Clinical Significance of Serum Adiponectin and Resistin Levels in Liver Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adiponectin and resistin levels are increased in patients with cirrhosis, but it prognostic significance is unknown. We sought to investigate the factors associated with adiponectin and resistin levels and its clinical significance in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that included 122 subjects with cirrhosis who attended an outpatient clinic and were initially evaluated in 2012. Serum adiponectin and resistin levels were measured in samples collected in 2012 (adiponectin and resistin) and 2014 (adiponectin). Thirty healthy subjects served as a control group. RESULTS: Higher adiponectin (21.59 µ g/mL vs. 12.52 µg/mL, P < 0.001) and resistin levels (3.83 ng/mL vs. 2.66 ng/mL, P < 0.001) were observed among patients with cirrhosis compared to controls. Patients classified as Child-Pugh B/C had higher adiponectin levels in relation to Child-Pugh A patients. At second measurement, adiponectin levels increased significantly in non-transplant patients and decreased in liver transplant recipients. Univariate Cox analysis showed that among patients with alcoholic liver disease, adiponectin levels were associated with lower transplant-free survival (HR = 1.034, 95% CI 1.006 - 1.062, P = 0.016). The transplant-free survival was significantly lower among patients with alcoholic liver disease and adiponectin ≥ 17 µg/mL (26.55 months, 95% CI 21.40-31.70) as compared to those with levels < 17 µg/mL (33.76 months, 95% CI 30.70-36.82) (P = 0.045). No relationship was found between the levels of resistin and survival. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin but not resistin levels were associated with intensity of liver dysfunction and worse prognosis in patients with alcoholic liver disease, suggesting a potential as a prognostic biomarker.

Risk factors for cesarean section by category of health service.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of cesarean section and differences in risk factors by category of health service, either public or private. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out including all pregnant women in labor admitted to hospitals in the city of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, between January 1 and December 31, 2007. A pre-coded and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect on social, demographic, obstetric and newborn care information. Two regression models were constructed: one for public users and the other one for private ones. Poisson regression was used in each model in the multivariate analysis. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each adjusted factor. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean section was 43% and 86% among public and private users. Sociodemographic factors and twin births have a more significant impact among public users as well as number of pregnancies (25% vs. 13% reduction in public and private users, respectively) and previous cesarean section (86% vs. 24% increase in public and private users, respectively). Prenatal care visits and hospital admissions affected the outcome only in women users of public services. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section rates were high in both groups studied, but it was twice as high among women cared in the private sector. Associated factors differ in magnitude by category of service used.

Risk factors for cesarean section by category of health service / Fatores de risco para cesárea segundo tipo de serviço

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of cesarean section and differences in risk factors by category of health service, either public or private. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out including all pregnant women in labor admitted to hospitals in the city of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, between January 1 and December 31, 2007. A pre-coded and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect on social, demographic, obstetric and newborn care information. Two regression models were constructed: one for public users and the other one for private ones. Poisson regression was used in each model in the multivariate analysis. Prevalence rates and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated for each adjusted factor. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean section was 43 percent and 86 percent among public and private users. Sociodemographic factors and twin births have a more significant impact among public users as well as number of pregnancies (25 percent vs. 13 percent reduction in public and private users, respectively) and previous cesarean section (86 percent vs. 24 percent increase in public and private users, respectively). Prenatal care visits and hospital admissions affected the outcome only in women users of public services. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section rates were high in both groups studied, but it was twice as high among women cared in the private sector. Associated factors differ in magnitude by category of service used.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a taxa de cesárea e fatores associados à sua ocorrência segundo serviço de saúde utilizado, público ou privado. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2007 com todas as gestantes que deram à luz nos hospitais da cidade de Rio Grande, RS. As gestantes foram entrevistadas, utilizando-se um questionário testado e pré-codificado com questões sociodemográficas, obstétricas e relacionadas ao recém-nascido. Foram desenvolvidos dois modelos de predição, um para as gestantes internadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (público) e outro para as gestantes internadas em serviços privados. Em cada modelo foi realizada uma análise multivariada utilizando a regressão de Poisson, calculando-se as razões de prevalência e seus respectivos intervalos com 95 por cento de confiança. RESULTADOS: A taxa de cesárea para o grupo público foi 43 por cento enquanto no grupo privado foi 86 por cento. Os fatores sociodemográficos e o parto gemelar foram mais importantes no modelo público, assim como o número gravidezes (redução de 25 por cento vs. 13 por cento no grupo privado) e cesárea prévia (incremento de 86 por cento vs. 24 por cento no privado). Consultas de pré-natal e internações afetaram o desfecho somente no grupo público. CONCLUSÕES: As taxas de cesárea foram elevadas nos dois grupos, sendo o dobro no serviço privado. Os fatores de risco são diferentes em magnitude, segundo o tipo de gestante.