Sinonasal computed tomography in pediatric cystic fibrosis: do we know the indications?

OBJECTIVES: To investigated the correlation between sinonasal computed tomography (SNCT) findings and sinonasal symptoms, genotype, chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI), Shwachman-Kulczycki (SK) score, and Bhalla score in patients with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 61 patients aged 2-16 years who received care at the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center of our institution over a 10-year period. SNCT findings were graded using the Lund-Mackay scoring system. For patients who had SNCT scans performed at two different time points, the findings from both examinations were compared. RESULTS: Patients with chronic P. aeruginosa colonization and patients with atelectasis had higher Lund-Mackay scores (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). There was no difference in Lund-Mackay scores between sinonasal symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (p = 0.45). Among patients who had two SNCT scans available (n = 11), those with no evidence of bronchiectasis on chest CT had decreased Lund-Mackay scores compared to those with evidence of bronchiectasis, who had an increase in their scores (p = 0.03). Variations in the Bhalla score were positively and variations in the SK score were negatively correlated with variations in the Lund-Mackay score (r = 0.74, p = 0.01; and r = -0.85, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Associations between SNCT findings, chronic P. aeruginosa colonization, SK score, and chest CT findings were demonstrated. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate patient follow-up and assess the benefits of the sinonasal treatment strategy adopted for patients who exhibit pulmonary deterioration despite controlling for other factors associated with exacerbation.

Influence of dietary and physical activity restriction on pediatric adenotonsillectomy postoperative care in Brazil: a randomized clinical trial / Influência das restrições dietéticas e de atividade física no pós-operatório da adenotonsilectomia em pacientes pediátricos no Brasil: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Although culturally food and physical activity restriction are part of the routine postoperative care of many Brazilian surgeons, current evidences from other countries support no such recommendations. Objective To determine whether dietary and physical restriction effectively lead to a decrease on postoperative complications of adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to no restriction. Methods We have designed a randomized clinical trial comparing two intervention: no specific counseling on diet or activity (Group A), and restriction recommendations on diet and physical activities (Group B). Caregivers completed a questionnaire on observed pain, diet and activity patterns, and medications administered. Parameters were compared at the 3rd and at the 7th postoperative day between intervention groups. Results We have enrolled a total of 95 patients, 50 in Group A and 45 in Group B. Fourteen patients were lost to follow up. Eventually, 41 patients in group A and 40 in Group B were available for final analysis. Mean age in months (A = 79.5; SD = 33.9/B = 81.1; SD = 32.6) and sex (A = 58% male; B = 64.4% male) were equivalent between groups. Pain, evaluated through visual analog scale in the 3rd (A = 2.0; IQR 1-6/B = 4.5; IQR 2-6; p = 0.18) and in the 7th (A = 1.0; IQR 1.0-4.5/B = 2.0; IQR 1.0-4.7; p = 0.29) postoperative days, was not different between groups, as was the amount of analgesics administered. Dietary and physical activity patterns also showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion Dietary and activity restriction after adenotonsillectomy does not seem to affect patients' recovery. Such information may impact considerably on the social aspects that involve a tonsillectomy, reducing the working days lost by parents and accelerating the return of children to school.

Resumo Introdução Embora culturalmente as restrições dietéticas e de atividade física sejam parte do cuidado pós-operatório de rotina de muitos cirurgiões brasileiros, evidências atuais de outros países não apoiam tais recomendações. Objetivo Determinar se as restrições dietéticas e físicas efetivamente levam a uma diminuição das complicações pós-operatórias da adenotonsilectomia em crianças quando comparadas com cuidados sem restrição. Método Realizamos um ensaio clínico randomizado comparando duas intervenções: nenhum aconselhamento específico sobre dieta ou atividade física (Grupo A) e recomendações de restrições dietéticas e de atividades físicas (Grupo B). Os cuidadores preencheram um questionário sobre a dor, a dieta e os padrões de atividade observados, e os medicamentos administrados. Os parâmetros foram comparados no 3° e no 7° dia do pós-operatório entre os grupos de intervenção. Resultados Avaliamos 95 pacientes, 50 no Grupo A e 45 no Grupo B; 14 foram perdidos no seguimento. Subsequentemente, 41 do grupo A e 40 do grupo B estavam disponíveis para a análise final. A média de idade em meses (A = 79,5, DP = 33,9/B = 81,1, DP = 32,6) e sexo (A = 58% do sexo masculino, B = 64,4% do sexo masculino) foram equivalentes entre os grupos. A dor, avaliada através da escala visual analógica no terceiro (A = 2,0; IIQ: 1-6/B = 4,5; IIR 2-6; p = 0,18) e no sétimo (A = 1,0; IIQ 1,0-4,5/B = 2,0; IIQR 1,0-4,7; p = 0,29) dia do pós-operatório, não foi diferente entre os grupos, assim como a quantidade de analgésicos administrados. Os padrões dietéticos e de atividade física também não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos. Conclusão A restrição dietética e de atividade física após a adenotonsilectomia não parece afetar a recuperação dos pacientes. Tal informação pode ter um impacto considerável nos aspectos sociais que envolvem uma tonsilectomia, reduzir os dias de trabalho perdidos pelos pais e acelerar o retorno das crianças à escola.

Influence of dietary and physical activity restriction on pediatric adenotonsillectomy postoperative care in Brazil: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Although culturally food and physical activity restriction are part of the routine postoperative care of many Brazilian surgeons, current evidences from other countries support no such recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dietary and physical restriction effectively lead to a decrease on postoperative complications of adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to no restriction. METHODS: We have designed a randomized clinical trial comparing two intervention: no specific counseling on diet or activity (Group A), and restriction recommendations on diet and physical activities (Group B). Caregivers completed a questionnaire on observed pain, diet and activity patterns, and medications administered. Parameters were compared at the 3rd and at the 7th postoperative day between intervention groups. RESULTS: We have enrolled a total of 95 patients, 50 in Group A and 45 in Group B. Fourteen patients were lost to follow up. Eventually, 41 patients in group A and 40 in Group B were available for final analysis. Mean age in months (A=79.5; SD=33.9/B=81.1; SD=32.6) and sex (A=58% male; B=64.4% male) were equivalent between groups. Pain, evaluated through visual analog scale in the 3rd (A=2.0; IQR 1-6/B=4.5; IQR 2-6; p=0.18) and in the 7th (A=1.0; IQR 1.0-4.5/B=2.0; IQR 1.0-4.7; p=0.29) postoperative days, was not different between groups, as was the amount of analgesics administered. Dietary and physical activity patterns also showed no statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary and activity restriction after adenotonsillectomy does not seem to affect patients' recovery. Such information may impact considerably on the social aspects that involve a tonsillectomy, reducing the working days lost by parents and accelerating the return of children to school.

Tracheostomy in children: a ten-year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil / Traqueostomia em crianças: uma experiência de dez anos em um centro terciário do sul do Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Children may require tracheostomy due to many different health conditions. Over the last 40 years, indications of tracheostomy have endorsed substantial modifications. Objective: To evaluate pediatric patients warranted tracheostomy at our Hospital, in regard to their indications, associated comorbidities, complications and decannulation rates. Methods: Retrospective study concerning patients under 18 years of age undergoing tracheostomy in a tertiary health care center, from January 2006 to November 2015. Results: 123 children required a tracheostomy after ENT evaluation during the study period. A proportion of 63% was male, and 56% was under one year of age. Glossoptosis was the most common indication (30%), followed by subglottic stenosis (16%) and pharyngomalacia (11%). The mortality rate was 31%. By the end of this review, 35 children (28.4%) had been decannulated, and the fewer the number of comorbidities, the greater the decannulation rate (0.77 ± 0.84 vs. 1.7 ± 1.00 comorbidities; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Tracheostomy in children is a relatively frequent procedure at our hospital. The most common indications are glossoptosis and subglottic stenosis. A high mortality rate was found, potentially substantiated by the high number of critical care patients with chronic neurological conditions in this cohort. Our decannulation rate is slightly below other series, probably because of the greater amount of patients with comorbidities.

Resumo Introdução: As crianças podem necessitar de traqueostomia devido a diferentes problemas de saúde. Ao longo dos últimos 40 anos, as indicações de traqueostomia passaram por mudanças substanciais. Objetivo: Avaliar pacientes pediátricos com traqueostomia no nosso hospital, no que diz respeito às suas indicações, comorbidades associadas, complicações e taxas de decanulação. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com menos de 18 anos submetidos a traqueostomia em um centro de saúde terciário, de janeiro de 2006 a novembro de 2015. Resultados: 123 crianças precisaram de uma traqueostomia após avaliação otorrinolaringológica durante o período do estudo. Do total, 63% eram do sexo masculino e 56% menores de um ano. Glossoptose foi a indicação mais comum (30%), seguida por estenose subglótica (16%) e faringomalácia (11%). A taxa de mortalidade foi de 31%. Até o fim deste artigo, 35 crianças (28,4%) haviam sido decanuladas e quanto menor o número de comorbidades, maior foi a taxa de decanulação (0,77 ± 0,84 vs. 1,7 ± 1,00 comorbidades; p < 0,001). Conclusão: A traqueostomia em crianças é um procedimento relativamente frequente em nosso hospital. As indicações mais comuns são glossoptose e estenose subglótica. Uma alta taxa de mortalidade foi encontrada, potencialmente comprovada pelo elevado número de pacientes críticos com condições neurológicas crônicas nessa coorte. Nossa taxa de decanulação está ligeiramente abaixo de outras séries, provavelmente por causa da maior quantidade de pacientes com comorbidades.

Maxillary Hypoplasia: Differential Diagnosis of Nasal Obstruction in Infants.

Maxillary hypoplasia (MH) is a rare cause of respiratory dysfunction in infants and may occur in association with genetic abnormalities or as an isolated condition. It is included in the differential diagnosis of congenital nasal obstruction. This paper seeks to report a case series of infants with MH, discuss methods for its diagnosis, and compare computed tomography (CT) measurements of nasal cavities of infants with MH and without craniomaxillofacial abnormalities. The therapeutic approach in each patient is also described. All infants with MH admitted to a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2015 were included. Baseline nasal endoscopy was performed at bedside. The width of the infants' nasal cavities was measured by a radiologist with experience in CT scanning of facial bones. Control patients were infants of matched sex and similar age who underwent head CT scanning for various reasons. Overall, 8 infants with MH and 8 controls were assessed. All nasal cavity dimensions of infants with MH were significantly smaller than those of control subjects. The authors conclude that the diagnosis of MH should be considered in infants with nasal obstruction and nasal cavity narrowing at nasal endoscopy.

Tracheostomy in children: a ten-year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Children may require tracheostomy due to many different health conditions. Over the last 40 years, indications of tracheostomy have endorsed substantial modifications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pediatric patients warranted tracheostomy at our Hospital, in regard to their indications, associated comorbidities, complications and decannulation rates. METHODS: Retrospective study concerning patients under 18 years of age undergoing tracheostomy in a tertiary health care center, from January 2006 to November 2015. RESULTS: 123 children required a tracheostomy after ENT evaluation during the study period. A proportion of 63% was male, and 56% was under one year of age. Glossoptosis was the most common indication (30%), followed by subglottic stenosis (16%) and pharyngomalacia (11%). The mortality rate was 31%. By the end of this review, 35 children (28.4%) had been decannulated, and the fewer the number of comorbidities, the greater the decannulation rate (0.77±0.84 vs. 1.7±1.00 comorbidities; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy in children is a relatively frequent procedure at our hospital. The most common indications are glossoptosis and subglottic stenosis. A high mortality rate was found, potentially substantiated by the high number of critical care patients with chronic neurological conditions in this cohort. Our decannulation rate is slightly below other series, probably because of the greater amount of patients with comorbidities.

Vertical dome division: a quality-of-life outcome study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing nasal tip surgery with the vertical dome division technique using validated instruments (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation [ROE] and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Tertiary university center. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Patients undergoing primary cosmetic and functional rhinoseptoplasty using vertical dome division were consecutively evaluated. The ROE, NOSE, and 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) were administered pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included and completed pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Their median age was 28 years, 27 (61%) were female, and the median duration of follow-up was 5 months (range, 3-9 months). Median postoperative ROE, NOSE, and VAS scores (79 [66; 87], 20 [15; 23], and 88 [61; 97], respectively) showed significant improvement compared with preoperative scores (29 [16; 41], 75 [60; 95], and 65 [46; 82], respectively; P < .001). The change in median ROE score was significantly greater in normal- and thin-skinned patients than in thick-skinned patients (54 vs 33; P = .033). Median changes in NOSE-p (-48.5 vs -68.0; P = .10) and VAS (69.0 vs 48.0; P =.083) scores did not differ between normal-/thin- and thick-skinned patients. CONCLUSION: Vertical dome division is a versatile technique for nasal tip refinement that resulted in significant improvement in quality-of-life outcomes related to rhinoplasty and nasal obstruction, as well as satisfaction with nasal appearance in a short-term follow-up period. The vertical dome division technique does not seem to be indicated only in patients with thick skin.

Dificuldade no Diagnóstico de Melanoma da Mucosa Nasal / Difficulty in the diagnosis nasal mucous melanoma

Introdução: O melanoma mucoso de sítio primário nasal é umapatologia rara e agressiva, que se mostra ao diagnóstico, muitasvezes, extensa e com acometimento de importantes estruturasanatômicas. Seu diagnóstico é difícil, quando em atendimentoem nível básico de saúde, pois a localização é intracavitária,os sintomas são inespecíficos, o que faz com que as hipótesesaventadas sejam, inicialmente, de doenças mais comuns.Objetivo: descrever um caso de melanoma mucoso nasal,enfatizando a importância do exame físico adequado na avaliaçãodo paciente. Relato de caso: Relatamos um caso de um pacienteidoso que cursava com obstrução nasal, epistaxe e rinorreia,sendo diagnosticado melanoma mucoso nasal. Comentáriosfinais: Ressalta-se a importância de serem colocados na listade hipóteses diagnósticas os tumores nasais, principalmente empacientes de idade avançada e nas obstruções nasais unilaterais.

Tireóide lingual / Lingual thyroid

A tireóide lingual é uma doença rara, definida como presença de tecido glandular tireóideo localizado ectopicamente em base de língua. Deve ser suspeitada em paciente que apresente massa de aspecto submucoso em base de língua, sem tireóide identificada no pescoço. Apresenta-se o relato do caso de uma paciente de 45 anos, discutindo-se as características clínicas, diagnóstico e opções terapêuticas.

Lingual thyroid is a rare disease, defined as the presence of ectopic glandular thyroid tissue localized in the base of tongue. It must be suspected in a patient who presents a mass of submucous aspect in the base of tongue without the thyroid gland identifiable in the neck. It is presented a case report of a 45-year-old woman patient discussing the clinical aspects, diagnose and therapeutic options.

Preparo de cólon para colonoscopia com polietilenoglicol versus sulfato de magnésio em pacientes acima de 70 anos de idade / Bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a comparison of polyethylene glycol and magnesium sulphate in patients over 70 years old

OBJETIVOS: Comparar a eficácia e segurança do sulfato de magnésio em relação ao polietilenoglicol no preparo intestinal para colonoscopia em pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 70 anos. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados para o estudo sessenta pacientes acima de 70 anos, de ambos os sexos e que foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos: o grupo controle, utilizando o polietilenoglicol e o grupo em estudo com sulfato de magnésio. Foram avaliados a qualidade do preparo, a tolerância pelos pacientes e os efeitos adversos produzidos por cada substância. O colonoscopista possuía informação prévia sobre o tipo de preparo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram uma distribuição homogênea nos grupos e nos fatores idade, patologias prévias, efeitos colaterais, qualidade de preparo e tempo de chegada ao ceco na realização da colonoscopia. Diferiram na distribuição do sexo, apresentando um maior número de indivíduos do sexo feminino no grupo que utilizou o sulfato de magnésio, porém sem relevância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O sulfato de magnésio não demonstrou diferença estatística quanto aos níveis de segurança e eficácia em pacientes maiores de 70 anos, para o preparo intestinal, quando comparado ao polietilenoglicol.

OBJECTIVES: To compare efficacy and safety of magnesium sulphate in relation to polyethylene glycol in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients older than 70 years old, of both genders, were selected for the study, and were randomly divided into two groups: the control group, using polyethylene glycol and the in study group with magnesium sulphate. Quality of preparation, patient tolerance, and side effects produced by each substance were evaluated. Colonoscopist was blinded in relation to the information of bowel preparation. RESULTS: Patients present a homogeneus distribution in groups, in factors as age, past pathologies, side effects, cleansing quality and time taken to reach cecum during colonoscopy. There were differences in gender distribution, being higher the number of female individuals in the group which used magnesium sulphate, however with no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulphate presented no statistical difference in relation to safety and efficacy levels in patients older than 70 years old, for bowel preparation, when it is compared with polyethylene glycol.

Intussuscepção de delgado por melanoma maligno de sítio primário incerto / Small bowel intussusception for malignant melanoma of uncertain primary site

A metástase do melanoma maligno do intestino delgado é incomum. As manifestações clínicas são inespecíficas, e o quadro de abdome agudo obstrutivo pode ser a primeira manifestação. Apresenta-se um caso de intussuscepção intestinal devido a um melanoma metastático de sítio primário não detectado. São discutidos sua etiologia, seu diagnóstico e seu tratamento (AU)

Malignant melanoma metastasis to the small bowel is uncommon. Its clinical presentation is inespecific and an obstructive acute abdomen syndrome could be its first manifestation. A case of intestinal intussusception due to a metastatic melanoma with no primary site detected is described. Etiology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed (AU)

Cuidados paliativos: há benefícios na nutrição do paciente em fase terminal? / Palliative care: are there benefits on end-stage-disease-patient nutrition?

Pacientes em estado crítico apresentam hipermetabolismo e catabolismo acelerado, acarretando em rápido estado de desnu­trição. O suporte nutricional, para uma parcela da comunidade científica, nestes casos de terminalidade, beneficia o paciente, pois diminui a resposta catabólica, amplia o sistema imunoló­gico, contribui para o melhor desempenho funcional do sistema digestório e reduz complicações decorrentes da imobilização. No entanto, há uma parte crescente do meio científico, expres­sa principalmente pelos paliativistas, que interroga os reais be­nefícios do suporte nutricional nesses pacientes. Esses profis­sionais da saúde advogam que o desconforto e as complicações oriundas da terapia nutricional superam os seus beneficios que são controversos, pois não há estudos que comprovem o au­mento da sobrevida e, principalmente, a melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes fora das possibilidades de cura. Por não haver evidências científicas para a decisão de alimentar ou não o paciente e por existir influência cultural importante no que tange à alimentação, a decisão de nutrir até a morte o paciente deve ser multiprofissional e ter o consentimento por escrito da família se o paciente não tiver condições de decidir. Caso o paciente opte por não receber nutrição, sua decisão deve ser respeitada e acatada pelos profissionais da saúde e por seus familiares, pois acima de qualquer evidência científica está a autonomia do paciente assim como os princípios de não-male­ficência e beneficência.