Total Healing of a Partial Rupture of the Supraspinatus Tendon Using Barbotage Technique Associated with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Randomized, Controlled, and Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

The prevalence of partial rotator cuff tears (PRCTs) is high in the general population. Our hypothesis is that barbotage, when associated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is an effective method for healing these tears. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of barbotage with or without PRP on the healing of partial supraspinatus tendon tears (PSTTs). This study assessed the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index score and ultrasound (US) images at 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Patients in both groups showed clinical improvement, with no significant difference in scores at 6 weeks. However, at 6 months, the PRP group exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.019). Both groups experienced a reduction in ST tear size, but the PRP group demonstrated a significant enhancement at 6 weeks and 6 months. In conclusion, the US-guided barbotage technique, whether associated with PRP or saline solution, proved to be an effective treatment for clinical improvement and reduction in the size of PSTT. Better clinical improvement results were observed with PRP at 6 months. The combination of PRP with barbotage was superior in reducing the size of the ST tear at both 6 weeks and 6 months, resulting in complete healing in 79.3% of the tears.

Thrombosis Occurrence in COVID-19 Compared With Other Infectious Causes of ARDS: A Contemporary Cohort.

Thrombosis occurrence in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been mostly compared to historical cohorts of patients with other respiratory infections. We retrospectively evaluated the thrombotic events that occurred in a contemporary cohort of patients hospitalized between March and July 2020 for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the Berlin Definition and compared those with positive and negative real-time polymerase chain reaction results for wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) using descriptive analysis. The association between COVID-19 and thrombotic risk was evaluated using logistic regression. 264 COVID-19-positive (56.8% male, 59.0 years [IQR 48.6-69.7], Padua score on admission 3.0 [2.0-3.0]) and 88 COVID-19-negative patients (58.0% male, 63.7 years [51.2-73.5], Padua score 3.0 [2.0-5.0]) were included. 10.2% of non-COVID-19 and 8.7% of COVID-19 patients presented ≥ 1 clinically relevant thrombotic event confirmed by imaging exam. After adjustment for sex, Padua score, intensive care unit stay, thromboprophylaxis, and hospitalization length, the odds ratio for thrombosis in COVID-19 was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.30-1.64). We, therefore, conclude that infection-induced ARDS carries an inherent thrombotic risk, which was comparable between patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in our contemporary cohort.

Association between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is the basis of immune-mediated thrombosis. Data on the clinical relevance of NETs in antiphospholipid syndrome-related thrombosis are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the NET regulator proteins PADI4, ELANE, and MPO are associated with thrombosis in APS. METHODS: A total of 152 thrombotic APS (t-APS) patients and 123 individuals without thrombosis (controls) were included. The following markers of NETs were evaluated: PADI4, ELANE, and MPO gene expression by qPCR and circulating levels of citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit) and myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA) by ELISA. RESULTS: The levels of circulating MPO-DNA and MPO mRNA expression and PADI4 mRNA expression were higher in t-APS patients than in controls. The mean differences were 0.05 OD (95% CI 0.01 to 0.09) in MPO-DNA levels, 1.07 AU (95% CI 0.20 to 1.93) for MPO mRNA and 0.20 AU (95% CI 0.03 to 0.36) in PADI4 mRNA fold-change. These differences were more pronounced in triple-positive patients, who had 56% increased levels of MPO-DNA, 44% increased MPO mRNA expression and 69% increased PADI4 mRNA expression compared to controls. Additionally, circulating MPO-DNA levels and MPO mRNA expression were higher in patients with recurrent thrombosis than in patients with incident thrombosis and controls. In recurrent thrombosis, levels of MPO-DNA were 43.8% higher and MPO mRNA expression was 2-fold higher than in controls. Levels of circulating MPO-DNA and PADI4 mRNA expression did not differ substantially between primary and secondary APS. CONCLUSION: Thrombotic APS was associated with increased NET formation, which was more pronounced among patients with poorer prognosis, such as those with triple antiphospholipid positivity and recurrent thrombosis. Our results provide evidence on the association of NETs and the severity of APS-related thrombosis.

The role of platelet-rich plasma in the mild and severe stages of atherosclerotic disease in mice.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a high concentration of growth factors (GFs), which present a therapeutic wound healing effect. Despite having been correlated with an immunomodulatory function, the administration of PRP has not yet been investigated in atherosclerosis models. Aim: Evaluate the effect of lyophilized PRP on atherosclerosis in mice models through serum analysis. Methods: Animals received a high-fat diet for disease induction and a weekly PRP retro-orbital application. Effectiveness was evaluated by measuring inflammatory markers in plasma following the treatment of mice with either PRP or saline solution. Results: PRP was well characterized for platelet and GF concentrations; the atherosclerotic profile was established. Cytokine concentrations were altered after PRP applications. Conclusion: PRP could modulate the inflammatory pattern in the early stages of atherosclerosis.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors, which stimulate normal wound healing. This product seems to be a good modulator of white blood cells and has not been investigated in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate PRP in atherosclerosis using mice models. The PRP was produced from animals and preserved using the lyophilization technique; the product was then applied weekly in the vein. For atherosclerosis induction, genetically modified animals were fed a high-fat diet. The effectiveness was evaluated by measuring plasma inflammatory markers after treatment, and PRP seemed to alter cell-signaling molecules (cytokines). This study concluded that PRP was capable of modulating the inflammatory pattern during the early stages of atherosclerosis.

Efficacy of a hypolipid diet in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome with dyslipidemia: a prospective study.

Although dyslipidemia is associated with poorer prognosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the management of lipid disorders can be challenging. While statins may increase the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulation, the effectiveness of hypolipid diet (HD) has not yet been established in patients with autoimmune disorders. In this study, we evaluated whether HD is associated with decreases in cholesterol levels in patients with thrombotic primary APS (t-PAPS) and dyslipidemia. Nutritional and lipid profiles were assessed before HD was initiated (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months with HD. A 24-h dietary recall was applied to assess the adherence to the diet. Forty-four patients were included, mean age was 43 years (± 12.93) and 65% were female. After HD was started, the intake of carbohydrates, lipids, saturated fats and cholesterol decreased, whereas dietary fiber intake increased. Levels of total cholesterol (TC) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased after 3 and 6 months of HD, as compared to baseline (P = 0.007 and P = 0.008). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values did not change during the study period. The mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 28.4 to 27.8 kg/m2 after six months of HD (p < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, the effects of HD were more pronounced in patients with high TC, LDL-C or non-HDL-C levels at baseline and in those without obesity or hypertension. Nutritional intervention is feasible among t-PAPS and could be an alternative therapy to modulate lipid metabolism in this population.

Neutrophil activation and circulating neutrophil extracellular traps are increased in venous thromboembolism patients for at least one year after the clinical event.

Neutrophil activation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been associated with the pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Considering VTE-associated chronic sequelae, which suggest that some pathological mechanisms remain after the acute episode, we investigated whether neutrophil activation is increased in patients with a prior VTE at least one year before this investigation. Thirty-seven patients with prior VTE and 37 individuals with no history of VTE were included. Neutrophil activity was evaluated by the expression of the adhesive molecule activation-specific epitopes LFA-1 (CD11a) and MAC-1 (CD11b), chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by MPO-DNA complexes as markers of NETs. The adhesive molecules sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, involved in the cross talk between neutrophil and endothelial cells, were also evaluated. Patient neutrophils presented increased CD11a expression before and after TNF-α stimulus, whereas increased CD11b expression was observed only after TNF-α stimulus, as compared to controls. Neutrophil chemotaxis on both, basal state and after IL-8 stimulus, on circulating levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, and on MPO-DNA complexes were also increased in VTE patients. ROS release was similar between patients and controls. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to investigate neutrophil inflammatory activity in VTE patients a long period after an acute event (approximately 2 years). The results showed altered neutrophil activation patterns in these patients. While activated neutrophils can cause endothelial activation and injury, the activated endothelium can induce the release of NETs with consequent endothelial cytotoxicity, creating a vicious cycle of activation between neutrophils and endothelium that can lead to thrombosis. VTE patients (approximately 2 years after the clinical event) present an altered neutrophil activation state evidenced by increased activity of the LFA-1 and Mac-1 adhesive molecules, as well as increased chemotaxis and circulating levels of NETs remnants. Circulating levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, which are endothelial adhesive molecules, are also increased in VTE patients, suggesting not only an exacerbated endothelial activation and dysfunction, but also an interaction of the neutrophil adhesive molecules with their endothelial ligands, favoring the migration process of neutrophil.

Serum Metabolic Profiles Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy among Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Healthy Controls.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Studies on changes in the level of metabolites could have the potential to reveal biomarkers that can assist in the early detection, diagnosis, monitoring of DVT progression, response to treatment, or recurrence of DVT. In this scenario, the metabolomic analysis can provide a better understanding of the biochemical dysregulations of thrombosis. Using an untargeted metabolomic approach through magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multi- and univariate statistical analysis, we compared 40 patients with previous venous thrombosis and 40 healthy individuals, and we showed important serum differences between patients and controls, especially in the spectral regions that correspond to glucose, lipids, unsaturated lipids, and glycoprotein A. Considering the groups depending on risk factors and the local of the previous episode (lower limbs or cerebral system), we also noticed differences in metabolites linked to lipids and lactate. Comparative analyses pointed to altered ratios of glucose/lactate and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)/alanine, which might be associated with the fingerprints of thrombosis. Although samples for metabolomic analysis were collected months after the acute episode, these results highlighted that, alterations can still remain and may contribute to a better understanding of the complications of the disease.

Characterization of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) and its biological effects in patients with Behçet's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease (BD) is an immune-mediated chronic systemic vasculitis, characterized by clinical manifestations that include: mucocutaneous ulcers, ocular involvement, immunological alterations, vascular and neurological implications. The available treatments present limitations such as high cost and side effects, and the search for a low-cost biological treatment with immunomodulatory potential becomes of great value. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has some characteristics that indicate a possible use as an immunomodulator due to the wide range of secreted cytokines, especially through the participation of TGF-ß1 in the differentiation of T regulatory cells (Treg). This study aimed to characterize the PRP poor in leukocytes (P-PRP) of patients with BD and active ulcers and to evaluate its effects as an immunomodulator through a subcutaneous application. METHODS: We selected patients with a diagnosis of BD, with a low dose of prednisone and with no central nervous system or ocular involvement. Platelet and leukocyte count and quantification of 17 cytokines were evaluated in P-PRP. The effects of P-PRP were evaluated by cell frequency of TCD4 +, TCD8 +, Treg, natural killer (NK), and activated NK, as well as by the cytokine profile in patient's plasma, and the clinical manifestations through score and questionnaire. Also, it was evaluated the number and timing of oral ulcer closure. PRP was used as an adjuvant, with 9 applications of 3 mL, over 6 months, with a follow-up of one year. RESULTS: The results using PRP showed adequate values and no significant inter-and intra-individual variations. The systemic evaluations during the use of PRP showed significant alterations, characterized by the increase in Treg cell frequency (p = 0.0416) and a decrease in activated NK cells (p = 0.0010). However, no clinical correlation was observed through score analysis. The most relevant clinical data was the decrease in the closing time of ulcers throughout the application period. CONCLUSION: In a pilot study with BD patients, P-PRP promoted an anti-inflammatory profile characterized by increased Treg cells and decreased activated NK cells and alterations in cytokines. A clinical improvement was observed with a decrease in the number and time of closure of oral ulcers.

The effect of lyophilized platelet rich-plasma on skin aging: a non-randomized, controlled, pilot trial.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) showed positive results in the improvement of skin aging. Lyophilized PRP can be interesting in clinical practice due to the facility to obtain many samples in a single blood collection and can be used in multiple injections. To evaluate the effect of lyophilized PRP in the treatment of skin aging, through a Phase II pilot study. Nineteen women (54 years ± 7 years) with Glogau photoaging II and III types were select for this non-randomized, split-face controlled study. They received monthly intradermal injections of lyophilized PRP and saline solution (as control) into the facial skin, during a period of 2 months. The evaluation was performed by imaging method, histological techniques, and multiphoton microscopy. Although lyophilized PRP presented 10 times the platelet baseline value (P < .0001) and growth factors in adequate levels, only saline solution showed an increase of dermis thickness (p = .0009). Collagen pre and post-application remained the same for both types of treatments. The use of lyophilized PRP by mesotherapy showed no improvement on skin aging. TRIAL REGISTRATION APPROVAL: RBR-3n9wxw, UTN U1111-1226-6093-retrospectively registered.

Gene Variants Associated With Venous Thrombosis: A Replication Study in a Brazilian Multicentre Study.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) risk have been identified in European and American populations. Replicate SNPs associated with VTE in a Brazilian multicenter case-control study of the Southeast region. Patients with previous VTE assisted at the Outpatient Clinics of 3 centers of the Southeast Brazilian region were compared to normal controls of the same geographic region. We evaluated 29 SNPs associated with VTE risk in other populations, and 90 SNPs for stratification analysis of the population. Due to high admixture of Brazilian population and lack of previous studies, the calculation of the sample power was performed after genotyping. Sample size, allelic frequency and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated. The association and odds ratio analyses were estimated by logistic regression and the results were adjusted for multiple tests using Bonferroni correction. The evaluation of the genetic structure similarity in the cases and controls was performed by AMOVA. 436 cases and 430 controls were included. It was demonstrated that this sample has a statistical power to detect a genetic association of 79.4%. AMOVA showed that the genetic variability between groups was 0.0% and 100% within each group. None of the SNPs showed association with VTE in our population. A Brazilian multicenter case-control study with adequate sample power, high genetic variability though no stratification between groups, showed no replication of SNPs associated with VTE. The high admixture of Brazilian population may be responsible for these results, emphasizing the influence of the population genetic structure in association studies.

Increased inflammation and endothelial markers in patients with late severe post-thrombotic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a limiting long-term complication present in 20-50% of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs. A panel of biomarkers with potential relevance to enhance knowledge on the pathophysiology of PTS was investigated. METHODS: This case-control study included 93 patients with DVT in the lower limbs, 31 with severe PTS (cases) and 62 with mild/no PTS (controls), over 24 months after an acute episode. Thirty-one healthy individuals (HI) with no history of DVT were included as a reference to the population. FVIII activity, D-dimer, inflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction markers, matrix metalloproteinases, and their inhibitors, tissue remodeling and growth factor levels were evaluated. The classification of PTS was, by the Villalta scale. RESULTS: Patients with severe PTS showed elevated levels of CRP, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, and decreased MMP-9 and MCP-1 levels when compared to patients with mild/no PTS. Moreover, DVT patients presented higher levels of FVIII and D-dimer when compared to HI. CONCLUSIONS: DVT patients present an inflammatory status, endothelial dysfunction and altered proteolysis MMPs activity, even a long time after the acute thrombotic episode, which is more significant in severe PTS. These results suggest a possible role of these mediators in the maintenance and worsening of PTS severity.

Prolonged APTT of unknown etiology: A systematic evaluation of causes and laboratory resource use in an outpatient hemostasis academic unit.

BACKGROUND: A prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of unknown cause is one of the most frequent reasons why outpatients are referred for hemostasis consultation. Nevertheless, very few data are available on the relative contribution of individual causes of this common clinical scenario. Here, we present a systematic evaluation of all causes of APTT prolongation in a consecutive population of outpatients referred for specialized hemostasis consultation during a 14-year period. METHODS: All cases referred to an academic specialized hemostasis outpatient unit due to APTT prolongation of unknown etiology whose prolonged APTT was confirmed in the first visit were included in the study. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records. RESULTS: Among 187 consecutive patients, the most frequent causes were antiphospholipid antibodies in 22.6%, contact pathway factor deficiencies in 17.4%, other coagulation factor deficiencies in 11.6%, and vitamin K deficiency/liver disease in 11.6%. A definite cause was not identified in 22.1% of patients. Presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, and absence of bleeding symptoms were both associated with significantly longer APTT values compared to other categories/clinical scenarios. The investigation of each case required a mean of 18.2 additional tests per patient, with estimated costs ranging from US$191.60 to US$1055.60. CONCLUSIONS: Our results describe the main causes of APTT prolongation in outpatients, as well as estimates of resource use required to investigate this condition, thus providing evidence supporting the importance of measures to minimize the indiscriminate use of this assay.

Platelet-rich plasma lyophilization enables growth factor preservation and functionality when compared with fresh platelet-rich plasma.

AIMS: To compare levels and activity of the growth factors between fresh and lyophilized platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Analysis of platelet concentration using fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures were compared between fresh and lyophilized PRP obtained from peripheral blood. RESULTS: After lyophilization, 54% of platelets were intact whereas the fresh showed no aggregation with agonists (levels under 20%). The concentration of growth factors (VEGF, EGF, TGF-ß and PDGF) in both products were similar. Fresh and lyophilized PRPs induced proliferation in the fibroblasts at 24 h (0.303 vs 0.300, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lyophilized PRP appears to be an alternative to fresh PRP and the results evidenced the role of growth factors as a key element in the activity of this product.

Prevalence of the MTHFR C677T Mutation in Fertile and Infertile Women / Prevalência da mutação MTHFR C677T em mulheres férteis e inférteis

Abstract Introduction The importance of the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in infertile women remains controversial. Objective To evaluate if the MTHFR C677T mutations are more frequent in infertile women, and if they can be associated with the occurrence of infertility in the Brazilian population. Methods This case-control study included 130 infertile women consulting at a private clinic betweenMarch 2003 andMarch 2005 (data previously published), and 260 fertile women attending the family planning outpatient clinic of our institution between April 2012 and March 2013. Data analysis The Chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests were used to evaluate the association between the presence of the MTHFR C677T mutation and a history of infertility. Results The frequency of the mutation was of 58.5% for the case group (n = 76) and of 49.2% for the fertile controls (n = 128). The mutation was homozygous in 13 women in the case group (10%) and in 23 of the fertile women in the control group (8.8%). These differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions These results suggest that the presence of the MTHFR C677T mutation does not constitute a risk factor for infertility, even when themutation is homozygous. Further studies are needed to confirm whether research on this mutation should be considered unnecessary in women with infertility.

Resumo Introdução A importância da mutação C677T no gene da metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) em mulheres com infertilidade permanece controversa. Objetivo Avaliar se a mutação MTHFR C677Témais frequente em mulheres inférteis, e se pode ser associada com a ocorrência de infertilidade na população brasileira. Métodos Estudo de caso-controle, com avaliação de 130 mulheres com infertilidade atendidas em clínica privada no período de março de 2003 a março de 2005 (dados previamente publicados) e 260 mulheres férteis atendidas no ambulatório de planejamento familiar de nossa instituição no período de abril de 2012 a março de 2013. Análise dos dados Foram utilizados os testes de Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher para o estudo da associação entre a presença damutação MTHFR C677T e o antecedente de infertilidade. Resultados A frequência da mutação foi de 58,5% nos casos (n = 76) e de 49,2% nos controles (n = 128). Dentre os casos, 13 apresentavam esta mutação em homozigose (10%). Nos controles, a homozigose foi encontrada em 23 mulheres férteis (8,8%). Estas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões Este estudo sugere que a presença da mutação MTHFR C677T não constitui fator de risco para infertilidade, mesmo em casos de homozigose. Estudos complementares são necessários para ratificar se a investigação desta mutação deve ser considerada desnecessária em mulheres com infertilidade.

Prevalence of the MTHFR C677T Mutation in Fertile and Infertile Women.

Introduction The importance of the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in infertile women remains controversial. Objective To evaluate if the MTHFR C677T mutations are more frequent in infertile women, and if they can be associated with the occurrence of infertility in the Brazilian population. Methods This case-control study included 130 infertile women consulting at a private clinic between March 2003 and March 2005 (data previously published), and 260 fertile women attending the family planning outpatient clinic of our institution between April 2012 and March 2013. Data analysis The Chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests were used to evaluate the association between the presence of the MTHFR C677T mutation and a history of infertility. Results The frequency of the mutation was of 58.5% for the case group (n = 76) and of 49.2% for the fertile controls (n = 128). The mutation was homozygous in 13 women in the case group (10%) and in 23 of the fertile women in the control group (8.8%). These differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions These results suggest that the presence of the MTHFR C677T mutation does not constitute a risk factor for infertility, even when the mutation is homozygous. Further studies are needed to confirm whether research on this mutation should be considered unnecessary in women with infertility.

Introdução A importância da mutação C677T no gene da metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) em mulheres com infertilidade permanece controversa. Objetivo Avaliar se a mutação MTHFR C677T é mais frequente em mulheres inférteis, e se pode ser associada com a ocorrência de infertilidade na população brasileira. Métodos Estudo de caso-controle, com avaliação de 130 mulheres com infertilidade atendidas em clínica privada no período de março de 2003 a março de 2005 (dados previamente publicados) e 260 mulheres férteis atendidas no ambulatório de planejamento familiar de nossa instituição no período de abril de 2012 a março de 2013. Análise dos dados Foram utilizados os testes de Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher para o estudo da associação entre a presença da mutação MTHFR C677T e o antecedente de infertilidade. Resultados A frequência da mutação foi de 58,5% nos casos (n = 76) e de 49,2% nos controles (n = 128). Dentre os casos, 13 apresentavam esta mutação em homozigose (10%). Nos controles, a homozigose foi encontrada em 23 mulheres férteis (8,8%). Estas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões Este estudo sugere que a presença da mutação MTHFR C677T não constitui fator de risco para infertilidade, mesmo em casos de homozigose. Estudos complementares são necessários para ratificar se a investigação desta mutação deve ser considerada desnecessária em mulheres com infertilidade.

Contributions for classification of platelet rich plasma - proposal of a new classification: MARSPILL.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a significant therapy used in medical conditions with heterogeneous results. There are some important classifications to try to standardize the PRP procedure. The aim of this report is to describe PRP contents studying celular and molecular components, and also propose a new classification for PRP. The main focus is on mononuclear cells, which comprise progenitor cells and monocytes. In addition, there are important variables related to PRP application incorporated in this study, which are the harvest method, activation, red blood cells, number of spins, image guidance, leukocytes number and light activation. The other focus is the discussion about progenitor cells presence on peripherial blood which are interesting due to neovasculogenesis and proliferation. The function of monocytes (in tissue-macrophages) are discussed here and also its plasticity, a potential property for regenerative medicine treatments.

Patterns of care and burden of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Brazil.

AIMS: Although several therapeutic options are available for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP), little is known about the treatment of cITP in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-center, retrospective chart review, observational study was designed to describe the treatment patterns, clinical burden, resources use, and associated costs for adult patients diagnosed with cITP and treated in public and private institutions in Brazil. Patient charts were screened in reverse chronological order based on their last visit post January 1, 2012. (All costs were calculated using 1.00 USD = 3.9571 BRL, from February 2016.) Results: Of 340 patient charts screened, 50 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Single-drug therapy (prednisone, dexamethasone, or dapsone) was the most commonly used treatment, followed by combination therapies (azathioprine + prednisone, azathioprine + prednisone + danazol, and prednisone + dapsone). Splenectomy was performed in 22% of patients after at least first-line treatment. Platelet count and number of bleeding episodes at diagnosis were 31,561.1/mm3 (SD = ±26,396.1) and 40 episodes, respectively; in first-line, 92,631.1/mm3 (SD = ±79,955.3) and 19 episodes, respectively; in second-line, 96,950.0/mm3 (SD = ±76,476.4) and 17 episodes, respectively. Private system patients had a higher median cost compared to public system patients (USD 17.49/month, range = 0-2,020.77 vs USD 9.51/month, range = 0-192.64, respectively). LIMITATIONS: This study does not allow conclusions for causal explanations due to the cohort study design, and treatment patterns represent only the practices of physicians who have agreed to participate in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that available therapeutic strategies for second- and third-line therapies appear to be limited.