Surgical waiting lists and queue management in a Brazilian tertiary public hospital.

BACKGROUND: Centralized management of queues helps to reduce the surgical waiting time in the publicly funded healthcare system, but this is not a reality in the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (BUHS). We describe the implementation of the "Patients with Surgical Indication" (PSI) in a Brazilian public tertiary hospital, the impact on waiting time, and its use in rationing oncological surgeries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of elective surgical requests (2016-2022) in a Brazilian general, public, tertiary university hospital. We recovered information regarding the inflows (indications), outflows and their reasons, the number of patients, and waiting time in queue. RESULTS: We enrolled 82,844 indications in the PSI (2016-2022). The waiting time (median and interquartile range) in days decreased from 98(48;168) in 2016 to 14(3;152) in 2022 (p < 0.01). The same occurred with the backlog that ranged from 6,884 in 2016 to 844 in 2022 (p < 001). During the Pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of non-oncological surgeries per month (95% confidence interval) of -10.9(-18.0;-3.8) during Phase I (January 2019-March 2020), maintenance in Phase II (April 2020-August 2021) 0.1(-10.0;10.4) and increment in Phase III (September 2021-December 2022) of 23.0(15.3;30.8). In the oncological conditions, these numbers were 0.6(-2.1;3.3) for Phase I, an increase of 3.2(0.7;5.6) in Phase II and 3.9(1,4;6,4) in Phase III. CONCLUSION: Implementing a centralized list of surgical indications and developing queue management principles proved feasible, with effective rationing. It unprecedentedly demonstrated the decrease in the median waiting time in Brazil.

Taxa e custos médicos diretos de cesáreas em beneficiárias da saúde suplementar no estado de São Paulo, Brasil: 2015 a 2021 / Rate and direct medical costs of cesarean sections among supplementary health plan holders living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: 2015-2021

Resumo O Brasil tem a segunda maior taxa de cesárea do mundo. Há diferença dessas taxas nos setores públicos e privados. Foram utilizados dados de internação de beneficiárias residentes no estado de São Paulo, internadas entre 2015 e 2021, com idades entre 10 e 49 anos, para verificar as taxas e custos das cesáreas no setor privado. Foi realizado estudo parcial de avaliação econômica em saúde na perspectiva da saúde suplementar considerando custos médicos diretos de internação. Foram analisadas 757.307 internações, com gasto total de R$ 7,701 bilhões. As taxas de cesáreas foram de 80% no período. São menores nas gestantes mais novas (69%) e maiores nas mais velhas (86%), e sempre superiores a 67%. Essa população tem taxas 71% maiores do que aquelas do SUS. Há maior proporção de internações com uso de unidade de terapia intensiva nas cesáreas. O custo mediano da cesárea é 15% maior do que o parto normal e são duas vezes maiores nas seguradoras do que nas cooperativas médicas. Há oportunidade de aplicação de políticas públicas de saúde amplamente utilizadas no Sistema Único de Saúde visando a redução das taxas, dos custos diretos da internação e dos planos de saúde.

Abstract Brazil has the second largest cesarean section rate in the world. Differences in rates exist between the public and private health sectors. This study used data on admissions of supplementary health plan holders aged between 10 and 49 years living in the state of São Paulo admitted between 2015 and 2021 to determine cesarean section rates and costs in the private health sector. We conducted a partial economic analysis in health from a supplementary health perspective focusing on the direct medical costs of admissions. A total of 757,307 admissions were analyzed with total costs amounting to R$7.701 billion. The cesarean section rate over the period was 80%. Rates were lowest in young women (69%) and highest in the oldest age group (86%), exceeding 67% across all groups. The rate was 71% higher than in public services. The proportion of admissions with use of the intensive care unit was higher among cesarian deliveries. The median cost of a cesarean was 15% higher than that of a normal delivery and twice as high in insurance companies than healthcare cooperatives. There is an opportunity to apply policies that are widely used in public services to the private sector with the aim of reducing cesarean rates in private services, direct costs of admission, and the cost of supplementary health plans.

Unsupervised natural language processing in the identification of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. / Processamento de linguagem natural não supervisionado na identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19.

Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome benefit from health promotion programs. Their rapid identification is important for the cost-effective use of these programs. Traditional identification techniques perform poorly especially in pandemics. A descriptive observational study was carried out using 105,008 prior authorizations paid by a private health care provider with the application of an unsupervised natural language processing method by topic modeling to identify patients suspected of being infected by COVID-19. A total of 6 models were generated: 3 using the BERTopic algorithm and 3 Word2Vec models. The BERTopic model automatically creates disease groups. In the Word2Vec model, manual analysis of the first 100 cases of each topic was necessary to define the topics related to COVID-19. The BERTopic model with more than 1,000 authorizations per topic without word treatment selected more severe patients - average cost per prior authorizations paid of BRL 10,206 and total expenditure of BRL 20.3 million (5.4%) in 1,987 prior authorizations (1.9%). It had 70% accuracy compared to human analysis and 20% of cases with potential interest, all subject to analysis for inclusion in a health promotion program. It had an important loss of cases when compared to the traditional research model with structured language and identified other groups of diseases - orthopedic, mental and cancer. The BERTopic model served as an exploratory method to be used in case labeling and subsequent application in supervised models. The automatic identification of other diseases raises ethical questions about the treatment of health information by machine learning.

Os pacientes com síndrome pós-COVID-19 se beneficiam de programas de promoção de saúde e sua rápida identificação é importante para a utilização custo efetiva desses programas. Técnicas tradicionais de identificação têm fraco desempenho, especialmente em pandemias. Portanto, foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo utilizando 105.008 autorizações prévias pagas por operadora privada de saúde com aplicação de método não supervisionado de processamento de linguagem natural por modelagem de tópicos para identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19. Foram gerados seis modelos: três utilizando o algoritmo BERTopic e três modelos Word2Vec. O modelo BERTopic cria automaticamente grupos de doenças. Já no modelo Word2Vec, para definição dos tópicos relacionados a COVID-19, foi necessária análise manual dos 100 primeiros casos de cada tópico. O modelo BERTopic com mais de 1.000 autorizações por tópico sem tratamento de palavras selecionou pacientes mais graves - custo médio por autorizações prévias pagas de BRL 10.206 e gasto total de BRL 20,3 milhões (5,4%) em 1.987 autorizações prévias (1,9%). Teve 70% de acerto comparado à análise humana e 20% de casos com potencial interesse, todos passíveis de análise para inclusão em programa de promoção à saúde. Teve perda importante de casos quando comparado ao modelo tradicional de pesquisa com linguagem estruturada e identificou outros grupos de doenças - ortopédicas, mentais e câncer. O modelo BERTopic serviu como método exploratório a ser utilizado na rotulagem de casos e posterior aplicação em modelos supervisionados. A identificação automática de outras doenças levanta questionamentos éticos sobre o tratamento de informações em saúde por aprendizado de máquina.

Los pacientes con síndrome pos-COVID-19 pueden beneficiarse de los programas de promoción de la salud. Su rápida identificación es importante para el uso efectivo de estos programas. Las técnicas de identificación tradicionales no tienen un buen desempeño, especialmente en pandemias. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, con el uso de 105.008 autorizaciones previas pagadas por un operador de salud privado mediante la aplicación de un método no supervisado de procesamiento del lenguaje natural mediante modelado temático para identificar a los pacientes sospechosos de estar infectados por COVID-19. Se generaron 6 modelos: 3 con el uso del algoritmo BERTopic y 3 modelos Word2Vec. El modelo BERTopic crea automáticamente grupos de enfermedades. En el modelo Word2Vec para definir temas relacionados con la COVID-19, fue necesario el análisis manual de los primeros 100 casos de cada tema. El modelo BERTopic con más de 1.000 autorizaciones por tema sin tratamiento de palabras seleccionó a pacientes más graves: costo promedio por autorizaciones previas pagada de BRL 10.206 y gasto total de BRL 20,3 millones (5,4%) en 1.987 autorizaciones previas (1,9%). Además, contó con el 70% de aciertos en comparación con el análisis humano y el 20% de los casos con potencial interés, todos los cuales pueden analizarse para su inclusión en un programa de promoción de la salud. Hubo una pérdida significativa de casos en comparación con el modelo tradicional de investigación con lenguaje estructurado y se identificó otros grupos de enfermedades: ortopédicas, mentales y cáncer. El modelo BERTopic sirvió como un método exploratorio para ser utilizado en el etiquetado de casos y su posterior aplicación en modelos supervisados. La identificación automática de otras enfermedades plantea preguntas éticas sobre el tratamiento de la información de salud mediante el aprendizaje de máquina.

Simulação in situ de parada cardíaca em fibrilação ventricular para o treinamento de profissionais de enfermagem / In-situ simulation of cardiac arrest in ventricular fibrillation for professional nursing training

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência e a percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem com a utilização de simulação in situnão anunciada de parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) em ritmo de fibrilação ventricular no ambiente intra-hospitalar. Métodos: Manequim (Laerdal®) de alta fidelidade foi colocado no leito de isolamento de uma Unidade Coronariana que dispõe de central de monitoramento, sem o conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem que estavam assumindo o plantão. Um técnico de enfermagem do turno anterior de trabalho passou o caso como um paciente fictício recém-admitido com infarto agudo do miocárdio. Após a passagem do plantão, modificou-se o ritmo cardíaco do manequim de ritmo sinusal para fibrilação ventricular. Registrou-se o tempo (em minutos e segundos) desde a modificação do ritmo até algum profissional da enfermagem desencadear uma ação efetiva relacionada ao fato. Após o profissional perceber que se tratava de um manequim, ele foi orientado a desencadear as intervenções adequadas como se fosse um paciente real. Após o final da simulação, um questionário para avaliação da percepção desses profissionais em relação à atividade foi aplicado. Resultado: Quinze profissionais participaram da simulação in situ. O tempo para reação foi 28 segundos no turno diurno, dois minutos e seis segundos no turno vespertino e quatro minutos e três segundos no período noturno. Todos profissionais (100%) reconheceram a importância do treinamento, todos (100%) acharam que este treinamento aumenta a segurança do profissional e do paciente, a maioria (90%) achou que pode melhorar a comunicação entre a equipe, e todos (100%) acharam que atividades como esta deveriam ser repetidas. Conclusão: A simulação in situ parece ser uma alternativa viável para o treinamento dos profissionais de enfermagem no atendimento inicial da PCR em um hospital de emergência brasileiro. Esta atividade foi avaliada positivamente pelos participantes (AU).

Objective: Report the experience and perception of nursing professionals with an unannounced in-situ simulation of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in ventricular fibrillation in an in-hospital environment. Methods: A high-fidelity mannequin (Laerdal®) was placed on the isolation bed of a Coronary Care Unit with a monitoring center without the knowledge of the nursing professionals taking over the shift. A nurse technician from the previous shift was told to report the case as a fictitious newly admitted patient with acute myocardial infarction. After the care transition, the cardiac rhythm was changed from sinus rhythm to ventricular fibrillation. The time was recorded (in minutes and seconds) from the onset of ventricular fibrillation until a nursing professional triggered an effective action. After the professionals realized it was a mannequin, they were instructed to initiate the appropriate interventions as if the mannequin were an actual patient. After the end of the simulation, a questionnaire was used to assess the professionals' perception of the activity. Results: Fifteen professionals participated in this in-situ simulation. The reaction time was 28 seconds on the morning shift, two minutes and six seconds on the afternoon shift, and four minutes and three seconds on the night shift. All professionals (100%) recognized the importance of this training, and all thought it increased professional and patient safety. Most participants (90%) thought it could improve communication among the team. All professionals (100%) felt that such activities should be repeated. Conclusion: In-situ simulation is a feasible alternative to train nursing professionals in the initial CPA management in a Brazilian emergency hospital. Participants positively evaluated this activity (AU).

Improving the Quality of Residency Programs in Family and Community Medicine / Aprimorando a qualidade de Programas de Residência em Medicina de Família e Comunidade

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To develop and present an instrument to evaluate and monitor the quality of medical residency programs in residencies in family and community medicine (FCM) based on preceptors and residents, considering the insertion of the health network program. METHOD The instrument was developed in three stages: 1) interview with the preceptors of FCM; 2) literature review; and 3) production, adequacy, and approval of the evaluation instrument by renowned professionals of the Brazilian FCM. The third stage included 9 people and used the Delphi technique with 80% agreement. For the qualitative results, Bardin's Content Analysis was used. RESULTS In all, there were five evaluation cycles to adapt the proposed recommendations, with the elimination of one item and weighting, with a results analysis methodology of 10 resulting items, reaching an expected matrix for organizing residency programs in the health network, divided into 3 domains: Organization of the Unit, Human Resources, and Preceptor-resident relationship. CONCLUSION An instrument for evaluating and monitoring residency programs in family and community medicine can be a tool to facilitate program managers and allow evaluation and monitoring, continuously qualifying them.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Desenvolver e apresentar um instrumento para avaliar e monitorar a qualidade de programas de residência médica em medicina de família e comunidade (MFC) a partir dos preceptores e residentes, considerando a inserção do programa de rede de saúde. MÉTODO A elaboração do instrumento foi desenvolvida em três etapas: 1) entrevista com preceptores em MFC; 2) revisão da literatura; e 3) produção, adequação e aprovação do instrumento avaliativo por profissionais renomados na MFC brasileira. A terceira etapa contou com nove pessoas e utilizou a técnica Delphi com obtenção de 80% de concordância. Para os resultados qualitativos foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. RESULTADOS Ao todo ocorreram cinco ciclos de avaliação para adequação das recomendações propostas, com eliminação de um item e ponderação, e metodologia de análise de resultado de dez itens resultantes. Atingiu-se uma matriz esperada para a organização de programas de residência na rede de saúde, dividida em três domínios: organização da unidade, recursos humanos e relação preceptor-residente. CONCLUSÃO Um instrumento de avaliação e monitoramento de programas de residência em MFC pode ser uma ferramenta para auxiliar gestores de programas e permite a avaliação e monitoramento, qualificando-os continuamente.

Processamento de linguagem natural não supervisionado na identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19 / Procesamiento del lenguaje natural no supervisado para identificar a los pacientes sospechosos de infección por COVID-19 / Unsupervised natural language processing in the identification of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection

Os pacientes com síndrome pós-COVID-19 se beneficiam de programas de promoção de saúde e sua rápida identificação é importante para a utilização custo efetiva desses programas. Técnicas tradicionais de identificação têm fraco desempenho, especialmente em pandemias. Portanto, foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo utilizando 105.008 autorizações prévias pagas por operadora privada de saúde com aplicação de método não supervisionado de processamento de linguagem natural por modelagem de tópicos para identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19. Foram gerados seis modelos: três utilizando o algoritmo BERTopic e três modelos Word2Vec. O modelo BERTopic cria automaticamente grupos de doenças. Já no modelo Word2Vec, para definição dos tópicos relacionados a COVID-19, foi necessária análise manual dos 100 primeiros casos de cada tópico. O modelo BERTopic com mais de 1.000 autorizações por tópico sem tratamento de palavras selecionou pacientes mais graves - custo médio por autorizações prévias pagas de BRL 10.206 e gasto total de BRL 20,3 milhões (5,4%) em 1.987 autorizações prévias (1,9%). Teve 70% de acerto comparado à análise humana e 20% de casos com potencial interesse, todos passíveis de análise para inclusão em programa de promoção à saúde. Teve perda importante de casos quando comparado ao modelo tradicional de pesquisa com linguagem estruturada e identificou outros grupos de doenças - ortopédicas, mentais e câncer. O modelo BERTopic serviu como método exploratório a ser utilizado na rotulagem de casos e posterior aplicação em modelos supervisionados. A identificação automática de outras doenças levanta questionamentos éticos sobre o tratamento de informações em saúde por aprendizado de máquina.

Los pacientes con síndrome pos-COVID-19 pueden beneficiarse de los programas de promoción de la salud. Su rápida identificación es importante para el uso efectivo de estos programas. Las técnicas de identificación tradicionales no tienen un buen desempeño, especialmente en pandemias. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, con el uso de 105.008 autorizaciones previas pagadas por un operador de salud privado mediante la aplicación de un método no supervisado de procesamiento del lenguaje natural mediante modelado temático para identificar a los pacientes sospechosos de estar infectados por COVID-19. Se generaron 6 modelos: 3 con el uso del algoritmo BERTopic y 3 modelos Word2Vec. El modelo BERTopic crea automáticamente grupos de enfermedades. En el modelo Word2Vec para definir temas relacionados con la COVID-19, fue necesario el análisis manual de los primeros 100 casos de cada tema. El modelo BERTopic con más de 1.000 autorizaciones por tema sin tratamiento de palabras seleccionó a pacientes más graves: costo promedio por autorizaciones previas pagada de BRL 10.206 y gasto total de BRL 20,3 millones (5,4%) en 1.987 autorizaciones previas (1,9%). Además, contó con el 70% de aciertos en comparación con el análisis humano y el 20% de los casos con potencial interés, todos los cuales pueden analizarse para su inclusión en un programa de promoción de la salud. Hubo una pérdida significativa de casos en comparación con el modelo tradicional de investigación con lenguaje estructurado y se identificó otros grupos de enfermedades: ortopédicas, mentales y cáncer. El modelo BERTopic sirvió como un método exploratorio para ser utilizado en el etiquetado de casos y su posterior aplicación en modelos supervisados. La identificación automática de otras enfermedades plantea preguntas éticas sobre el tratamiento de la información de salud mediante el aprendizaje de máquina.

Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome benefit from health promotion programs. Their rapid identification is important for the cost-effective use of these programs. Traditional identification techniques perform poorly especially in pandemics. A descriptive observational study was carried out using 105,008 prior authorizations paid by a private health care provider with the application of an unsupervised natural language processing method by topic modeling to identify patients suspected of being infected by COVID-19. A total of 6 models were generated: 3 using the BERTopic algorithm and 3 Word2Vec models. The BERTopic model automatically creates disease groups. In the Word2Vec model, manual analysis of the first 100 cases of each topic was necessary to define the topics related to COVID-19. The BERTopic model with more than 1,000 authorizations per topic without word treatment selected more severe patients - average cost per prior authorizations paid of BRL 10,206 and total expenditure of BRL 20.3 million (5.4%) in 1,987 prior authorizations (1.9%). It had 70% accuracy compared to human analysis and 20% of cases with potential interest, all subject to analysis for inclusion in a health promotion program. It had an important loss of cases when compared to the traditional research model with structured language and identified other groups of diseases - orthopedic, mental and cancer. The BERTopic model served as an exploratory method to be used in case labeling and subsequent application in supervised models. The automatic identification of other diseases raises ethical questions about the treatment of health information by machine learning.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care Indicators at a Public Hospital in Brazil

Abstract Background International publications have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the indicators of care for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), with a potential increase in morbidity and mortality. Objectives To compare mortality, time from symptom onset to primary angioplasty (total delay [TD]), time from symptom onset to initial medical contact (patient delay [PD]), and time from initial medical contact to guidewire insertion in the hemodynamics laboratory (system delay [SD]) among patients admitted for STEMI at the Hemodynamics Service of Santa Casa de Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil before and after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization, assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEMI care indicators. Methods This is a before-and-after study involving patients hospitalized with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty. Data were collected retrospectively through medical record review. Clinical and demographic profiles and outcomes between the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables or Student's t-test for continuous variables. A significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Results There were no differences in TD (pre-pandemic: 300 min [± 159 min], 95% CI 277.1 to 322.6; pandemic: 300 min [± 148 min], 95% CI 274.3 to 326.6, p = 0.97). However, there was an increase in SD (pre-pandemic: 145 min [± 97 min], 95% CI 122.7 to 167.9; pandemic: 178 min [± 96 min], 95% CI 157.4 to 197.9, p = 0.037). There was no increase in PD (pre-pandemic: 145 min ± 133 min; pandemic: 130 min ± 117 min, p = 0.44), and no differences in mortality were observed (pre-pandemic: 9.7%; pandemic: 12%, p = 0.49). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic increased SD in the management of STEMI in the region of Passos, Minas Gerais. There were no differences in PD, TD, and in-hospital mortality.

Palliative care team in a Brazilian tertiary emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the process of implementing a palliative care team (PCT) in a Brazilian public tertiary university hospital and compare this intervention as an active in-hospital search (strategy I) with the Emergency Department (strategy II). METHODS: We described the development of a complex Palliative Care Team (PCT). We evaluated the following primary outcomes: hospital discharge, death (in-hospital and follow-up mortality) or transfer, and performance outcomes-Perception Index (difference in days between hospitalization and the evaluation by the PTC), follow-up index (difference in days between the PTC evaluation and the primary outcome), and the in-hospital stay. RESULTS: We included 1203 patients-strategy I (587; 48.8%) and strategy II (616; 51.2%). In both strategies, male and elderly patients were prevalent. Most came from internal medicine I (39.3%) and II (57.9%), p <  0.01. General clinical conditions (40%) and Oncology I (27.7%) and II (32.4%) represented the majority of the population. Over 70% of all patients had PPS 10 and ECOG 4 above 85%. There was a reduction of patients identified in ICU from I (20.9%) to II (9.2%), p <  0.01, reduction in the ward from I (60.8%) to II (42.5%), p <  0.01 and a significant increase from I (18.2%) to II (48.2%) in the emergency department, p <  0.01. Regarding in-hospital mortality, 50% of patients remained alive within 35 days of hospitalization (strategy I), while for strategy II, 50% were alive within 20 days of hospitalization (p <  0.01). As for post-discharge mortality, in strategy II, 50% of patients died 10 days after hospital discharge, while in strategy I, this number was 40 days (p <  0.01). In the Cox multivariate regression model, adjusting for possible confounding factors, strategy II increased 30% the chance of death. The perception index decreased from 10.9 days to 9.1 days, there was no change in follow-up (12 days), and the duration of in-hospital stay dropped from 24.3 to 20.7 days, p <  0.01. The primary demand was the definition of prognosis (56.7%). CONCLUSION: The present work showed that early intervention by an elaborate and complex PCT in the ED was associated with a faster perception of the need for palliative care and influenced a reduction in the length of hospital stay in a very dependent and compromised old population.

Participación de enfermería en la vigilancia y prevención de la resistencia antimicrobiana / Nursing involvement in surveillance and prevention of antimicrobial resistance / A participação da enfermagem na vigilância e prevenção da resistência antimicrobiana

La infección nosocomial tiene sus orígenes en el propio nacimiento de los hospitales. Sin embargo, antes del desarrollo de los antibióticos, los hospitales eran instituciones para los pobres necesitados de cuidado, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad, causada no solamente por las enfermedades de base para las cuales no había tratamiento, sino incluso por las condiciones que propiciaban la infección nosocomial

Nosocomial infections originated when hospitals were born. However, before the development of antibiotics, hospitals were institutions for the poor in need of care. They had a high mortality rate not only because of the underlying diseases, for which there was no treatment, but even because of circumstances conducive to nosocomial infections

A infecção nosocomial tem origem no próprio nascimento dos hospitais. No entanto, antes do desenvolvimento dos antibióticos, os hospitais eram instituições para os pobres necessitados de cuidados, com alto índice de mortalidade, causada não só pelas doenças subjacentes para as quais não havia tratamento, mas também devido às condições que favoreceram a infecção nosocomial

Impact of children with complex chronic conditions on costs in a tertiary referral hospital

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of complex chronic conditions on the use of healthcare resources and hospitalization costs in a pediatric ward of a public tertiary referral university hospital in Brazil. METHODS This is a longitudinal study with retrospective data collection. Overall, three one-year periods, separated by five-year intervals (2006, 2011, and 2016), were evaluated. Hospital costs were calculated in three systematic samples of 100 patients each, consisting of patients with and without complex chronic conditions in proportion to their participation in the studied year. RESULTS Over the studied period, the hospital received 2,372 admissions from 2,172 patients. The proportion of hospitalized patients with complex chronic conditions increased from 13.3% in 2006 to 16.9% in 2016 as a result of a greater proportion of neurologically impaired children, which rose from 6.6% to 11.6% of the total number of patients in the same period. Patients' complexity also progressively increased, which greatly impacted the use of healthcare resources and costs, increasing by 11.6% from 2006 (R$1,300,879.20) to 2011 (R$1,452,359.71) and 9.4% from 2011 to 2016 (R$1,589,457.95). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations of pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions increased from 2006 to 2016 in a Brazilian tertiary referral university hospital, associated with an important impact on hospital costs. Policies to reduce these costs in Brazil are greatly needed.

Mitral valve thickening in acute rheumatic fever as a predictor of late valvar dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) complicating acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remains an important health problem in developing countries. No definitive diagnostic test for ARF exists and the role of Doppler echocardiography (DEC) for long-term prognostic evaluation following ARF is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of DEC in patients with ARF as a predictor of chronic valve dysfunction. METHODS: Prospectively enrolled patients with clinical ARF had a DEC performed soon after diagnosis and repeated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and thereafter at every 1-2 years. We defined chronic valve dysfunction by ≥ 3 of the following: increased valve thickening, commissure fusion, subvalvular thickening, reduced leaflet mobility, non-trivial mitral and/or aortic regurgitation. We performed univariate analysis and developed multivariate logistic regression models to identify variables that may influence evolution to RHD. p <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We evaluated 70(57% men) patients, 10.8±5.6 years-old during the ARF episode and followed for 95±26 months. Chronic valve dysfunction was identified in 36(51.4%) which fulfilled criteria for RHD and 10(27.8%) of them died or underwent valve surgery. Univariate analysis showed that mitral valve thickening and presence of mitral regurgitation at baseline DEC, were associated with RHD(p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that only mitral valve thickness either as a continuous (Odds-Ratio:5.8;95%CI:1.7-19.7) or as a categorical variable (Odds-Ratio:4.04;95%CI:1.06-15.3) was an independent predictor of chronic valve dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral leaflets thickening documented at the time of diagnosis of ARF is a consistent prognostic marker for the subsequent evolution to RHD.

Volume Vascular Pulmonar Estimado por Software Automatizado é um Preditor de Mortalidade após Embolia Pulmonar Aguda / Pulmonary Vascular Volume Estimated by Automated Software is a Mortality Predictor after Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Resumo Fundamento: A embolia pulmonar aguda (EPA) tem desfecho clínico variável. A angiotomografia computadorizada (angio-CT) é considerada o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico. Objetivo: Avaliar se o volume vascular pulmonar (VVP) quantificado por software automatizado é um preditor de mortalidade após EPA. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo no qual a imagem da angio-CT de 61 pacientes com EPA foi reanalisada. O VVP e o volume pulmonar (VP) foram estimados automaticamente pelo software Yacta. Calculamos o VVP ajustado pela razão: VVP(cm3)/VP(litros). Parâmetros prognósticos clássicos da angio-CT (carga embólica; razão do diâmetro do ventrículo direito/ventrículo esquerdo; razão do diâmetro da artéria pulmonar/aorta; desvio do septo interventricular; infarto pulmonar e refluxo de contraste na veia hepática) foram avaliados. A mortalidade em 1 mês foi o desfecho analisado. Consideramos um valor de p <0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Sete mortes (11%) ocorreram entre os 61 pacientes durante 1 mês de seguimento. O VVP ajustado <23cm3/L foi um preditor independente de mortalidade na análise univariada (odds ratio [OR]: 26; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 3-244; p=0,004) e na análise multivariada (OR ajustado: 19 [IC95%: 1,3-270]; p=0,03). Os parâmetros clássicos da angio-CT não foram associados à mortalidade em 1 mês nesta amostra. O VVP ajustado <23cm3/L apresentou sensibilidade de 86%, especificidade de 82%, valor preditivo negativo de 94% e valor preditivo positivo de 64% para identificação dos pacientes que morreram. Conclusão: VVP ajustado <23cm3/L foi um preditor independente de mortalidade após EPA. Esse parâmetro mostrou melhor desempenho prognóstico do que os outros achados clássicos da angio-CT. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(5):809-818)

Abstract Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) has a variable clinical outcome. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for this diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate if the pulmonary vascular volume (PVV) quantified by automated software is a mortality predictor after APE. Methods: Retrospective cohort study where the CTPA imaging of 61 patients with APE was reanalyzed. Pulmonary vascular volume (PVV) and pulmonary volume (PV) were automatically estimated using the Yacta software. We calculated the adjusted PVV by the ratio: PVV(cm3)/PV(liters). Classical prognostic CTPA parameters (clot load index, right ventricle/left ventricle diameter ratio, pulmonary artery/aorta diameter ratio, ventricular septal bowing, pulmonary infarction and reflux of contrast into the hepatic vein) were assessed. The outcome assessed was one-month mortality. We considered a p-value <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Seven deaths (11%) occurred at one month among these 61 patients. PVV<23cm3/L was an independent predictor of one-month mortality in the univariate [odds ratio (OR): 26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3-244; p=0.004] and multivariate analyses [adjusted OR: 19; 95%CI: 1.3-270; p=0.03]. The classical CTPA parameters were not associated with one-month mortality in this sample. The PVV<23cm3/L showed a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 82%, a negative predictive value of 94% and a positive predictive value of 64% to identify the patients who died. Conclusion: PVV<23cm3/L was an independent predictor of one-month mortality after APE. This parameter showed better prognostic performance than other classical CTPA findings. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(5):809-818)

Prevalence of Vas Deferens Calcifications on Abdominal CT Examinations and Association With Systemic Conditions.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of vas deferens (VD) calcifications on abdominal CT examinations and the associations between VD calcifications and several systemic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The CT examinations of male patients from January 2010 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. After exclusions, the records of 1915 consecutively identified patients were analyzed. Five readers, 3rd- and 4th-year radiology residents, recorded the presence and laterality of VD calcifications and of vascular calcifications presumed due to atherosclerosis. A sixth reader parsed the patient records for diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). RESULTS. The mean age of the entire sample population was 52.9 ± 18.9 years (range, 1-93 years). The mean age of patients with VD calcifications was 59.3 ± 12.0 (SD) years and of the group without VD calcifications was 52.9 ± 19.1 years (p = 0.17). The prevalence of VD calcification was 1.61% (31 patients): 21 (67.7%) of the patients had bilateral calcification; seven (22.6%), right-sided only; and three, (9.7%) left-sided. The frequency of DM was 28.8% (551/1915), of CKD was 7.58% (150/1915), and of atherosclerosis, 60.4% (1156/1915). The mean caliber of calcified VDs was 5.31 ± 1.29 mm versus 3.63 ± 0.63 mm for patients without calcification or any chronic condition (p < 0.0001). Among age, atherosclerosis, DM, and CKD in univariate regression analysis, only DM was associated with VD calcification (p = 0.006). However, because age (p = 0.063) and atherosclerosis (p = 0.057) were close to significant, they were included in the multivariate analysis, which also showed only DM associated with VD calcification (odds ratio, 2.14 ± 0.85). CONCLUSION. In the large cohort in this study, the prevalence of VD calcification was 1.61%. VD calcification was strongly associated with DM. The pathologic implications of VD calcification remain unclear and warrant further investigation in prospective longitudinal studies.

SARS-CoV-2-triggered neutrophil extracellular traps mediate COVID-19 pathology.

Severe COVID-19 patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome that may progress to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Considering that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described as important mediators of tissue damage in inflammatory diseases, we investigated whether NETs would be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology. A cohort of 32 hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and healthy controls were enrolled. The concentration of NETs was augmented in plasma, tracheal aspirate, and lung autopsies tissues from COVID-19 patients, and their neutrophils released higher levels of NETs. Notably, we found that viable SARS-CoV-2 can directly induce the release of NETs by healthy neutrophils. Mechanistically, NETs triggered by SARS-CoV-2 depend on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, serine protease, virus replication, and PAD-4. Finally, NETs released by SARS-CoV-2-activated neutrophils promote lung epithelial cell death in vitro. These results unravel a possible detrimental role of NETs in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Therefore, the inhibition of NETs represents a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.

A implantação do Núcleo Interno de Regulação em Hospital Público Terciário ­ A experiência do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo / Implementation of the Internal Regulation Committee in a Tertiary Public Hospital ­ The experience of General Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo

RESUMO Introdução: O Núcleo Interno de Regulação (NIR) é uma das estratégias de gestão criadas pela Política Nacional de Atenção Hospitalar do Ministério da Saúde em 2013. Visa a organização do acesso à consultas, serviços diagnósticos e terapêuticos e aos leitos de internação, sendo fundamental o conhecimento do perfil epidemiológico e ajuste de seus processos de trabalho de modo a garantir o fluxo no sistema de saúde. Como as normas para implantação só foram realizadas em 2018, vários serviços implantaram o NIR sem diretrizes e há necessidade de se avaliar o grau de implantação. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de implantação do NIR em duas unidades de um complexo hospitalar público terciário. Metodologia: Estudo de avaliação, exploratório, descritivo e longitudinal, realizado em duas unidades de internação hospitalar público terciário implantadas no primeiro semestre de 2016 (Unidade de Emergência) e no primeiro semestre de 2017 (Unidade Campus). Resultados: Devido à natureza de sua vocação (eletivo ou urgência), observou-se perfil epidemiológico distinto nas unidades, embora tenha sido possível a construção de processo e análise de SWOT integrada para efeitos de tomada de decisão e planejamento. De acordo com os pilares propostos pelo Manual, ambas em maior ou menor grau apresentam iniciativas recomendadas. Mas, por outro lado, os entrevistados reforçam a necessidade de maior investimento para aprimorar o processo. Conclusão: É necessário o estabelecimento de uma política de implantação dos NIR's com referenciais objetivos que possam ser pontuados e permitam o acompanhamento temporal do seu desenvolvimento. (AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Internal Regulation Committee (IRC) is one of the management strategies created by the National Health Care Policy of the Ministry of Health in 2013. It aims to organize the access to consultations, diagnostic and therapeutic services and to hospital beds. It is necessary to know the epidemiological profile to adjust its processes to guarantee the flow in the healthcare system. As the standards for implementation were only established in 2018, several services implemented the ICR without guidelines, and there is a need to evaluate the degree of implementation. Objective: To evaluate the level of NIR implantation in two units of a public tertiary hospital complex. Methodology: Exploratory, descriptive and longitudinal study, carried out in two tertiary public hospitalization units implanted in the first half of 2016 (Emergency Unit) and the first half of 2017 (Campus Unit). Results:Due to the nature of their vocation (elective or emergency), a distinct epidemiological profile was observed, although it was possible to construct an integrated SWOT process and analysis for decision--making and planning purposes. According to the principles proposed by the Manual, both presented recommended initiatives to a greater or lesser degree. However, on the other hand, the units inter-viewed reinforce the need for more investment to improve the process. Conclusion: It is necessary to establish a policy for the implementation of NIRs with objective checklists that can be set and allow the temporal monitoring of their development (AU)

Validation of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index for risk stratification after acute pulmonary embolism in a cohort of patients in Brazil / Validação do Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index para a estratificação de risco após tromboembolia pulmonar aguda em uma coorte no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), which was developed for risk stratification after acute pulmonary embolism (PE), for use in Brazil. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study involving patients admitted to the emergency department with acute PE. The original and simplified versions of the PESI were calculated using hospital admission data from medical records. The outcome measure was the overall 30-day mortality rate. Results: We included 123 patients. The mean age was 57 ± 17 years, and there was a predominance of females, who accounted for 60% of the cohort. There were 28 deaths, translating to an overall 30-day mortality rate of 23%. In the cluster analysis by risk class, overall 30-day mortality was 2.40% for classes I-II, compared with 20.00% for classes III-IV-V (relative risk [RR] = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.88-18.51; p = 0.0002). When we calculated overall 30-day mortality using the simplified version (0 points vs. ≥ 1 point), we found it to be 3.25% for 0 points and 19.51% for ≥ 1 point (RR = 2.38; 95% CI: 0.89-6.38; p = 0.06). Using the original version, a survival analysis showed that risk classes I and II presented similar Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.59), as did risk classes III, IV, and V (p = 0.25). However, the curve of the clusters based on the original version, showed significantly higher mortality in the III-IV-V classes than in the I-II classes (RR = 7.63; 95% CI: 2.29-25.21; p = 0.0001). The cluster analysis based on the original version showed a greater area under the ROC curve than did the analysis based on the simplified version (0.70; 95% CI: 0.62-0.77 vs. 0.60; 95% CI: 0.51-0.67; p = 0.05). Conclusions: The PESI adequately predicted the prognosis after acute PE in this sample of the population of Brazil. The cluster analysis based on the original version is the most appropriate analysis in this setting.

RESUMO Objetivo: Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) foi desenvolvido para a estratificação de risco após tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) aguda. Nosso objetivo foi validá-lo para uso no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico incluindo pacientes com TEP admitidos numa unidade de emergência. O PESI (versão original e simplificada) foi calculado utilizando-se dados dos prontuários na admissão hospitalar. O desfecho analisado foi mortalidade geral em 30 dias (MG30). Resultados: Foram incluídos 123 pacientes, com média de idade de 57 ± 17 anos, predomínio do sexo feminino (60%) e MG30 de 28 óbitos (23%). Na análise agrupada, a MG30 (classes I-II vs. III-IV-V) foi de 2,40% vs. 20,00% (risco relativo [RR] = 5,9; IC95%: 1,88-18,51; p = 0,0002). A MG30 na versão simplificada (0 vs. ≥ 1 ponto) foi de 3,25% vs. 19,51% (RR = 2,38; IC95%: 0,89-6,38; p = 0,06). A análise da sobrevida mostrou que as curvas de Kaplan-Meier foram semelhantes nas classes I e II (p = 0,59) e entre as classes III, IV e V (p = 0,25). A curva da versão original agrupada mostrou que a MG30 foi significativamente maior no grupo III-IV-V que no grupo I-II (RR = 7,63; IC95%: 2,29-25,21; p = 0,0001). A análise agrupada da versão original mostrou área sob a curva ROC maior que a da versão simplificada (0,70; IC95%: 0,62-0,77 vs. 0,60; IC95%: 0,51-0,67; p = 0,05). Conclusões: O PESI mensurou adequadamente o prognóstico de MG30 após TEP aguda nesta amostra da população brasileira. A utilização da versão original agrupada foi a mais adequada nesse cenário.

Medicina além das grades - uma Experiência da Universidade de São Paulo em Ribeirão Preto / Medicine beyond Bars - an Experience of the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto

RESUMO A saúde da população privada de liberdade possui aspectos peculiares dada a elevada prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, lesões dermatológicas e transtornos mentais agravados pela superlotação e precárias condições das unidades penitenciárias. O atendimento à saúde oferecido é de baixa resolutividade, baseado na abordagem de queixas pontuais, com dificuldade de acesso a outros serviços de saúde. A integração ensino-serviço é uma das diretrizes para os cursos de medicina, que tem o papel de formar médicos críticos e reflexivos a partir das necessidades sociais. É dentro dessa aproximação da universidade ao sistema prisional, que nasceu em 2011, a disciplina Medicina do Confinamento na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo. O presente relato descreve o processo de concepção dessa disciplina, sua estrutura teórico-prática, assim como oferece uma reflexão sobre o aprendizado e suas particularidades no confinamento. A disciplina, de caráter optativo, tem 30 horas de duração, sendo ofertada duas vezes ao ano, com disponibilidade para 40 vagas anuais. Até 2016, 188 estudantes de medicina participaram da disciplina, que possui além da programação teórica, atividades práticas realizadas em penitenciárias na região de Ribeirão Preto. As distintas realidades experimentadas pelo aluno de graduação no cenário da universidade e das penitenciárias possibilitaram a reflexão sobre a importância da integração destes dois mundos que quando em contato contribuem tanto para qualificação da assistência prestada, quanto para a responsabilidade do estudante como cidadão e do seu papel como profissional. A disciplina promoveu a aproximação da sociedade às populações marginalizadas, participando da ressocialização das pessoas desprovidas de liberdade, além de suscitar reflexões sobre as dimensões do adoecimento, e sua influência no contexto de vida desses pacientes permitindo, portanto, refletir de que maneira a construção de projetos de cuidado adequados a realidade dessas pessoas possa garantir os princípios da universalidade, equidade e integralidade da atenção.

ABSTRACT The health of the population deprived of liberty has unusual aspects, due to the high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, dermatological injuries, and mental disorders aggravated by the overcrowding and precarious conditions in the penitentiary units. The health care offered is of poor quality, based on resolving specific complaints, but with difficulty accessing other health services. Integration between teaching and service is one of the guidelines for medical courses, which have the role of training critical and reflective physicians who are aware of the social needs. It was out of this approach of the university to the prison system that the discipline of Confinement Medicine emerged, in 2011, at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo. The present report describes the process of conception and formation of the discipline and its theoretical-practical structure, and offers a reflection on the learning and its particular characteristics in confinement. This optional discipline has 30 hours and is offered twice a year, with places for forty students per year. Up until 2016, 188 medical students took this discipline. Besides the academic program, the discipline also includes practical activities, carried out in penitentiaries in the region of Ribeirão Preto. The different realities experienced by the undergraduate students in the university and penitentiary scenarios enables them to reflect on the importance of integrating these two worlds that, when in contact, contribute both to the qualification of the medical care provided and to students' sense of responsibility as citizens, and their role as professionals. The discipline helps strengthen ties between society and marginalized populations, promoting the resocialization of people deprived of liberty. It also prompts reflections about the dimensions of illness, and their influence on the life context of these patients, enabling us to reflect on how the construction of a proper project based on these social realities can guarantee the principles of universality, equity and integrally of care.

Long-term follow-up of Chagas heart disease patients receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for secondary prevention.

BACKGROUND: Chagas heart disease (CHD) is a dilated cardiomyopathy characterized by malignant ventricular arrhythmias and increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Much controversy exists concerning the efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICDs) in CHD because of mixed results observed. We report our long-term experience with ICDs for secondary prevention in CHD, with the specific aim of assessing the results in groups with preserved or depressed global left ventricular function. METHODS: 111 patients (75 males; 60 ± 12 years) were followed for 1,948 ± 1,275 days after ICD. Time to death was the primary outcome; LVEF ≤ 45% the exposure; and age, gender, and ICD therapy delivery the potential confounders. We used time-to-event methods and Cox proportional models for analysis, censoring observations at time of death or at 5-year follow-up in survivors. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of the patients presented at least one sustained ventricular arrhythmia requiring appropriate therapy, and only three patients received inappropriate therapy. Death occurred in 50 (45%) patients, with an annual mortality rate of 8.4%, mostly due to refractory heart failure or noncardiac causes. Unadjusted survival rates were significantly distinct between patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% (26 deaths), 50.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.2%-63.2%) when compared to patients with LVEF > 45% (10 deaths), 77.6% (95% CI: 62.3%-87.3%, P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, low LVEF (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.3-11.6), age (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), and female gender (HR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.85-8.54) were independently associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: ICDs successfully aborted life-threatening arrhythmias in CHD patients. Impaired left ventricular function predicted higher mortality in CHD patients with an ICD for secondary prevention of SCD.

Impact of training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) in the professional career and work environment / Impacto da capacitação no Suporte Avançado à Vida em Cardiologia (SAVC) na carreira profissional e no ambiente de trabalho

Abstract We sought to evaluate the impact of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training in the professional career and work environment of physicians who took the course in a single center certified by the American Heart Association (AHA). Of the 4631 students (since 1999 to 2009), 2776 were located, 657 letters were returned, with 388 excluded from the analysis for being returned lacking addressees. The final study population was composed of 269 participants allocated in 3 groups (< 3 years, 3-5 and > 5years). Longer training was associated with older age, male gender, having undergone residency training, private office, greater earnings and longer time since graduation and a lower chance to participate in providing care for a cardiac arrest. Regarding personal change, no modification was detected according to time since taking the course. The only change in the work environment was the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) by those who had taken the course more than 5 years ago. In multivariable analysis, however, the implementation of an AED was not independently associated with this group, which showed a lower chance to take a new ACLS course. ACLS courses should emphasize also how physicians could reinforce the survival chain through environmental changes.

Resumo Buscou-se avaliar o impacto do curso de Suporte Avançado a Vida em Cardiologia (SAVC) na carreira e no ambiente profissional de médicos formados em um centro de treinameto certificado pela American Heart Association (AHA). De 4631 estudantes (desde 1999 até 2009), 2776 foram encontrados, 657 cartas retornaram, sendo 388 excluidas da análise devido à não localização do endereço. A população final estudada foi composta por 269 participantes alocados em 3 grupos (< 3 anos, 3-5 anos e > 5 anos). Tempo maior de treinamento foi associado a sexo masculino, ter feito residência médica, de idade maior, melhores salários e mais tempo de formação, também menor chance de participar de um atendimento de parada cardíaca. No quesito mudança pessoal, nenhuma modificação foi detectada independentemente do tempo de curso. A única mudança no local de trabalho foi a implantação do desfibrilador externo automático (DEA) por aqueles que terminaram o curso há mais de 5 anos. Na análise multivariada, entretanto, a implementação de DEA não foi associada independentemente nesse grupo, que mostrou menor chance de repetir o curso. Os cursos SAVC deveriam enfatizar a forma como os médicos poderiam reforçar as mudanças no trabalho, melhorando a cadeia de sobrevida.