Similar outcomes of catheters implanted by nephrologists and surgeons: analysis of the Brazilian peritoneal dialysis multicentric study.

A good catheter implantation technique is important to allow for effective peritoneal access function and long-term technique survival. Studies regarding results obtained by nephrologists in comparison with surgeons have been limited to small single-center experiences. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the impact of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion operator on early catheter complications and on technique survival in a large national multicentric cohort study (Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicentric Study, BRAZPD). Adult incident patients recruited in the BRAZPD from December 2004 to October 2007 having undergone first PD catheter implantation were included in the analysis. Mechanical and infectious early complication rates were defined as time to the first event occurring up to 3 months after catheter insertion and adjusted for comorbidities. Valid data of 736 patients (mean age of 59 ± 16 years old, 52% women, 61% white) were analyzed. Mechanical (HR 0.99 [CI 0.56-1.76]; p = 0.98) and infectious (HR 0.63 [CI 0.32-1.23]; p = 0.17) early complication rates were similar between groups. Long-term catheter survival was also similar between groups. Early complications rates and catheter survival were similar between groups defined by operator profile (nephrologist or surgeon), supporting the role of interventional nephrology in the placement of PD catheters.

Impact of Glycemic Variability and Hypoglycemia on the Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay among Elderly Patients in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Glycemic variability (GV) is an alternative diabetes-related parameter that has been associated with mortality and longer hospitalization periods. There is no ideal method for calculating GV. In this study, we used standard deviation and coefficient of variation due to their suitability for this sample and ease of use in daily clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between GV, hypoglycemia, and the 90-day mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) among non-critically ill hospitalized elderly patients. METHODS: The medical records of 2,237 elderly patients admitted to the Zilda Arns Elderly Hospital over a 2.5-year period were reviewed. Hypoglycemia was defined as a glucose level <70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia alert value) and represented by the proportion of days in which the patient presented with this condition relative to the LOS. The Charlson comorbidity index was used to evaluate prognosis. Data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Adjusted analysis of 687 patients (305 men [44.4%] and 382 women [55.6%], mean age of 77.86±9.25 years) revealed that GV was associated with a longer LOS (p=0.048). Mortality was associated with hypoglycemia (p=0.005) and mean patient-day blood glucose level (p=0.036). Variables such as age (p<0.001), Charlson score (p<0.001), enteral diet (p<0.001), and corticosteroid use (p=0.007) were also independently associated with 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Increased GV during hospitalization is independently associated with a longer LOS and hypoglycemia in non-critically ill elderly patients, while the mean patient-day blood glucose is associated with increased mortality.

Metronidazole concentration in the bloodstream following its topical application, at different concentration levels, on experimental skin wounds during healing by secondary intention1.

PURPOSE: To characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the absorption of metronidazole solution, in greater concentrations and for longer periods, when applied topically to an experimental open skin wound model. METHODS: An open skin wound, 2 cm in diameter and total skin thickness was prepared, under anesthetic, in the dorsal region of 108 Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 350 grams. The animals were allocated to groups of 18 animals in accordance with the concentration of metronidazole in the solution to be applied daily to the wound. In the control group (CG), 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used for application, and in the experimental groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV and GV) metronidazole solution at 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%, respectively, was applied. After 3, 7 and 14 days of treatment. Blood samples collected through cardiac puncture were examined for the existence or non-existence of metronidazole, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detected metronidazole values were compared statistically within each group (temporal analysis 3 days X 7 days X 14 days) and between the groups that used topical metronidazole (4% X 6% X 8% X 10% and 12%) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a statistical significance of 95% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Metronidazole was detected in all the samples at all times in all the groups in which topical metronidazole was applied to the wounds. Characteristically, there was no significant difference between the doses obtained within each group over time (3 days X 7 days X 14 days) GI=0.461; GII=0.154; GIII=0.888; GIV= 0.264 and GV=0.152. In the evaluation between groups, a similar degree of absorption was found after 3 days (p=0.829) and 14 days (p=0.751). CONCLUSION: The serum concentration of metronidazole that was achieved was not influenced by the concentration of the solution applied to the skin wound, with similar extend, or by the duration of the application.

Combined transplantation of skeletal myoblasts and mesenchymal cells (cocultivation) in ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Cell therapy in the myocardium has been mainly performed with satisfactory results using 2 cell types: skeletal myoblasts (myogenic) and mesenchymal cells (angiogenic). This study assessed the combined transplantation of those 2 cell types (SMM) into infarcted rats. METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced by ligature of the left coronary artery in 26 Wistar rats. After one week, the animals underwent echocardiography for assessing ejection fraction (EF%) and left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volumes (EDV, ESV, mL). After 2 days, the animals were reoperated on and divided into 2 groups: 1) control (n = 10), which received 0.15 mL of culture medium; and 2) SMM (n = 16), which received 7.5x10(6) heterologous skeletal myoblasts and mesenchymal cells in the infarcted region. The cells were obtained from puncture of the iliac crest and biopsy of skeletal muscle, and were cultured in vitro. After one month, the animals underwent a new echocardiography. RESULTS: No significant difference in EF, EDV, and ESV was observed between the 2 groups on baseline echocardiographic values. One month after transplantation, the following was observed: a reduction in EF in the control group (29.31 +/- 5.6% to 23.54 +/- 6.51%; P = 0.048); and an increase in EF in the SMM group (24.03 +/- 8.68% to 31.77 +/- 9.06%; P = 0.011). The presence of neovascularization and muscle fibers was identified in the regions of myocardial fibrosis in the SMM group. CONCLUSION: Cocultivation of skeletal myoblasts and mesenchymal cells is functionally effective.

Metronidazole concentration in the bloodstream following its topical application, at different concentration levels, on experimental skin wounds during healing by secondary intention

Abstract Purpose: To characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the absorption of metronidazole solution, in greater concentrations and for longer periods, when applied topically to an experimental open skin wound model. Methods: An open skin wound, 2 cm in diameter and total skin thickness was prepared, under anesthetic, in the dorsal region of 108 Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 350 grams. The animals were allocated to groups of 18 animals in accordance with the concentration of metronidazole in the solution to be applied daily to the wound. In the control group (CG), 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used for application, and in the experimental groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV and GV) metronidazole solution at 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%, respectively, was applied. After 3, 7 and 14 days of treatment. Blood samples collected through cardiac puncture were examined for the existence or non-existence of metronidazole, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detected metronidazole values were compared statistically within each group (temporal analysis 3 days X 7 days X 14 days) and between the groups that used topical metronidazole (4% X 6% X 8% X 10% and 12%) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a statistical significance of 95% (p<0.05). Results: Metronidazole was detected in all the samples at all times in all the groups in which topical metronidazole was applied to the wounds. Characteristically, there was no significant difference between the doses obtained within each group over time (3 days X 7 days X 14 days) GI=0.461; GII=0.154; GIII=0.888; GIV= 0.264 and GV=0.152. In the evaluation between groups, a similar degree of absorption was found after 3 days (p=0.829) and 14 days (p=0.751). Conclusion: The serum concentration of metronidazole that was achieved was not influenced by the concentration of the solution applied to the skin wound, with similar extend, or by the duration of the application.

O transplante em conjunto de células mioblásticas esqueléticas e mesenquimais (cocultivadas) na disfunção ventricular pós-infarto do miocárdio / Combined transplantation of skeletal myoblasts and mesenchymal cells (cocultivation) in ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction

OBJETIVO: A terapia celular no miocárdio tem sido realizada fundamentalmente com dois tipos celulares: as células mioblásticas esqueléticas (miogênicas) e as mesenquimais (angiogênicas) com resultados satisfatórios. Foi analisado o resultado do transplante em conjunto destas células (CEM) em ratos infartados. MÉTODOS: Foram induzidos ao infarto do miocárdio, por meio de ligadura da coronária esquerda 26 ratos Wistar. Após uma semana, os animais foram submetidos à ecocardiografia para avaliação da fração de ejeção (FE, por cento) e dos volumes diastólico e sistólico finais do ventrículo esquerdo (VDF, VSF,ml). Após dois dias os animais foram reoperados e divididos em dois grupos: 1) controle (n=10) que recebeu 0,15 ml de meio de cultura e 2) CEM (n=16) que recebeu 7.5x106 células mioblásticas esqueléticas e mesenquimais, heterólogas, na região do infarto. As células foram obtidas a partir da punção da crista ilíaca e da biópsia do músculo esquelético, ambas submetidas à cultura celular in vitro. Após um mês, os animais foram submetidos a nova ecocardiografia. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos quanto a FE, VDF e VSF nos valores ecocardiográficos de base. Um mês após o transplante, foram observados diminuição da FE no grupo controle (29.31 ± 5.6 por cento para 23.54 ± 6.51 por cento p=0.048) e acréscimo da FE no grupo CEM (24.03 ± 8.68 por cento para 31.77 ± 9.06 por cento, p=0.011). Identificou-se a presença de neovasos e fibras musculares, nas regiões de fibrose miocárdica no grupo CEM. CONCLUSAO: O cocultivo das células mioblásticas esqueléticas e das células mesenquimais é funcionalmente efetivo.