Effect of Medicaid expansion on inflammatory bowel disease and healthcare utilization.

BACKGROUND: Kentucky was among the first to adopt Medicaid expansion, resulting in reducing uninsured rates from 14.3% to 6.4%. We hypothesize that Medicaid expansion resulted in increased elective healthcare utilization and reductions in emergency treatments by patients suffering Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). METHODS: The Hospital Inpatient Discharge and Outpatient Services Database (HIDOSD) identified all encounters related to IBD from 2009 to 2020 in Kentucky. Several demographic variables were compared in pre- and post-Medicaid expansion adoption. RESULTS: Our study analyzed 3386 pre-expansion and 24,255 post-expansion encounters for IBD patients. Results showed that hospitalization rates dropped (47.7%-8.4%), outpatient visits increased (52.3%-91.6%) and Emergency visits decreased (36.7%-11.4%). Admission following a clinical referral similarly increased with a corresponding drop in emergency room admissions. Hospital costs and lengths of stay also dropped following Medicaid expansion. CONCLUSION: In the IBD population, Medicaid expansion improved access to preventative care, reduced hospital costs by decreasing emergency care, and increased elective care pathways.

Total Psoas Area is a Measure for Deconditioning in Colorectal Surgery Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is an important prognostic indicator for surgical outcomes. An objective measure of deconditioning is needed to determine patient fitness. This study aims to describe a methodology to standardize psoas measurements and correlate them with postoperative outcomes. METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval, the ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients over 18 years, undergoing colectomies for non-trauma indications from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2018. Upon CT imaging, the psoas muscle was identified at the lumbosacral joint. Imaging software calculated the total cross-sectional area of the left and right psoas muscle and was normalized by dividing by height squared to achieve our Total Psoas Index (TPI) in cm2/m2. RESULTS: 1173 patients met study criteria; all had TPI calculated. A TPI equal to or below the gender-specific 25th percentile defined sarcopenia. In total, 151 females (24.6%) and 137 males (24.5%) were classified as sarcopenic. TPI was significantly associated with multiple NSQIP 30-day outcomes and mortality in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring TPI at the lumbosacral joint is an appropriate method for determining sarcopenia.

Age and Medicare Insurance are Barriers to Telemedicine Access-A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth use has had widespread expansion and adoption over the past two years. This study aims to evaluate access to telehealth essentials (TE) using a novel metric. METHODS: This single institute study surveyed outpatient surgical patients to determine their access to TE. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine the relationship of demographic and county-level variables on access to four TE. RESULTS: 138 patients were surveyed. Sixty-six (47.8%) were from Appalachian Kentucky. In the survey cohort, 122 (88.4%) had smart phones, 109 (80.7%) had devices with video messaging capabilities, 106 (80.9%) had cellular reception, and 112 (82.4%) had access to WiFi. Increasing age and Medicare insurance were the most consistent predictors of lack of access to TE. CONCLUSION: Rural Appalachian Kentucky has access to TE. Telehealth has the potential to decrease the healthcare inequity in rural populations, but incompletely address this inequity for the aging population.

Toxoplasma gondii outbreak in southern Brazil: heterogeneity of the serological humoral response in pregnant women and outcomes in newborns.

The aim of the study was to describe the heterogeneity of the humoral immune response and pregnancy outcomes in infected women during an outbreak of toxoplasmosis. Forty-two pregnant women referred to the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM), RS, Brazil in 2018 and 2019, were evaluated. Clinical symptoms were reported in 33.3% of the patients. The majority (64.3%) of symptomatic pregnant women had anti T. gondii IgM antibodies index >7.0. Considering asymptomatic pregnant women, 46.4% presented antibodies IgM index below 3.0. Anti T. gondii IgG low avidity antibodies are present in 23.5% of pregnant women with a IgM index <3.0. Three newborns had the congenital form of the infection, and of these, only 1 had a positive IgM result. The serological response detected at the time of diagnosis of the infection is heterogeneous, which can make it difficult to interpret the tests, due to the presence of non-classical serological profiles.

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity and the oxidative profile of pregnant women being treated for acute toxoplasmosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and oxidative profile, including the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), in women who acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and used the triple regimen (sulfadiazine + pyrimethamine + folinic acid [SPFA]) as treatment. These parameters have not been evaluated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis who used the triple regimen. A total of 53 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups: control (C; n = 27) and acute toxoplasmosis (AT; n = 26). Clinical data and blood samples were obtained from all patients. The clinical profile was analyzed by checking parameters such as body mass index, blood pressure, and complete blood count. Oxidative stress was evaluated by quantifying protein (P-SH) and non-protein (NP-SH) thiol groups, vitamin C, plasma iron reduction capacity (FRAP), δ-ALA-D enzyme activity, reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO). Changes in hematological parameters (increased red cell distribution width and decreased hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), increased antioxidant system (P-SH, NP-SH, FRAP, δ-ALA-D enzyme activity), as well as damage markers (TBARS and NO), were significantly elevated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis, compared to those in the control group. Pregnant women treated for this acute infection showed increased damage markers, as well as a significant increase in the antioxidant system, including the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme. Given this evidence, it is suggested that these changes occur as a form of compensation, with a possible contribution from drug therapy.

ACGME Operative Case Log Accuracy Varies Among Surgical Programs.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the accuracy of reported the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) operative case logs from graduated residents compared to institutional operating room electronic records (ORER). We hope this will help guide review committees and institutions develop complete, accurate resident case logs. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of general surgery (GS), neurosurgery (NS), and orthopedic surgery (OS) resident physicians. ACGME and ORER cases from 2009 to 2010 were analyzed and each case and current procedural terminology (CPT) code directly compared (ORER vs. ACGME). SETTING: Single academic tertiary-care medical center (University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY). PARTICIPANTS: Eleven thousand nine hundred and twenty-three cases for 46 residents among the 3 residency programs were analyzed. RESULTS: There was an overall logging accuracy of 72% for ORER cases reflected in the ACGME case logs. OS residents had a higher rate of logging accuracy (OS 91%, GS 69%, NS 58%, chi-square p = 0.014) and mean annual number of cases compared to the other 2 programs (OS 452, GS 183, NS 237, ANOVA p = 0.001). NS residents had higher accuracy of CPT codes than post-graduate years 2 to 5 in other programs (p < 0.017). There was a strong positive correlation between the number of cases completed per resident and case logging accuracy, (rho = 0.769, p < 0.001) consistent for NS and GS, but not OS. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows only 72% of a residents' operative experience is captured in the ACGME case log across 3 surgical programs. There is significant variability among surgical programs and among post-graduate year cohorts regarding case log and CPT code accuracy. There is a strong correlation with the total number of cases performed and increasing case log accuracy. Low case log accuracy may reflect individual resident behavior instead of program operative exposure. Further studies are needed to determine if ORER may serve as a more complete assessment of the operative experience of a resident and program.

Novel Technique to Reduce the Incidence of SSI after Colorectal Surgery.

SSI is a leading cause of morbidity and increases health-care cost after colorectal operations. It is a key hospital-level patient safety indicator. Previous literature has identified perioperative risk factors associated with SSI and interventions to decrease rate of infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of blowhole closure on the rate of superficial and deep SSI. The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing colectomy at the University of Kentucky from 2013 to 2016. Retrospective chart review was performed to gather demographic data and perioperative variables. Wounds left open and packed were excluded. Rates of postoperative SSI were measured between the groups. One thousand eighty-three patients undergoing elective and emergent colectomy were reviewed. Nine hundred and forty-five had closed incision and 138 had blowhole closure. Patient characteristics between the groups were well matched. Patients with a blowhole closure were more likely to have an open procedure (P = 0.037) and a higher wound class (P < 0.001). The rate of superficial and deep SSI was 9.1 per cent in patients with a closed incision and 5.1 per cent in patients with blowhole closure (P = 0.142). With adjustment for approach and wound class, blowhole closure decreased the incidence of SSI (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in morbidity or mortality. Patients undergoing elective and emergent colectomy had decreased incidence of SSI when blowhole closure was used. Given that it does not increase resource usage and its technical ease, blowhole closure should become the standard method of surgical wound closure.

Perfil de gestantes em tratamento para a infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Profile of pregnant women under treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection / Perfil de las mujeres embarazadas reciben tratamiento para la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana

Justificativa e Objetivos: A via de transmissão predominante em casos de HIV/aids pediátrica continua sendo a transmissão vertical. Sendo a infecção pelo HIV uma doença crônica e controlável, o acompanhamento do tratamento da mãe e seu filho são fundamentais. O objetivo foi verificar o perfil de gestantes portadoras do HIV atendidas em um Hospital público da região central do Rio Grande do Sul, e o momento em que ocorreu o diagnóstico da infecção. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, do tipo transversal, retrospectivo, com 46 gestantes recebendo terapia antirretroviral (TARV) para o HIV durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2015 junto a sua Unidade dispensadora de medicamentos. Os dados foram obtidos através da consulta no Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos, junto à farmácia hospitalar, e através de consulta em prontuários clínicos. Resultados: A média da idade no período da gestação foi de 29 anos (± 5,9), apenas 24% teve o diagnóstico fora de período gestacional, e a maioria (69,6%) sabia ser portadora do HIV antes da gestação atual, sendo que apenas 11,6% estavam esperando o primeiro filho. A maioria das gestantes recebeu TARV por mais de seis meses de gestação (60,9%). O pré-natal não foi realizado adequadamente em 19,6% destas gestantes resultando em TARV insatisfatória. Conclusão: Sendo o HIV uma infecção silenciosa, a gestação torna-se um momento oportuno para diagnóstico desta infecção. É necessária maior sensibilização quanto à importância de um pré-natal precoce e de adesão a TARV, buscando minimizar os riscos da transmissão vertical do HIV.(AU)

Background and Objectives: The predominant transmission route in cases of HIV/pediatric aids continues to be vertical transmission. Since HIV infection is a chronic and controllable disease, monitoring the treatment of the mother and her child is fundamental. The objective was to verify the profile of HIV- positive pregnant women attended at a public hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, and when it was made the diagnosis. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out with 46 pregnant women undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV during the period from January to December 2015. Data were obtained through the consultation in the Logistic Control System of Medications, in the hospital pharmacy, and in the medical records. Results: The mean age of the gestation period was 29 years old (± 5,9). Only 24% had the diagnosis outside the gestational period, and the majority (69,6%) knew to be HIV positive before the current gestation, with only 11, 6% expecting the first child. The majority of pregnant women received ART for more than 6 months of gestation (60.9%). Prenatal care was not adequately performed in 19.6%, and these pregnant women were not adequately treated. Conclusion: Since HIV is a silent infection, gestation becomes an opportune moment for the diagnosis of this infection. However, greater awareness of the importance of early prenatal care and adherence to ART is needed, in order to minimize the risk of vertical transmission of HIV.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La vía de transmisión predominante en casos de HIV/sida pediátrica sigue siendo la transmisión vertical. Siendo la infección por el VIH una enfermedad crónica y controlable, el seguimiento del tratamiento de la madre y su hijo son fundamentales. El objetivo fue verificar el perfil de gestantes portadoras del VIH atendidas en un Hospital público de la región central de Rio Grande do Sul, y cuando se realizó el diagnóstico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo ,en sección transversal, retrospectivo de 46 mujeres embarazadas que reciben terapia antirretroviral (HAART) para el VIH durante el período de enero a diciembre 2015. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la consulta del Sistema de Gestión Logística de medicamentos en la farmacia hospitalaria y por medio de consultas en los registros clínicos. Resultados: El promedio de edad en el período de gestación fue de 29 años, sólo el 24% tuvo el diagnóstico fuera del período gestacional, y la mayoría (69,6%) sabía ser portadora del VIH antes de la gestación actual, siendo que sólo 11, 6% estaba embarazada del primer hijo. La mayoría de las mujeres embarazadas recibieron HAART durante más de seis meses de embarazo (60,9%). El prenatal no fue realizado adecuadamente en el 19,6%, quedando estas gestantes sin HAART. Conclusiones: Siendo el VIH una infección silenciosa, la gestación se convierte en un momento oportuno para el diagnóstico de esta infección. Sin embargo, es necesaria una mayor concientización en cuanto a la importancia de un pre-natal precoz y de adhesión a HAART.(AU)

Laparoscopic Harvest of the Rectus Abdominis for Perineal Reconstruction.

The rectus abdominis is a workhorse flap for perineal reconstruction, in particular after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Laparoscopic and robotic techniques for abdominoperineal surgery are becoming more common. The open harvest of the rectus abdominis negates the advantages of these minimally invasive approaches. (Sentence relating to advantages of laparoscopic rectus deleted here.) We present our early experience with laparoscopic harvest of the rectus muscle for perineal reconstruction. Three laparoscopic unilateral rectus abdominis muscle harvests were performed for perineal reconstruction following minimally invasive colorectal and urological procedures. The 2 patients who underwent APR also had planned external perineal skin reconstruction with local flaps. (Sentence deleted here to shorten abstract.) All rectus muscle harvests were performed laparoscopically. Two were for perineal reconstruction following laparoscopic APR, and 1 was for anterior vaginal wall reconstruction. This was done with 4 ports positioned on the contralateral abdomen. The average laparoscopic harvest time was 60-90 minutes. The rectus muscle remained viable in all cases. One patient developed partial necrosis of a posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap after cancer recurrence. There were no pelvic abscesses, or abdominal wall hernias. Laparoscopic harvest of the rectus appears to be a cost-effective, reliable, and reproducible procedure for perineal with minimal donor-site morbidity. Larger clinical studies are needed to further establish the efficacy and advantages of the laparoscopic rectus for perineal reconstruction.

Platelets as a novel source of Gremlin-1: Implications for thromboinflammation.

Platelets mediating haemostasis-thrombosis are central players in coronary artery disease (CAD). We characterised platelets as a novel source of Gremlin-1. Platelets express Gremlin-1 like inflammatory and endothelial cells. Gremlin-1 co-localised with P-selectin containing randomly distributed α-granules under resting state, which were peripheralised following platelet activation or adhesion over fibrinogen-coated surface. Gremlin-1 release upon activation with ADP, CRP, and TRAP was detected as enhanced surface expression; also in activated platelet supernatant as detected by Western Blot following CRP activation and by ELISA upon activation with ADP, CRP, PAR-1, and PAR4 agonist. Recombinant (rh)Gremlin-1 synergistically enhanced CRP-triggered intracellular calcium mobilisation, ADP-TRAP induced platelet activation, aggregation, and thrombin-activation triggered apoptosis; also thrombus formation ex vivo. Intracellular localisation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and Gremlin-1 a high-affinity binding partner and functional antagonist of MIF were found in intracoronary thrombus sections from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and showed moderate overlap in α-granules of platelets. Intra-platelet Gremlin-1 levels were significantly decreased in ACS patients as compared to stable CAD (n=235). rhGremlin-1 also counteracted the anti-apoptotic and anti-thrombotic effects of rhMIF on platelets. Platelet-derived-Gremlin-1 prompted monocyte migration, facilitated adhesion under static and dynamic arterial flow conditions to collagen-adherent activated platelets; supported monocyte survival against BH-3-mimetic-induced apoptosis and macrophage differentiation in monocyte-platelet co-culture system, which were counteracted upon Gremlin-1 neutralisation. Thus platelet derived Gremlin-1 might contribute to the elevated circulating levels of Gremlin-1 in ACS and serve as a thrombo-inflammatory mediator in cardiovascular pathophysiologies.

Adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral: uma intervenção multiprofissional / La adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral: una intervención multidisciplinar / Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a multidisciplinary intervention

Objetivo: relatar a experiência de residentes multiprofissionais na intervenção realizada aos usuários e profissionais da saúde, a partir dos resultados de pesquisa que verificou fatores que dificultam a adesão ao tratamento antirretroviralentre indivíduos em tratamento para a Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida. Métodos: trata-se de um relato de experiência, no qual usuários não aderentes, acompanhados no ambulatório de adesão de um Hospital Universitário e deum Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento, foram atendidos pela equipe multiprofissional. A intervenção realizou-se nos meses de abril de 2013 a fevereiro de 2014 e obteve autorização do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa, constituiu-se de quatro etapas: busca ativa; aplicação de questionários; consulta multiprofissional; e intervenção com os profissionais da atenção primária à saúde. Resultados: a atenção multiprofissional mostra-se um aliado na melhoria da qualidade de vida.Conclusão: o trabalho em redes entre os níveis de atenção corrobora para a garantia da integralidade do cuidado.

Objective: To report the experience of multidisciplinary residents intervention performed to users and healthprofessionals from the search results that found factors that hinder adherence to antiretroviral therapy among individualsin treatment for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Methodology: it is an experience report where noncompliantusers, followed in accession clinic of a university hospital and a Testing and Counseling Center were attended by themultidisciplinary team. The intervention took place in April 2013 to February 2014 and obtained authorization from theResearch Ethics Committee, consisted of four stages: active search; questionnaires; multidisciplinary consultation; andintervention with professionals of primary health care. Results: the multi attention shown an ally in improving the qualityof life. Conclusion: work in networks between care levels confirms the guarantee of comprehensive care.

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de intervención multidisciplinar residentes realizado a usuarios y profesionales de lasalud a partir de los resultados de búsqueda que se encuentran factores que dificultan la adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral entre individuos en tratamiento para el Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida. Metodología: se trata deun relato de experiencia donde los usuarios no cumplen las normas, seguidos en la clínica de la adhesión de un hospital universitario y un centro de asesoramiento y pruebas fueron atendidos por el equipo multidisciplinario. La intervencióntuvo lugar en abril 2013 hasta febrero 2014 y obtuvo la autorización del Comité de Ética de la Investigación, consistió encuatro etapas: búsqueda activa; cuestionarios; consulta multidisciplinaria; y la intervención de los profesionales de laatención primaria de salud. Resultados: la atención de múltiples muestran un aliado en la mejora de la calidad de vida.Conclusión: el trabajo en redes entre niveles asistenciales confirma la garantía de una atención integral.

Gremlin-1 C-Terminus Regulates Function of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The counterbalance of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and Gremlin-1 is a useful tool to predict the acuity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and plaque stability. Gremlin1 is an endogenous antagonist of MIF and therefore influences plaque vulnerability. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanistic basis determining the biophysical binding of Gremlin-1 to MIF. METHODS: An in silico model suggested that several charged C-terminal amino acids are crucial in mediating Gremlin-1/MIF-binding. We produced several single amino acid exchange mutants of Gremlin-1 by site-directed mutagenesis. These Gremlin-1 mutants were tested for their ability to reduce MIF effects on monocytes. RESULTS: We observed that the critical element of the Gremlin-1 molecule for regulating MIF-induced chemotactic activity lies at the C-terminal region. A single amino acid exchange of an arginine to an alanine residue is sufficient to abolish the antagonistic effect of Gremlin-1 on MIF. Therefore, the Gremlin-1 mutant R172A failed to reduce MIF-induced monocyte differentiation into macrophages. CONCLUSION: Gremlin-1 C-terminus is essential for antagonizing MIF effects. Our results could offer a novel strategy utilizing Gremlin-1 to target pro-inflammatory effects of MIF in various diseases.

CXCL14 as an emerging immune and inflammatory modulator.

CXCL14, a relatively novel chemokine, is a non-ELR (glutamic acid-leucine-arginine) chemokine with a broad spectrum of biological activities. CXCL14 mainly contributes to the regulation of immune cell migration, also executes antimicrobial immunity. The identity of the receptor for CXCL14 still remains obscure and therefore the intracellular signaling pathway is not entirely delineated. The present review summarizes the contribution of CXCL14 in these two aspects and discusses the biological mechanisms regulating CXCL14 expression and potential CXCL14 mediated functional implications in a variety of cells.

Lymphocytes reduce nigrostriatal deficits in the 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Neuroinflammation is a well-known neuropathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), but it remains controversial whether it is causal or consequential to neurodegeneration. While the role of microglia in the pathogenesis has been thoroughly investigated in human and different rodent models, data concerning the impact of the adaptive immune system on the pathogenesis of PD are still rare, although lymphocyte populations were found in brain tissue of PD patients and have been implicated in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-mediated neurodegeneration in mice. To test the hypothesis that the adaptive immune system contributes to the progression of PD in the murine 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model, we performed unilateral 6-OHDA injection into the medial forebrain bundle and compared wild-type mice with recombination activating gene-1 deficient mice (RAG-1(-/-)), that lack mature lymphocytes. After 6-OHDA injection, immune-deficient mice moved significantly slower and less often than wild-type mice. Rotarod analysis displayed a shorter latency to fall in RAG-1(-/-) mice. Immunohistochemical analysis in wild-type mice demonstrated a higher CD8+ T cell density in the ipsilesional striatum compared to sham-operated animals. Cell counts of tyrosine hydroxylase positive dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra in immune compromised mice were significantly reduced compared to wild-type mice. Wild type bone marrow reconstitution into RAG-1(-/-) recipients rescued the clinical deterioration as well as the neurodegeneration in RAG-1(-/-) deficient recipients ameliorated clinical symptoms and neurodegeneration after 6-OHDA treatment. Our data indicate that lymphocytes reduce the clinical and neuropathological impact of 6-OHDA lesioning and thus may play a protective role in this toxic mouse model of PD.

Prevalência sorológica e intensidade da resposta humoral ao Vírus daHepatite C entre os indivíduos atendidos em um hospital público / Seroprevalence and the intensity of the humoral response among HCV chronic infected individuals attending in a public hospital

A infecção crônica pelo vírus da Hepatite C (HCV) é considerada grave, podendo progredir para cirrose e descompensação hepática. Objetivos: Verificar a prevalência da infecção pelo HCV entre os indivíduos triados, entre setembro de 2007 e setembro de 2009 determinando a correlação dos níveis séricos de anticorpos com presença do RNA viral. Métodos: Os resultados sorológicos da pesquisa de anticorposanti HCV pelo método imunoenzimático ELISA (BioMérieux®) de 4536 indivíduos foram analisados retrospectivamente. O resultado da pesquisa molecular (COBAS AMPLICOR HCV Roche Diagnostics®) de 79 pacientes foi obtido através de registros médicos, sendo os genótipos 1 e 3 os mais frequentes. A probabilidade do resultado sorológico estar relacionado com a pesquisa molecular foi verificada através de curva ROC, construída para diferentes valores de Índex (DO amostra/DO ponto de corte do ELISA). Resultados: Das amostras para as quais foi realizado o teste molecular, 82,3% confirmaram presença de RNA HCV. Os Valores preditivos positivos (VPP) e Valores preditivos negativos (VPN) para presença de viremia, considerando valores de Índex 4,0 3,0 e 2,0 foram: para Índex 4,0 sensibilidade (S) de 62%, especificidade (E) 64%, VPP de 89%, VPN de 27%. Para Índex 3,0 S=93,0%; E=36,0%, VPP 87%, VPN 55%. Para Índex 2,0 S=100%, E=21%, VPP 85%; VPN 100%. Conclusão: Pode-se inferir que há grande probabilidade de pacientes com reação sorológica para pesquisa de anti-HCV reagente e Índex menor que 2,0, terem suprimido a infecção pelo HCV, e com Índex superior a 4,0 apresentarem viremia presente.

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a severe infection that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HCV infection amongst screened individuals, between September 2007 and September 2009 to determine the relationships between serum antibody levels and the presence of viral RNA. Methods: Serological results of the research to anti HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA (BioMérieux ®) of 4536 subjects were analyzed retrospectively. The results of molecular research (Cobas AMPLICOR HCV Roche Diagnostics ®) of 79 patients were extracted from medical records, and genotypes 1 and 3 were the most frequent. The probability of serologic results to be related to molecular analysis was verified by ROC curve constructed for different values of Index (OD sample / OD cutoff ELISA). Results: Of samples for which the molecular test was performed, 82.3% confirmed the presence of HCV RNA. Positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for the presence of viremia, considering Index values of 4.0 3.0 and 2.0 were: for theIndex 4.0 sensitivity (S) of 62%, specificity (Sp) 64%, PPV 89%, NPV of 27%. In the Index 3.0 S = 93.0%;E = 36.0%, PPV 87%, NPV 55%. In the Index 2.0% S=100, E=21%, PPV 85%; VPN 100%. Conclusion: It can be inferred that there is high probability of patients with serological reaction for screening anti-HCV reagent, presenting Index lower than 2.0 have suppressed HCV infection, and index above 4.0 have present viremia

Impact of an integrated disease management program in reducing exacerbations in patients with severe asthma and COPD.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exists on the effectiveness of integrated programs in reducing recurrent exacerbations and hospitalizations in patients with Asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). We developed a Pulmonologist-led Chronic Lung Disease Program (CLDP) for patients with severe asthma and COPD and analyzed its impact on healthcare utilization and predictors of its effectiveness. METHODS: CLDP elements included clinical evaluation, onsite pulmonary function testing, health education, and self-management action plan along with close scheduled and on-demand follow-up. Patients with ≥2 asthma or COPD exacerbations requiring emergency room visit or hospitalization within the prior year were enrolled, and followed for respiratory related ER visits (RER) and hospitalizations (RHA) over the year (357 ± 43 days) after CLDP interventions. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were enrolled, and 104 patients were subject to analyses. During the year of follow-up after CLDP enrollment, there was a significant decrease in mean RER (0.56 ± 1.48 versus 2.62 ± 2.81, p < 0.0001), mean RHA (0.39 ± 0.08 versus 1.1 ± 1.62, p < 0.0001), and 30 day rehospitalizations (0.05 ± 0.02 versus 0.28 ± 0.07, p < 0.0001). Reduction of healthcare utilization was strongly associated with GERD and sinusitis therapy, and was independent of pulmonary rehabilitation. Direct variable cost analyses estimated annual savings at $1.17 million. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed lack of spirometry utilization as an independent risk factor for severe exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: A Pulmonologist-led disease management program integrating key elements of care is cost effective and significantly decreases severe exacerbations. Integrated programs should be encouraged for care of frequent exacerbators of asthma and COPD.

Abnormal dorsal premotor-motor inhibition in writer's cramp.

The authors hypothesized that a deficient premotor-motor inhibitory network contributes to the unwanted involuntary movements in dystonia. The authors studied nine controls and nine patients with writer's cramp (WC). Dorsal premotor-motor cortical inhibition (dPMI) was tested by applying conditioning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the dorsal premotor cortex and then a test pulse to the ipsilateral motor cortex at an interval of 6 ms. The authors used an H-reflex in flexor carpi radialis paired with TMS over the premotor cortex to assess for spinal cord excitability change. Finally, the authors interrupted a choice reaction time task with TMS over dorsal premotor cortex to assess performance in a nondystonic task. The results showed that WC patients exhibited dPMI at rest (88.5%, the ratio of conditioned to unconditioned test pulse), in contrast to controls, who did not show dPMI (109.6%) (P = 0.0198). This difference between patients and controls persisted during contraction (100% vs. 112%) and pen-holding (95.6% vs. 111%). The H-reflex in the arm was not modulated by the premotor cortex stimulation. The WC patients made more errors, and the error rate improved with TMS over the premotor cortex. These results suggest that abnormal premotor-motor interactions may play a role in the pathophysiology of focal dystonia. The dPMI was not modulated by task in either group, but was constantly greater in the patients. The significance of the increased inhibition is likely to be compensatory. It appears to be a robust finding and, in combination with other features, could be further explored as a biomarker.

[Incidence of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in the state of Rio Grande do Sul 1999-2010: impact of vaccination campaign]. / Incidência de meningite por Haemophilus influenzae no RS 1999-2010: impacto da cobertura vacinal.

This article seeks to analyze and update the epidemiological situation of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in the past 10 years in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). It is a retrospective, descriptive study, which used the data notification system of meningitis and vaccination campaign coverage, stored in the Epidemiological TABNET online database, for the period from 1999 to 2010. Cases notified and confirmed were used and the selection criteria were the year when the symptoms were detected, age, diagnosis, and evolution. Nineteen health centers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. The z-test was used to evaluate comparisons between the proportions. In the period studied, 3043 confirmed cases of bacterial meningitis were reported, of which 6.77% were caused by H. influenzae. The incidence and mortality rates of meningitis caused by H. influenzae, without taking age group into consideration, fell significantly (95.6%) after 1999. Children under one year old continue to be the most affected (52%), there being no change in lethality. The results presented revealed a positive impact of Hib vaccination strategies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul over the past ten years.

Incidência de meningite por Haemophilus influenzae no RS 1999-2010: impacto da cobertura vacinal / Incidence of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in the state of Rio Grande do Sul 1999-2010: impact of vaccination campaign

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar e verificar a situação epidemiológica das meningites causadas pelo agente Haemophilus influenzae tipo b nos últimos 10 anos no Rio Grande do Sul. Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, utilizando o sistema de dados de notificação de meningites, e cobertura vacinal, armazenados em base on line Tabnet - Tabulação de dados Epidemiológicos - CEVS/SES/RS, abrangendo o período de 1999 a 2010. Foram utilizados casos notificados e confirmados, tendo como critério de seleção o ano de inicio dos sintomas, idade, diagnostico e evolução. Foi analisado o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, representado por 19 coordenadorias de saúde. Comparações entre proporções foram avaliadas pelo teste de z. No RS foram notificados 3043 casos confirmados de meningite bacteriana, sendo 6,77% dos casos causados por H. influenzae. O coeficiente de incidência da meningite por H. influenzae, sem considerar faixa etária, caiu significativamente (95,6%) após 1999, assim como a mortalidade. Crianças menores de um ano continuam sendo as mais acometidas (52%), não havendo alteração na letalidade. Os resultados apresentados revelaram um impacto positivo das estratégias de vacinação contra Hib no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nos últimos dez anos.

This article seeks to analyze and update the epidemiological situation of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in the past 10 years in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). It is a retrospective, descriptive study, which used the data notification system of meningitis and vaccination campaign coverage, stored in the Epidemiological TABNET online database, for the period from 1999 to 2010. Cases notified and confirmed were used and the selection criteria were the year when the symptoms were detected, age, diagnosis, and evolution. Nineteen health centers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. The z-test was used to evaluate comparisons between the proportions. In the period studied, 3043 confirmed cases of bacterial meningitis were reported, of which 6.77% were caused by H. influenzae. The incidence and mortality rates of meningitis caused by H. influenzae, without taking age group into consideration, fell significantly (95.6%) after 1999. Children under one year old continue to be the most affected (52%), there being no change in lethality. The results presented revealed a positive impact of Hib vaccination strategies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul over the past ten years.