GLP-1: 10-year follow-up after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PURPOSE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone widely studied in the short-term postoperative follow-up of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass due to its elevation and association with improvement of the glucose metabolism, but there are few studies in 10 years after RYGB follow-up with the same patient. METHODS: Twenty morbidity obesity patients were submitted to RYGB; these patients were divided into two groups: normal glucose-tolerant morbidly obese patients (NGT) 11 patients and abnormal glucose metabolism morbidly obese patients (AGM) 9 patients. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done during four different periods: T1 (first evaluation), T2 (pre-surgery), T3 (9 months after surgery) and T4 (10 years after surgery). RESULTS: Groups were matched for age and gender, and as NGT and AGM had BMI of 46.31 ± 5.03 kg/m2 and 50.87 ± 10.31 kg/m2. After 10 years of RYGB, they were obesity grade I with BMI for NGT 32.45 ± 4.99 kg/m2 and AGM 34.85 ± 4.46 kg/m2. Plasma glucose levels decreased NGT group at T4 period had a significant reduction at 120 min after OGTT for NGT 55.49 ± 17.15 mg/dL (p˂0.001). Insulin levels changed from T1 to T4 for the NGT group. GLP-1 curves were statistically different between the NGT and AGM groups. The AGM group had a higher mean for GLP-1 secretion at T4 period and at 30 min of OGTT 63.85 ± 37.98 pmol/L when compared to NGT 50.73 ± 24.82 pmol/L with AGM > NGT with p˂0.001. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the same patient during 4 different periods shows that, even with weight regain, after 10-years of RYGB high levels of GLP-1 remained which can be associated with metabolic improvement especially at the NGT group.

Influence of weight loss on pulmonary function and levels of adipokines among asthmatic individuals with obesity: One-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with obesity are more likely to develop asthma, but the exact mechanism is still uncertain and several hypotheses have been raised, such as the release of inflammatory mediators secreted by adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of weight loss in patients submitted to bariatric surgery on pulmonary and systemic inflammation. METHOD: The study evaluated patients undergoing bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) with the diagnosis of asthma, except smokers. The patients were evaluated at the time of entry into a preoperative weight loss group (T1), just before bariatric surgery (T2), six months after surgery (T3), and 12 months after surgery (T4). The following were measured: anthropometric data, dosage of systemic inflammatory markers by means of blood collection, pulmonary inflammatory markers obtained by induced sputum collection, pulmonary function parameters, and asthma activity assessed by a Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen patients participated in the study. There were significant reductions in the systemic levels of interleukin (IL)-8 (p = 0.002), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.003), leptin (p = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.007), and significant increase in the systemic levels of IL-6 (p = 0.004) over time and adiponectin in T2 (p = 0.025). In regards to pulmonary inflammation, there were significant reductions in the sputum levels of TNF-α (p < 0.001). There was no significant improvement of the pulmonary function parameters (p > 0.05) and significant improvement in asthma activity scores (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Weight loss was associated with significant changes in the systemic and pulmonary inflammatory profiles of individuals with asthma, leading to a better asthma control as a result of an increase in some anti-inflammatory mediators and a reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Vitamin D in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and its relationship with thyroid function and inflammatory status.

Several studies have shown the correlation between vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and thyroid autoimmunity and reducing of thyroid autoantibodies in patients with normal levels of vitamin D combining with thyroid hormone replacement. However, other authors not agree with this association. It is still unclear whether the low 25(OH)D levels are the result of HT disease or a part of its cause. We studied 88 patients with HT regarding vitamin D status and thyroid autoimmunity markers as well as the relationship with cytokines produced by Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells compared with a control group of 71 euthyroid healthy subjects. The present study demonstrated that vitamin D concentrations were similar in patients HT and the control group. The reduction of free T4 levels was a predictor of vitamin D insufficiency for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but not for the control group. Lower concentrations of TNF-α was a predictor of lower levels of vitamin D. Differences in the association between HT and vitamin D insufficiency remain unresolved in the literature. The thyroid hormone status would play a role in the maintenance of vitamin D sufficiency, and its immunomodulatory role would influence the presence of autoimmune thyroid disease. The positive correlation between free T4 and vitamin D concentrations suggests that adequate levothyroxine replacement in HT would be an essential factor in maintaining vitamin D at sufficient levels.

Body composition and metabolic profile in adults with vitamin D deficiency / Composição corporal e perfil metabólico na deficiência de vitamina D sérica em adultos

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the body composition and metabolic profile in individuals in terms of different concentrations of serum vitamin D, ranging from deficiency to sufficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 106 adults of both genders, who were divided into three groups according to vitamin D levels: deficiency: <20ng/mL; insufficiency: 20-29.9ng/mL; and sufficiency: 30-100ng/mL. Anthropometric evaluation included weight, height, and body circumferences. Fat mass and lean mass were assessed using the Tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance method. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were also carried out. Insulin resistance was estimated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin index. Results: The analysis showed that the main alterations in individuals in the vitamin D deficiency group were higher triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein - cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, body mass index, body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, waist circumference, and Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin than those of the vitamin D sufficient group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that vitamin D deficiency causes important body composition and metabolic changes, which may lead to diseases such as diabetes Mellitus and metabolic syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a composição corporal e o perfil metabólico de indivíduos com diferentes concentrações de vitamina D sérica, da deficiência à normalidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 106 indivíduos adultos, de ambos os sexos, divididos em três grupos de acordo com as concentrações de vitamina D: deficiência: <20ng/mL; insuficiência: 20-29,9ng/mL e suficiência: 30-100ng/mL. A avaliação antropométrica incluiu peso, altura e circunferências. Massa gorda e massa magra foram avaliadas pelo teste de bioimpedância tetrapolar. Também foram realizadas avaliação clínica e bioquímica. A resistência à insulina foi calculada pelo índice Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin. Resultados: A análise apontou que as principais alterações dos indivíduos com deficiência de vitamina D foram valores elevados de triglicérides, lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade - colesterol, glicemia de jejum, insulina, hemoglobina glicada, índice de massa corporal, porcentagem de gordura corporal, porcentagem de massa magra, circunferência da cintura e Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin quando comparados ao grupo Suficiência vitamina D (p<0,05). Conclusão: Observou-se que na deficiência da vitamina D ocorrem importantes alterações tanto no metabolismo como na composição corporal, essas alterações podem contribuir para o surgimento de doenças como diabetes Mellitus e síndrome metabólica.

Body composition, resting energy expenditure and inflammatory markers: impact in users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate after 12 months follow-up

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate for 12 months the changes of body weight using Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) and if these changes are related to inflammatory markers. Subjects and methods Twenty women of childbearing age who chose the DMPA, without previous use of this method, BMI < 30 kg/m2, and 17 women using IUD TCu 380A, participated in the study. At the baseline and after one year, changes in weight gain, body composition by the bioimpedance electric method, resting energy expenditure (REE) by the indirect calorimetry method, inflammatory markers and HOMA-IR were assessed. Results After 12 months of evaluation, we could observe a significant increase in the DMPA group in weight (3,01 kg) and BMI, while the IUD group’s only significant increase was observed in the BMI. Relative to REE there was an increase of basal metabolic rate (BMR) in both groups after one year. The sub-group DMPA that gained < 3 kg had increased significant weight, BMI and body surface (BS) with respiratory quotient (RQ) reduction, while the sub-group that gained ≥ 3 kg had a significant increase in weight, BMI, BS, fat-free mass, fat mass, BMR, Leptin, HOMA-IR and waist circumference, with RQ significantly reduced. Conclusion Our study found significant changes in weight, body composition and metabolic profile of the population studied in the first 12 months of contraceptive use. These changes mainly increased body weight, leptin levels and HOMA-IR which can contribute to the development of some chronic complications, including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.

Body composition, resting energy expenditure and inflammatory markers: impact in users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate after 12 months follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate for 12 months the changes of body weight using Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) and if these changes are related to inflammatory markers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty women of childbearing age who chose the DMPA, without previous use of this method, BMI < 30 kg/m2, and 17 women using IUD TCu 380A, participated in the study. At the baseline and after one year, changes in weight gain, body composition by the bioimpedance electric method, resting energy expenditure (REE) by the indirect calorimetry method, inflammatory markers and HOMA-IR were assessed. RESULTS: After 12 months of evaluation, we could observe a significant increase in the DMPA group in weight (3,01 kg) and BMI, while the IUD group's only significant increase was observed in the BMI. Relative to REE there was an increase of basal metabolic rate (BMR) in both groups after one year. The sub-group DMPA that gained < 3 kg had increased significant weight, BMI and body surface (BS) with respiratory quotient (RQ) reduction, while the sub-group that gained ≥ 3 kg had a significant increase in weight, BMI, BS, fat-free mass, fat mass, BMR, Leptin, HOMA-IR and waist circumference, with RQ significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Our study found significant changes in weight, body composition and metabolic profile of the population studied in the first 12 months of contraceptive use. These changes mainly increased body weight, leptin levels and HOMA-IR which can contribute to the development of some chronic complications, including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.

Relation of thyroid hormone abnormalities with subclinical inflammatory activity in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Thyroid hormone (TH) abnormalities are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). These thyroid hormone abnormalities have been associated with inflammatory activity in several conditions but this link remains unclear in DM. We assessed the influence of subclinical inflammation in TH metabolism in euthyroid diabetic patients. Cross-sectional study involving 258 subjects divided in 4 groups: 70 patients with T2DM and 55 patients with T1DM and two control groups of 70 and 63 non-diabetic individuals, respectively. Groups were paired by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). We evaluated the association between clinical and hormonal variables [thyrotropin, reverse T3 (rT3), total and free thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3)] with the inflammation markers C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Serum T3 and free T3 were lower in patients with diabetes (all P < 0.001) compared to the control groups. Interleukin-6 showed positive correlations with rT3 in both groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 was independently associated to FT3/rT3 (B = -0.193; 95% CI -0.31; -0.076; P = 0.002) and FT4/rT3 (B = -0.107; 95% CI -0.207; -0.006; P = 0.039) in the T1DM group. In the T2DM group, SAA (B = 0.18; 95% CI 0.089; 0.271; P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (B = -0.069; 95% CI -0.132; -0.007; P = 0.03) predicted FT3 levels. SAA (B = -0.16; 95% CI -0.26; -0.061; P = 0.002) and IL6 (B = 0.123; 95% CI 0.005; 0.241; P = 0.041) were related to FT4/FT3. In DM, differences in TH levels compared to non-diabetic individuals were related to increased subclinical inflammatory activity and BMI. Altered deiodinase activity was probably involved. These findings were independent of sex, age, BMI, and HbA1c levels.

Evidências produzidas por pesquisas qualitativas sobre diabetes tipo 2: revisão da literatura / Evidence produced by qualitative investigations on type 2 diabetes: a review of the literature / Evidencias producidas por investigaciones cualitativas sobre diabetes tipo 2: revisión de literatura

O diabetes tipo 2 produz um grande impacto sobre a vida dos pacientes e a rede assistencial. Diante do crescimento de informações qualitativas sobre diabetes, torna-se importante a sistematização desse conhecimento. Foi realizado um metaestudo sobre diabetes, por meio da análise de 42 artigos disponibilizados em revistas do portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes). Identificamos bom grau de teorização nos estudos revisados, os quais abordaram: gerenciamento do cuidado, concepções saúde-doença, relação profissional-paciente, práticas profissionais e adesão ao tratamento. Os artigos descreveram claramente os procedimentos metodológicos adotados. Houve predomínio do uso de entrevistas e grupos focais para a coleta de dados, buscando explorar diferentes visões dos sujeitos investigados. Afirma-se a importância dos profissionais de saúde e gestores implementarem políticas, programas e modelos de atenção adequados às especificidades do adoecimento crônico, orientados pelo eixo da integralidade e corresponsabilização pelo cuidado.

Type 2 diabetes has a major impact on patients lives and the healthcare network. Given the growth in qualitative information on diabetes, it becomes important to systematize this knowledge. A meta-study on diabetes was conducted through analysis on 42 articles that were made in journals at the periodicals portal of the Coordination Office for Advancement of Higher-level Personnel (Capes). We found that the studies reviewed had a good theoretical basis, which included: care management, health-disease concepts, professional-patient relationships, professional practices and treatment compliance. The articles clearly described the methodological procedures used. The use of interviews and focal groups for data gathering predominated, and it was sought to explore different views of the individuals investigated. It was reaffirmed that it was important for health professionals and managers to implement healthcare policies, programs and models that are appropriate for the specific features of chronic illness, guided by comprehensive care and co-responsibility.

La diabetes tipo 2 produce un gran impacto sobre la vida de los pacientes y la red asistencial. Ante el crecimiento de informaciones cualitativas sobre diabetes, llega a ser importante la sistematización de este conocimiento. Se ha realizado un meta-estudio sobre diabetes por medio del análisis de 42 artículos disponibles en revistas del portal de periódicos de la Coordinación de Perfeccionamiento de Personal de Nivel Superior (Capes). Identificamos un buen grado de teorización en los estudios revisados que tratan de la dirección del cuidado, concepciones de salud-enfermedad, relación profesional-paciente, prácticas profesionales y adhesión al tratamiento. Los artículos describen claramente los procedimientos metodológicos adoptados. Ha predominado el uso de entrevistas y grupos focales para la colecta de datos buscando explorar diferentes visiones de los sujetos investigados. Se afirma la importancia de los profesionales de salud y gestores que implementan políticas, programas y modelos de atención adecuados a las especificidades del enfermo crónico orientados por el eje de la integralidad y co-responsabilización por el cuidado.

O uso de terapia alternativa e complementar por pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2 / Complementary and alternative medicine used by type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Introdução. O uso de terapia alternativa e complementar tem crescido em todo o mundo, especialmente usadas por pacientes com doenças crônicas, como o diabetes melito do tipo 2, com repercussão social e econômica. Objetivo. Verificar o uso de terapia alternativa e complementar entre os pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2, atendidos no ambulatório de diabetes melito, hipertensão, obesidade, do Departamento de Clinica Médica do Hospital das Clínicas, Unicamp. Método. Quantitativo, transversal, a coleta de informação deu-se por questionário estruturado, e a análise dos dados foi realizada com o Epi Info V.6.04d. Resultados. Observou-se uma população de baixa renda, em que 41,8% percebem até dois salários mínimos ou U$254,26 mensais; têm baixa escolaridade, 74,6% têm menos de oito anos de escolaridade; e que fazem alto uso de práticas complementares (70,9%), com uso isolado ou simultâneo de: ervas (64,1%), dietas (53,8%) e orações (51,3%). Conclusão. Esta população, usuária do Sistema Único de Saúde, usa as terapias não convencionais de forma complementar ao tratamento com insulina e ou hipoglicemiantes orais. O uso concomitante não foi prescrito e nem controlado pela equipe médica.

Introduction. The use of complementary alternative medicine has been growing significantly, especially by patients with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, causing social and economic impact. Objective. In this article, the prevalence of complementary alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was observed in the outpatient service of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity unit in Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). Method. It was carried out with a descriptive trans-sectional study and quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire. Epi Info V.6.04d was the chosen program for the data analysis. Results. The results showed a low income population, low educational level, 74.6% are illiterate or have studied less than eight years; and elevated use of complementary practices, 70.9% of the patients use one or more of the following: herbs (64.1%), diets (53.8%) and or prayers (51.3%). Conclusion. This population who is assisted by Brazilian public health system services uses mainly traditional medicine practices. Also, this use is defined as complementary to the conventional treatment (insulin or oral hipoglicemicagents) and it is not prescribed by physicians therefore elevating the risk of acute hypoglycemia.

Medicinas alternativas e complementares: uma metassíntese: [revisão] / Complementary and alternative medicines: a meta-synthesis: [review]

O aumento do uso de medicinas alternativas e complementares (MAC) motivou o crescimento do número de estudos qualitativos sobre o tema, justificando a realização de sínteses sobre esse material. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão sistemática de pesquisas qualitativas sobre MAC publicadas em periódicos internacionais. Esta revisão se orientou pela metodologia dos metaestudos. Foi realizada busca em revistas do Portal Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e foram selecionados 32 artigos para análise. Os estudos revisados apresentam questões que têm como foco: o paciente, suas experiências terapêuticas e seus contextos sociais e culturais; o profissional, as relações profissionais e o processo de profissionalização das MAC; a MAC e sua relação com a biomedicina. Conclui-se que as pesquisas qualitativas sobre as MAC ensejam um olhar exploratório sobre o tema, procurando identificar as experiências de pacientes e profissionais com essas terapêuticas, assim como buscam discutir as conseqüências desse uso para a Medicina Convencional ou biomedicina.

The growing use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) has led to an increase in the number of qualitative studies on the subject, thus justifying a meta-synthesis of the resulting material. The current article presents a systematic review of qualitative studies on CAM published in international journals. The review was conducted according to the meta-synthesis methodology. A search was performed in journals through the Periodicals Periodical of CAPES, the National Agency for the Evaluation of Graduate Studies, and 32 articles were selected for analysis. The reviewed studies raise questions focusing on: patients, their therapeutic experiences, and their social and cultural contexts; professionals, professional relations, and the process of professionalization of CAM; and CAM and their relationship to biomedicine. The article concludes that qualitative studies on CAM call for an exploratory view of the theme, seeking to identify the experiences of patients and professionals with these therapies and discussing the impact of their use on conventional medicine or biomedicine.

Anemias / Anemia

As anemias constituem as doenças do sangue mais frequentes. O termo anemia significa redução da hemoglobina por unidade de volume de sangue, de acordo com a idade, sexo e tensão de oxigênio do ambiente. Pode referir-se ainda a uma síndrome clínica ou a um quadro laboratorial. As anemias podem ser provocadas por vários fatores e se classificam segundo os critérios morfológicos (normocítica/normocrômica microcítica/hipocrômica macrocítica/normocrômica) ou fisiopatológicos, considerando-se a etiologia, em anemias por falta de produção - hipoproliferação, por sobrevida diminuída dos eritrócitos - hemólise ou por perda sanguínea - hemorragia. As avaliações clínica e laboratorial são de fundamental importância para a elucidação diagnóstica e tratamento adequado.

GLP-1 and adiponectin: effect of weight loss after dietary restriction and gastric bypass in morbidly obese patients with normal and abnormal glucose metabolism.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that there is improvement in glucose and insulin metabolism after weight loss in patients who underwent diet restriction and bariatric surgery. METHODS: Eleven normal glucose tolerant (NGT) morbidly obese patients [body mass index (BMI), 46.1+/-2.27 g/m2] and eight abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) obese patients (BMI, 51.20 kg/m2) were submitted to diet-restriction and bariatric surgery. Prospective study on weight loss changes, over the glucose, insulin metabolism, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and adiponectin levels were evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test during three periods: T1 (first evaluation), T2 (pre-surgery), and T3 (9 months after surgery). RESULTS: Insulin levels improved after surgery. T1 was 131.1+/-17.60 pmol/l in the NGT group and 197.57+/-57.94 pmol/l in the AGM group, and T3 was 72.48+/-3.67 pmol/l in the NGT group and 61.2+/-9.33 pmol/l in the AGM group. The major reduction was at the first hour of the glucose load as well as fasting levels. At 9 months after surgery (T3), GLP-1 levels at 30 and 60 min had significantly increased in both groups. It was observed that the AGM group had higher levels of GLP-1 at 30 min (34.06+/-6.18 pmol/l) when compared to the NGT group (22.69+/-4.04 pmol/l). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance from the NGT and AGM groups had a significant reduction at periods T3 in relation to T1 and T2. Adiponectin levels had increased concentration in both groups before and after surgical weight loss. However, it did not have any statistical difference between periods T1 vs. T2. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss by surgery leads to improvement in the metabolism of carbohydrates in relation to sensitivity to the insulin, contributing to the reduction of type 2 diabetes incidence. This improvement also was expressed by the improvement of the levels of adiponectin and GLP-1.

Prevalência de dermatoses na rede básica de saúde de Campinas, São Paulo - Brasil / Prevalence of dermatoses in the primary health care system of Campinas, São Paulo - Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: A observação de lesões cutâneas é freqüente pelos indivíduos que as têm e por seus familiares. A demanda de pacientes que buscam atenção médica com queixas cutâneas é significante. OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência das alterações dermatológicas em usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde de Campinas, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Cinco unidades básicas de saúde foram selecionadas pela Secretaria de Saúde da Prefeitura Municipal para participar da pesquisa. Todos os pacientes atendidos por profissionais de saúde dessas unidades, no período de 20 dias úteis, deveriam ser avaliados quanto à presença ou ausência de sintomas/sinais dermatológicos. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.491 pacientes avaliados, 358 (24,01 por cento) apresentavam queixas e/ou achados dermatológicos, com maior prevalência nos mais jovens. De todos os usuários atendidos pelos profissionais de saúde que participaram do estudo e que tiveram as fichas preenchidas adequadamente, 9,98 por cento procuraram a Unidade Básica de Saúde primariamente pela queixa dermatológica. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados, condizentes com estudos semelhantes realizados em outros países, mostram a importância da especialidade para o desempenho do médico não dermatologista, especialmente dos pediatras, e dão elementos para a discussão curricular sobre a suficiência do tempo destinado ao ensino da especialidade no curso médico.

BACKGROUND: Skin lesions are often noted by the individuals bearing them, as well as by their relatives. There is a significant number of patients with skin complaints who search for medical care. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of dermatological complaints and/or findings in users of the primary health care system of the city of Campinas, Brazil. METHODS: Five units were chosen by the Municipal Health Department to participate in this research. All the patients assisted by health professionals of these units were evaluated regarding the presence or absence of dermatological symptoms/ signals in a time period of twenty working days. RESULTS: The acquired data demonstrated that 358 (24.01 percent) out of 1,491 assisted patients displayed dermatological complaints and/or findings, with a greater prevalence among the younger patients. Of all the users assisted by health professionals who participated in the study and had their records adequately filled out, 9.98 percent sought the primary care unit primarily because of a dermatological complaint. CONCLUSIONS: These results, in accordance to those of similar surveys carried out in other countries, show the importance of the specialty for the performance of non-dermatologist physicians, pediatricians in particular, and provide elements for the discussion surrounding the curricular reform, concerning the amount of time dedicated to the teaching of dermatology.

Implantação de um Sistema de Avaliação Estruturada de Performance em Escola Médica: Resultados do Projeto-Piloto / Implementation of a Structured Evaluation System in a Medical School: Pilot Project Results

Resumo: A avaliação de um processo de ensino-aprendizagem é fundamental para rever objetivos, metodologia e conteúdo. Avaliações de competência clínica através de exames clínicos objetivos estruturados têm-se firmado como instrumentos válidos, fidedignos e efetivos de avaliação de habilidades, além de permitir apreciar as atitudes dos alunos de Medicina. A Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Unicamp vem implementando extensa reforma curricular nos últimos anos, baseada em módulo de aprendizagem que incluem o ensino de técnicas de entrevista aos aluno do 2° ano de graduação. Descrevemos a implantação de um método baseado em pacientes-padrão, treinados para avaliar conhecimento adquirido, habilidades e as atitudes dos alunos. Os resultados do projeto-piloto aplicado a 10 voluntários no módulo de habilidades de entrevista mostram que o método é factível, relativamente simples e barato, permite um avaliação objetiva das habilidades adquiridas além de identificar precocemente indivíduos com possíveis problemas na relação médico-paciente. O método permitiu ainda identificar pontos que necessitam de reforço por parte do corpo docente assim como rever os objetivos propostos pelo módulo em questão.

Abstract: Evaluation of the teaching and learning process is essential in order to review objetives, methods and contentes. The use of objective, structured clinical examination methods is well established as a valid, reliable and effective process for the assessment of clinical skills, besides allowing the perception ofmedical students' atitudes. The Faculty of Medical Science of Unicamp has implementd na extensive curriculum restructuring process based on learning units that include the teaching of interview techniques to second grade students. We describe the implementation of na assessment method based on standart-pacients trained to evaluate students' acquantance, skills and atitudes. The results of the pilot Project applied to 10 voluntees demosntrate that the method is feasible, relatively simple and inexpansive and allows na objective assessment of the students' skills besides providing precocious indications of possible patient-doctor relationship problems. The method allowed us to identify points that need to be reinforced by the teachers during the course as well as to review our aims in the module evaluated.

Estudo da dinâmica insulínica e da secreçäo de cortisol em pacientes com deficiência de glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase / Insulin dinamic and cortisol secretion study in patients with glicose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Na presente pesquisa, o objetivo foi avaliar de forma mais precisa a secreçäo da insulina através da quantificaçäo do peptideo C plasmático após estímulo glicídico, assim como, após a L-arginina, outro estimulante da secreçäo de insulina, além da sensibilidade periférica à insulina. Constou dos objetivos avaliar a secreçäo de cortisol após estímulo com ACTH. Para tanto, foram estudados 11 indivíduos com deficiência de G-6-PD e 11 indivíduos controle que formaram o grupo I e foram submetidos aos testes para avaliar a funçäo secretória da célula pancreática (teste endovenoso de tolerância à glicose - TETG e teste de arginina) e a sensibilidade periférica à insulina (teste de tolerância à insulina - TTI). E, o grupo II composto com 12 indivíduos com deficiência de G-6-PD e 16 indivíduos com deficiência de G-6-PD e 16 indivíduos controle que foram submetidos à estimulaçäo das adrenais com ACTH (Teste de cortisol). Para os dois grupos de estudo os procedimentos experimentais foram realizados após jejum de 12-14 h. Os resultados demonstram que pacientes com deficiência de G-6-PD apresentam diminuiçäo na secreçäo de insulina (fase rápida) após estímulo com glicose e L-arginina, sensibilidade periférica à insulina semelhante a de indivíduos controle e secreçäo de cortisol diminuida durante a primeira hora após estimulaçäo com ACTH