COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients: what have we learned one year later? A cohort study from a tertiary center / COVID-19 em receptores de transplante renal: o que aprendemos um ano depois? Um estudo de coorte a partir de um centro terciário

Abstract Introduction: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a high risk for adverse outcomes from infections, such as COVID-19. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed all KT recipients with documented COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021, and analyzed patients' characteristics, clinical course, treatment, and outcomes. Results: We identified 123 patients, 72% were male, with a mean age of 54.5±13.0 years. Twenty percent were asymptomatic, 7% had a nosocomial transmission, and 36% of the remainder required hospitalization. Almost all admitted patients received oxygen, 30% required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), more than a half had acute kidney injury, with 10% requiring dialysis, and 20% died. Incidence was comparable to that of the Portuguese population, but the mortality rate was almost four times higher (SMR of 3.768 (95% CI:1.723-7.154). Higher body mass index (OR 1.275, P=0.001), lower baseline graft function (OR 0.968, P=0.015), and nosocomial transmission (OR 13.836, P=0.019) were associated with oxygen demand, whereas female gender (OR 3.801, P=0.031) and lower baseline kidney graft function (OR 0.955, P=0.005), but not body mass index, were associated with IMV and/or death. Conclusion: Mortality rate in KT patients was higher than in the general population and lower baseline kidney function was the most consistent marker for adverse outcomes.

Resumo Introdução: Os receptores de transplante renal (TR) apresentam um alto risco para desfechos adversos de infecções, tais como a COVID-19. Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente todos os receptores de TR com COVID-19 documentada entre 1º de Março de 2020 e 15 de Março de 2021, e analisamos as características, curso clínico, tratamento e desfechos dos pacientes. Resultados: Identificamos 123 pacientes, 72% do sexo masculino, com uma média de idade de 54,5±13,0 anos. Vinte por cento eram assintomáticos, 7% apresentaram transmissão nosocomial, e 36% do restante necessitaram de internação. Quase todos os pacientes internados receberam oxigênio, 30% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI), mais da metade apresentou lesão renal aguda, com 10% necessitando de diálise, e 20% foram a óbito. A incidência foi comparável à da população portuguesa, mas a taxa de mortalidade foi quase quatro vezes superior (TMP de 3,768 (IC 95%: 1,723-7,154). Maior índice de massa corporal (OR 1,275; P=0,001), menor função do enxerto basal (OR 0,968; P=0,015), e transmissão nosocomial (OR 13,836; P=0,019) foram associados à demanda de oxigênio, enquanto sexo feminino (OR 3,801; P=0,031) e menor função do enxerto renal basal (OR 0,955; P=0,005), mas não índice de massa corporal, foram associados à VMI e/ou óbito. Conclusão: A taxa de mortalidade em pacientes com TR foi mais elevada do que na população em geral e a função renal basal mais baixa foi o marcador mais consistente para desfechos adversos.

COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients: what have we learned one year later? A cohort study from a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a high risk for adverse outcomes from infections, such as COVID-19. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed all KT recipients with documented COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021, and analyzed patients' characteristics, clinical course, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 123 patients, 72% were male, with a mean age of 54.5±13.0 years. Twenty percent were asymptomatic, 7% had a nosocomial transmission, and 36% of the remainder required hospitalization. Almost all admitted patients received oxygen, 30% required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), more than a half had acute kidney injury, with 10% requiring dialysis, and 20% died. Incidence was comparable to that of the Portuguese population, but the mortality rate was almost four times higher (SMR of 3.768 (95% CI:1.723-7.154). Higher body mass index (OR 1.275, P=0.001), lower baseline graft function (OR 0.968, P=0.015), and nosocomial transmission (OR 13.836, P=0.019) were associated with oxygen demand, whereas female gender (OR 3.801, P=0.031) and lower baseline kidney graft function (OR 0.955, P=0.005), but not body mass index, were associated with IMV and/or death. CONCLUSION: Mortality rate in KT patients was higher than in the general population and lower baseline kidney function was the most consistent marker for adverse outcomes.

Association between severe chronic kidney disease defined by cystatin-c and creatinine and clinical outcomes in an elderly population - an observational study / Associação entre doença renal crônica grave definida por cistatina-c e creatinina e desfechos clínicos em uma população idosa - um estudo observacional

ABSTRACT Introduction: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum cystatin-C (sCys) seems as accurate as when based on serum creatinine (sCr), but sCys seems a better predictor of adverse outcomes. We aimed to study whether sCys could be a reliable tool for the prediction of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A group of 348 elderly patients with non-end-stage CKD (stages 1-4, according to eGFR-EPI sCr and/or sCys), referred to our consultation unit during 2016, was retrospectively studied and divided into four exclusive categories: CKD_stage4_neither (eGFR-sCr≥30mL/min; eGFR-sCys≥30mL/min), CKD_stage4_sCr_only (eGFR-sCr<30mL/min), CKD_stage4_sCys_only (eGFR-sCys<30mL/min) and CKD_stage4_combined (eGFRsCr<30mL/min; eGFR-sCys<30mL/min). Baseline characteristics, predictors of death, and clinical events (cardiovascular events and admissions for cardiovascular, acute kidney injury or infectious events) were explored until December 2018. Results: A 77±7.4 year-old cohort, with a modified Charlson Comorbidty Index (mCCI) of 3 (IQR:1-4), was followed-up during 29 (IQR: 26-33) months. There were no significant differences between the characteristics of the stage 4 groups. Survival analysis was stratified by follow-up at 12 months, and in the first year, survival curves of CKD_stage4_sCys_only and CKD_stage4_combined groups were significantly lower than the other groups (p=0.028). Adjusting for age, sex, and mCCI, CKD_stage4_sCys_only, conversely to CKD_stage4_sCr_only, had higher rates of clinical events (p<0.05) than CKD_stage4_neither group. Conclusion: In elderly patients with discordant CKD staging, sCys-based eGFR seems to be a better predictor of adverse outcomes than sCr-based eGFR. Patients with stage 4 CKD defined by sCr alone seem to behave similar to those with less severe CKD.

RESUMO Introdução: A taxa estimada de filtração glomerular (TFGe) com base na cistatina-C sérica (Cis-C) parece ser tão precisa quanto aquela baseada na creatinina sérica (Cr), mas cis-C parece ser um melhor preditor de resultados adversos. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar se a cis-C poderia ser uma ferramenta confiável para a previsão de desfechos adversos em pacientes idosos com doença renal crônica grave (DRC). Métodos: Um grupo de 348 pacientes idosos com DRC em estágio não terminal (estágios 1-4, de acordo com TFGe-EPI Cr e/ou Cis-C), encaminhados para nossa unidade de consulta durante 2016, foi estudado retrospectivamente e dividido em quatro categorias exclusivas: DRC_estágio 4 nenhum (TFGe-Cr≥30mL/min; TFGe -Cis-C≥30mL/min), DRC_estágio 4_Cr apenas (TFGe-Cr <30mL/min), DRC_estágio 4 _Cis-C_apenas (TFGe-Cis-C <30 mL/min), DRC_estágio4_combinado (TFGe-Cis-C <30mL/min. TFGe-Cr <30mL/min). Características basais, preditores de óbito e eventos clínicos (eventos cardiovasculares e internações por doenças cardiovasculares, lesão renal aguda ou eventos infecciosos) foram explorados até dezembro de 2018. Resultados: Uma coorte de 77 ± 7,4 anos, com índice de comorbidade de Charlson modificado (mCCI) de 3 (IQR: 1-4), foi acompanhada durante 29 (IQR: 26-33) meses. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as características dos grupos no estágio 4. A análise de sobrevida foi estratificada pelo acompanhamento aos 12 meses, sendo que no primeiro ano, as curvas de sobrevida dos grupos DRC_estágio4_Cis-C_apenas e DRC_estágio4_ combinado foram significativamente inferiores quando comparadas com os restantes grupos (p = 0,028). Ajustando para idade, sexo e mCCI, DRC_estágio4_Cis-C_apenas, ao contrário do grupo DRC_estágio4_Cr_apenas, teve maiores taxas de eventos clínicos (p <0,05) do que o grupo DRC_estágio4_nenhum. Conclusão: Em pacientes idosos com estadiamento discordante da DRC, a TFGe baseada na Cis-C parece ser um melhor preditor de resultados adversos do que a TFGe baseada na Cr. Pacientes com DRC em estágio 4, definida apenas por Cr, parecem se comportar de forma semelhante àqueles com DRC menos grave.

Severe polyhydramnios as neonatal presentation of Bartter's syndrome type IV / Polihidrâmnios grave como manifestação neonatal da síndrome de Bartter tipo IV

Abstract Introduction: Bartter's syndrome comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited salt-losing tubulopathies. There are two forms of clinical presentation: classical and neonatal, the most severe type. Types I and II account for most of the neonatal cases. Types III and V are usually less severe. Characteristically Bartter's syndrome type IV is a saltlosing nephropathy with mild to severe neonatal symptoms, with a specific feature - sensorineural deafness. Bartter's syndrome type IV is the least common of all recessive types of the disease. Description: the first reported case of a Portuguese child with neurosensorial deafness, polyuria, polydipsia and failure to thrive, born prematurely due to severe polyhydramnios, with the G47R mutation in the BSND gene that causes Bartter's syndrome type IV. Discussion: there are few published cases of BS type IV due to this mutation and those reported mostly have moderate clinical manifestations which begin later in life. The poor phenotype-genotype relationship combined with the rarity of this syndrome usually precludes an antenatal diagnosis. In the presence of a severe polyhydramnios case, with no fetal malformation detected, normal karyotype and after maternal disease exclusion, autosomal recessive diseases, including tubulopathies, should always be suspected.

Resumo Introdução: a síndrome de Bartter inclui um grupo heterogéneo de tubulopatias hereditárias perdedoras de sal. Existem duas formas de apresentação clínica: clássica e neonatal, a forma mais grave. Os tipo I e II representam a maioria dos casos neonatais. Os tipos III e V são geralmente menos graves. Caracteristicamente, a síndrome de Bartter tipo IV é uma nefropatia perdedora de sal com sintomas neonatais ligeiros a graves, com um aspeto especí- fico - surdez neurossensorial. A síndrome de Bartter tipo IV é o tipo menos comum das formas recessivas da doença. Descrição: relatamos o primeiro caso de uma criança portuguesa, com surdez neurossensorial, poliúria, polidipsia e restrição de crescimento, nascida prematuramente devido a polihidrâmnios grave, homozigótica para a mutação G47R do gene BSND, responsável pela síndrome de Bartter tipo IV. Discussão: são raros os casos publicados sobre síndrome de Bartter tipo IV atribuída a esta mutação, e a maioria referem-se a diagnósticos mais tardios, com manifestações clínicas ligeiras. A fraca correlação fenótipo-genótipo combinada com a raridade desta síndrome tornam o diagnóstico pré-natal desafiante. Perante um caso de polihidrâmnios grave em um feto sem malformações aparentes, cariótipo normal e após exclusão de patologia materna, as doenças autossómicas recessivas, incluindo as tubulopatias, devem ser sempre consideradas.

Association between severe chronic kidney disease defined by cystatin-c and creatinine and clinical outcomes in an elderly population - an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum cystatin-C (sCys) seems as accurate as when based on serum creatinine (sCr), but sCys seems a better predictor of adverse outcomes. We aimed to study whether sCys could be a reliable tool for the prediction of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A group of 348 elderly patients with non-end-stage CKD (stages 1-4, according to eGFR-EPI sCr and/or sCys), referred to our consultation unit during 2016, was retrospectively studied and divided into four exclusive categories: CKD_stage4_neither (eGFR-sCr≥30mL/min; eGFR-sCys≥30mL/min), CKD_stage4_sCr_only (eGFR-sCr<30mL/min), CKD_stage4_sCys_only (eGFR-sCys<30mL/min) and CKD_stage4_combined (eGFRsCr<30mL/min; eGFR-sCys<30mL/min). Baseline characteristics, predictors of death, and clinical events (cardiovascular events and admissions for cardiovascular, acute kidney injury or infectious events) were explored until December 2018. RESULTS: A 77±7.4 year-old cohort, with a modified Charlson Comorbidty Index (mCCI) of 3 (IQR:1-4), was followed-up during 29 (IQR: 26-33) months. There were no significant differences between the characteristics of the stage 4 groups. Survival analysis was stratified by follow-up at 12 months, and in the first year, survival curves of CKD_stage4_sCys_only and CKD_stage4_combined groups were significantly lower than the other groups (p=0.028). Adjusting for age, sex, and mCCI, CKD_stage4_sCys_only, conversely to CKD_stage4_sCr_only, had higher rates of clinical events (p<0.05) than CKD_stage4_neither group. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with discordant CKD staging, sCys-based eGFR seems to be a better predictor of adverse outcomes than sCr-based eGFR. Patients with stage 4 CKD defined by sCr alone seem to behave similar to those with less severe CKD.

Does Cystatin C have a role as metabolic surrogate in peritoneal dialysis beyond its association with residual renal function? / Teria a Cistatina C um papel como substituto metabólico na diálise peritoneal além de sua associação com a função renal residual?

ABSTRACT Introduction: It has been suggested that cystatin C levels are modified by obesity and inflammation. Furthermore, cystatin C has been associated with cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes. Aim: To study the association of cystatin C with the metabolic profile and cardiovascular disease of peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: Data collected included clinical, laboratorial, and multifrequency bioimpedance assessment of 52 stable peritoneal dialysis patients. Minimal residual renal function was defined as > 2mL/min/1.73m2. Results: Serum cystatin C was not significantly associated with peritoneal or urinary cystatin C excretion. Negative correlation of cystatin C with normalized protein catabolic rate (rho -0.33, p = 0.02) and a trend towards positive correlation with relative body fat (rho 0.27, p = 0.05) were not independent from residual renal function. Cystatin C was not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease (p = 0.28), nor with glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.19) or c-reactive protein (p = 0.56). In the multivariate model, both age and diabetes were the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio 1.09, p = 0.029 and odds ratio 29.95, p = 0.016, respectively), while relative body fat was negatively associated with cardiovascular disease (p = 0.038); neither cystatin C (p = 0.096) nor minimal residual renal function (p = 0.756) reached a significant association with cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: In this group of peritoneal dialysis patients, cystatin C did not correlate with the metabolic or inflammatory status, nor cardiovascular disease, after adjustment for residual renal function.

RESUMO Introdução: Tem sido sugerido que os níveis de cistatina C são modificados pela obesidade e inflamação. Além disso, a cistatina C tem sido associada a eventos cardiovasculares e desfechos de mortalidade. Objetivo: Estudar a associação da cistatina C com o perfil metabólico e doença cardiovascular de pacientes em diálise peritoneal. Métodos: Os dados coletados incluíram avaliação clínica, laboratorial e de bioimpedância múltipla de 52 pacientes estáveis em diálise peritoneal. A função renal residual mínima foi definida como > 2mL/min/1,73m2. Resultados: A cistatina C sérica não esteve significativamente associada à excreção peritoneal ou urinária. A correlação negativa da cistatina C com a taxa catabólica protéica normalizada (rho -0,33, p = 0,02) e uma tendência de correlação positiva com a gordura corporal relativa (rho 0,27, p = 0,05) não foram independentes da função renal residual. A cistatina C não se associou significativamente à doença cardiovascular (p = 0,28), nem com hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,19) ou proteína C reativa (p = 0,56). No modelo multivariado, idade e diabetes foram os mais fortes preditores de doença cardiovascular (razões de probabilidade 1,09, p = 0,029 e 29,95, p = 0,016, respectivamente) enquanto a gordura corporal relativa se associou negativamente à doença cardiovascular (p = 0,038). A cistatina C não se associou significativamente com doença cardiovascular (p = 0,096), tampouco a função residual mínima (p = 0,756). Conclusão: Neste grupo de pacientes em diálise peritoneal, a cistatina C não se correlacionou com o estado metabólico ou inflamatório, nem com doença cardiovascular, após ajuste para função renal residual.

Does Cystatin C have a role as metabolic surrogate in peritoneal dialysis beyond its association with residual renal function?

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that cystatin C levels are modified by obesity and inflammation. Furthermore, cystatin C has been associated with cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes. AIM: To study the association of cystatin C with the metabolic profile and cardiovascular disease of peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: Data collected included clinical, laboratorial, and multifrequency bioimpedance assessment of 52 stable peritoneal dialysis patients. Minimal residual renal function was defined as > 2mL/min/1.73m2. RESULTS: Serum cystatin C was not significantly associated with peritoneal or urinary cystatin C excretion. Negative correlation of cystatin C with normalized protein catabolic rate (rho -0.33, p = 0.02) and a trend towards positive correlation with relative body fat (rho 0.27, p = 0.05) were not independent from residual renal function. Cystatin C was not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease (p = 0.28), nor with glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.19) or c-reactive protein (p = 0.56). In the multivariate model, both age and diabetes were the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio 1.09, p = 0.029 and odds ratio 29.95, p = 0.016, respectively), while relative body fat was negatively associated with cardiovascular disease (p = 0.038); neither cystatin C (p = 0.096) nor minimal residual renal function (p = 0.756) reached a significant association with cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of peritoneal dialysis patients, cystatin C did not correlate with the metabolic or inflammatory status, nor cardiovascular disease, after adjustment for residual renal function.

Long-Term Outcomes of Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer for Smile Reanimation in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term outcomes of free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT) for smile reanimation on smile excursion, facial symmetry, and quality of life in a cohort of children with facial palsy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 40 pediatric patients who underwent FGMT for facial palsy at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Facial Nerve Center was performed. Preoperative and postoperative photography and videography were used to quantify smile excursion and facial symmetry. Preoperative and postoperative quality of life was assessed with the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, a validated, patient-based instrument for evaluating facial impairment and disability. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients who underwent FGMT for facial palsy, 38 patients had complete data including preoperative and postoperative photography and videography from 3 months to 10 years following surgery; 13 cases had >5 years of follow-up. FGMT resulted in significant improvements in smile excursion within several months, with continued improvements in smile excursion and symmetry demonstrated more than 5 years later. Fifteen patients completed preoperative and postoperative FaCE surveys, which demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life scores following FGMT. CONCLUSIONS: FGMT significantly improves smile, facial asymmetry, and quality of life for years after this surgery for facial palsy.

Facial thread lifting with suture suspension / Rejuvenescimento facial com fios de sustentação

Abstract Introduction: The increased interest in minimally-invasive treatments, such as the thread lifting, with lower risk of complications, minimum length of time away from work and effectiveness in correcting ptosis and aging characteristics has led many specialists to adopt this technique, but many doubts about its safety and effectiveness still limit its overall use. Objective: To analyze data published in the literature on the durability of results, their effectiveness, safety, and risk of serious adverse events associated with procedures using several types of threading sutures. Methods: Literature review using the key words "thread lift", "barbed suture", "suture suspension" and "APTOS". Due to the scarcity of literature, recent reports of facial lifting using threads were also selected, complemented with bibliographical references. Result: The first outcomes of facial lifting with barbed sutures remain inconclusive. Adverse events may occur, although they are mostly minor, self-limiting, and short-lived. The data on the maximum effect of the correction, the durability of results, and the consequences of the long-term suture stay are yet to be clarified. Conclusion: Interest in thread lifting is currently high, but this review suggests that it should not yet be adopted as an alternative to rhytidectomy.

Resumo Introdução: O maior interesse por tratamentos minimamente invasivos, como os fios de sustentação, com menor risco de complicações, mínimo tempo de afastamento das atividades laborais e eficazes em corrigir a ptose e as rítides características do envelhecimento fez muitos especialistas adotarem essa técnica, porém muitas dúvidas sobre sua segurança e eficácia limitam sua adoção de forma geral. Objetivo: Analisar dados publicados na literatura sobre longevidade dos resultados, sua eficácia, segurança e seu risco de eventos adversos graves associados aos procedimentos com vários tipos de sutura. Método: Revisão de literatura com as palavras-chave thread lift, barbed suture, suture suspension e Aptos. Devido à escassez de literatura, foram também selecionados relatos recentes de rejuvenescimento facial com uso de fios, complementados com trabalhos das referências bibliográficas. Resultado: Os primeiros resultados da suspensão facial com fios com garras permanecem inconclusivos. Os eventos adversos podem ocorrer, embora em sua maioria sejam pequenos, autolimitados e de curta duração. Os dados sobre o efeito máximo da correção, a longevidade dos resultados e as consequências da permanência dos fios em longo prazo não são claros. Conclusão: O interesse pelo lifting com fios está em alta no momento, mas esta revisão sugere que ele não deve ser apresentado como opção a uma ritidoplastia.

Facial thread lifting with suture suspension.

INTRODUCTION: The increased interest in minimally-invasive treatments, such as the thread lifting, with lower risk of complications, minimum length of time away from work and effectiveness in correcting ptosis and aging characteristics has led many specialists to adopt this technique, but many doubts about its safety and effectiveness still limit its overall use. OBJECTIVE: To analyze data published in the literature on the durability of results, their effectiveness, safety, and risk of serious adverse events associated with procedures using several types of threading sutures. METHODS: Literature review using the key words "thread lift", "barbed suture", "suture suspension" and "APTOS". Due to the scarcity of literature, recent reports of facial lifting using threads were also selected, complemented with bibliographical references. RESULT: The first outcomes of facial lifting with barbed sutures remain inconclusive. Adverse events may occur, although they are mostly minor, self-limiting, and short-lived. The data on the maximum effect of the correction, the durability of results, and the consequences of the long-term suture stay are yet to be clarified. CONCLUSION: Interest in thread lifting is currently high, but this review suggests that it should not yet be adopted as an alternative to rhytidectomy.

Avaliação do conhecimento dos anestesiologistas sobre cuidados paliativos / La evaluación del conocimiento de los anestesiólogos acerca de los cuidados paliativos / Evaluation of knowledge among anesthesiologists about palliative care

Avaliar o conhecimento dos cuidados paliativos entre anestesiologistas por meio de questionário individual. A amostra teve 95 profissionais, dos quais 65 do sexo masculino e 30 do feminino. Sessenta e dois anestesiologistas informam que "qualidade de vida" é o termo que melhor expressa os cuidados paliativos e 53 consideram a combinação da assistência casa/hospital a mais conveniente para o atendimento do paciente que requer esses cuidados. Observou-se que 83,2% dos pesquisados (n=79) não receberam preparação para lidar com paciente que requer cuidados paliativos e 88,4% comentam com colegas quando um paciente morre (n=84). A maioria dos entrevistados (n=46) discorda da prática de eutanásia. Quanto à autopercepção do conhecimento sobre cuidados paliativos, numa escala de 0 (nenhum conhecimento) a 10 (conhecimento total), a maioria das respostas alcançou média 5 (n=28), o que mostra a necessidade da reflexão acerca do cuidar na área da anestesiologia...

Evaluar el conocimiento de los cuidados paliativos entre los anestesiólogos a través de un cuestionario individual. La muestra fue de 95, de los cuales 65 eran del sexo masculino y 30 del femenino. Sesenta y dos de los anestesiólogos informan "la calidad de vida" como el término que mejor expresa los cuidados paliativos y 53 consideran que la combinación de cuidado en el hogar / hospital es más conveniente para el cuidado del paciente que lo requiere. Se observó que el 83,2% de los investigadores (n = 79) no recibieron la preparación para lidiar con el paciente que requiere cuidados paliativos y el 88,4% comentan con sus compañeros cuando un paciente muere (n = 84). La mayoría de los encuestados (n = 46) no estaban de acuerdo con la práctica de la eutanasia. En cuanto a la autopercepción del conocimiento sobre los cuidados paliativos, en una escala de 0 (ningún conocimiento) a 10 (pleno conocimiento), la mayoría de las respuestas alcanzó el promedio de 5 (n = 28). Esto demuestra la necesidad de reflexión acerca del cuidar en el área de anestesiología...

To assess anesthesiologists' knowledge about palliative care through an individual questionnaire. The sample was 95, with 65 male and 30 female. Sixty-two of the anesthesiologists reported quality of life as the term that best expresses the palliative care, and 53 consider the combination of home care/ hospital the most convenient for the treatment of a patient who requires palliative care. It was observed that 83.2% of the interviewed (n = 79) have not been prepared for patients who require palliative care and that 88.4% mention to a colleague when a patient dies (n = 84). Most respondents (n = 46) disagreed with the practice of euthanasia. As for the perception of palliative care on a scale of 0 (no knowledge) to 10 (full knowledge), there was a majority of the average response of 5 (n = 28). It shows the need to reflect about care in the filed of anesthesiology...

Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay adapted for analyzing genomic instability of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells used in cell therapy research. One of the problems involving hMSCs is the possibility of genetic instability during in vitro expansion required to obtain a suitable number of cells for clinical applications. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay measures genetic instability by analyzing the presence of micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds (NBUDs) in binucleated cells. The present study describes modifications in the CBMN assay methodology to analyze genetic instability in hMSCs isolated from the umbilical vein and in vitro expanded. The best protocol to achieve binucleated hMSCs with preserved cytoplasm was as follows: cytochalasin B concentration (4.0 µg/mL), use of hypotonic treatment (3 min), and the fixative solution (9 methanol:1 acetic acid). These adaptations were reproduced in three hMSC primary cell cultures and also in XP4PA and A549 cell lines. The frequency of hMSCs treated with mitomycin-C presenting MN was lower than that with other nuclear alterations, indicating that the hMSCs contain mechanisms to avoid a high level of chromosomal breaks. However, a high frequency of cells with NPBs was detected and spontaneous anaphase bridges under normal hMSC in vitro culture were observed. Considering that anaphase bridges are characteristic alterations in tumor cells, the CBMN assay is indicated as an important tool associated with other genetic analyses in order to ensure the safe clinical use of hMSCs in cell therapy.

Effect of titanium surface modified by plasma energy source on genotoxic response in vitro.

Titanium (Ti) is currently the most widely used material for the manufacture of orthopedic and dental implants. Changes in the surface of commercial pure Ti (cp Ti) can determine the functional response of cells, and is therefore a critical factor for the success of the implant. However, the genotoxicity of titanium surfaces has been poorly studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of a new titanium surface developed by plasma treatment using argon-ion bombardment and compare it with an untreated titanium surface. Accordingly, comet assay, analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay were carried out, using CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary) cells grown on both titanium surfaces. Our results show that the untreated titanium surface caused a significant increase in % tail moment, in the number of cells with CAs, tetraploidy, micronucleus frequency, and other nuclear alterations when compared with the negative control and with the plasma-treated titanium surface. This difference may be attributed to increased surface roughness and changes in titanium oxide layer thickness.

Schwannoma de forame jugular: relato de caso / Jugular foramen schwannoma: case report

Introdução: As lesões do forame jugular são raras, sendo os paragangliomas os tumores mais comuns desta região seguidos pelos schwannomas. Os schwannomas são tumores benignos de crescimento lento e origem principalmente nos nervos cranianos sensitivos. Quando localizados no forame jugular, apresentam-se clinicamente com perda auditiva, ataxia e cefaleia, sendo comuns as alterações dos nervos cranianos IX, X e XI. A excisão cirúrgica é a opção terapêutica de escolha. Relato do Caso: Relatamos o caso de um paciente adulto jovem que procurou o serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Universitário de Brasília com quadro de otalgia e otorreia piossanguinolenta no ouvido esquerdo, associada a zumbido, hipoacusia e tumor no conduto auditivo externo. Iniciada investigação diagnóstica com tomografia computadorizada e biópsia, ambas com resultados inconclusivos. Realizadas então nova biópsia e ressonância nuclear magnética, com diagnóstico definitivo de schwannoma do foram jugular. Na ocasião a lesão foi definida como tipo D pela classificação de Kaye-Pellet, por envolver o forame jugular, apresentar formato de halter e componentes intra e extracraniano. Realizada cirurgia por craniotomia com excisão parcial do tumor. Não houve sequelas do procedimento, apesar da persistência dos sintomas otológicos. Comentários Finais: O caso é um exemplo de uma doença rara, com pouco mais de duzentos casos relatados na literatura, e apresentação clínica incomum. O desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico é enfrentado pelas equipes de Otorrinolaringologia e Neurocirurgia, que programam para breve nova abordagem cirúrgica combinada para extirpação completa do tumor.

Introduction: Lesions of the jugular foramen are uncommon, and the paragangliomas are the most common tumors in this region, followed by schwannomas. Schwannomas are benign tumors, of slow growth and origin mainly in the sensitive cranial nerves. When located in the jugular foramen, the patients present with clinically auditory hearing loss, ataxia and headache, and cranial nerves IX, X and XI alterations are also common. Surgical excision is the therapeutic choice. Case Report: We reported the case of a young adult patient who sought the Otorhinolaryngology service at the School Hospital of Brasília for investigation of otalgia and chronic infection in the left ear, associated with tinnitus, hypacusis and tumor in the external ear canal. Initial diagnostic investigation by computed tomography and biopsy was inconclusive. New biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and definitive diagnosis of jugular foramen schwannoma was given. The lesion was then defined as type D by the classification of Kaye-Pellet, for it involved the jugular foramen, presented format of dumbbell and intra and extracranial components. The patient underwent a craniotomy and partial excision of the tumor. He did not have sequels of the procedure, although the otologic symptoms persisted. Final Comments: This case is an example of a rare disease. No more than two hundred cases have been reported in the literature and the clinical presentation is uncommon. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenge is faced by Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery teams who are scheduling a new combined surgical procedure for a complete excision of the tumor.