Fechamento percutâneo do refluxo paraprotético: análise clínica e ecocardiográfica em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico - resultados e desafios / Percutaneous closure of paraprosthetic regurgitation: clinical and echocardiographic analysis in high surgical risk patients - results and challenges

INTRODUÇÃO O refluxo paraprotético (RPP) é uma complicação que afeta entre 1,9% e 17% dos pacientes submetidos à troca da valva mitral e em menor proporção, entre 2% e 12% dos casos de troca da valva aórtica, sendo mais comum em pacientes que recebem próteses mecânicas. Os pacientes que cursam com regurgitação importante, insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e anemia hemolítica, refratários ao tratamento clínico têm indicação de correção do defeito por tratamento cirúrgico ou percutâneo. OBJETIVO O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a evolução clínica e ecocardiográfica dos pacientes portadores de RPP sintomáticos, de elevado risco cirúrgico, submetidos a fechamento percutâneo. MÉTODOS Estudo prospectivo e observacional em hospital terciário, que incluiu pacientes com RPP mitral ou aórtico sintomáticos, com repercussão clínica, (IC ou hemólise) submetidos a fechamento percutâneo entre junho 2014 e abril 2024. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 25 pacientes, média das idades 62,8±10,5 anos, 53% dos pacientes eram mulheres. O número de cirurgias prévias variou de 1 a 4, com média de 2,38±1,07 cirurgias por paciente. A maioria apresentava um único orifício regurgitante (17 pacientes). Seis pacientes tinham prótese biológica (4 mitrais e 2 aórticos) e 19 prótese mecânica (15 mitrais, 6 mitro-aórticos e 4 aórticos). A indicação da oclusão do RPP foi predominantemente por IC. O dispositivo utilizado foi Amplatzer Vascular Plug, o número de plugs variou de 1 a 4 (média de plugs utilizados foi de 1,6±0,91 por paciente). A via de acesso percutâneo foi a femoral em 22 dos procedimentos e transapical em 3. Foi possível implantar o plug em 20 pacientes (80%). Dentro desta amostra, 12 ficaram com RPP residual discreto ou ausente, enquanto 8 continuaram com RPP moderado a importante, dos quais 2 faleceram em decorrência do procedimento, 3 foram encaminhados para cirurgia (1 óbito) e 3 ficaram em tratamento clínico. Não foi possível implantar o plug, por dificuldade técnica, em 20% dos pacientes (2 permaneceram em tratamento clínico, 3 evoluíram para óbito). CONCLUSÃO Os resultados do estudo demonstram que o fechamento percutâneo do RPP em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico é uma opção viável. O implante do plug foi possível em 20 dos 25 pacientes. RPP residual, discreto ou ausente, foi encontrado em 12 pacientes (60%). Futuros estudos prospectivos e randomizados são necessários para melhor avaliação de segurança e eficácia do fechamento percutâneo do refluxo paraprotético.

Adequacy of Fatty Acids Consumption Among Individuals in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention. / Adequação do Consumo de Ácidos Graxos entre Pacientes em Prevenção Cardiovascular Secundária.

BACKGROUND: Adhering to a diet adequate in macronutrients is crucial for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of adherence to recommendations for the consumption of dietary fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and to estimate whether the presence of certain cardiovascular risk factors would be associated with adherence. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using baseline data from 2,358 participants included in the "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Adequate intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was considered as ≥10% of total daily energy intake; for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 20%; and for saturated fatty acids (SFA), <7% according to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. A significance level of 5% was considered in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: No participant adhered to all recommendations simultaneously, and more than half (1,482 [62.9%]) did not adhere to any recommendation. Adherence exclusively to the SFA recommendation was the most prevalent, fulfilled by 659 (28%) participants, followed by adherence exclusively to the PUFA (178 [7.6%]) and MUFA (5 [0.2%]) recommendations. There was no association between the number of comorbidities and adherence to nutritional recommendations (p = 0.269). Participants from the Brazilian Northeast region showed a higher proportion of adherence to SFA consumption recommendations (38.42%) and lower adherence to PUFA intake (3.52%) (p <0.001) compared to other regions. CONCLUSIONS: Among the evaluated sample, there was low adherence to nutritional recommendations for dietary fatty acid consumption.

FUNDAMENTO: A adesão à uma alimentação adequada em macronutrientes é fundamental para a prevenção secundária de doenças cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de adesão às recomendações de consumo de ácidos graxos para prevenção e tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares, e estimar se a presença de determinados fatores de risco cardiovascular estaria associada à adesão. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com os dados de linha de base de 2358 participantes do estudo "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dados de consumo alimentar, e fatores de risco cardiovascular foram avaliados. Foi considerada, de acordo com a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, uma ingestão adequada de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) ≥10% do consumo total de energia diária, para ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), 20% e para ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), <7%. Na análise estatística foi considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Nenhum participante aderiu a todas as recomendações de forma simultânea e mais da metade (1482 [62,9%]) não aderiu a nenhuma recomendação. A adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGS foi a mais prevalente, sendo cumprida por 659 (28%) dos participantes, seguida da adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGP (178 [7,6%]) e de AGM (5 [0,2%]). Não houve associação entre o número de comorbidades e a adesão às recomendações nutricionais (p =0,269). Os participantes da região Nordeste do país apresentaram maior proporção de adesão às recomendações para consumo de AGS (38,42%), e menor para ingestão de AGPI (3,52%) (p <0,001) em comparação às demais. CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra avaliada, evidenciou-se baixa adesão às recomendações nutricionais para consumo de ácidos graxos.

Adequação do consumo de ácidos graxos entre pacientes em prevenção cardiovascular secundária / Adequacy of Fatty Acids Consumption Among Individuals in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention

FUNDAMENTO: A adesão à uma alimentação adequada em macronutrientes é fundamental para a prevenção secundária de doenças cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de adesão às recomendações de consumo de ácidos graxos para prevenção e tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares, e estimar se a presença de determinados fatores de risco cardiovascular estaria associada à adesão. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com os dados de linha de base de 2358 participantes do estudo "Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial". Dados de consumo alimentar, e fatores de risco cardiovascular foram avaliados. Foi considerada, de acordo com a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, uma ingestão adequada de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) ≥10% do consumo total de energia diária, para ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), 20% e para ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), <7%. Na análise estatística foi considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Nenhum participante aderiu a todas as recomendações de forma simultânea e mais da metade (1482 [62,9%]) não aderiu a nenhuma recomendação. A adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGS foi a mais prevalente, sendo cumprida por 659 (28%) dos participantes, seguida da adesão exclusivamente à recomendação de AGP (178 [7,6%]) e de AGM (5 [0,2%]). Não houve associação entre o número de comorbidades e a adesão às recomendações nutricionais (p =0,269). Os participantes da região Nordeste do país apresentaram maior proporção de adesão às recomendações para consumo de AGS (38,42%), e menor para ingestão de AGPI (3,52%) (p <0,001) em comparação às demais. CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra avaliada, evidenciou-se baixa adesão às recomendações nutricionais para consumo de ácidos graxos.

Nonlinear dependence (on ionic strength, pH) of surface charge density and zeta potential in microchannel electrokinetic flow.

In this work, a numerical method is proposed to predict the electrokinetic phenomena and combined with an experimental study of the surface charge density (ρs) and zeta potential (ζ) behavior is investigated for borosilicate immersed in KCl and NaCl electrolytes, and for imogolite immersed in KCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 electrolytes. Simulations and experiments of the electrokinetic flows with electrolyte solutions were performed to accurately determine the electric double layer (EDL), ζ, and ρs at various electrolyte concentrations and pH. The zeta potential was experimentally determined and numerically predicted by solving the coupled governing equations of mass, species, momentum, and electrical field iteratively. Our numerical prediction shows that ζ for borosilicate develops strong nonlinear behavior with the ion concentration following a power-law. Likewise, the ρs obeys a nonlinear behavior, decreasing as the concentration increases. Moreover, for imogolite, both ζ and the ρs behave nonlinearly with the pH. The EDL for borosilicate and imogolite becomes thinner as the electrolyte concentration and pH increase; this behavior is caused by increased ρs, resulting in the higher attraction of the free charges. The reported nonlinear behavior describes more accurately the interaction of the nanoparticle surface charge with the electrolytes and its effect on the electrolyte transport properties.

Rara presentación de un linfoma espinal: informe de caso y diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética / Rare presentation of a spinal lymphoma: case report and diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central es una forma de enfermedad extraganglionar originada en el cerebro, la leptomeninges, la médula espinal o los ojos. Los tumores espinales son neoplasias de baja prevalencia y pueden causar una morbimortalidad neurológica considerable. El linfoma aislado que surge dentro del conducto dural es la forma menos común de linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central: representa aproximadamente el 1% de los casos y se observa más a menudo en el contexto de diseminación secundaria que como el sitio primario de origen. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel espinal involucrado. La presentación es insidiosa e incluye dorsalgia, debilidad y dificultad progresiva para la deambulación. La resonancia magnética es la modalidad de elección para búsqueda de lesiones dentro del conducto espinal/raquídeo, en pacientes que presentan síntomas neurológicos. El tratamiento quirúrgico no resulta útil, y el objetivo principal de la cirugía es conocer el diagnóstico histológico. (AU)

A primary central nervous system lymphoma is a form of extranodal disease originating in the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, or eyes. Spinal tumors are low-prevalence neoplasms and can cause considerable neurological morbidity and mortality. An isolated lymphoma emerging within the dural canal is the rarest form of primary central nervous system lymphoma: it accounts for approximately 1% of cases occurring more often in the context of secondary dissemination than as the primary site of origin. Symptoms are nonspecific and depend on the spinal level involved. The presentation is insidious and includes dorsalgia, weakness, and progressive difficulty in ambulatory function. MRI is the modality of choice to search for lesions within the spinal/rachial canal in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Surgical treatment is not helpful, and the main objective of surgery is to know the histological diagnosis. (AU)

Resultados imediatos e a médio prazo da oclusão percutânea da regurgitação paraprotética mitral e aórtica / Immediate and mid-term results of percutaneous occlusion of mitral and aortic paraprosthetic regurgitation

INTRODUÇÃO: O vazamento ou regurgitação paraprotética (RPP) é definido como um defeito formado entre o anel valvar e o anel protético. Parte dos casos cursam com regurgitação importante, insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e anemia hemolítica refratários ao tratamento clínico, e, por isso, têm indicação de correção por tratamento cirúrgico ou transcateter. A cirurgia é o procedimento de escolha na existência de endocardite, disfunção significativa ou instabilidade mecânica da prótese, apesar de ter alta mortalidade, que pode chegar até 30%. Em pacientes (PTS) de alto risco cirúrgico, o fechamento percutâneo com implante de dispositivos oclusivos surge como uma estratégia terapêutica factível, promissora e menos invasiva. MÉTODOS: Trabalho prospectivo e observacional que incluiu PTS de alto risco cirúrgico, com diagnóstico de RPP mitral ou aórtica, com repercussão clínica (IC, hemólise) submetidos a fechamento percutâneo. Desfechos hospitalares foram: óbito, choque cardiogênico, IC, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC); desfechos tardios: óbito, reoperação, ausência de RPP moderada/importante. Critérios de sucesso do procedimento: RPP ausente ou discreta 30 dias após ou na alta hospitalar; insucesso: persistência do quadro de hemólise e IC, necessidade de cirurgia urgente. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 20 PTS, com média das idades 61,6 ± 11 anos 2,2 ± 0,97 cirurgias prévias. Sucesso do procedimento ocorreu em 13 PTS (65%). 100% dos PTS com bioprótese tiveram sucesso (cinco) e 8 dos 15 PTS (53%) com prótese mecânica tiveram sucesso. A mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento foi 10% (2 PTS de 20; 1 tamponamento cardíaco e 1 devido a má posição do plug). Mortalidade até 30 dias: 1 PTS do grupo sucesso (AVC hemorrágico relacionado a anticoagulação), e 1 do grupo insucesso devido IC. Após um ano de seguimento, 70,4% dos PTS estavam em Classe Funcional I. Evolução tardia: PTS grupo sucesso (uma morte por Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio, uma necessidade de cirurgia troca valvar mitral). Grupo insucesso: cinco evoluíram para óbito, todos prótese mecânica. DISCUSSÃO: RPP é uma complicação grave, frequentemente necessitando de intervenção. A oclusão percutânea da RPP é possível, principalmente em PTS com bioprótese, já a impossibilidade de tratamento percutâneo (insucesso) relacionou-se com mau prognóstico, 28% de sobrevida em 1 ano. CONCLUSÃO: Correção percutânea da RPP em paciente de alto risco pode ser uma opção ao tratamento cirúrgico, principalmente em paciente com bióprotese.

Distribution of genetically characterized yeasts and its antifungals susceptibility in the hospital environment.

Candida spp. is one of the main pathogens associated with nosocomial infection in Brazil and worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of Candida yeasts in the ICU and their susceptibility to the antifungal agents terbinafine and fluconazole. The samples were collected by swabbing nine surfaces in the ICU of a hospital located in Pelotas, RS. These isolates were genetically characterized by sequencing the internal transcript spacer (ITS) using the primers ITS1 and ITS4. The test against antifungals was performed by Microdilution in Broth (CLSI-M27-A4). 64 yeasts identified as Candida parapsilosis (45.31%; n = 29), Meyerozyma (Pichia) guilliermondii (28.12%; n = 18), Claviceps lusitaneae (25%; n = 16) and Candida tropicalis (1, 56%; n = 1) mostly at the counter used for handling medicines and food distribution (68.75%; n = 44). Susceptibility to antifungals varied between species. These results describe potentially pathogenic Candida species as contaminants in the ICU environment. The study environment is a potential source of exogenous infection for hospitalized patients.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia: An "ears of the lynx" magnetic resonance imaging sign in a patient with recessive genetic type 11.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias are an uncommon group of monogenic diseases that include 79 types of genetic disorders. The most frequent cause of recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia is a mutation in the spastic paraplegia gene type 11 followed by type 15. This group is usually associated with non-specific clinical features like cognitive decline and may precede the progressive weakness and spasticity of lower limbs. The magnetic resonance imaging hallmark of hereditary spastic paraplegia is thinning of the spinal cord. However, brain magnetic resonance imaging may provide relevant clues for specific hereditary spastic paraplegia subtypes, and thinning of the corpus callosum has been described as the most frequent abnormality in almost one-third of recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias. Moreover, a characteristic abnormality affecting the forceps minor of the corpus callosum has been recently reported as the "ears of the lynx" sign and is highly suggestive of type 11 and 15 hereditary spastic paraplegias. We report a patient who was diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 11 by exome genetic testing, presenting the ears of the lynx sign in the first magnetic resonance imaging assessment.

Optimization of porous stents for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

This study presents a simulation-based methodology to design porous stents to induce suitable hemodynamic environments inside abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sacs. In the proposed methodology, an optimization algorithm iteratively modifies the porosity distribution of the stent and executes a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to determine the effect of these changes on the hemodynamic conditions inside the aneurysm sac. The optimization iterations proceed until relevant hemodynamic parameters are within ranges prescribed a priori by the user as desirable to control the progression of the AAA. The resulting porosity distribution uniquely describes the porous stent design that can control the hemodynamic environment (eg, shear stress at the aneurysm wall, pressure distribution, residence time), reducing AAA rupture risks and improving treatment efficacy. To demonstrate its potential, the proposed methodology is applied to idealized AAA geometry under steady-state flow conditions, though it may be easily applied to more complex AAA geometries under transient, pulsatile flow conditions. The proposed methodology has the potential to enable the design of a new generation of porous stents tailored to patient-specific geometries and flow conditions, to improve patient outcomes.

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with higher ischemic risk, which can be mitigated by long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, concomitant high bleeding risk (HBR) may be present, making it unclear whether short- or long-term DAPT should be prioritized. Objectives This study investigated the effects of ischemic (by PCI complexity) and bleeding (by PRECISE-DAPT [PRE dicting bleeding Complications in patients undergoing stent Implantation and Sub sequent Dual Anti Platelet Therapy] score) risks on clinical outcomes and on the impact of DAPT duration after coronary stenting. Methods Complex PCI was defined as ≥3 stents implanted and/or ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation stenting and/or stent length >60 mm, and/or chronic total occlusion revascularization. Ischemic and bleeding outcomes in high (≥25) or non-high (<25) PRECISE-DAPT strata were evaluated based on randomly allocated duration of DAPT. Results Among 14,963 patients from 8 randomized trials, 3,118 underwent complex PCI and experienced a higher rate of ischemic, but not bleeding, events. Long-term DAPT in non-HBR patients reduced ischemic events in both complex (absolute risk difference: −3.86%; 95% confidence interval: −7.71 to +0.06) and noncomplex PCI strata (absolute risk difference: −1.14%; 95% confidence interval: −2.26 to −0.02), but not among HBR patients, regardless of complex PCI features. The bleeding risk according to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction scale was increased by long-term DAPT only in HBR patients, regardless of PCI complexity. Conclusions Patients who underwent complex PCI had a higher risk of ischemic events, but benefitted from long-term DAPT only if HBR features were not present. These data suggested that when concordant, bleeding, more than ischemic risk, should inform decision-making on the duration of DAPT. (AU)

Functional skills and caregiver assistance of Brazilian children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Research into the evolution of the functional performance of children and adolescents with DS enables parents and professionals involved in their follow-up to promote their development. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional abilities of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and the assistance offered by their parents/caregivers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study, with 100 children and adolescents with DS whom parents or caregivers were interviewed to complete the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Linear regression analyses were performed with the software MedCalc version 16.8.4 and GraphPad Prism version 6.07. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with DS need more time to acquire skills of self-care, mobility and social function. Their parents were able to better identify the difficulties before the children reached 8-years of age. CONCLUSION: Parents can identify the difficulties of their children when they are younger and offer more assistance, but this does not happen when the children are of elementary school age. This suggests that they need professional support that is not restricted to the guidelines and the schools.

Accuracy of nigrosome-1 detection to discriminate patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

PURPOSE: The use of susceptibility weighted imaging in high field magnetic resonance imaging scanners can detect the nigrosome-1 area located in the caudo-lateral region of the pars compacta in the substantia nigra. This structure comprises a significant amount of dopaminergic neurons and degenerates in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that in some cases could be confused with the early stages of Parkinson's disease with a possible error in clinical diagnosis. Our purpose is to evaluate the accuracy of nigrosome-1 detection by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging to discriminate Parkinson's disease from essential tremor. METHODS: A case-control study compared patients with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The susceptibility weighted imaging sequence was obtained in the axial plane with an isotropic voxel of 0.75 mm. Two independent neuroradiologists evaluated the images without access to clinical patient data. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in each group (Parkinson's disease and essential tremor). Average age: Parkinson's disease group: 71.3 (SD 6.3) and essential tremor group: 68.3 (SD 12.3). For the first evaluator, the nigrosome-1 area was absent in 15 patients with Parkinson's disease and in two with essential tremor and for the second evaluator was absent in 15 patients with Parkinson's disease and four with essential tremor. The sensitivity/specificity for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was 93.75%/87.5% for the first evaluator and 93.75%/75% for the second evaluator. CONCLUSION: The detection of the nigrosome-1 area is a useful tool in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Contribution of ultra-processed foods consumption in sodium ingestion of atherosclerotic disease patients, residents in the southern region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have related the consumption of ultra-processed foods with the development of cardiovascular diseases and have considered this relation with excessive sodium intake. While Brazilian studies have analysed that this consumption may have no direct relationship with the processing, but rather with the addition of salt. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of the consumption of processed products in the daily intake of sodium ingestion by atherosclerotic disease patients. METHODS: A sub study, conducted with data from 630 cardiopathic patients who take part in "Effect of Brazilian Cardioprotective Food Program study on the reduction of events and risk factors in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease part". Food was classified as: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, ultra-processed food and beverages. Twenty-four-hour food recall (R24h) was collected from patients, and the estimation of total calories and sodium intake were calculated, as well as the percentage of sodium contribution according to the categories already mentioned. For the adequacy ratio analysis, the daily values of sodium intake were used to compared to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (<2000 mg / day). RESULTS: The average sodium intake was 1970.87 mg for women and 2642.86 mg for men, being higher for males' patients aged 60-79. It was observed that 64% of the studied population demonstrated sodium intake > 2000 mg. When considered levels > 3001 mg, a higher incidence of consumption was observed in the male group. Only 21.1% were intaking sodium within the recommended amount. Industrialized foods contributed to 33% of the mineral intake. CONCLUSION: These findings have demonstrated that the majority of the studied patients exceeded the dietary sodium recommendation. It has also indicated that patient's male, have presented increased consumption of the mineral. Consequently, warning for the necessity of greater investments in the nutritional re-education of these patients.

Benefit of Cochlear Implantation in Children with Multiple-handicaps: Parent's Perspective

Abstract Introduction The cochlear implants centers in the world are studying the cochlear implantation in children with multiple handicaps. Objective To develop a questionnaire to analyze the subjective benefits of the cochlear implantation in multiple handicapped children according to their parent's perspective. Methods A questionnaire was applied to 14 families of multiple handicapped children, aging from 2-12 years old and having from 11 months to 11 years of implant use. Results The social-emotional abilities were improved because of many factors, such as: auditory exposure, which happened in 84% of the children; recognition of their own names, which increased in 56%; and development of eye contact, in 28% of the subjects. Other benefits appeared to be: music appreciation and more attention and adherence to other therapies and school activities. Besides, some children became interested in objects, playing with other children, and more adapted to daily routines. Thirty-five percent of the children acquired oral language, mainly the bilaterally implanted, while 14% of them were engaged in sign language. Although all of the children showed a significant improvement in communication, the emotional issues of some families and the severity of the handicaps negatively impacted the outcomes. In spite of the families' acknowledgement of some benefits, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder caused frustration, requiring a readjustment of the expectations. Conclusion The questionnaire turned out to be an adequate tool to reveal the social-emotional benefits of cochlear implantation. Although oral language was not the major outcome in these cases, the cochlear implant benefits involved the whole family. All of the families recommended the implant to other children in a similar situation.

Benefit of Cochlear Implantation in Children with Multiple-handicaps: Parent's Perspective.

Introduction The cochlear implants centers in the world are studying the cochlear implantation in children with multiple handicaps. Objective To develop a questionnaire to analyze the subjective benefits of the cochlear implantation in multiple handicapped children according to their parent's perspective. Methods A questionnaire was applied to 14 families of multiple handicapped children, aging from 2-12 years old and having from 11 months to 11 years of implant use. Results The social-emotional abilities were improved because of many factors, such as: auditory exposure, which happened in 84% of the children; recognition of their own names, which increased in 56%; and development of eye contact, in 28% of the subjects. Other benefits appeared to be: music appreciation and more attention and adherence to other therapies and school activities. Besides, some children became interested in objects, playing with other children, and more adapted to daily routines. Thirty-five percent of the children acquired oral language, mainly the bilaterally implanted, while 14% of them were engaged in sign language. Although all of the children showed a significant improvement in communication, the emotional issues of some families and the severity of the handicaps negatively impacted the outcomes. In spite of the families' acknowledgement of some benefits, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder caused frustration, requiring a readjustment of the expectations. Conclusion The questionnaire turned out to be an adequate tool to reveal the social-emotional benefits of cochlear implantation. Although oral language was not the major outcome in these cases, the cochlear implant benefits involved the whole family. All of the families recommended the implant to other children in a similar situation.

Gavage Feed Volume Determines the Gastric Emptying Rate in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: Feeding intolerance, manifesting as increased gastric residual, is a common finding in preterm neonates. Little is known about the regulation of gastric emptying early in life and the extent to which this plays a role in the preterm infants' feeding tolerance. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinically stable 28- to 32-week gestation neonates during the first 4 weeks of life and noninvasively determine their gastric emptying rate. STUDY DESIGN: Ultrasound measurements of gastric milk content volume were obtained from 25 neonates immediately after, 30 and/or 60 minutes following routine gavage feeds. The content emptying rate was calculated from the gastric volume data. RESULTS: Gastric emptying rate was not postnatal age-dependent, was significantly higher at 30 minutes, whenever compared with 60-minute postfeed and directly proportional to the feed volume. At any postnatal age, the gastric emptying rate was at least 6-fold greater, when comparing the lowest and highest average stomach content volumes. CONCLUSIONS: The gastric emptying rate of preterm infants is content volume-dependent and unrelated to the postnatal age. Given the present findings, further investigation on the gastric residual of preterm infants receiving larger than currently administered feed volumes at the initiation of enteral nutrition, is warranted.

Bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for the treatment of vomiting in the pediatric emergency department: a randomized controlled trial / Bromoprida, metoclopramida ou ondansetrona no tratamento de vômito no departamento de emergência pediátrica: ensaio controlado randomizado

Abstract Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a single intramuscular dose of bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for treating vomiting. Methods: Randomized controlled trial including children 1-12 years of age presenting with acute vomiting at the pediatric emergency department. Outcomes: Number of children that stopped vomiting at one, six, and 24 h following treatment; episodes of diarrhea; acceptance of oral liquids; intravenous rehydration; return to hospital and side effects. Results: There were 175 children who completed the study. Within the first hour after treatment, all drugs were equally effective, with ondansetron preventing vomiting in 100%, bromopride in 96.6%, and metoclopramide in 94.8% of children (p = 0.288). Within six hours, ondansetron was successful in preventing vomiting in 98.3% of children, compared to bromopride and metoclopramide, which were successful in 91.5% and 84.4% of patients, respectively (p = 0.023). Within 24 h, ondansetron was superior to both other agents, as it remained efficacious in reducing vomiting in 96.6% of children, as opposed to 67.8% and 67.2% with bromopride and metoclopramide, respectively (p = 0.001). The ondansetron group showed better acceptance of oral liquids (p = 0.05) when compared to the bromopride and metoclopramide. The ondansetron group did not show any side effects in 75.9% of cases, compared to 54.2% and 53.5% in the bromopride and metoclopramide groups, respectively. Somnolence was the most common side effect. Conclusions: A single dose of ondansetron is superior to bromopride and metoclopramide in preventing vomiting six hours and 24 h following treatment. Oral fluid intake after receiving medication was statistically better with Ondansetronwhile also having less side effects compared to the other two agents.

Resumo Objetivo: Para comparar a eficacia de uma unica dose intramuscular de bromoprida, metoclopramida ou ondansetrona no tratamento de vomito. Métodos: Ensaio controlado randomizado incluindo crianc¸as de 1 a 12 anos de idade que apresentam vomito agudo no departamento de emergencia pediatrica. Desfechos: Numero de crianças que pararam de vomitar 1, 6 e 24 horas apos o tratamento; episodios de diarreia; aceitac¸ao de liquidos orais; reidratac¸ao intravenosa, retorno ao hospital e efeitos colaterais. Resultados: 175 crianças concluiram o estudo. Na primeira hora apos o tratamento, todos os medicamentos foram igualmente eficazes, sendo que a ondansetrona preveniu vomito em 100%, a bromoprida em 96,6% e metoclopramida em 94,8% das crianças (p = 0,288). Em 6 horas, a ondansetrona mostrou sucesso na prevençao do vomito em 98,3% das crianças, em comparac¸ao a bromoprida e a metoclopramida, que mostraram sucesso em 91,5% e 84,4% dos pacientes, respectivamente (p = 0,023). Em 24 horas, a ondansetrona foi superior aos dois outros agentes, pois ela continuou eficaz na reduçao do vomito em 96,6% das crianças, diferente de 67,8% e 67,2% com bromoprida e metoclopramida, respectivamente (p = 0,001). O grupo de ondansetrona mostrou melhor aceitaçao de liquidos orais (p = 0,05) em comparaçao a bromoprida e metoclopramida. O grupo de ondansetrona nao mostrou efeitos colaterais em 75,9% dos casos, em comparaçao a 54,2% e 53,5% dos grupos de bromoprida e metoclopramida. O efeito colateral mais comum foi sonolencia. Conclusões: Uma unica dose de ondansetrona e superior a bromoprida e metoclopramida no tratamento de vomito 6 horas e 24 horas apos o tratamento. A ingestao de fluidos orais apos receber medicaçao foi estatisticamente melhor com ondansetrona, ao mesmo tempo em que tambem apresentando menos efeitos colaterais em comparaçao aos outros dois agentes.

Bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for the treatment of vomiting in the pediatric emergency department: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a single intramuscular dose of bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for treating vomiting. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial including children 1-12 years of age presenting with acute vomiting at the pediatric emergency department. OUTCOMES: Number of children that stopped vomiting at one, six, and 24h following treatment; episodes of diarrhea; acceptance of oral liquids; intravenous rehydration; return to hospital and side effects. RESULTS: There were 175 children who completed the study. Within the first hour after treatment, all drugs were equally effective, with ondansetron preventing vomiting in 100%, bromopride in 96.6%, and metoclopramide in 94.8% of children (p=0.288). Within six hours, ondansetron was successful in preventing vomiting in 98.3% of children, compared to bromopride and metoclopramide, which were successful in 91.5% and 84.4% of patients, respectively (p=0.023). Within 24h, ondansetron was superior to both other agents, as it remained efficacious in reducing vomiting in 96.6% of children, as opposed to 67.8% and 67.2% with bromopride and metoclopramide, respectively (p=0.001). The ondansetron group showed better acceptance of oral liquids (p=0.05) when compared to the bromopride and metoclopramide. The ondansetron group did not show any side effects in 75.9% of cases, compared to 54.2% and 53.5% in the bromopride and metoclopramide groups, respectively. Somnolence was the most common side effect. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of ondansetron is superior to bromopride and metoclopramide in preventing vomiting six hours and 24h following treatment. Oral fluid intake after receiving medication was statistically better with Ondansetronwhile also having less side effects compared to the other two agents.

Outcomes of Late Implantation in Usher Syndrome Patients

Abstract Introduction Usher syndrome (US) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hearing loss and progressive visual impairment. Some deaf Usher syndrome patients learn to communicate using sign language. During adolescence, as they start losing vision, they are usually referred to cochlear implantation as a salvage for their new condition. Is a late implantation beneficial to these children? Objective The objective of this study is to describe the outcomes of US patients who received cochlear implants at a later age. Methods This is a retrospective study of ten patients diagnosed with US1. We collected pure-tone thresholds and speech perception tests from pre and one-year post implant. Results Average age at implantation was 18.9 years (5-49). Aided average thresholds were 103 dB HL and 35 dB HL pre and one-year post implant, respectively. Speech perception was only possible to bemeasured in four patients preoperatively, who scored 13.3; 26.67; 46% vowels and 56% 4-choice. All patients except one had some kind of communication. Two were bilingual. After one year of using the device, seven patients were able to perform the speech tests (from four-choice to close set sentences) and three patients abandoned the use of the implant. Conclusion We observed that detection of sounds can be achieved with late implantation, but speech recognition is only possible in patients with previous hearing stimulation, since it depends on the development of hearing skills and the maturation of the auditory pathways.