Gi/o-Protein Coupled Receptors in the Aging Brain.

Cells translate extracellular signals to regulate processes such as differentiation, metabolism and proliferation, via transmembranar receptors. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest family of transmembrane receptors, with over 800 members in the human species. Given the variety of key physiological functions regulated by GPCRs, these are main targets of existing drugs. During normal aging, alterations in the expression and activity of GPCRs have been observed. The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly affected by these alterations, which results in decreased brain functions, impaired neuroregeneration, and increased vulnerability to neuropathologies, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson diseases. GPCRs signal via heterotrimeric G proteins, such as Go, the most abundant heterotrimeric G protein in CNS. We here review age-induced effects of GPCR signaling via the Gi/o subfamily at the CNS. During the aging process, a reduction in protein density is observed for almost half of the Gi/o-coupled GPCRs, particularly in age-vulnerable regions such as the frontal cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra and striatum. Gi/o levels also tend to decrease with aging, particularly in regions such as the frontal cortex. Alterations in the expression and activity of GPCRs and coupled G proteins result from altered proteostasis, peroxidation of membranar lipids and age-associated neuronal degeneration and death, and have impact on aging hallmarks and age-related neuropathologies. Further, due to oligomerization of GPCRs at the membrane and their cooperative signaling, down-regulation of a specific Gi/o-coupled GPCR may affect signaling and drug targeting of other types/subtypes of GPCRs with which it dimerizes. Gi/o-coupled GPCRs receptorsomes are thus the focus of more effective therapeutic drugs aiming to prevent or revert the decline in brain functions and increased risk of neuropathologies at advanced ages.

Feasibility of a Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a four-week home-based therapeutic exercise program for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Feasibility outcomes, namely the recruitment rate, retention rate, exercise adherence and adverse events, as well as pain, knee muscle strength, range of motion, functional mobility, physical function, and postural sway were assessed on 15 individuals (4 males, 11 females; mean age 62.8±2.5 years; range 55 to 83 years) with knee OA before and after a four-week home-based therapeutic exercise program. RESULTS: The main results indicated that this program was feasible, as indicated by recruitment, adherence, and safety outcomes. The retention rate was 80% and the overall exercise adherence for those completing the program was 93%. The exercise program improved significantly pain intensity (visual analog scale: 5.8±2.8 to 3.8±2.4 cm, p=0.006), functional mobility, muscle strength, and physical function (Knee injury and OA Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form: 53.8±21.0 to 41.3±13.9 points, p=0.011). CONCLUSION: This home-based therapeutic exercise program is feasible for individuals with OA of the knee and seems to improve pain intensity, functional mobility, muscle strength, and physical function.

Analyses of pressure ulcer incidence in inpatient setting in a Portuguese hospital.

AIM: To gain more insight into the magnitude of the problem of pressure ulcer incidence in general wards of a Portuguese hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from 7132 adult patients admitted to medical and surgical wards of Aveiro Hospital during 2012. The development of (at least) one pressure ulcer during the length of stay was associated with age, gender, type of admission, specialty units, first Braden Scale score, length of stay, patient discharge outcome and ICD-9 diagnosis. RESULTS: An incidence of 3.4% participants with pressure ulcer category I-IV in inpatient setting during 2012. During the length of stay, 320 new pressure ulcers were developed, most of them category/stage II. The sacrum/coccyx and the trochanters were the most problematic areas. CONCLUSIONS: The major risk factor for the development of a new pressure ulcer during the length of stay was the presence of (at least) one pressure ulcer at the first skin assessment. The length of stay itself, age and lower Braden Scale scores of our participants also played an important role in the odds of developing a pressure ulcer. Infectious diseases, traumatism and fractures and respiratory diseases were the ICD-9 diagnoses with higher frequency of participants that developed (at least) one pressure ulcer during the length of stay. It's important to standardize procedures and documentation in all care settings. The documentation of nursing interventions is vital to evaluate the impact of evidence-based nursing.

Analyses of pressure ulcer point prevalence at the first skin assessment in a Portuguese hospital.

AIM: To analyze the first pressure ulcer risk and skin assessment records of hospitalized adult patients in medical and surgical areas of Aveiro Hospital during 2012 in association with their demographic and clinical characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from 7132 adult patients admitted to medical and surgical areas in a Portuguese hospital during 2012. The presence of (at least) one pressure ulcer at the first skin assessment in inpatient setting was associated with age, gender, type of admission, specialty units, length of stay, patient discharge and ICD-9 diagnosis. RESULTS: Point prevalence of participants with pressure ulcer category/stage I-IV of 7.9% at the first skin assessment in inpatient setting. A total of 1455 pressure ulcers were documented, most of them category/stage I. The heels and the sacrum/coccyx were the most problematic areas. Participants with pressure ulcer commonly had two or more pressure ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: The point prevalence of participants with pressure ulcer of our study was similar international literature. The presence of a pressure ulcer at the first skin assessment could be an important measure of frailty and the participants with pressure ulcer commonly had more than one documented pressure ulcer. Advanced age or lower Braden Scale scores or Emergency Service admission were relevant variables for the presence of (at least) one pressure ulcer at the first skin assessment in inpatient setting as well as respiratory, infectious or genitourinary system diseases.

Pressure ulcer risk assessment: retrospective analysis of Braden Scale scores in Portuguese hospitalised adult patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse the Braden Scale scores and sub-scores assessed in Portuguese hospitalised adult patients in association with their characteristics, diagnoses and length of stay. BACKGROUND: The Braden Scale is used worldwide for pressure ulcer risk assessment and supports nurses in the implementation of preventive interventions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from adult patients admitted to medical and surgical areas during 2012. METHODS: Braden Scale scores and sub-scores of 8147 patients were associated with age, gender, type of admission (emergency service or programmed), specialty units (medical or surgical), length of stay, patient discharge (discharge, decease or transference to other hospital) and ICD-9 diagnosis. RESULTS: The participants with significantly lower Braden Scale scores were women, older people, hospitalised in medical units, with emergency service admission, longer hospitalisation stays and/or with vascular, traumatisms, respiratory, infection or cardiac diseases. Mobility, friction/shear forces and activity had higher contributions to the Braden Scale score, while nutrition had the lowest contribution. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of all participants had high risk of pressure ulcer development at admission, which led to the application of nursing preventive care. Our study demonstrated that nurses should pay special attention to patients over 50 years of age, who had significantly lower Braden Scale scores. The Braden Scale scores significantly increased in the last assessments showing that Braden Scale is sensitive to the clinical improvement of the patient. Braden Scale correlations with length of stay reveal its importance as predictor of length of stay. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses should use Braden Scale assessment and consider patients' characteristics and diagnoses to plan more focused preventive interventions and improve nursing care. This study could be the first step to create a preventive protocol based on institutional reality, patients' characteristics, level of risk and affected sub-scales.

Adaptation and validation of WHODAS 2.0 in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). METHODS: The original, 36 item version of the WHODAS 2.0, administered through an interview, was translated into Portuguese following international guidelines and tested on 9 participants from the general population. The Portuguese version was then administered to 204 patients with musculoskeletal pain. The patients' socio-demographic and health data were collected, as were the number of sites where they were experiencing pain and the intensity of that pain. The WHODAS 2.0 was administered again by a second interviewer within three days to determine its inter-rater reliability. Construct validity was assessed according to the ability of WHODAS 2.0 to discriminate between patients with different numbers of pain sites and the correlation between WHODAS 2.0 scores and pain intensity. Internal consistency was also assessed. RESULTS: The Portuguese version of the WHODAS 2.0 is easily understood and has good internal consistency (α = 0.84), as well as, very good inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95). In addition, it was able to detect statistically significant differences between patients with different numbers of pain sites (p < 0.01) and showed that higher levels of disability are associated with more intense pain (r = 0.44, p < 0.01), indicating that it has construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the WHODAS 2.0 has shown to be reliable and valid when administered to patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Adaptacao e validacao do WHODAS 2.0 em utentes com dor musculoesqueletica / Adaptacion y validacion del WHODAS 2.0 en usuarios con dolor musculoesqueletico / Adaptation and validation of WHODAS 2.0 in patients with musculoskeletal pain

OBJETIVO Validar a versão em português do World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). MÉTODOS A versão original de 36 itens do WHODAS 2.0, administrada por entrevista, foi traduzida para o português de acordo com orientações internacionais e testada em nove participantes da população em geral. A versão em português foi administrada em 204 pacientes com patologia musculoesquelética. Foram coletados os dados sociodemográficos e de saúde dos pacientes, assim como o número de locais onde apresentavam dor e sua intensidade. O WHODAS 2.0 foi novamente administrado por um segundo entrevistador, um a três dias após a primeira entrevista, para avaliar a confiabilidade interavaliadores. A validade de constructo foi avaliada quanto a: capacidade do WHODAS 2.0 para diferenciar participantes com diferentes locais com dor e associação entre o WHODAS 2.0 e a intensidade da dor. A consistência interna também foi avaliada. RESULTADOS A versão portuguesa do WHODAS 2.0 teve fácil compreensão, apresentou boa consistência interna (α = 0,84) e confiabilidade interavaliadores (CCI = 0,95). Mostrou ser capaz de detectar diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre indivíduos com diferente número de locais com dor (p < 0,01) e indicar que maior incapacidade está associada à maior intensidade da dor (r = 0,44, p < 0,01), indicando validade de constructo. CONCLUSÕES A versão portuguesa do WHODAS 2.0 mostrou-se confiável e válida quando utilizada em pacientes com dor associada à patologia musculoesquelética. .

OBJETIVO Validar la versión en portugués del World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). MÉTODOS La versión original con 36 ítems del WHODAS 2.0, administrada por entrevista, fue traducida al portugués de acuerdo con orientaciones internacionales, y evaluada en nueve participantes de la población en general. La versión en portugués fue aplicada en 204 pacientes con patología musculoesquelética. Se colectaron los datos sociodemográficos y de salud de los pacientes, así como el número de lugares donde presentaban dolor y su intensidad. El WHODAS 2.0 fue nuevamente aplicado por un segundo entrevistador, uno a tres días posteriores a la primera entrevista para evaluar la confiabilidad inter-evaluadores. La validez del constructo fue evaluado con relación a: capacidad del WHODAS 2.0 para diferenciar participantes con diferentes lugares con dolor y asociación entre el WHODAS 2.0 y la intensidad del dolor. La consistencia interna también fue evaluada. RESULTADOS La versión en portugués del WHODAS 2.0 fue de fácil comprensión, presentó buena consistencia interna (α= 0,84) y confiabilidad inter evaluadores (CCI=0,95). Mostró ser capaz de detectar diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre individuos con diferente número de lugares con dolor (p˂0,01) e indicar que mayor incapacidad está asociada con la mayor intensidad del dolor (r=0,44, p˂0,01), indicando validez del constructo. CONCLUSIONES la versión en portugués del WHODAS 2.0 se mostró confiable y valida al ser utilizada en pacientes con dolor asociado a la patología musculo esquelética. .

OBJECTIVE To validate the Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). METHODS The original, 36 item version of the WHODAS 2.0, administered through an interview, was translated into Portuguese following international guidelines and tested on 9 participants from the general population. The Portuguese version was then administered to 204 patients with musculoskeletal pain. The patients’ socio-demographic and health data were collected, as were the number of sites where they were experiencing pain and the intensity of that pain. The WHODAS 2.0 was administered again by a second interviewer within three days to determine its inter-rater reliability. Construct validity was assessed according to the ability of WHODAS 2.0 to discriminate between patients with different numbers of pain sites and the correlation between WHODAS 2.0 scores and pain intensity. Internal consistency was also assessed. RESULTS The Portuguese version of the WHODAS 2.0 is easily understood and has good internal consistency (α = 0.84), as well as, very good inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95). In addition, it was able to detect statistically significant differences between patients with different numbers of pain sites (p < 0.01) and showed that higher levels of disability are associated with more intense pain (r = 0.44, p < 0.01), indicating that it has construct validity. CONCLUSIONS The Portuguese version of the WHODAS 2.0 has shown to be reliable and valid when administered to patients with musculoskeletal pain. .

Comparing the content of instruments assessing environmental factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the content of instruments that assess environmental factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL and PEDro databases was conducted using a pre-determined search strategy. The identified instruments were screened independently by two investigators, and meaningful concepts were linked to the most precise ICF category according to published linking rules. RESULTS: Six instruments were included, containing 526 meaningful concepts. Instruments had between 20% and 98% of items linked to categories in Chapter 1. The highest percentage of items from one instrument linked to categories in Chapters 2-5 varied between 9% and 50%. The presence or absence of environmental factors in a specific context is assessed in 3 instruments, while the other 3 assess the intensity of the impact of environmental factors. DISCUSSION: Instruments differ in their content, type of assessment, and have several items linked to the same ICF category. Most instruments primarily assess products and technology (Chapter 1), highlighting the need to deepen the discussion on the theory that supports the measurement of environmental factors. This discussion should be thorough and lead to the development of methodologies and new tools that capture the underlying concepts of the ICF. :

Estrias de distensão na gravidez: estudo comparativo dos fatores de risco entre primíparas e maternidades do sistema público de saúde e particular / Strertch marks in pregnancy: a comparative study of risck factors among primiparae in private and public health system maternity hospitals

Introdução: Estrias de distensão são lesões cutâneas lineares, atróficas, bem definidas e secundárias a alteração do tecido conjuntivo.A etiologia parece ainda obscura. Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de estrias de distensão, durante a gravidez, de primíparas, encontrados na maternidade do sistema público desaúde e de uma maternidade particular.Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo, com puérperas após 48 horas do parto atendidas durante quatro meses no sistema público de saúde e na maternidade par-ticular (n= 324).Resultados: Os fatores de risco, que apresentaram significância estatística, foram iguais para os dois grupos: idade materna e peso do recém-nascido. Das mulheres com 25 anos ou menos, 70,1% desenvolveram estrias durante a gestação, contra 29% das mulheres commais de 25 anos. E, quanto maior o peso do recém-nascido, maior a proporção de mulheres com estrias na gestação.Conclusões: As mulheres da rede pública desenvolveram mais estrias na gestação porqueeram mais jovens. Sendo assim, para a população em estudo, as mulheres com 31 anos ou mais apresentaram na idade fator de proteção para o surgimento de estrias na gestação. Assim como as mulheres cujos recém-nascidos apresentaram peso inferior a 3.500g.

Introduction: Stretch marks are linear, atrophic, and well-defined cutaneous lesions, secondary to modifications in the conjunctive tissue.Their etiology is unclear. Objective: To evaluate and compare risk factors for the occurrence of stretch marks during the first pregnancy of women who gave birth in public and private maternity hospitals. Methods: Observational, transversal, and descriptive study with puerperae 48 hours after giving birth. Observations were carried out for 4 months in the maternity hospital of the public health system and at the private maternity hospital (n = 324). Results: In both groups, maternal age and weight of the newborn were statistically significant risk factors. Of women aged 25 or less, 70.1% developed stretch marks during pregnancy, compared to 29.0% of women over 25.Likewise,the greater the baby's weight,the greater the risk of stretch marks. Conclusions: Women cared for in the public health system developed a greater number of stretch marks during pregnancy because they were younger.Among the study population, women aged 31 and older were less likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy, as were those with babies weighing less than 3.5 kg

Cardiac function after CPAP therapy in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnea: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for sleep apnea (SA), although the evidence for improving chronic heart failure (CHF) is inconclusive. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of CPAP treatment on the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) among other cardiological variables in a randomized, multicenter, placebo (sham-CPAP)-controlled study. METHODS: After the selection procedure, 60 patients with CHF with LVEF<45% and SA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)>10/h were evaluated at baseline, and after 3 months of treatment with optimal CPAP or sham-CPAP. The assessment was based on the LVEF, hypertension, daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS]), quality of life (SF-36), New York Heart Scale (NYHA score), dyspnea (by using the Borg scale) and exercise tolerance (6-min walk test). RESULTS: The mean AHI was normalized in the optimal CPAP group but not in the sham-CPAP group. The LVEF showed a significant improvement in the group of patients treated with CPAP (2.5; 95% CI: 0.6 to 4.3), which was not observed in the sham-CPAP group (0.0; 95% CI: -2.1 to 2.1). However, the change in the LVEF from baseline to 3 months was not significantly greater in the whole group (obstructive and Cheyne-Stokes events) treated with CPAP than in the control group (p: 0.07). In patients with only obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who account for 83% of the total population, there was a significant improvement in the LVEF in the group of patients treated with CPAP but no such improvement in the sham-CPAP group. In this OSA group, the change in the LVEF from baseline to 3 months was significantly greater in the group treated with CPAP than in the sham-CPAP group (p: 0.03). The other variables studied were not modified. When the patients were divided according to the severity of the LVEF (a LVEF cut-off of 30%), improvement was observed in those with a LVEF>30. No changes were found in the other cardiological variables. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP therapy proved to be useful in patients with associated sleep-disordered breathing and CHF. The improvement was more marked in patients with a LVEF>30%. However, the increased LVEF in the CPAP group was not accompanied by changes in the other cardiological variables.

Minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial leads for ventricular resynchronization using video-assisted thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization via left ventricular or biventricular pacing is an option for selected patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and widened QRS complex. Stimulation through a coronary vein is the technique of choice for left ventricular pacing, but this approach results in a failure rate of approximately 8%. We describe our initial experience with minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial leads using video-assisted thoracoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 14 patients with congestive heart failure, NYHA functional class 3.2 (0.6) and mean ejection fraction 22.9 (6.8)% were included in this study. Left bundle branch block, QRS complex >140 ms and abnormal septal motion were observed in all cases. Epicardial leads were implanted on the left ventricular free wall under general anesthesia using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Lead implantation was successful in 13 patients. Conversion to a small thoracotomy was necessary in one patient. All patients were extubated in the operating room. None of the patients died during their hospital stay. Follow-up showed reversal of ventricular asynchrony and significant improvement in ejection fraction and functional class. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for ventricular resynchronization using video-assisted thoracoscopy in selected patients is a safe procedure that makes it possible to choose the best site for lead implantation and provides adequate short- and medium-term stimulation.

Expansão volêmica em raquianestesia para cesariana: como realizá-la? / Fluid preload in obstetric patients: how to do it?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Em pacientes não obstétricas, demonstrou-se que a expansão volêmica rápida realizada imediatamente após a injeção subaracnóidea do anestésico local era mais efetiva que a expansão volêmica lenta, realizada previamente à instalação do bloqueio para se reduzir a incidência e a gravidade da hipotensão arterial após raquianestesia. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a incidência de hipotensão arterial e o consumo de vasopressores em gestantes submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia com diferentes regimes de expansão volêmica. MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas prospectivamente 60 gestantes de termo submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia. As pacientes receberam expansão volêmica com 10 ml.kg-1 de solução de Ringer com lactato como segue: Grupo 1 (n = 20), antes da raquianestesia através de cateter 18G; Grupo 2 (n = 20), após a raquianestesia e com cateter 18G e Grupo 3 (n = 20) após a raquianestesia com cateter 16G sob ação de pressurizador. A pressão arterial (PA) foi monitorizada a cada minuto e administrou-se 0,2 mg de metaraminol para qualquer diminuição de PA, a partir do valor de controle e 0,4 mg para diminuição > 20 por cento. A PA controle foi definida como a média de três valores sucessivos de pressão arterial sistólica obtidos antes da expansão volêmica e do bloqueio. Estudou-se a velocidade de infusão de fluidos, incidência de hipotensão arterial materna, náusea e vômito, consumo de metaraminol, índice de Apgar e pH da artéria umbilical. RESULTADOS: A velocidade de administração de fluidos foi maior no Grupo 3 do que nos Grupos 1 e 2 (201 ± 61 vs 56 ± 13 e 59 ± 21 ml.min-1, p < 0,05). Os grupos foram semelhantes em relação à incidência de hipotensão arterial, náusea, vômito, consumo de metaraminol, índice de Apgar e pH da artéria umbilical. CONCLUSÕES: A expansão volêmica, realizada antes ou após a instalação da raquianestesia, de maneira rápida ou lenta, não modifica o consumo de vasopressor, a ocorrência de hipotensão arterial mat...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In has been shown in non-obstetric patients, that a fast acute fluid preload immediately after spinal anesthesia was more effective than a slow preload before regional block to decrease the incidence and severity of arterial hypotension after spinal anesthesia. This study aimed at comparing the incidence of arterial hypotension and vasopressants consumption in parturients submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia with different fluid preload regimens. METHODS: Sixty term pregnant women submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomly distributed in three groups receiving acute preload (10 ml.kg-1 lactated Ringer's) as follows: Group 1 (n = 20), before spinal anesthesia through 18G catheter; Group 2 (n = 20), after spinal anesthesia through 18G catheter and Group 3 (n = 20), after spinal anesthesia through 16G catheter with pressurizer. Blood pressure (BP) was monitored at 1-minute intervals until delivery and 0.2 mg bolus metaraminol was administered for any BP decrease from baseline values; 0.4 mg was administered for BP decrease > 20%. Control blood pressure was defined as the mean of three successive SBP values obtained before acute preload and spinal block. Variables studied were: preload rate, incidence of maternal arterial hypotension, nausea, vomiting, vasopressants consumption, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH. RESULTS: Acute preload was faster in Group 3 as compared to Groups 1 and 2 (201 ± 61 vs 56 ± 13 and 59 ± 21 ml.min-1, p < 0.05). Groups were similar regarding the incidence of arterial hypotension, nausea and vomiting, metaraminol consumption, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH. CONCLUSIONS: Acute preload before or after spinal anesthesia performance, in a slow or fast rate, does not change vasopressants consumption, the incidence of maternal arterial hypotension, nausea and vomiting, as well as fetal wellbeing.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: En pacientes no obstétricas, se demostró que la expansión volémica rápida realizada inmediatamente después de la inyección subaracnoidea del anestésico local era más efectiva que la expansión volémica lenta, realizada previamente a la instalación del bloqueo para reducir la incidencia y la gravedad de la hipotensión arterial después de raquianestesia. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la incidencia de hipotensión arterial y el consumo de vasopresores en embarazadas sometidas a cesárea bajo raquianestesia con diferentes regímenes de expansión volémica. MÉTODO: Fueron evaluadas prospectivamente 60 embarazadas de término sometidas a cesárea bajo raquianestesia. Las pacientes recibieron expansión volémica con 10 ml.kg-1 de solución de Ringer con lactato como sigue: Grupo 1 (n = 20), antes de la raquianestesia a través de catéter 18G; Grupo 2 (n = 20), después de raquianestesia y con catéter 18G y Grupo 3 (n = 20) después de raquianestesia con catéter 16G bajo acción de un presurizador. La presión arterial (PA) fue monitorizada a cada minuto y se administró 0,2 mg de metaraminol para cualquier diminución de PA, a partir del valor de control y 0,4 mg para diminución > 20%. La PA control fue definida como la media de tres valores sucesivos de PAS obtenidos antes de la expansión volémica y del bloqueo. Se estudió la velocidad de infusión de fluidos, incidencia de hipotensión arterial materna, náusea y vómito, consumo de metaraminol, índice de Apgar y pH de la arteria umbilical. RESULTADOS: La velocidad de administración de fluidos fue mayor en el Grupo 3 de que en los Grupos 1 y 2 (201 ± 61 vs 56 ± 13 y 59 ± 21 ml.min-1, p < 0,05). Los grupos fueron semejantes en relación a la incidencia de hipotensión arterial, náusea, vómito, consumo de metaraminol, índice de Apgar y pH de la arteria umbilical. CONCLUSIONES: La expansión volémica, realizada antes o después de la instalación de la raquianestesia, de manera rápida o lenta, no modifica el...

Fluid preload in obstetric patients. How to do it?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In has been shown in non-obstetric patients, that a fast acute fluid preload immediately after spinal anesthesia was more effective than a slow preload before regional block to decrease the incidence and severity of arterial hypotension after spinal anesthesia. This study aimed at comparing the incidence of arterial hypotension and vasopressants consumption in parturients submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia with different fluid preload regimens. METHODS: Sixty term pregnant women submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomly distributed in three groups receiving acute preload (10 ml kg(-1) lactated Ringer's) as follows: Group 1 (n = 20), before spinal anesthesia through 18G catheter; Group 2 (n = 20), after spinal anesthesia through 18G catheter and Group 3 (n = 20), after spinal anesthesia through 16G catheter with pressurizer. Blood pressure (BP) was monitored at 1-minute intervals until delivery and 0.2 mg bolus metaraminol was administered for any BP decrease from baseline values; 0.4 mg was administered for BP decrease >or= 20%. Control blood pressure was defined as the mean of three successive SBP values obtained before acute preload and spinal block. Variables studied were: preload rate, incidence of maternal arterial hypotension, nausea, vomiting, vasopressants consumption, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH. RESULTS: Acute preload was faster in Group 3 as compared to Groups 1 and 2 (201 +/- 61 vs 56 +/- 13 and 59 +/- 21 ml min(-1), p < 0.05). Groups were similar regarding the incidence of arterial hypotension, nausea and vomiting, metaraminol consumption, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH. CONCLUSIONS: Acute preload before or after spinal anesthesia performance, in a slow or fast rate, does not change vasopressants consumption, the incidence of maternal arterial hypotension, nausea and vomiting, as well as fetal wellbeing.

Efedrina profilática durante raquianestesia para cesariana: bolus seguido de infusäo contínua em dose fixa e infusäo contínua de doses decrescentes / Prophylactic ephedrine during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: bolus followed by continuous infusion in fixed doses or continuous infusion in decreasing doses

Justificativa e objetivos: o uso profilático de efedrina tem sido preconizado para o controle da pressäo arterial materna durante raquianestesia para cesariana. A dose e o regime de administraçäo efetivos näo estäo claramente estabelecidos.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da administraçäo profilática de efedrina em bolus seguido de infusäo contínua em dose fixa e de infusäo contínua em doses decrescentes, partindo-se de altas doses iniciais. Método: foram estudadas 120 gestantes de termo, hígidas submetidas a cesarianas eletivas sob raquianestesia, alocadas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de 40, conforme o regime de administraçäo de efedrina. Grupo C (controle): administrou-se efedrina em bolus de 5mg apenas na vigência de hipotensäo arterial; grupo A (10mg + 2mg.min(elevado a menos 1)): 10mg em bolus seguidos de infusäo contínua de 2mg.min(elevado a menos 1) até o nascimento; grupo B (8+4+2mg.min(elevado a menos 1)): 8mg.min(elevado a menos 1) por 3 minutos, seguidos de 4mg.min(elevado a menos 1) por 2 minutos, seguidos de 2mg.min(elevado a menos 1) até o nascimento. Nos grupos onde se utilizou efedrina profilática, seu uso foi instituído imediatamente após a realizaçäo da raquianestesia. Bolus adicionais de 5mg de efedrina foram administrados em todos os grupos, no caso de episódios de hipotensäo (PAS<80 por cento do controle da paciente). Foram avaliadas as repercussöes maternas, fetais e neonatais. Resultados: a incidência de hipotensäo arterial (10 por cento) foi significativamente menor no grupo B. A incidência de hipertensäo foi semelhante nos grupos estudados. A incidência de náuseas e vômitos diminuiu no grupo da infusäo contínua em doses decrescentes, em relaçäo aos demais grupos, sem significância estatística. A dose de efedrina utilizada e o pH da artéria umbical nos grupos de uso profilático foram significativamente maiores que no grupo C. A incidência de fetos acidóticos e a vitalidade dos recém-nascidos avaliada pelo índice de Apgar foram semelhantes nos grupos estudados. Conclusäo: altas doses de efedrina säo necessárias para controlar a pressäo arterial materna durante raquianestesia para cesariana. O melhor regime é o de infusäo contínua de doses decrescentes, partindo-se de altas doses iniciais, que reduz significativamente a incidência de hipotensäo arterial e determina tendência à reducäo de náusea e vômitos. O uso profilático de efedrina oferece vantagens para o feto

Efedrina profilática durante raquianestesia para cesariana: estudo dose-resposta da administraçäo em Bolus e em infusäo contínua / Prophylactic ephedrine during cesarean delivery spinal anesthesia: dose-response study of Bolus and continuos infusion administration

Justificativa e objetivos: o uso profilático de efedrina tem sido preconizado para o controle de pressäo arterial materna durante raquianestesia para cesariana. Entretanto, sua dose e forma de administraçäo efetivas näo estäo claramente estabelecidas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia e a segurança de doses crescentes de efedrina, administradas de forma profilática em bolus ou em infusäo contínua. Método: foram incluídas no protocolo 180 gestantes de termo, hígidas, submetidas a cesarianas eletivas sob raquianestesia. O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas fases. Em ambas o uso de efedrina foi instituído imediatamente após a realizaçäo da raquianestesia. Na fase 1, 80 pacientes foram distribuídas de forma aleatória em quatro grupos, que receberam efedrina em bolus nas doses de 0, 5, 10 e 15mg. Na fase 2, 100 pacientes foram distribuídos de forma aleatória em cinco grupos, que receberam efedrina em infusäo contínua nas doses de 0; 0,5; 1; 2 e 4mg.min(elevado a menos um). Bolus adicionais de 5mg de efedrina foram administrados em todos os grupos, no caso de episódios de hipotensäo. Foram avaliadas as repercussöes maternas, fetais e neonatais. Resultados: a incidênia de hipotensäo arterial materna, náuseas e vômitos foi semelhante nos grupos estudados. A dose em bolus de 15mg e a dose em infusäo contínua de 4mg.min(elevado a menos um) induziram maior incidênica de hipertensäo arterial materna. Episódios de hipotensäo que ocorreram na vigência de infusäo de 4mg.min(elevado a menos um) induziram acidose fetal. Comclusöes: um regime efetivo de administraçäo profilática de efedrina ainda näo pode ser estabelecido. Entretanto, doses em bolu iguais ou maiores que 15mg ou infusöes contínuas prolongadas em doses iguais ou maiores que 4mg.min.(elevado a menos um) devem ser evitadas qualquer que seja o regime adotado

Baixas doses de morfina e fentanil por via subaracnóidea associadas a diclofenaco por via retal para controle da dor pós-operatória em cesarianas / Low doses of subarachnoid morphine and fentanyl combined with rectal diclofenac for postoperative pain control after cesarean delivery

Justificativa e objetivos: este estudo avaliou a eficácia e os efeitos colaterais da combinaçäo de baixas doses de morfina subaracnóidea (10 e 25µg) e diclofenato retal e também as vantagens e desvantagens da adiçäo de 10µg de fentanil subaracnóideo à técnica. Método: cem pacientes submetidas à raquianestesia para cesariana foram alocadas em quatro grupos de 25, os quais receberam, junto com 12,5mg de bupivacaína 0,5 por cento hiperbárica, os seguintes tratamentos: grupo M25, 25µg e morfina; grupo M10, 10µg de morfina; grupo M25+F10, 25µg de morfina e 10µg de fentanil; grupo M10+F10 10µg de morfina e 10µg de fentanil. Todos os grupos receberam 50mg de diclofenaco via retal a cada 6 horas no primeiro dia pós-operatório, iniciando-se sua administraçäo no final da cirurgia. Níveis de dor e efeitos colaterais foram avaliados de hora em hora nas primeiras 6 horas e posteriormente a cada 3 horas nas primeiras 24 horas. Resultados: o número de pacientes que referiram ausência de dor foi maior no grupo M25 quando comparado com os grupos M10 e M10+F10. O número de pacientes que solicitaram analgésico suplementar foi maior no grupo M10, quando comparado com os grupos M25 e M10+F10. A incidência de prurido leve, näo tratado, foi menor no grupo M10, quando comparado com os grupos M25 e M10+F10. Prurido tratado foi mais frequente no grupo M25, quando comparado com os grupos M10 e M10+F10. Conclusöes: a dose de 25µg de morfina subaracnóidea é mais eletiva que a dose de 10µg no controle da dor pós-operatória em cesarianas, quando combinada com diclofenaco por via retal. A adiçäo de fentanil a ambas as doses de morfina näo oferece vantagens clínicas

Deslocamento uterino manual ou cunha de Crawford modificada? Estudo comparativo em raquianestesia para cesarianas / Manual left uterine displacement or modified Crawford's edge. A comparative study in spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery

Justificativa e objetivos: a descompressäo da veia cava inferior através do deslocamento uterino é preconizada como método de eficiente profilaxia da hipotensäo arterial e do hipofluxo útero-placentário durante anestesia regional para cesariana. O deslocamento pode ser realizado manualmente ou com dispositivos como a cunha de Crawford. A utilizaçäo da cunha de Crawfordoriginal, por suas dimensöes, causou grande rejeiçäo entre os obstetras de nossa instituiçäo, devido às dificuldades técnicas durante a cirurgia. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia do deslocamento uterino manual com o promovido por uma cunha de Crawford modificada. Método: foram estudadas prospectivamente 40 gestantes de termo, estado físico ASA I, com feto único em apresentaçäo cefálica, submetidas à cesariana eletiva sob raquianestesia. As pacientes receberam 500ml de SG 5 por cento antes do bloqueio, que foi realizado com 12,5 mg de bupivacaína 0,5 por cento hiperbárica e 25µg de morfina, injetados em 60 segundos, estando a paciente sentada. Após a anestesia as pacientes foram colocadas em DDH, sendo aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos, conforme o tipo o deslocamento uterino realizado, manual ou com cunha de Crawford modoficada. A cunha modificada tinha as dimensöes de 16 X 24,5cm de base, 5cm na maior altura e 1,5 na menor altura, determinando ângulo de 15º com a horizontal e foi colocada sob colchäo cirúrgico, de forma que sua maior altura coincidisse com o glúteo direito da paciente. Foram avaliados a altura máxima do bloqueio, o tempo induçäo-nascimento, o tempo histerotomia-nascimento, a incidência de hipotensäo arterial (PAS<100mmHg), a intensidade da hipotensäo arterial (diferença entre a PAS inicial e o menor valor de PAS antes da extraçäo fetal), a quantidade de efedrina utilizada, o índice de Apgar e o pH da artéria umbilical. Resultados: os dois grupos foram semelhantes em todos os parâmetros meternos e fetais avalidos. A incidência de hipotensäo arterial foi de 60 por cento e 65 por cento respectivamente nos grupos de deslocamento pela cunha e manual. Näo se observou correlaçäo entre os tempos induçäo-nascimento e histerotomia-nascimento e a intensidade da hipotensäo arterial e o pH da artéria umbilical. Coclusöes: nossos resultados sugerem que ambos os métodos de descompressäo da veia cava têm eficácia semelhante. Do ponto de vista prático, entretanto, a cunha modificada nos parece vantajosa. A rejeiçäo a sua utilizaçäo foi pequena por parte dos...