Prediction of Severe Maternal Outcome Among Pregnant and Puerperal Women in Obstetric ICU.

OBJECTIVE: World Health Organization recommends the use of maternal near miss as a tool to monitor and improve quality of obstetric care. Severe maternal outcome corresponds to the sum of maternal near miss and maternal death cases. This study was aimed at validating Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and IV, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in pregnant and postpartum women in predicting severe maternal outcome. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Obstetric ICU in a tertiary care hospital in Brazil. PATIENTS: Pregnant and postpartum women admitted to the obstetric ICU during a 3-year period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 279 women were admitted to ICU, an admission rate of 34.6/1,000 live births, and the mortality index to severe maternal outcome (maternal death/maternal near miss + maternal death) was 7.7%. Total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment had a better overall performance than remaining scores for total hospitalizations (area under the curve, 0.86; standardized mortality ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.74-1.22), for hypertensive direct causes (area under the curve, 0.81; standardized mortality ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.31-1.43), and indirect causes (area under the curve, 0.89; standardized mortality ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.59-1.19). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II had a better overall performance than total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for hemorrhagic causes (area under the curve, 0.75; standardized mortality ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.61-1.54). CONCLUSIONS: Total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment may be used to predict severe maternal outcome in obstetric populations admitted to ICU. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II may be applied to predict severe maternal outcome in hemorrhagic complications. We do not recommend Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV and Simplified Acute Physiology Score III for the prediction of severe maternal outcome.

Sequential organ failure assessment score for evaluating organ failure and outcome of severe maternal morbidity in obstetric intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). DESIGN: Retrospective study of diagnostic validation. Setting. An obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) in Brazil. Population. 673 women with SMM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mortality and SOFA score. Methods. Organ failure was evaluated according to maximum score for each one of its six components. The total maximum SOFA score was calculated using the poorest result of each component, reflecting the maximum degree of alteration in systemic organ function. RESULTS: highest total maximum SOFA score was associated with mortality, 12.06 ± 5.47 for women who died and 1.87 ± 2.56 for survivors. There was also a significant correlation between the number of failing organs and maternal mortality, ranging from 0.2% (no failure) to 85.7% (≥3 organs). Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) confirmed the excellent performance of total maximum SOFA score for cases of SMM (AUC = 0.958). CONCLUSIONS: Total maximum SOFA score proved to be an effective tool for evaluating severity and estimating prognosis in cases of SMM. Maximum SOFA score may be used to conceptually define and stratify the degree of severity in cases of SMM.

Comparison of the CIPHER prognostic model with the existing scores in predicting severe maternal outcomes during intensive care unit admission.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-Dependency Estimate of Risk (CIPHER) model in predicting maternal death and near-miss morbidity (Severe Maternal Outcome [SMO]) with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) III scores. METHODS: A retrospective and a prospective study was conducted at two centers in Brazil. For each score, area under curve (AUC) was used and score calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic (H-L) test and the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). RESULTS: A cohort of 590 women was analyzed. A SMO was observed in 216 (36.6%) women. Of these, 13 (2.2%) were maternal deaths and 203 (34.4%) met one or more maternal near-miss criteria. The CIPHER model did not show significant diagnostic ability (AUC 0.52) and consequently its calibration was poor (H-L P < 0.05). The SAPS III had the best performance (AUC 0.77, H-L P > 0.05 and SMR 0.85). CONCLUSION: The performance of the CIPHER model was lower compared to the other scores. Since the CIPHER model is not ready for clinical use, the SAPS III score should be considered for the prediction of SMO.

Prognostic Value of an Estimate-of-Risk Model in Critically Ill Obstetric Patients in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the CIPHER (Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-Dependency Estimate of Risk) prognostic model for pregnant and postpartum women admitted to the intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective and a prospective validation study were conducted at two reference centers in Brazil. A composite outcome was defined as maternal death or need for prolonged organ support (more than 7 days) or acute lifesaving intervention. To evaluate the performance of the CIPHER model, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used and score calibration was assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. We conducted a descriptive analysis comparing the results of the current study with the results of the model development study. RESULTS: A total of 590 women were included. The composite outcome was observed in 90 (15.2%) women. Of these, 13 (2.2%) were maternal deaths and 77 (13%) required one or more component of organ support or lifesaving intervention. The CIPHER model's area under the curve (AOC) did not show significant predictive ability (AOC 0.53, 95% CI 0.46-0.60), and consequently its calibration was poor (Hosmer-Lemeshow test P<.05). CONCLUSION: The CIPHER model for prediction of mortality and need for interventions in critically ill obstetric patients did not perform well in our Brazilian population. Different predictors of morbidity and mortality may need to be used for patients receiving care in public hospitals in low- and middle-income countries.

Pre-validation of the WHO organ dysfunction based criteria for identification of maternal near miss.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the performance of the WHO criteria for defining maternal near miss and identifying deaths among cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) admitted for intensive care. METHOD: Between October 2002 and September 2007, 673 women with SMM were admitted, and among them 18 died. Variables used for the definition of maternal near miss according to WHO criteria and for the SOFA score were retrospectively evaluated. The identification of at least one of the WHO criteria in women who did not die defined the case as a near miss. Organ failure was evaluated through the maximum SOFA score above 2 for each one of the six components of the score, being considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of maternal near miss. The aggregated score (Total Maximum SOFA score) was calculated using the worst result of the maximum SOFA score. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of these WHO criteria for predicting maternal death and also for identifying cases of organ failure were estimated. RESULTS: The WHO criteria identified 194 cases of maternal near miss and all the 18 deaths. The most prevalent criteria among cases of maternal deaths were the use of vasoactive drug and the use of mechanical ventilation (≥1 h). For the prediction of maternal deaths, sensitivity was 100% and specificity 70.4%. These criteria identified 119 of the 120 cases of organ failure by the maximum SOFA score (Sensitivity 99.2%) among 194 case of maternal near miss (61.34%). There was disagreement in 76 cases, one organ failure without any WHO criteria and 75 cases with no failure but with WHO criteria. The Total Maximum SOFA score had a good performance (area under the curve of 0.897) for prediction of cases of maternal near miss according to the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The WHO criteria for maternal near miss showed to be able to identify all cases of death and almost all cases of organ failure. Therefore they allow evaluation of the severity of the complication and consequently enable clinicians to build a plan of care or to provide an early transfer for appropriate reference centers.

Noninvasive ventilation in a pregnant patient with respiratory failure from all-trans-retinoic-acid (ATRA) syndrome.

We saw a 34-year-old pregnant woman with acute promyelocytic leukemia, who developed acute respiratory failure from all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) syndrome. We applied noninvasive ventilation (NIV, continuous positive airway pressure plus pressure-support ventilation) to try to improve gas exchange, reduce the work of breathing, and prevent intubation. Initially we applied NIV continuously (24 hours a day), then gradually reduced the daily amount of time on NIV as her condition improved. She was discharged from the intensive care unit after 12 days. Three months after hospital discharge she gave vaginal birth to a healthy female baby. NIV was effective and safe for the mother and fetus, and NIV should be considered for respiratory failure in pregnant patients, especially if immunosuppressed.

Exploring Epidemiological Aspects, Distribution of WHO Maternal Near Miss Criteria, and Organ Dysfunction Defined by SOFA in Cases of Severe Maternal Outcome Admitted to Obstetric ICU: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the epidemiological aspects, to describe the frequency and distribution of WHO maternal near miss (MNM) criteria and the presence of organ dysfunction and failure measured by the maximum SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score (SOFA max) in cases of severe maternal outcome (SMO). METHODS: In an observational cross-sectional study performed between January 2013 and December 2015, 279 pregnant or postpartum women were admitted to an obstetric ICU (intensive care unit) in Brazil. MNM, maternal death (grouped as SMO), and potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTC) were defined according to WHO criteria. For categorical variables, a descriptive analysis was carried out. Frequency and distribution of WHO criteria, organ dysfunction, or failure defined by SOFA max were performed. RESULTS: WHO criteria identified 65 SMO and 214 PLTC. Management criteria were present in 58/65 (89.2%) while 61/65 (93.8%) of SMO cases had dysfunction or failure by SOFA. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic evaluation of the organic function by SOFA max score identified the presence of organic dysfunction or failure in almost all SMO cases. Management criteria were present in all MD cases. Our results indicate the need for new studies evaluating the parameterization of the WHO laboratory criteria for values compatible with the definition of organic dysfunction by the SOFA to identify MNM.

O papel da saliva na pandemia por COVID-19: alternativa diagnóstica para um problema de saúde pública global / The role of saliva in the COVID-19 pandemic: diagnostic alternative for a global public health problem

O objetivo desse estudo foi relatar as evidências disponíveis sobre o papel da saliva no diagnóstico da Covid-19. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura de cunho qualitativo com buscas realizadas a partir das bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Google Acadêmico e Scielo, nos idiomas português e inglês utilizando os termos "Covid-19", "Diagnóstico" e "Saliva". Foi observado a utilização da saliva com a finalidade de se monitorar o estado de saúde e da doença de uma pessoa cujo objetivo tem se tornado extremamente desejável quanto à promoção da saúde e à pesquisa de cuidados em saúde. Nesse sentido, amostras de saliva podem ser usadas no diagnóstico da Covid-19. Um obstáculo crítico para o diagnóstico salivar pode ser a validação de amplo espectro em pacientes com Covid-19 durante o período de incubação, a fase de resposta viral e a fase inflamatória do hospedeiro de indivíduos assintomáticos e sintomáticos. Conclui-se que a saliva pode ter aplicações potenciais no contexto da Covid-19, mas, são necessários mais estudos para investigar o potencial diagnóstico da Covid-19 na saliva e seu impacto na transmissão desse vírus.

The aim of this study was to review the available evidence on the role of saliva in the diagnosis of Covid-19. This is a narrative review of the literature of a qualitative nature whose search was carried out from the digital databases PubMed, Academic Google and Scielo, in Portuguese and English, using the terms "Covid-19", "Diagnosis" and "Saliva". It was observed that the use of saliva in order to monitor a person's state of health and illness it became an objective extremely desirable in terms of health promotion and health care research. In this sense, saliva samples can be used in the diagnosis of Covid-19. A critical obstacle for salivary diagnosis may be broad-spectrum validation in patients with Covid-19 during the incubation period, the viral response phase, and the host inflammatory phase in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. It is concluded that saliva may have potential applications in the context of Covid-19, but further studies are needed to investigate the diagnostic potential of Covid-19 in saliva and its impact on the transmission of this virus.

Tratamento cirúrgico em fratura de mandíbula atrófica: uma revisão de literatura / Surgical treatment of atrophic jaw fracture: a literature review

Analisar o manejo de fraturas em mandíbula atrófica voltado para a abordagem cirúrgica com ênfase na melhor técnica indicada. A perda óssea alveolar tem sido uma das consequências do edentulismo, que tem o potencial de levar a atrofia óssea. As fraturas de mandíbulas atróficas, normalmente são consideradas um procedimento desafiador, devido ser encontrada em pacientes idosos ou em virtude da perda dentária precoce resultando em um reparo dessas fraturas mais complexo. Os principais fatores etiológicos têm sido os acidentes automobilísticos, seguidos de queda e agressão. Geralmente, as causas das quedas decorrem de desequilíbrio, fraqueza muscular, tontura, e uso crônico de medicamentos como sedativos. As opções terapêuticas objetivam restaurar forma, função e imobilização apropriada desse possível evento. A individualização do tratamento de escolha é de grande importância, pois geralmente o paciente apresenta alterações fisiológicas decorrentes do envelhecimento e ossos mais fragilizados com potencial osteogênico reduzido, que dificultam a abordagem cirúrgica. Entretanto, deve ser considerado para o manejo dessas fraturas, a idade do paciente, as condições e quantidade de tecido ósseo e tecido mole. Porém, vale ressaltar que o envelhecimento não apresenta contraindicação, apenas exige condições especiais que devem ser consideradas. Nesse sentido, quando há oportunidade de dispositivos tecnológicos, como os biomodelos que contribuem significativamente para procedimentos cirúrgicos bucomaxilofaciais, esses fornecem maior previsibilidade de resultados, bem como redução do tempo cirúrgico.

To analyze the management of fractures in atrophic mandible aimed at the surgical approach, emphasizing which technique is best indicated. Alveolar bone loss has been one of the consequences of edentulism, which has the potential to lead to bone atrophy. Atrophic jaw fractures are usually considered a challenging procedure, as they are found in elderly patients or due to early tooth loss, resulting in a more complex repair of these fractures. The main etiological factors have been described as car accidents, followed by falls and aggression. Commonly, the causes of falls stem from imbalance, muscle weakness, dizziness, and chronic use of medications such as sedatives. The therapeutic options aim to restore form, function and appropriate immobilization of this possible event. The individualization of the treatment of choice is of great importance, as the patient usually presents physiological changes resulting from aging and more brittle bones and a reduced osteogenic potential, which makes the surgical approach difficult. However, the patient's age, conditions and amount of bone and soft tissue must be taken into consideration for the management of these fractures. However, it is noteworthy that aging has no contraindication, it only requires special conditions that must be considered. In this sense, when there is an opportunity for technological devices, such as biomodels that significantly contribute to maxillofacial surgical procedures, it provides greater predictability of results, as well as reduced surgical time.

The prolongation of somatic support in a pregnant woman with brain-death: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Medical literature has increasingly reported cases of maternal brain death during pregnancy. This is a rare situation which demands the decision and, depending on the gestational age, the implementation of a set of measures to prolong the homeostasis of the human body after brain death for the purpose of maintaining the foetus alive until its viability. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40 year old woman suffered an intracranial haemorrhage during the 25th week of pregnancy. Despite neurosurgical drainage of a gross intraparenchymatous haematoma, the patient developed brain death. Upon confirmation of this diagnosis, she received full ventilatory and nutritional support, vasoactive drugs, maintenance of normothermia, hormone replacement and other supportive measures required to prolong gestation and improve the survival prognosis of her foetus. All decisions regarding the patient's treatment were taken in consensus with her family. She also received corticosteroids to accelerate foetal lung maturity. During the twenty-five days of somatic support, the woman's condition remained stable; however, during the last seven days the foetus developed oligohydramnios and brain-sparring, which led the medical team to take the decision to perform a Caesarean section at that moment. After delivery, the patient's organs were removed for donation. The male infant was born weighing 815 g, with an Apgar score of 9 and 10 at the first and fifth minutes, respectively. The infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, but did not require mechanical ventilation and had no major complications. He was discharged at 40 days of life, with no sequelae and weighing 1850 g. CONCLUSION: These results are in accordance with findings from previous studies and case reports suggesting the appropriateness and safety of extended somatic support during pregnancy under certain circumstances. They also suggest the need for prompt diagnosis of brain death before the occurrence of physiological degeneration, rapid evaluation of foetal status and the decision of the family together with the medical team to prolong maternal somatic support. The occurrence of maternal brain death is a tragedy, but it may also represent a challenging opportunity to save the life of the foetus and, in addition, permit donation of the maternal organs.

Autonomia e exercício de direitos na experiência da gestão autônoma da medicação / Autonomy and rights exercise in autonomous management of medication experience / Autonomía y ejercicio de derechos en la experiencia de la gestión autónoma de la medicación

Resumo O artigo investigou os efeitos de uso da versão brasileira do Guia da Gestão Autônoma da Medicação (GAM-BR) em grupos de intervenção em serviços públicos saúde mental. Objetiva-se analisar narrativas de usuários, psiquiatras e demais profissionais a partir da relação de cada um deles com a prescrição medicamentosa, mote do trabalho com o Guia. Participaram da pesquisa três CAPS do sul do país, integrantes da pesquisa multicêntrica GAM-BR. O áudio das falas produzidas nos grupos focais e nas entrevistas foi gravado, transcrito e transformado em narrativas por meio da extração dos núcleos argumentais. Os resultados apontam para a ampliação da concepção de autonomia e maior reconhecimento dos direitos dos usuários. Sugere, porém, dificuldades no exercício desses direitos, especialmente com relação ao tratamento medicamentoso, visto como condição para manutenção do vínculo com os serviços. Ressalta a importância de maior reflexão, tendo em vista a manutenção da lógica da escolha, privatizante e individualista, em detrimento da lógica do cuidado que valoriza o trabalho em rede e a corresponsabilização.

Abstract This article analyzed the effects of using the Brazilian version of the Autonomous Medication Management Guide (GAM-BR) in intervention groups in mental health services. Users, psychiatrists and other professionals' narratives were verified to check the relationship of each one with the prescription, the main principle of the guide. Three CAPS (mental health care services) from the south of the country have participated in this research, all members of the multicentric research GAM-BR. The material was audio-recorded, transcribed and transformed in narratives. The results show increase of the conception of autonomy and wider acknowledgment of users' rights. A broadening concept of users' autonomy and a greater recognition of their rights was observed. However, issues were found in the exercise of rights, especially regarding drug treatment, which was seen as a condition for their bond maintenance with services. Further reflection on this subject is emphasized, owing to maintaining the logic of choice, which focuses on privatization and individualism, instead of the care that enhances network and co-responsibility.

Resumen El artículo investiga los efectos de uso de la Guía de Gestión Autónoma de la Medicación (GAM-BR), versión brasileña, en grupos de intervención en servicios de salud mental. El objetivo fue analizar narrativas de usuarios, psiquiatras y otros profesionales a partir de su relación con la prescripción de medicamentos, principio del trabajo con la Guía. Participaron en la investigación tres CAPS (Centros de atención psicosocial) del Sur del país, todos miembros de la investigación multicéntrica acerca de la GAM. Todo el material de audio fue grabado, transcrito y transformado en narrativas por medio de la extracción de los núcleos de significación. Se señala la expansión de la noción de autonomía de los usuarios y un mayor reconocimiento de sus derechos. Se presentaron dificultades para avanzar en el ejercicio de esos derechos, especialmente en cuanto al tratamiento farmacológico, que todavía se ve como una condición a la manutención del vínculo con los servicios. Es necesaria una mayor reflexión acerca del tema, considerando la manutención de la lógica de la elección, privatizante e individualista, en lugar de una lógica del cuidado que valorice el trabajo en la red y la corresponsabilización.

Factors associated with maternal death in women admitted to an intensive care unit with severe maternal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with maternal death among women with severe maternal morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective study of 673 women admitted to an obstetric intensive care unit was undertaken. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for selected characteristics. The maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity ratios were determined for groups of complications according to outcome (death or survival). RESULTS: The risk of maternal death was higher among adolescents (OR 3.3; 95% CI, 1-9.7) and patients referred from other hospitals (OR 9.8; 95% CI, 2.7-53.3). The severe maternal morbidity ratio was 46.6 per 1000 deliveries and the mortality:morbidity ratio 1:37.4. Obstetric complications led to 65.8% of admissions and 50% of maternal deaths. The number of interventions/procedures and total maximum sequential organ failure assessment score were higher in cases of death. CONCLUSION: The strong association between interhospital transfer and maternal death suggests delays in diagnosis, management, and referral. Adopting organ dysfunction-based criteria may contribute toward identifying the most severe cases.

Cryptococcal meningitis in HIV negative pregnant women: case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis has become an important entity due to the epidemic of AIDS and therefore it is a significant opportunistic infection. However, there are case reports of cryptococcal meningitis in immune competent pregnant women. Since pregnancy is considered a period of relative immunosuppression, which likely prevents fetal rejection, this could explain the occurrence of opportunistic infections. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cryptococcosis, and review all cases involving pregnancy and neurocryptococcal infection in immune competent pregnant patients. METHODS: Case report and systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE and SciELO databases. DISCUSSION: A total of 27 patients were analyzed from 19 studies. The mean age at diagnosis was 26.4 years. There were six patients in their first trimester of pregnancy, 10 in the second, eight in the third and three post-partum. The most prevalent symptoms were headache (85.2%), altered vision (44.4%), altered mental status (44.4%), nausea (40.7%) and fever (33.3%). There were nine deaths (33.3%). Most of the patients received intravenous amphotericin B as treatment (77.8%). The majority (66.6%) of the patients accomplished a term delivery with healthy infants. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcal meningitis should be considered during pregnancy in cases of unexplained headache, altered vision, altered mental status, nausea and fever. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis should be admitted and treated with amphotericin B.

Alveolar dead space and capnographic variables before and after thrombolysis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition. The central aim of this study was to describe the use of volumetric capnography (VCap) before and after fibrinolytic treatment of major PE. Lung scintigraphy was used as a base of comparison for the results of this treatment. We describe the cases of two conscious and spontaneously breathing patients (20- and by 24-year-old women) with major PE undergoing thrombolysis. Curves of CO(2) were obtained VCap and associated with arterial blood gas analysis and D-dimer. The pattern of VCap was compared with the VCap of health volunteers. Parameters also calculated were: P(a-et)CO(2) gradient, alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf ), late dead space fraction (fDlate), and slope phase III (Slp III). The VCap results before and after thrombolysis for patients 1 and 2 were, respectively, P(a-et)CO(2): 12.6 to 5.8 and 7.9 to 1.6 (mmHg); AVDSf: 0.46 to 0.18 and 0.25 to 0.05; fDlate: 0.46 to 0.21 and 0.24 to 0.04; Slp III: 1.75 to 5.10 and 1.21 to 5.61 (mmHg/L). Lung scintigraphy was used to compare VCap results from the two subjects with VCap results from healthy volunteers and pigs before and after treatment associated with arterial blood gas, D-dimer, and showed satisfactory agreement.

The use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the palliative care of a patient with metastatic thoracic sarcoma: case report. / O uso da ventilação mecânica não-invasiva nos cuidados paliativos de paciente com sarcoma torácico metastático: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Palliative care is based on prevention and relief of suffering, identifying, assessing and treating pain and other physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems. Sudden dyspnea is frequently observed in terminal oncologic patients. In these cases, noninvasive ventilation can be an adequate option to control dyspnea promoting comfort and allowing patient interaction with their relatives. The aim of this article was to present the benefits of noninvasive ventilation in the palliative care setting. CASE REPORT: The case of a 29 year old patient, admitted in intensive care unit (ICU), after cesarean section delivery, for clinical treatment of acute respiratory failure is reported. Chest X-ray showed pulmonary mass in the right lung. After clinical and image investigation, metastatic thoracic sarcoma was diagnosed and palliative cares were introduced. The ICU interdisciplinary team chose to use noninvasive ventilation (modality CPAP + PSV) to relieve dyspnea and discomfort, as well as to allow interaction with her baby and family. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care with noninvasive ventilation contributed to increase comfort of the patient by controlling dyspnea.

Percepção dos usuários de crack e seus familiares quanto ao acesso e serviços oferecidos em hospitais gerais / Perception of crack users' and their family members regarding the access and services offered at general hospitals

RESUMO Artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa com usuários de crack e seus familiares quanto a percepção sobre acesso e avaliação da qualidade dos serviços oferecidos em internação em hospital geral. Pesquisa realizada em onze hospitais conveniados com o SUS de municípios da região Macro Metropolitana do Rio Grande do Sul. Estudo de abordagem quantitativa, com a coleta dos dados através de entrevistas estruturadas com usuários e familiares. Os dados analisados através de estatística descritiva. Os resultados mostram satisfação de usuários e familiares sobre o acesso e serviços prestados na internação. Avaliação esta importante para subsidiar e direcionar as políticas públicas em desenvolvimento nos hospitais gerais, com o intuito de permanente qualificação da atenção aos usuários de crack.

ABSTRACT This article presents the results of a survey carried out with crack users and their families regarding their perception in relation to access and assessment of the quality of services offered in hospitalizations at General Hospitals. The survey was carried out in eleven hospitals under SUS (National Health Service) in the municipalities belonging to the macro metropolitan region of Rio Grande do Sul. A quantitative approach to data collection was used in this study as well as interviews with patients and their families. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results showed user and family satisfaction in relation to access and services provided in hospitals. Such evaluation is important to support and direct public policies being developed in general hospitals, with the aim of a continuing qualification of attention given to crack users.

Alternativas para o controle de soja RR® voluntária na cultura do algodoeiro / Alternatives for the control of voluntary soybean RR® in cotton crop

Com o advento do cultivo de algodão em segunda safra, o controle de plantas voluntárias de soja RR® tornou-se uma operação indispensável na cotonicultura. Assim, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência de diferentes alternativas de controle químico de plantas voluntárias de soja RR®, mediante a avaliação de herbicidas empregados no algodão. Foram instalados dois experimentos em casa de vegetação, sendo um com plantas de soja em estádio V1 e o outro em V2. Foram avaliados 21 tratamentos, sendo que estes compostos pela aplicação isolada e em mistura dos herbicidas pyrithiobac-sodium, amonio-glufosinate, glyphosate e trifloxysulfuron-sodium em diferentes doses. As variáveis analisadas foram: controle aos 7 e 28 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas (DAA); matéria seca e altura das plantas aos 28 DAA. Os resultados demonstraram que nenhuma das misturas entre os herbicidas apresentaram antagonismo no controle de soja RR®. Diferentes níveis de supressão podem ser obtidos pela aplicação dos herbicidas avaliados, porém, apenas o amonio-glufosinate isolado ou associado ao pyrithiobac-sodium controlou todas as plantas voluntárias, independentemente do estádio de aplicação. Em geral, a soja apresentou maior tolerância aos herbicidas testados quando em estádio de crescimento mais avançado.

With the advent of cotton cultivation in the second harvest, the control of volunteer soybean GR® has become an indispensable operation on cotton. So, this study had to evaluate the efficiency of different alternatives to chemical control of volunteer plants RR® soybean, through an assessment of herbicides used in cotton. Two experiments were established in greenhouse, one with soybean plants in stage V1 and the other in V2. There were evaluated 21 treatments, compounds by alone and in mixture of herbicides pyrithiobac-sodium, amonio-glufosinate, glyphosate and trifloxysulfuron-sodium at different rates. The variables analyzed were: control at 7 and 28 days after herbicide application (DAA), dry weight and plant height at 28 DAA. The results showed that none of the mixtures showed antagonism between the herbicides in control of GR® soybeans. Different levels of suppression can be obtained by application of the herbicides evaluated, but, only the amonio-glufosinate, isolated and associated with pyrithiobac-sodium controlled all volunteer plants, regardless of the application stage. In general, soybean was more tolerant to herbicides while in more advanced growth stage.

Interference of enalaprilat on glomerular permeability to macromolecules (IgG) in acute unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral ureteral obstruction breaks out events that cause the transitory increase of glomerular permeability to macromolecules, both in the obstructed kidney and in the contralateral kidney, suggesting the presence of some factor, with a systemic action, liberated as a response to the obstruction. We know that the rennin-angiotensin system is activated by acute ureteral obstruction. We have developed an experiment to assess the role of angiotensin II on the glomerular permeability to IgG due to acute ureteral obstruction, using enalaprilat, an angiotensin enzyme conversion inhibitor, to block the effects of the activation of the rennin-angiotensin system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have used 45 adult Wistar female rats, distributed into 3 main groups: a control group with 5 animals and 2 experiment groups each one with 10 animals submitted to unilateral ureteral obstruction and nephrectomy at 60 and 120 minutes. Each experiment group had its simulation correspondent (sham). We have studied both kidneys through the direct immunofluorescence method. RESULTS: We have found positive permeation in animals without enalaprilat in both kidneys and negative permeation in those in which the drug was used. CONCLUSION: We have concluded that enalaprilat interferes in this alteration of permeability, suggesting that angiotensin II is involved in the loss of selectivity of the glomerular membrane.

Alveolar adenoma.

Alveolar adenoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the lungs, and very few cases have been described in the literature. Patients with alveolar adenoma are frequently asymptomatic and are diagnosed through the accidental discovery of a singular, well-delineated nodule on a routine chest X-ray. The definitive diagnosis is made histologically, and the treatment consists of surgical resection of the nodule.

Methylene blue: an effective treatment for contrast medium-induced anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to propose methylene blue as a lifesaving alternative drug for the treatment of contrast-induced anaphylaxis. CASE REPORT: In a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory invasive hemodynamic monitoring was used to document the lifesaving effect of IV bolus injections of 1.5-2 mg/Kg methylene blue solution to treat three patients for anaphylactic shock following radiocontrast injection during coronary angiography. Methylene blue administration was followed by prompt circulatory improvement, leading to hemodynamic stabilization and relief of other anaphylactic symptoms in each case. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that methylene blue can be lifesaving in anaphylactic shock, notwithstanding some transitory side effects, such as cardiac rhythm disturbances and chest pain, both of which possibly originate from sudden myocardial perfusion deficits.