groups. In terms of pain, the TXA group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery and the PRP group at 48 hours after surgery showed advantages (p <0.01). Knee flexion gain in the first 24 hours postoperatively was better in the TXA group (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: TXA was effective in lowering the drop in hemoglobin level, reducing pain and improving movement gain 48 hours after the procedure. PRP was not effective in reducing bleeding or improving knee function after arthroplasty, but provided better control of postoperative pain. Level of Evidence I, Randomized, blinded, prospective clinical trial.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e do ácido tranexâmico (ATX) aplicados na artroplastia total do joelho. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos e randomizamos 84 pacientes. ATX foi aplicado em 23 pacientes, PRP em 20, e PRP associado a ATX em 20. A hemoglobina foi medida no pré-operatório e nas 24 e 48 horas após a cirurgia. O questionário de função, a escala de dor e o ganho de flexão do joelho foram verificados até o segundo ano de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença(p < 0,01) na diminuição da hemoglobina 48 horas após a cirurgia entre o grupo ATX e os grupos controle e PRP. Na dor, o grupo ATX 24 e 48 horas após a cirurgia e o grupo PRP 48 horas após a cirurgia apresentaram vantagens (p < 0,01). O ganho de flexão do joelho nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório foi melhor no grupo ATX (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O ATX foi eficaz na diminuição da queda da hemoglobina, reduzindo a dor e melhorando o ganho de movimento em 48 horas após o procedimento. O PRP não foi eficaz na redução do sangramento ou na melhora da função do joelho após a artroplastia, mas proporcionou melhor controle da dor pós-operatória. Nível de Evidência I, Randomizado, duplo cego, ensaio clínico prospectivo.

Outcome of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thoracic Sympathectomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

The impact of upper thoracic percutaneous sympathectomy with radiofrequency on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis was evaluated. Thirty-six patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were selected for a prospective observational study. Treatment consisted of percutaneous radiofrequency thoracic sympathectomy of T3 and T4 ganglions in all cases. QOL questionnaires were applied preoperatively, on the 1st postoperative (PO) day, and on the 30th, 90th, 180th, and 360th PO days. Furthermore, compensatory hyperhidrosis (HDSSc) scale measures were used simultaneously, in order to evaluate the rate and frequency of this side effect. The QOL questionnaire evaluation showed preoperative values of 83.94 ±â€¯4.74 (meaning poor quality of life), decreasing to 24.61 ±â€¯2.86 on the 1st PO day, 25.14 ±â€¯3.12 on the 30th PO day, 31.28 ±â€¯4.42 on the 90th PO day, 32.97 ±â€¯4.54 on the 180th PO day, and 33.94 ±â€¯4.6 on the 360th PO day (all postoperative results with values below 35 were considered optimal). Compensatory hyperhidrosis (HDSSc) scale values were 1.14 ±â€¯0.35 on the 1st PO day, 1.42 ±â€¯0.55 on the 30th PO day, 1.83 ±â€¯0.85 on the 90th PO day, 1.92 ±â€¯0.91 on the 180th PO day, and 1.92 ±â€¯0.91 on the 360th PO day (meaning that hyperhidrosis was mainly unnoticed). Patients' subjective satisfaction was considered very good and the majority of patients would recommend the treatment procedure. Percutaneous radiofrequency thoracic sympathectomy had a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis, compared to the surgical treatment, with a low rate and intensity of HDSSc and without other complications.

Thoracotomy compared to laparotomy in the traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Systematic review and proportional methanalysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the most used approach to treat traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures, and in which one the requirement to assess the second cavity is more frequent. METHODS: Systematic review, observational studies. Outcomes: moment of approach, most commonly via addressed and the requirement to open the other cavity. Bases searched: Lilacs, Pubmed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Web of Science. Statistical analysis: StatsDirect 3.0.121 software. RESULTS: Sixty eight studies (2023 participants) were included. Approach in acute phase was performed four times more than in chronic phase. Approach: abdominal 65% (IC 95% 63-67%), thoracic 23% (IC 95% 21-24%), abdominal in the acute phase 75% (IC 95% 71-78%), and chronic 24% (IC 95% 19-29%), thoracic in the acute phase 12% (IC 95% 10-14%) and chronic 69% (IC 95% 63-74%). Thorax opening in the abdominal approach: 10% (95% CI 8-14%). Abdomen opening in the thoracic approach: 15% (95% CI 7-24%). CONCLUSIONS: The most common approach was the abdominal. The approach in the acute phase was more common. In the acute phase the abdominal approach is more frequent than the thoracic approach. In the chronic phase the thoracic approach is more frequent than the abdominal one. The requirement to open the second cavity was similar in both approaches.

Mitomycin C in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Patients with laryngotracheal, tracheal, or tracheobronchial stenosis were treated with dilation and topical MMC. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being ineligible for surgery (for medical reasons) at the time of evaluation; membranous stenosis responding well to dilation; and postoperative stenosis at the anastomosis site. Etiology of stenosis and indication for treatment with MMC, as well as site, length, and percentage of stenosis, together with presence of tracheostomy and duration of follow-up, were analyzed. The outcomes evaluated were symptom-free interval ≥ 12 months, number of dilations with topical application of MMC, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (15 men and 7 women) were treated between 2003 and 2010. Stenosis was due to endotracheal intubation in 15 patients and surgery in 8. Pure tracheal stenosis was encountered in 13 patients, subglottic stenosis was encountered in 4, tracheobronchial stenosis was encountered in 3, and complex stenosis was encountered in 2. The length of stenosis ranged from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and the percentage of stenosis ranged from 40% to 100%. Nine patients had undergone tracheostomy and had a Montgomery T-tube in situ. Treatment was successful in 14 patients, who remained free of symptoms for at least 12 months. The number of topical applications of MMC ranged from 1 to 5, and complications included fungal infection, keloid scarring, granuloma, and mediastinal emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: MMC appears to be effective in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis.

Hyperhidrosis: prevalence and impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in the city of Botucatu, Brazil, and to evaluate how this disorder affects the quality of life in those suffering from it. METHODS: A population survey was conducted in order to identify cases of hyperhidrosis among residents in the urban area of the city, selected by systematic cluster sampling. In accordance with the census maps of the city, the sample size should be at least 4,033 participants. Ten interviewers applied a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of excessive sweating and invited the subjects who reported hyperhidrosis to be evaluated by a physician in order to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 4,133 residents, in 1,351 households, were surveyed. Excessive sweating was reported by 85 residents (prevalence = 2.07%), of whom 51 (60%) were female. Of those 85 respondents, 51 (60%) agreed to undergo medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and only 23 (45%) were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis (prevalence = 0.93%). Of the 23 subjects diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, 11 (48%) reported poor or very poor quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating was greater than 2%, the actual prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in our sample was 0.93% and nearly 50% of the respondents with primary hyperhidrosis reported impaired quality of life.

Treatment of post-intubation laryngeal granulomas: systematic review and proportional meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal granulomas post intubation are benign but recurrent lesions. There is no consensus for its treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for primary or recurrent laryngeal granulomas resulting from endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Systematic review and proportional meta-analysis. Eligibility criteria - experimental or observational studies with at least five subjects. Outcomes studied - granuloma resolution, recurrence, and time for resolution. Databases used - Pubmed, Embase, Lilacs, and Cochrane. The Stats Direct 3.0.121 program was used. RESULTS: Six studies were selected, with 85 patients. The treatments registered were: antireflux therapy, speech therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, antibiotics, zinc sulfate and surgery. 85 patients from six studies had primary treatment: surgery±associations (41 patients), resolution chance 75% (95% CI: 0.3-100%, I2=90%), absolute relapse risk 25% (95% CI: 0.2-71%); medical treatment (44 patients), resolution chance 86% (95% CI: 67-97%); and absolute relapse risk 14% (95% CI: 3-33%). There was no significant difference between groups. Three studies, encompassing 19 patients, analyzed secondary treatment (failure or recurrence after primary treatment); three subjects presented new recurrence. The time needed to resolve the lesions varied from immediate, after surgery, to 23 months, for inhaled steroid. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence of high quality that proves the efficacy of any treatment for laryngeal granulomas resulting from endotracheal intubation.

Application of Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty - Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has shown good results. Bleeding may cause local complications consequently greater pain and reduced function postoperatively. No study has related the use of TXA to these facts. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effects of TXA haemoglobin, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), pain intensity and flexion gain after TKA. METHODS: 43 patients were randomized and then underwent TKA. TXA was applied to 22 of these patients before closure of the joint capsule. Haemoglobin measurements (mg/dL) were taken preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The WOMAC questionnaire and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were applied, and flexion gain was measured up to the second postoperative month. Statistical analysis compared the results to determine whether there were differences between the groups for each of the evaluated times. RESULTS: There were differences in favour of the drug 48 hours postoperatively for the haemoglobin variable (p = 0.01), in pain evaluation, 24 and 48 hours, postoperatively (p < 0.01) and in flexion gain, 24 hours after surgery (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the groups in the haemoglobin evaluation 24 hours postoperatively, in pain assessment 7 days, 21 days and 2 months, postoperatively, in flexion gain 48 hours, 7 days, 21 days and 2 months, postoperatively and in WOMAC after 2 months. CONCLUSION: In addition to reducing bleeding, topical TXA improved pain and increased flexion gain in the first hours after TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-9b4qgq.

The round ligament in developmental hip dysplasia: are its mechanical and histological properties preserved? / O ligamento redondo na displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril: suas propriedades mecânicas e histológicas são preservadas?

ABSTRACT Introduction During open surgical dislocated hip reduction, several anatomical structures, such as the round ligament, are approached. However, there is controversy over both the possibility of preserving the ligament and its functional importance. Materials and Methods This experimental study used skeletally immature rabbits as a model for congenital hip dislocation. Thirty-six rabbits comprised the sample that was submitted to the round ligament analysis. The sample was stratified for analysis (biomechanics, zymography, histology, and immunohistochemistry). Statistical analysis compared the unstable side to the control side of each rabbit. Results Biomechanical assays showed that the mean maximal strength of the round ligament on the unstable side was similar to that of the control side (p = 0.594), which was also the case with maximum deformation (p = 0.328). Histologically, there was a statistically significant increase in cellularity on the unstable side (p <0.001). Additionally, there was significantly greater collagen occupancy on the control side (p <0.001). Zymography revealed no significant difference in the amount of active metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) (p = 0.068). Conclusions Although histological analysis found evidence of significant changes in the RL in unstable hips, there were no significant differences in zymography, and no changes were observed in biomechanical tests. Evidence Level V; Experimental study.

RESUMO Introdução Durante a redução cirúrgica aberta de luxação de quadril, várias estruturas anatômicas são abordadas, entre elas, o ligamento redondo. No entanto, há controvérsias quanto à possibilidade de preservação desse ligamento, bem como sua importância funcional. Materiais e Métodos Este estudo experimental usou coelhos esqueleticamente imaturos como modelo de luxação congênita do quadril. Trinta e seis coelhos compuseram a amostra que foi submetida à análise do ligamento redondo. A amostra foi estratificada para análise (biomecânica, zimografia, histologia e imuno-histoquímica). A análise estatística comparou o lado instável com o lado controle de cada coelho. Resultados Os ensaios biomecânicos mostraram que a força máxima média do ligamento redondo no lado instável era semelhante ao lado controle (p = 0,594), o que também ocorreu com a deformação máxima (p = 0,328). Em termos histológicos, houve um aumento estatisticamente significante da celularidade no lado instável (p < 0,001). Além disso, houve maior ocupação de colágeno no lado controle (p < 0,001). A zimografia não mostrou diferença significativa da quantidade de metaloproteinase 2 ativa (MMP-2) (p = 0,068). Conclusões Embora a análise histológica tenha encontrado evidências de alterações significativas do LR nos quadris instáveis, não houve diferenças significativas na zimografia e não foram observadas alterações nos testes biomecânicos. Nível de evidência V; Estudo experimental.

Palmar hyperhidrosis: clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Palmar hyperhidrosis affects up to 3% of the population and inflict significant impact on quality of life. It is characterized by chronic excessive sweating, not related to the necessity of heat loss. It evolves from a localized hyperactivity of the sympathetic autonomic system and can be triggered by stressful events. In this study, the authors discuss clinical findings, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic issues (clinical and surgical) related to palmar hyperhidrosis.

Endobronchial solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm that appears primarily in the pleura and rarely in intrapulmonary or endobronchial topography. The authors report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented obstructive respiratory symptoms for 4 years. The chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy showed an obstructive polypoid lesion located between the trachea and the left main bronchus associated with distal atelectasis of the left lung. A resection of the lesion was performed and, macroscopically, the mass was oval, encapsulated, and firm, measuring 2.3 × 1.7 × 1.5 cm. Histology revealed low-grade mesenchymal spindle cell neoplasm, with alternating cellularity, myxoid areas, and mature adipose tissue outbreaks, as well as blood vessels with irregular walls. The immunohistochemical study was positive for CD34, CD99, and BCL2. The diagnosis was SFT in an unusual topography. The patient's symptoms remitted after tumor excision, and no systemic problems were evident. SFTs primarily affect adults and often follow a benign course; however, their behavior is unpredictable. The presence of necrosis and mitotic activity may portend a poor prognosis. Endobronchial SFTs are rare but should be evaluated and monitored similar to SFTs at other sites, with a long-term follow-up.