Identification of hospitalized patients with community-acquired infection in whom treatment guidelines do not apply: a validated model.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a clinical model to identify patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired infection (CAI) caused by pathogens resistant to antimicrobials recommended in current CAI treatment guidelines. METHODS: International prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted with bacterial infection. Logistic regression was used to associate risk factors with infection by a resistant organism. The final model was validated in an independent cohort. RESULTS: There were 527 patients in the derivation and 89 in the validation cohort. Independent risk factors identified were: atherosclerosis with functional impairment (Karnofsky index <70) [adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) = 2.19 (1.41-3.40)]; previous invasive procedures [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.98 (1.28-3.05)]; previous colonization with an MDR organism (MDRO) [aOR (95% CI) = 2.67 (1.48-4.81)]; and previous antimicrobial therapy [aOR (95% CI) = 2.81 (1.81-4.38)]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AU-ROC) curve (95% CI) for the final model was 0.75 (0.70-0.79). For a predicted probability ≥22% the sensitivity of the model was 82%, with a negative predictive value of 85%. In the validation cohort the sensitivity of the model was 96%. Using this model, unnecessary broad-spectrum therapy would be recommended in 30% of cases whereas undertreatment would occur in only 6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: For patients hospitalized with CAI and none of the following risk factors: atherosclerosis with functional impairment; previous invasive procedures; antimicrobial therapy; or MDRO colonization, CAI guidelines can safely be applied. Whereas, for those with some of these risk factors, particularly if more than one, alternative antimicrobial regimens should be considered.

Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm is related to impaired lung function and immune response.

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the circadian rhythm negatively impact several aspects of the health, including the lung function. Chronic shiftwork scale classically induces alterations in the circadian rhythm. However, its effects on pulmonary immune response are unknown. AIMS: To evaluate the impact of chronic alteration of circadian rhythm on pulmonary function and immune response. METHODS: In this context, a 12 × 24 hours and 12 × 48 hours work scale in shiftwork scale policemen (n = 25; 38.73 ± 6.92 years old) were compared with fixed work scale (8 h/d) civil men (n = 25; 34.00 ± 9.60 years old) who were evaluated for perceived stress, sleepiness, physical activity levels, anthropometric characteristics, lung function, pulmonary and systemic cellular and humoral immune response. RESULTS: Policemen presented increased levels of perceived stress (P < .0008), impaired sleepiness (P < .04) and lung function as demonstrated by reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < .053) and FEV1 (P < .043) when compared with civil men. In addition, increased levels of exhaled nitric oxide (P < .037) and of IL-2 (P < .0046) in the breath condensate revealed that policemen presented chronic lung inflammation compared with civil men. Although the whole blood analysis did not showed any differences between the two groups concerning the number of leucocytes, the humoral response revealed that policemen presented increased levels of IL-2 (P < .002) and lower levels of IL-10 (P < .001), clearly displaying a clinical status of low-grade inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm in shiftwork scale policemen results in impaired lung function, beyond to impair pulmonary and systemic immune function.

[Economic and health impact of prenatal care in pregnant women with public health insurance in Colombia during 2014]. / Impacto económico y sanitario del control prenatal en embarazadas afiliadas al régimen subsidiado en Colombia durante 2014.

OBJECTIVE:: To estimate health care costs of live births and the impact of prenatal care visit (PCV) in women from poor households. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: A randomized sample of 9 244 pregnant women (out of total= 25 000). Mean differences and proportions were calculated to compare results in both groups of women. The costs were estimated in American Dollars (USD) 2014, from the payer's perspective. RESULTS:: 75% of women live in urban areas. The mean age was 23 years old (CI95% 23.5-23.8). The average cost with PCV was USD 609.1 (CI95%: 581-632.7) and without PCV was USD 857.8 (CI95%: 774.7-923.8) and 87% of women attended at least one PCV. The health care costs increased in 32% (CI95% 27.1-41) in women who did not attended PCV. CONCLUSION:: The PCV is an efficient and effective intervention for managing the risk of maternal health.

Telemedicine Alert API Engine System for Vital Signs.

Telemedicine is used to assist and support remote medical care for patients. Our objective was to build up a REST Webservices alert engine that receives clinical parameters from patients of vital signs and basic laboratories to monitor patients remotely. We built a REST API using FHIR, so it can interoperate with other applications, send data to be processed, and receive a response. If the API detects a health risk situation, it sends an alert about the medical parameters that are controlled. The results of the processed data, news and alert, can return synchronously or asynchronously, at the same time that the data to be processed is being sent. The alerts generated can be automatically sent to a web service, mail or WhatsApp of the physician. The alert message comes out as normal, low, medium and high risk. The presented approach establishes communication that enables timely health information exchange. We conducted an experiment (with fictitious data) where we sent several queries by Postman. Finally, we evaluated the communication to be successful by manual checking. The use of the API significantly improves the monitoring of chronic patients. Many works show the effectiveness of telemedicine to improve the control of certain chronic diseases. In addition, telemedicine interventions were also found to significantly improve other health outcomes. Our API enables us to transfer data and produce alerts successfully. This gives us hope that a future with ubiquitous healthcare information interoperability is possible using our system.

Impact of Obesity on Cardiac Autonomic System Functioning in Military Police Officers.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac autonomic system functioning may be altered by obesity leading to cardiovascular diseases and associated complications. Military police officers are exposed to traditional and occupational risk factors for the development of CVD, however data on the cardiovascular health in this population is still scarce. AIM: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the impact of obesity on cardiac autonomic modulation and the hemodynamic profile in male active-duty military police officers. METHODS: The body composition of the volunteers was assessed by octapolar electrical bioimpedance. Participants were classified as non-obese or obese in accordance with their body fat, with further subgroups as physically active obese or insufficiently active obese using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed by heart rate variability and the automatic oscillometric method allowed us to assess hemodynamic features. RESULTS: 102 military police officers from the state of São Paulo participated in the study. Cardiac autonomic modulation revealed significant impairment in time and frequency domains and non-linear methods in the obese group compared to the non-obese (p < 0.05). A higher physical activity level did not alter these results in the obese group. However, no significant differences in the hemodynamic profile were observed between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a negative association between obesity and cardiac autonomic modulation in military police officers, unaffected by increased physical activity.

Myopathy as paraneoplastic syndrome of colon malignancy in an elderly patient.

Neoplastic diseases may be complicated by rheumatic diseases or may be occur with them. Dermatomyositis/polymyositis and polymyalgia rheumatica are described as paraneoplastic syndromes. We report a case with proximal muscular weakness as only symptom of colon cancer in the absence of other symptoms and laboratory abnormalities, and we discuss the nosological classification as a possible atypical form of polymyositis.

Quadricipital Tendon: Option in Knee Ligament Reconstruction.

Although it is a versatile tendon, only 1% of surgeons choose to use the quadricipital tendon as a graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present article aims to describe a quadricipital graft removal technique in which its deepest part is maintained. The technique consists of an approach in which the first incision is made in the medial part of the quadricipital tendon to prevent it from getting too short. This is due to its triangular design. The technique also addresses the depth and identification of the three layers of the quadricipital tendon so that it is possible to preserve its deepest part. This approach aims to preserve the extensor apparatus and to not communicate it with the joint environment, avoiding fluid extravasation both in the trans and postoperative periods.

Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of a combined synthetic scaffold and autogenous tissue graft procedure for articular cartilage repair in the knee.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the articular cartilage of the knee often fail to heal properly due to the hypocellular and avascular nature of this tissue. Subsequent disability can limit participation in sports and decrease quality of life. Subchondral bone perforations are used for the treatment of small defects. Filling out the central portion in larger lesions becomes difficult, and scaffolds can be used as adjuvants, providing a matrix onto which the defect can be filled in completely. Also, autogenous cartilage grafts can be combined, acting as an inducer and improving healing quality, all in a single procedure. METHODS: This observational study evaluated the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee undergoing repair via a microfracture technique combined with a synthetic scaffold and autogenous cartilage graft, with transosseous sutures and fibrin glue fixation, at 12 months of follow-up. Secondarily, it assessed whether combined procedures, previous surgical intervention, traumatic aetiology, lesion location, and age affect outcomes. The sample consisted of adult patients (age 18-66 years) with symptoms consistent with chondral or osteochondral lesions, isolated or multiple, ICRS grade III/IV, 2-12 cm2 in size. Patients with corrected angular deviations or instabilities were included. Those with BMI > 40 kg/m2, prior total or subtotal (> 30%) meniscectomy, second-look procedures, and follow-up < 6 months were excluded. Pain (VAS), physical activity (IKDC), osteoarthritis (WOMAC), and general quality of life (SF-36) were assessed. RESULTS: 64 procedures were included, comprising 60 patients. There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in VAS score (5.92-2.37), IKDC score (33.44-56.33), and modified WOMAC score (53.26-75.93) after surgery. The SF-36 showed significant improvements in the physical and mental domains (30.49-40.23 and 46.43-49.84 respectively; both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of microfractures, autogenous crushed cartilage graft, synthetic scaffold, and transosseous sutures with fibrin glue provides secure fixation for treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee. At 12-month follow-up, function had improved by 20 points on the IKDC and WOMAC, and quality of life, by 10 points on the SF-36. Age > 45 years had a negative impact on outcomes.

Shoulder Arthroscopy - Creating an Affordable Training Model.

The present study created a cheap (below US$ 100) shoulder arthroscopy training model, affordable for the practical education of medical students and residents. The model was created using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) knee joint pipe (150 mm in diameter and 90 degrees in inclination) and a synthetic shoulder model. The parts were arranged to simulate a lateral recumbency with the upper limb in traction, which is the frequent positioning during arthroscopies. Colored dots on the glenoid and a partial rotator cuff model on the upper portion of the scapula were placed to assist training. This inexpensive, easy-to-make model for shoulder arthroscopy can aid surgical training.

Microinvasive Meniscal Suture with Disposable Needle.

The first meniscal suture was performed in 1885 and took about a century to become popular. Currently, all-inside meniscal repair devices are widely used. However, this technique presents the disadvantage of being a method dependent on specific devices, presenting a higher cost than other techniques. This high cost limits the use of such a technique in many locations. The objective of the present technical note is to describe a microinvasive meniscal suture technique as a modification of the all-inside technique, using a disposable 40 × 12 mm procedure needle. The authors believe that the proposed modification to the technique can make it more popular, enabling the use of the microinvasive technique in places with limited resources.

Direct Medical Costs and Healthcare Resource Utilization of Treating Patients With Two Clinical Subtypes of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to calculate the healthcare resource utilization and direct medical costs in patients with 2 subtypes of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in a rheumatic care center in Colombia. METHODS: This is a retrospective cost-of-illness study. Patients with at least 1 medical consultation associated with an axSpA diagnosis between October 2018 and October 2019 were identified. Patients were classified as having radiographic (r-axSpA) or nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). Direct medical costs were calculated in Colombian pesos and expressed in American dollars using an exchange rate of 3263 Colombian pesos = 1 US dollar ($). Predictors of total direct costs were identified using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log-link. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients with a mean age of 49.6 years (± 13.7) were included in the study. Among these, 147 (90.7%) were considered as having r-axSpA and 15 (9.3%) nr-axSpA, with mean costs of $6600 (± 6203) and $843 (± 1135), respectively (P < .001). The total direct mean cost was calculated at $6067 (± 6144) per patient. Medication costs were the main driver of total costs (97.6%, $5921), with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs accounting for nearly 92.0% ($5582) of these costs. Rheumatologist (100%) and physiatrist (64.2%) visits were the most frequently used medical service. CONCLUSIONS: The economic burden associated with axSpA in the Colombian setting is substantial. There is a significant difference in direct medical costs between the r-axSpA and the nr-axSpA. Health policies aimed at the comprehensive management of nr-axSpA would have an important role in the reduction of the associated direct medical costs.

CHEST WALL RECONSTRUCTION USING CUSTOMIZED NEO-RIBS: CASE REPORT.

Chest wall tumours are challenging subjects. In the present article we describe a case of a 51 year old female who developed an angiosarcoma eight years after radiotherapy treatment due to left breast cancer at age 41. She had resection of the anterior segments of the 3rd to 5thribs followed by chest wall reconstruction, using MatrixRib fixation system®, Marlex® mesh and latissimus dorsi muscle flap. After two years the angiosarcoma relapsed. Considering the predicted extent of the chest wall resection, a reconstruction using titanium plates was not an option, so we opted to shape neo-ribs of Methyl Methacrylate using rubber drains as a mold. It affords very good anatomical contour of the chest wall and more physiological function than other options, although only long-term follow-up and future studies will determine the performance of this method.

Construct Validity and Experience of Using a Low-cost Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Simulator.

OBJECTIVE: To validate an affordable and easily reproducible arthroscopic knee surgery simulator made from simple, low-cost materials by demonstrating its ability to distinguish experienced from novice arthroscopists (i.e., construct validity). Additionally, acceptance and usefulness of the simulator in medical training and education were assessed. DESIGN: The simulator was used to perform a partial meniscectomy in both menisci. External and intra-articular images obtained during the procedures were used to assess objective visual parameters. The Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool and a Likert scale addressing individual perceptions about the simulator and its applicability in medical education were also used. SETTING: The study was conducted at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, a teaching hospital in southern Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty sixth-year medical students were recruited, as well as 10 orthopedic surgeons who had knee arthroscopy expertise and were members of a sports traumatology and knee arthroscopy group. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in all objective parameters. The mean time to perform the procedure was 60% higher among students compared to surgeons. Students needed 72.5% more time on average to perform triangulations and obtained an error rate approximately twice higher in the assessment of the area removed from the menisci. Regarding Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool scores, statistically significant differences were found between surgeons and students in all 8 domains and in the total score. The simulator was well accepted, as over 90% of participants found it useful for education and training, believed it contributed to teaching and assessing specific surgical steps and procedures, and reported that the task was enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic knee surgery simulator was largely accepted and had good applicability in objective measurement of surgical skills, distinguishing medical students from orthopedic surgeons and thus demonstrating construct validity.

Frequency of Health Care Resource Utilization and Direct Medical Costs Associated with Psoriatic Arthritis in a Rheumatic Care Center in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of health care resource utilization and direct medical costs associated with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) in a rheumatic care center in Colombia. METHODS: A retrospective prevalence-based cost of illness study under the Colombian health care system perspective was conducted. We analyzed the frequency of health care resource utilization and estimated direct medical costs using anonymized medical records of adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with PsA at a rheumatology care center in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients were required to have at least one medical visit linked to a PsA diagnosis (ICD-10 L40.5) between October 2018 and October 2019 and a previous diagnose by the CASPAR criteria. Data on hospitalization episodes was not available. Direct medical costs were estimated in Colombian pesos (COP) and reported in US dollars (USD) using an exchange rate of 1USD = 3263.4 COP. A multivariate generalized linear model was used for identifying potential cost predictors. RESULTS: A sample of 83 patients was obtained. Of these, 54.2% were women and had a mean (SD) age of 58.7 (12) years at baseline. On average, they had 2.2 and 3.8 medical visits to the dermatologist and rheumatologist in the study period. The total direct medical cost was estimated at 410,985 US Dollars. Medical visits, therapies, laboratory and imaging represented 3.2% of total expenses and medications the remaining 96.8%. Patients receiving conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) had an associated mean cost of 1020.1 USD (CI 701.4-1338.8) in a year. Among patients treated with cDMARDs and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) the mean cost increase to 8113.9 USD (SD 5182.0-95% CI 6575.1-9652.8). CONCLUSION: A patient under biological therapy can increase their annual cost by 7.9 times the cost of a patient in conventional therapy. This provided updated knowledge on the direct medical costs, from the provision of a rheumatic care center service, to support epidemiologic or pharmacovigilance models.

Laser-photobiomodulation on experimental cancer pain model in Walker Tumor-256.

CONTEXT: Cancer Pain is considered a common and significant clinical problem in malignant neoplasms, comprising 20% to 50% of all patients with tumor progression. Laser photobiomodulation (L-PBM) has been used in a multitude of pain events, ranging from acute trauma to chronic articular. However, L-PBM has never been tested in cancer pain. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate hyperalgesia, edema, COX-1, COX-2, IL-10, and Bdkrb1 mRNA in low-level laser irradiated Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. METHODS: Rat hind paw injected with Walker Tumor-256 (W-256) and divided into six groups of 6 rats: G1 (control) - W-256 injected, G2- W-256 + Nimesulide, G3- W-256 + 1 J, G4- W-256 + 3 Jand G5- W256 + 6 J. Laser parameters: λ = 660 nm, 3.57 W/cm2, Ø = 0.028 cm2. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated by Randall-Selitto test. Plethysmography measured edema; mRNA levels of COX-1, COX-2, IL-10, and Bdkrb1were analyzed. RESULTS: It was found that the W-256 + 1 J group showed a decrease in paw edema, a significant reduction in pain threshold. Higher levels of IL-10 and lower levels of COX-2 and Bdkrb1 were observed. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that 1 J L-PBM reduced the expression of COX-2 and Bdkrb1 and increasing IL-10 gene expression, promoting analgesia to close levels to nimesulide.

Effects of a Kinect-based physical training program on body composition, functional fitness and depression in institutionalized older adults.

Exergames have already been used as therapeutic tools to enhance both physical and cognitive functions in older adults. AIM: To evaluate the effects of a Kinect-based physical activity program on the quality of life, depression, functional fitness and body composition in institutionalized older adults. METHODS: A total of 50 older adults aged >60 years were selected and randomized to a control and video game group. Body composition was determined by means of anthropometric measurements. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and depression was classified using the Beck Depression inventory. Functional fitness was assessed using the Arm Curl, Chair Stand, 8-foot up-and-go, sit and reach, and the aerobic endurance test. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of protocol, we observed a significant improvement in all functional fitness parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a Kinect-based physical activity program seems to positively impact the three domains related to quality of life and directly associated with age (physical, social and psychological domains), and to promote a more active lifestyle in institutions housing older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

[Out-of-pocket and catastrophic health expenditure in households of Cartagena, Colombia]. / Gasto de bolsillo y gasto catastrófico en salud en los hogares de Cartagena, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure and the probability to incur in catastrophic health expenditure, as well as the socio-demographic determinants of households in Cartagena, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study on a randomized stratified sample of Cartagena households. Two regression models were developed using OOP health expenditure and the probability to incur in catastrophic health expenditure as dependent variables. RESULTS: The average annual OOP health expenditure was $1 566 036 COP (US$783) (95%CI: $1 117 597 - $2 014 475) in poor households, $2 492 928 COP (US$1 246) (95%CI: $1 695 845 - $3 290 011) in middle class households, and $4 577 172 COP (uS$2 288) (95%CI: $1 838 222 - $7 316 122) in upper class households. Regarding the household income ratio, the OOP health expenditure was 14.6% in poor households, 8.2% in middle class, and 7.0% in upper class households. The probability to incur in catastrophic health expenditure was 30.6% (95%CI: 25.6% - 35.5%), 10.2% (95%CI: 4.5%-15.9%) and 8.6% (95%CI: 1.8%-23%) in the low, middle- and high-class households, respectively. Educational attainment, socioeconomic strata and employment were the main determinants of OOP and the probability to incur in catastrophic health expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: The health system has persistent inequalities regarding the financial protection of households related to out-of-pocket expenditure and the probability of catastrophic expenditure. This study provides evidence to review the social protection policy for the most socio-economically vulnerable households.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el gasto de bolsillo y la probabilidad de gasto catastrófico de los hogares y sus determinantes socioeconómicos en Cartagena, Colombia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal en una muestra poblacional estratificada aleatoria de hogares de Cartagena. Se estimaron dos modelos de regresión cuyas variables dependientes fueron gasto de bolsillo y probabilidad de gasto catastrófico en salud de los hogares. RESULTADOS: El gasto de bolsillo promedio anual en hogares pobres fue 1 566 036 COP (US$783) (IC95% 1 117 597-2 014 475); en hogares de estrato medio 2 492 928 COP (US$1246) (IC95% 1 695 845-3 290 011) y en hogares ricos 4 577 172 COP (US$2 288) (IC95% 1 838 222-7 316 122). Como proporción del ingreso, el gasto de bolsillo en salud fue de 14,6% en los hogares pobres, de 8,2% en los hogares de estrato medio y de 7,0% en los hogares ricos. La probabilidad de gasto catastrófico en salud de los hogares pobres fue 30,6% (IC95% 25,6-35,5%), de los de estrato medio del 10,2% (IC95% 4,5-15,9%) y de los hogares de estrato alto del 8,6% (IC95% 1,823,0%). El estrato socioeconómico, la educación y la ocupación fueron los principales determinantes del gasto de bolsillo en salud y de la probabilidad de incurrir en gasto catastrófico en salud. CONCLUSIONES: En el sistema de salud persisten desigualdades en la protección financiera de los hogares contra el gasto de bolsillo y la probabilidad de gasto catastrófico. El presente estudio genera evidencia para revisar la política de protección social de los hogares socioeconómicamente más vulnerables.

Osteomielite: perfil epidemiológico e desfechos verificados em pacientes internados em um hospital público de Curitiba / Osteomyelitis: epidemiologic profile and outcomes of inpatients of a public hospital in Curitiba

Introdução: Osteomielite é inflamação aguda ou crônica de ossos trabeculares ou corticais, periósteo, medula óssea e tecidos moles próximos. É classificada pela localização dentro do osso, extensão da dispersão e fonte de infecção. Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos dos pacientes internados com osteomielite e analisar relação entre o tempo de internamento e fatores correlatos.Métodos: Estudados dados de 33 pacientes de uma seleção inicial de 42 prontuários. Resultados: O grupo de 0 a 20 anos com 8 (24,4%) pacientes ficou 18 ± 24 dias, 13 (39,4%) adultos jovens (21 a 40 anos): 12,3 ± 12,4 d; 6 (18,1%) adultos (41 a 60 anos) e 6 (18,1%) >60 anos receberam cuidados hospitalares por 31,8 ± 36 e 19,6 ± 15,8 dias respectivamente. O periodo maior de permanência foi de 91 dias. O etilismo (6%), o tabagismo (6%) e o diabetes (6%) foram as comorbidades mais encontradas. A mortalidade foi de 15%, sendo que 60% eram usuários de álcool. O perfil epidemiológico também mostrou o predomínio do sexo masculino na faixa de 21 a 40 anos e o principal agente infeccioso encontrado foi S. aureus. Conclusão: A alta taxa de mortalidade em indivíduos maiores de 50 anos, com maior permanência hospitalar e presença de comorbidades como o etilismo e diabetes mellitus alerta para a necessidade de planejamento estratégico visando intervenções que diminuam prejuízos tanto para o paciente quanto para o sistema de saúde.

Introduction: Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of trabecular or cortical bones, periosteum, bone marrow, and nearby soft tissue. It is classified by location within the bone, extent and source of infection. Objective: Assess the epidemiological aspects of hospitalized patients with osteomyelitis and analyze the relationship between length of stay and correlated factors. Methods: Data were collected from 33 patients from an initial selection of 42. Results: The groups were arranged as follows: 8 (24.4%) individuals from 0-20 yo and with a hospital stay of 18 ± 24 d; 13 (39.4%) young adults (21-40 yo) and 12.3 ± 12.4 d; 6 (18.1%) adults (41-60 yo) and 31.8 ± 36 d; and 6 (18.1%) over 60 yo who were under hospital care for 19.6 ± 15.8 d. The longest period of hospital stay was 91 days. Alcoholism (6%), smoking habits (6%) and diabetes (6%) were the most common comorbidities. Mortality rate was 15%, among which 60% were alcohol users. The epidemiologic profile also showed that the majority of the hospitalized were males between the ages 21-40 yo and the most common infective agent was S. aureus. Conclusion: the high mortality rate in individuals over 50, with comorbidities and longer hospital stays highlights the need for strategic planning yielding interventions that diminish harm to the patients and the health system.

Fatores associados à maior permanência hospitalar na fratura do planalto (platô) tibial / To evaluate associated factors and epidemiology related to increased length of stay and costs in patients with tibial plateau fractures

Introdução: As fraturas de platô tibial são consideradas lesões intraarticulares comuns do joelho. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores associados e a relação ao aumento do tempo de internação e custos nesses pacientes. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo descritivo de tabelas de frequência e cruzadas de 108 pacientes vítimas de trauma ortopédico. Foram avaliadas as médias de idade; gênero; trauma de alta energia; tempo de internação; e tempo médio da interferência. Resultados: O perfil epidemiológico foi idade média de 41,2 anos; homens (70,4%); vítimas de trauma de alta energia (53,70%); tempo de internação; e tempo mediano. Os fatores que interferiram para aumento dessas 2 últimas variáveis foram: mecanismos de lesão de alta energia (8 dias); tratamento provisório (10 dias); tratamento cirúrgico definitivo (8 dias); prolongamento justificado dos dias (8 dias), complicações na internação (11 dias); lesão de partes moles (10 dias); infecção da ferida (12 dias) e internamento na UTI (26 dias). Conclusão: Os fatores que apresentaram diferença significativa em relação ao aumento de dias de internamento hospitalar foram: mecanismo de lesão de alta energia, realização de tratamento provisório, fraturas complexas (tipo IV, V, VI), tipo de tratamento cirúrgico definitivo, complicações na internação - principalmente lesão de partes moles, infecção e internamento em UTI.

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are considered common intraarticular knee injuries. Objective: To evaluate the associated factors and their relationship to increased length of stay and costs in these patients. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study of frequency and cross tables of 108 patients who were victims of orthopedic trauma. Were evaluated mean age; gender; high-energy trauma; hospitalization time; and median time of the interference. Results: The epidemiological profile was a mean age of 41.2 years; men (70.4%); high-energy trauma victims (53.70%); hospitalization time; and median time. The factors that interfered with the increase in these last 2 variables were: high-energy injury mechanisms (8 days); interim treatment (10 days); definitive surgical treatment (8 days); justified extension of days (8 days), hospitalization complications (11 days); soft tissue injury (10 days); wound infection (12 days) and ICU stay (26 day\s). Conclusion: The factors that showed a significant difference in relation to the increase in hospitalization days were: mechanism of high-energy injury, provisional treatment, complex fractures (type IV, V, VI), type of definitive surgical treatment, complications in hospitalization - mainly soft tissue injury, infection and ICU admission.

Systemic Sympathoexcitation Was Associated with Paraventricular Hypothalamic Phosphorylation of Synaptic CaMKIIα and MAPK/ErK.

Systemic administration of adrenergic agonist (Isoproterenol; ISOP) is known to facilitate cardiovascular changes associated with heart failure through an upregulation of cardiac toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Furthermore, previous studies have shown that cardiac tissue-specific deletion of TLR4 protects the heart against such damage. Since the autonomic regulation of systemic cardiovascular function originates from pre-autonomic sympathetic centers in the brain, it is unclear how a systemically driven sympathetic change may affect the pre-autonomic paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (PVN) TLR4 expression. Here, we examined how change in PVN TLR4 was associated with alterations in the neurochemical cytoarchitecture of the PVN in systemic adrenergic activation. After 48 h of intraperitoneal 150 mg/kg ISOP treatment, there was a change in PVN CaMKIIα and MAPK/ErK expression, and an increase in TLR4 in expression. This was seen as an increase in p-MAPK/ErK, and a decrease in synaptic CaMKIIα expression in the PVN (p < 0.01) of ISOP treated mice. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT 2; p < 0.01) and a decreased expression of GABA in the PVN of Isoproterenol (ISOP) treated WT mice (p < 0.01). However, after a PVN-specific knockdown of TLR4, the effect of systemic administration of ISOP was attenuated, as indicated by a decrease in p-MAPK/ErK (p < 0.01) and upregulation of CaMKIIα (p < 0.05). Additionally, loss of inhibitory function was averted while VGLUT2 expression decreased when compared with the ISOP treated wild type mice and the control. Taken together, the outcome of this study showed that systemic adrenergic activation may alter the expression, and phosphorylation of preautonomic MAPK/ErK and CaMKIIα downstream of TLR4. As such, by outlining the roles of these kinases in synaptic function, we have identified the significance of neural TLR4 in the progression, and attenuation of synaptic changes in the pre-autonomic sympathetic centers.