Heart Rate Variability Assessment and Its Application for Autonomic Function Evaluation in Patients with Hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology mechanism of primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFHH) is controversial. Heart rate variability (HRV) could explain if there is a systemic component present. We aimed to investigate the functions of the autonomic nervous system in patients diagnosed with PFHH compared to controls using the analysis of HRV in the domains of time, frequency, and nonlinearity, as well as analysis of the recurrence plots (RPs). METHODS: We selected 34 patients with PFHH (29.4 ± 10.2 years) and 34 controls (29.2 ± 9.6 years) for HRV analysis. Heart beats were recorded with Polar RS800CX monitor (20 min, at rest, in supine position), and RR intervals were analyzed with Kubios Premium HRV software. RPs were constructed with Visual Recurrence Analysis software. Statistical analysis included unpaired t test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Our results showed that HRV parameters in the 3 domains evaluated did not show any differences between the groups. The same was observed with RPs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that PFHH, from the pathophysiological point of view, may be caused by peripheral involvement of the sympathetic nervous system (glandular level or nerve terminals), as there was no difference between the groups studied. More specific studies should help elucidate this issue.

Traditional chest drainage versus drainage by thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chest tube drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space with the traditional approach in patients undergoing muscle-sparing thoracotomy. METHODS: We evaluated 40 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective muscle sparing thoracotomies. Patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients. One group underwent thoracic drainage by the same intercostal space of thoracotomy and the other by traditional chest drainage approach. RESULTS: The mean length of hospital stay for the intercostal drainage group in the intensive care unit was 1.5 day (1.0 to 2.0 days) and 2.0 days (25.1 to 3.0 days) for the traditional chest drainage group (p=0.060). The intercostal drainage group had mean length of hospital stay (p=0.527) and drainage (p=0.547) of 4 days, and the traditional chest drainage group and 2 and 5.5 days, respectively. Dipirona and tramadol doses did not differ between groups (p=0.201 and p=0.341). The mean pain scale values on first postoperative was 4.24 in the drainage by the same intercostal group and 3.95 in the traditional chest drainage (p=0.733). In third postoperative day, mean was 3.18 for the first group and 3.11 for the traditional group (p=0.937). In the 15th day after surgery, drainage by the incision was 1.53 and the traditional chest drainage was 2.11 (p=0.440), 30th days after drainage by incision was 0.71 and traditional chest drainage was 0.84 (p=0.787). Complications, for both groups were similar with 30% in proposed drainage and 25% in traditional approach (p=0.723). CONCLUSION: Drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space was feasible and results 30 days after surgery were not inferior to those of the traditional chest drainage approach.

Traditional chest drainage versus drainage by thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study / Drenagem torácica tradicional versus drenagem pela toracotomia: estudo prospectivo randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the chest tube drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space with the traditional approach in patients undergoing muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Methods We evaluated 40 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective muscle sparing thoracotomies. Patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients. One group underwent thoracic drainage by the same intercostal space of thoracotomy and the other by traditional chest drainage approach. Results The mean length of hospital stay for the intercostal drainage group in the intensive care unit was 1.5 day (1.0 to 2.0 days) and 2.0 days (25.1 to 3.0 days) for the traditional chest drainage group (p=0.060). The intercostal drainage group had mean length of hospital stay (p=0.527) and drainage (p=0.547) of 4 days, and the traditional chest drainage group and 2 and 5.5 days, respectively. Dipirona and tramadol doses did not differ between groups (p=0.201 and p=0.341). The mean pain scale values on first postoperative was 4.24 in the drainage by the same intercostal group and 3.95 in the traditional chest drainage (p=0.733). In third postoperative day, mean was 3.18 for the first group and 3.11 for the traditional group (p=0.937). In the 15th day after surgery, drainage by the incision was 1.53 and the traditional chest drainage was 2.11 (p=0.440), 30th days after drainage by incision was 0.71 and traditional chest drainage was 0.84 (p=0.787). Complications, for both groups were similar with 30% in proposed drainage and 25% in traditional approach (p=0.723). Conclusion Drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space was feasible and results 30 days after surgery were not inferior to those of the traditional chest drainage approach.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a drenagem torácica pela mesma intercostotomia à drenagem tradicional em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia poupadora lateral. Métodos Foram avaliados 40 pacientes maiores de 18 anos submetidos a toracotomias poupadoras laterais eletivas. Eles foram separados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes cada, sendo um submetido à drenagem torácica pelo mesmo espaço intercostal da toracotomia e o outro à drenagem tradicional. Resultados No grupo da drenagem pela mesma intercostotomia, a mediana de tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 1,5 dia (1,0 a 2,0 dias) e de 2,0 dias (1,25 a 3,0 dias) na drenagem tradicional (p=0,060). As medianas do tempo de internação (p=0,527) e de drenagem (p=0,547) foram ambas de 4 dias, no primeiro grupo, e de 2 e 5,5 dias, no grupo com drenagem tradicional. As doses utilizadas de dipirona e de tramadol não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos (p=0,201 e p=0,341). As médias da escala de dor foram 4,24 no primeiro dia pós-operatório do grupo com a drenagem proposta e 3,95 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,733); no terceiro pós-operatório, foi de 3,18 para o grupo drenado pela incisão e de 3,11 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,937). No 15º dia após a cirurgia, a drenagem pela incisão foi de 1,53 e a tradicional de 2,11 (p=0,440); no 30º pós-operatório, foi de 0,71 e 0,84, respectivamente, para a incisão e a forma tradicional (p=0,787). Em relação às complicações, os grupos foram semelhantes, com 30% na drenagem proposta e 25% na drenagem tradicional (p=0,723). Conclusão A drenagem pelo mesmo espaço intercostal foi exequível e não apresentou inferioridade à técnica tradicional no período pós-operatório estudado de 30 dias.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. RESULTS: The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) - p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment / Estudo comparativo da perda transepidérmica de água em pacientes com e sem hiperidrose por mensurador de câmara fechada em ambiente climatizado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. Results The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) - p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001. Conclusion Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a diferença entre a perda transepidérmica de água aferida entre pacientes com e sem diagnóstico de hiperidrose, em ambiente climatizado. Métodos Foram selecionados 20 pacientes com diagnóstico de hiperidrose e 20 hígidos, submetidos à aferição de maneira quantitativa, com mensurador de câmara fechada, em seis locais previamente estabelecidos. Resultados As medidas realizadas mostraram valores diferentes de perda transepidérmica de água em pessoas hígidas e naquelas com hiperidrose, principalmente em mãos e pés. No Grupo Controle, a mediana das aferições em mãos foi 46,4g/m2/hora (p25: 36,0; p75: 57,6), enquanto, no Grupo Hiperidrose, obtivemos a mediana de 123,5g/m2/hora (p25: 54,3; p75: 161,2) - p<0,001. Já nos pés, a mediana no Grupo Controle foi 41,5g/m2/hora (p25: 31,3; p75: 63,5) e, no Grupo Hiperidrose, foi 61,2g/m2/hora (p25: 32,3; p75: 117) - p<0,02. As medidas das regiões axilares também mostraram diferença. No Grupo Controle, obtivemos mediana 14,8g/m2/hora (p25: 11,8; p75: 19,0) e, no Hiperidrose, 83,5g/m2/hora (p25: 29,5; p75: 161,7) - p<0,001. Conclusão A mensuração da perda transepidérmica de água é suficiente para diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com hiperidrose.

An assessment of the quality indicators of operative and non-operative times in a public university hospital / Avaliação dos indicadores de qualidade de tempo operatório e não operatório de um hospital universitário público

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the operative time indicators in a public university hospital. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data from operating room database. The sample was obtained from January 2011 to January 2012. The operations performed in sequence in the same operating room, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, elective or emergency, were included. The procedures with incomplete data in the system were excluded, as well as the operations performed after 5:00 pm or on weekends or holidays. Results We measured the operative and non-operative time of 8,420 operations. The operative time (mean and standard deviation) of anesthesias and operations were 177.6±110 and 129.8±97.1 minutes, respectively. The total time of the patient in operative room (mean and standard deviation) was 196.8±113.2. The non-operative time, e.g., between the arrival of the patient and the onset of anesthesia was 14.3±17.3 minutes. The time to set the next patient in operating room was 119.8±79.6 minutes. Our total non-operative time was 155 minutes. Conclusion Delays frequently occurred in our operating room and had a major effect on patient flow and resource utilization. The non-operative time was longer than the operative time. It is possible to increase the operating room capacity by management and training of the professionals involved. The indicators provided a tool to improve operating room efficiency.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os indicadores de tempo do centro cirúrgico de um hospital universitário para melhoraria de sua eficiência. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal a partir da base de dados da tecnologia da informação do centro cirúrgico. A amostra foi obtida a partir de janeiro de 2011 a janeiro de 2012. Foram incluídas as operações realizadas em sequência na mesma sala cirúrgica, das 7 às 17h, eletivas ou de urgências. Os procedimentos com dados incompletos no sistema foram excluídos, assim como as operações depois das 17h ou realizadas em fins de semana ou feriados. Resultados Foi medido o tempo operatório e não operatório de 8.420 operações realizadas. Os tempos operatórios (média e desvio padrão) de anestesia e de cirurgia foram 177,6±110 e 129,8±97,1 minutos, respectivamente. O tempo total do paciente em sala cirúrgica (média e desvio padrão) foi de 196,8±113,2. O tempo não operatório, por exemplo, entre a chegada do paciente e o início da anestesia, foi de 14,3±17,3 minutos. O tempo de preparo e entrada do próximo paciente na sala cirúrgica foi 119,8±79,6 minutos. O tempo não operatório total foi de 155 minutos. Conclusão Atrasos frequentes ocorreram nas salas de cirurgia e tiveram um grande efeito sobre o fluxo de pacientes e a utilização de recursos. O tempo não operatório foi maior que o operatório. Portanto, é possível aumentar a capacidade do centro cirúrgico por meio da gestão e do treinamento dos profissionais envolvidos. Os indicadores oferecem uma ferramenta para melhorar a eficiência das salas de cirurgia.

An assessment of the quality indicators of operative and non-operative times in a public university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the operative time indicators in a public university hospital. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data from operating room database. The sample was obtained from January 2011 to January 2012. The operations performed in sequence in the same operating room, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, elective or emergency, were included. The procedures with incomplete data in the system were excluded, as well as the operations performed after 5:00 pm or on weekends or holidays. RESULTS: We measured the operative and non-operative time of 8,420 operations. The operative time (mean and standard deviation) of anesthesias and operations were 177.6 ± 110 and 129.8 ± 97.1 minutes, respectively. The total time of the patient in operative room (mean and standard deviation) was 196.8 ± 113.2. The non-operative time, e.g., between the arrival of the patient and the onset of anesthesia was 14.3 ± 17.3 minutes. The time to set the next patient in operating room was 119.8 ± 79.6 minutes. Our total non-operative time was 155 minutes. CONCLUSION: Delays frequently occurred in our operating room and had a major effect on patient flow and resource utilization. The non-operative time was longer than the operative time. It is possible to increase the operating room capacity by management and training of the professionals involved. The indicators provided a tool to improve operating room efficiency.

The role of intercostal nerve preservation in acute pain control after thoracotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the acute pain experienced during in-hospital recovery from thoracotomy can be effectively reduced by the use of intraoperative measures (dissection of the neurovascular bundle prior to the positioning of the Finochietto retractor and preservation of the intercostal nerve during closure). METHODS: We selected 40 patients who were candidates for elective thoracotomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients were randomized into two groups: conventional thoracotomy (CT, n = 20) and neurovascular bundle preservation (NBP, n = 20). All of the patients underwent thoracic epidural anesthesia and muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, as well as by monitoring patient requests for/consumption of analgesics. RESULTS: On postoperative day 5, the self-reported pain intensity was significantly lower in the NBP group than in the CT group (visual analog scale score, 1.50 vs. 3.29; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the number of requests for/consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing thoracotomy, protecting the neurovascular bundle prior to positioning the retractor and preserving the intercostal nerve during closure can minimize pain during in-hospital recovery.

The role of intercostal nerve preservation in acute pain control after thoracotomy / O papel da preservação do nervo intercostal no controle da dor aguda pós-toracotomia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the acute pain experienced during in-hospital recovery from thoracotomy can be effectively reduced by the use of intraoperative measures (dissection of the neurovascular bundle prior to the positioning of the Finochietto retractor and preservation of the intercostal nerve during closure). METHODS: We selected 40 patients who were candidates for elective thoracotomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients were randomized into two groups: conventional thoracotomy (CT, n = 20) and neurovascular bundle preservation (NBP, n = 20). All of the patients underwent thoracic epidural anesthesia and muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, as well as by monitoring patient requests for/consumption of analgesics. RESULTS: On postoperative day 5, the self-reported pain intensity was significantly lower in the NBP group than in the CT group (visual analog scale score, 1.50 vs. 3.29; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the number of requests for/consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing thoracotomy, protecting the neurovascular bundle prior to positioning the retractor and preserving the intercostal nerve during closure can minimize pain during in-hospital recovery. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a dor aguda na recuperação intra-hospitalar devido a toracotomia pode ser efetivamente reduzida pelo uso de medidas intraoperatórias (dissecção do feixe neurovascular antes da colocação do afastador de Finochietto e preservação do nervo intercostal durante o fechamento). MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes candidatos à toracotomia eletiva na Disciplina de Cirurgia Torácica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina, em São Paulo (SP), os quais foram randomizados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes: grupo toracotomia convencional (TC) e grupo de preservação do feixe (PF) neurovascular. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a anestesia peridural torácica e técnica de toracotomia poupadora da musculatura. A intensidade da dor foi determinada utilizando-se uma escala visual analógica no 1º, 3º e 5º dias pós-operatórios, assim como a medida do consumo de analgésicos por demanda do paciente. RESULTADOS: Houve uma diminuição significativa da intensidade da dor relatada somente no 5º dia pós-operatório no grupo PF quando comparado ao grupo TC (escore da escala analógica visual, 1,50 vs. 3,29; p = 0,04). Não houve diferenças significativas no consumo de analgésicos por demanda nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia, a proteção do feixe neurovascular antes da colocação do afastador e a preservação do nervo intercostal no fechamento da toracotomia podem minimizar a dor no período intra-hospitalar. .

Randomized trial - oxybutynin for treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis in women after sympathectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis is a common disease, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy improves its symptoms in up to 95% of cases. Unfortunately, after surgery, plantar hyperhidrosis may remain in 50% of patients, and compensatory sweating may be observed in 70%. This clinical scenario remains a challenge. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxybutynin in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis and compensatory sweating and its effects on quality of life in women after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. METHOD: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the effects of oxybutynin at 10 mg daily and placebo in women with persistent plantar hyperhidrosis. The assessment was performed using a quality-of-life questionnaire for hyperhidrosis and sweating measurement with a device for quantifying transepidermal water loss. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01328015. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in each group (placebo and oxybutynin). There were no significant differences between the groups prior to treatment. After oxybutynin treatment, there was a decrease in symptoms and clinical improvement based on the quality-of-life questionnaire (before treatment, 40.4 vs. after treatment, 17.5; p=0.001). The placebo group showed modest improvement (p=0.09). The outcomes of the transepidermal water loss measurements in the placebo group showed no differences (p=0.95), whereas the oxybutynin group revealed a significant decrease (p=0.001). The most common side effect was dry mouth (100% in the oxybutynin group vs. 43.8% in the placebo group; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin was effective in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis, resulting in a better quality of life in women who had undergone thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Randomized trial - oxybutynin for treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis in women after sympathectomy

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis is a common disease, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy improves its symptoms in up to 95% of cases. Unfortunately, after surgery, plantar hyperhidrosis may remain in 50% of patients, and compensatory sweating may be observed in 70%. This clinical scenario remains a challenge. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxybutynin in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis and compensatory sweating and its effects on quality of life in women after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. METHOD: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the effects of oxybutynin at 10 mg daily and placebo in women with persistent plantar hyperhidrosis. The assessment was performed using a quality-of-life questionnaire for hyperhidrosis and sweating measurement with a device for quantifying transepidermal water loss. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01328015. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in each group (placebo and oxybutynin). There were no significant differences between the groups prior to treatment. After oxybutynin treatment, there was a decrease in symptoms and clinical improvement based on the quality-of-life questionnaire (before treatment, 40.4 vs. after treatment, 17.5; p = 0.001). The placebo group showed modest improvement (p = 0.09). The outcomes of the transepidermal water loss measurements in the placebo group showed no differences (p = 0.95), whereas the oxybutynin group revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.001). The most common side effect was dry mouth (100% in the oxybutynin group vs. 43.8% in the placebo group; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin was effective in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis, resulting in a better quality of life in women who had undergone thoracoscopic sympathectomy. .

Analysis and validation of probabilistic models for predicting malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules in a population in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and radiographic findings that influence the pathological diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) and to compare/validate two probabilistic models for predicting SPN malignancy in patients with SPN in Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 110 patients diagnosed with SPN and submitted to resection of SPN at a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2009. The clinical characteristics studied were gender, age, presence of systemic comorbidities, history of malignancy prior to the diagnosis of SPN, histopathological diagnosis of SPN, smoking status, smoking history, and time since smoking cessation. The radiological characteristics studied, in relation to the SPN, were presence of spiculated margins, maximum transverse diameter, and anatomical location. Two mathematical models, created in 1997 and 2007, respectively, were used in order to determine the probability of SPN malignancy. RESULTS: We found that SPN malignancy was significantly associated with age (p = 0.006; OR = 5.70 for age > 70 years), spiculated margins (p = 0.001), and maximum diameter of SPN (p = 0.001; OR = 2.62 for diameters > 20 mm). The probabilistic model created in 1997 proved to be superior to that created in 2007-area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.79 ± 0.44 (95% CI: 0.70-0.88) vs. 0.69 ± 0.50 (95% CI: 0.59-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, greater maximum SPN diameter, and spiculated margins were significantly associated with the diagnosis of SPN malignancy. Our analysis shows that, although both mathematical models were effective in determining SPN malignancy in our population, the 1997 model was superior.

Análise e validação de modelos probabilísticos de malignidade de nódulo pulmonar solitário em uma população no Brasil / Analysis and validation of probabilistic models for predicting malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules in a population in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar características clínicas e radiográficas que influenciaram o diagnóstico anatomopatológico de nódulo pulmonar solitário (NPS) e comparar/validar dois modelos probabilísticos de malignidade do NPS em pacientes com NPS no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de 110 pacientes com diagnóstico de NPS submetidos à ressecção em um hospital terciário no período entre 2000 e 2009. As características clínicas estudadas foram gênero, idade, presença de comorbidades sistêmicas, história de neoplasia maligna ao diagnóstico de NPS, diagnóstico histopatológico do NPS, tabagismo, carga tabágica e tempo de cessação do tabagismo. As características radiográficas avaliadas em relação ao NPS foram presença de margens espiculadas, tamanho do maior diâmetro transversal e localização anatômica do NPS. Foram utilizados dois modelos matemáticos, criados em 1997 e 2007, respectivamente, para determinar a probabilidade de malignidade do NPS. RESULTADOS: Houve associações significantes entre malignidade do NPS e idade (p = 0,006; OR = 5,70 para idade >70 anos), presença de margens espiculadas (p = 0,001) e diâmetro maior do NPS (p = 0,001; OR = 2,62 para diâmetro >20 mm). O modelo probabilístico de 1997 mostrou-se superior ao de 2007 - área sob a curva [ASC] ROC = 0,79 ± 0,44 (IC95%: 0,70-0,88) vs. ASC = 0,69 ± 0,50 (IC95%: 0,59-0,79). CONCLUSÕES: Idade elevada, maior diâmetro do NPS e presença de margens espiculadas tiveram associações significantes ao diagnóstico de malignidade do NPS. Nossa análise mostrou que, embora os dois modelos matemáticos sejam eficazes na determinação de malignidade do NPS nessa população, o modelo de 1997 mostrou-se superior.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and radiographic findings that influence the pathological diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) and to compare/validate two probabilistic models for predicting SPN malignancy in patients with SPN in Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 110 patients diagnosed with SPN and submitted to resection of SPN at a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2009. The clinical characteristics studied were gender, age, presence of systemic comorbidities, history of malignancy prior to the diagnosis of SPN, histopathological diagnosis of SPN, smoking status, smoking history, and time since smoking cessation. The radiological characteristics studied, in relation to the SPN, were presence of spiculated margins, maximum transverse diameter, and anatomical location. Two mathematical models, created in 1997 and 2007, respectively, were used in order to determine the probability of SPN malignancy. RESULTS: We found that SPN malignancy was significantly associated with age (p = 0.006; OR = 5.70 for age > 70 years), spiculated margins (p = 0.001), and maximum diameter of SPN (p = 0.001; OR = 2.62 for diameters > 20 mm). The probabilistic model created in 1997 proved to be superior to that created in 2007-area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.79 ± 0.44 (95% CI: 0.70-0.88) vs. 0.69 ± 0.50 (95% CI: 0.59-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, greater maximum SPN diameter, and spiculated margins were significantly associated with the diagnosis of SPN malignancy. Our analysis shows that, although both mathematical models were effective in determining SPN malignancy in our population, the 1997 model was superior.

Mediastinite descendente necrosante: tratamento cirúrgico torácico minimamente invasivo / Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: minimally invasive thoracic surgical treatment

OBJETIVO: Relatar uma série de casos de pacientes com mediastinite descendente necrosante (MDN) tratados com cirurgia torácica minimamente invasiva. MÉTODOS: Relatamos os casos de três pacientes com MDN submetidos à desbridamento mediastinal através de cirurgia torácica videoassistida no Hospital São Paulo, São Paulo (SP), desde a sua admissão até o desfecho final. RESULTADOS: Os três pacientes apresentaram boa evolução pós-operatória, com tempo médio de internação de 16,7 dias. CONCLUSÕES: Concluímos que a videotoracoscopia é uma técnica efetiva para a drenagem mediastinal no tratamento da MDN, com os benefícios da cirurgia minimamente invasiva: menos dor pós-operatória, menor liberação de fatores inflamatórios, retorno precoce às atividades diárias e melhores resultados estéticos.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case series of patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) who were treated with minimally invasive thoracic surgery. METHODS: We report three cases of male patients with DNM who underwent mediastinal debridement by video-assisted thoracic surgery at the Hospital São Paulo, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from admission to the final outcome. RESULTS: The postoperative evolution was favorable in all three cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 16.7 days. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopy is an effective technique for mediastinal drainage in the treatment of DNM, with the benefits common to minimally invasive surgery: less postoperative pain, lower production of inflammatory factors, earlier return to activities of daily living, and better aesthetic results.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: minimally invasive thoracic surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case series of patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) who were treated with minimally invasive thoracic surgery. METHODS: We report three cases of male patients with DNM who underwent mediastinal debridement by video-assisted thoracic surgery at the Hospital São Paulo, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from admission to the final outcome. RESULTS: The postoperative evolution was favorable in all three cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 16.7 days. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopy is an effective technique for mediastinal drainage in the treatment of DNM, with the benefits common to minimally invasive surgery: less postoperative pain, lower production of inflammatory factors, earlier return to activities of daily living, and better aesthetic results.

Semiquantitative analysis of surgical biopsies of distinct lung lobes of patients with usual interstitial pneumonia/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences between surgical biopsies of distinct lung lobes in terms of the histopathological features of usual interstitial pneumonia, using a semiquantitative score. METHODS: We selected all of the patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and submitted to surgical biopsy in two distinct lobes between 1995 and 2005 at the Hospital São Paulo and other hospitals operated by the Federal University of São Paulo. In the histological evaluation of the specimens, we used a semiquantitative method based on previous studies, assigning a score to each of the biopsied sites. RESULTS: In this sample of patients, we found no statistically significant differences that would alter the stage of the disease, based on the score used. This finding was independent of the biopsy site (middle lobe or lingular segment). CONCLUSIONS: No significant histological differences were found between the lung lobes studied. The definitive histological diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia did not alter the stage of the disease.