Razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada: limites e potencialidades do indicador para a avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil / Hospital standardized mortality ratio: limits and potential of the indicator for assessing hospital performance in the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada: límites y potencialidades del indicador para la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el Sistema Único de Salud, Brasil

Resumo: Análises comparativas, baseadas em indicadores de desempenho clínico, para monitorar a qualidade da assistência hospitalar vêm sendo realizadas há décadas em vários países, com destaque para a razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada (RMHP). No Brasil, ainda são escassos os estudos e a adoção de instrumentos metodológicos que permitam análises regulares do desempenho das instituições. O objetivo deste artigo foi explorar o uso da RMHP para a comparação do desempenho dos hospitais remunerados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O Sistema de Informações Hospitalares foi a fonte de dados sobre as internações de adultos realizadas no Brasil entre 2017 e 2019. A abordagem metodológica para estimar a RMHP foi adaptada aos dados disponíveis e incluiu as causas de internação (diagnóstico principal) responsáveis por 80% dos óbitos. O número de óbitos esperados foi estimado por um modelo de regressão logística que incluiu variáveis preditoras amplamente descritas na literatura. A análise foi realizada em duas etapas: (i) nível da internação e (ii) nível do hospital. O modelo final de ajuste de risco apresentou estatística C de 0,774, valor considerado adequado. Foi observada grande variação da RMHP, especialmente entre os hospitais com pior desempenho (1,54 a 6,77). Houve melhor desempenho dos hospitais privados em relação aos hospitais públicos. Apesar de limites nos dados disponíveis e desafios ainda vislumbrados para a sua utilização mais refinada, a RMHP é aplicável e tem potencial para se tornar um elemento importante na avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no SUS.

Abstract: Comparative analyses based on clinical performance indicators to monitor the quality of hospital care have been carried out for decades in several countries, most notably the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR). In Brazil, studies and the adoption of methodological tools that allow regular analysis of the performance of institutions are still scarce. This study aimed to assess the use of HSMR to compare the performance of hospitals funded by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The Hospital Information System was the source of data on adult hospitalizations in Brazil from 2017 to 2019. The methodological approach to estimate HSMR was adapted to the available data and included the causes of hospitalization (main diagnosis) responsible for 80% of deaths. The number of expected deaths was estimated using a logistic regression model that included predictor variables widely described in the literature. The analysis was conducted in two stages: (i) hospitalization level and (ii) hospital level. The final risk adjustment model showed a C-statistic of 0.774, which is considered adequate. The variation in HSMR was wide, especially among the worst-performing hospitals (1.54 to 6.77). Private hospitals performed better than public hospitals. Although the limits of the available data and the challenges still face its more refined use, HSMR is applicable and has the potential to become an important tool for assessing hospital performance in the SUS.

Resumen: Durante décadas se han realizado en varios países análisis comparativos basados en indicadores de desempeño clínico para monitorear la calidad de la atención hospitalaria, con énfasis en la razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada (RMHE). En Brasil, aún son escasos los estudios y la adopción de instrumentos metodológicos que permitan análisis regulares del desempeño de las instituciones. El objetivo fue explorar el uso de la RMHE para comparar el desempeño de los hospitales remunerados por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El Sistema de Información Hospitalaria fue la fuente de datos sobre las hospitalizaciones de adultos realizadas en Brasil entre el 2017 y el 2019. El enfoque metodológico para estimar la RMHE se adaptó a los datos disponibles e incluyó las causas de hospitalización (diagnóstico principal) responsables del 80% de las muertes. El número de muertes esperadas se estimó mediante un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó variables predictoras ampliamente descritas en la literatura. El análisis se realizó en dos etapas: (i) nivel de la hospitalización y (ii) nivel del hospital. El modelo final de ajuste de riesgo presentó una estadística C de 0,774, valor considerado adecuado. Se observó una gran variación en la RMHE, especialmente entre los hospitales con peor desempeño (1,54 a 6,77). Hubo un mejor desempeño de los hospitales privados en comparación con los hospitales públicos. A pesar de las limitaciones de los datos disponibles y de los desafíos aún previstos para su uso más refinado, la RMHE es aplicable y tiene el potencial de convertirse en un elemento importante en la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el SUS.

Post-parotidectomy facial nerve function: comparison between original and modified Sunnybrook Facial Grading Systems / Função do nervo facial pós-parotidectomia: comparação entre os Sistemas Sunnybrook de Graduação Facial original e modificado

Abstract Background: Facial nerve dysfunction is the principal postoperative complication related to parotidectomy. Objective: To test the hypothesis that the modified Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (mS-FGS) is superior to the original S-FGS in the assessment of facial nerve function following parotidectomy. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal study evaluating patients with primary or metastatic parotid neoplasms undergoing parotidectomy with facial nerve-sparing between 2016 and 2020. The subjects were assessed twice, on the first postoperative day and at the first outpatient evaluation, 20-30 days post-surgery. Facial assessments were performed using the original and modified (plus showing the lower teeth) versions of the Sunnybrook System and documented by pictures and video recordings. Intra- and inter-rater agreements regarding the assessment of the new expression were analyzed. Results: 101 patients were enrolled. In both steps, the results from the mS-FGS were significantly lower (p < 0.001). Subjects with a history of previous parotidectomy and those who underwent neck dissection had more severe facial nerve impairment. The mandibular marginal branch was the most frequently injured, affecting 68.3% of the patients on the first postoperative day and 52.5% on the first outpatient evaluation. Twenty patients (19.8%) presented an exclusive marginal mandibular branch lesion. The inter-rater agreement of the new expression assessment ranged from substantial to almost perfect. The intra-rater agreement was almost perfect (wk = 0.951). Conclusion: The adoption of the Modified Sunnybrook System, which includes evaluation of the mandibular marginal branch, increases the accuracy of post-parotidectomy facial nerve dysfunction appraisal.

Resumo Antecedentes: A disfunção do nervo facial é a principal complicação pós-operatória relacionada à parotidectomia. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que o sistema Sunnybrook de graduação facial modificado (mS-FGS) é superior ao S-FGS original na avaliação da função do nervo facial após parotidectomia. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo avaliando o pós-operatório de pacientes com neoplasias parotídeas primárias ou metastáticas, submetidos à parotidectomia com preservação do nervo facial, entre 2016 e 2020. Os indivíduos foram avaliados duas vezes, no primeiro dia de pós-operatório e na primeira avaliação ambulatorial, 20-30 dias após a cirurgia. As avaliações faciais foram realizadas usando as versões original e modificada (que incluem mostrar os dentes inferiores) do sistema Sunnybrook e documentadas por fotos e vídeos. Foram adicionalmente analisadas as concordâncias intra e interexaminadoras da avaliação da nova expressão. Resultados: Cento e um pacientes foram incluídos. Em ambas as etapas, os resultados do mS-FGS foram significativamente menores (p < 0,001). Indivíduos com história de parotidectomia prévia e aqueles submetidos ao esvaziamento cervical apresentaram comprometimento mais grave do nervo facial. O ramo marginal mandibular foi o mais afetado, acometendo 68,3% dos pacientes no primeiro dia de pós-operatório e 52,5% na primeira avaliação ambulatorial. Vinte pacientes (19,8%) apresentaram lesão exclusiva do ramo marginal mandibular. A concordância interexaminadores da avaliação da nova expressão variou de substancial a quase perfeita. A concordância intraexaminador foi quase perfeita (wk = 0,951). Conclusão: A adoção do sistema Sunnybrook modificado, que inclui a análise do ramo marginal mandibular, aumenta a precisão da avaliação da disfunção do nervo facial pós-parotidectomia.

Participación de los equipos de respuesta rápida de tromboembolia pulmonar durante el perioperatorio / Participation of pulmonary embolism response teams during the perioperative period

Resumen La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda representa una causa frecuente de morbimortalidad cardiovascular, sólo rebasada por los síndromes coronarios agudos y la enfermedad cerebrovascular. El inicio y la intervención de un equipo multidisciplinario de respuesta rápida en la tromboembolia pulmonar son imperantes para mejorar el pronóstico y reducir al mínimo las posibles secuelas en el subgrupo de pacientes más graves. En este artículo de revisión se describe y revisa de manera general el papel actual y potencial que tienen dichos equipos de respuesta rápida, con un enfoque particular en el perioperatorio.

Abstract Acute pulmonary embolism represents a frequent cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, only exceeded by acute coronary syndromes and cerebrovascular disease. The start-up and implementation of a designated pulmonary embolism response team is necessary to improve prognosis and minimize long-term sequelae in the subgroup of patients with significant pulmonary embolism. Herein, we describe and discuss an overview of the current and potential role of pulmonary embolism response teams, with a focus on the perioperative period.

Time before surgery vs recovery of lumbar herniation. chilean reality in the public health system / Tempo prévio cirurgia v/s recuperação em hérnia lombar. a realidade chilena na atenção pública / Tiempo antes de la cirugía versus recuperación de hernia lumbar. realidad chilena en atención pública

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence between the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms and the surgery of lumbar HNP in the final functional recovery of the comprehensive treatment of patients. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of cases of HNP treated by lumbar discectomy between 2009 and 2015 by the spine team of the Hospital San José, using SPSS (version 22 of IBM) for the statistical analysis. Results: Of 110 patients subject to surgery, 54 were recruited (22 women and 32 men), between 18 and 75 years old, with an average age of 43 years. Eighty percent of patients are active workers, 76% without comorbidities. The predominant level affected was L4/L5 with 52% of the cases. The mean progression time of the symptoms before the first consultation was 27 months, the waiting time between the consultation and the surgery was 5.6 months. Conclusions: Eighty-six percent of the patients -presented good results in VAS. The Oswestry questionnaire reached a positive result in 90%, a minimum disability in 40%, moderate in 50% and maximum in 10%. No statistical relationship was achieved between any of the evaluated variables and the outcome of the surgery. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study - Investigation of Treatment Results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência entre o tempo de início dos sintomas e a resolução cirúrgica da hérnia lombar na recuperação funcional no tratamento dos pacientes. Métodos: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo de casos de hérnia lombar com discectomia entre 2009 e 2015 no "Hospital San José", usando análise estatística SPSS (versão 22 da IBM). Resultados: De 110 pacientes operados, se recrutaram 54 pacientes para o estudo, dos quais 22 são mulheres e 32 homens, entre 18 e 75 anos com uma média de idade de 43 anos. 80% dos pacientes são trabalhadores ativos, 76% não apresentam co-morbidades. O nível mais frequentemente afetado foi L4/L5 com 52% dos casos. O tempo médio de evolução da sintomatologia antes da primeira consulta foi de 27 meses, o tempo de espera entre consulta e resolução cirúrgica, foi de cinco,seis meses. Conclusões: 86% dos pacientes mostraram bons resultados em EVA. Segundo o questionário OSWESTRY, se obtiveram bons resultados num 90% dos casos; uma deficiência mínima em um 40%; moderada em 50% e máxima em 10% dos pacientes. Se observou ainda falta de relacão estadística entre as variáveis avaliadas e o resultado da cirugía. Nível de Evidência IV; Os Resultados do Tratamento de Estudo Terapêutico - Pesquisa.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la influencia entre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de los síntomas y la resolución quirúrgica de la HNP lumbar en la recuperación funcional final en el tratamiento integral de pacientes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de casos operados de HNP con discectomía lumbar entre 2009 y 2015 por el equipo de columna del Hospital San José, utilizando SPSS (versión 22 de IBM) para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: De 110 pacientes operados, se reclutaron 54, 22 mujeres y 32 hombres, entre los 18 y 75 años, promedio de edad de 43 años. Ochenta por ciento de los pacientes son laboralmente activos, un 76% no presentan comorbilidades. El nivel predominante afectado fue L4/L5 con 52% de los casos. El tiempo de evolución promedio de la sintomatología antes de la primera consulta fue 27 meses, el tiempo de espera entre la consulta y la resolución quirúrgica, fue 5,6 meses. Conclusiones: Ochenta y seis por ciento de los pacientes presentaron resultados positivos en EVA. El cuestionario Oswestry obtuvo un resultado positivo en 90%, discapacidad mínima en 40%, moderada en 50% y máxima en 10%. No se logró establecer relación estadística entre ninguna de las variables evaluadas y el resultado final de la cirugía. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Estudio terapéutico - Investigación de los resultados de tratamiento.

Validação de resultados de enfermagem e seus indicadores para pacientes com risco de perfusão tissular cardíaca diminuída secundário à doença arterial coronária / Validation of nursing outcomes and indicators for patients with risk of decreased cardiac tissue perfusion secondary to coronary artery disease

Introdução: Para analisar a efetividade das intervenções de enfermagem no cuidado de pacientes com Risco de perfusão tissular cardíaca diminuída (00200) (RPTCD) secundário à Doença arterial coronária (DAC) é necessária a seleção de Resultados do paciente sensíveis à enfermagem (RPSE) relevantes e capazes medir estado, percepção ou comportamento do paciente. Objetivo: Estimar a relevância clínica dos resultados e a sensibilidade de seus indicadores às intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes com RPTCD secundário à DAC em unidade de terapia intensiva (TI) e clínica médico-cirúrgica (CMC). Método: Estudo desenvolvido em três etapas. Na primeira, RPSE claramente não pertinentes foram descartados a priori. Os demais foram analisados quanto à pertinência por nove expertos, representantes de seis disciplinas da saúde por meio de escala de 3 pontos. Calculou-se o índice de concordância (IC); RPSE com IC 50% foram considerados pertinentes. Expertos enfermeiros participaram da segunda e terceira etapas. Na segunda, a relevância dos RPSE pertinentes foi determinada por meio de escala Likert de 5 pontos, variando de não relevante a extremamente relevante. Atribuiu-se pesos a cada ponto da escala Likert para o cálculo da média ponderada. RPSE com média 0,80 em pelo menos um cenário clínico foram considerados relevantes. Na terceira etapa, a sensibilidade dos indicadores dos RPSE pertinentes foi estimada por meio de escala de 3 pontos. Calculou-se o IC; indicadores com IC 0,80 foram considerados sensíveis. Todos os expertos forneceram dados de caracterização que foram descritos por medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Testes Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, exato de Fisher e Qui-quadrado de Pearson foram utilizados para comparar os expertos que participaram das etapas 2 e 3 com aqueles que não participaram da etapa 3. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo. Resultados: Na primeira etapa, foram analisados 245 RPSE, dos quais 116 obtiveram IC > 50%. Na segunda etapa, 25 RPSE foram considerados relevantes, de modo que 509 indicadores foram analisados na terceira etapa. Recuperação cirúrgica: pós- operatório imediato (2305) foi considerado relevante apenas na TI e 80,6% de seus indicadores foram considerados sensíveis. RPSE do domínio IV foram considerados relevantes apenas na CMC. Dentre estes, o percentual de indicadores sensíveis variou de 13,3% para Participação nas decisões sobre cuidados de saúde (1606) a 100% para Conhecimento: regime de tratamento (1813). Em relação aos RPSE relevantes na TI e na CMC, Perfusão tissular (0422) apresentou o menor percentual (30,0% e 20,0%, respectivamente) e Sinais vitais (0802) o maior percentual (90,0% e 80,0%, respectivamente) de indicadores sensíveis concomitantemente. Houve indicadores considerados sensíveis em apenas um dos cenários. Conclusão: RPSE relevantes para pacientes com RPTCD secundário à DAC assistidos em TI e CMC pertencem aos domínios II-Saúde fisiológica, III-Saúde psicossocial, IV-Conhecimento em saúde e comportamento e V-Saúde percebida. Os indicadores sensíveis parecem refletir as especificidades do cuidado prestado em cada cenário de prática. Entretanto, é necessária a confirmação desses achados em estudos de validação clínica.

Introduction: Effectiveness analysis of nursing interventions in caring of patients with Risk of decreased cardiac tissue perfusion (00200) (RDCTP) secondary to Coronary artery disease (CAD), it is important to select relevant Nursing Sensitive Patient Outcomes (NSPO) and able to measure the patient's status, perception or behavior. Objective: To estimate the clinical relevance of the outcomes and the sensitivity of their indicators to nursing interventions for patients with RDCTP secondary to CAD in the intensive care (IC) and medical-surgical ward (MSW). Method: This study was developed in three steps. In the first, clearly non-pertinent NSPO were discarded. The others NSPO were analyzed by nine experts considering relevance, representing six health disciplines through a 3-point scale. The agreement index (AI) was calculated; NSPO with AI 50% were considered pertinent. Expert nurses participated in the second and third stages. In the second, the relevance of the pertinent NSPO was determined by a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from not relevant to extremely relevant. Scores were assigned to each point on the Likert scale for measure average calculation. NSPO with a mean 0.80 in at least one clinical setting were considered relevant. In the third stage, the indicators sensitivity of the relevant RPSE was estimated using a 3-point scale. AI was calculated; indicators scored 0.80 were considered sensitive. All of the experts provided characterization data that was described by measures of central tendency and dispersion. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare the experts who participated in steps 2 and 3 with those who did not participate in step 3. The study was approved by the School of Nursing Ethics Committee of University of Sao Paulo. Results: In the first stage, 245 NSPO were analyzed, of which 116 obtained AI 50%. In the second stage, 25 NSPO were considered relevant, then 509 indicators were analyzed in the third stage. Surgical recovery: immediate postoperative (2305) was considered relevant only in IC and 80.6% of its indicators were considered sensitive. NSPO of Domain IV were considered relevant only in MSW. Among these, the percentage of sensitive indicators ranged from 13.3% for Participation in Health Care Decisions (1606) to 100% for Knowledge: Treatment Regimen (1813). Regarding the relevant RPSE in IC and MSW, Tissue perfusion (0422) presented the lowest percentage (30.0% and 20.0%, respectively) and Vital signs (0802) the highest percentage of sensitive indicators (90.0% and 80.0%, respectively). There were indicators considered sensitive in only one of the scenarios. Conclusion: Relevant NSPO for patients with RDCTP secondary to CAD assisted in IC and MSW belong to Domains II-Physiological Health, III-Psychosocial Health, IV- Health Knowledge and Behavior, and V-Perceived Health. Sensitive indicators might reflect the specifics of care provided in each practice setting. However, confirmation of these findings is required in clinical validation studies.

The round-the-clock technique for correction of gynecomastia

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia is a common condition that can cause severe emotional and physical distress in both young and older men. Patients in whom symptomatic recalcitrant gynecomastia persists for a long time are potential candidates for surgery. METHODS: From January 2014 to January 2016, 15 patients underwent correction of gynecomastia through a single 3-mm incision at our institution. Only patients with true gynecomastia underwent surgery with this new technique. Through the small incision, sharp dissection was performed in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction describing two half-circles. Health-related quality of life and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using a modified version of the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire (BEQ). RESULTS: The patients’ average age was 23.5 years (range, 18–28 years), and their average body mass index was 23.2 kg/m² (range, 19.2–25.3 kg/m²). One case was unilateral and 14 cases were bilateral. The weight of glandular tissue resected from each breast ranged from 80 to 170 g. No excess skin was excised. Bleeding was minimal. The mean operating time was 25 minutes (range, 21–40 minutes). No complications were recorded. All lesions were histologically benign. The patients’ average score was 3.5 (on a 5-point Likert scale) in all domains of the BEQ for themselves and their partners. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated the safety and reliability of a new technique that allows mastectomy through an imperceptible 3-mm incision. We obtained high patient satisfaction scores using our surgical technique, and patients reported considerable improvement in their social, physical, and psychological well-being after surgery.

The Relationship between Early Improvement of Subjective Symptom and Surgical Outcomes in Moderate to Severe Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome usually requires surgical treatment. Most surgical outcomes are evaluated 6 months after the procedure; however, subjective symptoms begin to show improvement much earlier. In this study, we explored whether patients who experience early improvement of subjective symptoms have different clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes than those without early improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and February 2015, 36 surgical cases of moderate- to severe-stage cubital tunnel syndrome (modified McGowan grade IIA, IIB, or III) were included. Nineteen patients (15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 54.3±12.0 years) reported subjective symptom improvements within 14 days postoperatively. Seventeen patients (15 males and 2 females with a mean age of 53.4±11.9 years) did not report any early symptom improvements. Clinical characteristics—hand dominance, sex, smoking history, type of surgery, age, symptom duration, elbow range of motion, grip strength, key pinch strength, 2 point discrimination, pain, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and modified McGowan grade—were analyzed retrospectively using a Mann-Whitney test or chi square test. Surgical outcomes were measured at postoperative 3 and 12 months using repeated-measures ANOVA, and Wilson and Krout criteria were analyzed using a chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a difference in key pinch strength (p<0.001) between the groups. At postoperative 12 months, Wilson and Krout criteria (p=0.029) were associated with early improvement of subjective symptoms. The subjects' quick DASH scores and grip strengths improved over time, but no difference was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: After surgical treatments of moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome, patients who presented early improvement of subjective symptoms, compared with those who did not, had significantly higher preoperative key pinch strength and better surgical outcomes at postoperative 12 months.

Exploratory Study of Dimensions of Health-related Quality of Life in the General Population of South Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore dimensions in addition to the 5 dimensions of the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) that could satisfactorily explain variation in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population of South Korea. METHODS: Domains related to HRQoL were searched through a review of existing HRQoL instruments. Among the 28 potential dimensions, the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L and 7 additional dimensions (vision, hearing, communication, cognitive function, social relationships, vitality, and sleep) were included. A representative sample of 600 subjects was selected for the survey, which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Subjects were asked to report problems in 12 health dimensions at 5 levels, as well as their self-rated health status using the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and a 5-point Likert scale. Among subjects who reported no problems for any of the parameters in the EQ-5D-5L, we analyzed the frequencies of problems in the additional dimensions. A linear regression model with the EQ-VAS as the dependent variable was performed to identify additional significant dimensions. RESULTS: Among respondents who reported full health on the EQ-5D-5L (n=365), 32% reported a problem for at least 1 additional dimension, and 14% reported worse than moderate self-rated health. Regression analysis revealed a R2 of 0.228 for the original EQ-5D-5L dimensions, 0.200 for the new dimensions, and 0.263 for the 12 dimensions together. Among the added dimensions, vitality and sleep were significantly associated with EQ-VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified significant dimensions for assessing self-rated health among members of the general public, in addition to the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. These dimensions could be considered for inclusion in a new preference-based instrument or for developing a country-specific HRQoL instrument.

Calidad de vida en cuidadores informales de personas con demencia: una revisión sistemática de intervenciones psicosociales / Quality of life in informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a systematic review of psychosocial interventions

Background: Caring for a person with dementia has frequently negative consequences that impact on the informal caregivers' quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of different psychosocial interventions that address quality of life of caregivers of persons with dementia. Methods: Systematic review including randomized clinical trials from 2004 to 2014. Target population was informal caregivers of persons with dementia who received psychosocial interventions addressing quality of life as main outcome. Results: Nine studies were selected. Psychosocial interventions included group therapy, software use, and home visits. Home visits were the more frequent intervention and obtained better results in quality of life. Conclusions: The home visit with a person centred approaches was the more effective intervention in improve of quality of life in people with dementia caregivers. More research is needed regarding interventions and to analyze the rationalities for quality of life in this target group allowing a more comprehensive evaluation and intervention.

Introducción: Cuidar a una persona con demencia implica con frecuencia consecuencias negativas que impactan en la calidad de vida del cuidador informal. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer y evaluar el impacto que tienen diferentes modalidades de intervención psicosocial en la calidad de vida de los cuidadores de personas con demencia. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática donde se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados entre 2004 y 2014. Los participantes fueron cuidadores de personas con demencia, que recibieron intervenciones psicosociales y evaluaron como resultado la calidad de vida. Resultados: Nueve estudios fueron seleccionados. Las intervenciones incluyeron trabajo grupal, uso de software, y visita domiciliaria. Esta última resultó ser la intervención más frecuente y la que mostró mejores resultados en calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La visita domiciliaria con un enfoque personalizado fue la intervención que mostró mejores resultados en la mejora de la calidad de vida del cuidador de una persona con demencia. Existe necesidad de realizar mayor investigación en este campo y la evaluación de la pertinencia de los conceptos actuales de calidad de vida en este grupo particular.

Avaliação dos 12 anos da campanha de acesso público a desfibrilação / Evaluation of ten years of the Campaign for public access defibrillation

JUSTIFICATIVA: Campanhas públicas e leis que visam desenvolver métodos de esclarecimento e incentivo na busca de informações sobre o tratamento da parada cardiorrespiratória devem ser objetivo de todos e implicam em excelentes resultados em todas as esferas de leigos, gestores e profissionais de saúde. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de uma Campanha de Acesso Público a Desfibrilação na população leiga, profissionais de saúde e gestores. MÉTODO: A pesquisa quantitativa foi desenvolvida após a avaliação de 12 anos das atividades efetuadas por uma Comissão de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar sobre a Campanha de Acesso Público a Desfibrilação voltada para as manobras de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. RESULTADOS: Como principais resultados diretos e indiretos nos 12 anos de análise, promoveu-se a realização de cursos de suporte básico de vida para profissionais de saúde e leigos, cursos de suporte avançado de vida em cardiologia para profissionais de saúde, treinamento em massa para a população geral, implantação da temática no currículo da Faculdade de Medicina e a primeira lei de Acesso Público a Desfibrilação da América Latina, assim como o modelo para a lei federal que se encontra em tramitação. CONCLUSÕES: É evidente que mesmo com os resultados positivos ainda há necessidade real de maior número de profissionais e leigos treinados, assim como o amplo estabelecimento dos cinco elos atuais da corrente de sobrevivência em nosso território nacional, podendo outras campanhas, espelhadas nesta, serem implantadas.

BACKGROUND: Public campaigns and laws developing methods of enlightenment and encouragement in finding information on the treatment of cardiac arrest should be the objective of all and imply excellent results in all spheres of lay people, government managers and health professionals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a Public Access Defibrillation Campaign implementation in the lay population, health professionals and government managers. METHODS: The quantitative study was conducted after the 12 year review of the activities undertaken by a Hospital Committee of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and a Campaign for Public Access Defibrillation geared toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation. RESULTS: The main direct and indirect results in the 12 years of analysis promoted courses in basic life support for health professionals and lay public, courses of advanced cardiac life support for health professionals, mass training for general population, implementation of the thematic curriculum in the School of Medicine and the first law of Public Access Defibrillation in Latin America as well as the model for the federal law that steel in progress. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that with the direct and indirect experiences of these 12 years of Public Access Defibrillation Campaign we shown positive results. There is real need for more professionals and trained lay people as well as the extensive establishment of five current links in the chain of survival in our Nationwide.

Calidad en cirugía: hacia una mejor comprensión de las complicaciones quirúrgicas / Quality assessment in surgery

This paper deals with quality from the perspective of structure, processes and indicators in surgery. In this specialty, there is a close relationship between effectiveness and quality. We review the definition and classification of surgical complications as an objective means of assessing quality. The great diversity of definitions and risk assessments of surgical complications hampered the comparisons of different surgical centers or the evaluation of a single center along time. We discuss the different factors associated with surgical risk and some of the predictive systems for complications and mortality. At the present time, standarized definitions and comparisons are carried out correcting for risk factors. Thus, indicators of mortality, complications, hospitalization length, postoperative quality of life and costs become comparable between different groups. The volume of procedures of a determinate center or surgeon as a quality indicator is emphasized.

Results of Clinical and Oncological Outcomes in Treatment of the Humerus Malignant Bone Tumor: Comparison according to the Treatment Methods / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and oncological outcomes between the primary and metastatic malignant tumor of humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2005 and May 2014, 42 cases of malignant tumor in humerus that were followed-up for at least 1 year were entered into the study and analyzed retrospectively. Cases were divided into two groups, the primary (group 1, 15 cases) and metastatic (group 2, 27 cases), according to the origin of the tumor. The clinical and oncological outcomes between the primary and metastatic malignant tumor of humerus were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: In the group 1, nine cases were osteosarcoma and six cases were chondrosarcoma. The tumor lesions were distributed in the proximal area of the humerus. In the group 2, 12 cases originated from lung cancer, six cases from liver cancer, and two cases from bladder cancer. The lesions were usually distributed in the midshaft area. The patients underwent various surgical treatments, including wide excision with tumor prosthesis, curettage with bone grafting, intramedullary nailing, open reduction, and internal fixation with plate. Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival estimates were 87.5% for group 1, and 1-year survival estimates were 70.1% and 2-year survival estimates were 40.1% for group 2. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was high in both groups. However group 1 showed a higher score on the functional index compared to group 2. CONCLUSION: Primary malignant bone tumors of the humerus usually involve the proximal site and tumor prosthesis is the main treatment. The metastatic malignant bone tumor usually involves the midshaft area and intramedullary nailing and radiation therapy is the main therapy. Although treatment of the primary malignant tumor increases the survival rate, treatment of metastatic malignant tumor does not affect the survival rate, though it helps in relieving pain.

Desempenho do Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 em unidade de cuidados intensivos pediátrica / Performance of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 in a pediatric intensive care unit

Objetivo: Avaliar a discriminação e a calibração do Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 em pacientes de uma unidade de cuidados intensivos pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo de coorte contemporânea realizado no período de novembro de 2005 a novembro de 2006. Os limites de idade foram 29 dias de vida e 18 anos. Excluídos aqueles com óbito em menos de 12 horas após admissão e readmissões. Para o desempenho do Pediatric Index of Mortality 2, foram aplicados o teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow, o índice padronizado de mortalidade standardized mortality ratio e área sob a curva ROC, intervalo de confiança de 95%. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: Foram estudadas 276 admissões de pacientes. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 14,13%, com eficiência de admissão de 0,88%. A mediana de idade foi de 42,22 meses, havendo predomínio do gênero masculino com 60,1%. O setor de emergência foi responsável por 48,91% das admissões. Tempo de permanência foi de 6,43±5,23 dias (média). As admissões clínicas corresponderam a 72,46% e associaram-se ao óbito (odds ratio: 2,9; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,09-7,74; p=0,017). O Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 apresentou calibração com qui-quadrado de 12,2686 (p=0,1396) no teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow, e índice padronizado de morte de 1,0. A discriminação relacionada à área abaixo da curva ROC foi de 0,778. Conclusão: O escore Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 apresentou desempenho satisfatório. .

Objective: To assess the discrimination and calibration of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 in patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: The study was conducted with a contemporary cohort from November 2005 to November 2006. Patients aged 29 days to 18 years were included in the study. Patients who died within 12 hours of admission and cases of readmission were excluded from the study. The performance of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 was assessed by means of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, the standardized mortality ratio and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with 95% confidence interval. The significance level was established as 5%. Results: A total of 276 admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit were included in the analysis. The mortality rate was 14.13%, and the efficiency of admission 0.88%. The median age of the sample was 42.22 months, and most participants were male (60.1%). Most admissions were referrals from the emergency department. The mean duration of stay in pediatric intensive care unit was 6.43±5.23 days. Approximately 72.46% of admissions were for clinical reasons and exhibited an association with the outcome death (odds ratio: 2.9; 95%CI: 1.09-7.74; p=0.017). Calibration of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 with the chi-square statistic was 12.2686 (p=0.1396) in the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and the standardized mortality ratio was 1.0. The area under the ROC curve assessing model discrimination was 0.778. Conclusion: Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 exhibited satisfactory performance. .

Functional Reconstruction of a Combined Tendocutaneous Defect of the Achilles Using a Segmental Rectus Femoris Myofascial Construct: A Viable Alternative

The composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata has emerged as a workhorse at our institution for complex Achilles defects requiring both tendon and soft tissue reconstruction. Safe elevation of this flap, however, is occasionally challenged by absent or inadequate perforators supplying the anterolateral thigh. When discovered intraoperatively, alternative options derived from the same vascular network can be pursued. We present the case of a 74-year-old male who underwent composite Achilles defect reconstruction using a segmental rectus femoris myofascial free flap. Following graduated rehabilitation, postoperatively, the patient resumed full activity and was able to ambulate on his tip-toes. At 1-year follow-up, active total range of motion of the reconstructed ankle exceeded 85% of the unaffected side, and donor site morbidity was negligible. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Short Form-36 scores improved by 78.8% and 28.8%, respectively, compared to preoperative baseline assessments. Based on our findings, we advocate for use of the combined rectus femoris myofascial free flap as a rescue option for reconstructing composite Achilles tendon/posterior leg defects in the setting of inadequate anterolateral thigh perforators. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe use of this flap for such an indication.

Early mortality after neonatal surgery: analysis of risk factors in an optimized health care system for the surgical newborn / Mortalidade precoce apos cirurgia neonatal: analise de fatores de risco em um sistema otimizado de prestacao de cuidados de saude ao recem-nascido cirurgico

OBJECTIVE: Anesthetic and operative interventions in neonates remain hazardous procedures, given the vulnerability of the patients in this pediatric population. The aim was to determine the preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with 30-day post-operative mortality and describe mortality outcomes following neonatal surgery under general anesthesia in our center. METHODS: Infants less than 28 days of age who underwent general anesthesia for surgery during an 11-year period (2000 - 2010) in our tertiary care pediatric center were retrospectively identified using the pediatric intensive care unit database. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with 30-day post-operative mortality. RESULTS: Of the 437 infants in the study (median gestational age at birth 37 weeks, median birth weight 2,760 grams), 28 (6.4%) patients died before hospital discharge. Of these, 22 patients died within the first post-operative month. Logistic regression analysis showed increased odds of 30-day post-operative mortality among patients who presented American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) score 3 or above (odds ratio 19.268; 95%CI 2.523 - 147.132) and surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis/gastrointestinal perforation (OR 5.291; 95%CI 1.962 - 14.266), compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: The overall in-hospital mortality of 6.4% is within the prevalence reported for developed countries. Establishing ASA score 3 or above and necrotizing enterocolitis/gastrointestinal perforation as independent risk factors for early mortality in neonatal surgery may help clinicians to more adequately manage this high risk population. .

First Year Experience in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Services at IIUM Kuantan

To analyze the ART outcome and factors associated with successful ART treatment for infertile couples in a newly set up medical university IVF centre. Methods: A six-month cohort study of patients undergoing their first assisted reproductive technique cycle was conducted at IIUM fertility centre, Kuantan (from 15th June until 31st Dec 2009). Outcome measures include clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, take home baby rate and complications rate. Results: Fifty-five first cycles of IVF/ICSI were studied. Mean embryo per transfer was 2.1±0.8. Four patients were pregnant (23.5%) from a single embryo transfer (SET). Clinical pregnancy rate was 30.9% (17/55). Ongoing pregnancy rate was 23.6% (13/55) and take home baby rate was 21.8% (12/55). There was only one twin pregnancy. Nine patients (16.4%) had OHSS whereby 77.8% were mild and 22.2% were moderate. Conclusion: Take home baby rate at the IIUM fertility centre is comparable to most established ART centres in Malaysia considering that this is only the first year of operation.

Indicadores de qualidade para o gerenciamento da disfagia em Unidades de Internação Hospitalar / Quality indicators for integrated care of dysphagia in hospital settings

Este estudo propõe um painel de indicadores de desempenho para a gestão de um programa de reabilitação da deglutição (PRD) em ambiente hospitalar. Para a elaboração do painel de indicadores foram estabelecidas quatro fases: identificação de processos a serem gerenciados; elaboração dos indicadores e padronização de obtenção dos dados; classificação e proposição de correlação de indicadores; elaboração do painel de indicadores. Os resultados apontam 12 indicadores: índice de avaliação da deglutição; índice de atendimento por paciente; índice de atendimento por fonoaudiólogo; índice de pacientes atendidos; taxa de gravidade; taxa de avaliação por unidade de internação hospitalar; índice de demanda para reabilitação da deglutição; tempo para avaliação da deglutição; índice de fonoaudiólogo por leito; tempo para retirada da via alternativa de alimentação; tempo para o retorno da alimentação por via oral; tempo para decanulação. O processo de medição de indicadores é essencial para entendimento e gerenciamento da disfagia em ambiente hospitalar e delineamento da qualidade. O gerenciamento por indicadores padronizados favorece a análise do desempenho ao longo do tempo, frente à inclusão de novos processos ou tecnologias, e a comparação a outros Serviços julgados como referências no setor. Este gerenciamento contribui para que a eficácia e eficiência dos programas de reabilitação sejam evidenciadas.

This article proposes a panel of quality indicators for the management of swallowing rehabilitation (SR) therapy in a hospital setting. There were four stages in developing these indicators: identifying procedures to be managed; generating indicators and standardizing data collection; identifying the correlation among indicators; and formulating the panel of indicators. The following 12 quality indicators were developed: swallowing evaluation index; individual care index; speech-language pathologist (SLP) care index; number of assisted patients index; severity rate; swallowing diagnosis rate per hospital unit; swallowing rehabilitation demand index; time until first swallowing evaluation; SLP index per hospital bed; time until removal of feeding tube; time until reintroduction of oral feeding; and time until decannulation. The proposed indicators were designed to improve the management of dysphagia in a hospital setting. Measuring these indicators is essential to understanding the patient's needs and providing quality care. Managing care using these indicators will make it easier to track the patient's rehabilitation process, measure the effectiveness of new therapeutic processes and technologies, and evaluate the performance of hospital units relative to other providers in the area. The management of SR using quality indicators allows the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation programs to be clearly evaluated.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Partial Nephrectomies in T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Korean Multicenter Experience

PURPOSE: We analyzed a series of patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomies (LPNs) and open partial nephrectomies (OPNs) to compare outcomes of the two procedures in patients with pathologic T1a renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to May 2009, 417 LPNs and 345 OPNs were performed on patients with small renal tumors in 15 institutions in Korea. Of the patients, 273 and 279 patients, respectively, were confirmed to have pT1a RCC. The cohorts were compared with respect to demographics, peri-operative data, and oncologic and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The demographic data were similar between the groups. Although the tumor location was more exophytic (51% vs. 44%, p=0.047) and smaller (2.1 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.026) in the LPN cohort, the OPN cohort demonstrated shorter ischemia times (23.4 min vs. 33.3 min, p<0.001). The LPN cohort was associated with less blood loss than the OPN cohort (293 ml vs. 418 ml, p<0.001). Of note, two patients who underwent LPNs had open conversions and nephrectomies were performed because of intra-operative hemorrhage. The decline in the glomerular filtration rate at the last available follow-up (LPN, 10.9%; and OPN, 10.6%) was similar in both groups (p=0.8). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year local recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 96% after LPN and 94% after OPN (p=0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The LPN group demonstrated similar rates of recurrence-free survival, complications, and postoperative GFR change compared with OPN group. The LPN may be an acceptable surgical option in patients with small RCC in Korea.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Partial Nephrectomies in T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Korean Multicenter Experience

PURPOSE: We analyzed a series of patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomies (LPNs) and open partial nephrectomies (OPNs) to compare outcomes of the two procedures in patients with pathologic T1a renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to May 2009, 417 LPNs and 345 OPNs were performed on patients with small renal tumors in 15 institutions in Korea. Of the patients, 273 and 279 patients, respectively, were confirmed to have pT1a RCC. The cohorts were compared with respect to demographics, peri-operative data, and oncologic and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The demographic data were similar between the groups. Although the tumor location was more exophytic (51% vs. 44%, p=0.047) and smaller (2.1 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.026) in the LPN cohort, the OPN cohort demonstrated shorter ischemia times (23.4 min vs. 33.3 min, p<0.001). The LPN cohort was associated with less blood loss than the OPN cohort (293 ml vs. 418 ml, p<0.001). Of note, two patients who underwent LPNs had open conversions and nephrectomies were performed because of intra-operative hemorrhage. The decline in the glomerular filtration rate at the last available follow-up (LPN, 10.9%; and OPN, 10.6%) was similar in both groups (p=0.8). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year local recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 96% after LPN and 94% after OPN (p=0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The LPN group demonstrated similar rates of recurrence-free survival, complications, and postoperative GFR change compared with OPN group. The LPN may be an acceptable surgical option in patients with small RCC in Korea.

Long-Term Outcomes After an Arterial Switch Operation for Simple Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although coronary artery obstruction, aortic insufficiency (AI), and pulmonary stenosis (PS) have been reported after arterial switch operation (ASO), limited long-term studies on ASO exist. Our study aimed to examine long-term outcomes after ASO for simple complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All 108 patients with simple complete TGA who underwent ASO at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 1987 and 2004 were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records and the results of various functional and imaging studies. RESULTS: Among 108 cases of ASO for simple TGA, 96 have been followed-up through the present time (mean follow-up duration was 11.7+/-8.6 years: range= 4 to 23 years). The 20-year rates of freedom from significant AI, PS, and coronary obstruction were 78.6%, 67.8%, and 95.8%, respectively. AI showed a tendency to progress as follow-up time increased in 21.4% of the population studied (p=0.014); however, AS, PS, and PI showed no such progression. Late coronary artery occlusion was not associated with the initial coronary arterial pattern. Re-operations were done for 13 patients (13.5%) at an average of 8+/-4.3 years after ASO. The survival rate was 96%, while the re-operation-free was 90% at 10 years and 83% at 20 years. Most patients showed normal physical growth with good activity {98%; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 1 activity} and normal development (96%). CONCLUSION: Although most patients showed normal physical growth and development after successful ASO, meticulous long-term follow-up is necessary because of progressive AI and coronary complications.