Primary health care quality and hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the public health system in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relation of hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) with the quality of public primary care health services in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: Cohort study constructed by probabilistic record linkage performed from August 2006 to December 2011 in a population ≥18 years of age that attended public primary care health services. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool-Brazil) was used for evaluation of primary care services. RESULTS: Of 1200 subjects followed, 84 were hospitalized for primary care sensitive conditions. The main causes of ACSC hospital admissions were cardiovascular (40.5%) and respiratory (16.2%) diseases. The PCATool average score was 5.3, a level considerably below that considered to represent quality care. After adjustment through Cox proportional hazard modelling for covariates, >60 years of age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.13; P = 0.001), lesser education (HR: 0.66; P = 0.02), ethnicity other than white (HR: 1.77; P = 0.01) and physical inactivity (HR: 1.65; P = 0.04) predicted hospitalization, but higher quality of primary health care did not. CONCLUSION: Better quality of health care services, in a setting of overwhelmingly low quality services not adapted to the care of chronic conditions, did not influence the rate of avoidable hospitalizations, while social and demographic characteristics, especially non-white ethnicity and lesser schooling, indicate that social inequities play a predominant role in health outcomes.

Smear plus Detect-TB for a sensitive diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: a cost-effectiveness analysis in an incarcerated population.

BACKGROUND: Prison conditions can favor the spread of tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to evaluate in a Brazilian prison: the performance and accuracy of smear, culture and Detect-TB; performance of smear plus culture and smear plus Detect-TB, according to different TB prevalence rates; and the cost-effectiveness of these procedures for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) diagnosis. METHODS: This paper describes a cost-effectiveness study. A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of five routine diagnostic procedures for diagnosis of PTB using sputum specimens: a) Smear alone, b) Culture alone, c) Detect-TB alone, d) Smear plus culture and e) Smear plus Detect-TB. The cost-effectiveness ratio of costs were evaluated per correctly diagnosed TB case and all procedures costs were attributed based on the procedure costs adopted by the Brazilian Public Health System. RESULTS: A total of 294 spontaneous sputum specimens from patients suspected of having TB were analyzed. The sensibility and specificity were calculated to be 47% and 100% for smear; 93% and 100%, for culture; 74% and 95%, for Detect-TB; 96% and 100%, for smear plus culture; and 86% and 95%, for smear plus Detect-TB. The negative and positive predictive values for smear plus Detect-TB, according to different TB prevalence rates, ranged from 83 to 99% and 48 to 96%, respectively. In a cost-effectiveness analysis, smear was both less costly and less effective than the other strategies. Culture and smear plus culture were more effective but more costly than the other strategies. Smear plus Detect-TB was the most cost-effective method. CONCLUSIONS: The Detect-TB evinced to be sensitive and effective for the PTB diagnosis when applied with smear microscopy. Diagnostic methods should be improved to increase TB case detection. To support rational decisions about the implementation of such techniques, cost-effectiveness studies are essential, including in prisons, which are known for health care assessment problems.

Dialysis for end stage renal disease financed through the Brazilian National Health System, 2000 to 2012.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease has become a public health problem worldwide. Its terminal stage requires renal replacement therapy--dialysis or transplantation--for the maintenance of life, resulting in high economic and social costs. Though the number of patients with end-stage renal disease treated by dialysis in Brazil is among the highest in the world, current estimates of incidence and prevalence are imprecise. Our aim is to describe incidence and prevalence trends and the epidemiologic profile of end-stage renal disease patients receiving publically-financed dialysis in Brazil between 2000 and 2012. METHODS: We internally linked records of the High Complexity Procedure Authorization/Renal Replacement Therapy (APAC/TRS) system so as to permit analyses of incidence and prevalence of dialysis over the period 2000-2012. We characterized temporal variations in the incidence and prevalence using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Over the period, 280,667 patients received publically-financed dialysis, 57.2% of these being male. The underlying disease causes listed were hypertension (20.8%), diabetes (12.0%) and glomerulonephritis (7.7%); for 42.3%, no specific cause was recorded. Hemodialysis was the therapeutic modality in 90.1%. Over this period, prevalence increased 47%, rising 3.6% (95% CI 3.2%-4.0%)/year. Incidence increased 20%, or 1.8% (1.1%-2.5%)/year. Incidence increased in both sexes, in all regions of the country and particularly in older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease receiving publically-financed dialysis treatment has increased notably. The linkage approach developed will permit continuous future monitoring of these indicators.

High red blood cell distribution width is associated with a risk of short-term mortality in hospitalized surgical, but not clinical patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The distribution width of red blood cells (RDW) is a known factor risk for mortality. However, the association between high RDW and short-term mortality in surgical patients is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of high RDW with all-cause in-hospital mortality, in surgical and non-surgical patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with patients aged 18 years or older, hospitalized in Clinical Medical and Surgery wards, using adjustments based on a conceptual model. Cox regression was used to determine the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The RDW cutoff value was 13.6%. RESULTS: Of the 2923 patients, 46.1% were over 60 years old, 58.7% were male and 4.7% died. The area under the ROC curve was 0.677 (CI 95%: 0.619-0.712). RDW was associated with an adjusted risk for all-cause in-hospital mortality in surgical (HR 1.17 - CI 95%: 1.03-1.32), but not in clinical patients. For every 1% increase in RDW, the risk of all-cause hospital death in surgical patients increased by 17%. RDW ≥13.6% was associated with an adjusted risk of all cause in-hospital mortality in surgical (HR 2.65 - 95%CI: 1.22-5.73), but not in clinical patients. CONCLUSIONS: High RDW was associated with a risk of in-hospital mortality independent of age, sex, hemoglobin level, multimorbidity, nutritional status and immunological condition. We therefore recommend the use of RDW as a possible marker of mortality risk in clinical practice in surgical patients.

Failure to achieve proteic goals in non-critical patients increases risk for death: Old discussion, ongoing problem.

OBJECTIVES: Providing adequate nutritional support for hospitalized patients continues to be a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of energy and protein provision with in-hospital mortality in non-critically ill patients. METHODS: A retrospective study (2014-2016) was performed with all patients >18 y of age who were admitted to medical and surgical clinic wards and given exclusive enteral therapy. The mean of energy and protein was estimated per day and per kilogram of body mass from the enteral prescription data, over the entire period of hospitalization. A prescription mean was considered hypocaloric or hypoproteic at <20 kcal · kg · d-1 or <0.8 g · kg · d-1, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 58.3% were >60 y of age and 60% were men. The frequencies of in-hospital mortality (19.2%) and malnutrition (78.8%) were high. The means of protein (0.75 g· kg· d-1) and energy (17.60 kcal · kg · d-1) were below the general recommendations and 37.8% did not reach a mean of 20 kcal · kg · d-1 during the entire hospitalization period. Hypocaloric (hazard ratio [HR], 5.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-21.04) and hypoproteic nutrition (HR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.25-10.93) were predictors of all-cause in-hospital mortality in adjusted multivariate models. However, when we adjusted the hypoprotein nutrition by energy (non-protein calories to nitrogen ratio), hypoprotein nutrition seems to maintain the increased risk for death (HR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.04-9.53). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoproteic nutrition appears to be more significant than hypocaloric nutrition in predicting all-cause in-hospital mortality. Protocols should be implemented to ensure that target caloric and protein levels are reached as quickly as possible to optimize patient survival.

Combination of red blood cell distribution width and body mass index (COR-BMI) predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with different diagnoses?

BACKGROUND: The combination of red blood cell distribution width and body mass index (COR-BMI) is indicated as a new prognostic index of survival in patients with laryngeal cancer. However, the ability of this prediction in other types of cancer or whether its use can be expanded to non-oncological patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prediction of prognosis of in-hospital mortality of the COR-BMI in oncological and non-oncological patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with all hospitalized patients between 2014 and 2016, totaling 2930 patients, 262 oncological and 2668 non-oncological. The COR-BMI was divided into three classes: 0, RDW ≤ 13.1% and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; 1, RDW ≤ 13.1% and BMI < 18.5 or ≥ 18.5 but < 25 kg/m2 and RDW > 13.1% and BMI ≥ 18.5 but < 25 or BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; and 2, RDW > 13.1% and BMI < 18.5 kg/m2. In order to analyze the relationship between COR-BMI and in-hospital mortality in the studied population, the Cox Proportional Hazards Model was used in a multivariate analysis based on a conceptual model. RESULTS: The COR-BMI was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in non-oncological patients (1 versus 0: HR = 3.34; CI = 1.60-6.96, p = 0.001; 2 versus 0: HR = 3.38; CI = 1.22-9.39, p = 0.019). The survival rate of these patients was lower among those with the highest scores on the COR-BMI. This prediction was not found in oncological patients. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the COR-BMI may have its practical use expanded to non-oncological patients as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.

Serum Albumin is Independent Predictor of Hospital Mortality in Patients with Cancer / A Albumina Sérica é Preditor Independente de Mortalidade Hospitalar em Pacientes com Câncer / La Albúmina Sérica es un Predictor Independiente de Mortalidad Hospitalaria en Pacientes con Cáncer

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are few studies showing adjusted models with other predictors of mortality by a conceptual model perspective. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the prediction of albumin and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) with in-hospital mortality in cancer patients. Method: Retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2016 with 262 cancer patients (gastrointestinal tract, male genital organs, breast, metastasis, urinary tract, head and neck and others). Demographic data, blood counts, C-reactive protein, albumin, and haematological indexes (Prognosis nutritional index - PNI, Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio - NLR, Monocytes lymphocytes ratio - MLR, Platelets to lymphocytes ratio - PLR and Platelets to albumin ratio - PAR), nutritional diagnoses and hospital outcomes (discharge or death) were collected. The cumulative probability of death was calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and survival analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The frequency of death among the study patients was 10.7% (28). Among the patients who died, 99.2% (26) presented some degree of malnutrition (p=0.004). In the multivariate analysis, serum albumin (<3 g/dL) was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (HR=3.43, 95% CI 1.11-10.63). On the other hand, the PNI was not associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Serum albumin levels during hospitalization were predictors of in-hospital mortality in the population evaluated. These results suggest that the serum levels of this protein can be used in clinical practice, adding prognostic information in patients with cancer

Introducción: El cáncer es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Hay pocos estudios que muestren modelos ajustados con otros predictores de mortalidad desde una perspectiva de modelo conceptual. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la predicción de la albúmina y el Índice Nutricional Pronóstico (IPN) con la mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer (tracto gastrointestinal, órganos genitales masculinos, mama, metástasis, tracto urinario, cabeza y cuello y otros). Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 2014 a 2016 con 262 pacientes con cáncer. Se recogieron datos demográficos, hemogramas, proteína C reactiva, albúmina y índices hematológicos (Índice de Pronóstico Nutricional - IPN, proporción neutrófilos/linfocitos - NLR, proporción monocitos/linfocitos - MLR, proporción plaquetas/linfocitos - PLR y proporción plaquetas/albúmina - PAR), diagnósticos nutricionales y resultados hospitalarios (alta o muerte). La probabilidad acumulada de muerte se calculó mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y se realizaron análisis supervivencia utilizando el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: La frecuencia de muerte entre los pacientes del estudio fue del 10,7% (28). Entre los pacientes fallecidos, el 99,2% (26) presentaba algún grado de desnutrición (p=0,004). En el análisis multivariado, la albúmina sérica (<3 g/dL) se asoció de forma independiente con la mortalidad hospitalaria (HR=3,43, IC 95% 1,11-10,63). Por otro lado, el IPN no se asoció con mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Conclusión: Los niveles de albúmina sérica durante la hospitalización fueron predictores de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en la población evaluada. Nuestros resultados sugieren que los niveles séricos de esta proteína se pueden utilizar en la práctica clínica, agregando información de pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer.

Introdução: O câncer é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. Existem poucos estudos mostrando modelos ajustados com outros preditores de mortalidade por uma perspectiva de modelo conceitual. Objetivo: Verificar a predição de albumina e do Índice Nutricional Prognóstico (IPN) com mortalidade intra-hospitalar em pacientes com câncer. Método: Estudo retrospectivo realizado de 2014 a 2016 com 262 pacientes com câncer (trato gastrointestinal, órgãos genitais masculinos, mama, metástases, trato urinário, cabeça e pescoço e outros). Foram coletados dados demográficos, hemograma, proteína C reativa, albumina e índices hematológicos (índice de prognóstico nutricional - IPN; relação neutrófilo por linfócitos - RNL; relação monócitos por linfócitos - RML; relação plaquetas por linfócitos - RPL; e relação plaquetas por albumina ­ RPA), diagnósticos nutricionais e desfechos hospitalares (alta ou óbito). A probabilidade cumulativa de morte foi calculada pelas curvas de Kaplan-Meier e as análises de sobrevivência realizadas usando o modelo de risco proporcional de Cox. Resultados: A frequência de óbito entre os pacientes do estudo foi de 10,7% (28). Entre os pacientes que morreram, 99,2% (26) apresentavam algum grau de desnutrição (p=0,004). Na análise multivariada, a albumina sérica (<3 g/dL) associou-se de forma independente à mortalidade hospitalar (HR=3,43, IC95% 1,11-10,63). Por outro lado, o IPN não foi associado com mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Conclusão: Os níveis de albumina sérica durante a internação foram preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar na população avaliada. Esses resultados sugerem que os níveis séricos dessa proteína podem ser utilizados na prática clínica, agregando informações prognósticas em pacientes com câncer

Construção de base de dados nacional de pacientes em tratamento dialítico no Sistema Único de Saúde, 2000 - 2012 / Building a national database of patients receiving dialysis on the Brazilian Unified Health System, 2000-2012

Objetivo: descrever os procedimentos de criação da base de dados nacional dos pacientes em tratamento dialítico pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: efetuou-se relacionamento determinístico e probabilístico dos registros de Autorização de Procedimentos de Alta Complexidade (APAC) entre 2000 e 2012, utilizando-se o Statistical Analysis System (SAS) e o Fine-Grained Records Integration and Linkage Tool (FRIL). Resultados: concatenou-se 14.200 arquivos e identificou-se 38.038.040 registros; destes, 17.534 (0,046 por cento) foram excluídos por não preenchimento das variáveis ‘Cadastro de Pessoa Física’ (CPF) e ‘Cartão Nacional de Saúde’ (CNS) e 100.432 (0,264 por cento) por referirem a campanha de cirurgia de catarata; no período, 351.076 indivíduos iniciaram tratamento dialítico e 280.667 (79.9 por cento) permaneceram no SUS por três meses ou mais de tratamento. Conclusões: a metodologia utilizada permitiu a construção de uma base de dados para monitoramento dos indivíduos em tratamento dialítico no SUS, podendo ser útil para outras enfermidades cujos tratamentos são registrados na APAC.

Objective: to describe the procedures employed in constructing a national Unified Health System (SUS) dialysis patients database. Methods: deterministic and probabilistic linking of High Complexity Procedures Authorization (APAC) records 2000-2012 was performed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and the Fine-Grained Record Integration and Linkage Tool (FRIL). Results: 14,200 APAC files were linked. 38,038,040 records were identified. 17,534 (0,046 per cent) were eliminated as they lacked the Social Security (CPF) or National Health Card (CNS) key variables. 100,432 (0,264 per cent) referring to unrelated cataract operations were also eliminated. Over the period, 351,076 individuals began dialysis treatment on the SUS and 280,667 (79.9 per cent) remained in treatment for >3 consecutive months. Conclusions: the methodology used enabled a SUS dialysis patient monitoring database to be built. It can also be applied for monitoring procedures for other pathologies reimbursed under the APAC data system.