Psychotic symptoms in older people without dementia from a Brazilian community-based sample.

BACKGROUND: The international prevalence of psychotic symptoms in older subjects without dementia varies from 0.9% to 8.0%. However, an analysis of these symptoms in developing countries has not been undertaken. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and to correlate these symptoms with socioeconomic and clinical characteristics. METHOD: A community-based sample aged 60 years and older was evaluated. Those who screened positive for dementia, cognitive and functional impairment or significant depressive symptoms were excluded, resulting in 1125 individuals. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychotic symptoms was 9.1% (visual/tactile hallucinations, 7.8%; auditive hallucinations, 7.5%; persecutory delusions, 2.9%). Subjects with psychotic symptoms had lower Mini Mental State Examination and The Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale scores, fewer years of schooling, belonged to lower socioeconomic classes compared with non-psychotic subjects, and 80% had clinical comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence was in the upper range of international data. Significant relationships were found between psychotic symptoms and lower Mini Mental State Examination score, fewer years of schooling and lower socioeconomic class. Clinical comorbidity was also very frequent.

Cortical surface abnormalities are different depending on the stage of schizophrenia: A cross-sectional vertexwise mega-analysis of thickness, area and gyrification.

BACKGROUND: Brain magnetic resonance imaging studies have not investigated the cortical surface comprehensively in schizophrenia subjects by assessing thickness, surface area and gyrification separately during the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) or chronic schizophrenia (ChSch). METHODS: We investigated cortical surface abnormalities in 137 FEP patients and 240 ChSch subjects compared to 297 Healthy Controls (HC) contributed by five cohorts. Maps showing results of vertexwise between-group comparisons of cortical thickness, area, and gyrification were produced using T1-weighted datasets processed using FreeSurfer 5.3, followed by validated quality control protocols. RESULTS: FEP subjects showed large clusters of increased area and gyrification relative to HC in prefrontal and insuli cortices (Cohen's d: 0.049 to 0.28). These between-group differences occurred partially beyond the effect of sample. ChSch subjects displayed reduced cortical thickness relative to HC in smaller fronto-temporal foci (d: -0.73 to -0.35), but not beyond the effect of sample. Differences between FEP and HC subjects were associated with male gender, younger age, and earlier illness onset, while differences between ChSch and HC were associated with treatment-resistance and first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) intake independently of sample effect. CONCLUSIONS: Separate assessments of FEP and ChSch revealed abnormalities that differed in regional distribution, phenotypes affected and effect size. In FEP, associations of greater cortical area and gyrification abnormalities with earlier age of onset suggest an origin on anomalous neurodevelopment, while thickness reductions in ChSch are at least partially explained by treatment-resistance and FGA intake. Associations of between-group differences with clinical variables retained statistical significance beyond the effect of sample.

Alcohol use, abuse and dependence among elderly in outpatient treatment through the application of AUDIT.

OBJECTIVE: To identify or use alcohol abuse and abuse in the IAMSPE elderly, through the application of AUDIT, socioeconomic characterization of the elderly, and problems associated with drinking and weight, if there is a relationship between depression and alcohol abuse. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study with a quantitative approach. One hundred elderly patients were interviewed to apply a socioeconomic form and to assess alcohol consumption from AUDIT. RESULTS: correlation between alcohol consumption and female gender (p = 0.021). Most of the participants were between 60 and 79 years old, were female, had a partner, had completed elementary school, had income and selected house, were retired and unemployed. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found no correlation between alcohol abuse and depression; Only one correlation was found between male gender and higher alcohol abuse. However, a significant prevalence of moderate use of high alcohol was found (3.9% in women and 21.7% in men), i.e., it poses a risk to the health of the elderly.

Patterns of regional gray matter loss at different stages of schizophrenia: A multisite, cross-sectional VBM study in first-episode and chronic illness.

BACKGROUND: Structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia have been repeatedly demonstrated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, but it remains unclear whether these are static or progressive in nature. While longitudinal MRI studies have been traditionally used to assess the issue of progression of brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, information from cross-sectional neuroimaging studies directly comparing first-episode and chronic schizophrenia patients to healthy controls may also be useful to further clarify this issue. With the recent interest in multisite mega-analyses combining structural MRI data from multiple centers aiming at increased statistical power, the present multisite voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study was carried out to examine patterns of brain structural changes according to the different stages of illness and to ascertain which (if any) of such structural abnormalities would be specifically correlated to potential clinical moderators, including cumulative exposure to antipsychotics, age of onset, illness duration and overall illness severity. METHODS: We gathered a large sample of schizophrenia patients (161, being 99 chronic and 62 first-episode) and controls (151) from four previous morphometric MRI studies (1.5 T) carried out in the same geographical region of Brazil. Image processing and analyses were conducted using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8) software with the diffeomorphic anatomical registration through exponentiated Lie algebra (DARTEL) algorithm. Group effects on regional gray matter (GM) volumes were investigated through whole-brain voxel-wise comparisons using General Linear Model Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA), always including total GM volume, scan protocol, age and gender as nuisance variables. Finally, correlation analyses were performed between the aforementioned clinical moderators and regional and global brain volumes. RESULTS: First-episode schizophrenia subjects displayed subtle volumetric deficits relative to controls in a circumscribed brain regional network identified only in small volume-corrected (SVC) analyses (p < 0.05, FWE-corrected), including the insula, temporolimbic structures and striatum. Chronic schizophrenia patients, on the other hand, demonstrated an extensive pattern of regional GM volume decreases relative to controls, involving bilateral superior, inferior and orbital frontal cortices, right middle frontal cortex, bilateral anterior cingulate cortices, bilateral insulae and right superior and middle temporal cortices (p < 0.05, FWE-corrected over the whole brain). GM volumes in several of those brain regions were directly correlated with age of disease onset on SVC analyses for conjoined (first-episode and chronic) schizophrenia groups. There were also widespread foci of significant negative correlation between duration of illness and relative GM volumes, but such findings remained significant only for the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after accounting for the influence of age of disease onset. Finally, significant negative correlations were detected between life-time cumulative exposure to antipsychotics and total GM and white matter volumes in schizophrenia patients, but no significant relationship was found between indices of antipsychotic usage and relative GM volume in any specific brain region. CONCLUSION: The above data indicate that brain changes associated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia are more widespread in chronic schizophrenia compared to first-episode patients. Our findings also suggest that relative GM volume deficits may be greater in (presumably more severe) cases with earlier age of onset, as well as varying as a function of illness duration in specific frontal brain regions. Finally, our results highlight the potentially complex effects of the continued use of antipsychotic drugs on structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, as we found that cumulative doses of antipsychotics affected brain volumes globally rather than selectively on frontal-temporal regions.

Variation of plasma cortisol levels in patients with depression after treatment with bilateral electroconvulsive therapy.

INTRODUCTION: More than 60 years after the introduction of modern psychopharmacology, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) continues to be an essential therapeutic modality in the treatment of mental disorders, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Hormones play an essential role in the development and expression of a series of behavioral changes. One aspect of the influence of hormones on behavior is their potential contribution to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs and ECT. OBJECTIVE: We measured blood levels of the hormone cortisol in patients with unipolar depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) and compared results with levels found in healthy adults. METHOD: Blood cortisol levels were measured before the beginning of treatment with ECT, at the seventh session, and at the last session, at treatment completion. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Cortisol levels remained stable in both men and women between the seventh and the last sessions of ECT; values ranged from 0.686±9.6330 g/dL for women, and there was a mean decrease of 5.825±6.0780 g/dL (p = 0.024). Mean number of ECT sessions was 12. After the seventh and the last ECT sessions, patients with depression and individuals in the control group had similar cortisol levels, whereas BDI scores remained different. CONCLUSION: Cortisol levels decreased during ECT treatment. ECT seems to act as a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis.

Alcohol use, abuse and dependence among elderly in outpatient treatment through the application of AUDIT

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To identify or use alcohol abuse and abuse in the IAMSPE elderly, through the application of AUDIT, socioeconomic characterization of the elderly, and problems associated with drinking and weight, if there is a relationship between depression and alcohol abuse. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study with a quantitative approach. One hundred elderly patients were interviewed to apply a socioeconomic form and to assess alcohol consumption from AUDIT. RESULTS correlation between alcohol consumption and female gender (p = 0.021). Most of the participants were between 60 and 79 years old, were female, had a partner, had completed elementary school, had income and selected house, were retired and unemployed. CONCLUSION In the present study, we found no correlation between alcohol abuse and depression; Only one correlation was found between male gender and higher alcohol abuse. However, a significant prevalence of moderate use of high alcohol was found (3.9% in women and 21.7% in men), i.e., it poses a risk to the health of the elderly.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Identificar o uso, abuso e dependência de álcool em idosos do ambulatório do Iamspe, por meio da aplicação do Audit, através da caracterização socioeconômica dos idosos e dos problemas associados pelo consumo e pesar se há relação entre depressão e uso abusivo ou dependência de álcool. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, exploratório e descritivo de abordagem quantitativa. Foram entrevistados cem pacientes idosos para aplicação de um formulário socioeconômico e de avaliação do consumo de álcool, a partir da Audit. RESULTADOS Verificou-se correlação entre o consumo de álcool e sexo feminino (p=0,021). A maioria dos participantes estava na faixa etária entre 60 e 79 anos, era do sexo feminino, tinha companheiro(a), com ensino fundamental completo, renda e casa próprias, era aposentada e desocupada. CONCLUSÃO No presente estudo não verificamos correlação entre abuso de álcool e depressão; somente foi encontrada a correlação entre sexo masculino e maior uso abusivo de álcool. No entanto, encontrou-se prevalência significativa de uso moderado a alto de álcool (3,9% em mulheres e 21,7% em homens), o que, por si, traz risco para a saúde de idosos.

Conjugated estrogens as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of acute schizophrenia: a double-blind study.

In a double-blind, placebo controlled study, conjugated estrogens (CE) (0.625 mg/day) were added to a fixed dosage of haloperidol (5 mg daily). Forty-four female inpatients with acute schizophrenia were included in the study and randomized to one of the groups; 40 patients completed the trial. They were followed for 28 days and evaluated periodically with the BPRS, Negative Symptoms Rating Scale, Simpson Angus Extrapyramidal Rating Scale and UKU rating scale. Hormonal concentrations (estradiol, estrone, progesterone, FSH, LH and prolactine) were measured at baseline and weekly throughout the trial. Both groups showed similar clinical improvement during the evaluation, although there was a trend for the CE group to show a better improvement than the placebo group (p < 0.10). Side effects and the use of anticholinergics were similar in both groups. Conjugated estrogens caused elevation only of estrone levels in the CE group; estradiol and prolactin showed a similar profile for both groups. Our negative findings regarding the antipsychotic effect of conjugated estrogens does not preclude, however, a possible efficacy of other estrogens, such as 17-beta-estradiol, in schizophrenia.

Impact on quality of life, weight loss and comorbidities: a study comparing the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and the banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

CONTEXT: Few studies have evaluated the results of different types of bariatric surgery using the Medical Outcome Study 36 - Health Survey Short-Form (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire, the Bariatric and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) and the reviewed Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life II Questionnaire (M-A QoLQ II) that is part of BAROS. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most common morbid obesity surgery worldwide. However, there is evidence indicating that a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) is more effective than RYGB in weight loss terms. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of different types of bariatric surgery on quality of life, comorbidities and weight loss. METHODS: Two groups of patients who underwent bariatric surgery conventional Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB) or DS were evaluated through monitoring at 12 to 36 months after surgery, as well as a control group of obese patients who had not undergone surgery. The tools used for this were SF-36, BAROS and M-A QoLQ II. The DS group consisted of 17 patients and the BRYGB group consisted of 20. The control group comprised 20 independent, morbidly obese individuals. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the groups was 45.18 in the DS group, 49.75 in the BRYGB group and 44.25 in the control group, with no significant difference. There was no difference in the ratio of men to women in the groups. The patients that had surgery showed a significant improvement in all domains of quality of life vs the control group. Comparing the two groups that underwent surgery, the DS group achieved better quality of life results in terms of "general state of health" and "pain", according to responses to the SF-36 tool, and in terms of "sexual interest", according to responses to the M-A QoLQ II tool. There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding the ratio of occurrence of comorbidities. In the groups that had surgery, the resolution of comorbidities was similar. The final classification according to the BAROS Protocol was excellent for the DS group and very good for the BRYGB group, with a statistical difference in favor of the DS group (P = 0.044*). There was no difference in the percentages of excess weight loss between the DS group (82.1%) and the BRYGB group (89.4%) (P = 0.376). CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of the performance of the groups, which were monitored from 12 to 36 months after surgery, showed that the two types of surgery are effective to improve quality of life, comorbidities and weight loss. The DS surgery produced better results in the quality of life evaluations regarding 2 of 8 domains according to the SF-36, and "sexual interest" according to the M-A QoLQ II. In the groups that had surgery, the patients showed high rates of comorbidity resolution. Weight loss was similar for the two surgical groups.

Quality of life and functional capacity of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate functional ability and quality of life of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study composed of 40 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. We used the following instruments: identification questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD). The significance level was 0.05 (5%), and confidence intervals were 95%. For statistical analysis we used parametric statistical tests, descriptive analysis, test for equality of two proportions, Pearson's correlation, correlation test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean age (± standard deviation) was 74.1 (± 6.7) years, and 47.5% of patients had osteoarthritis in both knees. Moderate pain was reported by 45% of patients when they walked on a flat plane and 40% when they were seated or lying down; 55% had severe or very severe pain when climbing or descending stairs; 50% reported moderate joint stiffness after sitting, lying, or resting; and 65% reported moderate or little stiffness after waking. In physical function, 60% of patients had moderate or severe difficulty in descending stairs and 67.5%, when climbing stairs; 60% reported severe or very severe difficulty in getting in and out of the car, and 70%, when performing strenuous housework. The correlation with WHOQOL-OLD and WOMAC was negative and not significant except for autonomy, which was significant. Sedentary and elderly women who used walking aid devices had worse WOMAC functional capacity, but this finding was not statistically significant. In WHOQOL-OLD, volunteers scored higher on social participation and engagement in physical activity on autonomy, which was statistically significant compared with the nonvoluntary and sedentary domains, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is possible to have a good quality of life even with functional impairment from knee osteoarthritis.

Quality of life and prevalence of osteoarticular pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze quality of life and observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective, observational and comparative study with 26 individuals aged 18 to 60 years, 25 women, which included two evaluations, one preoperative and the other approximately 42 months after surgery. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Human Body Diagram with Visual Analogue Scale were employed. RESULTS: The individual samples showed grade III obesity, with a predominance of postoperative overweight, hypertension and diabetes in 65.4% and 42.3% of the samples, with remission of hypertension in 50% and of diabetes mellitus in 38.5% (p < 0.001). The SF-36 demonstrated improved quality of life, especially in aspects related to motricity; vitality and mental health showed no significant changes. Osteoarticular pain was reported and identified in various sites by the subjects; however, 87.5% of patients in the preoperative period and 88.5% in the postoperative period reported not having any physical therapy orientation, while 65.4% reported being engaged in some type of regular physical activity after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese individuals have a high probability of suffering from clinical, psychic, and musculoskeletal alterations, compromising their quality of life and showing improvement after bariatric surgery; on the other hand, the psycho-emotional manifestations did not progress in the same way.

End of life in intensive care: family members' acceptance of orthotanasia. / Terminalidade da vida em terapia intensiva: posicionamento dos familiares sobre ortotanásia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess family member acceptance of orthotanasia as related to symptom management, patient preference and the influence of the medical team's communication on therapy. METHODS: This was a descriptive one-year study conducted at the adult intensive care unit of the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual. A structured questionnaire based on the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD 22) instrument and prior informal interviews were used. RESULTS: Sixty family members were assessed; the mean age was 51.7 + 12.1 years, and 81.7% were female. The patients were hospitalized for a mean of 31 + 26.9 days, and 17.0% of these days were spent in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients had neurological conditions. Most of the patients (53.3%) had discussed their end-of-life care wishes with family members; however, 76.7% of them had not discussed this issue with their doctors (p < 0.00). The family members reported being favorable to orthotanasia in 83.3% of the cases. Most (85.0%) desired the medical team to clearly approach the subject, and 65.0% wished to take part in the quality of end-of-life decision making process. The family members were generally satisfied with information they received from the doctors: 93.3% believed they had received appropriately frequent communications about the clinical conditions; 81.7% were able to clarify their doubts regarding the patient's clinical status; the communication was understood by 83.3% of the respondents; and 80.0% believed that clear and honest information had been provided. Only 43.3% of the respondents wished to be present at the time of their loved ones' deaths. A significant association between family member acceptance of orthotanasia and participation in end-of-life decisions (p = 0.042) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents were favorable to orthotanasia and wished to participate in end-of-life discussions.

Variation of plasma cortisol levels in patients with depression after treatment with bilateral electroconvulsive therapy / Variação de cortisol plasmático em pacientes deprimidos após tratamento com eletroconvulsoterapia bilateral

Introduction: More than 60 years after the introduction of modern psychopharmacology, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) continues to be an essential therapeutic modality in the treatment of mental disorders, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Hormones play an essential role in the development and expression of a series of behavioral changes. One aspect of the influence of hormones on behavior is their potential contribution to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs and ECT. Objective: We measured blood levels of the hormone cortisol in patients with unipolar depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) and compared results with levels found in healthy adults. Method: Blood cortisol levels were measured before the beginning of treatment with ECT, at the seventh session, and at the last session, at treatment completion. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Cortisol levels remained stable in both men and women between the seventh and the last sessions of ECT; values ranged from 0.686±9.6330 g/dL for women, and there was a mean decrease of 5.825±6.0780 g/dL (p = 0.024). Mean number of ECT sessions was 12. After the seventh and the last ECT sessions, patients with depression and individuals in the control group had similar cortisol levels, whereas BDI scores remained different. Conclusion: Cortisol levels decreased during ECT treatment. ECT seems to act as a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis. .

Introdução: Mais de 60 anos após a introdução da moderna psicofarmacologia, a eletroconvulsoterapia (ECT) continua essencial para o tratamento de distúrbios mentais, mas seu mecanismo de ação ainda não é totalmente conhecido. Certos hormônios têm um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento e expressão de uma série de alterações comportamentais. Um aspecto da influência dos hormônios nos comportamentos é sua contribuição potencial para a patofisiologia dos distúrbios psiquiátricos e o mecanismo de ação de psicotrópicos e da ECT. Objetivo: Os níveis do hormônio cortisol no sangue foram medidos em pacientes com depressão unipolar classificados de acordo com a 4ª edição do Manual Estatístico e Diagnóstico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM-IV), e os resultados foram comparados com os níveis encontrados em adultos saudáveis. Métodos: Os níveis de cortisol no sangue foram medidos antes do início do tratamento com ECT, na sétima e na última sessão, após a conclusão do tratamento. Os sintomas de depressão foram avaliados usando o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). Resultados: Os níveis de cortisol permaneceram estáveis tanto nos pacientes masculinos quanto femininos entre a sétima e a última sessão de ECT; os valores variaram 0,686±9,6330 g/ dL entre as pacientes femininas, e houve uma diminuição de 5,825±6,0780 g/dL (p = 0,024). O número médio de sessões de ECT foi 12. Após a sétima e a última sessão de ECT, os níveis de cortisol nos pacientes com depressão e nos indivíduos no grupo controle foram semelhantes, enquanto os resultados da escala BDI permaneceram diferentes. Conclusão: Os níveis de cortisol diminuíram durante o tratamento com ECT. A ECT parece atuar como reguladora do eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal. .

Cholinesterase inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits have been described in patients with schizophrenia from the first descriptions of dementia praecox to current concepts of cognitive dysmetria. Nevertheless, little is known about how to deal with them. In Alzheimer disease, cholinergic deficit is found and cholinesterase inhibitors have been used to delay the progression of memory and cognitive dysfunction. Several lines of evidence suggest that the cholinergic system may be disrupted in schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive and clinical effects of adjunctive cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. METHOD: We conducted a literature search on PubMed and EMBASE (up to December 2008) for articles that investigated adjunctive cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with schizophrenia. The terms 'schizophrenia', 'acetylcholinesterase inhibitors', 'rivastigmine', 'donepezil', 'galantamine' and 'cognitive deficit' were searched with restriction for English language and without a year limit. All articles that presented original data from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were excluded for the following reasons: (i) case study/letter/correspondence/review; (ii) animal study; (iii) molecular/genetic investigation; and (iv) inclusion of patients with schizophrenia and co-morbid dementia. Few appropriate data for meta-analysis were found because of the large heterogeneity of the assessment instruments used. Nevertheless, effects of cholinesterase inhibitors in some cognitive domains (executive function, memory and language), psychopathology (using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and extrapyramidal symptoms could be analysed. RESULTS: Six open-label and 24 double-blind studies were found. In five open-label studies there was an improvement in memory, attention and executive functions. Thirteen double-blind studies (four with rivastigmine, six with donepezil and three with galantamine) contributed to the meta-analysis. Significant improvement was found in this analysis for memory and the Trail Making test part A. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed studies suggest that specific cognitive deficits (memory, and the motor speed and attention part of executive function) of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are responsive to rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine as adjunctive therapy. Confirmatory studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of this treatment strategy.

IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE, WEIGHT LOSS AND COMORBIDITIES: a study comparing the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and the banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass / Impacto na qualidade de vida, perda de peso e comorbidades: estudo comparativo entre as intervenções cirúrgicas derivação biliopancreática tipo “duodenal switch” e derivação gástrica em Y de Roux com anel

Context Few studies have evaluated the results of different types of bariatric surgery using the Medical Outcome Study 36 - Health Survey Short-Form (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire, the Bariatric and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) and the reviewed Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life II Questionnaire (M-A QoLQ II) that is part of BAROS. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most common morbid obesity surgery worldwide. However, there is evidence indicating that a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) is more effective than RYGB in weight loss terms. Objectives To evaluate the impact of different types of bariatric surgery on quality of life, comorbidities and weight loss. Methods Two groups of patients who underwent bariatric surgery conventional Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB) or DS were evaluated through monitoring at 12 to 36 months after surgery, as well as a control group of obese patients who had not undergone surgery. The tools used for this were SF-36, BAROS and M-A QoLQ II. The DS group consisted of 17 patients and the BRYGB group consisted of 20. The control group comprised 20 independent, morbidly obese individuals. Results The mean age of the patients in the groups was 45.18 in the DS group, 49.75 in the BRYGB group and 44.25 in the control group, with no significant difference. There was no difference in the ratio of men to women in the groups. The patients that had surgery showed a significant improvement in all domains of quality of life vs the control group. Comparing the two groups that underwent surgery, the DS group achieved better quality of life results in terms of “general state of health” and “pain”, according to responses to the SF-36 tool, and in terms of “sexual interest”, according to responses to the M-A QoLQ II tool. There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding the ratio of occurrence of comorbidities. In the ...

Contexto Poucos estudos avaliaram os resultados de diferentes cirurgias bariátricas utilizando o questionário de qualidade de vida Medical Outcome Study 36 - Item Health Survey Short-Form (SF - 36), o Bariatric and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) e o Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life II (M-A QoLQ II) revisado, que compõem o BAROS. A derivação gástrica em Y de Roux é a operação mais realizada em todo o mundo para tratamento da obesidade mórbida. Há evidencias sugerindo maior efetividade da operação derivação biliopancreática tipo “duodenal switch” (DS) em relação a derivação gástrica em Y de Roux quanto à perda de peso Objetivos Avaliar o impacto de diferentes intervenções cirúrgicas na qualidade de vida, comorbidades e perda de peso. Métodos Foram avaliados dois grupos de doentes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica de derivação gástrica em Y-de-Roux com anel (BRYGB) ou “duodenal switch” após seguimento de 12 a 36 meses e, um grupo controle de doentes obesos não operados, utilizando o SF-36, o BAROS e o M-A QoLQ II. O grupo DS foi constituído por 17 doentes e, o BRYGB convencional, por 20. O grupo controle foi formado por 20 doentes obesos mórbidos independentes. Resultados A média de idade dos doentes nos grupos foi respectivamente 45,18 anos no grupo DS, 49,75 anos no grupo BRYGB e, 44,25 anos no grupo controle, sem diferença significante. Não foi observada diferença entre as proporções de sexo nos grupos. O grupo de pacientes operados apresentou melhora significante em todos os domínios de qualidade de vida, em relação ao grupo controle. Na comparação entre os grupos cirúrgicos, o grupo DS apresentou resultados de qualidade de vida melhores nos domínios “estado geral ...

Qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional de idosas com osteoartrite de joelho / Quality of life and functional capacity of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To correlate functional ability and quality of life of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study composed of 40 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. We used the following instruments: identification questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD). The significance level was 0.05 (5%), and confidence intervals were 95%. For statistical analysis we used parametric statistical tests, descriptive analysis, test for equality of two proportions, Pearson's correlation, correlation test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean age (± standard deviation) was 74.1 (±6.7) years, and 47.5% of patients had osteoarthritis in both knees. Moderate pain was reported by 45% of patients when they walked on a flat plane and 40% when they were seated or lying down; 55% had severe or very severe pain when climbing or descending stairs; 50% reported moderate joint stiffness after sitting, lying, or resting; and 65% reported moderate or little stiffness after waking. In physical function, 60% of patients had moderate or severe difficulty in descending stairs and 67.5%, when climbing stairs; 60% reported severe or very severe difficulty in getting in and out of the car, and 70%, when performing strenuous housework. The correlation with WHOQOL-OLD and WOMAC was negative and not significant except for autonomy, which was significant. Sedentary and elderly women who used walking aid devices had worse WOMAC functional capacity, but this finding was not statistically significant. In WHOQOL-OLD, volunteers scored higher on social participation and engagement in physical activity on autonomy, which was statistically significant compared with the nonvoluntary and sedentary domains, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is possible to have a good quality of life even with functional impairment from knee osteoarthritis.

OBJETIVO: Relacionar capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida de idosas com osteoartrite do joelho. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 40 idosas com osteoartrite do joelho. Foram aplicados os seguintes formulários: Questionário de Identificação, Questionário para Osteoartrite Western Ontário and McMaster Universities e Questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-OLD, sigla em inglês). Definiu-se nível de significância de 0,05 (5%) e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Foram utilizados testes estatísticos paramétricos, análise descritiva, teste de igualdade de duas proporções, correlação de Pearson, teste de correlação e teste de ANOVA. RESULTADOS: Com idade média de 74,1 (±6,7) anos, 47,5% dos pacientes tinham osteoartrite nos dois joelhos. Apresentaram dor moderada: 45% ao caminhar em lugar plano; 40% sentando-se, deitando-se e deitado; 55% apresentaram dor intensa ou muito intensa ao subir ou descer escadas; 50% relataram rigidez articular moderada após sentar, deitar e repousar; e 65% relataram pouca ou moderada rigidez após acordar. Na função física, 60% apresentaram dificuldade moderada ou intensa para descer escadas; 67,5% para subir escadas; 60% relataram dificuldade intensa ou muito intensa para entrar e sair do carro; e 70% para fazer tarefas domésticas pesadas. A correlação do WHOQOL-OLD com o Questionário para Osteoartrite Western Ontário and McMaster Universities foi negativa e não significativa - exceto em "autonomia", que foi significativa. Idosas sedentárias e que usam dispositivo de auxílio à marcha apresentaram pior capacidade funcional no Questionário para Osteoartrite Western Ontário and McMaster Universities, sem significância estatística. No WHOQOL-OLD, voluntárias tiveram maior pontuação em "participação social" e praticantes de atividade física, em "autonomia", com diferença estatisticamente significante em relação às não voluntárias e às sedentárias, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: É possível ter uma boa qualidade de vida mesmo com o comprometimento funcional gerado pela osteoartrite do joelho.

Repercussão do trabalho infantil urbano na saúde de crianças e adolescentes / Repercusión del trabajo infantil urbano en la salud de niños y adolescentes / Impact of urban child labor in the health of children and adolescents

Objetivo: Analisar a saúde de crianças e adolescentes em situação de trabalho infantilurbano. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 32 crianças e adolescentes de 6 a 14 anos de idadeinscritos no Programa de Erradicação do Trabalho Infantil (PETI) de três diferentes regiõesda cidade de São Paulo. Os participantes foram avaliados individualmente, através de umaanamnese ocupacional, sistematizada por ficha de avaliação, para coleta de dados referentesà atividade laboral e foi aplicada a Escala de Estresse Infantil (EEI). A análise estatística dosdados foi realizada com os softwares EVOC 2000 e SPSS. Resultados: Verificou-se que areciclagem foi a ocupação predominante, totalizando 59,38% (19) da amostra, e o métodocoletivo teve predominância em relação ao individual. Mais de 90% (29) dos participantesutilizavam equipamentos de proteção na atividade laboral e 71,88% (23) deles não sentemfalta da ocupação exercida. Entre os participantes que apresentaram sinais significativos deestresse, a maioria trabalha ou trabalhava com reciclagem e ainda exerce a atividade laboral.Quando analisada a Escala de Estresse Infantil, observou-se que há mais sinais de estresseem trabalhadores infantis quando comparados aos ex-trabalhadores e existe correlaçãosignificativa entre trabalho e estresse (p=0,008). Conclusões: Observou-se que a atividadelaboral na infância pode causar transtornos de natureza psicofisiológica e, apesar de aamostra ter sido pequena, foram apontadas questões deletérias dessa atividade para criançase adolescentes. Foi evidenciado ainda que, embora um grande percentual seja incluído noprograma, eles permanecem exercendo a atividade laboral.

Objective: To analyze the health of children and adolescents who are under workingconditions in São Paulo. Methods: The study considered 32 children and adolescents,aged between 6 and 14, enrolled on the Child Labor Eradication Program (Programa deErradicação do Trabalho Infantil - PETI, Brazil) from three different regions of the city ofSão Paulo. The participants were individually assessed through an occupational anamnesis,systematized by an evaluation form, to collect data on labor activity and Lipp & Lucarelli?sChild Stress Scale was applied. Data statistical analysis was performed with softwaresEVOC 2000 and SPSS. Results: It was found that recycling was the predominant occupation,totalizing 59.3% of the sample, and the collective method was more prevalent in relationto the individual one. Over 90% of participants used protective equipment in workingactivity and 72% do not miss the occupation they once had. Of the participants presentingsignificant signs of stress, 75% work or used to work with recycling activities and 87.5% arestill engaged on the activity. When analyzing the Child Stress Scale, it was noted that thereare more stress signs in child workers (46.7%) in comparison to the former workers (5.9%)and significant difference between work and stress (p-value 0.008). Conclusions: It wasnoted that the labor activity in childhood may cause perturbation ofpsychophysiological nature and, in spite of the relatively small sample size, deleterious aspects of this activityfor children and adolescents were pointed out. It was also evidenced that, despite a highpercentage of this group becomes enrolled on the program, they still keep their occupation.

Objetivos: Analizar la salud de los niños y adolescentes ensituaciones de trabajo infantil urbano. Métodos: En este estudioparticiparon 32 niños y adolescentes de 6 a 14 años de edad,inscritos en el Programa de Erradicación del Trabajo Infantil(PETI) de tres regiones diferentes de la ciudad de São Paulo.Los participantes fueron evaluados de forma individual, a travésde una anamnesis ocupacional, sistematizada por una ficha de evaluación, para recopilar los datos referentes a la actividad laboral y fue aplicada la Escala de Estrés Infantil (EEI). El análisis estadístico de los datos fue realizado con los softwares EVOC 2000 y el SPSS. Resultados: Se pudo verificar que el reciclaje fue la ocupación predominante con un total de 59,38% (19) de la muestra, y el método colectivo prevaleció frente al individual. Más del 90% (29) de los participantes utilizaron equipamientos de protección en la actividad laboral y un 71,88% (23) de ellos no echan de menos el trabajo realizado. Entre los participantes que presentaron algún signo significativo de estrés, la mayor parte trabaja o trabajaba con reciclaje. Una vez analizada la Escala de Estrés Infantil, se observó que hay más signos de estrés en los niños que trabajan en comparación con los antiguos trabajadores y existe una correlación significativa entre el trabajo y el estrés (p=0,008). Conclusiones: Se observó que la actividad laboral em la infancia puede causar trastornos de naturaleza psicofisiológica y, a pesar de que la muestra fue pequeña, se pudieron identificar daños de esta actividad en los niños y adolescentes. Aunque um gran porcentaje haya sido incluido en el programa, se evidencio que ellos siguen ejerciendo la actividad laboral.

Insight and regional brain volumes in schizophrenia.

We have investigated the relationship between insight impairment and regional brain volumes (gray and white matter) in schizophrenia using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Fifty patients with schizophrenia were evaluated using the Scale for Unawareness of Mental Disorders. Magnetic resonance images were acquired, segmented and spatially normalized using optimized VBM routines. No significant inverse correlations were detected between insight impairment and gray or white matter volumes in the prefrontal region (where significant findings had been predicted a priori), or in any other brain areas. Our results do not support previous hypotheses suggesting a relationship between frontal lobe atrophy and impaired insight in patients with schizophrenia.

Quality of life and prevalence of osteoarticular pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery / Qualidade de vida e prevalência de dor osteoarticular em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica

OBJECTIVE: To analyze quality of life and observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective, observational and comparative study with 26 individuals aged 18 to 60 years, 25 women, which included two evaluations, one preoperative and the other approximately 42 months after surgery. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Human Body Diagram with Visual Analogue Scale were employed. RESULTS: The individual samples showed grade III obesity, with a predominance of postoperative overweight, hypertension and diabetes in 65.4% and 42.3% of the samples, with remission of hypertension in 50% and of diabetes mellitus in 38.5% (p<0.001). The SF-36 demonstrated improved quality of life, especially in aspects related to motricity; vitality and mental health showed no significant changes. Osteoarticular pain was reported and identified in various sites by the subjects; however, 87.5% of patients in the preoperative period and 88.5% in the postoperative period reported not having any physical therapy orientation, while 65.4% reported being engaged in some type of regular physical activity after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese individuals have a high probability of suffering from clinical, psychic, and musculoskeletal alterations, compromising their quality of life and showing improvement after bariatric surgery; on the other hand, the psycho-emotional manifestations did not progress in the same way.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a qualidade de vida e observar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional e comparativo, incluindo 26 amostras, idade entre 18 e 60 anos, sendo 25 mulheres e compreendendo duas avaliações, uma pré-operatória e outra cerca de 42 meses após a cirurgia, com aplicação do Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) e do Diagrama do Corpo Humano com Escala Visual Analógica. RESULTADO: As amostras apresentaram obesidade grau III, com predomínio de sobrepeso após cirurgia, hipertensão e diabetes presentes em 65,4% e 42,3% das amostras, com remissão da hipertensão em 50% e da diabete mellitus em 38,5% (p<0,001). O SF-36 evidenciou melhora da qualidade de vida, sobretudo nos aspectos relacionados à motricidade; vitalidade e saúde mental não apresentaram mudanças significativas. A dor osteoarticular esteve presente e foi apontada em diversos pontos pelos sujeitos da amostra; contudo, 87,5% dos pacientes no pré e 88,5% no pós-operatório relataram não ter realizado nenhum acompanhamento fisioterápico, enquanto 65,4% relataram fazer algum tipo de atividade física regularmente após a cirurgia (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Obesos mórbidos apresentam alta probabilidade de sofrer com as alterações clínicas, psíquicas e musculoesqueléticas, comprometendo sua qualidade de vida e apresentando melhora após a cirurgia bariátrica; por outro lado, as manifestações psicoemocionais não tiveram a mesma evolução.

Terminalidade da vida em terapia intensiva: posicionamento dos familiares sobre ortotanásia / End of life in intensive care: family members' acceptance of orthotanasia

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o posicionamento dos familiares sobre a ortotanásia, ao considerar controle dos sintomas, preferência do paciente e influência da satisfação da comunicação do tratamento informado pela equipe médica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo na unidade de terapia intensiva geral adulto do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual durante o período de um ano. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado, baseado no Quality of Dying and Death (QODD 22) e entrevista informal prévia. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 60 familiares, com 51,7 ± 12,1 anos, sendo 81,7 por cento do sexo feminino. Os pacientes estavam internados em média por 31 ± 26,9 dias, sendo que 17,0 por cento dos dias na unidade de terapia intensiva. A maioria apresentava doença neurológica. A maioria dos pacientes (53,3 por cento) discutiu o desejo de cuidados de final de vida com a família, mas 76,7 por cento dos pacientes não discutiram com seu médico (p<0,00). Os familiares responderam a favor da ortotanásia em 83,3 por cento; a maioria (85,0 por cento) gostaria que a equipe médica discutisse claramente o assunto e 65,0 por cento desejavam participar do processo de decisão de qualidade de final de vida. Quanto à satisfação dos familiares em relação às informações médicas: 93,3 por cento consideraram ter adequada freqüência na comunicação do estado clínico; 81,7 por cento conseguiram tirar as dúvidas sobre o estado clínico do paciente; em 83,3 por cento a comunicação foi compreendida e 80,0 por cento consideraram terem recebido as informações com clareza e honestidade. Somente 43,3 por cento dos familiares gostaria de presenciar o momento da morte de seu ente querido. Houve associação significativa do posicionamento dos familiares sobre ortotanásia e participação na decisão de final de vida (p = 0,042). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos familiares entrevistada foi a favor da ortotanásia, e gostaria de participar da tomada de decisão de qualidade de final de vida.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess family member acceptance of orthotanasia as related to symptom management, patient preference and the influence of the medical team's communication on therapy. METHODS: This was a descriptive one-year study conducted at the adult intensive care unit of the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual. A structured questionnaire based on the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD 22) instrument and prior informal interviews were used. RESULTS: Sixty family members were assessed; the mean age was 51.7 + 12.1 years, and 81.7 percent were female. The patients were hospitalized for a mean of 31 + 26.9 days, and 17.0 percent of these days were spent in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients had neurological conditions. Most of the patients (53.3 percent) had discussed their end-of-life care wishes with family members; however, 76.7 percent of them had not discussed this issue with their doctors (p < 0.00). The family members reported being favorable to orthotanasia in 83.3 percent of the cases. Most (85.0 percent) desired the medical team to clearly approach the subject, and 65.0 percent wished to take part in the quality of end-of-life decision making process. The family members were generally satisfied with information they received from the doctors: 93.3 percent believed they had received appropriately frequent communications about the clinical conditions; 81.7 percent were able to clarify their doubts regarding the patient's clinical status; the communication was understood by 83.3 percent of the respondents; and 80.0 percent believed that clear and honest information had been provided. Only 43.3 percent of the respondents wished to be present at the time of their loved ones' deaths. A significant association between family member acceptance of orthotanasia and participation in end-of-life decisions (p = 0.042) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents were favorable to orthotanasia and wished to participate in end-of-life discussions.