Treatment of Atrophy of the Labia Majora: Calcium Hydroxyapatite or Hyaluronic Acid?

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of treating atrophied labia majora with hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA). METHODS: Ten participants complaining of sagging or loss of volume in the labia majora were evaluated and randomly assigned to two groups-treated with CaHA or AH. Photographic documentation was taken and appreciated by the participants and by blind observers. RESULTS: The study showed an improvement in labia majora regarding volumization and flaccidity that was more significant after 90 days of treatment in both treatments. Besides flaccidity, volume replacement resulted in better balance and proportion between the labia majora and labia minora. The evaluators, independent and blind, judged that in 80% of the cases of the HA group and in 50% of cases of the CaHA group, there was an excellent improvement. CONCLUSION: CaHA and HA are both effective and safe for treating the intimate region, and this study cannot prove the superiority of one over the other. An appropriate assessment involving the analysis of sagging and/or volume loss and the creation of a sequential treatment protocol, involving CaHA and HA, seems to be the best solution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

RELAX and FIRMNESS: The Combination of Muscle Relaxation with Botulinum Toxin and Collagen Biostimulation with Calcium Hydroxyapatite for the Treatment of the Cervical Region.

Introduction: There are several therapeutic modalities for neck rejuvenation, especially calcium hydroxylapatite. Botulinum toxin, by relaxing the mm. platysma, also provides improvement in facial contour. Combination treatments for this region are usually recommended as they offer better results. Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the joint dilution of both products (Relax and Firmness - RF), applied in the same device, based on the treatment in the topography of the platysma muscle, ie, starting from the lower third of the face and extending to the neck. Methods: Prospective, blinded, controlled study with 10 participants randomly assigned to RF and 5 in the control group (treated with CaHA only). Results were recorded through the Vectra platform and subjectively evaluated through the GAIS scale by participants and blinded evaluators. Objective analysis was performed using corneometry. Times evaluated: pre-treatment, 30 and 90 days. Considered statistically significant when p<0.1. Results: 100% of the RF group reported "excellent improvement" at D30 and 30% at D90. In the control group, 100% reported "very improved" at D30 and 20% rated "excellent improvement" at D90. A higher and earlier satisfaction rate was observed in the RF group. No difference in corneometry was found between the groups at D30. At D90, the control group had a mean increase of 0.24 versus 5.17 in the RF group (p-value=0.089*). When we analyzed the percentage variation from baseline, the control group was stable, while the RF showed a mean increase of 8.89% (p-value=0.062*). Discussion: We demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the association of both products, diluted and applied together through microcannulas. Minimization of punctures, patient comfort, and technique based on the anatomy of the platysma muscle underlie the technique. High rates of early satisfaction due to botulinum toxin (Relaxation) and late satisfaction due to CaHA (Firmness).

Glutaeal remodelling protocol: Volumization with hyaluronic acid and collagen biostimulation with poly-L-lactic acid.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an aesthetic treatment protocol for the glutes through the combination of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and body hyaluronic acid (HA). Patients and methods: Six female patients who aimed for glutaeal harmonisation were evaluated. Patients were treated with the combined protocol of Rennova Elleva® (poly-L-lactic acid) and Rennova Body Shape® (HA). The results were evaluated through quantitative and ultrasonographic analyses. Results: The results showed that after 45-90 days after treatment there was an increase in the glutaeal region of the treated patients. The improvement in glutaeal harmonisation was demonstrated through qualitative comparisons and analyses. Conclusion: Clinical evidence from these six cases suggests that the combined use of PLLA (Rennova Elleva®) and HA (Rennova Body Shape®) offers an excellent balance between efficacy and safety, with excellent aesthetic results.

Facial anatomy applied to live models / Anatomia facial aplicada em modelos vivos

Introduction: Anatomy is one of the foundations in medicine, and choosing a practical and dynamic teaching method is essential for better retention of your learning. The objective is to use facial anatomy applied to live models as an innovative teaching strategy and to evaluate the experience of the learning experience of students assigned to the method. Method: The work analyzes the experience with body painting of 51 students from Instituto Boggio assigned this method (or instructed to use this method) during their classes. Different planes and anatomical structures were represented on live models' faces to simulate and teach the main injectable cosmetic procedures; syringes, needles, cannulas, and ultrasound gel stained with food inks were used. Overlapping latex layers were used for the anatomical study of the temple, middle third of the face, and nose, allowing the reproduction of fillers and biostimulators in these regions. The main muscle groups were represented for the discussion of high-precision botulinum toxin. After the entire demonstration, the students answered a questionnaire via "Google Forms" evaluating the methodology used. Results: According to the answers to the questionnaires, most students considered body painting an innovative methodology that contributed to learning anatomical content and satisfactorily illustrating the demonstrated cosmetic procedures. Conclusion: Practical learning through live models makes this new teaching method something innovative and unique that, in an enjoyable way, enables the study of anatomy and appropriately trains clinical skills.

Introdução: A anatomia é um dos principais alicerces no exercício da medicina e a escolha de um método de ensino prático e dinâmico é fundamental para melhor retenção do seu aprendizado. O objetivo é utilizar a anatomia facial aplicada em modelos vivos como estratégia inovadora de ensino e avaliar a experiência do processo de aprendizagem dos alunos submetidos ao método. Método: O trabalho analisa a experiência vivida com a pintura corporal por 51 alunos do Instituto Boggio submetidos ao método durante as aulas ministradas. Diferentes planos e estruturas anatômicas foram representados nas faces de modelos vivos. Para simulação e ensino dos principais procedimentos cosmiátricos injetáveis, seringas, agulhas, cânulas e gel de ultrassom corado com tintas alimentícias foram utilizados. Camadas de látex sobrepostas foram utilizadas para estudo anatômico da têmpora, terço médio da face e nariz, possibilitando a reprodução do uso de preenchedores e bioestimuladores nestas regiões. Os principais grupamentos musculares foram representados para discussão sobre toxina botulínica de alta precisão. Após toda a demonstração, os alunos responderam a um questionário via "Formulários Google" avaliando a metodologia utilizada. Resultados: De acordo com as respostas dos questionários, a maioria dos alunos considerou a pintura corporal como uma metodologia inovadora e que contribui no aprendizado do conteúdo anatômico, bem como ilustra satisfatoriamente os procedimentos cosmiátricos demonstrados. Conclusão: A aprendizagem prática por meio dos modelos vivos faz deste novo método de ensino algo inovador e único que, de maneira lúdica, possibilita o estudo da anatomia e o treinamento de habilidades clínicas adequadamente.

Contouring Plus: A Comprehensive Approach of the Lower Third of the Face with Calcium Hydroxylapatite and Hyaluronic Acid.

A well-defined jawline is aesthetically pleasing, so that rejuvenation of the jawline is becoming part of routine aesthetic practice. Restoring balance to the lower face without surgical intervention requires a multiple treatment approach, among which the minimally invasive injectables play a central role. Nevertheless, amidst the plethora of different injectable products available, choosing the option that best suits the patient's need can be a challenge. A panel of experts sought to describe herein 4 clinical cases, illustrating the Contouring Plus technique, which provides a practical guidance for lower third assessment, choice of products, and treatment execution, especially among hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, aiming for immediate, as well as mid-to-long-term results.

Assessment of the Interference of Hyperdiluted Calcium Hydroxyapatite for Neck Rejuvenation in the Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Thyroid.

BACKGROUND: Sagging neck skin is a common complaint, and the use of calcium hydroxyapatite injection is a traditional treatment approach for this region. The published literature is limited concerning the possible interference in imaging exams of hyperdiluted product, which presents radiopaque features, for the assessment of deep structures to the application. OBJECTIVE: To assess possible interferences in the ultrasonographic evaluation of thyroid after application of hyperdiluted CaHA on the neck region. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded, and controlled study. Patients had their cervical regions treated with diluted CaHA (1:4). Ultrasonographic evaluations of thyroid were conducted on day 0 (pre-procedure), day 15, and day 60 by two radiologists blinded to the application. RESULTS: On day 0 no exclusion criteria were observed. On day 15 technical artifacts that difficulted the evaluation but did not make the complete assessment of the thyroid unable, were seen. On day 60 the artifacts of posterior acoustic shadowing were considerably reduced, not bringing any difficulty whatsoever for evaluation of the gland. CONCLUSION: Treatment of sagging neck skin with diluted CaHA in 1:4 does not negatively impact the ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid as early as 15 days, and particularly after 60 days from the procedure.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(11):1243-1248. doi:10.36849/JDD.6877.

Safety of the inferolateral orbital access for filling the temporal region with the fanning technique.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical complexity of the temporal region makes it so treatments with fill-ins are challenging due to high vascular risk. Techniques which provide safer procedures must be encouraged. GOAL: Suggest access to the temple through the inferolateral orbital region as a means for safer temporal fill-ins. METHODS: The fanning technique was plotted out not only via the conventional access (pretragal) but via the proposed one as well. The superficial temporal artery (STA) was mapped with ultrasound. The angles for each of the five retroinjection vectors were calculated in relation to STA and their mean was extracted. The longitudinality of the vector in regard to the vessel was considered the least safe factor. RESULTS: The mean injection angle towards the artery was a 35-degree angle for the conventional access technique and a 73-degree angle for the inferior-lateral orbital access technique (p < 0.05). The more a degree is tangential to the vessel, the higher the chances for inadvertent puncture due to small technical issues. The safety of the procedure through the inferolateral orbital access is corroborated with blind ultrasound imaging done in real-time by radiologists. CONCLUSION: The suggested access is shown to be comparably safer from a vascular perspective than the conventional pretragal access.

High Precision Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BONT-A) in Aesthetics Based on Muscle Atrophy, Is Muscular Architecture Reprogramming a Possibility? A Systematic Review of Literature on Muscle Atrophy after BoNT-A Injections.

Improvements in Botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) aesthetic treatments have been jeopardized by the simplistic statement: "BoNT-A treats wrinkles". BoNT-A monotherapy relating to wrinkles is, at least, questionable. The BoNT-A mechanism of action is presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals blockage, causing paralysis and subsequent muscle atrophy. Understanding the real BoNT-A mechanism of action clarifies misconceptions that impact the way scientific productions on the subject are designed, the way aesthetics treatments are proposed, and how limited the results are when the focus is only on wrinkle softening. We designed a systematic review on BoNT-A and muscle atrophy that could enlighten new approaches for aesthetics purposes. A systematic review, targeting articles investigating BoNT-A injection and its correlation to muscle atrophy in animals or humans, filtered 30 publications released before 15 May 2020 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Histologic analysis and histochemistry showed muscle atrophy with fibrosis, necrosis, and an increase in the number of perimysial fat cells in animal and human models; this was also confirmed by imaging studies. A significant muscle balance reduction of 18% to 60% after single or seriated BoNT-A injections were observed in 9 out of 10 animal studies. Genetic alterations related to muscle atrophy were analyzed by five studies and showed how much impact a single BoNT-A injection can cause on a molecular basis. Seriated or single BoNT-A muscle injections can cause real muscle atrophy on a short or long-term basis, in animal models and in humans. Theoretically, muscular architecture reprogramming is a possible new approach in aesthetics.

Perda de definição do contorno do submento: correto diagnóstico e algoritmo de tratamento / Loss of definition of the submental contouring: correct diagnosis and treatment algorithm

A busca por procedimentos estéticos voltados para a perda de definição do submento é crescente. Um correto diagnóstico é imperativo para o sucesso do tratamento e redução das complicações. Adiposidade localizada, flacidez cutânea e perda da estrutura óssea são os principais achados. Um algoritmo de tratamento foi discutido nesta revisão, lembrando-se, claro, da possibilidade de tratamentos combinados e sequenciais para melhores resultados

The search for aesthetic procedures aimed at the loss of submental definition is increasing. A correct diagnosis is imperative for successful treatment and the reduction of complications. Localized adiposity, skin flaccidity, and loss of bone structure are the main findings. A treatment algorithm was discussed in this review, remembering, of course, the possibility of combined and sequential treatments for better results.

Embelezamento facial com injetáveis e principais diferenças entre os gêneros / Facial beautification with fillers and main differences between genders

A percepção da beleza é ainda algo pouco compreendida, apesar de francamente notável. Pessoas consideradas belas notadamente tem melhor autoestima e um melhor desempenho em suas relações interpessoais. A procura por tratamentos cosmiátricos está em franca ascensão e o crescimento entre os homens é ainda maior. A perfeita compreensão das diferenças entre os atributos masculinizantes e feminilizantes em uma face deve ser encorajado, a fim de obter melhores resultados estéticos e a prevenção de estigmas de tratamento. Nesta revisão, será abordada cada região facial, pormenorizando os padrões de beleza de cada gênero, norteando os detalhes do tratamento.

The beauty perception is still poorly understood, though downright remarkable. People considered beautiful notably have better self-esteem and perform better in their interpersonal relationships. Demand for cosmetic treatments is on the rise and growth among men is even higher. Perfect understanding of the differences between masculinizing and feminizing attributes on a face should be encouraged in order to achieve better aesthetic results and the prevention of treatment stigmas. This review will cover each facial region, detailing the beauty standards of each gender, guiding the details of treatment.

Assimetria mamária: revisão da literatura e nova proposta de classificação clínica / Breast asymmetry: literature review and a new proposal for clinical classification

A assimetria mamária é um diagnóstico prevalente com diversas modalidades cirúrgicas para seu tratamento. O correto diagnóstico, levando-se em conta os sistemas de classificação existentes é imperativo para que os melhores resultados sejam alcançados. Através de revisão da literatura foram levantadas as principais e mais aceitas propostas de classificação e tratamento das assimetrias mamárias. Estas classificações disponíveis datam da década de 60 e 70 e carecem de atualização para o contexto clínico atual. Após ampla revisão da literatura foi proposta uma classificação mais simplificada e reprodutível, levando-se em conta as assimetrias mais frequentes nos consultórios de cirurgia plástica estética, com seus respectivos guias de tratamento. Cinco grupos foram criados: 1 - mamas hipotróficas com assimetria de volume; 2 - hipotrofia com assimetria de volume e contorno; 3 - mamas normotróficas, ptóticas e sem desejo de aumento do volume; 4 - mamas normotróficas, ptóticas e com desejo de aumento do volume final; 5 - mamas assimétricas e hipertróficas. Baseado nos achados clínicos, foi criado um algoritmo de tratamento para cada subtipo de assimetria, incluindo neste arsenal, próteses mamárias de volumes diferentes, mastopexias, mamoplastia redutoras, além da lipoenxertia. Importante ressaltar que a assimetria mamária é a regra e não a exceção, entretanto, é motivo de insatisfação das pacientes e um desafio para o cirurgião plástico.

Breast asymmetry is a prevalent diagnosis that has several surgical modalities for its treatment. The correct diagnosis, taking into account the existing classification systems, is imperative for achieving the best results. The leading and most accepted proposals for the classification and treatment of breast asymmetries were raised through the literature review. These available classifications date from the 60s and 70s and need to be updated to the current clinical context. A more simplified and reproducible classification was proposed after a comprehensive literature review, considering the most frequent asymmetries in aesthetic plastic surgery offices, with their respective treatment guides. Five groups were created: 1 - hypotrophic breasts with volume asymmetry; 2 - hypotrophy with volume and contour asymmetry; 3 - normotrophic, ptotic breasts and with no desire to increase the volume; 4 - normotrophic, ptotic breasts and with a desire to increase the final volume; 5 - asymmetric and hypertrophic breasts. Based on the clinical findings, a treatment algorithm was created for each subtype of asymmetry, including in this arsenal, breast implants of different volumes, mastopexies, reduction mammoplasty, and fat grafting. It is important to emphasize that breast asymmetry is the rule and not the exception, therefore, it is a reason for patient dissatisfaction and a challenge for the plastic surgeon.

Padronização da aplicação corporal de hidroxiapatita de cálcio com a técnica de figuras vetorizadas / Standardization of the body vectoring technique with calcium hydroxyapatite

Introdução: a hidroxiapatita de cálcio em gel carreador de carboximetilcelulose apresenta resultados inequívocos para a melhora cutânea facial, estimulando a produção de colágeno e elastina. Seu uso para tratamento corporal tornou-se on- label apenas recentemente, após comprovações científicas de seu benefício em maior diluição. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar uma padronização técnica para racionalização da aplicação corporal. Neste estudo foram idealizadas figuras vetorizadas para aplicação da hidroxiapatita de cálcio com diluição intermediária. Com a técnica proposta, é possível calcular, com exatidão, o volume de produto necessário para cada paciente em função do tamanho da unidade anatômica a ser tratada e das características topográficas da região. A racionalidade desta técnica permite ainda distribuição homogênea, minimização das complicações por acúmulo de produto, boa tolerabilidade pela paciente e otimização dos resultados. Conclusões: a simplicidade técnica das figuras vetorizadas facilita a aplicação da hidroxiapatita de cálcio, e as customizações devem ser feitas com a maior experiência do injetor.

Introduction: Calcium hydroxyapatite in a carboxymethylcellulose carrier gel presents unequivocal results for facial skin improvement, stimulating the collagen and elastin production. Regulatory agencies recently approved its use after scientific proof of its benefit in greater dilution. Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate a technical standardization to rationalize body application. Methods: This study idealized vectorized figures to apply calcium hydroxyapatite with intermediate dilution (1:4). Results and discussion: The proposed technique makes it possible to accurately calculate the required for each patient, depending on the anatomical unit's size to be treated and the region's topographic characteristics. This technique's rationale also allows homogeneous distribution, minimization of complications due to product accumulation, good tolerability by the patient and optimization of results. Conclusions: The vectorized figures' technical simplicity facilitates calcium hydroxyapatite application, and customizations must be made with the injector's greatest experience

T Cell Activation and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Clinically Cured Tuberculosis Are Time-Dependent and Accompanied by Upregulation of IL-10.

BACKGROUND: Th1 cytokines are essential for the control of M. tuberculosis infection. The role of IL-10 in tuberculosis is controversial and there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that the relationship between Th1 cytokines and IL-10 is not as antagonistic as it was first believed, and that these cytokines may complement each other in infectious diseases. METHODS: The present study evaluated the activating capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell repertoire in response to antigen stimulation through the expression of CD69 using Flow Cytometry, as well as the functionality of PBMCs by determining the cytokine profile in patients with active tuberculosis and in clinically cured patients after in vitro stimulation using ELISA. Treated patients were subdivided according to time after clinical cure (<12 months or >12 months post-treatment). RESULTS: We observed that T cell activation was higher in TB-treated patients, especially CD8+ T cell activation in TB-Treated >1 year. Th1 cytokines were significantly higher in TB-Treated, and the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α increased continuously after clinical cure. Moreover, IL-10 production was significantly higher in cured patients and it was also enhanced in cured patients over time after treatment. Th17, Th2 and Th22 cytokines showed no statistically significant differences between Healthy Donors, Active-TB and TB-Treated. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a scenario in which potentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation and increased Th1 cytokine production are associated with the clinical cure of tuberculosis in the absence of significant changes in Th2 cytokine production and is accompanied by increased production of IL-10. In contrast to other infections with intracellular microorganisms, this response occurs later after the end of treatment.

Uso de retalhos em queimaduras elétricas nos últimos 10 anos / The use of flaps in electrical burns in 10 years

Objetivo: Relatar os retalhos realizados para tratamento cirúrgico de queimaduras elétricas na Unidade de Queimaduras da Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), nos últimos 10 anos. Método: Revisão de prontuários médicos de pacientes vítimas de queimaduras elétricas com indicação de realização de retalhos. Os pacientes foram atendidos na Unidade de Queimaduras do HCFMUSP, no período de novembro de 2001 a maio de 2012. Resultados: Trauma elétrico ocorreu em 149 pacientes, dos quais 26,8% foram submetidos à confecção de retalhos. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e jovens (idade média de 25 anos). O ferimento de entrada envolveu mãos ou antebraço em 92,5% dos casos. Fasciotomia foi necessária em 27,5% das vítimas e amputação, em 30% delas. Cinquenta e quatro retalhos foram usados, a maioria locais (37%) e cutâneos (68,5%). O retalho livre foi utilizado em 37% dos casos. Conclusões: Os traumas elétricos, em especial os de alta voltagem, frequentemente causam necrose e exposição de estruturas especializadas no ponto de contato com o meio externo, necessitando de procedimentos repetidos e de alta complexidade para o seu tratamento.

Purpose: To describe a 10 year experience of using flaps for the treatment of electrical burns at the Burn Unit of the Plastic Surgery Division at HC-FMUSP. Method: This study reviewed medical records of victims of electrical burns in which flaps were used. These victims were treated from November 2001 to May 2012. Results: Electrical trauma occurred in 149 patients, and 26.8% of them were submitted to flap confection. Most of the patients were male and young (25 years on average). The point of contact involved the hands and/or forearm in 92.5% of the cases, requiring fasciotomy in 27.5% of the victims and amputations in 30%. Fifty four flaps were used in the treatment of the 40 patients. Most of the flaps were local (37%), and cutaneous (68.5%). The free flap was used in 37% of patients. Conclusions: The electrical trauma, particularly the high voltage one, often causes necrosis and exposure of specialized structures and requires repeated procedures and a highly complex treatment.

Estudo clínico epidemiológico de vítimas de queimaduras elétricas nos últimos 10 anos / Clinical epidemiological study of victims of electrical burns in the last 10 years

Objetivo: Descrever a epidemiologia das vítimas de queimadura elétrica tratadas na Unidade de Queimaduras do HC-FMUSP nos 10 últimos anos, bem como descrever suas complicações, tratamento, tempo de internação hospitalar e taxa de mortalidade. Método: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu revisão de prontuários médicos de vítimas de queimaduras elétricas internadas na Unidade de Queimaduras do HC-FMUSP entre novembro de 2001 e outubro de 2011. Resultados: O trauma elétrico foi responsável por 4,5% de todas as internações, sendo sua maioria de alta voltagem (56,7%). A idade média das vítimas foi de 30,4 anos e 89,5% delas eram do sexo masculino. Complicações como síndrome compartimental, amputações, rabdomiólise e lesão renal aguda foram frequentes, especialmente entre as vítimas de trauma elétrico de alta voltagem. Desbridamentos foram realizados em 72,3% dos pacientes, enxertos de pele em 58,2% e retalhos em 24,6%. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 8,2%. Conclusões: Queimaduras elétricas, em especial as de alta voltagem, apresentam taxas elevadas de morbidade e mortalidade e devem ser tratadas em centros de referência, os quais dispõem de recursos multidisciplinares para o adequado tratamento, prevenção de sequelas e reabilitação.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology as well as the treatment, complications, period of hospitalization and mortality rate of electrical trauma victims treated in the last ten years at the Burn Unit ofHC-FMUSP. Methods: Retrospective study that includes medical records of patients with electrical injuries admitted to the Burn Unit of HC-FMUSP, from November 2001 to October 2011. Results: Electrical trauma was responsible for 4.5% of the admissions to the Burn Unit. Most of the patients (56.7%) suffered high voltage electrical trauma. The average age of the victims was 30.4 years and89.5% of them were males. Complications, such as compartmentalsyndrome, amputation, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury were frequent, mostly among high voltage electrical injuries victims. 72.3% of patients underwent debridement, 58.2% skin grafting, and 24.6% were submitted to flaps. Mortality rate was 8.2%. Conclusions: High voltage electrical trauma presents high rates of morbidity and mortality. It should be treated at burn reference centers, which havemultidisciplinary resources for the proper treatment, preventing sequels and rehabilitation.

Abdominoplastia vertical para tratamento do excesso de pele abdominal após perdas ponderais maciças / Vertical abdominoplasty for treatment of excess abdominal skin after massive weight loss

INTRODUÇÃO: As cirurgias bariátricas são cada vez mais frequentes no tratamento dos pacientes portadores de obesidade mórbida. A grande perda ponderal decorrente desses procedimentos causa excesso de pele e de tecido subcutâneo em todo o corpo, especialmente na região abdominal. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a técnica de abdominoplastia vertical como alternativa para a ressecção do excesso de pele nesses pacientes. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os prontuários de 40 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento entre 2004 e 2009. O grau de satisfação dos pacientes foi avaliado através de escala subjetiva, com notas variando de 0 a 10. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco por cento dos pacientes apresentaram pequenas complicações, sendo 3 seromas, 3 pequenas deiscências e 5 cicatrizes hipertróficas, todas tratadas ambulatorialmente. Dois terços dos pacientes relataram alto grau de satisfação, considerando seus resultados bons (notas 7 ou 8) ou ótimos (notas 9 ou 10). CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de abdominoplastia vertical aparece como uma nova opção para o tratamento do excesso de pele abdominal em pacientes ex-obesos.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgeries are becoming increasingly common in the treatment of morbidly obese patients. The enormous weight loss resulting from these procedures causes excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue throughout the body, especially in the abdominal region. The objective of this study was to present the technique of vertical abdominoplasty as an alternative for resection of excess skin in ex-obese patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 40 patients who underwent vertical abdominoplasty between 2004 and 2009. The degree of patient satisfaction was assessed through a subjective scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of the patients had minor complications (3 seromas, 3 minor dehiscences, and 5 hypertrophic scars), which were all treated on an outpatient basis. Sixty-seven percent of the patients reported high satisfaction and considered their results as good (grades 7 or 8) or excellent (grades 9 or 10). CONCLUSIONS: The vertical abdominoplasty technique appears to be a new option for the treatment of excess abdominal skin in ex-obese patients.

Nevo melanocítico congênito: estudo retrospectivo dos aspectos epidemiológicos e terapêuticos em uma série de 45 pacientes / Congenital melanocytic nevi: a retrospective study of epidemiological and therapeutic aspects in a series of 45 patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Os nevos melanocíticos congênitos, apesar de apresentarem uma incidência relativamente rara, são lesões que necessitam acompanhamento por longo período, a fim de se evitar sequelas psicológicas e complicações inerentes a essa patologia, como estresse psicológico, melanose neurocutânea e degeneração maligna. MÉTODO: O presente estudo demonstra os dados epidemiológicos e terapêuticos em uma série de 45 casos atendidos na Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica e Queimaduras do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital melanocytic nevi despite presenting a relatively rare incidence are injuries that require monitoring for a long period. The purpose of this is to prevent psychological sequelae and complications inherent to this pathology, such as psychological stress, neurocutaneous melanosis and malignant degeneration. METHODS: The present study demonstrates the epidemiological data and treatment in a series of 45 cases treated in the Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica e Queimaduras do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (Division of Plastic Surgery and Burns of School of Medicine, University of São Paulo).

[Association between the plasma levels of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10, nitric oxide and specific IgG isotypes in the clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease]. / Associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10, óxido nítrico e os isotipos de IgG específicos nas formas clínicas da doença de Chagas crônica.

Chagas disease is an important chronic parasitic disease that affects around 9-11 million people in Latin America. A combination of parasite and host-related factors are probably responsible for pathogenesis in the chronic phase of the disease. Among the host-related factors, the immunological response is a parameter of special interest. Our aim here was to evaluate the plasma levels of the cytokines interferon gamma, interleukin 10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and the immunoglobulins total IgG and its subclasses 3 and 4, by means of ELISA, and the levels of nitric oxide by means of the Griess reaction, among individuals who were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, presenting the cardiac, indeterminate and digestive clinical forms of the disease, and among seronegative individuals. The seropositive individuals produced significantly higher levels of total IgG and IgG-3. Individuals with the digestive form presented higher levels of IgG-4 and interleukin 10. However, these individuals presented lower levels of nitric oxide than the controls did. The results suggest that the higher levels of interleukin 10 observed among individuals with the digestive form may contribute towards the higher levels of the specific IgG-4 that were seen.

Associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, óxido nítrico e os isotipos de IgG específicos nas formas clínicas da doença de Chagas crônica / Association between the plasma levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, nitric oxide and specific IgG isotypes in the clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease

A doença de Chagas é uma importante doença parasitária crônica, que acomete cerca de 9-11 milhões de pessoas na América Latina. Provavelmente, uma combinação de fatores relacionados ao parasito e ao hospedeiro podem ser os responsáveis pela patogênese na fase crônica da doença. Dentre os fatores relacionados ao hospedeiro, a resposta imunológica é um parâmetro de especial interesse. Objetivamos avaliar os níveis plasmáticos das citocinas interferon gama, interleucina 10, fator de necrose tumoral alfa e das imunoglobulinas G total, 3 e 4, por ELISA e do óxido nítrico, pela reação de Griess, entre indivíduos soronegativos e soropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi, com as formas clínicas cardíaca, indeterminada e digestiva. Os indivíduos soropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi produziram níveis significativamente mais elevados de imunoglobulinas G total e G3. Indivíduos com a forma digestiva apresentam níveis mais elevados de imunoglobulina G4 e interleucina 10. Entretanto, tais indivíduos apresentaram menores níveis de óxido nítrico do que controles. Os resultados sugerem que os maiores níveis de IL-10 observados nos indivíduos com a forma digestiva poderiam contribuir com os maiores níveis de IgG4 específicos observados.

Chagas disease is an important chronic parasitic disease that affects around 9-11 million people in Latin America. A combination of parasite and host-related factors are probably responsible for pathogenesis in the chronic phase of the disease. Among the host-related factors, the immunological response is a parameter of special interest. Our aim here was to evaluate the plasma levels of the cytokines interferon gamma, interleukin 10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and the immunoglobulins total IgG and its subclasses 3 and 4, by means of ELISA, and the levels of nitric oxide by means of the Griess reaction, among individuals who were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, presenting the cardiac, indeterminate and digestive clinical forms of the disease, and among seronegative individuals. The seropositive individuals produced significantly higher levels of total IgG and IgG-3. Individuals with the digestive form presented higher levels of IgG-4 and interleukin 10. However, these individuals presented lower levels of nitric oxide than the controls did. The results suggest that the higher levels of interleukin 10 observed among individuals with the digestive form may contribute towards the higher levels of the specific IgG-4 that were seen.