The effect of the collateral cerebrovascular circulation on tolerance to carotid artery cross-clamping and on early outcome after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The Circle of Willis (CoW) serves as the primary source of contralateral blood supply in patients who undergo carotid artery cross-clamping (CC) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It has been suggested that the CoW's anatomy influences CEA outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between the cerebral collateral circulation, a positive awake test for intraoperative neurologic deficit after carotid CC, and postoperative adverse neurologic events. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted searching MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies that assessed the cerebral circulation, including CoW variations, using neuroimaging techniques in patients who underwent carotid CC. For the metanalytical incidence, the statistical technique used was weight averaging. Otherwise, descriptive analysis was used due to the excessive heterogeneity of the studies. RESULTS: Eight publications, seven cohort and one case-controlled study, involving 1313 patients who underwent carotid artery CC under loco-regional anesthesia, were included in the systematic review. The incidence of positive awake test in the cohort studies ranged from 4.4% to 19.7%. Carotid artery CC resulted in positive awake test in 5% to 91% of patients with alterations in the anterior portion and in 27% to 74% with alterations in the posterior portion of the CoW. A positive awake test in patients with contralateral carotid stenosis or occlusion ranged from 5.8% to 45.7%. Contralateral carotid stenosis >70% or occlusion were associated with a positive awake test (P < .001). Patients with incomplete CoW did not have statistically significant correlation with intraoperative neurological deficits after CC. Data were insufficient to evaluate the effect of the collateral circulation on early outcome after CEA. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, contralateral carotid artery stenosis or occlusion, but not CoW abnormalities, were associated with a positive awake test after carotid artery CC. Further research is needed to evaluate which specific CoW anomaly predicts neurologic deficit after CC and to confirm association between a positive awake test and clinical outcome after CEA.

A multi-national survey to identify clinicians' perspectives concerning Proton Pump inhibitors in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in SSc for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is little evidence to support their empirical use and long-term safety has been questioned. Our objective was to better describe clinicians' attitudes toward PPIs prescription and use in SSc patients. METHODS: Clinicians involved in the care of SSc patients were invited through international physician networks and social media to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: Responses from 227 clinicians from 36 countries were evaluable. The majority 'agreed' (41.4 %) or 'strongly agreed' (45.4 %) that GERD is a major cause of morbidity in SSc. Lifestyle modifications are seldom (16 %) considered effective. Only half 'agreed' (43 %) or 'strongly agreed' (11 %) there is solid evidence supporting PPIs efficacy in SSc. The most common reasons for PPIs prescription were symptomatic GERD unresponsive to lifestyle modification (95 %), objective evidence of GERD (82 %), and hoarseness or respiratory symptoms (71 %). There are variable concerns about PPIs long-term safety in SSc. The three highest (mean) reasons (0-10, here 10 is 'very concerned') were: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (5.5), osteoporosis (5.4), and drug interactions (5.2). There are significant differences in attitudes towards surgery for refractory GERD, and concerns about potential complications. PPIs may have a putative role for disease modification (e.g., ILD and calcinosis), and the role of immunosuppression is uncertain for GI (gastrointestinal) disease in SSc. CONCLUSION: PPIs are frequently prescribed in SSc. Side effects are a recognized concern, especially regarding long-term therapy. There is significant variation in attitudes towards surgical intervention. Future research and practical treatment recommendation for PPIs in SSc are urgently needed.

A Multinational Survey Investigating the Unmet Needs and Patient Perspectives Concerning Proton Pump Inhibitors in Systemic Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). However, not all patients adequately respond to the treatment, and there are frequent concerns about the safety of long-term use of PPIs. Our aim was to identify the main problems/complaints of SSc patients on PPIs, as well as understand their unmet needs. METHODS: SSc patients treated with PPIs were invited through international patient associations and social media to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: We gathered 301 valid responses from 14 countries (United Kingdom 19.3% and United States 70.4%). Multiple PPIs use (two: 30% and three: 21% in series) was common. The majority (89%) reported improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms from receiving PPIs. Side effects attributed to receiving PPIs were uncommon (19%); however, most (79%) were potentially concerned. Around half (58%) had received lifestyle information, and most (85%) had searched online for information about PPIs. Only in the minority (12%) had a surgical approach been discussed; however, half (46%) indicated that they would be willing to undergo surgery to resolve their GERD symptoms but had important concerns. CONCLUSION: Despite the frequent use of PPIs in patients with SSc, there is significant heterogeneity in prescription, and combination therapy (PPIs plus other medication for acid reflux) is not uncommon (approximately 40%). Patients have significant concerns about PPIs side effects. Education about PPIs is often neglected, and patients very frequently use online sources to obtain information on drug treatment. A surgical approach is infrequently discussed, and patients fear this potential therapeutic approach.

Immune-mediated skin lesions related to biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a 22-year experience of a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Immune-mediated skin lesions (IMSL) can be very disabling leading to treatment discontinuation. Although these lesions have rarely been previously described, the true incidence is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the cumulative incidence, management and outcomes of IMSL related to bDMARD in a large cohort of patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. To explore possible associations and risk factors for IMSL development. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) that had been treated with at least one bDMARD for at least 6 months was conducted. IMSL related to bDMARD characteristics and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 989 patients with RA, SpA and PsA were included. Twenty-seven patients (2.7%) presented IMSL potentially related to bDMARD, being psoriasis the most common IMSL (n=12, 44.4%), followed by drug-induced lupus erythematosus (n=6), alopecia areata (n=3) and leukocytoclastic vasculitis (n=2). IMSL led to withdrawal of bDMARD in 18 of the 27 patients (66.7%). Patients with IMSL had younger age at diagnosis (p=0.038), longer disease duration (p=0.018), longer duration of bDMARD treatment (p=0.008), and higher number of previous bDMARDs (p < 0.001) than patients without IMSL. In the group of patients with IMSL there was a significantly higher percentage of patients treated with adalimumab (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression model, the number of previous bDMARDs (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.47-3.10, p < 0.001) and treatment with adalimumab (OR 4.60, 95%CI 1.96-10.80 , p < 0.001) were statistically significant predictive factors for IMSL development. CONCLUSION: In our study, IMSL related to bDMARDs had an estimated cumulative incidence of 2.7%. Younger age at diagnosis, longer disease duration, longer duration of bDMARD treatment, higher number of previous bDMARDs and treatment with adalimumab were independently associated with an increased risk of IMSL development.

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies module of the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register.

AIMS: To characterise the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) module of the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt/myositis) and the patients in its cohort. METHODS: Reuma.pt is a web-based system with standardised patient files gathered in a registry. This was a multicentre open cohort study, including patients registered in Reuma.pt/myositis up to January 2022. RESULTS: Reuma.pt/myositis was designed to record all relevant data in clinical practice and includes disease-specific diagnosis and classification criteria, clinical manifestations, immunological data, and disease activity scores. Two hundred eighty patients were included, 71.4% female, 89.4% Caucasian, with a median age at diagnosis and disease duration of 48.9 (33.6-59.3) and 5.3 (3.0-9.8) years. Patients were classified as having definite (N=57/118, 48.3%), likely (N=23/118, 19.5%), or possible (N=2/118, 1.7%) IIM by 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria. The most common disease subtypes were dermatomyositis (DM, N=122/280, 43.6%), polymyositis (N=59/280, 21.1%), and myositis in overlap syndromes (N=41/280, 14.6%). The most common symptoms were proximal muscle weakness (N=180/215, 83.7%) and arthralgia (N=127/249, 52.9%), and the most common clinical signs were Gottron's sign (N=75/184, 40.8%) and heliotrope rash (N=101/252, 40.1%). Organ involvement included lung (N=78/230, 33.9%) and heart (N=11/229, 4.8%) involvements. Most patients expressed myositis-specific (MSA, N=158/242, 65.3%) or myositis-associated (MAA, 112/242, 46.3%) antibodies. The most frequent were anti-SSA/SSB (N=70/231, 30.3%), anti-Jo1 (N=56/236, 23.7%), and anti-Mi2 (N=31/212, 14.6%). Most patients had a myopathic pattern on electromyogram (N=101/138, 73.2%), muscle oedema in magnetic resonance (N=33/62, 53.2%), and high CK (N=154/200, 55.0%) and aldolase levels (N=74/135, 54.8%). Cancer was found in 11/127 patients (8.7%), most commonly breast cancer (N=3/11, 27.3%). Most patients with cancer-associated myositis had DM (N=8/11, 72.7%) and expressed MSA (N=6/11) and/or MAA (N=3/11). The most used drugs were glucocorticoids (N=201/280, 71.8%), methotrexate (N=117/280, 41.8%), hydroxychloroquine (N=87/280, 31.1%), azathioprine (N=85/280, 30.4%), and mycophenolate mofetil (N=56/280, 20.0%). At the last follow-up, there was a median MMT8 of 150 (142-150), modified DAS skin of 0 (0-1), global VAS of 10 (0-50) mm, and HAQ of 0.125 (0.000-1.125). CONCLUSIONS: Reuma.pt/myositis adequately captures the main features of inflammatory myopathies' patients, depicting, in this first report, a heterogeneous population with frequent muscle, joint, skin, and lung involvements.

Severe infections in Portuguese patients with rheumatoid arthritis under biologic treatment - a multicenter, nationwide study (SIPPRA-B Study).

INTRODUCTION: Despite years of experience with biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), little is known about differences in infectious risk among bDMARDs. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and type of infections in RA patients on bDMARDs and to determine possible predictors. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study that included patients registered in the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Registry (Reuma.pt) with RA, and exposed to at least one bDMARD until April 2021. RA patients under bDMARD and with at least one episode of severe infection (SI), defined as infection that requires hospitalization, use of parenteral antibiotics or that resulted in death, were compared to patients with no report of SI. Demographic and clinical data at baseline and at the time of each SI were collected to establish comparisons between different groups of bDMARDs. Comparisons between different bDMARDs were assessed and logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of SI. RESULTS: We included 3394 patients, 2833 (83.5%) female, with a mean age at RA diagnosis of 45.5±13.7 years. SI was diagnosed in 142 of the 3394 patients evaluated (4.2%), totaling 151 episodes of SI. At baseline, patients with SI had a significantly higher proportion of prior orthopedic surgery, asthma, interstitial lung disease, chronic kidney disease and corticosteroid use, higher mean age and longer median disease duration at first bDMARD. Nine patients died (6.0%). Ninety-two SI (60.9%) occurred with the first bDMARD, the majority leading to discontinuation of the bDMARD within 6 months (n=75, 49.7%), while 65 (43.0%) restarted the same bDMARD and 11 (7.3%) switched to another bDMARD (6 of them to a different mechanism of action). In the multivariate analysis, we found that chronic kidney disease, asthma, infliximab, corticosteroid use, interstitial lung disease, previous orthopedic surgery, higher Health Assessment Questionnaire and DAS284V-ESR are independent predictors of SI. CONCLUSION: This study described the incidence and types of SI among Portuguese RA patients on biologics, identifying several predictors of SI, both globally and with different bDMARDs. Physicians should be aware of the real-word infectious risk in RA patients on bDMARDs when making treatment decisions.

The impact of antinuclear antibodies seroconversion induced by anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents on the clinical outcomes in rheumatic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) agents can potentially induce the anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) development over time. Evidence of the real impact of these autoantibodies on clinical response to treatment in rheumatic patients is still scarce. OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of ANA seroconversion induced by anti-TNFα therapy on clinical outcomes in biologic-naïve patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: An observational retrospective cohort study enrolling biologic-naïve patients with RA, axSpA and PsA who started their first anti-TNFα agent was conducted for 24 months(M). Sociodemographic data, laboratory findings, disease activity and physical function scores were collected at baseline, 12M and 24M. To examine the differences between the groups with and without ANA seroconversion, independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests and chi-square tests were performed. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of ANA seroconversion on the clinical response to treatment. RESULTS: A total of 432 patients with RA (N=185), axSpA (N=171) and PsA (N=66) were included. ANA seroconversion rate at 24M was 34.6%, 64.3% and 63.6% for RA, axSpA and PsA, respectively. Regarding sociodemographic and clinical data in RA and PsA patients, no statistically significant differences between groups with and without ANA seroconversion were found. In axSpA patients, ANA seroconversion was more frequent in patients with higher body mass index (p=0.017) and significantly less frequent in patients treated with etanercept (p=0.01). Regarding disease activity, DAS28 for RA patients and ASDAS-CRP for axSpA patients were significantly higher in ANA seroconversion group at 12M (p=0.017 and p=0.009, respectively). For PsA patients, CDAI was significantly higher in ANA seroconversion group at 24M (p=0.043). Overall switching rate of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) was significantly higher in the ANA seroconversion group over time (p=0.025). For RA patients, ANA seroconversion predicted DAS28 (ß=-0.21, 95%CI[-1.86;-0.18], p=0.017) at 12M. CONCLUSIONS: ANA seroconversion induced by anti-TNFα agents could interfere in clinical response of patients with rheumatic diseases. The presence of these autoantibodies can be considered as a potential predictor of poor treatment response and higher need for bDMARD switching over time.

Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of The Pubic Symphysis - a Case Report of a Rare Entity Mimicking Spondyloarthritis.

Tuberculosis (TB) osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis is an extremely rare diagnosis. Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is characterized by inflammatory back pain and enthesitis, and involvement of pubic symphysis is very unusual at presentation. A 36-year-old female patient with a history of inflammatory back and pubic pain was referred to Rheumatology. She had a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggestive of osteitis pubis. She was started on etoricoxib 90mg/day as axial spondyloarthritis was suspected, with no improvement. Pelvic MRI was repeated and showed osteomyelitis of the iliopubic branches. An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed, and culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further imaging studies revealed small cavitations and several centrilobular micronodules with a tree-in-bud pattern in the upper lung lobes and in the upper segment of the lower left lobe. She was started on anti-tuberculous treatment for 1 year and had a good clinical and radiological response. TB osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis is a rare entity and has seldom been reported. However, this is the first case, to our knowledge, where the clinical picture mimicked an itself unusual presentation of SpA.

Outcome of Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis Patients - A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Uveitis is a frequent complication of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for complications associated with uveitis in patients with JIA and SpA. METHODS: A longitudinal, monocentric cohort study that included patients diagnosed with JIA and SpA who developed uveitis. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected including complications of uveitis, HLA-B27, antinuclear antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, visual acuity and DMARD treatment. Comparison between groups (complicated versus uncomplicated uveitis) was evaluated using chi-square, t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of complications. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients were evaluated, of which 37 patients (13.7%) had uveitis and were included in this study. Twenty patients were female (54.1%), aged 11.9±8.7 years at diagnosis of SpA/JIA and 15.3±9.9 years at diagnosis of uveitis. Twenty-seven patients (73.0%) had a diagnosis of JIA (23 with oligoarticular disease) and in 12 patients (32.4%) uveitis was the first manifestation. Fifteen (40.5%) patients exhibited complications during follow-up period. Eleven patients (29.7%) underwent ophthalmologic surgery. Complications were significantly higher in patients with JIA (51.9% vs 10.0% in SpA, p=0.03), as was the need for surgery (40.7% vs 0%, p=0.02). Complications in JIA were significantly more frequent in patients who had uveitis as the initial presentation (50.0% vs 7.7%, p=0.03); no significant differences were found between the groups in the other variables studied. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that uveitis as the first manifestation of JIA (OR 12.0, confidence interval 95% 1.21-118.89, p=0.03) is a significant predictor of complications. CONCLUSION: We found higher rates of complications and need for ophthalmologic surgery in patients with JIA-associated uveitis. The initial presentation of JIA as uveitis is significantly associated with the occurrence of uveitis complications, so it is essential that there is a collaboration between ophthalmologist and rheumatologist in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Pseudo-pseudo Meigs syndrome: an uncommon onset of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Serositis is seen in approximately 12% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), usually in the form of pleuritis or pericarditis. Peritoneal serositis with ascites is an extremely rare manifestation of SLE and ascites as initial manifestation of SLE is even rarer. Here, we describe a previously healthy 48-year-old female with periumbilical abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms, ascites, pleural effusions and raised CA-125 level as an initial manifestation of SLE, which led up to the diagnosis of pseudo-pseudo Meigs syndrome. PPMS is a rare manifestation of SLE and awareness of this entity among clinicians is crucial to ensure an early recognition and prompt treatment.

Effectiveness and safety of original and biosimilar etanercept (Enbrel® vs Benepali®) in bDMARD-naïve patients in a real-world cohort of Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of original (Enbrel®) and biosimilar (Benepali®) etanercept in Biologic Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug (bDMARD)-naïve patients, measured by persistence rates over 36 months of follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre observational study using data collected prospectively from The Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Registry (Reuma.pt) was performed, including patients with: age ≥ 18 years old; diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Spondyloarthritis (SpA) (axial or peripheral) with active disease and biologic-naïve who initiated treatment with etanercept as the first line biological treatment after 2010. Kaplan-Meyer and Cox regression were used to calculate the persistence rate in treatment. Disease activity at baseline and follow-up data at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of treatment were compared. Causes for discontinuing therapy were summarized using descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was assumed for 2-sided p-values <0.05. RESULTS: We included 1693 patients (413 on Benepali® and 1280 on Enbrel®): 864 diagnosed with RA, 335 with PsA and 494 with SpA. The 3-year persistence rates were not significantly different between both treatment groups in RA, PsA and SpA patients. In the adjusted Cox model, hazard ratios of discontinuation were not statistically different (p>0.05). The proportion of subjects in remission or low disease activity in each disease was similar in both groups. Overall, 535 (31.6%) patients discontinued etanercept (428 patients on Enbrel® and 107 patients on Benepali®). The major cause of discontinuation was inefficacy (57.8%). No differences for the occurrence of inefficacy or adverse effects were found between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Benepali® and Enbrel® demonstrated similar effectiveness and safety in RA, PsA and SpA in our cohort of patients. These data corroborate that the original and biosimilar drugs have similar quality characteristics and biological activity.

Renal involvement in Behçet´s Disease: a rare clinical challenge.

Although Behçet´s disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease, renal involvement is uncommon and ranges from mild asymptomatic urinary abnormalities to severe disease with progressive renal failure. We describe the case of a 30 years-old woman with multiorgan BD, under ustekinumab, who presented with proteinuria, hematuria and impaired renal function. Kidney biopsy revealed histological findings of active renal vasculitis in the context of IgA nephropathy and tubulointerstitial nephritis and the patient was treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide with excellent response. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing a possible renal involvement in BD patients, reinforcing the need for monitoring renal function and urinalysis in these patients.

Continuous erector spinae block for postoperative analgesia in a partial colectomy by subcostal incision / Bloqueo continuo de los erectores espinales para la analgesia postoperatoria en una colectomía parcial por incisión subcostal

Abstract: Erector spinae plane block is an ultrasound-guided technique who has seen a growing role as a perioperative analgesic technique due to its safety profile and versatility. We describe a case of an elderly female with a history of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation, who underwent segmental colectomy by left subcostal laparotomy under general anesthesia, for removal of a colon tumor. An erector spinae plane catheter was placed at the T7 level under ultrasound guidance, and then used for postoperative analgesia. Ropivacaine 0.2% (initial bolus + infusion at 8 mL/h) was used through the catheter, together with intravenous paracetamol and metamizol. This analgesic regimen was maintained for 72 hours, with excellent pain control, after which the catheter was removed. The patient's pain remained controlled and rescue analgesia was not required until her discharge at seven days postoperative. Continuous ESP block was an effective technique for postoperative analgesia in this case, allowing excellent pain control with a low risk of complications and avoiding the use of opioids.

Resumen: El bloqueo del plano del músculo erector espinal es una técnica ecoguiada que ha ganado popularidad como técnica analgésica perioperatoria debido a su perfil de seguridad y versatilidad. Se describe el caso de una anciana con cardiopatía isquémica y fibrilación auricular, a la que se le realizó colectomía segmentaria mediante laparotomía subcostal izquierda bajo anestesia general, para la escisión de un tumor de colon. Se colocó un catéter en el plano del músculo erector espinal al nivel T7 bajo guía ultrasónica y luego se utilizó para analgesia postoperatoria (ropivacaína 0.2% bolo + infusión a 8 mL/h) junto con paracetamol intravenoso y metamizol. Este régimen analgésico se mantuvo durante 72 horas, con excelente control del dolor, tras lo cual se retiró el catéter. La paciente permaneció con adecuada analgesia sin opioides de rescate hasta su alta a los siete días del postoperatorio. El bloqueo del plano del erector espinal torácico continuo fue una técnica eficaz para la analgesia postoperatoria en cirugía abdominal abierta, con bajo riesgo de complicaciones y evitando el uso de opioides.

Série Histórica de Mortalidade por Neoplasias no Estado da Bahia entre os Anos de 2008 e 2018 / Time Series of Mortality from Neoplasms in the State of Bahia between 2008 and 2018 / Serie Histórica de Mortalidad por Neoplasias en el Estado de Bahía entre los Años 2008 y 2018

Introdução: A mortalidade por neoplasias no Brasil se distribui de forma distinta entre as Macrorregiões, sendo a Nordeste responsável pelo segundo maior número de óbitos por neoplasias e, nessa Região, a Bahia ocupa a primeira posição. Objetivo: Analisar a tendência da mortalidade por neoplasias no Estado da Bahia e nas nove Macrorregiões de Saúde, entre 2008 e 2018. Método: Estudo ecológico, a partir dos óbitos por neoplasia (C00-D48) nessas Macrorregiões, registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade entre 2008 e 2018. As tendências de mortalidade por faixa etária foram analisadas pela regressão Joinpoint, tendo como desfecho morte por câncer e ano do óbito como variável independente. Resultados: Ocorreram 115.034 óbitos relacionados à neoplasia, sendo 39,2% registrados na Macrorregião Leste, 53,2% em homens, 65,4% na faixa etária de 60 anos ou mais, 24% com 1 a 3 anos de escolaridade, 68,6% eram negros e 50,9% eram não casados. As tendências das taxas de mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes, ajustadas para as faixas etárias de maiores e menores de 60 anos, indicaram que houve aumento dos óbitos em todas as Macrorregiões, entretanto, o incremento foi maior na Macrorregião Norte para maiores de 60 anos e na Macrorregião Oeste para menores de 60 anos. Conclusão: A mortalidade por câncer nas Macrorregiões baianas aumentou em ambas as faixas etárias, porém há diferenças no perfil de mortalidade por câncer entre as Macrorregiões de um mesmo Estado, indicando a necessidade de criação de políticas que levem em consideração essas peculiaridades regionais

Introduction: Mortality by neoplasms in Brazil is distributed differently among the Macroregions, with the Northeast responsible for the second highest number of deaths and, within this Macroregion, Bahia is ranked first. Objective: To analyze the trend of mortality by neoplasms in the State of Bahia and in the nine health Macroregions, between 2008 and 2018. Method: Ecological study based on deaths by neoplasia (C00-D48) in these Macroregions and registered in the Mortality Information System between 2008 and 2018. Mortality trends by age group were analyzed using the Joinpoint regression, with cancer death as an outcome and year of death as an independent variable. Results: There were 115,034 deaths related to neoplasia, 39.2% of which were recorded in the East Macroregion, 53.2% in men, 65.4% in the age group of 60 years or more, 24% with 1 to 3 years of education, 68.6% were black and 50.9% were not married. Trends in mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants adjusted for the age groups of older and younger than 60 years indicated that the number of deaths grew in all Macroregions, however the increase was greater in the North Macroregion for over 60 and in the West Macroregion for under 60 years old. Conclusion: Cancer mortality in Bahia Macroregions has increased for both age groups, but there are differences in the profile of cancer mortality among Macroregions in the same state, indicating the need to create policies that address these regional peculiarities

Introducción: La mortalidad por neoplasias en Brasil se distribuye de manera diferente entre las Macrorregiones, siendo la Nordeste responsable del segundo mayor número de muertes por neoplasias y, dentro de esta Macrorregión, Bahía ocupa el primer lugar. Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia de la mortalidad por neoplasias en el Estado de Bahía y en las nueve Macrorregiones de salud, entre 2008 y 2018. Método: Estudio ecológico con base en las muertes por neoplasias (C00-D48) ocurridas en las Macrorregiones de Bahía y registrados en el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad entre 2008 y 2018. Las tendencias de mortalidad por grupo de edad se analizaron mediante la regresión de Joinpoint, con muerte por cáncer como resultado y año de muerte como variable independiente. Resultados: Se registraron 115.034 defunciones relacionadas con neoplasias, de las cuales 39,2% se registraron en la Macrorregión Este, 53,2% en hombres, 65,4% en el grupo de edad de 60 años o más, 24% con 1 a 3 años de escolaridad, 68,6% eran negros y 50,9% no estaban casados. Las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad por 100.000 habitantes ajustadas por los grupos de edad mayores y menores de 60 años indicaron que todas las Macrorregiones experimentaron un aumento en el número de muertes, sin embargo, el aumento fue mayor en la Macrorregión Norte para los mayores de 60 años y en la Macrorregión Oeste para menores de 60 años. Conclusión: La mortalidad por cáncer en las Macrorregiones de Bahía ha aumentado para ambos grupos de edad, pero existen diferencias en el perfil de mortalidad por cáncer entre las Macrorregiones de un mismo Estado, lo que indica la necesidad de crear políticas que tomen en cuenta estas peculiaridades regionales

Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Poor Functional Capacity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure / Strain Longitudinal Global é Preditor de Baixa Capacidade Funcional em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica

Abstract Background: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain value (GLS) can predict functional capacity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) heart failure (HF) and to assess prognosis in reduced LVEF HF. Objetive: Correlate GLS with parameters of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and to assess if they could predict systolic HF patients that are more appropriated to be referred to heart transplantation according to CPET criteria. Methods: Systolic HF patients with LVEF < 45%, NYHA functional class II and III, underwent prospectively CPET and echocardiography with strain analysis. LVEF and GLS were correlated with the following CPET variables: maxVO2, VE/VCO2 slope, heart rate reduction during the first minute of recovery (HRR) and time needed to reduce maxVO2 in 50% after physical exercise (T1/2VO2). ROC curve analysis of GLS to predict VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min and VE/VCO2 slope > 35 (heart transplantation's criteria) was performed. Results: Twenty six patients were selected (age, 47 ± 12 years, 58% men, mean LVEF = 28 ± 8%). LVEF correlated only with maxVO2 and T1/2VO2. GLS correlated to all CPET variables (maxVO2: r = 0.671, p = 0.001; VE/VCO2 slope: r = -0.513, p = 0.007; HRR: r = 0.466, p = 0.016, and T1/2VO2: r = -0.696, p = 0.001). GLS area under the ROC curve to predict heart transplantation's criteria was 0.88 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%) for a cut-off value of -5.7%, p = 0.03. Conclusion: GLS was significantly associated with all functional CPET parameters. It could classify HF patients according to the functional capacity and may stratify which patients have a poor prognosis and therefore to deserve more differentiated treatment, such as heart transplantation.

Resumo Fundamento: O strain longitudinal global (SLG) é capaz de predizer a capacidade funcional dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) preservada, e avaliar o prognóstico na IC com FEVE reduzida. Objetivo: Correlacionar o SLG com parâmetros do teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP), e avaliar se o SLG seria capaz de predizer quais pacientes com IC sistólica deveriam ser encaminhados ao transplante cardíaco de acordo com os critérios do TECP. Métodos: Os pacientes com IC sistólica com FEVE <45%, classe funcional NYHA II e III, submeteram-se prospectivamente ao TECP e à ecocardiografia com análise do strain. A FEVE e o SLG foram correlacionados com as seguintes variáveis do TECP: maxVO2, inclinação de VE/VCO2, redução da frequência cardíaca durante o primeiro minuto de recuperação (RFC), e tempo necessário para a redução do maxVO2 em 50% após o exercício físico (T1/2VO2). Foi realizada análise da curva ROC do SLG em predizer um VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min e uma inclinação de VE/VCO2 > 35 (critérios para transplante cardíaco). O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Vinte e seis pacientes foram selecionados para o estudo (idade, 47±12 anos, 58% homens, FEVE média LVEF = 28 ± 8%). A FEVE correlacionou-se somente com o maxVO2 e o T1/2VO2. O SLG correlacionou-se com todas as variáveis do TECP (maxVO2: r = 0,671; p = 0,001; inclinação de VE/VCO2: r = -0,513; p = 0,007; RFC: r = 0,466; p = 0,016; e T1/2VO2: r = -0,696, p = 0,001). A área sob a curva ROC para o SLG para predizer os critérios para transplante cardíaco foi de 0,88 (sensibilidade 75%, especificidade 83%) para um ponto de corte de -5,7%, p = 0,03. Conclusão: O SLG apresentou associação significativa com todos os parâmetros funcionais do TECP. O SLG foi capaz de classificar os pacientes com IC segundo capacidade funcional e possivelmente pode identificar quais pacientes têm um prognóstico ruim e, portanto, se beneficiariam de um tratamento diferenciado, tal como o transplante cardíaco.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in feces and water and the associated exposure factors on dairy farms.

The aims of this study were to verify the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in animal feces and drinking water on dairy farms and to identify a possible relation between the exposure factors and the presence of these parasites. Fecal samples from cattle and humans and water samples were collected on dairy farms in Paraná, Brazil. Analysis of (oo)cysts in the feces was performed by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and centrifugal flotation in zinc sulfate. Test-positive samples were subjected to nested PCR amplification of the 18SSU ribosomal RNA gene for identification of Cryptosporidium and Giardia and of the gp60 gene for subtyping of Cryptosporidium. Microbiological analysis of water was carried out by the multiple-tube method and by means of a chromogenic substrate, and parasitological analysis was performed on 31 samples by direct immunofluorescence and nested PCR of the genes mentioned above. Identification of the species of Cryptosporidium was performed by sequencing and PCR with analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was higher in calves than in adults. Among the samples of cattle feces, Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 41 (64%), C. ryanae in eight (12.5%), C. bovis in four (6.3%), C. andersoni in five (7.8%), and a mixed infection in 20 samples (31.3%). These parasites were not identified in the samples of human feces. Thermotolerant coliform bacteria were identified in 25 samples of water (45.5%). Giardia duodenalis and C. parvum were identified in three water samples. The gp60 gene analysis of C. parvum isolates revealed the presence of two strains (IIaA20G1R1 and IIaA17G2R2) in the fecal samples and one (IIaA17G2R1) in the water samples. The presence of coliforms was associated with the water source, structure and degradation of springs, rain, and turbidity. The prevalence of protozoa was higher in calves up to six months of age. C. parvum and G. duodenalis were identified in the water of dairy farms, as were thermotolerant coliforms; these findings point to the need for guidance on handling of animals, preservation of water sources, and water treatment.