Simpatectomía de la arteria radial y ulnar en contexto de úlcera digital secundaria a esclerosis sistémica cutánea localizada / Radial and ulnar artery sympathectomy in the context of digital ulcer secondary to localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis

SPeripheral sympathectomy is a procedure which has shown high rates of decreasing ischemic pain, recover functionality and wound healing, preventing the progression of the disease and further complications. We present a female patient with severe Raynaud´s phenomenon secondary to localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis complicated who presented digital ulcer treated with a sympathectomy of the radial and ulnar artery at the wrist level, undergoing post-operative follow-up.

La sudoración compensatoria como efecto secundario en la cirugía de la hiperhidrosis palmar primaria / Compensatory Sweating as a Side Effect of Surgical Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Introducción: La sudoración compensatoria es un efecto secundario de la simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica, que tiene una alta incidencia y puede provocar insatisfacción en los pacientes operados. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la sudoración compensatoria en los pacientes en que se les realizó una simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica por hiperhidrosis palmar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo de 42 pacientes que tras la cirugía por hiperhidrosis palmar presentaron sudor compensatorio. Se analizó la incidencia, localización, severidad, afectación de la calidad de vida y nivel de satisfacción. Resultados: Predominó la sudoración compensatoria ligera, la localización en la espalda y el abdomen. Hubo un alto nivel de tolerancia, con solo un paciente insatisfecho y un 100 por ciento de mejoría de la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La sudoración compensatoria no influyó negativamente en la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Compensatory sweating is a side effect of videothoracoscopic sympathectomy. It presents high incidence and may cause dissatisfaction to operated patients. Objective: To determine the characteristics of compensatory sweating in patients who underwent videothoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out with 42 patients who presented compensatory sweating after surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. Incidence, location, severity, change in quality of life and level of satisfaction were analyzed. Results: Light compensatory sweating predominated, with location on back and abdomen. There was a high level of tolerance, with only one dissatisfied patient and 100 percent of improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: Compensatory sweating did not influence negatively the patients' quality of life(AU)

Cohort study on 20 years' experience of bilateral video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) for treatment of hyperhidrosis in 2431 patients

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, inconsistent with the needs for thermoregulation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and the change in the quality of life of patients undergoing bilateral VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy) for treatment of hyperhidrosis, in a large case series. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in a tertiary hospital specializing in hyperhidrosis located in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 2,431 patients who underwent surgery consisting of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy between January 2000 and February 2017 were retrospectively assessed in an outpatient clinic specializing in hyperhidrosis. The patients underwent clinical and quality of life assessments on two occasions: firstly, prior to surgery, and subsequently, one month after the operation. The presence or absence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) and general satisfaction after the first postoperative month were also evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients operated had poor or very poor quality of life before surgery. In the postoperative period, an improvement in the quality of life was observed in more than 90% of the patients. Only 10.7% of the patients did not present CH, and severe CH occurred in 22.1% of the patients in this sample. CONCLUSION: Bilateral VATS is a therapeutic method that decreases the degree of sweating more than 90% of patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. It improves the quality of life for more than 90% of the patients, at the expense of development of CH in approximately 90% of the patients, but not intensely.

The long-term efficacy of left cardiac sympathetic denervation in long QT syndrome / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of left cardiac sympathetic denervation(LCSD) for long QT syndrome(LQTS) patients with either recurrence on drug therapy intolerance/refusal. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. The cases selected from 193 patients with LQTS who were enrolled in the Chinese Channelopathy Registry Study from November 1999 to November 2012. This study selected 28 LQTS patients with either recurrence on drug therapy intolerance/refusal and underwent LCSD surgery in the Peking University People's Hospital or Beijing Tongren Hospital. The patients were allocated into 3 groups: high-risk group(n=13, baseline QTc ≥550 ms or symptomatic in the first year of life or highly malignant genetics); intermediate-risk group(n=10, 500 ms≤baseline QTc<550 ms, symptomatic after the first year and without highly malignant genetics); low-risk group(n=5, baseline QTc<500 ms, symptomatic after the first year and without highly malignant genetics). LCSD was performed with the traditional supraclavicular approach or video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Patients were regularly followed up until 20 years after the surgery. Data were collected before and 1 year after surgery and at the last follow-up. Patients' electrocardiograph(ECG), cardiac events and surgery-related complications were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the cardiac event-free survival based on different risk stratification and genotypes. Results: A total of 28 LQTS patients, aged 20.5 (15.0, 37.5) and underwent LCSD surgery, were enrolled in this study, including 23(82.1%) women. There were 11(39.3%) patients treated with traditional approach while 17(60.7%) with VATS-LCSD. There were 19(67.9%) patients had positive genetic test results, including 4 LQT1, 12 LQT2, 1 LQT1/LQT2 mixed type, and 2 Jervell-Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome. The median follow-up period was 189.3(138.7, 204.9) months. The dropout rate was 10.7%(3/28) while 3 patients in the intermediate-risk group were lost to follow-up. Horner syndrome occurred in 1 patient (in the high-risk group). Sudden cardiac deaths were observed in 3 (12.0%) patients (all in the high-risk group), and 12 patients (48.0%) had syncope recurrences (2 in low-risk group, 3 in intermediate-risk group and 7 in high-risk group). A significant reduction in the mean yearly episodes of cardiac events was observed, from (3.5±3.3) before LCSD to(0.2±0.1) at one year after LCSD and (0.5±0.8) at last follow up(P<0.001). The mean QTc was shortened from (545.7±51.2)ms before the surgery to (489.0±40.1)ms at the last follow-up (P<0.001). Among the 20 patients with basic QTc ≥500 ms and completing the follow-up, the QTc intervals of 11(55.0%) patients were shortened to below 500 ms. The event free survival rates for any cardiac events after LCSD decreased sequentially in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.24, log-rank P=0.026). No difference was found in the event free survival rates among LQT1, LQT2 and undefined gene patients (χ²=5.20, log-rank P>0.05). Conclusions: LCSD surgery can reduce the incidence of cardiac events and shorten the QTc interval in patients with LQTS after the long-term follow-up. LCSD surgery is effective and safe for patients with LQTS ineffective or intolerant to drug therapy. However, high-risk patients are still at a high risk of sudden death after surgery and should be actively monitored and protected by combined therapies.

Unexpected improvement of hyperhidrosis with cannabidiol

ABSTRACT Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating and it affects almost 5% of the population. The affected age group is wide, and it can affect from children to elderlies. There are two types of hyperhidrosis: generalized and focal. Treatment depends on the symptoms presented. In more severe cases, radiofrequency sympatholysis and bilateral thoracic sympathectomy are the options. However, recurrence is possible or the postoperative appearance of conditions called compensatory hyperhidrosis or reflex hyperhidrosis. We describe two cases of patients treated with Cannabidiol who had significant and unexpected improvement of hyperhidrosis. The first patient received Cannabidiol specific for public presentations at work, and the second patient had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The hyperhidrosis improved in both patients immediately after using Cannabidiol.

Ablación y neuromodulación en tormenta arrítmica: serie de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Ablation and neuromodulation in arrhythmic storm: a report of 4 cases and literature review

Resumen: Se presenta una serie de 4 casos clínicos de pacientes con y sin cardiopatía estructural, que tuvieron uno o más episodios de tormenta arrítmica. Se describen los tratamientos con sus resultados y una revisión bibliográfica con los avances en el tema más allá de la ablación con catéter.

Abstract: We present 4 clinical cases of patients with and without structural heart disease, who had one or more episodes of arrhythmic storm. Treatments, results and a bibliographic review with advances beyond catheter ablation are described.

Simpaticotomía bilateral video asistida por hiperhidrosis: análisis de 102 pacientes / Bilateral video-assisted thoracic sympathicotomy for hiperhidrosis: analysis of 102 patients

Resumen La hiperhidrosis es un trastorno caracterizado por la producción excesiva de sudor por las glándulas sudoríparas ecrinas que influye negativamente en las actividades sociales, laborales y fundamentalmente en la calidad de vida. Se divide en primaria o secundaria. La primaria es una enfermedad benigna caracterizada por una excesiva sudoración con mayor frecuencia en palmas, plantas, axilas y cara. Su incidencia es del 1% de la población y su causa es desconocida. La mayoría de los tratamientos médicos no logran un buen control sintomático y frecuentemente son transitorios. La simpaticotomía torácica bilateral videoasistida se ha vuelto el tratamiento de elección en pacientes muy sintomáticos. En el período de 1998 a 2018 se realizaron 174 simpaticotomias bilaterales videoasistidas por hiperhidrosis primaria, de las cuales 102 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se excluyeron a 72 pacientes. El 20.5% fueron hombres y el 79.5% mujeres con una edad media de 29.22 años. En cuanto a la localización fue palmoplantar axilar en un 50.9%, axilar en un 23.5%, palmoplantar en un 10.7%, palmar en un 7.8%, palmoaxilar 6.8% y facial 5.8%. Los pacientes con sudoración palmar presentaron 94.9% de mejoría, axilar 84.51%, plantar 46.25% y facial 84% respectivamente. El post operatorio arrojó una media de internación de 1.1 días. Como efecto no deseado, se presentó sudoración compensatoria en 53 casos y complicaciones postoperatorias en 18 casos. Concluimos que es una técnica segura, que resuelve de manera significativa la sudoración, mejorando la calidad de vida.

Abstract Hyperhidrosis is a disorder consisting of excessive sweating through the different body sweat glands, which produces a negative impact socially and in work-related activities in those that suffer this condition. There are primary and secondary forms. The primary form is a benign condition with excessive sweating mainly in palms, soles of feet, axillae and face. It affects a 1% of the population, and its cause is unknown. Most medical treatments are unsuccessful, and at best, transitory. In patients who are very troubled by the condition, videoassisted bilateral thoracic sympathicotomy has become the elective treatment. In the period ranging from 1998 to 2018, 174 procedures were undertaken for primary hyperhidrosis, of which 102 satisfied the inclusion criteria. 72 patients were excluded. A 20.5% were males, and 79.5% were females, with an average age of 29.22 years at surgery. As to localization of sweating, a 50.9% was palmar-plantar-axillary, 23.5% axillary, 10.7% palmarplantar, 7.8% palmar, 6.8% palmar-axillary, and a 5.8% facial. Those patients with palmar sweating showed a 94.9% improvement, those with axillary sweating a 88.51%, with plantar a 46.25% and those with facial sweating a 84% improvement. The average admission time was 1.1 days. As an undesired effect, compensatory sweating occurred in 53 cases and postoperative complications in 18 cases. We conclude this is a safe technique, that diminishes sweating significantly, improving patient's quality of life.

Is there neural and functional recovery after clip removal in cervical experimental sympathectomy? / Existe recuperação neural e funcional após a retirada de clipe quando da indução de simpatectomia cervical experimental?

ABSTRACT Background: The surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis by thoracic sympathectomy has brought, in addition to symptomatic relief for many, its main adverse effect: compensatory or reflex sweating. The clipping technique in place of the sympathetic nerve section gave rise to the hope of reversibility, but the positive results showed to be quite divergent, evidencing the academic deficiency regarding the study of this phenomenon. Aim: To observe micro and macroscopic damage caused by the polymer clip on sympathetic nerve of rabbits seven days after their clipping and the findings after three weeks of clip removal. Method: In this experimental study, 20 rabbits were divided into two groups of 10, group 1 (clipping) and group 2 (de-clipping). The right cervical sympathetic nerve of all animals was clamped with polymeric clip, and in group 2 the nerve was unclipped seven days later. Group 1 rabbits were induced to death on the 7th postoperative day, and group 2 on the 21st after removal of the polymer clip. Macroscopic variables were: clip appearance, presence of discontinuity lesion, infection and adhesions around the nerve. H&E was used in the evaluation of the phases and degree of the inflammatory process and presence of necrosis, and picrosirius red F3BA for quantification of collagen. Results: The cervical sympathetic nerve was intact, without necrosis or infection in all animals of the experiment; there were adhesions in both groups, being minimal in eight animals of each group and moderate or intense in two; the clip was completely closed in all animals at the 7th postoperative day; the inflammatory process shown was chronic, with monomorphonuclear predominance. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the intensity the inflammatory process, but the amount of collagen type I and type III was significantly higher in group 2. Conclusions: The injury caused by the polymer clip on the sympathetic nerve may be reversible, allowing functional return in the areas involved in the simulated cervical sympathectomy. Clipping of the cervical sympathetic nerve using a polymer clip does not cause discontinuity injury.

RESUMO Racional: O tratamento cirúrgico da hiperidrose pela simpatectomia torácica trouxe além do alívio sintomático para muitos, também seu principal efeito adverso: o suor compensatório ou reflexo. A técnica de clipagem do nervo simpático no lugar de sua secção deu margem à esperança de reversão do procedimento; porém, os resultados mostram-se bastante divergentes e pouco conclusivos Objetivo: Observar a lesão provocada pelo clipe de polímero em nervo simpático de coelhos sete dias após sua clipagem, comparando-a com os achados após três semanas da retirada do clipe. Método: Estudo experimental, com amostra formada por 20 coelhos, divididos em dois grupos de 10, sendo o grupo 1 chamado clipagem e o 2, desclipagem. Todos foram submetidos à clipagem do nervo simpático cervical direito com clipe polimérico, e no grupo 2 realizou-se a desclipagem sete dias após. Os coelhos do grupo 1 foram submetidos à eutanásia no 7º dia de pós-operatório, e os do grupo 2 no 21º dia após a remoção do clipe. Observou-se na macroscopia o aspecto do clipe, a presença de lesão de descontinuidade, infecção e aderências ao redor do nervo. Para estudo microscópico utilizou-se a coloração H&E na avaliação das fases, grau do processo inflamatório e presença de necrose, e a de picrosirius red F3BA para quantificação de colágeno. Resultados: O nervo simpático cervical foi identificado íntegro, sem necrose ou infecção em todos os animais do experimento; havia aderências em ambos os grupos, sendo mínimas em oito de cada grupo e moderadas ou intensas em dois; em toda a amostra o clipe encontrava-se completamente fechado no 7º dia de pós-operatório; o processo inflamatório presente foi do tipo crônico, com predomínio monomorfonuclear, não se observando diferença significativa em relação ao grau do processo inflamatório entre os grupos; porém, a quantidade de colágeno tanto do tipo I quanto do tipo III foi significativamente maior no grupo 2. Conclusões: A lesão provocada pelo clipe de polímero em nervo simpático pode ser reversível possibilitando o retorno funcional nas áreas envolvidas na simpatectomia cervical simulada. A clipagem do nervo simpático cervical com uso de clipe de polímero não causa lesão de descontinuidade.

Effects of sympathectomy on myocardium remodeling and function

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of sympathectomy on the myocardium in an experimental model. METHODS: The study evaluated three groups of male Wistar rats: control (CT; n=15), left unilateral sympathectomy (UNI; n=15), and bilateral sympathectomy (BIL; n=31). Sympathectomy was performed by injection of absolute alcohol into the space of the spinous process of the C7 vertebra. After 6 weeks, we assessed the chronotropic properties at rest and stress, cardiovascular autonomic modulation, myocardial and peripheral catecholamines, and beta-adrenergic receptors in the myocardium. The treadmill test consisted of an escalated protocol with a velocity increment until the maximal velocity tolerated by the animal was reached. RESULTS: The bilateral group had higher levels of peripheral catecholamines, and consequently, a higher heart rate (HR) and blood pressure levels. This suggests that the activation of a compensatory pathway in this group may have deleterious effects. The BIL group had basal tachycardia immediately before the exercise test and increased tachycardia at peak exercise (p<0.01); the blood pressure had the same pattern (p=0.0365). The variables related to autonomic modulation were not significantly different between groups, with the exception of the high frequency (HF) variable, which showed significant differences in CT vs UNI. There was no significant difference in beta receptor expression between groups. There was a higher concentration of peripheral norepinephrine in the BIL group (p=0.0001), and no significant difference in myocardial norepinephrine (p=0.09). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an extra cardiac compensatory pathway increases the sympathetic tonus and maintains a higher HR and higher levels of peripheral catecholamines in the procedure groups. The increase in HF activity can be interpreted as an attempt to increase the parasympathetic tonus to balance the greater sympathetic activity.

Perspectives of bilateral thoracic sympathectomy for treatment of heart failure

Surgical neuromodulation therapies are still considered a last resort when standard therapies have failed for patients with progressive heart failure (HF). Although a number of experimental studies have provided robust evidence of its effectiveness, the lack of strong clinical evidence discourages practitioners. Thoracic unilateral sympathectomy has been extensively studied and has failed to show significant clinical improvement in HF patients. Most recently, bilateral sympathectomy effect was associated with a high degree of success in HF models, opening the perspective to be investigated in randomized controlled clinical trials. In addition, a series of clinical trials showed that bilateral sympathectomy was associated with a decreased risk of sudden death, which is an important outcome in patients with HF. These aspects indicates that bilateral sympathectomy could be an important alternative in the treatment of HF wherein pharmacological treatment barely reaches the target dose.

Renal sympathetic denervation for resistant hypertension: where do we stand after more than a decade / Denervação simpática renal para hipertensão resistente: situação depois de mais de uma década

Abstract Despite the current availability of safe and efficient drugs for treating hypertension, a substantial number of patients are drug-resistant hypertensives. Aiming this condition, a relatively new approach named catheter-based renal denervation was developed. We have now a clinically relevant time window to review the efficacy of renal denervation for treating this form of hypertension. This short review addresses the physiological contribution of renal sympathetic nerves for blood pressure control and discusses the pros and cons of renal denervation procedure for the treatment of resistant hypertension.

Resumo Em que pese a atual disponibilidade de medicamentos seguros e eficientes para o tratamento da hipertensão, um número significativo de pacientes sofre de hipertensão arterial resistente a tratamento medicamentoso. Em vista dessa condição, foi desenvolvida uma abordagem relativamente nova, denominada denervação renal por cateter. Dispomos atualmente de uma janela de tempo clinicamente relevante para analisar a eficácia da denervação renal no tratamento dessa modalidade de hipertensão. A presente revisão aborda a contribuição fisiológica dos nervos renais simpáticos no controle da pressão arterial e discute os prós e contras do procedimento de denervação renal no tratamento da hipertensão resistente.

Current treatment options for craniofacial hyperhidrosis / Opções atuais de tratamento para hiperidrose craniofacial

Abstract Hyperhidrosis (HH) is characterized by sweating exceeding the amount necessary to meet the thermal regulation and physiological needs of the body. Approximately 9.41% of individuals with HH have craniofacial hyperhidrosis (FH). The present study aims to review the most current data in the literature regarding craniofacial hyperhidrosis, including pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical presentation, treatment options (clinical and surgical), and outcomes. VATS (videothoracoscopy sympathectomy) is considered the gold standard for definitive treatment of axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis. Recently, several studies have shown the usefulness of clinical treatment with oxybutynin hydrochloride, leading to clinical improvement of HH in more than 70% of users. Both clinical and surgical treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis have good results. However, surgical treatment of FH is associated with more complications. Clinical treatment with oxybutynin hydrochloride yields good results and can be the first therapeutic option. When the patient is not satisfied with this treatment and has good clinical conditions, surgical treatment can be used safely.

Resumo A hiperidrose (HH) é caracterizada por transpiração além da quantidade necessária para manter a regulação térmica e as necessidades fisiológicas do corpo. Aproximadamente 9,41% dos indivíduos com HH apresentam hiperidrose craniofacial (FH). Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar os dados mais atuais da literatura sobre FH, incluindo fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e apresentação clínica, opções de tratamento (clínico e cirúrgico) e desfechos. A simpatectomia por videotoracoscopia (VATS) é considerada o padrão-ouro para o tratamento definitivo da hiperidrose axilar ou palmar. Recentemente, vários estudos demonstraram a utilidade do tratamento clínico com cloridrato de oxibutinina, que leva à melhora clínica da HH em mais de 70% dos pacientes. O tratamento clínico e o cirúrgico apresentam bons resultados no tratamento da FH. No entanto, o tratamento cirúrgico da FH apresenta mais complicações. O tratamento clínico com cloridrato de oxibutinina fornece bons resultados e pode ser a primeira opção terapêutica. Quando o paciente não está satisfeito com esse tratamento e mostra boas condições clínicas, o tratamento cirúrgico pode ser usado com segurança.

Minilaparoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with 3 mm instruments for plantar hyperhidrosis / Simpatectomia lombar endoscópica com microinstrumental de 3 mm para hiperidrose plantar

Abstract Severe palmoplantar hyperhidrosis affects about 1.5-2.8% of the general population. Plantar hyperhidrosis (PHH) is related to foot odor, cold feet, skin lesions and infections, and even instability when walking. Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS) is the treatment of choice for this condition. However, few surgeons have used this technique over the past 20 years because of its technical difficulty. Two and 3 mm instruments, rather than the standard 5 mm instruments, have been used to improve the results of several standard laparoscopic procedures. Use of these minilaparoscopic instruments to perform ELS so far has not yet been published. We describe a technique for ELS using minilaparocopic instruments, which we have used for our last 70 cases and has become our standard technique. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique and its advantages compared to the conventional technique.

Resumo A hiperidrose palmoplantar grave afeta cerca de 1,5-2,8% da população geral. A hiperidrose plantar está relacionada a odor dos pés, pés frios, lesões cutâneas, infecções, e até instabilidade da marcha. A simpatectomia lombar endoscópica (endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy, ELS) é o tratamento de escolha para essa condição; entretanto, tem sido utilizada por poucos cirurgiões nos últimos 20 anos, devido à sua dificuldade técnica. Instrumentos de 2 e 3 mm em vez de 5 mm vêm sendo utilizados para melhorar os resultados de vários procedimentos laparoscópicos padrão. O uso desses instrumentos para realizar ELS ainda não foi descrito. Descrevemos a técnica para ELS usando microinstrumentos, a qual vem sendo usada para os nossos últimos 70 casos, pois passou a ser nosso procedimento padrão. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar a experiência com essa modificação técnica, assinalando as vantagens em relação à técnica tradicional.

Simpatectomia bilateral R5-R8 no tratamento de hiperidrose compensatória: análise de complicações e satisfação dos pacientes / Bilateral R5-R8 sympathectomy for compensatory hyperhidrosis: complications and patient satisfaction

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos a simpatectomia torácica bilateral de R5 a R8 como forma de tratamento da hiperidrose compensatória (HC) grave e debilitante em pacientes que foram previamente submetidos a simpatectomia torácica bilateral para tratamento da hiperidrose localizada. Métodos: Doze pacientes com hiperidrose compensatória grave e debilitante foram submetidos a simpatectomia estendida no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil, entre setembro de 2016 e maio de 2019. Os seguintes desfechos foram estudados: nível de satisfação com a operação, escore de qualidade de vida e as possíveis complicações cirúrgicas. Resultados: Houve significativa melhora na qualidade de vida em 66% da amostra. Em todas as esferas de função, foi evidenciada relevância estatística no que se refere ao alívio dos sintomas relacionados à hiperidrose compensatória. Conclusões: A simpatectomia estendida de R5 a R8 mostrou-se efetiva na maioria dos casos operados, caracterizando este procedimento como promissor, podendo, após estudos futuros, ser incluído como uma opção terapêutica para a hiperidrose compensatória.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients who had undergone bilateral thoracic sympathectomy from R5 to R8 as a treatment for severe and debilitating compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH). Methods: Twelve patients with severe and debilitating compensatory hyperhidrosis underwent extended sympathectomy (R5-R8) from September 2016 to May 2019 at the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Outcomes such as the level of patient satisfaction with the operation, quality of life scores as well as postoperative complications were assessed. Results: There has been a substantial improvement in the quality of life score of 66% of the sample. In all four domains, a statistical significant difference was seen, regarding the relief of compensatory hyperhidrosis symptoms. Conclusions: Extended sympathectomy from R5 to R8 was shown to be quite effective in most cases, leading us to believe that this approach could be a therapeutic option for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation for conventional treatment refractory arrhythmias / Denervación simpática cardíaca en arritmias refractarias al tratamiento convencional

Abstract Objective: Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) using video-assisted thoracoscopy is a therapeutic alternative for cardiac arrhythmias refractory to conventional treatment in patients with ventricular structural heart disease, mainly due to ischemia, and in patients with hereditary conditions associated with sudden death such as long QT syndrome. In general, it is performed in cases with recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or electrical storm, in spite of conventional treatment. The objective of this study is to show the experience of this institution with DSCI in refractory patients to conventional management and the results derived from its application. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study. The records of patients with a history of ventricular arrhythmias treated in our center with pharmacological treatment, catheter ablation, or implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), who underwent video-assisted CSD were analyzed and described. Results: A total of six patients were included in the study. Patients with structural heart disease were the most frequent, median age was 56 � 16 years; 67% were male. The procedure evolved without complications in any of the patients and an overall significant improvement was observed. A 24-month follow-up was conducted; two patients had recurrence episodes presenting as slow ventricular tachycardia without severe symptoms and a third patient presented an episode of ventricular fibrillation aborted by the ICD. Conclusion: Video-assisted CSD should be considered as a treatment option for patients with potentially dangerous arrhythmias that do not respond to conventional treatment, especially in recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

Resumen Objetivo: La denervación simpática cardiaca izquierda (DSCI) por toracoscopia se ha convertido en una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de arritmias cardíacas refractarias al tratamiento convencional en pacientes con cardiopatía estructural, principalmente isquémicos, y enfermedades hereditarias asociadas con muerte súbita como el síndrome de QT largo. Generalmente se realiza en quienes manifiestan episodios recurrentes de arritmias ventriculares o incluso tormenta eléctrica a pesar del tratamiento convencional. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar la experiencia de esta institución con la DSCI en pacientes refractarios al manejo convencional y los resultados derivados de su aplicación. Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de 6 pacientes con antecedente de arritmias ventriculares tratados previamente con medicamentos y en algunos casos con ablación con catéter y la mayoría con desfibrilador automático implantable, que fueron llevados DSCI por toracoscopia video-asistida (VATS). Resultados: La principal enfermedad de base fue la cardiopatía estructural, la indicación más prevalente fue tormenta arrítmica incontrolable, la edad promedio fue de 56 +- 16 años, el 67% de los individuos fueron hombres. Este procedimiento no mostró complicaciones en ninguno de los pacientes y se encontró mejoría sintomática en todos los casos. Se realizó seguimiento por 24 meses; dos pacientes tuvieron recurrencias por taquicardia ventricular lenta sin síntomas severos y uno por fibrilación ventricular. Conclusion: La DSCI por VATS debe considerarse como opción terapéutica para pacientes con arritmias de difícil manejo.

Simpaticectomía torácica bilateral por videocirugía: diez años de experiencia / Bilateral video-assisted thorascopic sympathectomy: a 10 years' experience / Simpatectomia torácica bilateral videoassistida: 10 anos de experiência

Se define la hiperhidrosis como una excesiva sudoración en respuesta a estímulos térmicos o emocionales más allá de los requerimientos fisiológicos, con una incidencia de 2% a 4% en la población mundial. Si bien existen varios tipos de tratamientos, la opción quirúrgica brinda excelentes resultados con bajas tasas de recidiva. Pacientes y método: estudio retrospectivo de 190 simpaticectomías torácicas videoasistidas realizadas desde 2003 hasta 2013, totalizando 95 pacientes. Se realizó una encuesta mediante un cuestionario sobre calidad de vida y sobre la severidad de los síntomas. Resultados: se logró recabar el cuestionario en 58 pacientes (30% hombres y 70% mujeres) con una media de edad de 25 años. El 90% se dio de alta entre las 24 y 48 horas del posoperatorio. Del total de pacientes, 72% presentaba hiperhidrosis severa. Del procedimiento podemos decir que dos pacientes presentaron recurrencia y un paciente refirió disconformidad por hipersequedad de la piel. El 80% presentó algún tipo de hiperhidrosis compensadora, no siendo este un síntoma de preocupación mayor por parte de los pacientes. No hubo complicaciones de procedimiento. Respecto a la calidad de vida, era mala o regular en el 90% de los pacientes, mejorando en el posoperatorio, siendo buena o muy buena en el 95%. El 94% de los pacientes están conformes o muy conformes con el procedimiento y sus resultados. Como conclusión, podemos establecer que la simpaticectomía torácica bilateral para el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis es un método altamente seguro y efectivo. (AU)

Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating as a response of thermal or emotional stimuli beyond physiological requirements, and it incidence is 2 to 4% of the global population. In spite of there being several kinds of treatment, surgery provides excellent results with low relapse rates. Method: retrospective study of 190 video-assisted thoracic sympathectomies performed from 2003 until 2013, accounting for 95 patients. A survey was conducted through a quality-of-life questionnaire and questions on the severity of symptoms. Results: 58 patients completed the survey (30% men and 70% women) with an average age of 25 years old. 90% were discharged from hospital between 24 and 48 hours after surgery. 72% of patients presented severe hyperhidrosis. Based on the procedure, we may state 2 patients presented recurrence and only one patient declared to be uncomfortable with the hyper-dryness of skin. 80% of patients presented some kind of compensating hyperdidrosis, being the no reason for concern among patients. There were no complications arising from the procedure. As to the quality of life it used to be bad or fair in 90% of patients, and improved in the postoperative period, being it good or very good in 95% of them. 94% of patients are satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure and its results. As a conclusion, we may sat that bilateral thoracic sympathectomy is a highly safe and effective method to treat hyperhidrosis.

A hiperidrose está definida como uma sudoração excessiva como resposta a estímulos térmicos ou emocionais superior aos requerimentos fisiológicos; tem uma incidência de 2 a 4% na população mundial. Embora vários tipos de tratamentos estejam disponíveis, a cirurgia tem resultados excelentes com baixas taxas de recidiva. Pacientes e métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 190 simpatectomias torácicas videoassistidas realizadas no período 2003-2013 em um total de 95 pacientes. Realizou-se um questionário sobre qualidade de vida e gravidade dos sintomas. Resultados: 58 pacientes com idade média de 25 anos responderam o questionário (30% homens e 70% mulheres). 90% teve alta entre 24 e 48hs pós cirurgia. 72% dos pacientes apresentava hiperidrose severa. Com relação ao procedimento 2 pacientes apresentaram recorrência e 1 paciente declarou não estar satisfeita devido ao ressecamento excessivo da pele. 80% apresentou algum tipo de hiperidrose compensadora, não sendo este um sintoma de maior preocupação dos pacientes. Não foram registradas complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. Em 90% dos pacientes a qualidade de vida era ruim ou regular melhorando no pós-operatório, a boa ou muito boa em 95% dos casos. 94% dos pacientes relatou estar satisfeito ou muito satisfeito com o procedimento e seus resultados. Como conclusão podemos dizer que a simpatectomia torácica bilateral para o tratamento da hiperidrose é um método muito seguro e efetivo.

Neuroimmune interactions and kidney disease

The autonomic nervous system plays critical roles in maintaining homeostasis in humans, directly regulating inflammation by altering the activity of the immune system. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a well-studied neuroimmune interaction involving the vagus nerve. CD4-positive T cells expressing β2 adrenergic receptors and macrophages expressing the alpha 7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the spleen receive neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine and are key mediators of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and restraint stress elicit protective effects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. These protective effects are induced primarily via activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In addition to these immunological roles, nervous systems are directly related to homeostasis of renal physiology. Whole-kidney three-dimensional visualization using the tissue clearing technique CUBIC (clear, unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktails and computational analysis) has illustrated that renal sympathetic nerves are primarily distributed around arteries in the kidneys and denervated after ischemia-reperfusion injury. In contrast, artificial renal sympathetic denervation has a protective effect against kidney disease progression in murine models. Further studies are needed to elucidate how neural networks are involved in progression of kidney disease.

A Case of Iatrogenic Harlequin Syndrome after Thoracic Sympathectomy / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.