Efficacy and landscape of Covid-19 vaccines: a review article.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid advance of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has led to the incessant search for therapeutic and prophylactic measures to fight the pandemic. Because it is a viral infection, the safest long-term prophylactic form, in addition to social distance and hygiene, is the vaccine. OBJECTIVE: Thus, this study aimed at conducting a review of the efficacy and landscape of Covid-19 vaccines. METHODS: The following electronic databases were used MEDLINE via PubMed, SCIELO, LILACS, NEJM, and Clinical Trials. Our study includes the 7 vaccines (phase 3) that reported an efficacy rate for Covid-19, including characteristics inherent to each one of them. RESULTS: Preliminary studies have shown that, although an efficacy ≥70% is necessary to eliminate the infection, a prophylactic vaccine with efficacy <70% will still have an important impact and can contribute to the elimination of the virus, provided that appropriate measures of social distancing remain. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the vaccines obtained in this study varied between 50.38 and 95%, data that may represent a reduction in serious cases, hospitalizations, sequels, and deaths caused by Covid-19, respecting the panorama presented in this article.

Use of remdesivir for patients with Covid-19: a review article.

The etiological agent of COVID-19, which causes severe respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and pulmonary insufficiency, has been confirmed as a new coronavirus, now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is currently no authorized medication for the treatment of COVID-19. No vaccines have been authorized. Thus, this study aimed at conducting a review of the use of Remdesivir in patients with COVID-19. The following electronic databases were used MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS, and PUBMED. On May 1, Remdesivir received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Remdesivir is currently the most promising molecule in the treatment of COVID-19, taking into account its broad antiviral spectrum (considering the genetic sequences of the virus, it is expected to maintain activity against SARS-CoV-2). There is in vitro and in vivo information available for coronaviruses, as well as an extensive clinical safety database (from a clinical trial of the Ebola virus and in the context of the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Investigational Interventions - MEURI). Further studies are relevant as available data on the efficacy and safety of Remdesivir against SARS-nCoV-2 are limited.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives concerning SARS-COV-2: a review article.

The present study aimed to review the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives related to COVID-19 infections. The following electronic databases were used searched: MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS. It became clear that COVID-19 infections occur through exposure to the virus, and both the immunosuppressed and healthy population appear susceptible. The clinical course of COVID-19 is still not clear, although the SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to develop with mild, influenza-like symptoms in the vast majority of subjects, i.e., 10%-15% of COVID-19 patients. Since rRT-PCR tests serve as the gold standard method to confirm a SARS-CoV-2 infection, false-negative results could hinder the prevention and control of the epidemic, particularly considering the test plays a key role in the decision for continued isolated medical observation or discharge. Our findings also indicate that a radical increase in the identification and isolation of currently undocumented infections would be needed to fully control SARS-CoV2.

Use of remdesivir for patients with Covid-19: a review article

SUMMARY The etiological agent of COVID-19, which causes severe respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and pulmonary insufficiency, has been confirmed as a new coronavirus, now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is currently no authorized medication for the treatment of COVID-19. No vaccines have been authorized. Thus, this study aimed at conducting a review of the use of Remdesivir in patients with COVID-19. The following electronic databases were used MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS, and PUBMED. On May 1, Remdesivir received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Remdesivir is currently the most promising molecule in the treatment of COVID-19, taking into account its broad antiviral spectrum (considering the genetic sequences of the virus, it is expected to maintain activity against SARS-CoV-2). There is in vitro and in vivo information available for coronaviruses, as well as an extensive clinical safety database (from a clinical trial of the Ebola virus and in the context of the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Investigational Interventions - MEURI). Further studies are relevant as available data on the efficacy and safety of Remdesivir against SARS-nCoV-2 are limited.

RESUMO O agente etiológico da COVID-19, que causa doenças respiratórias graves, como pneumonia e insuficiência pulmonar, foi confirmado como um novo coronavírus, agora conhecido como coronavirus de síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Não existem atualmente medicamentos autorizados para o tratamento de COVID-19, nem estão também autorizadas quaisquer vacinas. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sobre a utilização de Remdesivir em pacientes com COVID-19. As seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas foram utilizadas MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS e PUBMED. Em primeiro de maio, o Redemsivir recebeu autorização de uso de emergência da Food and Drug Administration. Remdesivir é presentemente a molécula promissora no tratamento da COVID-19 tendo em conta o seu largo espetro antiviral (considerando as sequências genéticas do vírus, é expectável que mantenha atividade contra o SARS-CoV-2). A informação in vitro e in vivo está disponível para os coronavírus, assim como a extensiva base de dados de segurança clínica (proveniente de ensaio clínico do vírus Ebola e no contexto do Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Investigational Interventions - MEURI). A realização de novos estudos torna-se relevantes uma vez que os dados disponíveis são limitados sobre eficácia e segurança do Remdesivir contra SARS-nCoV-2.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives concerning SARS-COV-2: a review article

SUMMARY The present study aimed to review the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives related to COVID-19 infections. The following electronic databases were used searched: MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS. It became clear that COVID-19 infections occur through exposure to the virus, and both the immunosuppressed and healthy population appear susceptible. The clinical course of COVID-19 is still not clear, although the SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to develop with mild, influenza-like symptoms in the vast majority of subjects, i.e., 10%-15% of COVID-19 patients. Since rRT-PCR tests serve as the gold standard method to confirm a SARS-CoV-2 infection, false-negative results could hinder the prevention and control of the epidemic, particularly considering the test plays a key role in the decision for continued isolated medical observation or discharge. Our findings also indicate that a radical increase in the identification and isolation of currently undocumented infections would be needed to fully control SARS-CoV2.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sobre epidemiologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico laboratorial, tratamento e perspectivas futuras relacionados à infecção pelo COVID-19. As seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas foram utilizadas MEDLINE, SCIELO e LILACS. Ficou claro que a infecção pelo COVID-19 ocorre por exposição ao vírus, e tanto a população imunossupressora quanto a normal parecem suscetíveis. O curso clínico do COVID-19 ainda não está claro, embora a infecção por SARS-CoV-2 pareça ocorrer com sintomas leves e semelhantes à gripe na grande maioria dos indivíduos, em 10%-15% dos pacientes com COVID-19. Uma vez que os testes rRT-PCR servem como o método padrão-ouro para confirmar a infecção do SARS-CoV-2, os resultados falso-negativos podem dificultar a prevenção e o controle da epidemia, particularmente quando este teste desempenha um papel de referência fundamental na decisão da necessidade de observação médica isolada ou alta. Nossos achados também indicam que seria necessário um aumento radical na identificação e isolamento de infecções não documentadas atualmente para controlar totalmente o SARS-CoV2.

Beta-Talassemia Menor e o risco de aterosclerose: o papel do estresse oxidativo eritrocitário e dos níveis de paraoxonase-1 como fatores agravantes / Beta-Thalassemia Minor and the risk of atherosclerosis: the role of the erythrocytic oxidative stress and paraoxonase-1 levels as aggravating factors

A hemoglobina pode representar uma fonte adicional de espécies reativas do oxigênio; assim, perturbações na função e estrutura dos eritrócitos podem levar ao estresse oxidativo. A auto-oxidação de cadeias de globina e sobrecarga de ferro são os mecanismos sugeridos para o aumento do estresse oxidativo, tanto na beta-talassemia maior quanto na menor. Vários estudos têm avaliado o status oxidante e antioxidante de pacientes beta-talassêmicos, mas a maioria voltada para os estados graves e intermediários da doença. Entretanto, alguns estudos demonstraram aumento do estresse oxidativo e da capacidade antioxidante na beta-talassemia menor. Nos últimos anos, novas evidências sugerem que a oxidação da lipoproteína de baixa densidade é o passo fundamental para aterogênese. A paraoxonase-1, expressa no fígado, tem sido demonstrada por estar associada às partículas de lipoproteínas e alta densidade e por possuir capacidade antioxidante, protegendo ambas as lipoproteínas de baixa e alta densidade da lipoperoxidação. Alguns estudos com beta-talassemia menor demonstraram que, além do aumento do estresse oxidativo, os níveis de paraoxonase-1 estavam diminuídos. Como a paraoxonase-1 inibe a oxidação da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, pode ser sugerido que indivíduos com beta-talassemia menor sejam mais propensos à aterosclerose do que indivíduos saudáveis

Burnout Syndrome prevalence of on-call surgeons in a trauma reference hospital and its correlation with weekly workload: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE:: to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) for surgeons working in referral hospital for trauma in Maceio and to evaluate the possible correlation between BS and weekly workload. METHODS:: cross-sectional study with 43 on-call surgeons at Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela General State Hospital, Maceió, between July and December, 2015. A self-administered form was used to evaluate BS through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and socio-demographic characteristics among participants. Spearman's S test was used to compare BS and weekly workload. Significant level was 5%. RESULTS:: among the surgeons studied, 95.35% were male and the mean age was 43.9 ± 8.95 years. The mean weekly workload on call in trauma was 33.90 ± 16.82 hours. The frequency of high scores in at least one of the three dimensions of MBI was 46.5%. Professional achievement was correlated with weekly workload (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION:: the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among on-call surgeons in referral hospital for trauma was 46.5%. In this sample there was correlation between weekly workload and the Burnout Syndrome. OBJETIVO:: determinar a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout (SB) em médicos cirurgiões que trabalham em hospital de referência para o trauma em Maceió e avaliar a possível correlação entre SB e a carga horária semanal de trabalho. MÉTODOS:: estudo transversal com 43 cirurgiões de plantão do Hospital Geral do Estado Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela, Maceió, entre julho e dezembro de 2015. Um formulário autoadministrado foi utilizado para avaliar SB por meio do Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e as características sociodemográficas entre os participantes. Foi utilizado o teste de Spearman S para comparar SB e carga horária semanal. O nível de significância foi 5%. RESULTADOS:: entre os cirurgiões estudados, 95,35% eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi 43,9±8,95 anos. A média da carga horária semanal de plantão no trauma foi 33,90±16,82 horas. A frequência de pontuações elevadas em pelo menos uma das três dimensões do MBI foi 46,5%. Realização profissional foi correlacionada com a carga de trabalho semanal (P=0,020). CONCLUSÃO:: a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout entre cirurgiões plantonistas em hospital de referência para o trauma foi 46,5%. Nesta amostra houve correlação entre a carga horária semanal de trabalho e a Síndrome de Burnout.

Burnout Syndrome prevalence of on-call surgeons in a trauma reference hospital and its correlation with weekly workload: cross-sectional study / Prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout em cirurgiões plantonistas de um hospital de referência para trauma e sua correlação com carga horária semanal de trabalho: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) for surgeons working in referral hospital for trauma in Maceio and to evaluate the possible correlation between BS and weekly workload. Methods: cross-sectional study with 43 on-call surgeons at Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela General State Hospital, Maceió, between July and December, 2015. A self-administered form was used to evaluate BS through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and socio-demographic characteristics among participants. Spearman's S test was used to compare BS and weekly workload. Significant level was 5%. Results: among the surgeons studied, 95.35% were male and the mean age was 43.9 ± 8.95 years. The mean weekly workload on call in trauma was 33.90 ± 16.82 hours. The frequency of high scores in at least one of the three dimensions of MBI was 46.5%. Professional achievement was correlated with weekly workload (P = 0.020). Conclusion: the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among on-call surgeons in referral hospital for trauma was 46.5%. In this sample there was correlation between weekly workload and the Burnout Syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout (SB) em médicos cirurgiões que trabalham em hospital de referência para o trauma em Maceió e avaliar a possível correlação entre SB e a carga horária semanal de trabalho. Métodos: estudo transversal com 43 cirurgiões de plantão do Hospital Geral do Estado Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela, Maceió, entre julho e dezembro de 2015. Um formulário autoadministrado foi utilizado para avaliar SB por meio do Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e as características sociodemográficas entre os participantes. Foi utilizado o teste de Spearman S para comparar SB e carga horária semanal. O nível de significância foi 5%. Resultados: entre os cirurgiões estudados, 95,35% eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi 43,9±8,95 anos. A média da carga horária semanal de plantão no trauma foi 33,90±16,82 horas. A frequência de pontuações elevadas em pelo menos uma das três dimensões do MBI foi 46,5%. Realização profissional foi correlacionada com a carga de trabalho semanal (P=0,020). Conclusão: a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout entre cirurgiões plantonistas em hospital de referência para o trauma foi 46,5%. Nesta amostra houve correlação entre a carga horária semanal de trabalho e a Síndrome de Burnout.

Effectiveness of combined regional-general anesthesia for reducing mortality in coronary artery bypass: meta-analysis / Efetividade da associação da anestesia regional à anestesia geral na redução da mortalidade em revascularização miocárdica: metanálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been used in association with general anesthesia (GA) for coronary artery bypass; however, anticoagulation during surgery makes us question the viability of benefits by the risk of epidural hematoma. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analyzes examining the efficacy of NA associated with GA compared to GA alone for coronary artery bypass on mortality reduction. METHODS: Mortality, arrhythmias, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI), length of hospital stay (LHS), length of ICU stay (ICUS), reoperations, blood transfusion (BT), quality of life, satisfaction degree, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction were analyzed. The weighted mean difference (MD) was estimated for continuous variables, and relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD) for categorical variables. RESULTS: 17 original articles analyzed. Meta-analysis of mortality (RD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.01), CVA (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.32-1.95), MI (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.52-1.79) and LHS (MD = -1.94, 95% CI = -3.99 to 0.12) were not statistically significant. Arrhythmia was less frequent with NA (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50-0.93). ICUS was lower in NA (MD = -2.09, 95% CI = -2.92 to -1.26). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in mortality. Combined NA and GA showed lower incidence of arrhythmias and lower ICUS.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia neuroaxial (AN) vem sendo utilizada em associação com a anestesia geral (AG) para revascularização miocárdica, entretanto a anticoagulação durante a cirurgia torna questionável a viabilidade dos benefícios mediante o risco de hematoma de espaço peridural. O objetivo deste estudo foi executar metanálises analisando a efetividade da AN associada à AG comparada à AG isolada para a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica relativa à redução da mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados mortalidade, arritmias, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), infarto miocárdico (IM), tempo de internação hospitalar (TIH), tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (TUTI), reoperações, transfusão sanguínea (TS), qualidade de vida, grau de satisfação e disfunção cognitiva pós-opertória. A diferença média (DM) ponderada foi estimada para as variáveis contínuas e risco relativo (RR) e a diferença de risco (DR) para variáveis categóricas. RESULTADOS: Analisados 17 artigos originais. Metanálise da mortalidade (DR = -0,01; IC 95% = -0,03 a 0,01), AVC (RR = 0,79; IC 95% = 0,32 a 1,95), IM (RR = 0,96; IC 95% = 0,52 a 1,79) e TIH (DM = -1,94; IC 95% = -3,99 a 0,12) não demonstraram significância estatística. Arritmia foi menos frequente com AN (RR = 0,68; IC 95% = 0,50 a 0,93). O TUTI foi menor no com AN (DM = -2,09; IC 95% = -2,92 a -1,26). CONCLUSÃO: Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto a mortalidade. A combinação de AN e AG mostrou menor incidência de arritmias e menor TUTI.

[Effectiveness of combined regional-general anesthesia for reducing mortality in coronary artery bypass: meta-analysis]. / Efetividade da associação da anestesia regional à anestesia geral na redução da mortalidade em revascularização miocárdica: metanálise.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been used in association with general anesthesia (GA) for coronary artery bypass; however, anticoagulation during surgery makes us question the viability of benefits by the risk of epidural hematoma. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analyzes examining the efficacy of NA associated with GA compared to GA alone for coronary artery bypass on mortality reduction. METHODS: Mortality, arrhythmias, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI), length of hospital stay (LHS), length of ICU stay (ICUS), reoperations, blood transfusion (BT), quality of life, satisfaction degree, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction were analyzed. The weighted mean difference (MD) was estimated for continuous variables, and relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD) for categorical variables. RESULTS: 17 original articles analyzed. Meta-analysis of mortality (RD=-0.01, 95% CI=-0.03 to 0.01), CVA (RR=0.79, 95% CI=0.32 to 1.95), MI (RR=0.96, 95% CI=0.52 to 1.79) and LHS (MD=-1.94, 95% CI=-3.99 to 0.12) were not statistically significant. Arrhythmia was less frequent with NA (RR=0.68, 95% CI=0.50 to 0.93). ICUS was lower in NA (MD=-2.09, 95% CI=-2.92 to -1.26). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in mortality. Combined NA and GA showed lower incidence of arrhythmias and lower ICUS.

Anatomical basis for sciatic nerve block at the knee level / Bases anatômicas para o bloqueio anestésico do nervo isquiático no nível do joelho / Bases anatómicas para el bloqueo anestésico del nervio isquiático al nivel de la rodilla

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, administration of sciatic nerve block has been revised due to the potential benefit for postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction after the advent of ultrasound. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical relations of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa to determine the optimal distance the needle must be positioned in order to realize the sciatic nerve block anterior to its bifurcation into the tibial and common fibular nerve. METHOD: The study was conducted by dissection of human cadavers' popliteal fossa, fixed in 10% formalin, from the Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Morphology Departments of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas and Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas. Access to the sciatic nerve was obtained. RESULTS: 44 popliteal fossa were analyzed. The bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in relation to the apex of the fossa was observed. There was bifurcation in: 67.96% below the apex, 15.90% above the apex, 11.36% near the apex, and 4.78% in the gluteal region. CONCLUSIONS: The sciatic nerve bifurcation to its branches occurs at various levels, and the chance to succeed when the needle is placed between 5 and 7 cm above the popliteal is 95.22%. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Recentemente a feitura de bloqueio do nervo isquiático tem sido revista devido ao potencial benéfico para analgesia pós-operatória e satisfação dos pacientes após o advento da ultrassonografia. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as relações anatômicas do nervo isquiático na fossa poplítea para determinar a distância ideal em que a agulha deve ser posicionada para a feitura do bloqueio anestésico do nervo isquiático anterior a sua bifurcação em nervo tibial e fibular comum. MÉTODO: O trabalho foi feito por meio de dissecção de fossa poplítea de cadáveres humanos, fixados em formol a 10%, provenientes do Laboratório de Anatomia Humana dos departamentos de Morfologia da Universidade Federal de Alagoas e da Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas. Obteve-se acesso ao nervo isquiático. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 44 fossas poplíteas. Observou-se a bifurcação do nervo isquiático em relação ao ápice da fossa. Houve bifurcação em 67,96% abaixo do ápice, 15,90% acima do ápice, 11,36% próxima ao ápice e 4,78% na região glútea. CONCLUSÕES: A bifurcação do nervo isquiático em seus ramos ocorre em vários níveis e a chance de se obter sucesso quando a agulha é usada entre 5 e 7 cm acima da fossa poplítea é de 95,22%. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Recientemente la realización de bloqueo del nervio isquiático ha sido nuevamente analizada debido al potencial beneficioso para la analgesia postoperatoria y por la satisfacción de los pacientes después del advenimiento de la ecografía. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las relaciones anatómicas del nervio isquiático en la fosa poplítea para determinar la distancia ideal en que la aguja debe ser posicionada para la realización del bloqueo anestésico del nervio isquiático anterior a su bifurcación en el nervio tibial y fibular común. MÉTODO: El trabajo se hizo por medio de la disección de la fosa poplítea de cadáveres humanos, empapados en formol al 10%, provenientes del Laboratorio de Anatomía Humana de los departamentos de Morfología de la Universidad Federal de Alagoas y de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Alagoas. Se obtuvo el acceso al nervio isquiático. RESULTADOS: Fueron analizadas 44 fosas poplíteas. Se observó la bifurcación del nervio isquiático con relación al ápice de la fosa. Hubo una bifurcación en un 67,96% por debajo del ápice, un 15,90% por encima del ápice, un 11,36% cercana al ápice y un 4,78% en la región glútea. CONCLUSIONES: La bifurcación del nervio isquiático en sus ramas se da en varios niveles y la probabilidad de que se obtenga éxito cuando la aguja se usa entre 5 y 7 cm por encima de la fosa poplítea es de un 95,22%. .

Anatomical basis for sciatic nerve block at the knee level.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, administration of sciatic nerve block has been revised due to the potential benefit for postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction after the advent of ultrasound. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical relations of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa to determine the optimal distance the needle must be positioned in order to realize the sciatic nerve block anterior to its bifurcation into the tibial and common fibular nerve. METHOD: The study was conducted by dissection of human cadavers' popliteal fossa, fixed in 10% formalin, from the Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Morphology Departments of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas and Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas. Access to the sciatic nerve was obtained. RESULTS: 44 popliteal fossa were analyzed. The bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in relation to the apex of the fossa was observed. There was bifurcation in: 67.96% below the apex, 15.90% above the apex, 11.36% near the apex, and 4.78% in the gluteal region. CONCLUSIONS: The sciatic nerve bifurcation to its branches occurs at various levels, and the chance to succeed when the needle is placed between 5 and 7 cm above the popliteal is 95.22%.

[Anatomical basis for sciatic nerve block at the knee level]. / Bases anatômicas para o bloqueio anestésico do nervo isquiático no nível do joelho.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, administration of sciatic nerve block has been revised due to the potential benefit for postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction after the advent of ultrasound. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical relations of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa to determine the optimal distance the needle must be positioned in order to realize the sciatic nerve block anterior to its bifurcation into the tibial and common fibular nerve. METHOD: The study was conducted by dissection of human cadavers' popliteal fossa, fixed in 10% formalin, from the Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Morphology Departments of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas and Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas. Access to the sciatic nerve was obtained. RESULTS: 44 popliteal fossa were analyzed. The bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in relation to the apex of the fossa was observed. There was bifurcation in: 67.96% below the apex, 15.90% above the apex, 11.36% near the apex, and 4.78% in the gluteal region. CONCLUSIONS: The sciatic nerve bifurcation to its branches occurs at various levels, and the chance to succeed when the needle is placed between 5 and 7 cm above the popliteal is 95.22%.

Correlation between the Alvarado Scale and the macroscopic aspect of the appendix in patients with appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association between the scale of Alvarado (EA) and macroscopic appearance (MA) of the appendix in patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: after receiving the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, EA data were collected. During appendectomy, MA data were collected. Data from patients without appendicitis were excluded. The Spearman correlation test was used to compare EA with Appendix MA (p < 0.05). Other variables were represented by simple frequency. The confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated for the correlation test. RESULTS: Data were collected from 67 consecutive patients. The mean age was 37.1 ± 12.5 years and 77.6% of patients were male. The Spearman correlation test used for EA and MA was + 0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.85, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: although correlation was not perfect, our data indicate that a high score on the scale of Alvarado in patients with appendicitis is correlated with advanced stages of the inflammatory process of acute appendicitis.

Correlation between the Alvarado Scale and the macroscopic aspect of the appendix in patients with appendicitis / Correlação entre a Escala de Alvarado e o aspecto macroscópico do apêndice em pacientes com apendicite

Objective: To evaluate the possible association between the scale of Alvarado (EA) and macroscopic appearance (MA) of the appendix in patients with acute appendicitis. Methods: after receiving the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, EA data were collected. During appendectomy, MA data were collected. Data from patients without appendicitis were excluded. The Spearman correlation test was used to compare EA with Appendix MA (p < 0.05). Other variables were represented by simple frequency. The confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated for the correlation test. Results: Data were collected from 67 consecutive patients. The mean age was 37.1 ± 12.5 years and 77.6% of patients were male. The Spearman correlation test used for EA and MA was + 0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.85, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: although correlation was not perfect, our data indicate that a high score on the scale of Alvarado in patients with appendicitis is correlated with advanced stages of the inflammatory process of acute appendicitis. .

Objetivo: avaliar a possível associação entre a escala de Alvarado (EA) e o aspecto macroscópico (AM) do apêndice em pacientes com apendicite aguda. Métodos: depois de receberem o diagnóstico de apendicite aguda, os dados da EA foram coletados. Durante a apendicectomia, os dados do AM foram coletados. Dados de pacientes sem apendicite foram excluídos. O teste de correlação de Spearman foi utilizado para comparar EA e o AM do apêndice (P<0,05). Outras variáveis foram representadas por frequência simples. O intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% foi calculado para o teste de correlação. Resultados: os dados foram coletados de 67 pacientes consecutivos. A média da idade foi 37,1 ± 12,5 anos e 77,6% dos pacientes foram masculinos. O teste de correlação de Spearman usado para EA e AM foi + 0,77 (IC 95% 0,65 a 0,85, P<0,0001). Conclusão: apesar de a correlação não ser perfeita, nossos dados indicam que uma pontuação elevada da escala de Alvarado em pacientes com apendicite está correlacionada com estágios avançados do processo inflamatório da apendicite aguda. .

Ocorrência simultânea de síndrome de Evans e anemia falciforme em uma criança de 2 anos / Simultaneous occurrence of Evans syndrome and sickle cell anemia in a 2 year-old child

A associação entre anemia falciforme (AF) e síndrome de Evans (SE) parece ser rara. Esse estudo objetivou relatar o caso de uma criança com AF e SE. A paciente R. M. S. S., 2 anos de idade, foi admitida em um centro hematológico apresentando hemorragia de mucosa, leucometria 20,3 × 10(9)/l, hemoglobina 4,6 g/dl e plaquetas 28 × 10(9)/l. Posteriormente, realizou-se mielograma, que evidenciou hipercelularidade eritroide, sugerindo hemólise. Teste positivo da antiglobulina direcionou o diagnóstico para SE. Iniciou-se pulsoterapia com corticoide até regularização da plaquetometria. Hemácias em foice foram visualizadas no esfregaço sanguíneo; eletroforese de hemoglobina revelou fenótipo SS. A associação parece ter sido fortuita e gerou quadro grave, que deve ser reconhecido prontamente.

The association of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and Evans syndrome (ES) seems to be uncommon. This study aimed to report a case of a child with SCA and SE. 2 year-old R. M. S. S. was admitted into a hematologic center with mucosal bleedings. Exam results revealed leucocyte 20.3 × 10(9)/l, hemoglobin 4.6 g/dl, and platelets 28 × 10(9)/l. Subsequently, myelogram was performed and showed erythroid-hypercellularity, which suggested hemolysis. Positive antiglobulin test corroborated the diagnosis of ES. Corticosteroid pulse therapies were conducted until normalization of platelet count. Sickle cells were detected in blood smears and hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed SS phenotype. Despite the fact the association appears to occur randomly, it causes severe clinical symptoms, which must be promptly recognized.