Estimated glomerular filtration rate in clinical practice: Consensus positioning of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) and Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML).

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents one of today's main public health problems. Serum creatinine measurement and estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are the main tools for evaluating renal function. There are several equations to estimate GFR, and CKD-EPI equation (Chronic Kidney Disease - Epidemiology) is the most recommended one. There are still some controversies regarding serum creatinine measurement and GFR estimation, since several factors can interfere in this process. An important recent change was the removal of the correction for race from the equations for estimating GFR, which overestimated kidney function, and consequently delayed the implementation of treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. In this consensus document from the Brazilian Societies of Nephrology and Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the main concepts related to the assessment of renal function are reviewed, as well as possible existing controversies and recommendations for estimating GFR in clinical practice.

The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians, NLit-Br: An Exploratory Cross-Cultural Validity Study.

This study aimed to test the validity of the cross-cultural adapted Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians (NLit-Br). An observational cross-sectional study was performed in chronic disease clinics from the Brazilian Public Health System in two phases: (1) linguistic and cultural adaptation and (2) validity testing. Six registered dietitians and thirty adult patients diagnosed with at least one chronic disease participated in the study using the nutrition literacy assessment instrument (NLit-Br) and the short assessment of health literacy for Portuguese-speaking adults (SAHLPA-18). Sample descriptive variables: age, sex, race, income, education, and occupation. To adapt the instrument to the Brazilian Portuguese and Brazilian culture, we tested cognitive interviewing and the Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) with a group of dietitians and patients. To test the tool's validity, health literacy (SAHLPA-18) was used as a construct that presents similarities and differences with nutrition literacy (NLit-Br). The correlation of NLit-Br and the SAHLPA-18 was tested (Spearman's Rho). Internal consistency was measured by Kuder−Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20). The NLit-Br content validity (S-CVI = 0.85) and internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.868) were confirmed. Additionally, NLit-Br presented a significant and robust correlation with SAHLPA-18 (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Therefore, the NLit-Br was considered a linguistic, cultural, and valid instrument to measure Brazilian's nutrition literacy.

International consensus conference recommendations on ultrasound education for undergraduate medical students.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to provide expert consensus recommendations to establish a global ultrasound curriculum for undergraduate medical students. METHODS: 64 multi-disciplinary ultrasound experts from 16 countries, 50 multi-disciplinary ultrasound consultants, and 21 medical students and residents contributed to these recommendations. A modified Delphi consensus method was used that included a systematic literature search, evaluation of the quality of literature by the GRADE system, and the RAND appropriateness method for panel judgment and consensus decisions. The process included four in-person international discussion sessions and two rounds of online voting. RESULTS: A total of 332 consensus conference statements in four curricular domains were considered: (1) curricular scope (4 statements), (2) curricular rationale (10 statements), (3) curricular characteristics (14 statements), and (4) curricular content (304 statements). Of these 332 statements, 145 were recommended, 126 were strongly recommended, and 61 were not recommended. Important aspects of an undergraduate ultrasound curriculum identified include curricular integration across the basic and clinical sciences and a competency and entrustable professional activity-based model. The curriculum should form the foundation of a life-long continuum of ultrasound education that prepares students for advanced training and patient care. In addition, the curriculum should complement and support the medical school curriculum as a whole with enhanced understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiological processes and clinical practice without displacing other important undergraduate learning. The content of the curriculum should be appropriate for the medical student level of training, evidence and expert opinion based, and include ongoing collaborative research and development to ensure optimum educational value and patient care. CONCLUSIONS: The international consensus conference has provided the first comprehensive document of recommendations for a basic ultrasound curriculum. The document reflects the opinion of a diverse and representative group of international expert ultrasound practitioners, educators, and learners. These recommendations can standardize undergraduate medical student ultrasound education while serving as a basis for additional research in medical education and the application of ultrasound in clinical practice.

Teaching point-of-care transfontanellar ultrasound for pediatricians and medical students

Abstract Objectives: The authors aim to evaluate the ''point-of-care'' transfontanellar ultrasound (TU) as an extension to pediatric physical examination and suggest a TU teaching protocol. Methods: The students were randomly divided into two groups, group A (12 participants) and group B (15 participants). The first group only received theoretical training, while the second group received theoretical and practical training. A third group, group C, included 15 pediatricians and interns who also received theoretical and practical training. All the participants underwent multiple-choice testing before and after a four-hour short course on TU. Six months later, another evaluation was performed to analyze the retained knowledge. Furthermore, a questionnaire based on the Likert scale was administered to evaluate satisfaction. Results: The cognitive evaluation (maximum score = 10 points) before and after training increased in group A from 4,0 ± 1,04 to 7,5 ± 1,2 (p < 0.001) and, 6 months later, to 6,5 ± 1,16 (p < 0.003); in group B from 3,8 ± 1,24 to 8,8 ± 1,01 (p < 0.001) and, 6 months later, to 8,46 ± 0,91 (p < 0.001); and in group C from 6,0 ± 0,75 to 9,0 ± 0,75 (p < 0.001) and, 6 months later, to 8,8 ± 0,77 (p < 0.001). The average satisfaction estimated by the Likert scale was over 80% for all questions. Conclusion: Cognitive assessment before and after classes and training reveals progress in learning, with knowledge retention in 6 months. Theoretical-practical courses are well accepted.

Conventional physical examination extended by bedside ultrasound: a new paradigm in nephrological practice / Exame físico convencional estendido pela ultrassonografia à beira do leito: novo paradigma da prática nefrológica

ABSTRACT Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been gaining momentum as an extension to physical examination in several specialties. In nephrology, POCUS has generally been used in a restricted way in urinary tract evaluation. We report the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis, previously diagnosed by renal biopsy, who was oligosymptomatic when seen the an outpatient clinic, where the POCUS, focused on the heart, lung and abdomen, revealed anasarca, pulmonary congestion and cardiac changes suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. After evaluation by the cardiology and hematology services, the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement was confirmed. This case emphasizes the importance of extending the physical examination using POCUS, which, ideally, should not be restricted to the urinary tract.

RESUMO A ultrassonografia Point of Care (POCUS) vem ganhando momentum como uma extensão ao exame físico em várias especialidades. Na nefrologia, a POCUS tem sido geralmente utilizada de forma restrita na avaliação do trato urinário. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com síndrome nefrótica secundária à amiloidose previamente diagnosticada por biópsia renal, que se apresentava oligossintomática quando atendida em ambulatório, onde a POCUS, com foco no coração, pulmão e abdômen, revelou anasarca, congestão pulmonar e alterações cardíacas sugestivas de amiloidose cardíaca. Após avaliação pelos serviços de cardiologia e hematologia, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de amiloidose AL com envolvimento cardíaco. Esse caso enfatiza a importância da extensão do exame físico pela POCUS, que, idealmente, não deve se restringir ao trato urinário.

Abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intraabdominal fluid.

OBJECTIVE: Free intra-abdominal fluid describes an accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It has different etiologies, but it frequently constitutes a meaningful clinical sign. In this study, the authors interrogate whether abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intra-abdominal fluid. METHODS: Thirty-one medical students without any previous formal ultrasound training were subjected to cognitive assessment before and after four and a half-hour of theoretical lecture and hands-on course about the diagnosis of free intra-abdominal fluid by physical examination and abdominal ultrasound. The hands-on sessions were done in healthy volunteers with a simulated peritoneal catheter and in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis with different amounts of dialysate in their cavity. RESULTS: The cognitive assessment before and after the course increased from 6.7±2.3 to 11.6±1.1 points (p<0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of free intra-abdominal fluid were higher when students used abdominal ultrasound. The students agree with the inclusion of abdominal ultrasound in the diagnose of free intra-abdominal fluid in the undergraduate curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that incorporating abdominal ultrasound is feasible and improves medical students' short-time competency in performing and interpreting the findings diagnostic of free intra-abdominal fluid.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Under Conservative Treatment

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These diseases have a significant impact on life expectancy. Individuals with CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to progress to end-stage kidney disease. Objective To assess cardiovascular risk factors of patients with CKD under conservative treatment. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical, and physical inactivity data were assessed, and 10-year risk for CVD were estimated using the Framingham Score in patients with CKD under conservative treatment. For statistical analysis, the Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. Results A total of 172 individuals were evaluated, 57% of whom were male, with an average age of 68.85 ± 11.41 years. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were 87.2% and 53.5%, respectively; 62.2% were physically inactive; 9.9% of men were smokers and 12.8% consumed alcohol. According to BMI, 82.4% of adults <60 years old and 60.6% of those older than 60 years were overweight. High waist circumference and a high waist-hip ratio were highly prevalent in females (91.9% and 83.8%, respectively) and males (64.3% and 39.8%, respectively); 92.4% had a high body fat percentage and 73.3% high uric acid levels. According to the Framingham score, 57% have a medium or high risk of developing CVD in 10 years. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the population studied. The assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD makes it possible to guide the conduct of health professionals to prevent mortality from cardiovascular causes. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Teaching point-of-care transfontanellar ultrasound for pediatricians and medical students.

OBJECTIVES: The authors aim to evaluate the "point-of-care" transfontanellar ultrasound (TU) as an extension to pediatric physical examination and suggest a TU teaching protocol. METHODS: The students were randomly divided into two groups, group A (12 participants) and group B (15 participants). The first group only received theoretical training, while the second group received theoretical and practical training. A third group, group C, included 15 pediatricians and interns who also received theoretical and practical training. All the participants underwent multiple-choice testing before and after a four-hour short course on TU. Six months later, another evaluation was performed to analyze the retained knowledge. Furthermore, a questionnaire based on the Likert scale was administered to evaluate satisfaction. RESULTS: The cognitive evaluation (maximum score=10 points) before and after training increased in group A from 4,0±1,04 to 7,5±1,2 (p<0.001) and, 6 months later, to 6,5±1,16 (p<0.003); in group B from 3,8±1,24 to 8,8±1,01 (p<0.001) and, 6 months later, to 8,46±0,91 (p<0.001); and in group C from 6,0±0,75 to 9,0±0,75 (p<0.001) and, 6 months later, to 8,8±0,77 (p<0.001). The average satisfaction estimated by the Likert scale was over 80% for all questions. CONCLUSION: Cognitive assessment before and after classes and training reveals progress in learning, with knowledge retention in 6 months. Theoretical-practical courses are well accepted.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: a cross-sectional national survey among Brazilian nephrologists / Ultrassonografia point-of-care em nefrologia: uma pesquisa nacional transversal entre nefrologistas brasileiros

Abstract Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) (POCUS) has been used in several specialties, particularly in medical emergency. Despite the confirmation of its numerous benefits, the use of POCUS is still timid in nephrology. In the present study, we aim to investigate the use of POCUS by Brazilian nephrologists. Methods: A survey carried out among the members of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, through institutional e-mail, using the SurveyMonkey platform. We included 12 self-administered questions, which answers were given anonymously. Results: It was evident that the majority (64%) of the participants did not have the opportunity to practice US during their nephrological training in their residency, specialization, or even in internships; those with experience with US use the method mainly for implanting central vascular accesses (68%), performing a renal biopsy (58%) and evaluating renal morphology (50%); and the main barriers for nephrologists who do not yet use US are the high price of US machines (26%) and the lack of time to learn about US (23%). Also, POCUS use for examinations of other organs, such as the lung (31%) and heart (18%), which are fundamental in the cardiovascular and volume assessment of patients with kidney diseases, is even more limited. However, 95% of the participants expressed an interest in learning POCUS for use in their medical practice. Conclusion: Most of the Brazilian nephrologists interviewed were not trained in US; however, almost all of the research participants expressed an interest in learning to use POCUS in nephrological practice.

Resumo Introdução: A ultrassonografia (US) pointof-care (POCUS) tem sido utilizada emvárias especialidades, particularmente na urgência médica. Apesar da constatação de seus numerosos benefícios, a utilização da POCUS ainda é tímida na nefrologia. No presente estudo, objetivamos fazer um levantamento sobre a utilização da POCUS pelos nefrologistas brasileiros. Métodos: Levantamento realizado entre os sócios da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia, por meio do e-mail institucional, utilizando a plataforma SurveyMonkey. Foram incluídas 12 perguntas autoadministradas, cujas respostas se deram de forma anônima. Resultados: Ficou evidente que a maioria (64%) dos participantes não teve oportunidade de praticar a US durante sua formação nefrológica na residência, especialização ou mesmo em estágios; que aqueles com experiência com a US usam o método, principalmente, para implantação de acesso vascular central (68%), realização de biópsia renal (58%) e avaliação da morfologia renal (50%); e que as principais barreiras para os nefrologistas que ainda não utilizam a US são o preço elevado das máquinas de US (26%) e a falta de tempo para aprender sobre US (23%). Além disso, o uso da POCUS para exames de outros órgãos, como pulmão (31%) e coração (18%), fundamentais na avaliação cardiovascular e volêmica dos pacientes com doenças renais, ainda é mais limitado. Porém, 95% dos participantes expressaram interesse em aprender a POCUS para aplicação na sua prática médica. Conclusão: A maioria dos nefrologistas brasileiros entrevistados não foi treinada em US, contudo, a quase totalidade dos participantes da pesquisa manifestou interesse em aprender a utilizar a POCUS na prática nefrológica.

Conventional physical examination extended by bedside ultrasound: a new paradigm in nephrological practice.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been gaining momentum as an extension to physical examination in several specialties. In nephrology, POCUS has generally been used in a restricted way in urinary tract evaluation. We report the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis, previously diagnosed by renal biopsy, who was oligosymptomatic when seen the an outpatient clinic, where the POCUS, focused on the heart, lung and abdomen, revealed anasarca, pulmonary congestion and cardiac changes suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. After evaluation by the cardiology and hematology services, the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement was confirmed. This case emphasizes the importance of extending the physical examination using POCUS, which, ideally, should not be restricted to the urinary tract.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: a cross-sectional national survey among Brazilian nephrologists.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) (POCUS) has been used in several specialties, particularly in medical emergency. Despite the confirmation of its numerous benefits, the use of POCUS is still timid in nephrology. In the present study, we aim to investigate the use of POCUS by Brazilian nephrologists. METHODS: A survey carried out among the members of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, through institutional e-mail, using the SurveyMonkey platform. We included 12 self-administered questions, which answers were given anonymously. RESULTS: It was evident that the majority (64%) of the participants did not have the opportunity to practice US during their nephrological training in their residency, specialization, or even in internships; those with experience with US use the method mainly for implanting central vascular accesses (68%), performing a renal biopsy (58%) and evaluating renal morphology (50%); and the main barriers for nephrologists who do not yet use US are the high price of US machines (26%) and the lack of time to learn about US (23%). Also, POCUS use for examinations of other organs, such as the lung (31%) and heart (18%), which are fundamental in the cardiovascular and volume assessment of patients with kidney diseases, is even more limited. However, 95% of the participants expressed an interest in learning POCUS for use in their medical practice. CONCLUSION: Most of the Brazilian nephrologists interviewed were not trained in US; however, almost all of the research participants expressed an interest in learning to use POCUS in nephrological practice.

Diastolic dysfunction for nephrologists: diagnosis at the point of care.

Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diastolic dysfunction (DD) may progress with the clinical manifestation of heart failure, known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a condition that precedes systolic dysfunction. The early identification of DD by echocardiography at the point-of-care before the appearance of symptoms and signs of pulmonary congestion and the implementation of appropriate treatment can improve the prognosis of CKD. This review article briefly addresses DD in kidney disease and presents a practical approach to the echocardiographic diagnosis of DD at the point of care.