Assessment of the performance of vascular access for hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Life and quality of life on hemodialysis depends on adequate vascular access. An autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has the best performance, while the use of a central venous catheter (CVC) may have a negative impact on fistula performance and may be associated with increased systemic inflammation. Our objective is to evaluate the performance of vascular accesses in patients undergoing a chronic hemodialysis program. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study that included patients on chronic hemodialysis for more than 90 days. Patients with an acute systemic inflammatory disease and those with acute cardiovascular illness were excluded. Clinical data, dialysis session parameters, and serum levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were evaluated, 59 (65%) had an AVF and 32 patients (35%) had a CVC. The adequacy rate was 67%; being 67.8% with AVF and 65.6% with CVC. Among the causes of AVF inadequacy, the ones that presented the highest prevalence ratio (PR) were non-mature AVF (PR: 4.055; 95% CI: 2.017-8.151), pseudoaneurysm (PR: 6.580; 95% CI: 3.723-11.629) and presence of hematoma (PR: 4.360; 95% CI: 2.125-8.946), p < 0.001. Among the catheter group, the causes of inadequacy with the highest PR were the presence of access thrombosis, indicating the use of thrombolytics (PR: 11.103; 95% CI: 4.746-25.977; p < 0.001) and infection (PR: 2.984; 95% CI: 1.293-6.889; p = 0.010). Median primary AVF patency was 72 months compared to 7 months of catheters (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum inflammatory markers between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adequacy rates of vascular accesses did not differ between the groups, but the primary and functional patency of AVF is 10 times higher than that of catheters. Infection in dialysis catheters is associated with worse access performance. There was no association between systemic inflammation and vascular access.

Efficacy and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the prevention of pressure injuries in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injuries (PIs), especially in the sacral region are frequent, costly, and increase morbidity and mortality of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). These injuries can occur as a result of prolonged pressure and/or shear forces. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase muscle mass and improve local circulation, potentially reducing the incidence of PI. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of NMES in preventing PI in critically ill patients. We included patients with a period of less than 48 h in the ICU, aged ≥ 18 years. Participants were randomly selected (1:1 ratio) to receive NMES and usual care (NMES group) or only usual care (control group-CG) until discharge, death, or onset of a PI. To assess the effectiveness of NMES, we calculated the relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT). We assessed the muscle thickness of the gluteus maximus by ultrasonography. To assess safety, we analyzed the effects of NMES on vital signs and checked for the presence of skin burns in the stimulated areas. Clinical outcomes were assessed by time on mechanical ventilation, ICU mortality rate, and length of stay in the ICU. RESULTS: We enrolled 149 participants, 76 in the NMES group. PIs were present in 26 (35.6%) patients in the CG and 4 (5.3%) in the NMES group (p ˂ 0.001). The NMES group had an RR = 0.15 (95% CI 0.05-0.40) to develop a PI, NNT = 3.3 (95% CI 2.3-5.9). Moreover, the NMES group presented a shorter length of stay in the ICU: Δ = - 1.8 ± 1.2 days, p = 0.04. There was no significant difference in gluteus maximus thickness between groups (CG: Δ = - 0.37 ± 1.2 cm vs. NMES group: Δ = 0 ± 0.98 cm, p = 0.33). NMES did not promote deleterious changes in vital signs and we did not detect skin burns. CONCLUSIONS: NMES is an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of PI in critically ill patients and may reduce length of stay in the ICU. Trial registration RBR-8nt9m4. Registered prospectively on July 20th, 2018, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8nt9m4.

The Mediation Effect of Coping Strategies between Personality and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most common medical condition during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. This study examined the role played by personality and coping strategies in relation to blood pressure levels during pregnancy. The specific goal was to study whether coping strategies can mediate the effect of personality in pregnant women with hypertension. METHODS: A sample of 351 pregnant women was enlisted, encompassing 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension. This is a cross-sectional study where personality traits were measured by the five-factor model and coping was evaluated by Jalowiec's coping inventory scale. RESULTS: Personality can partially predict systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Openness to experience trait is inversely correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conversely, emotion-focused coping directly correlated with blood pressure levels. Systolic (ß = -0.14; p < 0.05) and diastolic (ß = -0.15; p < 0.05) blood pressure were also predicted by openness to experience. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to reinforce the development of coping strategies which focus more on the problem than on the emotion, avoiding detrimental effects of emotional coping in blood pressure levels during pregnancy.

Total Th1/Th2 cytokines profile from peripheral blood lymphocytes in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia syndrome.

To evaluate total Th1/Th2 cytokines in CD3+ cells (immunocompetent T-lymphocytes) and peripheral blood lymphocytes, mostly CD4+ (T helper cells) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic cells) subpopulations in preeclampsia. Total blood leukocytes and lymphocytes counts, percent cells: CD3+, INF-g+/CD3+, IL-4+/CD3+, and IL-10+/CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ were determined by flow-cytometry. Preeclampsia (n= 26) and normal pregnancy (n= 25) participants were age and gestational age matched. CD4+ lymphocytes count was higher in preeclampsia, compared with normal pregnancy (43.6 ± 5.8 vs 37.6 ± 5.6%; P< 0.001). CD3+ cells Th1/Th2 shift was not detected in preeclampsia, yet may be present in other cell types, such as CD4+ and CD3 - lymphocytes.

Coping with stress and personality: A study in pregnancies complicated by hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to investigate the role of personality in pregnancies complicated by hypertension, thru analysis of structure and associations between negative affect and coping strategies, and their role towards psychological distress. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with 343 women, where 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension, was carried out by employing the following tools: the five-factor model (Big Five), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Jalowiec's Coping Inventory. Two complementary strategies were carried out: an exploratory approach on the interactions between latent variables and a confirmatory technique. RESULTS: Coping strategies seem to be dissociated in the hypertensive group, and these participants tend to use strategies according to their personality, mostly emotion focused, extraversion, and neuroticism. The extraversion model exclusively shows an acceptable goodness-of-fit after a structural equation modelling. A multigroup analysis reached a full metric invariance level for extraversion. CONCLUSIONS: These results are of interest for both clinical and research settings. Prenatal screening and associated interventions may reduce perinatal negative affective states and related pregnancy complications.

The Quality of Mobile Apps Used for the Identification of Pressure Ulcers in Adults: Systematic Survey and Review of Apps in App Stores.

BACKGROUND: The increasing global use of smartphones has contributed to the growing use of apps for various health conditions, showing promising results. Through mobile apps, it is possible to perform chronological and iconographic follow-up of wounds, such as pressure ulcers, using a simple and practical tool. However, numerous surveys have pointed out issues related to the functionality, design, safety, and veracity of app information. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of published studies regarding mobile apps and a systematic survey in app stores looking for apps developed to identify, evaluate, treat, and/or prevent pressure ulcers in adults, and to evaluate those apps based on software quality characteristics. METHODS: This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The main bibliographic databases were searched between January 1, 2007 and October 15, 2018, and an app survey was performed in app stores. The selected studies were evaluated according to software quality characteristics by the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ie, ISO/IEC 25010:2011) that involve functionality, efficiency, compatibility, usability, reliability, safety, maintenance, and portability. RESULTS: The search in databases and web-based app stores returned a total of 2075 studies. After removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, 48 complete articles were evaluated for eligibility, and among these, six were included for qualitative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: In this review, it was observed that all studies involved the initial phase of app development or improvement, and therefore, the apps still need to be evaluated using different software quality characteristics, so that in the future, a gold standard can be approached. Therefore, the prescription of an app for the identification, evaluation, treatment, and/or prevention of pressure ulcers in adults is currently limited. However, the evaluated studies provided important insights for future research. It is of utmost importance that future surveys develop apps jointly with users, using collaborative and cocreative processes and assess patients in real-world situations across different service settings, and they should consider different ethnicities, so that apps are useful to end users, such as patients, family members, health professionals, and students, in the health area. In addition, it is necessary for studies to describe the methodological course of app development in a clear and objective way in order to ensure reproducibility of the study and to offer inputs to allow future research to approach the development of ideal apps that are geared to positively impact the health of end users. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018114137; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=114137.

Phosphodiesterases and preeclampsia.

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Serum nitrate and NOx levels in preeclampsia are higher than in normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia. METHODS: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum. Clinical and laboratorial data were recorded for comparison. RESULTS: Preeclampsia presented a significant increase in nitrate and NOx levels compared to the control group. Uric acid, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine showed correlation with nitrates and NOx. CONCLUSION: Increase of NO was observed in preeclampsia women. Failure in the mechanism of action, dependent on cyclic GMP, may justify this finding.

Arterial hypertension in nursing personnel of an emergency hospital.

Risk factors related to the workplace environment are being studied to identify positive associations with hypertension disorders. Hypertension is considered as one of the main modifiable risk factors and most important public health issues. The study aims to describe the prevalence of hypertension and associate it with sociodemographic, labour and health aspects, in the health-care nursing staff of an emergency hospital.Cross-sectional study enrolled 606 nursing workers. The data were collected from February to June, and the analysis was conducted in November 2010. Arterial blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were assessed, and sociodemographic and labour variables were investigated by means of a questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of hypertension was 32% (n = 388), with positive associations with age > 49 years (OR = 2.55 (CI: 1.19 to 5.43)), ethnicity (non-white) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, confidence interval (CI) 1.16 to 1.24), BMI (OR = 2.24 (CI: 1.25 to 4.01)) and WHR (OR = 2.65 (CI: 1.95 to 7.763)). Arterial hypertension was frequent in the nursing staff of this emergency hospital. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between occupational aspects and arterial hypertension.

Blood-brain barrier breakdown in reduced uterine perfusion pressure: a possible model of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and is associated with white matter vasogenic edema. There are no experimental models to study PRES brain changes. METHODS: Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7: (1) pregnant-control; (2) reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP); (3) invasive blood pressure (IBP); and (4) reduced uterine perfusion pressure plus invasive blood pressure (RUPP-IBP). The RUPP and RUPP-IBP groups were submitted to a reduction of uterine perfusion pressure at pregnancy days 13 to 15. The invasive mean arterial pressure of the IBP and RUPP-IBP groups was measured on day 20. The blood-brain barriers (BBBs) of all groups were analyzed using 2% Evans Blue dye on day 21. RESULTS: RUPP rats had higher blood pressures and increased BBB permeability to Evans Blue dye compared with the control animals. Brain staining occurred in 11 of 14 RUPP rats and in none of the control groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The physiopathology of PRES remains unclear. Here, we described the use of RUPP rats as a potential model to better comprehend this syndrome.

Erythrocytes L-arginine y+ transporter inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide in ice-bath.

Erythrocytes L: -arginine uptake is conveyed by y+ and y+L membrane transport systems. Pre-incubation with N-ethylmaleimide for 10 min at 37°C inhibits the y+ system. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal pre-incubation temperature in evaluating y+ and y+L systems. Cells were pre-incubated with or without N-ethylmaleimide for 10 min at 4°C and 37°C. L: -Arginine uptake was quantified by radioisotope and standard erythrocytes membrane flux methodology. Results demonstrate that erythrocytes L: -arginine content is depleted by pre-incubation at 37°C for 10 min, thus changing the V (max) measurement. The inhibitory effect of N-ethylmaleimide pre-incubation was temperature independent and already complete after 1 min of incubation. No significant difference in kinetic parameters was detected between cells pre-incubated at 37°C or 4°C, under zero-trans conditions. In conclusion, we suggest that measurement of erythrocytes L: -arginine uptake by y+ and y+L systems could be carried out without N-ethylmaleimide pre-incubation at 37°C.

[Flow-mediated dilatation in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia syndrome].

BACKGROUND: The preeclampsia syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the differential diagnosis between pure preeclampsia (PE) and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) can be only be attained 12 weeks after delivery. OBJECTIVE: To compare the assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation in pregnant women with pure preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia. METHODS: The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was carried out according to the recommendations of the International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force in pregnant women with preeclampsia syndrome. PE (n=14) and SPE (n=13) were diagnosed in the postpartum period according to the definitions of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. RESULTS: The median of the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in SPE (6.0%; 1.9-10.3) was decreased in comparison with the PE (13.6%;4.4-17.1), an apparently relevant difference , but not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The FMD < 10% was detected in 30.8% of the PE cases and in 69.2% of the SPE cases (p = 0.057). Significant differences could not be detected in the morphology of the uterine arteries between the PE and SPE cases through the Doppler spectrum. CONCLUSION: The FMD of the brachial artery of patients with preeclampsia syndrome was not capable of differentiating between PE and SPE. However, the data suggest that SPE is associated with worse endothelial function I comparison to PE.

Dilatação mediada por fluxo no diagnóstico diferencial da síndrome de pré-eclâmpsia / Dilatación mediada por flujo en el diagnóstico diferencial del síndrome de preeclampsia / Flow-mediated dilatation in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia syndrome

FUNDAMENTO: A síndrome de pré-eclâmpsia se associa com a disfunção endotelial e o diagnóstico diferencial entre pré-eclâmpsia pura (PE) e sobreposta (PES) só pode ser feito após 12 semanas do parto. OBJETIVO: Comparar a avaliação da função endotelial através de dilatação mediada por fluxo de gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia pura e sobreposta. MÉTODOS: A dilatação mediada por fluxo da artéria braquial foi realizada utilizando as recomendações da International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force em gestantes com a Síndrome de Pré-eclâmpsia. Pré-eclâmpsia (n = 14) e pré-eclâmpsia sobreposta (n = 13) foram diagnosticadas no pós-parto segundo as definições do National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. RESULTADOS: A mediana da dilatação mediada por fluxo (DMF) na PES (6,0 por cento; 1,9-10,3) foi reduzida em comparação com PE (13,6 por cento; 4,4-17,1), uma disparidade aparentemente relevante, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,08). A DMF inferior a 10 por cento foi detectada em 30,8 por cento das PE e em 69,2 por cento das PES (p = 0,057). Diferenças significativas não ocorreram na comparação entre a morfologia das artérias uterinas de PE e PES através do espectro do Doppler. CONCLUSÃO: A DMF da artéria braquial de pacientes com Síndrome de Pré-eclâmpsia não se mostrou ser um método capaz de diferenciar PE de PES. Entretanto, os dados sugerem que PES se associa com pior função endotelial em comparação a PE.

BACKGROUND: The preeclampsia syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the differential diagnosis between pure preeclampsia (PE) and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) can be only be attained 12 weeks after delivery. OBJECTIVE: To compare the assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation in pregnant women with pure preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia. METHODS: The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was carried out according to the recommendations of the International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force in pregnant women with preeclampsia syndrome. PE (n=14) and SPE (n=13) were diagnosed in the postpartum period according to the definitions of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. RESULTS: The median of the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in SPE (6.0 percent; 1.9-10.3) was decreased in comparison with the PE (13.6 percent;4.4-17.1), an apparently relevant difference , but not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The FMD < 10 percent was detected in 30.8 percent of the PE cases and in 69.2 percent of the SPE cases (p = 0.057). Significant differences could not be detected in the morphology of the uterine arteries between the PE and SPE cases through the Doppler spectrum. CONCLUSION: The FMD of the brachial artery of patients with preeclampsia syndrome was not capable of differentiating between PE and SPE. However, the data suggest that SPE is associated with worse endothelial function I comparison to PE.

FUNDAMENTO: El síndrome de preeclampsia se asocia con la disfunción endotelial y el diagnóstico diferencial entre preeclampsia pura (PE) y sobreagregada (PES) sólo puede realizarse 12 semanas después del parto. OBJETIVO: Comparar la evaluación de la función endotelial a través de dilatación mediada por flujo en gestantes con preeclampsia pura y sobreagregada. MÉTODOS: La dilatación mediada por flujo de la arteria braquial se realizó utilizando las recomendaciones de la International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force en gestantes con Síndrome de Preeclampsia. La Preeclampsia (n = 14) y preeclampsia sobreagregada (n = 13) fueron diagnosticadas en el posparto según las definiciones del National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. RESULTADOS: El promedio de la dilatación mediada por flujo (DMF) en la PES (6,0 por ciento; 1,9-10,3) fue reducido en comparación con la PE (13,6 por ciento; 4,4-17,1), una disparidad aparentemente relevante, pero sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,08). Una DMF inferior al 10 por ciento se detectó en el 30,8 por ciento de las PE y en el 69,2 por ciento de las PES (p = 0,057). No aparecieron diferencias significativas en la comparación entre la morfología de las arterias uterinas de PE y PES a través del espectro del Doppler. CONCLUSIÓN: La DMF de la arteria braquial de pacientes con Síndrome de Preeclampsia no demostró ser un método capaz de diferenciar PE de PES. No obstante, los datos sugieren que la PES se asocia a una peor función endotelial en comparación con la PE.

Effect of radiocontrasts on selected membrane transport systems.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at examining the effects of radiocontrast agents on selected membrane transport functions. METHODS: The effect of diatrizoate sodium (DS), diatrizoate meglumine (DM), and diatrizoate compound (DC) on Na+/K+ pump activity and number, L-arginine, and choline transports were evaluated in erythrocytes of normal individuals and patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: Norrmal individuals' erythrocytes potassium influxes were 1.50+/-0.35, 1.32+/-0.37, 1.28+/-0.30, and 1.01+/-0.25 mmol/L cell/h in control, DS, DM, and DC groups, respectively (P=0.004; DC vs. control). Patients exposure to Hypaque M-76 significantly diminished Na+/K+ pump activity (1.40+/-0.36 before, vs. 1.27+/-0.40 mmol/L cell/h after; P=0.039). The number of Na+/K+ pumps was reduced (156+/-36 vs. 143+/-34 pumps/erythrocyte; P=0.015) in presence of DS. L-arginine and choline transports changed only at high radiocontrast concentrations. CONCLUSION: Selective changes in erythrocytes membrane transport function take place on exposure to radiocontrasts.