Improving door-to-reperfusion time in acute ischemic stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from a public comprehensive stroke center in Brazil.

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on global health, resulting in a strain on healthcare services worldwide. The faster a patient with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receives reperfusion treatment, the greater the odds of a good functional outcome. To maintain the time-dependent processes in acute stroke care, strategies to reorganize infrastructure and optimize human and medical resources were needed. Methods: Data from AIS patients who received thrombolytic therapy were prospectively assessed in the emergency department (ED) of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from 2019 to 2021. Treatment times for each stage were measured, and the reasons for a delay in receiving thrombolytic therapy were evaluated. Results: A total of 256 patients received thrombolytic therapy during this period. Patients who arrived by the emergency medical service (EMS) had a lower median door-to-needle time (DNT). In the multivariable analysis, the independent predictors of DNT >60 min were previous atrial fibrillation (OR 7) and receiving thrombolysis in the ED (OR 9). The majority of patients had more than one reason for treatment delay. The main reasons were as follows: delay in starting the CT scan, delay in the decision-making process after the CT scan, and delay in reducing blood pressure. Several actions were implemented during the study period. The most important factor that contributed to a decrease in DNT was starting the bolus and continuous infusion of tPA on the CT scan table (decreased the median DNT from 74 to 52, DNT ≤ 60 min in 67% of patients treated at radiology service vs. 24% of patients treated in the ED). The DNT decreased from 78 min to 66 min in 2020 and 57 min in 2021 (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Acute stroke care continued to be a priority despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of a thrombolytic bolus and the start of continuous infusion on the CT scan table was the main factor that contributed to the reduction of DNT. Continuous monitoring of service times is essential for improving the quality of the stroke center and achieving better functional outcomes for patients.

Feasibility for evaluating motor aspects of Parkinson's disease through video consultations in a resource-limited setting in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Performing motor evaluations using videoconferencing for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is safe and feasible. However, the feasibility of these evaluations is not adequately studied in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of performing motor evaluations for patients with PD in a resource-limited setting. METHODS: The examiners rated motor aspects of parkinsonism of 34 patients with PD from the Brazilian public healthcare system through telemedicine with the patient's own means by using the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) rating scale. Quality measures of the video meeting were also obtained. The feasibility of rating the motor aspects was the primary outcome whereas the rating of individual motor aspects, video meeting quality and predictors of a complete evaluation served as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The least assessable parameters were freezing of gait (52.9%), gait (70.6%), leg agility, and rest tremor (both 76.5%). Complete MDS-UPDRS part III was possible in 41.2% of patients and 62 out of 374 motor aspects evaluated (16.6%) were missed. Available physical space for a video evaluation was the worst quality measure. Incomplete evaluations were directly associated with disability (p = 0.048, r = 0.34) and inversely with available physical space (p = 0.003, r = 0.55). CONCLUSION: A significant portion of the MDS-UPDRS part III is unable to be performed during telemedicine-based evaluations in a real-life scenario of a resource-limited setting.

ANTECEDENTES: Realizar avaliações motoras usando videoconferência para pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é seguro e viável. Entretanto, a viabilidade dessas avaliações não é adequadamente estudada em cenários com recursos limitados. OBJETIVO: Identificar a viabilidade de realizar avaliações motoras para pacientes com DP em um ambiente com recursos limitados. MéTODOS: Os examinadores avaliaram os aspectos motores da DP de 34 pacientes do sistema público de saúde brasileiro através da telemedicina com os próprios meios do paciente usando a escala Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Medidas de qualidade da videochamada também foram obtidas. A viabilidade da classificação dos aspectos motores foi o resultado primário, enquanto a classificação dos aspectos motores individuais, a qualidade das videoconferências e os preditores de uma avaliação completa serviram como resultados secundários. RESULTADOS: Os parâmetros menos avaliáveis foram congelamento da marcha (52,9%), marcha (70,6%), agilidade dos membros inferiores e tremor de repouso (ambos 76,5%). A parte III completa da MDS-UPDRS foi possível em 41,2% dos pacientes, mas não foi possível avaliar 62 do total de 374 aspectos motores (16,6%). O espaço físico disponível para uma avaliação em vídeo foi a pior medida de qualidade. As avaliações incompletas foram diretamente associadas ao nível de dependência (p = 0,048, r = 0,34) e inversamente ao espaço físico disponível (p = 0,003, r = 0,55). CONCLUSãO: Uma porção significativa da parte III da MDS-UPDRS é perdida durante as avaliações baseadas em telemedicina em um cenário da vida real com recursos limitados.

Feasibility for evaluating motor aspects of Parkinson's disease through video consultations in a resource-limited setting in Southern Brazil / Viabilidade para avaliar os aspectos motores da doença de Parkinson através de consultas por vídeo em um ambiente de recursos limitados no sul do Brasil

Abstract Background Performing motor evaluations using videoconferencing for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is safe and feasible. However, the feasibility of these evaluations is not adequately studied in resource-limited settings. Objective To evaluate the feasibility of performing motor evaluations for patients with PD in a resource-limited setting. Methods The examiners rated motor aspects of parkinsonism of 34 patients with PD from the Brazilian public healthcare system through telemedicine with the patient's own means by using the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) rating scale. Quality measures of the video meeting were also obtained. The feasibility of rating the motor aspects was the primary outcome whereas the rating of individual motor aspects, video meeting quality and predictors of a complete evaluation served as secondary outcomes. Results The least assessable parameters were freezing of gait (52.9%), gait (70.6%), leg agility, and rest tremor (both 76.5%). Complete MDS-UPDRS part III was possible in 41.2% of patients and 62 out of 374 motor aspects evaluated (16.6%) were missed. Available physical space for a video evaluation was the worst quality measure. Incomplete evaluations were directly associated with disability (p = 0.048, r = 0.34) and inversely with available physical space (p = 0.003, r = 0.55). Conclusion A significant portion of the MDS-UPDRS part III is unable to be performed during telemedicine-based evaluations in a real-life scenario of a resource-limited setting.

Resumo Antecedentes Realizar avaliações motoras usando videoconferência para pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é seguro e viável. Entretanto, a viabilidade dessas avaliações não é adequadamente estudada em cenários com recursos limitados. Objetivo Identificar a viabilidade de realizar avaliações motoras para pacientes com DP em um ambiente com recursos limitados. Métodos Os examinadores avaliaram os aspectos motores da DP de 34 pacientes do sistema público de saúde brasileiro através da telemedicina com os próprios meios do paciente usando a escala Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Medidas de qualidade da videochamada também foram obtidas. A viabilidade da classificação dos aspectos motores foi o resultado primário, enquanto a classificação dos aspectos motores individuais, a qualidade das videoconferências e os preditores de uma avaliação completa serviram como resultados secundários. Resultados Os parâmetros menos avaliáveis foram congelamento da marcha (52,9%), marcha (70,6%), agilidade dos membros inferiores e tremor de repouso (ambos 76,5%). A parte III completa da MDS-UPDRS foi possível em 41,2% dos pacientes, mas não foi possível avaliar 62 do total de 374 aspectos motores (16,6%). O espaço físico disponível para uma avaliação em vídeo foi a pior medida de qualidade. As avaliações incompletas foram diretamente associadas ao nível de dependência (p = 0,048, r = 0,34) e inversamente ao espaço físico disponível (p = 0,003, r = 0,55). Conclusão Uma porção significativa da parte III da MDS-UPDRS é perdida durante as avaliações baseadas em telemedicina em um cenário da vida real com recursos limitados.

Feasibility of telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism in the Brazilian public health system.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism is feasible, cost-effective and satisfactory. However, the feasibility of this modality of care for this subpopulation is not known in real-life scenarios of developing countries like Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism in a developing country. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with patients with parkinsonism treated in the Brazilian public healthcare system. We included 130 patients, who were contacted by telephone; those who could be reached underwent a structured interview for data collection. The primary outcomes were the feasibility of teleconsultations and video consultations, but we also performed a logistic regression regarding the feasibility of a video consultation and associated factors. RESULTS: Telemedicine was feasible and accepted by 69 (53.08%) patients regarding teleconsultations and by 50 (38.5%) patients regarding video consultations. Teleconsultations were feasible for 80.2%, and video consultations were feasible for 58.1% of the patients reachable through telephone calls. Having a higher family income was positively correlated with the feasibility for a video consultation while a negative association was observed regarding being married or in a stable union and having a low level of schooling. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with parkinsonism in a developing country are unreachable, unwilling, or unable to participate in telemedicine. Among the reachable patients, feasibility is higher but still lower than what is reported in studies in developed countries. Family income, level of schooling, and marital status were associated with the feasibility of video consultations.

ANTECEDENTES: A telemedicina para pacientes com parkinsonismo é viável, econômica e satisfatória. No entanto, a viabilidade dessa modalidade de atendimento para essa subpopulação não é conhecida no cenário da vida real de países em desenvolvimento como o Brasil. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade da telemedicina para pacientes com parkinsonismo em um país em desenvolvimento. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes com parkinsonismo atendidos na rede pública de saúde brasileira. Foram incluídos 130 pacientes, que foram contatados por telefone; os que responderam foram submetidos a uma entrevista estruturada para coleta de dados. Os resultados primários foram a viabilidade para teleconsultas e videoconsultas, mas também foi realizada uma regressão logística entre a viabilidade de uma videoconsulta e fatores associados. RESULTADOS: A participação em telemedicina era possível ou consentida por 69 (53,08%) dos pacientes com relação a teleconsultas, e por 50 (38,5%) com relação a videoconsultas. As teleconsultas e videoconsultas eram viáveis para 80,2% e 58,1% dos pacientes acessíveis por telefone, respectivamente. Uma maior renda familiar foi positivamente correlacionada com a viabilidade de uma videoconsulta, enquanto uma associação negativa foi observada com relação a ser casado ou estar em união estável e ter baixo grau de escolaridade. CONCLUSõES: Uma proporção significativa de pacientes com parkinsonismo em um país em desenvolvimento é inacessível, não quer, ou não pode participar da telemedicina. Entre os pacientes contatáveis, a viabilidade é maior, mas ainda menor do que a relatada em estudos em países desenvolvidos. Renda familiar, escolaridade e estado civil foram associados à viabilidade das videoconsultas.

Feasibility of telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism in the Brazilian public health system / Viabilidade da telemedicina para pacientes com parkinsonismo no sistema público de saúde brasileiro

Abstract Background Telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism is feasible, cost-effective and satisfactory. However, the feasibility of this modality of care for this subpopulation is not known in real-life scenarios of developing countries like Brazil. Objective To evaluate the feasibility of telemedicine for patients with parkinsonism in a developing country. Methods A cross-sectional study with patients with parkinsonism treated in the Brazilian public healthcare system. We included 130 patients, who were contacted by telephone; those who could be reached underwent a structured interview for data collection. The primary outcomes were the feasibility of teleconsultations and video consultations, but we also performed a logistic regression regarding the feasibility of a video consultation and associated factors. Results Telemedicine was feasible and accepted by 69 (53.08%) patients regarding teleconsultations and by 50 (38.5%) patients regarding video consultations. Tele-consultations were feasible for 80.2%, and video consultations were feasible for 58.1% of the patients reachable through telephone calls. Having a higher family income was positively correlated with the feasibility for a video consultation while a negative association was observed regarding being married or in a stable union and having a low level of schooling. Conclusions A significant proportion of patients with parkinsonism in a developing country are unreachable, unwilling, or unable to participate in telemedicine. Among the reachable patients, feasibility is higher but still lower than what is reported in studies in developed countries. Family income, level of schooling, and marital status were associated with the feasibility of video consultations.

Resumo Antecedentes A telemedicina para pacientes com parkinsonismo é viável, econômica e satisfatória. No entanto, a viabilidade dessa modalidade de atendimento para essa subpopulação não é conhecida no cenário da vida real de países em desenvolvimento como o Brasil. Objetivo Avaliar a viabilidade da telemedicina para pacientes com parkinsonismo em um país em desenvolvimento. Métodos Estudo transversal com pacientes com parkinsonismo atendidos na rede pública de saúde brasileira. Foram incluídos 130 pacientes, que foram contatados por telefone; os que responderam foram submetidos a uma entrevista estruturada para coleta de dados. Os resultados primários foram a viabilidade para teleconsultas e videoconsultas, mas também foi realizada uma regressão logística entre a viabilidade de uma videoconsulta e fatores associados. Resultados A participação em telemedicina era possível ou consentida por 69 (53,08%) dos pacientes com relação a teleconsultas, e por 50 (38,5%) com relação a videoconsultas. As teleconsultas e videoconsultas eram viáveis para 80,2% e 58,1% dos pacientes acessíveis por telefone, respectivamente. Uma maior renda familiar foi positivamente correlacionada com a viabilidade de uma videoconsulta, enquanto uma associação negativa foi observada com relação a ser casado ou estar em união estável e ter baixo grau de escolaridade. Conclusões Uma proporção significativa de pacientes com parkinsonismo em um país em desenvolvimento é inacessível, não quer, ou não pode participar da tele-medicina. Entre os pacientes contatáveis, a viabilidade é maior, mas ainda menor do que a relatada em estudos em países desenvolvidos. Renda familiar, escolaridade e estado civil foram associados à viabilidade das videoconsultas.

Increased Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Patients With Helicobacter pylori Infection Are Associated With the Grading of Chronic Gastritis.

Background: Recent studies have found an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and prediabetes. Whether H. pylori per se or host factors are involved in the disturbance of glycated hemoglobin needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the association of glycated hemoglobin levels with endoscopic diagnosis and the inflammatory response in H. pylori infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 88 dyspeptic non-diabetic adults who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was performed through urease test and histopathological exam. Cases were initially distributed into two groups: control (without H. pylori infection, n = 22) and HP (patients with H. pylori infection, n = 66). HbA1c was measured to determine prediabetes status according to the American Diabetes Association criteria, and then the groups were subdivided into non-prediabetic (n = 14), prediabetic (n = 8), non-prediabetic HP (n = 26) and prediabetic HP (n = 40) groups. Gastric mucosa was histologically evaluated to determine H. pylori density and inflammatory activity according to Sydney System. To investigate the balance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines we measured interleukin 10 (anti-inflammatory) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-a (pro-inflammatory) in the plasma or in the gastric mucosa. Results: Patients with H. pylori infection had higher mean HbA1c levels than those without H. pylori infection. However, increased HbA1c levels were not associated with H. pylori-related factors but with the bacterial density, the intensity of inflammation and the activity of the chronic gastritis. In addition, H. pylori infection per se did not alter IL-10 and TNF-α neither in the plasma nor in the gastric mucosa, but the bacterial density was negatively correlated with systemic and local IL-10 expression. Although no correlation was found between systemic cytokines and HbA1c levels, local anti-inflammatory cytokine was correlated with HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Long-term H. pylori infection is associated with prediabetes. This association is not related to the presence of H. pylori per se but depends on the extent of bacterial colonization and the degree of both local inflammation and activity of the chronic gastritis.