Estrategias de ventilación protectora en cirugía cardiovascular / Protective ventilation strategies in cardiovascular surgery

Introducción: La alteración en el intercambio gaseoso es una complicación de la cirugía cardíaca con circulación extracorpórea. La causa de este deterioro es multifactorial. Durante la derivación, ambos pulmones colapsan y al término de la circulación extracorpórea los pulmones se vuelven a expandir, sin existir una técnica estándar para ello. La aplicación de reclutamiento alveolar durante la anestesia general en este tipo de cirugía mejora la oxigenación arterial. Objetivo: Describir aspectos esenciales de fisiopatología de la injuria pulmonar asociada a la ventilación mecánica en procedimientos quirúrgicos cardíacos y el efecto de la ventilación mecánica protectora perioperatoria como estrategia para prevenirla. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura publicada durante el período comprendido entre enero de 1990 y diciembre de 2020 que hiciera referencia a las estrategias de ventilación mecánica protectora en cirugía cardiovascular. Resultados: La evidencia experimental y clínica sugiere que los bajos volúmenes corrientes de ventilación pulmonar y la aplicación por un corto período del aumento de las presiones inspiratorias, conocidas como "maniobras de reclutamiento" seguidas de la aplicación de presión positiva al final de la espiración para mantener los alveolos reclutados abiertos, incrementan la capacidad residual funcional y reducen la injuria pulmonar asociada a la ventilación mecánica. Estas recomendaciones han sido extrapoladas de estudios retrospectivos realizados en otro tipo de poblaciones. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia contundente de que esta estrategia disminuya la respuesta proinflamatoria, mejore la función pulmonar posoperatoria y disminuya la mortalidad perioperatoria, cuando se compara con la ventilación convencional(AU)

Introduction: The alteration in gas exchange is a complication of cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The cause of this deterioration is multifactorial. During the shunt, both lungs collapse and at the end of the extracorporeal circulation the lungs expand again, without a standard technique for it. The application of alveolar recruitment during general anesthesia in this type of surgery improves arterial oxygenation. Multiple strategies are used and have as a reference the extracorporeal circulation and its contribution to the pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response. This forces the anesthesiologist to understand the pathophysiology of lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation. Objective: Describe essential aspects of pathophysiology of pulmonary injury associated with mechanical ventilation in cardiac surgical procedures and the effect of perioperative protective mechanical ventilation as a strategy to prevent it. Method: A search of the literature published during the period between January 1990 and December 2020 was carried out that referred to protective mechanical ventilation strategies in cardiovascular surgery. Results: Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that low current volumes of pulmonary ventilation and the application for a short period of increased inspiratory pressures, known as "recruitment maneuvers" followed by the application of positive pressure at the end of expiration to keep the recruited alveoli open, increase functional residual capacity and reduce lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation. These recommendations have been extrapolated from retrospective studies conducted in other types of populations. Conclusions: There is no strong evidence that this strategy decreases the pro-inflammatory response, improves postoperative lung function and decreases perioperative mortality, when compared to conventional ventilation(AU)

Research Documents for Populations with Limited English Proficiency: Translation Approaches Matter.

To avoid excluding individuals with limited English proficiency from participating in research, the consent form and other documents should be presented to them in their primary language and in a format that is understandable. However, evidence suggests that, when documents are translated for prospective and actual research participants with limited English proficiency, these individuals often fail to engage with the documents and the research in the same terms as their English-speaking counterparts do. We argue that this is because methodological challenges remain after a decision to translate has been made. This study investigated how translation approaches affected reader response and intelligibility. Participants were asked to review two translated versions of a survey (which reflected a functionalist and a literal approach to translation) followed by semistructured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed a preference for a functionalist translation and a higher number of problems raised in regard to the literal translation. The recommendations we offer here include considering the most appropriate translation approach for a specific genre and purpose.

Anestesia total intravenosa con remifentanilo vs fentanilo como base analgésica en cirugía torácica electiva / Intravenous total anesthesia with remifentanil and fentanyl as analgesic base in elective thoracic surgery

Introducción: Mantener una oxigenación adecuada durante la ventilación a un solo pulmón es el problema fundamental al que se enfrenta el anestesiólogo durante la cirugía torácica, es por ello que se mantiene una constante búsqueda del método anestésico ideal que ayude a lograr dicho objetivo. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados de dos técnicas de anestesia total intravenosa con remifentanilo y fentanilo como base analgésica e identificar la aparición de complicaciones durante la intervención quirúrgica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio causiexperimental prospectivo, en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Salvador Allende, entre enero 2013 a diciembre 2015 en 40 pacientes ASA II o III que requirieron procedimientos intratorácicos. Estos se dividieron en dos grupos. A (remifentanilo-propofol) y B (fentanilo-propofol). Se estudiaron variables hemodinámicas, de oxigenación durante la ventilación unipulmonar, el tiempo de recuperación anestésica (ventilación espontánea, apertura ocular, extubación) y la analgesia posoperatoria. Resultados: No existieron variaciones significativas en la hemodinamia, ni en la oxigenación de los enfermos con el empleo de ambas técnicas anestésicas; sin embargo, el despertar y recuperación posoperatoria a corto plazo fue mejor en el grupo A. La intensidad del dolor posoperatorio según la escala visual análoga fue menor en el grupo B. Conclusiones: Ambas técnicas son efectivas para procedimientos quirúrgicos torácicos. Con mínima interferencia en la hemodinámia y parámetros de oxigenación(AU)

Introduction: Maintaining adequate oxygenation during single-lung ventilation is a fundamental concern faced by the anesthesiologist during thoracic surgery; therefore, a constant search is maintained for the ideal anesthetic method that helps achieve this goal is maintained. Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of two total intravenous anesthesia techniques with remifentanil and fentanyl as analgesic base and to identify the onset of complications during surgery. Methods: A prospective and quasi-experimental study was carried out at Dr. Salvador Allende Clinical-Surgical Hospital, between January 2013 and December, with 40 ASA II or III patients who required intrathoracic procedures. These were divided into two groups: A (remifentanil-propofol) and B (fentanyl-propofol). Hemodynamic variables and others of oxygenation during one-lung ventilation were studied, together with anesthetic recovery time (spontaneous ventilation, ocular opening, extubation) and postoperative analgesia. Results: There were no significant variations in the hemodynamics or oxygenation of patients with the use of both anesthetic techniques; however, awakening and short-term postoperative recovery was better in group A. Postoperative pain intensity, based on the analogue-visual scale, was lower in group B. Conclusion: Both techniques are effective for thoracic surgical procedures, with minimal effect in hemodynamics and oxygenation parameters(AU)

Anestesia intravenosa total: Propofol/remifentanil vs. midazolam/remifentanil en cirugía torácica / Total intravenous anesthesia: propofol/remifentanil vs midazolam/remifentanil in thoracic surgery

Introducción: Las técnicas de administración de anestesia en cirugía torácica han experimentado gran evolución y mayor fundamento científico. La anestesia intravenosa total basada en la analgesia favorece a que el período perioperatorio transcurra sin dolor y la recuperación sin complicaciones. Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad y seguridad de dos técnicas de anestesia intravenosa total en cirugía torácica electiva con remifentanilo como base analgésica. Métodos: Estudio causiexperimental, prospectivo realizado en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Salvador Allende, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2013 a enero de 2015, en 45 pacientes, programados para cirugía torácica electiva, divididos en dos grupos según hipnótico utilizado. Grupo A: Propofol/Remifentanil y Grupo B: Midazolam/Remifentanil. Se evaluaron variables hemodinámicas en diferentes momentos del período intraoperatorio. Variables de oxigenación (PaO2 y SaO2) durante la ventilación unipulmonar y los tiempos de recuperación anestésica. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes mayores de 60 años en los dos grupos, con estado físico ASA III. No hubo diferencias en la oxigenación arterial entre los grupos. Hubo disminución de la tensión arterial sistólica en el grupo A sin diferencias significativas. La recuperación de la anestesia fue significativamente más demorada en el grupo B. Conclusiones: La técnica de anestesia intravenosa total con remifentanil como base analgésica asociado a propofol resultó segura y efectiva en pacientes operados de cirugía torácica(AU)

Introduction: Anesthesia administration techniques in thoracic surgery have undergone great evolution and greater scientific foundation. Total intravenous anesthesia based on analgesia favors the perioperative period without pain and recovery without complications. Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of two techniques of total intravenous anesthesia in elective thoracic surgery with remifentanil as an analgesic base. Methods: Prospective and causiexperimental study carried out at Dr. Salvador Allende Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital, in the period from January 2013 to January 2015, with 45 patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery, who were divided into two groups according to the hypnotic drug used. Group A: propofol/remifentanil, and group B: midazolam/remifentanil. Hemodynamic variables were evaluated at different times during the intraoperative period. Oxygenation variables (PaO2 and SaO2) during unipulmonary ventilation and anesthetic recovery times. Results: Patients older than 60 years predominated in the two groups, with a physical status of ASA III. There were no differences in arterial oxygenation between the groups. There was a decrease in systolic blood pressure in group A without significant differences. The recovery of anesthesia was significantly more delayed in group B. Conclusions: The total intravenous anesthesia technique with remifentanil as an analgesic base associated with propofol was safe and effective in patients undergoing thoracic surgery(AU)

Non-indigenous species refined national baseline inventories: A synthesis in the context of the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Refined baseline inventories of non-indigenous species (NIS) are set per European Union Member State (MS), in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The inventories are based on the initial assessment of the MSFD (2012) and the updated data of the European Alien Species Information Network, in collaboration with NIS experts appointed by the MSs. The analysis revealed that a large number of NIS was not reported from the initial assessments. Moreover, several NIS initially listed are currently considered as native in Europe or were proven to be historical misreportings. The refined baseline inventories constitute a milestone for the MSFD Descriptor 2 implementation, providing an improved basis for reporting new NIS introductions, facilitating the MSFD D2 assessment. In addition, the inventories can help MSs in the establishment of monitoring systems of targeted NIS, and foster cooperation on monitoring of NIS across or within shared marine subregions.

Insuficiencia renal aguda en el perioperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular / Acute kidney failure in the perioperative of cardiovascular surgery

Introducción: La lesión renal aguda después de una cirugía cardíaca persiste como una causa importante de morbilidad posoperatoria y la existencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en pacientes que se remiten a este tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico, es mayor. La incidencia de lesión renal aguda depende del tipo de cirugía y de la función renal previa a la operación, pero muchos son los factores que contribuyen a la manifestación de dicha lesión. Objetivos: Ampliar los conocimientos actuales sobre el paciente con insuficiencia renal aguda en relación con los aspectos principales de su incidencia después de la cirugía cardíaca asociada o no a la circulación extracorpórea y su influencia en la conducción anestésica y la conducta posoperatoria en la aparición del referido daño renal. Métodos: Se consultaron las bases de datos bibliográficas Pubmed, Hinari, Clinical Key, Lilacs, libros de textos de la especialidad y tesis doctorales de donde se extrajeron más de 25 artículos de revisión en su mayoría actualizados. Resultados: La disminución de la morbilidad y mortalidad depende del conocimiento de los factores de riesgo asociados a la aparición de insuficiencia renal aguda en el posoperatorio de la intervención quirúrgica cardiovascular, así como la preparación de las condiciones para enfrentar las posibles complicaciones. Conclusiones: La correcta elección de la técnica anestésica, la monitorización de parámetros hematológicos y clínicos en el perioperatorio mejora la recuperación, menor estadía en las unidades de cuidados intensivos y cardiología, considerable ahorro de recursos y mayor bienestar para los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Severe renal lesion after cardiac surgery remains as an important cause of postoperative morbidity and the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases in patients referred for this type of surgical procedure is higher. The incidence of the severe renal lesion depends on the type of surgery and on renal functions before the operation, but many are the factors contribution to the onset of such lesion. Objectives: To expand current knowledge about patients with acute kidney failure in relation to the main aspects of their incidence after cardiac surgery or not associated with extracorporeal circulation and its influence on anesthetic conduction and postoperative behavior in the appearance of the referred kidney damage. Methods: We consulted the bibliographic databases Pubmed, Hinari, Clinical Key, Lilacs, specialty textbooks and doctoral dissertations, from which more than 25 review articles, mostly updated, were taken Results: The decrease in morbidity and mortality depends on the knowledge about risk factors associated with the onset of acute kidney failure in the postoperative period of the cardiovascular surgical intervention, as well as the preparation of the conditions to confront the possible complications. Conclusions: The correct choice of anesthetic technique, as well as the monitoring of hematological and clinical parameters in the perioperative period improves recovery, less stay in the intensive care and cardiology units, considerable saving of resources and greater well-being for patients(AU)

Concurrent validity of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale to detect delayed gross motor development in preterm infants: A comparative study with the Bayley III.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the concurrent validity of AIMS in relation to the gross motor subtest of the Bayley Scale III/GM in preterm infants. METHODS: A total of 159 gross motor development assessments were performed with the AIMS and Bayley-III/GM. Linear regression was used to assess the correlation between AIMS and Bayley-III/GM scores. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot were used to analyze intra- and inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: There was a prevalence of delayed gross motor development of 20.8% according to the Bayley-III/GM, and 11.9% for the 5th percentile and 21.4% for the 10th percentile of AIMS. A good correlation of AIMS with Bayley-III/GM scores and intra- and inter-rater reliability was encountered in this study. CONCLUSION: AIMS proved very capable of detecting delayed gross motor development in preterm infants when compared with the Bayley-III/GM. The 10th percentile of AIMS provided the best combination of indicators, with greater specificity.

The SITLESS project: exercise referral schemes enhanced by self-management strategies to battle sedentary behaviour in older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the world's population. Recent evidence indicates that excessive sitting time is harmful to health, independent of meeting the recommended moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) guidelines. The SITLESS project aims to determine whether exercise referral schemes (ERS) can be enhanced by self-management strategies (SMSs) to reduce sedentary behaviour (SB), increase PA and improve health, quality of life and function in the long term, as well as psychosocial outcomes in community-dwelling older European citizens from four countries, within a three-armed pragmatic randomised controlled trial, compared with ERS alone and also with general recommendations about PA. METHODS: A total of 1338 older adults will be included in this study, recruited from four European countries through different existing primary prevention pathways. Participants will be randomly allocated into an ERS of 16 weeks (32 sessions, 45-60 min per session), ERS enhanced by seven sessions of SMSs and four telephone prompts, or a control group. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, month 4 (end of ERS intervention), month 16 (12 months post intervention) and month 22 (18 months post intervention). Primary outcomes will include measures of SB (time spent sedentary) and PA (counts per minute). Secondary outcomes will include muscle and physical function, health economics' related outcomes, anthropometry, quality of life, social networks, anxiety and depressive symptoms, disability, fear of falling, executive function and fatigue. A process evaluation will be conducted throughout the trial. The full analysis set will follow an intention-to-treat principle and will include all randomised participants for whom a baseline assessment is conducted. The study hypothesis will be tested with mixed linear models with repeated measures, to assess changes in the main outcomes (SB and PA) over time (baseline to month 22) and between study arms. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study may help inform the design and implementation of more effective interventions to reduce SB and increase PA levels, and hence improve long-term health outcomes in the older adult population. SITLESS aims to support policy-makers in deciding how or whether ERS should be further implemented or restructured in order to increase its adherence, impact and cost-effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02629666 . Registered 19 November 2015.

Accuracy of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) to detect developmental delay of gross motor skills in preterm infants: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, through a systematic review, the ability of Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) to diagnose delayed motor development in preterm infants. METHODS: Systematic searches identified five studies meeting inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of: participants' characteristics, main results and risk of bias. The risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies--second edition (QUADAS-2). RESULTS: All five studies included a high risk of bias in at least one of the assessed fields. The most frequent biases included were presented in patient selection and lost follow up. All studies used the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the diagnostic capability of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. None of the assessed studies used psychometric measures to analyze the data. CONCLUSION: Given the evidence, the research supporting the ability of Alberta Infant Motor Scale to diagnose delayed motor development in preterm infants presents limitations. Further studies are suggested in order to avoid the above-mentioned biases to assess the Alberta Infant Motor Scale accuracy in preterm babies.

Assessing gross motor development of Brazilian infants.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) requires reference values specific for Brazilian infants. METHODS: A total of 660 (330 girls) healthy full-term infants from Belo Horizonte were assessed using the AIMS. Scores and percentile curves were compared with the Canadian reference values. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Differences were found in the 5th percentile (9-<10 and 10-<11 months) and the 10th percentile (4-<5, 9-<10, and 10-<11 months) curves. No significant differences were found between sexes on the basis of the economic classification or the criteria of the Human Development Index. CONCLUSION: Primarily because of the corrections made to the 5th and 10th percentile curves, we recommend the use of the Brazilian infant data curves reported here for further studies conducted in Brazil. Because the Human Development Index of Belo Horizonte is similar to that for Brazil as a whole, the results of this study should be relevant for clinicians throughout Brazil.

The effect of functional circuit training on self-reported fear of falling and health status in a group of physically frail older individuals: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Physical frailty has been regarded as a precursor state to disability and dependence on others for daily activities. Frail individuals are considered to be the group of patients that presents the most complex and challenging problems to health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 12-week functional circuit training program (FCT) could reduce self-reported fear of falling and improve health status in a group of physically frail community-dwelling older individuals. METHODS: Fifty-one individuals (31 F, 20 M), mean age (SD) 84 (2.9) years old, were considered frail and tested at week 0 and randomly assigned into two groups (intervention group, FCT = 26; control group, CG = 25). FCT underwent a structured 12-week FCT program, which focused on a combination of functional balance and lower-body strength-based exercises. CG met once a week for health education meetings. Measures of self-reported fear of falling (Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale) and health status (SF-12) were assessed at week 0, 12 and 36. All longitudinal analyses for continuous variables that were measured at the three time points (week 0, 12 and 36) were performed using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: FCT participants had greater improvements than those in the CG in fear of falling and self-reported physical function, physical composite score and mental composite score; these improvements were maintained in the week 36 follow-up, with significant group-by-time interactions by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a FCT program is effective in improving self-reported measures of fear of falling and health status in a group of physically frail individuals.

Orthostatic effects on echocardiographic measures of ventricular function.

Orthostatic-induced alterations in Doppler echocardiographic measures of ventricular function have not been well-defined. Identifying such changes may provide useful insights regarding the responses of these measures to variations in ventricular loading conditions. Standard assessment of mitral inflow velocity and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of left ventricular longitudinal myocardial velocities was performed on 14 young males (mean age 17.9 ± 0.7 years) in the supine position and then 5 minutes after assuming a sitting position with legs dependent. Upon sitting, average values of stroke volume and cardiac output fell by 28% and 18%, respectively, while heart rate increased from 64 ± 10 to 73 ± 12 beats/min (+14%) and calculated systemic vascular resistance rose from 12.9 ± 2.2 to 16.4 ± 3.1 units (+27%). Mitral E peak velocity declined from 87 ± 16 to 64 ± 16 cm/sec, and average TDI-E' and TDI-S both decreased (by -44% and -20%, respectively). When adjusted for orthostatic decreases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, the mean decrease in TDI-E' was reduced to -29 (P < 0.01), but no significant decline was observed in adjusted TDI-S. Average E/E' rose with sitting by 40% (P = 0.02). These findings suggest that (a) decreases in TDI measures when assuming the upright position reflect the reduction of left ventricular size; (b) orthostatic fall in TDI-E' is also related to smaller ventricular size but, in addition, to a nonspecified reduction in ventricular relaxation; and (c) values of E/E' do not reflect alterations in ventricular preload, which occur during an orthostatic challenge.

Analgesia postoperatoria con morfina intratecal en cirugía proctológica / Postoperative anesthesia using intrathecal morphine in proctologic surgery

Introducción: El dolor postoperatorio es un tipo especial de dolor agudo, de gran repercusión en el sector de la salud. Un control óptimo del mismo en procederes proctológicos y del periné es un verdadero reto. Su tratamiento correcto puede aliviar el sufrimiento y permitir la movilización temprana y acortar la estadía hospitalaria. Objetivos: Identificar la utilidad de opioides en analgesia postoperatoria en cirugía proctológica. Método: Se realizó un estudio experimental, a simple ciegas, comparativo y prospectivo, para seleccionar la dosis de morfina intratecal a utilizar para la analgesia postoperatoria en pacientes a quienes se les realizó cirugía proctológica en el Servicio de Anestesia y Reanimación del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Salvador Allende durante el 2009. La muestra estuvo constituida por 210 pacientes, seleccionados de forma aleatoria. Se agruparon en tres grupos según la dosis de morfina administrada: Grupo I (74 pacientes) se administró 3 µg/Kg; Grupo II (68 pacientes) 4 µg/Kg y en el Grupo III (68 pacientes) 5 µg/Kg. Resultados: El valor medio de la duración de la analgesia en horas en el Grupo I fue de 11,97 ± 1,67 DS, en el grupo II fue de 21,54 ± 2,29 y en el III de 21,4 ± 2,03. El prurito fue el efecto adverso con mayor incidencia, seguido por la retención urinaria, las nauseas y los vómitos. Conclusiones: La dosis de 4 µg/Kg parece ser la más recomendable para la analgesia postoperatoria con morfina intratecal en cirugía proctológica si se toma en cuenta la duración de la analgesia y los efectos adversos encontrados en nuestro estudio.

Postoperative pain is a special type of acute pain of a great repercussion in the health sector. Its optimal control in proctologic procedures and of perineum is a real challenge. Its appropriate treatment may to relief suffering allowing an early mobilization and to shorten the hospital stay. Objectives: to identify the usefulness of opioids in postoperative surgery in proctologic anesthesia. Method: A prospective, comparative, double blind and experimental study was conducted to choice the dose of intrathecal morphine to be used for postoperative analgesia in patients underwent proctologic surgery in the Service of Anesthesia and Resuscitation of the "Dr. Salvador Allende" Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital during 2009. Sample included 210 randomized patients divided into three groups according the dose of morphine administered: I Group (74 patients) received 3 µg/Kg; II Group (68 patients) received 4 µg/Kg and III group (68 patients) received 5 µg/Kg. Results: The mean value in hours of analgesia length in I group was of 11,97 ± 1,67 DS, in the II group it was of 21,54 ± 2,29, and in the III group, it was of 21,4 ± 2,03. Pruritus had the higher incidence as adverse effect, followed by urinary retention, nauseas and vomiting. Conclusions: Dose of 4 µg/Kg seems to be the more recommendable for the postoperative analgesia using intrathecal morphine in proctologic surgery if we take into account the analgesia length and the adverse effects found in our study.

The effect of functional circuit training on physical frailty in frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 12-wk functional circuit-training program (FCT) could alter markers of physical frailty in a group of frail community-dwelling adults. Fifty-one individuals (31 women, 20 men), mean age (± SD) 84 (± 2.9) yr, met frailty criteria and were randomly assigned into groups (FCT = 26, control group [CG] = 25). FCT underwent a 12-wk exercise program. CG met once a week for health education meetings. Measures of physical frailty, function, strength, balance, and gait speed were assessed at Weeks 0, 12, and 36. Physical-frailty measures in FCT showed significant (p < .05) improvements relative to those in CG (Barthel Index at Weeks 0 and 36: 73.41 (± 2.35) and 77.0 (± 2.38) for the FCT and 70.79 (± 2.53) and 66.73 (± 2.73) for the CG. These data indicate that an FCT program is effective in improving measures of function and reducing physical frailty among frail older adults.

Measuring balance, lower extremity strength and gait in the elderly: construct validation of an instrument.

The purpose of the study was to determine the degree to which scores of a modified version of the 'Timed Get Up and Go' test (TGUG) were associated with other measures of functional performance. Thirty-seven community-dwelling older women (72.3+/-5.5 years) volunteered to participate. Subjects were assessed when performing the modified TGUG test. Correlations between the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), single-leg balance, five chair rises, fast and normal gait speed, knee extension and flexion strength, and the modified TGUG were conducted. Total time to perform the modified TGUG test was significantly correlated with normal and fast gait speed (p<0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients were -0.841 and -0.748, respectively. The time needed to perform several tasks of the modified TGUG test significantly correlated with five chair rises, and with right knee extensor strength (p<0.05). Points obtained in the assessment questionnaire correlated significantly to points obtained in the POMA scale (p<0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.795. Based on the strength of the correlations obtained between components of the modified TGUG and the comparison tests, concurrent, criterion validity of the modified TGUG has been established.

Myocardial performance during progressive exercise in athletic adolescent males.

PURPOSE: The extent that enhanced ventricular function contributes to superior aerobic fitness of trained athletes is unclear. This study compared cardiovascular responses to progressive cycle exercise in 12 adolescent soccer players and 10 untrained boys with assessment of ventricular inotropic and relaxation properties by Doppler ultrasound techniques. METHODS: Resting cardiac dimensions were measured by M-mode echocardiography. Stroke volume was estimated by the Doppler technique, and systolic function by peak aortic flow velocity and ejection flow rate. Diastolic transmitral pressure gradient was assessed by pulse wave peak E-wave velocity, ventricular relaxation properties by tissue Doppler imaging (E' velocity, adjusted for ventricular size), and ventricular filling pressure by E/E' ratio. RESULTS: Size-adjusted cardiac dimensions were significantly greater in the athletes. Peak V O2 values for the athletes and nonathletes were 57.4 +/- 4.8 and 44.4 +/- 6.6 mL.kg.min, respectively. Maximal cardiac index and stroke index were greater in the athletes (11.10+/- 1.52 vs 9.02 +/- 2.05 L.min.m; 59 +/- 8 vs 46 +/- 10 mL.m). Athletes and nonathletes demonstrated similar maximal peak aortic velocity (231 +/- 20 and 208 +/- 45 cm.s, respectively) and ejection rate (13.3 +/- 1.0 and 12.5 +/- 2.8 mL.s.cm x 10, respectively). No significant group differences were observed in Emax (155 +/- 17 and 149 +/- 23 cm.s for athletes and nonathletes, respectively), adjusted E'max (5.9 +/- 1.2 and 5.8 +/- 1.2 cm.s.mm for athletes and nonathletes, respectively), and E/E'max (265 +/- 40 and 262 +/- 56 for athletes and nonathletes, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed no differences between young trained athletes and nonathletes in myocardial functional responses to progressive exercise, implying that greater aerobic fitness in these athletes reflected volume expansion of the cardiovascular system without contribution of enhanced systolic or diastolic ventricular function. Such findings should be considered limited to the context of young athletes with limited duration of athletic training.

Ventilación por presión en cirugía torácica / Pressure ventilation in thoracic surgery

Introducción: La ventilación controlada por presión es un modo de ventilación ampliamente utilizado en el fallo respiratorio severo, donde ha demostrado que mejora la oxigenación arterial. Objetivo: Comparar la ventilación controlada por volumen comúnmente utilizado durante la ventilación unipulmonar con tres estrategias ventilatorias de ventilación controlada por presión. Método: Se realizó un estudio comparativo y prospectivo de 100 pacientes tratados por cirugía torácica divididos en cuatro grupos según modo ventilatorio utilizado. Grupo I VCV, con volumen minuto 100 mL/kg. Grupo II VCP con Vot de 10 mL/kg, Grupo III VCP con Vot de 8 mL/kg, y Grupo IV VCP con 5cm de H2O de PEEP y un Vot de 8 mL/kg. Se comparó PaO2, SatO2, Shunt Intrapulmonar, Presión Pico y Meseta a los 30 minutos de la ventilación unipulmonar y los episodios de desaturación arterial. Se utilizó Chi Cuadrado y ANOVA para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: La PaO2 presentó valores similares en los Grupos I y II, 148,28 ± 68,21 y 146,8 ± 67,8 mmHg, respectivamente, disminuyó en el Grupo III a 117,2 ± 51,0 mmHg y aumentó significativamente en el Grupo IV 189,0 ± 49,2 mmHg. La SatO2 se incrementó y el shunt intrapulmonar disminuyó con significación estadística en el Grupo IV. Las presiones en la vía aérea fueron menores durante la VCP. Conclusión: La ventilación controlada por presión "per se" no mejoró las variables de oxigenación durante la ventilación unipulmonar, pero sí, permite alcanzar menores presiones en la vía aérea. La administración de PEEP durante la ventilación controlada por presión evidenció mejoría significativa de la oxigenación.

Introduction: Pressure controlled ventilation is a very used way of ventilation in severe respiratory failure, where it has been showed that it improves arterial oxygenation. Objective: To compare volume controlled ventilation commonly used during unipulmonar ventilation with three ventilator strategies of pressure controlled ventilation. Method: We made a comparative and prospective study of 100 patients undergoing thoracic surgery divided into 4 groups by ventilator mode used: group I VCV with a minute volume 100 mL/kg, group II VCP with Vot of 10 mL/kg, group III VCP with Vot of 8 mL/kg, and group IV VCP with 5 cm of H2O of PEEP, and a Vot of 8 mL/kg. We compared PaO2, SatO2, intrapulmonary shunt, peak and plateau pressures at 30 minutes of unipulmonar ventilation, and the arterial desaturation episodes. We used Chi2 and ANOVA for statistical analysis. Results: The PaO2 yields similar values in Groups I and II, 148,28 ± 68,21 and 146,8 ± 67,8 mmHg, respectively, it decreased in Group III to 117,2 ± 51,0 mmHg, and then increased significantly in group IV 189,0 ± 49,2 mmHg. The SatO2 increased and intrapulmonary shunt decreased with statistical significance in group IV. Airway pressures were low during VCP. Conclusion: Pressure controlled ventilation "per se" not improved oxygenation variables during unipulmonar ventilation, but allowing lower pressures in airway. Administration of PEEP during pressure controlled evidenced a significant improvement of oxygenation.

Sensitivity of a modified version of the 'timed get up and go' test to predict fall risk in the elderly: a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity of a modified version of the 'Timed Get Up and Go' (TGUG) test in predicting fall risk in elderly individuals, using both a quantitative and qualitative approach in individuals older than 65 years. Ten subjects (83.4+/-4.5 years) undertook the test twice. To assess inter-rater reliability, three investigators timed the two trials using a stopwatch (quantitative). The reproducibility of a qualitative evaluation of the trials was accomplished by the completion of an assessment questionnaire (AQ) at each trial by three investigators. To assess the agreement between the three investigators, the coefficients of reliability (CR), intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and limits of agreement were determined for the total time to do the test (TT). The weighted Kappa K of Cohen and ICC was calculated for the AQ. Inter-group comparison: 60 subjects (74.2+/-4.9 years) were divided equally into four groups: (1) sedentary with previous history of falls, (2) sedentary without history of falls, (3) active with history of falls, and (4) active without history of falls. All of them undertook the modified TGUG test once. One investigator undertook the timing and completed the AQ. CR values for the TT were above 98% and with ICC of TT=0.999. The differences in TT between the three investigators' measures ranged from 0.19-0.55 s S.D. of the mean difference. Weighted Kappa K of Cohen ranged 0.835-0.976, with ICC of AQ=0.954. Inter-group comparison study. Significant differences (p<0.05) were noted between the mean score of TT of Group 4 and the rest of the groups, and between Groups 2 and 1. Significant differences (p<0.05) were noted between the mean score of points obtained in the AQ of Group 1 and the rest of the groups. The modified version of the TGUG test demonstrated good sensitivity for detecting fall risk in elderly individuals, and good inter-tester reliability from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective.

Tempol improves renal hemodynamics and pressure natriuresis in hyperthyroid rats.

Hyperthyroidism in rats is associated with increased oxidative stress. These animals also show abnormal renal hemodynamics and an attenuated pressure-diuresis-natriuresis (PDN) response. We analyzed the role of oxidative stress as a mediator of these alterations by examining acute effects of tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic. The effects of increasing bolus doses of tempol (25-150 micromol/kg) on mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), and cortical (CBF) and medullary (MBF) blood flow were studied in control and thyroxine (T4)-treated rats. In another experiment, tempol was infused at 150 micromol.kg(-1).h(-1) to analyze its effects on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and on PDN response in these animals. Tempol dose dependently decreased MAP and RVR and increased CBF and MBF in control and T4-treated rats, but the T4 group showed a greater responsiveness to tempol in all of these variables. The highest dose of tempol decreased RVR by 13.5 +/- 2.1 and 5.5 +/- 1.2 mmHg.ml(-1).min(-1) in hyperthyroid (P < 0.01) and control rats, respectively. GFR was not changed by tempol in controls but was significantly increased in the hyperthyroid group. Tempol did not change the absolute or fractional PDN responses of controls but significantly improved those of hyperthyroid rats, although without attaining normal values. Tempol increased the slopes of the relationship between renal perfusion pressure and natriuresis (T4+tempol: 0.17 +/- 0.05; T4: 0.09 +/- 0.03 microeq.min(-1).g(-1).mmHg(-1); P < 0.05) and reduced 8-isoprostane excretion in hyperthyroid rats. These results show that antioxidant treatment with tempol improves renal hemodynamic variables and PDN response in hyperthyroid rats, indicating the participation of an increased oxidative stress in these mechanisms.

Impact of weekly treatment with ferrous sulfate on hemoglobin level, morbidity and nutritional status of anemic infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of weekly treatment with ferrous sulfate on hemoglobin level, morbidity and nutritional status in a sample of anemic infants from Zona da Mata Meridional in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: A controlled, community-based intervention was carried out with 378 infants who were followed-up for 18 months. Hemoglobin level was measured at 12 months in a total of 245 children randomly selected. Participating infants were divided into three groups: two received 45 mg of elemental iron weekly, from 12 to 18 months of life (69 children with moderate/severe anemia, and 111 with mild anemia); the third group was composed of 65 non-anemic children, who received no intervention. The remaining 133 children constituted the control group, for comparisons on nutritional status and morbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 73.5% at 12 months of life. After 6 months of treatment, 42.3% of anemic children reached hemoglobin levels >or= 11.0 g/dL. The mean increase was 1.6 g/dL, being higher (2.5 g/dL) in the group with lower levels of hemoglobin at baseline. Children without anemia at baseline received no treatment, and 40.3% of them became anemic at the end of follow-up, with a mean decrease of 0.5 g/dL in hemoglobin levels. A significantly greater weight gain was observed in the two treated groups, while no significant improvements were seen in linear growth and duration of diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that less than half the children receiving ferrous sulfate recovered from anemia at the end of follow-up, along with the development of anemia in many untreated, previously non-anemic infants, suggests the need for effective control strategies.