Clinical validation and diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC compared to 111In-DTPA-octreotide in patients with neuroendocrine tumours: the LACOG 0214 study.

99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC is an easily available and cheaper radionuclide that could be used for somatostatin-receptor-based imaging of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC compared to111In-DTPA-octreotide in patients (pts) with NETs. We performed a prospective diagnostic study including pts with biopsy-confirmed NET and at least one visible lesion at conventional imaging. Two independent nuclear medicine physicians evaluated pts who underwent 99mTc and 111In scans and images. The primary outcome was comparative diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc and 111In. Secondary outcomes include safety. Nine pts were included and performed 14 paired scans. Overall, 126 lesions were identified. 99mTc demonstrated superior sensitivity both when all images were analysed (93.7, 95% CI 88.1% - 96.8% versus 74.8%, 95% CI 66.6 - 81.6%, p < 0.001) and when liver-specific images were analysed (97.8%, 95% CI 92.7% - 99.5% versus 85.1%, 95% CI 76.6% - 91.0%, p < 0.001). 99mTc was also associated with a lower negative likelihood ratio (LR) (0.002, 95% CI 0.009 - 0.1 versus 0.19, 95% CI 0.12 - 0.42, p = 0.009) when evaluating hepatic lesions. Adverse events happened in 3 pts after 111In and in 2 pts after 99mTc, all grade 1. The 99mTc demonstrated a higher sensitivity overall and a better negative LR in liver-specific images compared to 111In in pts with NETs. Our findings suggest that 99mTc is an alternative to 111In and is especially useful in ruling out liver metastases. NCT02691078.

Motor and cognitive outcomes of neonates with low birth weight in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the outcomes of preterm newborns in South American countries are scarce. Given the great effect of low birth weight (LBW) and/or prematurity on children's neurodevelopment, it is extremely necessary to conduct studies on these phenomena in greater depth in more heterogeneous populations such as those ones from countries with limited resources. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for articles published in Portuguese and English up to March 2021 involving children born and evaluated in Brazil. The analysis of the risk of bias was adapted from the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and used to evaluate the methodology of the included studies. RESULTS: From the eligible trials, 25 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 5 of those, for quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). The meta-analyses showed that children born with LBW presented lower scores on motor development when compared with controls (standardized mean difference: -1.15; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: -1.56--0.73]; I2: 80%) and also scored lower in terms of cognitive development (standardized mean difference: -0.71; 95% CI: -0.99--0.44; I2: 67%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reinforce that impaired motor and cognitive functions can be a significant long-term outcome of LBW. The lower the gestational age at delivery, the higher the risk of impairment in those domains. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database under number CRD42019112403.

ANTECEDENTES: Dados sobre desfechos de recém-nascidos prematuros em países da América do Sul são escassos. Dado o grande efeito do baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) e/ou da prematuridade no neurodesenvolvimento das crianças, é extremamente necessária a realização de estudos que investiguem esses fenômenos com maior profundidade em populações mais heterogêneas. MéTODOS: Realizou-se uma busca da literatura em bases de dados, incluindo PubMed, Cochrane Library e Web of Science, por artigos publicados em português e inglês até março de 2021 envolvendo crianças nascidas e avaliadas no Brasil. A análise de risco de viés foi adaptada da declaração de Fortalecimento do Relato de Estudos Observacionais em Epidemiologia (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, STROBE), que foi utilizada para avaliar a metodologia dos estudos. RESULTADOS: Dos estudos elegíveis, 25 artigos foram selecionados para síntese qualitativa, e 5 desses 25, para síntese quantitativa (metanálise). As metanálises mostraram que crianças nascidas com BPN apresentaram pontuação menor em desenvolvimento motor quando comparadas aos controles (diferença média padronizada, −1,15; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: −1,56­−0,73]; I2: 80%) e pontuação também menor em termos de desenvolvimento cognitivo (diferença média padronizada, −0,71; IC95%: −0,992−0,44; I2: 67%). CONCLUSãO: Os resultados deste estudo reforçam que o comprometimento das funções motoras e cognitivas pode ser um desfecho significativo de longo prazo do BPN. Quanto menor a idade gestacional no momento do parto, maior o risco de prejuízo nesses domínios. O protocolo do estudo foi registrado no banco de dados International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob o número CRD42019112403.

Motor and cognitive outcomes of neonates with low birth weight in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Desfechos motores e cognitivos de recém-nascidos com baixo peso ao nascer no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Background Data on the outcomes of preterm newborns in South American countries are scarce. Given the great effect of low birth weight (LBW) and/or prematurity on children's neurodevelopment, it is extremely necessary to conduct studies on these phenomena in greater depth in more heterogeneous populations such as those ones from countries with limited resources. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search on databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for articles published in Portuguese and English up to March 2021 involving children born and evaluated in Brazil. The analysis of the risk of bias was adapted from the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and used to evaluate the methodology of the included studies. Results From the eligible trials, 25 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 5 of those, for quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). The meta-analyses showed that children born with LBW presented lower scores on motor development when compared with controls (standardized mean difference: -1.15; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: -1.56--0.73]; I2: 80%) and also scored lower in terms of cognitive development (standardized mean difference: -0.71; 95% CI: -0.99--0.44; I2: 67%). Conclusion The results of the present study reinforce that impaired motor and cognitive functions can be a significant long-term outcome of LBW. The lower the gestational age at delivery, the higher the risk of impairment in those domains. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database under number CRD42019112403.

Resumo Antecedentes Dados sobre desfechos de recém-nascidos prematuros em países da América do Sul são escassos. Dado o grande efeito do baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) e/ou da prematuridade no neurodesenvolvimento das crianças, é extremamente necessária a realização de estudos que investiguem esses fenômenos com maior profundidade em populações mais heterogêneas. Métodos Realizou-se uma busca da literatura em bases de dados, incluindo PubMed, Cochrane Library e Web of Science, por artigos publicados em português e inglês até março de 2021 envolvendo crianças nascidas e avaliadas no Brasil. A análise de risco de viés foi adaptada da declaração de Fortalecimento do Relato de Estudos Observacionais em Epidemiologia (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, STROBE), que foi utilizada para avaliar a metodologia dos estudos. Resultados Dos estudos elegíveis, 25 artigos foram selecionados para síntese qualitativa, e 5 desses 25, para síntese quantitativa (metanálise). As metanálises mostraram que crianças nascidas com BPN apresentaram pontuação menor em desenvolvimento motor quando comparadas aos controles (diferença média padronizada, -1,15; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: -1,56--0,73]; I2: 80%) e pontuação também menor em termos de desenvolvimento cognitivo (diferença média padronizada, -0,71; IC95%: -0,992-0,44; I2: 67%). Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo reforçam que o comprometimento das funções motoras e cognitivas pode ser um desfecho significativo de longo prazo do BPN. Quanto menor a idade gestacional no momento do parto, maior o risco de prejuízo nesses domínios. O protocolo do estudo foi registrado no banco de dados International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob o número CRD42019112403.

Zika virus congenital microcephaly severity classification and the association of severity with neuropsychomotor development.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus infection during pregnancy is linked to birth defects, most notably microcephaly, which is associated with neurodevelopmental delays. OBJECTIVE: The goals of the study were to propose a method for severity classification of congenital microcephaly based on neuroradiologic findings of MRI scans, and to investigate the association of severity with neuropsychomotor developmental scores. We also propose a semi-automated method for MRI-based severity classification of microcephaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional investigation of 42 infants born with congenital Zika infection. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (Bayley-III) developmental evaluations and MRI scans were carried out at ages 13-39 months (mean: 24.8 months; standard deviation [SD]: 5.8 months). The severity score was generated based on neuroradiologist evaluations of brain malformations. Next, we established a distribution of Zika virus-microcephaly severity score including mild, moderate and severe and investigated the association of severity with neuropsychomotor developmental scores. Finally, we propose a simplified semi-automated procedure for estimating the severity score based only on volumetric measures. RESULTS: The results showed a correlation of r=0.89 (P<0.001) between the Zika virus-microcephaly severity score and the semi-automated method. The trimester of infection did not correlate with the semi-automated method. Neuropsychomotor development correlated with the severity classification based on the radiologic readings and semi-automated method; the more severe the imaging scores, the lower the neuropsychomotor developmental scores. CONCLUSION: These severity classification methods can be used to evaluate severity of microcephaly and possible association with developmental consequences. The semi-automated methods thus provide an alternative for predicting severity of microcephaly based on only one MRI sequence.

Effects of non-invasive respiratory support on sleep in preterm infants evaluated by actigraphy.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have evaluated sleep in preterm infants under non-invasive ventilatory support in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the sleep of premature babies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Crossover study in a NICU. We selected preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 37 weeks using nasal CPAP. Eighteen preterm were included. Patients were monitored with actigraphy and with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). RESULTS: Results showed a reduction in sleep effciency, total sleep time and total sleep period during the CPAP period when compared to the non-CPAP. NBAS demonstrated significantly greater time of deep sleep and light sleep in the period without CPAP. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that the use of CPAP, during the first week of life, in preterm neonates, is associated with transitory alterations of sleep organization.

Increased Glucose Activity in Subgenual Anterior Cingulate and Hippocampus of High Performing Older Adults, Despite Amyloid Burden.

BACKGROUND: Individuals at 80 years of age or above with exceptional memory are considered SuperAgers (SA), an operationalized definition of successful cognitive aging. SA showed increased thickness and altered functional connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex as a neurobiological signature. However, their metabolic alterations are yet to be uncovered. OBJECTIVE: Herein, a metabolic (FDG-PET), amyloid (PIB-PET), and functional (fMRI) analysis of SA were conducted. METHODS: Ten SA, ten age-matched older adults (C80), and ten cognitively normal middle-aged (C50) adults underwent cognitive testing and multimodal neuroimaging examinations. Anterior and posterior regions of the cingulate cortex and hippocampal areas were primarily examined, then subregions of anterior cingulate were segregated. RESULTS: The SA group showed increased metabolic activity in the left and right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC, p < 0.005 corrected, bilateral) and bilateral hippocampi (right: p < 0.0005 and left: p < 0.005, both corrected) as compared to that in the C80 group. Amyloid deposition was above threshold in 30% of SA and C80 (p > 0.05). The SA group also presented decreased connectivity between right sACC and posterior cingulate (p < 0.005, corrected) as compared to that of the C80 group. CONCLUSION: These results support the key role of sACC and hippocampus in SA, even in the presence of amyloid deposition. It also suggests that sACC may be used as a potential biomarker in older adults for exceptional memory ability. Further longitudinal studies measuring metabolic biomarkers may help elucidate the interaction between these areas in the cognitive aging process.

Left Hemisphere Lateralization of Epileptic Focus Can Be More Frequent in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgical Patients with No Consensus Associated with Depression Lateralization.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is considered to be the most common form of epilepsy, and it has been seen that most patients are refractory to antiepileptic drugs. A strong association of this ailment has been established with psychiatric comorbidities, primarily mood and anxiety disorders. The side of epileptogenic may contribute to depressive and anxiety symptoms; thus, in this study, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the prevalence of depression in TLE in surgical patients. The literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and PsycNet to gather data from inception until January 2019. The search strategy was related to TLE, depressive disorder, and anxiety. After reading full texts, 14 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were screened. The main method utilized for psychiatric diagnosis was Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders/Structured Clinical Interview for DSM. However, most studies failed to perform the neuropsychological evaluation. For those with lateralization of epilepsy, focus mostly occurred in the left hemisphere. For individual depressive diagnosis, 9 studies were evaluated, and 5 for anxiety. Therefore, from the data analyzed in both situations, no diagnosis was representative in preoperative and postoperative cases. In order to estimate the efficacy of surgery in the psychiatry episodes and its relation to seizure control, the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms in epileptic patients need to be determined before surgical procedures. Rigorous preoperative and postoperative evaluation is essential for psychiatry conditions in patients with refractory epilepsy candidates for surgery.

Epilepsy after congenital zika virus infection: EEG and neuroimaging features.

PURPOSE: To describe epilepsy after congenital Zika virus infection (ZIKV) and its relationship with structural neuroimaging findings. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in children (aged 13-42 months) who were born with microcephaly due to ZIKV infection between 2015-2017. Patients underwent a brain imaging scan (magnetic resonance) and a video-EEG study. RESULTS: Among the patients (n = 43), 55.8 % were male, 88.4 % were born at term, mean head circumference at the birth was 29.7 ± 1.8 cm, and 44.8 % were infected in the first trimester of pregnancy. Neuroimaging was moderately abnormal in 30.2 % and severely abnormal in 46.5 % of patients. Early seizures (<6 months of age) were observed in 41.9 %. EEG background was abnormal when asleep or awake in 72.1 % and during sleep in 62.8 %. The interictal epileptogenic activity was recorded on 41/43 of the EEGs and was predominantly multifocal (62.8 %). An ictal EEG was obtained in 22 patients and 31.8 % had more than one seizure type. Sleep EEG (background) patterns, interictal epileptogenic activity (p = 0.046), interictal discharge localization (p = 0.015), type of ictal epileptogenic activity (p = 0.002), and localization of ictal discharge (p = 0.024) were significantly different between neuroimaging groups. The mild neuroimaging group had a higher chance of having more frequently normal sleep EEG patterns, no interictal epileptogenic activity and a further increase in the probability of walking without limitations, and less neurodevelopment delay. CONCLUSION: In patients with congenital Zika virus syndrome, epilepsy tended to be early and refractory. EEG features correlated with degree of neuroimaging abnormalities.

Review of neuroimaging findings in congenital Zika virus syndrome and its relation to the time of infection.

BACKGROUND: Many original articles and case series have been published emphasizing the neuroimaging findings of congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The majority of these studies do not follow a neuroradiological methodology to describe malformations and brain abnormalities resulting from ZIKV infection. The cause-and-effect correlation between the gestational period of maternal infection and the severity of encephalic changes at birth has rarely been reported. A systematic literature review was conducted on the neuroimaging findings in children affected with microcephaly due to ZIKV. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for full-text articles published up to July 2019. Duplicate entries were removed. Two independent reviewers performed a quality assessment of all the studies included. RESULTS: A total of 2214 publications were identified. Of these 2170 were excluded by analysis of titles and abstracts, resulting in the inclusion of only eight articles. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed with a 95% confidence interval to verify the statistically significant differences in the neuroradiological findings between the cases of ZIKV infection in the first or second trimester of gestation. The studies published so far have described image abnormalities at random, without utilizing any pre-established neuroradiological criteria, and imaging modalities with different sensitivity and accuracy have been used, which jeopardizes a reliable and adequate statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging abnormalities are much more prevalent and severe when the infection by ZIKV is contracted in the first or second trimester of pregnancy.

Evaluation of the lumbar safety triangle through magnetic resonance imaging / Avaliação do triângulo de segurança lombar por meio da ressonância magnética / Evaluación del triángulo de seguridad lumbar por medio de la resonancia magnética

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the lumbar triangular safety zone, its boundaries and its relationship with the dorsal root ganglion through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Methods: The boundaries, shape and dimensions of 303 triangular safety zones were analyzed in Tesla 3.0 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) coronal sections from L2 to L5, including the dorsal root ganglion. Results: The sample consisted of 101 patients with a mean age of 32 years. The height of the triangular safety zone was formed by the lateral edge of the dura mater, the width by the upper plateau of the lower vertebra and the hypotenuse by the corresponding nerve root. The mean dimensions and the area varied according to the level studied. The dorsal root ganglion invaded the dimensions of the triangle in all the images studied. Conclusion: Based on the data and the analyses performed, we concluded that knowledge of the boundaries of the triangular safety zone through MRI increases the safety of minimally invasive procedures in the lumbar spine. Level of evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a zona triangular de segurança lombar, seus limites e sua relação com o gânglio da raiz dorsal por meio da ressonância magnética (RM). Métodos: Foram estudados os limites, o formato e as dimensões de 303 zonas triangulares de segurança no corte coronal de RM 3.0 Tesla de L2 a L5, incluindo o gânglio da raiz dorsal. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 101 pacientes com média de idade de 32 anos. A altura da zona triangular de segurança era formada pela borda lateral da dura-máter; a largura, pelo platô superior da vértebra inferior; e a hipotenusa, pela raiz nervosa correspondente. A média das dimensões, assim como a área, variaram conforme o nível estudado. O gânglio da raiz dorsal invadiu as dimensões do triângulo em todas as imagens estudadas. Conclusão: Baseados nos dados e nas análises realizadas, concluímos que o conhecimento dos limites da zona triangular de segurança, por meio da imagem da RM, aumenta a segurança dos procedimentos minimamente invasivos na coluna lombar. Nível de evidência I; Estudos diagnósticos-Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la zona triangular de seguridad lumbar, sus límites y su relación con el ganglio de la raíz dorsal a través de la Resonancia Magnética (RM). Métodos: Se estudiaron los límites, el formato y las dimensiones de 303 zonas triangulares de seguridad en el corte coronal de RM 3.0 Tesla de L2 a L5, incluyendo el ganglio de la raíz dorsal. Resultados: La muestra fue compuesta por 101 pacientes, con promedio de edad de 32 años. La altura de la zona triangular de seguridad estaba formada por el borde lateral de la duramadre, el ancho por la meseta superior de la vértebra inferior y la hipotenusa por la raíz nerviosa correspondiente. El promedio de las dimensiones, así como el área, variaron según el nivel estudiado. El ganglio de la raíz dorsal invadió las dimensiones del triángulo en todas las imágenes estudiadas. Conclusión: Basándose en los datos y análisis realizados, concluimos que el conocimiento de los límites de la zona triangular de seguridad a través de la imagen de RM aumenta la seguridad de los procedimientos mínimamente invasivos en la columna lumbar. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudios diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Statin Treatments And Dosages In Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Meta-Analysis / Tratamentos e Dosagens de Estatinas em Crianças com Hipercolesterolemia Familiar: Uma Meta-Análise

Abstract Background: Children with familial hypercholesterolemia may develop early endothelial damage leading to a high risk for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins have been shown to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events in adults. The effect of statin treatment in the pediatric population is not clearly demonstrated. Objective: To systematically review the literature to evaluate the effects of different statins and dosages in total cholesterol levels in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. We also aimed to evaluate statin safety in this group. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Bireme, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO and LILACS databases, were searched for articles published from inception until February 2016. Two independent reviewers performed the quality assessment of the included studies. We performed a meta-analysis with random effects and inverse variance, and subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Ten trials involving a total of 1543 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our study showed reductions in cholesterol levels according to the intensity of statin doses (high, intermediate and low): (-104.61 mg/dl, -67.60 mg/dl, -56.96 mg/dl) and in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level: [-105.03 mg/dl (95% CI -115.76, -94.30), I2 19.2%], [-67.85 mg/dl (95% CI -83.36, -52.35), I2 99.8%], [-58.97 mg/dl (95% CI -67.83, -50.11), I2 93.8%. The duration of statin therapy in the studies ranged from 8 to 104 weeks, precluding conclusions about long-term effects. Conclusion: Statin treatment is efficient in lowering lipids in children with FH. There is need of large, long-term and randomized controlled trials to establish the long-term safety of statins.

Resumo Fundamentos: Crianças com hipercolesterolemia familiar podem desenvolver dano endotelial precoce, aumentando o risco de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares. As estatinas tiveram sua eficácia em diminuir níveis de colesterol LDL e eventos cardiovasculares em adultos comprovada. O efeito das estatinas na população pediátrica não está claramente demonstrado. Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente a literatura para avaliar os efeitos e a segurança de diferentes estatinas e suas dosagens nos níveis de colesterol total em crianças e adolescentes com hipercolesterolêmica familiar. Métodos: Artigos publicados desde o início até fevereiro de 2016 foram pesquisados nas bases PubMed, EMBASE, Bireme, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO e LILACS. Dois revisores independentes avaliaram a qualidade dos estudos incluídos. Realizamos meta-análise com efeitos aleatórios e variância inversa. Análises de subgrupos foram realizadas. Resultados: Dez ensaios envolvendo 1.543 pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Em nosso estudo, as análises demostraram reduções nos níveis de colesterol, de acordo com a intensidade das doses de estatina (alta, intermediária e baixa): (-104,61 mg/dl, -67,60 mg/dl, -56,96 mg/dl) e no nível de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade: [-105,03 mg/dl (IC95% -115.76, -94.30), I2 19.2%], [-67.85 mg/dl (IC95% -83.36, -52.35), I2 99.8%], [-58.97 mg/dl (IC95% -67.83, -50.11), I2 93,8%. A duração da terapia com estatina variou de 8 a 104 semanas, impedindo conclusões sobre os efeitos a longo prazo. Conclusão: O tratamento com estatinas é eficiente na redução de lipídios em crianças com hipercolesterolemia familiar. É necessário realizar ensaios controlados randomizados de longo prazo para estabelecer a segurança do uso de estatinas a longo prazo.

Statin Treatments And Dosages In Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children with familial hypercholesterolemia may develop early endothelial damage leading to a high risk for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins have been shown to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events in adults. The effect of statin treatment in the pediatric population is not clearly demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature to evaluate the effects of different statins and dosages in total cholesterol levels in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. We also aimed to evaluate statin safety in this group. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Bireme, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO and LILACS databases, were searched for articles published from inception until February 2016. Two independent reviewers performed the quality assessment of the included studies. We performed a meta-analysis with random effects and inverse variance, and subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Ten trials involving a total of 1543 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our study showed reductions in cholesterol levels according to the intensity of statin doses (high, intermediate and low): (-104.61 mg/dl, -67.60 mg/dl, -56.96 mg/dl) and in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level: [-105.03 mg/dl (95% CI -115.76, -94.30), I2 19.2%], [-67.85 mg/dl (95% CI -83.36, -52.35), I2 99.8%], [-58.97 mg/dl (95% CI -67.83, -50.11), I2 93.8%. The duration of statin therapy in the studies ranged from 8 to 104 weeks, precluding conclusions about long-term effects. CONCLUSION: Statin treatment is efficient in lowering lipids in children with FH. There is need of large, long-term and randomized controlled trials to establish the long-term safety of statins.

Secondary Dyslipidemia In Obese Children - Is There Evidence For Pharmacological Treatment?

BACKGROUND: Long-term safety, effectiveness and criteria for treatment with statins in children are still unclear in clinical practice. There is very limited evidence for the use of medication to treat children with dyslipidemia secondary to obesity who do not respond well to lifestyle modification. OBJECTIVE: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials of statin use to treat children and adolescents with dyslipidemia secondary to obesity. METHODS: We performed a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Bireme, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and LILACS for data to evaluate the effect of statins on: improvement of surrogate markers of coronary artery disease in clinical outcomes of adulthood; increased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipropotein B (APOB); and decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from inception to February 2016. Participants were children and adolescents. RESULTS: Of the 16793 potentially relevant citations recovered from the electronic databases, no randomized clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria for children with dyslipidemia secondary to obesity. CONCLUSIONS: We found no specific evidence to consider statins in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia secondary to obesity in children. The usual practice of extrapolating findings from studies in genetic dyslipidemia ignores the differences in long-term cardiovascular risks and the long-term drug treatment risks, when compared to recommendation of lifestyle changes. Randomized clinical trials are needed to understand drug treatment in dyslipidemia secondary to obesity.

Causes of mortality in early infantile epileptic encephalopathy: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy syndrome (EIEE), also known as Ohtahara syndrome, is an age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy syndrome defined by clinical features and electroencephalographic findings. Epileptic disorders with refractory seizures beginning in the neonatal period and/or early infancy have a potential risk of premature mortality, including sudden death. We aimed to identify the causes of death in EIEE and conducted a literature survey of fatal outcomes. METHODS: We performed a literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for data from inception until September 2017. The terms "death sudden," "unexplained death," "SUDEP," "lethal," and "fatal" and the medical subject heading terms "epileptic encephalopathy," "mortality," "death," "sudden infant death syndrome," and "human" were used in the search strategy. The EIEE case report studies reporting mortality were included. RESULTS: The search yielded 1360 articles. After screening for titles and abstracts and removing duplicate entries, full texts of 15 articles were reviewed. After reading full texts, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria (9 articles in English and 2 in Japanese, dated from 1976 to 2015). The review comprised 38 unique cases of EIEE, 17 of which had death as an outcome. In all cases, the suppression-burst pattern on electroencephalographies (EEGs) was common. Most cases (55%) involved male infants. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at onset of seizure was 19.6 ±â€¯33 days. The mean (SD) age at death was 12.9 ±â€¯14.1 months. Most infants (58.8%) survived less than one year. The cause of death was described only in eight (47%) patients; the cause was pneumonia/respiratory illness or sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). DISCUSSION: The results show EIEE as a severe disease associated with a premature mortality, evidenced by a very young age at death. Increasing interest in the detection of new molecular bases of EIEE is leading us to a better understanding of this severe disease, but well-reported data are lacking to clarify EIEE-related causes of death.

Neurobiological findings associated with high cognitive performance in older adults: a systematic review.

ABSTRACTObjectives:to perform a comprehensive literature review of studies on older adults with exceptional cognitive performance. DESIGN: We performed a systematic review using two major databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) from January 2002 to November 2017. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis included nine of 4,457 studies and revealed that high-performing older adults have global preservation of the cortex, especially the anterior cingulate region, and hippocampal volumes larger than normal agers. Histological analysis of this group also exhibited decreased amyloid burden and neurofibrillary tangles compared to cognitively normal older controls. High performers that maintained memory ability after three years showed reduced amyloid positron emission tomography at baseline compared with high performers that declined. A single study on blood plasma found a set of 12 metabolites predicting memory maintenance of this group. CONCLUSION: Structural and molecular brain preservation of older adults with high cognitive performance may be associated with brain maintenance. The operationalized definition of high-performing older adults must be carefully addressed using appropriate age cut-off and cognitive evaluation, including memory and non-memory tests. Further studies with a longitudinal approach that include a younger control group are essential.

Avaliação cognitiva de condutores automotivos idosos: revisão integrativa / Cognitive evaluation of elderly drivers: integrative review / Evaluación cognitiva del conductores ancianos: revisión integrativa

O presente estudo investigou a eficiência de testes cognitivos na avaliação da capacidade de condução automotiva em idosos, através de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizando artigos publicados na base de dados PubMed, entre outubro de 2011 a outubro de 2016. Foram identificados apenas 15 artigos. Os testes mais investigados foram o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), o Teste das Trilhas e o Desenho do relógio, apresentando resultados contraditórios e pouco consistentes. Nenhum dos estudos inclui a população brasileira. Até o momento não há uma bateria de testes recomendada para avaliação de condutores idosos que possa auxiliar na importante tarefa de aconselhar a continuação ou interrupção da atividade em condutores idosos.

The following study investigated the effectiveness of cognitive tests assessing car driving ability in the elderly through an integrative review of the literature, using articles published between October 2011 to October 2016 in the PubMed database. Only 15 articles were identified. The most investigated tests were the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Trial Making Test and the Design of the clock, presenting contradictory and inconsistent results. None of the studies dealt with Brazilian drivers. To date, there has been no recommended battery of tests to help determine cognitive fitness to drive in elderly drivers.

El presente estudio investigó la eficiencia de las pruebas cognitivas en la evaluación de la capacidad de conducción automotriz en ancianos, a través de una revisión integrativa de la literatura, utilizando artículos publicados en la base de datos PubMed, entre octubre de 2011 hasta octubre de 2016. Se identificaron sólo 15 artículos. Las pruebas más investigadas fueron el Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MEEM), el Test del Trazo y el Dibujo del reloj, presentando resultados contradictorios y poco consistentes. Ninguno de los estudios incluye a la población brasileña. Hasta el momento no hay una batería de pruebas recomendada para evaluación de conductores ancianos que pueda auxiliar en la importante tarea de aconsejar la continuación o interrupción de la actividad en conductores ancianos.

Instruments for evaluating financial management capacity among the elderly: an integrative literature review / Instrumentos para avaliação da capacidade de gerenciamento financeiro em idosos: revisão integrativa da literatura

OBJECTIVE: To identify tools available in literature for assessing the financial management capacity of elderly persons with and without cognitive deficit or impairment. METHODS: An integrative literature review was performed. Scientific publications indexed in the PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Psychology Index and Cochrane Library databases by November 2015 were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 609 articles obtained from the databases, 29 were considered eligible for this review, and involved 11 instruments for the evaluation of financial management capacity, the most cited of which was the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI). CONCLUSION: There are several scales and instruments available which are used to investigate both daily and instrumental activities of daily living, which allow the independence and effective functioning of the elderly on a day to day basis to be verified. Non-Brazilian literature also describes specific instruments for the assessment of financial management capacity. However, no references to a specific scale that evaluates this construct and which has been validated and adapted for the Brazilian population were identified. AU

OBJETIVO: Identificar os instrumentos disponíveis na literatura para avaliação da capacidade de gerenciamento financeiro em idosos com e sem deficit ou prejuízo cognitivo. MÉTODO: Revisão integrativa da literatura. Foram avaliadas publicações científicas indexadas nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), Index Psicologia e Cochrane Library, até novembro de 2015. RESULTADO: Dos 609 artigos provenientes das bases de dados, 29 foram considerados elegíveis para esta revisão, envolvendo 11 instrumentos para a avaliação da capacidade de gerenciamento financeiro, sendo que o mais citado foi o Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI). CONCLUSÃO: Existem diversas escalas e instrumentos disponíveis para investigar fatores da vida diária, tanto para atividades básicas quanto para as instrumentais, as quais possibilitem verificar a independência e o bom desempenho do idoso no dia a dia. Embora na literatura internacional também sejam encontrados instrumentos específicos para avaliar a capacidade de gerenciamento financeiro; não foram, no entanto, identificadas referências sobre uma escala específica, validada e adaptada à população brasileira, que avalie esse construto. AU

Desempenho de idosos em simulador de direção e cognição / Elderly performance in a driving simulator and cognition

Introdução: Dirigir automóvel é importante para manter a independência, autonomia e qualidade de vida e requer a integridade das funções cognitivas, as quais tendem a diminuir com o envelhecimento, podendo interferir nas habilidades necessárias para a direção segura. Testes neuropsicológicos permitem detectar deficiências cognitivas e junto com o uso de simuladores de direção podem auxiliar a identificar o risco de acidentes e infrações. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre o desempenho de idosos em um simulador de direção e em testes cognitivos. Métodos: Trinta e quatro condutores com mais de 65 anos foram submetidos a exercícios em um simulador de direção e avaliados cognitivamente. Resultados: Contatou-se associação entre o desempenho nas tarefas no simulador e o funcionamento cognitivo. Conclusão: O uso de testes cognitivos, em especial os que avaliam atenção e memória revelam-se promissores na identificação de idosos que possam apresentar problemas no trânsito.

Introduction: Driving cars is an important to maintain the independence, autonomy and quality of life and that requires the integrity of the cognitive functions, which tend to decline with aging, and may interfere in the skills needed for safe driving. Neuropsychological tests can detect cognitive impairment and together with the use of driving simulators can help to identify the risk of accidents and violations. Objective: To investigate the relation between the performance of the elderly in a driving simulator and in cognitive tests. Methods: Thirty-four drivers over 65 years were evaluated through exercises on the driving simulator and cognitively. Results: It was found an association between performance on tasks in the simulator and cognitive functioning. Conclusion: The use of cognitive tests, especially that evaluate attention and memory functions, are promising in the identification of elderly people who may present traffic problems.

The use of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relation to events in the postoperative period of CABG.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the chance of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patients with coronary disease. However there is no consensus as to its indication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between preoperative use of ACE inhibitors and clinical outcomes after CABG. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We included data from 3,139 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG in Brazilian tertiary care hospital between January 1996 and December 2009. Follow-up was until discharge or death. Clinical outcomes after surgery were analyzed between users and nonusers of ACE inhibitors preoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent (n=1,635) of patients received ACE inhibitors preoperatively. The use of ACE inhibitors was an independent predictor of need for inotropic support (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.47, P = 0.01), acute renal failure (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73, P = 0.04) and progression to atrial fibrillation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.7, P = 0.03) postoperatively. The mortality rate among patients receiving or not preoperative ACE inhibitors was similar (10.3% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.436), as well as the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke (15.6% vs. 15.0%, P = 0.694 and 3.4% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative ACE inhibitors was associated with increased need for inotropic support and higher incidence of acute renal failure and postoperative atrial fibrillation, not associated with increased rates of myocardial infarction, stroke or death.