Contrasting current challenges from the Brazilian and Canadian national health systems: The Besrour Papers: a series on the state of family medicine in Canada and Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the national health systems of Canada and Brazil and how both countries have addressed similar challenges in their primary care sectors. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE: A subgroup of the Besrour Centre of the College of Family Physicians of Canada developed connections with colleagues in Brazil and collaborated to undertake a between-country comparison, comparing and contrasting various elements of both countries' efforts to strengthen primary care over the past few decades. METHODS: Following a literature review, the authors collectively reflected on their experiences in an attempt to explore the past and current state of family medicine in Canada and Brazil. REPORT: The Brazilian and Canadian primary care systems are faced with similar challenges, including geography, demographic changes, population health inequities, and gaps in universal access to comprehensive primary care services. Although the approaches to addressing these challenges are different in both settings, they highlight the central importance of family physicians in both systems. Both countries continue to face considerable challenges in the context of mental health services in primary care. It remains important for Canada to draw lessons from the primary care systems and reforms of other countries, such as Brazil.

Trust as the foundation: thoughts on the Starfield principles in Canada and Brazil: The Besrour Papers: a series on the state of family medicine in Canada and Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare primary care in Canada and Brazil and how both countries have embraced the Starfield principles in the design of their health care systems. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE: A subgroup of the Besrour Centre of the College of Family Physicians of Canada developed connections with colleagues in Brazil and collaborated to undertake a between-country comparison, comparing and contrasting various elements of both countries' efforts to strengthen primary care over the past few decades. METHODS: Following a literature review, the authors collectively reflected on their experiences in an attempt to explore the past and current state of family medicine in Canada and Brazil. REPORT: The Brazilian and Canadian primary care systems have both adopted and advanced the Starfield principles in various ways, with both countries showing an increasing trend toward adopting interprofessional team-based care. Access to primary care remains a challenge in rural areas in both countries, and longitudinal relationships between providers and patients appear to be more common in Canada. With the advent of technology, increasing patient engagement and expectations, the decline of paternalistic medicine, and the sheer mass of readily available information (and misinformation), to be successful, primary care systems must also be constructed to engender trust at both the local and the system levels. Both countries face challenges to maintaining trust in the context of the increasing prevalence of team-based care, and a lack of trust at the system level can be seen in patients' perceptions about the difficulty of finding a family doctor and in high rates of emergency department and urgent care centre use in both countries. Primary care reform must be implemented with the public's trust in mind. CONCLUSION: Trust is a crucial ingredient to the success of primary care and must be protected at both local and system levels. If designed with trust in mind, primary care in Canada and Brazil has the potential to meet the challenges set out by the Starfield principles.

Renal denervation for the treatment of resistant hypertension in Spain. The Flex-Spyral Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Renal denervation is a percutaneous intervention for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Randomized studies have shown contradictory results on its efficacy. We present the results of a renal denervation registry for the treatment of resistant hypertension in real-life patients in Spain. METHODS: Multicenter registry of consecutive patients with resistant hypertension treated with renal denervation in Spain between 2009 and 2018. RESULTS: We included 125 patients (mean age, 56 years; 41% female; mean onset of hypertension 14±9 years previously). Office systolic and diastolic blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring decreased 6 months after the intervention (166±20/95±16 to 149±22/87±16 mmHg and 151±14/89±12 to 143±15/84±11, both P <.0001). At 12 months, the blood pressure reduction was maintained and the number of antihypertensive drugs decreased from 4.9±1.2 to 4.4±1.5 (P=.0001). There were no significant procedure-related complications. The response rate to denervation at 1 year was 80%, but there were wide differences between centers. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with resistant hypertension, treatment with renal denervation was related to a decrease in office blood pressure and, more importantly, in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, with a significant reduction in pharmacological treatment.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a challenging diagnosis established at autopsy.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a feared entity that occurs most frequently in conditions of extreme immunodeficiency. The diagnosis is often made long after the onset of symptoms due to the physicians' unfamiliarity, and the unavailability of diagnostic tests in some medical centers. Although the incidence of PML is decreasing among HIV patients with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in Brazil this entity is the fourth highest neurological complication among these patients. The authors present the case of a middle-aged man who tested positive for HIV concomitantly with the presentation of hyposensitivity in the face and the right side of the body, accompanied by mild weakness in the left upper limb. The clinical features worsened rapidly within a couple of weeks. The diagnostic work-up pointed to the working diagnosis of PML after brain magnetic resonance imaging; however, the detection of the John Cunningham virus (JCV) in the cerebral spinal fluid was negative. HAART was started but the patient died after 7 weeks of hospitalization. The autopsy revealed extensive multifocal patchy areas of demyelination in the white matter where the microscopy depicted demyelination, oligodendrocytes alterations, bizarre atypical astrocytes, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. The immunohistochemistry was positive for anti-SV40, and the polymerase chain reaction of the brain paraffin-embedded tissue was positive for JCV. The authors highlight the challenges for diagnosing PML, as well as the devastating outcome of PML among HIV patients.

Human polyomaviruses and cancer: an overview.

The name of the family Polyomaviridae, derives from the early observation that cells infected with murine polyomavirus induced multiple (poly) tumors (omas) in immunocompromised mice. Subsequent studies showed that many members of this family exhibit the capacity of mediating cell transformation and tumorigenesis in different experimental models. The transformation process mediated by these viruses is driven by viral pleiotropic regulatory proteins called T (tumor) antigens. Similar to other viral oncoproteins T antigens target cellular regulatory factors to favor cell proliferation, immune evasion and downregulation of apoptosis. The first two human polyomaviruses were isolated over 45 years ago. However, recent advances in the DNA sequencing technologies led to the rapid identification of additional twelve new polyomaviruses in different human samples. Many of these viruses establish chronic infections and have been associated with conditions in immunosuppressed individuals, particularly in organ transplant recipients. This has been associated to viral reactivation due to the immunosuppressant therapy applied to these patients. Four polyomaviruses namely, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV), John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) have been associated with the development of specific malignant tumors. However, present evidence only supports the role of MCPyV as a carcinogen to humans. In the present review we present a summarized discussion on the current knowledge concerning the role of MCPyV, TSPyV, JCPyV and BKPyV in human cancers.

Citric Acid Metabolism in Resistant Hypertension: Underlying Mechanisms and Metabolic Prediction of Treatment Response.

Resistant hypertension (RH) affects 9% to 12% of hypertensive adults. Prolonged exposure to suboptimal blood pressure control results in end-organ damage and cardiovascular risk. Spironolactone is the most effective drug for treatment, but not all patients respond and side effects are not negligible. Little is known on the mechanisms responsible for RH. We aimed to identify metabolic alterations in urine. In addition, a potential capacity of metabolites to predict response to spironolactone was investigated. Urine was collected from 29 patients with RH and from a group of 13 subjects with pseudo-RH. For patients, samples were collected before and after spironolactone administration and were classified in responders (n=19) and nonresponders (n=10). Nuclear magnetic resonance was applied to identify altered metabolites and pathways. Metabolites were confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Citric acid cycle was the pathway most significantly altered (P<0.0001). Metabolic concentrations were quantified and ranged from ng/mL malate to µg/mL citrate. Citrate and oxaloacetate increased in RH versus pseudoresistant. Together with α-ketoglutarate and malate, they were able to discriminate between responders and nonresponders, being the 4 metabolites increased in nonresponders. Combined as a prediction panel, they showed receiver operating characteristiccurve with area under the curve of 0.96. We show that citric acid cycle and deregulation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis control continue its activation after hypertension was developed. A metabolic panel showing alteration before spironolactone treatment and predicting future response of patients is shown. These molecular indicators will contribute optimizing the rate of control of RH patients with spironolactone.

Analysis of human papillomavirus prevalence and TP53 polymorphism in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a disease associated with tobacco and alcohol abuse. There is evidence that the oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) may also be a risk for upper aerodigestive tract cancers. High-risk HPVs encode two early proteins, E6 and E7, that can bind to p53 and pRb, respectively, and induce its degradation or inactivation. The TP53 gene has a single polymorphism at codon 72 of exon 4 that encodes either arginine (Arg) or proline (Pro). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV infection and TP53 polymorphism in head and neck cancer. We analyzed 50 tumors, as well swabs of oral mucosa from 142 control individuals, with a polymerase chain reaction technique. The prevalence of HPV in controls was 10.6% and in cancer specimens 16%. The frequency distribution of genotypes in controls was 50% Arg/Arg, 43% Arg/Pro and 7% Pro/Pro; in tumors, it was 52% Arg/Arg, 32% Arg/Pro, and 16% Pro/Pro. Contrary to the results of some studies on cervical cancer, no association between any TP53 genotype or allele and the development of head and neck cancer was observed, regardless of HPV status, except for the Pro/Pro genotype, which is associated with the absence of HPV. The arginine allele appears to protect against head and neck cancers. Also, the data showed that HPV infection results in no increased risk of developing head and neck tumors.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a challenging diagnosis established at autopsy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a feared entity that occurs most frequently in conditions of extreme immunodeficiency. The diagnosis is often made long after the onset of symptoms due to the physicians' unfamiliarity, and the unavailability of diagnostic tests in some medical centers. Although the incidence of PML is decreasing among HIV patients with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in Brazil this entity is the fourth highest neurological complication among these patients. The authors present the case of a middle-aged man who tested positive for HIV concomitantly with the presentation of hyposensitivity in the face and the right side of the body, accompanied by mild weakness in the left upper limb. The clinical features worsened rapidly within a couple of weeks. The diagnostic work-up pointed to the working diagnosis of PML after brain magnetic resonance imaging; however, the detection of the John Cunningham virus (JCV) in the cerebral spinal fluid was negative. HAART was started but the patient died after 7 weeks of hospitalization. The autopsy revealed extensive multifocal patchy areas of demyelination in the white matter where the microscopy depicted demyelination, oligodendrocytes alterations, bizarre atypical astrocytes, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. The immunohistochemistry was positive for anti-SV40, and the polymerase chain reaction of the brain paraffin-embedded tissue was positive for JCV. The authors highlight the challenges for diagnosing PML, as well as the devastating outcome of PML among HIV patients.

Human polyomaviruses and cancer: an overview

The name of the family Polyomaviridae, derives from the early observation that cells infected with murine polyomavirus induced multiple (poly) tumors (omas) in immunocompromised mice. Subsequent studies showed that many members of this family exhibit the capacity of mediating cell transformation and tumorigenesis in different experimental models. The transformation process mediated by these viruses is driven by viral pleiotropic regulatory proteins called T (tumor) antigens. Similar to other viral oncoproteins T antigens target cellular regulatory factors to favor cell proliferation, immune evasion and downregulation of apoptosis. The first two human polyomaviruses were isolated over 45 years ago. However, recent advances in the DNA sequencing technologies led to the rapid identification of additional twelve new polyomaviruses in different human samples. Many of these viruses establish chronic infections and have been associated with conditions in immunosuppressed individuals, particularly in organ transplant recipients. This has been associated to viral reactivation due to the immunosuppressant therapy applied to these patients. Four polyomaviruses namely, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV), John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) have been associated with the development of specific malignant tumors. However, present evidence only supports the role of MCPyV as a carcinogen to humans. In the present review we present a summarized discussion on the current knowledge concerning the role of MCPyV, TSPyV, JCPyV and BKPyV in human cancers.

CONGENITAL PSEUDARTHROSIS OF THE CLAVICLE.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (PCC) is a rare affection, that can be diagnosed at birth and represent a disturbance of union of the ossification centers. It's more common in girls and in the right side. This study objectives to proceed a revision about the subject, that was searched in online database of LILACS and MEDLINE. We found 56 articles till present data. Besides be a bit infrequent, the PCC must not be missed or even forgotten, especially as differential diagnosis with acute fracture of the clavicle at birth by trauma in the childbirth. The diagnostic is relatively easy and the treatment can be just observation or even surgical.

Human papillomavirus infection and reinfection in adult women: the role of sexual activity and natural immunity.

There is a paucity of data on whether or not women can be reinfected with human papillomavirus (HPV) types to which they were exposed to earlier in life and on the role of natural immunity. The observation of HPV infection at older ages may be explained by the reactivation of a latent infection or new exposure from sexual activity. Our objective was to analyze the association between reinfection and sexual activity. We analyzed data from 2,462 women enrolled in the Ludwig-McGill cohort and followed every 4 to 6 months for up to 10 years. We performed HPV typing and viral load measurements via PCR and determined HPV-16 seroreactivity at enrollment. Incidence of infection and reinfection were estimated for individual types. Adjusted relative risks (RR) for the association between infection/reinfection and new sexual partners were calculated using Cox regression. Rates of initial infection and reinfection postclearance were statistically comparable. RRs of initial infection or reinfection were consistently associated with new sexual partners [2.4 (95% confidence intervals; 95% CI, 2.0-3.1) for first infection, 3.7 (1.1-13.8) for reinfection with the same type, and 2.3 (1.5-3.7) for reinfection with a different type]. Reinfection in older women was also associated with new sexual partners (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3) as were new infections with HPV-16 among women with serologic evidence of prior HPV-16 exposure (RR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3). Viral loads at initial infection and at reinfection were comparable. HPV infection and reinfection were strongly associated with sexual activity. This study suggests that natural immunity does not play a role in controlling the extent of reinfections.

Denervación renal para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial resistente en España. Registro Flex-Spyral / Renal denervation for the treatment of resistant hypertension in Spain. The Flex-Spyral Registry

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La denervación renal es una intervención percutánea para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial resistente. Estudios aleatorizados han mostrado resultados contradictorios sobre su eficacia. Se presentan los resultados de un registro de denervación en pacientes con hipertensión resistente según práctica clínica en España. MÉTODOS: Registro multicéntrico de pacientes consecutivos con hipertensión arterial resistente tratados con denervación renal en España en el periodo 2009-2018. RESULTADOS: Se ha incluido a 125 pacientes (media de edad, 56±años; el 41% mujeres; media de 14±9 años de evolución de la hipertensión). La presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en la consulta y ambulatoria de 24 h disminuyeron a los 6 meses de la intervención (de 166±20/95±16 a 149±22/87±16mmHg y de 151±14/89±12 a 143±15/84±11; ambas, p < 0,0001). A los 12 meses se mantenía la reducción en la presión arterial con una disminución en el número de fármacos antihipertensivos de 4,9±1,2 a 4,4±1,5 (p = 0,0001). No hubo complicaciones importantes relacionadas con el procedimiento. La tasa de respuesta a la denervación al año fue del 80%, si bien con una amplia variabilidad entre centros. CONCLUSIONES: La denervación renal en pacientes con hipertensión resistente se relacionó con una disminución de las cifras de presión arterial en la consulta y, lo que es más importante, en la monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial, con una disminución significativa del tratamiento farmacológico

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Renal denervation is a percutaneous intervention for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Randomized studies have shown contradictory results on its efficacy. We present the results of a renal denervation registry for the treatment of resistant hypertension in real-life patients in Spain. METHODS: Multicenter registry of consecutive patients with resistant hypertension treated with renal denervation in Spain between 2009 and 2018. RESULTS: We included 125 patients (mean age, 56 years; 41% female; mean onset of hypertension 14±9 years previously). Office systolic and diastolic blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring decreased 6 months after the intervention (166±20/95±16 to 149±22/87±16 mmHg and 151±14/89±12 to 143±15/84±11, both P <.0001). At 12 months, the blood pressure reduction was maintained and the number of antihypertensive drugs decreased from 4.9±1.2 to 4.4±1.5 (P=.0001). There were no significant procedure-related complications. The response rate to denervation at 1 year was 80%, but there were wide differences between centers. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with resistant hypertension, treatment with renal denervation was related to a decrease in office blood pressure and, more importantly, in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, with a significant reduction in pharmacological treatment

Type-specific duration of human papillomavirus infection: implications for human papillomavirus screening and vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the duration of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may help find suitable end points for vaccine trials and testing intervals in screening studies. We studied genotype-specific infection duration among 2462 women enrolled in the Ludwig-McGill cohort study. METHODS: Cervical specimens collected every 4-6 months were tested by a polymerase chain reaction protocol. Actuarial techniques were used to estimate the duration of HPV infection and to investigate the influence of age, number of sexual partners, and coinfection with multiple HPV types. RESULTS: At enrollment, the prevalence of infection with high-risk HPV types was 10.6%, and the prevalence of infection with low-risk HPV types was 6.1%; incidence rates were 6.1 and 5.0 infections per 1000 women-months, respectively. Prevalent infections took longer to clear than incident infections (mean time to clearance, 18.6 months vs. 13.5 months). The mean duration of incident infection with high- and low-risk HPV varied according to the analytic approach used to measure this variable and showed considerable variation by HPV type (range, 5.1-15.4 months). Age and number of partners did not influence infection duration, whereas coinfection was associated with increased infection duration. The mean duration of HPV-16 monoinfection was 11.0 months, and the mean duration of HPV-16 coinfection was 15.4 months. CONCLUSION: There was considerable variation among HPV types with regard to the duration of infection. Coinfection with multiple types contributed to an increased infection duration.

Human heterophilic antibodies against equine immunoglobulins: assessment of their role in the early adverse reactions to antivenom administration.

The presence of human heterophilic antibodies against horse immunoglobulins (HHA-HI) was determined by ELISA in sera from healthy volunteers and from patients who received equine antivenom for therapy of snake bite envenoming. These patients were selected from two independent clinical studies: one in Colombia in which patients received antivenom constituted by whole IgG (n=25); and the other in Brazil where an antivenom constituted by F(ab')(2) fragments was administered (n=31). Results show that healthy volunteers have antibodies, mainly of the IgG class, able to react with whole equine IgG. Additionally, patients have IgG antibodies that react both with whole equine IgG and F(ab')(2) fragments. In both clinical studies, no significant differences were observed in the HHA-HI titres between the patients who presented early adverse (anaphylactoid) reactions and those who did not develop them. In addition, no variation in titre was observed in samples collected before and after antivenom administration. These results do not support the hypothesis that the incidence of early adverse reactions to antivenom administration correlates with the titre of HHA-HI in the serum of patients. Nevertheless, participation of these antibodies as part of a multifactorial pathogenic mechanism associated with these reactions cannot be ruled out.

Pseudartrose congênita de clavícula / Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle

A pseudartrose congênita de clavícula (PCC) é uma afecção rara, que representa um distúrbio na união dos núcleos de ossificação e que pode ser diagnosticada ao nascimento. É mais comum em meninas e do lado direito. Este trabalho tem por objetivo proceder a uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, em pesquisa realizada nas bases de dados LILACS e MEDLINE. Foram encontrados 56 artigos publicados até a corrente data. Apesar de pouco frequente, a PCC não deve ser desconhecida ou mesmo esquecida, especialmente como diagnóstico diferencial com a fratura aguda da clavícula por distocia de parto e/ou tocotraumatismo. O diagnóstico é relativamente fácil e o tratamento pode ser apenas expectante ou até mesmo cirúrgico.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (PCC) is a rare affection, that can be diagnosed at birth and represent a disturbance of union of the ossification centers. It's more common in girls and in the right side. This study objectives to proceed a revision about the subject, that was searched in online database of LILACS and MEDLINE. We found 56 articles till present data. Besides be a bit infrequent, the PCC must not be missed or even forgotten, especially as differential diagnosis with acute fracture of the clavicle at birth by trauma in the childbirth. The diagnostic is relatively easy and the treatment can be just observation or even surgical.

Coxa vara do desenvolvimento / Developmental coxa vara

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos clínicos e radiográficos observados após o tratamento operatório de pacientes portadores de coxa vara do desenvolvimento (CVD), além de revisar sua epidemiologia e história natural. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 19 pacientes (26 quadris) portadores de CVD submetidos à osteotomia valgizante subtrocantérica, com tempo médio de quatro anos e 10 meses e mínimo de 12 meses de seguimento. Foram analisadas a amplitude de movimento dos quadris, o sinal de Trendelenburg e a discrepância de comprimento dos membros inferiores. Na avaliação radiográfica, foi medido o ângulo epifisodiafisário (ED) e a distância articulotrocantérica (DAT) em diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: Observou-se elevação média de 21º da amplitude de abdução dos quadris, assim como desaparecimento do sinal de Trendelenburg. Na avaliação da discrepância de comprimento, 72,2 por cento dos 18 pacientes analisados foram equalizados, considerando uma diferença residual de até 0,5cm entre os membros. A variação da DAT apresentou médias de -0,34cm no período pré-operatório, 2,18cm no pós-operatório imediato e 1,35cm na última avaliação, o ângulo ED apresentou uma média de 91º no pré-operatório, 142º no pós-operatório imediato e 133º na última avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: A osteotomia valgizante subtrocantérica, levando a ângulos epifisodiafisários próximos a 140º, foi eficiente ao longo do tempo na correção das deformidades.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings observed after surgical treatment of patients with developmental coxa vara (DCV) and review its epidemiology and natural history. METHOD: We selected 19 patients (26 hips) with DCVthat underwent subtrochanteric osteotomy with a mean follow-up period of four years and ten months and a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. We analyzed the range of motion of the hips, the Trendelenburg sign, and the discrepancy of the length of the lower limbs.In the radiographic evaluation, we measured the epiphyseal-diaphyseal (ED) angle and articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD) at different times. RESULTS: We observed an average increase of 21º in the amplitude of hip abduction, as well as the disappearance of theTrendelenburg sign. In assessing the length discrepancy, 72.2 percent of the 18 patients studied were equalized, witha residual difference of up to 0.5cm between the limbs. The rangeof the ATD showed an average of -0.34 cm in the preoperative period, 2.18 cm in the immediate postoperative period, and 1.35 cm in the last evaluation.The ED angle had an average valueof 91º preoperatively, 142º in the immediate postoperative period, and 133º in the last evaluation. CONCLUSION: The subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy, leading to epiphyseal-diaphyseal angles close to 140º, was effective in the correction of deformitiesover time.

Displasia fibrocartilaginosa focal: uma forma rara de genuvaro de correção espontânea / Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia: a rare form of spontaneously corrected varus knee

A displasia fibrocartilaginosa focal (DFF) é caracterizada por um defeito metafisário com a presença local de tecido fibrocartilaginoso e representa uma das causas de genuvaro unilateral em crianças de baixa idade. Foi inicialmente descrita na face medial da tíbia. Relatos mais recentes referem-na também no fêmur, úmero e ulna. Sua baixa freqüência, constatada pelos poucos relatos, pode ocultar o viés da falta de diagnóstico devido à tendência de correção espontânea, tomando-se importante o seu reconhecimento. Os autores relatam seis novos casos de DFF, todos em meninas, com idade entre 14 e 22 meses -média de 18 meses- envolvendo quatro tíbias e dois fêmures. O objetivo do trabalho foi enfatizar a necessidade do diagnóstico precoce. Após o tempo médio de seguimento de 40 meses (14 a 83 meses) observou-se que a correção natural ocorreu em todos os casos até em torno dos quatro anos de idade. Os autores alertam para o risco de negligência no diagnóstico da afecção que deve ser lembrada no diferencial do genuvaro na criança de baixa idade e, devido à evolução favorável, aconselham a observação clínica, que pode evitar procedimentos invasivos e desnecessários

Escorregamento epifisário proximal do fêmur em sua forma de apresentaçäo progressiva agudizada / Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and its progressive acute form

Foram estudados 35 casos de escorregamentos epifisários proximais do fêmur, observados de 1978 a 1993, que em algum momento sofreeam agudização. Compareceram para reavaliação 24 casos e 11 foram analisados pelos dados dos prontuários. Estes casos foram analisados quanto à incidência de complicações do tipo necrose e/ou condrólise e quanto ao resultado final, tomando-se como parâmetros o grau de escorregamento, o momento do início do tratamento e o tipo de tratamento empregado. Quanto ao grau, o escorregamento foi classificado como discreto, moderado e grave; quanto ao momento do tratamento, os casos foram separados em dois grupos: com até duas semanas e com mais de duas semanas de agudização; quanto ao tipo de tratamento, agrupamos os casos que foram submetidos à fixação in situ, os que foram fixados após redução incruenta e os submetidos à osteotomia trapezoidal do colo. Nossa observação mostra o seguinte: a) a fixação in situ foi eficiente e clinicamente deu resultados satisfatórios, pois todos os casos sararam sem complicações; b) a fixação após redução incruenta sob anestesia teve baixa morbidade, tendo ocorrido apenas um caso de necrose avascular e 89 por cento de bons resultados clínicos; a osteotomia trapezoidal do colo teve alta morbidade, com 41 por cento de complicações do tipo necrose e/ou condrólise e apenas 59 por cento de resultados satisfatórios. São propostas formas alternativas de tratamento para os casos moderados e graves em vias de cronificação ou cronificados que não promovem a centração da epífise sobre o colo.

Avaliaçäo das discrepâncias de comprimento dos membros inferiores / Evaluation of leg lenght discrepancies

Os laudos radiográficos sao, muitas vezes, incompatíveis com a discrepância clínica dos membros inferiores, por tomar-se como referencial proximal o extremo mais cranial do fêmur. O equívoco é mais freqüente nas afecçöes em que existe comprometimento da relaçäo femoroacetabular. Os autores propöem que, nessas eventualidades, o balizamento escanométrico proximal se faça a partir dos limites inferiores das articulaçöes sacroilíacas. O resultado obtido é muito mais condizente com a diferença clínica e funcional observada no paciente, demonstrando, assim, que podem ser evitadas as distorçöes mais comuns nas avaliaçoes das discrepâncias dos membros inferiores.