Intravenous zoledronate for postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis: a systematic review and metanalysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis compromises bone strength and increases the risk of fractures. Zoledronate prevents loss of bone mass and reduces the risk of fractures. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of zoledronate in postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted within the evidence-based health program at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: An electronic search of the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS databases was performed until February 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing zoledronate with placebo or other bisphosphonates were included. Standard methodological procedures were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook and the certainty of evidence for the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. Two authors assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on fractures, adverse events, bone turnover markers (BTM), and bone mineral density (BMD). RESULTS: Twelve trials from 6,652 records were included: nine compared zoledronate with placebo, two trials compared zoledronate with alendronate, and one trial compared zoledronate with ibandronate. Zoledronate reduced the incidence of fractures in osteoporotic [three years: morphometric vertebral fractures (relative risk, RR = 0.30 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.24-0.38))] and osteopenic women [six years: morphometric vertebral fractures (RR = 0.39 (95%CI: 0.25-0.61))], increased incidence of post-dose symptoms [RR = 2.56 (95%CI: 1.80-3.65)], but not serious adverse events [RR = 0.97 (95%CI: 0.91-1.04)]. Zoledronate reduced BTM and increased BMD in osteoporotic and osteopenic women. CONCLUSION: This review supports the efficacy and safety of zoledronate in postmenopausal women with osteopenia for six years and osteoporosis for three years. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022309708, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=309708.

Intravenous zoledronate for postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis: a systematic review and metanalysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis compromises bone strength and increases the risk of fractures. Zoledronate prevents loss of bone mass and reduces the risk of fractures. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of zoledronate in postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. DESIGN AND SETTINGS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted within the evidence-based health program at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: An electronic search of the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS databases was performed until February 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing zoledronate with placebo or other bisphosphonates were included. Standard methodological procedures were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook and the certainty of evidence for the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. Two authors assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on fractures, adverse events, bone turnover markers (BTM), and bone mineral density (BMD). RESULTS: Twelve trials from 6,652 records were included: nine compared zoledronate with placebo, two trials compared zoledronate with alendronate, and one trial compared zoledronate with ibandronate. Zoledronate reduced the incidence of fractures in osteoporotic [three years: morphometric vertebral fractures (relative risk, RR = 0.30 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.24-0.38))] and osteopenic women [six years: morphometric vertebral fractures (RR = 0.39 (95%CI: 0.25-0.61))], increased incidence of post-dose symptoms [RR = 2.56 (95%CI: 1.80-3.65)], but not serious adverse events [RR = 0.97 (95%CI: 0.91-1.04)]. Zoledronate reduced BTM and increased BMD in osteoporotic and osteopenic women. CONCLUSION: This review supports the efficacy and safety of zoledronate in postmenopausal women with osteopenia for six years and osteoporosis for three years. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022309708, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=309708.

Motor cortex transcranial direct current stimulation effects on knee osteoarthritis pain in elderly subjects with dysfunctional descending pain inhibitory system: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence has indicated a positive effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on reducing pain, few studies have focused on the elderly population with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether tDCS reduces KOA pain in elderly individuals with a dysfunctional descending pain inhibitory system (DPIS). METHODS: In a double-blind trial, individuals ≥ 60 years with KOA pain and a dysfunctional DPIS, we randomly assigned patients to receive 15 daily sessions of 2 mA tDCS over the primary motor cortex (anode) and contralateral supraorbital area (cathode) (M1-SO) for 20 min or sham tDCS. Change in pain perception indexed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) at the end of intervention was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included: disability, quantitative sensory testing, pain pressure threshold and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Subjects were followed-up for 2 months. RESULTS: Of the 104 enrolled subjects, with mean (SD) age of 73.9 (8.01) years and 88 (84.6%) female, 102 finished the trial. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the active tDCS group had a significantly greater reduction in BPI compared to the sham group (difference, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.23; P < 0.001; Cohen's d, 0.58); and, also a significantly greater improvement in CPM-pressure in the knee (P = 0.01) and CPM-pain in the hand (P = 0.01). These effects were not sustained at follow-up. The intervention was well tolerated, with no severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: M1-SO tDCS is associated with a moderate effect size in reducing pain in elderly patients with KOA after 15 daily sessions of stimulation. This intervention has also shown to modulate the DPIS.

Risk factors of pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

Data on the precise mechanisms of the complex interactions of factors related to clinical impact of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the elderly population remain limited. To find predictors that explain pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life in elderly KOA subjects, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from a randomized trial. The trial included 104 subjects (aged ≥60) with KOA pain and dysfunctional endogenous pain-inhibitory system activity assessed by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Three multiple linear regression models were performed to understand the independent predictors of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), WOMAC function subscale (WOMACFunc), and SF-12 physical subscale (SF12-PCS). Model 1 showed that BPI pain score was predicted by low CPM response, high von-Frey light touch threshold, worse radiological severity as indexed by Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KL), high von-Frey punctate pain intensity and high levels of anxiety (adjusted R2 = 27.1%, F (6,95) = 7.27, P < 0.0001). In model 2, von-Frey light touch threshold, KL, depressive symptoms indexed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), level of sleepiness and pain pressure threshold were risk factors for SF12-PCS (adjusted R2 = 31.9%, F (5,96) = 10.5, P < 0.0001). Finally, model 3 showed that WOMACFunc was predicted by BDI, KL and BPI (adjusted R2 = 41%, F (3,98) = 24.42, P < 0.0001). Our data provides an interesting framework to understand the predictors of KOA pain in the elderly and highlights how its related outcomes are affected by disease-specific factors, somatosensory dysfunction and emotional factors.

Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. METHODS: Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort - Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. CONCLUSION: The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue.

Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögrens syndrome: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. METHODS: Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort - Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. CONCLUSION: The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue.

High Prevalence of Vertebral Fracture in a Very Elderly Community-Dwelling: "Longevous Project".

INTRODUCTION: Vertebral fractures (VF) are associated with poorer quality of life, morbidity, and mortality in aging, and are the main risk factors for new VF or fractures in other sites. Thus, to explore them in the elderly is important, especially considering the very elderly individuals (age ≥ 80), who belong to the fastest growing population in the world, a portion that is still very little studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, specific characteristics and associations of VFs in a very elderly population. METHOD: Observational, descriptive, and analytical cross-sectional study of the "Longevous Project" - São Paulo, Brazil, an ongoing prospective cohort that includes elderly of both gender, aged 80 yr or more. For the diagnosis of VF 2 methods were used VFA ("VF Assessment) by bone densitometry and X-ray, by 2 independent physicians, and using the Genant semiquantitative technique. The VFs by VFA were correlated with demographic, anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, and densitometric data. Statistical tests applied were qui-square and ANOVA. RESULTS: We analyzed data of 125 individuals with a mean age of 86.7 ± 4.1 yr and majority of female (71.2%). The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 35.5% and 47.6%, respectively. A higher prevalence of VF was verified by VFA (30.4%) than by X-ray (20.8%), besides the majority was considered severe, 52.6% and 57.7%, by VFA and X-ray, respectively. A concordance index between the 2 methods was considered regular for the diagnosis of VF (Kappa = 0.419), and good for the VF severity (Kappa = 0.743). The VF were significantly associated to bone densitometry analysis VF (p = 0.05), and its severity was significantly correlated with total hip BMD (p = 0.049) and glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study observed a high prevalence of VF in a very elderly population, being the great majority severe fractures and suggests that VFA might be more effective to detect VF in oldest-old individuals.

Pain assessment in elderly with dementia: Brazilian validation of the PACSLAC scale.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate - Portuguese in demented elderly and to analyze its measurement properties. METHODS: We evaluated 50 elderly with dementia, residing in a nursing home and with limited communication ability, when exposed to potentially painful situations. The tool was applied at two different moments. First, two interviewers applied it simultaneously, and the intensity of pain was asked based on the caregiver's opinion. After 14 days, with no analgesic intervention, one of the interviewers applied it again. RESULTS: The sample comprised more females, aged over 80 years, with dementia due to Alzheimer, presenting musculoskeletal pain of moderate to severe intensity. The psychometric properties of the tool demonstrated appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.827). The scale had excellent reproducibility, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the tool has been duly validated. CONCLUSION: The Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate - Portuguese had adequate measuring properties for use with elderly presenting limited communication. OBJETIVO: Validar o Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate - Portuguese em idosos dementados e analisar as propriedades de suas medições. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 50 idosos dementados, residentes de uma casa de repouso e com capacidade de comunicação verbal limitada, quando expostos a situações potencialmente dolorosas. A ferramenta foi utilizada em dois momentos diferentes. Primeiro, foi aplicada por dois entrevistadores simultaneamente, e a intensidade da dor foi questionada com base na opinião do cuidador. Depois de 14 dias, sem intervenção de analgésico, a ferramenta foi aplicada novamente por um dos entrevistadores. RESULTADOS: A amostra teve predominância de mulheres, acima de 80 anos de idade, com demência de Alzheimer, apresentando dores musculoesqueléticas com intensidade moderada a grave. As propriedades psicométricas do instrumento demonstraram consistência interna adequada (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,827). A escala teve excelente reprodutibilidade, de acordo com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e o instrumento demonstrou validade adequada. CONCLUSÃO: O Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate - Portuguese teve propriedades de medição adequadas para idosos com limitações de comunicação.

Pain assessment in elderly with dementia: Brazilian validation of the PACSLAC scale / Avaliação de dor em idosos dementados: validação da versão brasileira da escala PACSLAC

ABSTRACT Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese in demented elderly and to analyze its measurement properties. Methods We evaluated 50 elderly with dementia, residing in a nursing home and with limited communication ability, when exposed to potentially painful situations. The tool was applied at two different moments. First, two interviewers applied it simultaneously, and the intensity of pain was asked based on the caregiver’s opinion. After 14 days, with no analgesic intervention, one of the interviewers applied it again. Results The sample comprised more females, aged over 80 years, with dementia due to Alzheimer, presenting musculoskeletal pain of moderate to severe intensity. The psychometric properties of the tool demonstrated appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.827). The scale had excellent reproducibility, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the tool has been duly validated. Conclusion The Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese had adequate measuring properties for use with elderly presenting limited communication.

RESUMO Objetivo Validar o Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese em idosos dementados e analisar as propriedades de suas medições. Métodos Foram avaliados 50 idosos dementados, residentes de uma casa de repouso e com capacidade de comunicação verbal limitada, quando expostos a situações potencialmente dolorosas. A ferramenta foi utilizada em dois momentos diferentes. Primeiro, foi aplicada por dois entrevistadores simultaneamente, e a intensidade da dor foi questionada com base na opinião do cuidador. Depois de 14 dias, sem intervenção de analgésico, a ferramenta foi aplicada novamente por um dos entrevistadores. Resultados A amostra teve predominância de mulheres, acima de 80 anos de idade, com demência de Alzheimer, apresentando dores musculoesqueléticas com intensidade moderada a grave. As propriedades psicométricas do instrumento demonstraram consistência interna adequada (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,827). A escala teve excelente reprodutibilidade, de acordo com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e o instrumento demonstrou validade adequada. Conclusão O Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese teve propriedades de medição adequadas para idosos com limitações de comunicação.

O uso de vitaminas do complexo B em terapêutica analgésica / B complex vitamins for analgesic therapy

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As vitaminas do complexo B têm sido utilizadas em monoterapia ou combinada a outros fármacos, como os anti-inflamatórios, em diversas situações clinicas, como por exemplo, nas doenças degenerativas da coluna, doenças reumatológicas, polineuropatias e nos pós-operatórios diversos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar na literatura científica as evidências mais recentes do uso de vitaminas do complexo B como terapia analgésica e descrever as situações clínicas em que se pode verificar a sua ação analgésica. CONTEÚDO: Realizada a revisão bibliográfica na base de dados do Pubmed, Medline, LILACS, Biblioteca Cochrane e Scielo, contemplando os últimos 10 anos, títulos em português, espanhol e inglês. Os descritores utilizados foram: "Dor", "vitaminas do complexo B", "tratamento", "vitamina B1", "vitamina B6", "vitamina B12", "tiamina", "piridoxina" e "cianocobalamina". Dentre os 40 estudos encontrados selecionaram-se apenas os trials em dor musculoesquelética e neuropática com seres humanos, e em que as vitaminas do complexo B configuraram-se como agentes analgésicos. Foram selecionados então 13 estudos que satisfizeram esses critérios de inclusão. Em todos eles as vitaminas do complexo B desempenharam papéis na analgesia, inclusive quando em monoterapia. As vitaminas do complexo B também apresentaram ação anti-inflamatória, anti-pruriginosa, na funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos existentes, apesar de heterogêneos, demonstraram que as vitaminas do complexo B possuem efeito analgésico em síndromes dolorosas neuropática e nociceptiva, e que por serem esses fármacos seguros e de baixos custos poderiam representar boas opções na terapêutica analgésica no nosso meio.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The B complex vitamins have been used as single therapy or combined to other drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, in different clinical situations, such as degenerative spinal diseases, rheumatologic diseases, polyneuropathies and in different postoperative situations. This study aimed at identifying in the scientific literature most recent evidences of the use of B complex vitamins as analgesic therapy and at describing clinical situations where their analgesic action could be observed. CONTENTS: A search was carried out in Pubmed, Medline, LILACS, Cochrane Library and Scielo databases, contemplating the last 10 years and titles in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Keywords were: "pain", "B complex vitamins", "management", "vitamin B1", "vitamin B6", "vitamin B12", "thiamine", "pyridoxine" and "cyanocobalamin". Among 40 studies found, we have selected just musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain trials with humans, and where B complex vitamins were used as analgesic agents. From these, 13 studies were selected for meeting inclusion criteria. In all of them, B complex vitamins played roles in analgesia, even when in single therapy. B complex vitamins had also anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritus action, in addition to improving functionality. CONCLUSION: Existing studies, although scarce and heterogeneous, have shown that B complex vitamins have analgesic effect. They are considered safe and have low cost and have shown to be a good option as adjuvant analgesic therapy.

Doenças articulares no idoso / Osteoarticular disease in elderly patients

O envelhecimento populacional é responsável pelo aumento da prevalência de doenças osteoarticulares associadas à dor, deformidades articulares e incapacidade funcional. As principais doenças osteoarticulares no idoso são a osteoartrite, artrite reumatóide e gota que podem causar dor e, consequentemente, impacto negativo nas atividades de vida diaria. Portanto, o reconhecimento precoce e o tratamento adequado dessas enfermidades são essenciais para a prevenção de deformidades e manutenção da funcionalidade e qualidade de vida destes indivíduos.

Profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes clínicos: como e quando? / Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in clinical patients: how and when?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) ocorre frequentemente em pacientes internados. Apesar dos eventos serem em geral associados às cirurgias ou trauma, a maior parte dos eventos de tromboembolismos venosos sintomáticos e das embolias pulmonares ocorre em pacientes não cirúrgicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar os principais aspectos clínicos relacionados ao TEV, destacando quando e como indicar sua profilaxia. CONTEÚDO: Aproximadamente dois milhões de casos de TEV ocorrem a cada ano e sua incidência tem se elevado com o envelhecimento populacional. Para estratificação de risco de TEV, considera-se inicialmente a idade do paciente, o grau de mobilidade e as comorbidades associadas. Indivíduos com 40 anos ou mais, com mobilidade reduzida e pelo menos um fator de risco adicional para TEV (insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico, câncer, obesidade) devem ser considerados de risco para TEV. Na ausência de contraindicações, a profilaxia está indicada. CONCLUSÃO: A profilaxia com anticoagulantes deve ser utilizada por 6 a 14 dias, mesmo que o paciente inicie a mobilização precoce ou receba alta antes desse período. Novos anticoagulantes orais, atualmente em fase de estudo são promissores e podem tornar-se uma opção na profilaxia do TEV em pacientes clínicos.

Hipertensão sistólica no idoso / Systolic hypertension in the elderly

A hipertensão arterial sistólica (HAS) é um problema comum na população idosa, com prevalência de 60% a 80%. Apesar de frequente e dos benefícios do tratamento para essa população estarem bem documentados, incluindo para maiores de 80 anos (estudos SHEP, HYVET, ALLHAT, entre outros), a HAS nesta faixa etária ainda não é bem controlada. Evidências para o tratamentoda HAS nos idosos demonstram redução da incidência de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), eventos cardiovasculares maiores, principalmente insuficiência cardíaca e morte por qualquer causa. As principais modificações no estilo de vida que podem reduzir a pressão arterial (PA) são a prática de atividade física e a mudança de hábitos nutricionais. O tratamento medicamentoso deve ser iniciado se as mudanças no estilo de vida não forem suficientes para se atingir os níveis pressóricos desejáveis. Os medicamentos devem ser iniciados com doses baixas e com aumento gradual, e deve-se estar atento para o risco elevado de hipotensão ortostática. A redução gradual da PA também evita riscos de sintomas isquêmicos cerebrais e, por isso, pacientes com níveis muito altos de hipertensão sistólica devem ter nível de PA alvo inicial um pouco mais elevado. Os diuréticos tiazídicos continuam sendo a primeira escolha para o início de tratamento. Se necessário, deve-se associar inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) ou bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina (BRA) ou mesmo inibidor de canal de cálcio, como a amlodipina. Não utilizar betabloqueador como terapia inicial, pois não parece ser melhor do que outros agentes para a prevenção primária de infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e parece ser pior para prevenção de AVC.

Hypertension is a common problem in the elderly, with prevalence around 60% to 80% in this population. Even being a common problem, hypertension in the elderly is not well controlled, but its benefits, including treatment of the very old, are known, as described in some trials (SHEP, HYVET, ALLHAT). Treating hypertension in the elderly reduces stroke, major cardiovascular events, mainly heart failure, and death. The most important changes of life style to reduce hypertension are exercise and changein dietary. The antihypertensive therapy should be started if change of life style did not work. The antihypertensive drugs should be started with low doses and increased slowly until target dosage since orthostatic hypotensionis commonly observed and also ischemic cerebral events symptoms. The thiazide diuretics are the first choice to initiate therapy. If low-dose thiazide monotherapy fails to attain goal blood pressure, ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker or a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker can be sequentially added or substituted. Beta-blockers should not be used as primary therapy in hypertension and do not appear to be better than other agents for the primary prevention of myocardial infarction and may be worse than other agents for the prevention of stroke.

Leucemia mielóide crônica e síndrome de hiper-viscosidade: relato de caso / Chronicle myeloid leukemia and hiperviscosity syndrome: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A hiperleucocitose (> 100 x 10(9)/L) em leucemia mielóide crônica não é uma apresentação comum e pode determinar manifestações clínicas de hiper-viscosidade. As perdas auditiva e visual observadas em pacientes com leucemia são consideradas sintomas incomuns, mas fortemente associados à síndrome da hiper-viscosidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o caso de um paciente que apresentou perda da audição como manifestação inicial de leucemia mielóide crônica e síndrome de hiper-viscosidade e rever aspectos relacionados a seu tratamento em Medicina Intensiva. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 41 anos, com queixa de tontura havia seis meses sem resposta ao tratamento sintomático, foi admitido no serviço de emergência com perda auditiva aguda. Ao exame físico encontrava-se normal, exceto por perda auditiva bilateralmente. Os exames laboratoriais demonstraram leucocitose importante (645.000), com 66,4 por cento de blastos com características mielóides, 13,6 por cento bastões, 15,3 por cento segmentados, 1,4 por cento linfócitos, 3,3 por cento eosinófilos e plaquetas de 225.000. Devido à suspeição de leucemia com risco elevado para síndrome de hiper-viscosidade, o paciente foi admitido para tratamento na unidade de terapia intensiva. Realizado mielograma e biópsia de medula óssea que confirmaram o diagnóstico de leucemia mielóide crônica. Iniciadas hidratação, hidroxiuréia, alopurinol e dexametasona. A leucoaferese foi realizada uma semana após a admissão, quando a contagem leucocitária estava em torno de 488.000. Dez dias após o procedimento, o paciente não apresentou melhora da audição, apesar da leucometria de 10.000. Recebeu alta hospitalar em duas semanas para continuidade do tratamento ambulatorial. CONCLUSÕES: As freqüências das manifestações sensitivas em pacientes com leucemia incluem além das perdas auditiva e visual, vertigem, paralisia facial e infecções. A síndrome de hiper-viscosidade decorrente...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperleukocytosis (> 100 x 10(9)/L) is an uncommon presentation of chronic leukemias and it can present clinical symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. Hearing loss and blindness rarely occurs in patients with leukemia; however, it can be strong association with hyper-viscosity syndrome. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of acute hearing loss as the initial manifestation of acute leukemia and hyper-viscosity syndrome and also mainly aspects of the intensive care treatment. CASE REPORT: A 41 year-old, male patient, who has been complaining about dizziness for six months with no response to symptomatic medications, was admitted to the emergency department with acute hearing loss. The physical examination was normal except for a bilateral hearing loss without an apparent cause. Laboratory exams showed total leukocyte: 645.000 with 66.4 percent blasts, hemoglobin: 7.0, hematocrit: 20.5, urea: 94, creatinine: 1.59, K: 5.6, Na: 138, INR: 1.38, TTPa: 0.89, troponin lower than 0.2, CK: 218, CKMB: 50, uric acid: 11.1. After a first hypothesis of leukemia with a high risk of hyper-viscosity complications, the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and treatment. A bone marrow biopsy was performed and than started hidratation, hydroxyurea, allopurinol, dexamethasone. According to hematologists the patient had a chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukopheresis was performed one week after admission when total blood leukocytes were around 488.000. Ten days after the procedure the patient had no improvement of the hearing loss but total leukocytes were 10.100. He was discharge to the ward and 2 weeks later went home to continue ambulatory treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sensitive manifestations in patients with leukemia include not only visual and hearing loss but also many others manifestations such as conductive vertigo, facial palsy and infections. Hyperviscosity syndrome due to hyperleukocytosis...

[Chronicle myeloid leukemia and hiperviscosity syndrome: case report]. / Leucemia mielóide crônica e síndrome de hiper-viscosidade: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperleukocytosis (> 100 x 10(9)/L) is an uncommon presentation of chronic leukemias and it can present clinical symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. Hearing loss and blindness rarely occurs in patients with leukemia; however, it can be strong association with hyper-viscosity syndrome. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of acute hearing loss as the initial manifestation of acute leukemia and hyper-viscosity syndrome and also mainly aspects of the intensive care treatment. CASE REPORT: A 41 year-old, male patient, who has been complaining about dizziness for six months with no response to symptomatic medications, was admitted to the emergency department with acute hearing loss. The physical examination was normal except for a bilateral hearing loss without an apparent cause. Laboratory exams showed total leukocyte: 645.000 with 66.4% blasts, hemoglobin: 7.0, hematocrit: 20.5, urea: 94, creatinine: 1.59, K: 5.6, Na: 138, INR: 1.38, TTPa: 0.89, troponin lower than 0.2, CK: 218, CKMB: 50, uric acid: 11.1. After a first hypothesis of leukemia with a high risk of hyper-viscosity complications, the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and treatment. A bone marrow biopsy was performed and than started hidratation, hydroxyurea, allopurinol, dexamethasone. According to hematologists the patient had a chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukopheresis was performed one week after admission when total blood leukocytes were around 488.000. Ten days after the procedure the patient had no improvement of the hearing loss but total leukocytes were 10.100. He was discharge to the ward and 2 weeks later went home to continue ambulatory treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sensitive manifestations in patients with leukemia include not only visual and hearing loss but also many others manifestations such as conductive vertigo, facial palsy and infections. Hyperviscosity syndrome due to hyperleukocytosis is also a possible cause of sensorial loss, but the syndrome is often dependent on leukocyte counts greater than (>100 x 10(9)/L).This case is a representative of rare cases in which acute sensorineural hearing loss occurred as the initial manifestation of hyper-viscosity syndrome due to leukemia.

Efeitos da pressão positiva no final da expiração orientada pela análise da complacência estática do sistema respiratório sobre a pressão intra-abdominal / Effect of the positive end expiration pressure guided by the analysis of the static compliance of the respiratory system on the intra-abdominal pressure

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A pressão intra-abdo­minal (PIA) costuma se elevar em pacientes graves e deve ser monitorada considerando o risco de síndrome compar­timental. A ventilação mecânica pode intensificar o aumen­to da PIA por transmissão da pressão intratorácica pelo diafragma. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de valores mais elevados de pressão positiva no final da expi­ração (PEEP) sobre a PIA em pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão intra-abdominal. MÉTODO: Quinze pacientes com indicação para elevação dos níveis de PEEP e que apresentavam hipertensão intra­-abdominal; a mensuração da PIA foi realizada por medida de pressão intravesical em cinco momentos distintos: pré e pós-bloqueio neuromuscular, pós-otimização da PEEP, após 6 horas e 12 horas da otimização. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 15 pacientes, sendo 33,3% (5) do sexo feminino e 66,7% (10) sexo masculino; com idade entre 20 e 89 anos. Sete pacientes (46,7%) em pós­-operatório de cirurgia gastroenterológica, cinco (33,3%) vítimas de politraumatismo e três (20%) em pós-operató­rio de cirurgia de aorta. Considerando a classificação de Burch, 10 pacientes, apresentava hipertensão abdominal grau 1(10,4-15 mmHg); quatro com grau II (16-25 mmHg) e um com grau III (27,5 mmHg). A variação entre a PIA inicial e as quatro medidas seqüenciais após otimização da PEEP variaram entre 2 e 10 mmHg; esta comparação não se apresentou estatisticamente significativa, utilizando-se o teste Analise de Variância de Friedman com p igual 0,196, logo maior que 0,005. CONCLUSÃO: O incremento da PEEP não alterou de for­ma significativa os níveis de pressão intra-abdominal nas primeiras 12 horas pós sua otimização.

Necrose isquêmica hepática e diabete melito: relato de caso / Liver ischemic necrosis and diabetes mellitus: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O infarto hepático é definido como necrose isquêmica do parênquima hepático envolvendo pelo menos dois ácinos. Trata-se de evento considerado raro devido ao duplo suprimento sangüíneo, arterial e venoso. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de paciente não sabidamente diabética que desenvolveu extensas áreas isquêmicas de infarto hepático, após quadro de descompensação aguda da diabete. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 67 anos, hipertensa, procurou o Pronto Socorro com queixas de polidipsia, poliúria, turvação visual, náuseas e vômitos, dificuldade para deambular, havia aproximadamente 10 dias. Ao exame físico foi observado desidratação, palidez cutânea, cianose periférica, hipotermia, taquicardia, hipotensão, dor abdominal leve e difusa. Exames laboratoriais mostraram: leucócitos: 16800, creatinina (Cr): 3,7, uréia (Ur): 167, Na: 133, K: 6.9, glicose: 561; gasometria arterial (cateter de oxigênio: 2 L/min): pH: 6.93, pCO2: 12.1, pO2: 107, BE: -28,8, HCO3: 2,4, Sat 91,3 por cento, lact: 79; urina I: pH: 6,0; leucócitos: 13; densidade: 1015; eritrócitos: 19; proteína: ++; glicose: +++; bilirrubina: negativa; corpos cetônicos: + denotando cetonemia. Eletrocardiograma com onda T apiculada, bloqueio de ramo direito. A paciente foi tratada com insulina, hidratação, bicarbonato de sódio e introduzido antibioticoterapia. Após o tratamento inicial, os exames laboratoriais mostraram: Cr: 2,2, Ur: 122, Na: 162, K: 4,3, Ca: 6,4, glicose: 504, pH: 7,01, HCO3: 7.1, BE: - 22. Um dia após, a paciente apresentou importante dor abdominal acompanhada de irritação peritoneal, além de sonolência e dificuldade para falar; exames laboratoriais mostraram: pH: 7,4, pCO2 : 31, pO2: 68, BE: -4,4, HCO3: 19, Sat.O2: 93,5 por cento; Ur: 95; Cr: 1,4, albumina: 2,4, Ca: 0,95, Na: 166, K:4, bilirrubina: 0,5, bilirrubina D/I: 0,2/0,3, amilase: 1157, Gama-GT: 56, AST 7.210, ALT: 2.470, VHS: 15, lipase: 84. Ultrasonografia abdominal...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatic infarction is characterized by parenchyma ischemic necrosis involving at least two acinis. It is extremely uncommon due to the arterial and portal venous blood supply. We report a case of a patient not know to have diabetes who developed massive areas of ischemic infarcts of the liver after episode of acutely diabetes decompensated. CASE REPORT: A 67 year-old hypertensive female who has been presenting, for the last 10 days, polydipsia, high urinary volume, visual and gait impairment, nausea and vomiting was admitted to the emergency room (ER). During the physical examination it was observed dehydration, skin discoloration, peripheral cyanosis, hypothermia, tachycardia, hypotension and mild diffuse abdominal pain. Admissional laboratory exams demonstrated total leukocytes: 16.800, Cr: 3.7, Ur: 167, Na: 133, K: 6.9, glucose: 561; arterial gasometry (O2 catheter: 2 L/min): pH: 6.93, pCO2: 12.1, pO2: 107, B.E.: -28.8, HCO3: 2.4, Sat 91.3 percent, lactato: 79; urinalysis: pH: 6; leukocytes: 13; density: 1015; erythrocytes: 19; protein: ++; glucose: +++; bilirubin: negative; ketonic bodies: + denote ketonemia. EKG: sharp T wave, right branch block. Patient was treated with intravenous insulin, hydration, sodium bicarbonate and ceftriaxone. After initial treatment, the laboratory exams showed Cr: 2.2, Ur: 122, Na: 162, K: 4.3, Ca: 6.4, glucose: 504, pH: 7.01, HCO3: 7.1, B.E.: -22. One day after admission the patient presented with important abdominal pain and peritoneal irritation, followed by difficulty for talking and somnolence; routine laboratory exams showed arterial gasometry: pH: 7.4, pCO2: 31, pO2: 68, BE: -4.4, HCO3: 19, SatO2: 93.5 percent; Ur: 95,Cr: 1.4, albumin: 2.4, Ca: 0.95, Na: 166, K:4, bilirubin: 0.5, bilirubin D/I: 0.2/0.3, Amylase: 1157, Gamma-GT: 56, AST 7.210, ALT: 2.470, SR (sedimentation rate): 15, Lipase: 84. Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable. Patient respiratory function and conscience...

[Liver ischemic necrosis and diabetes mellitus: case report]. / Necrose isquêmica hepática e diabete melito: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatic infarction is characterized by parenchyma ischemic necrosis involving at least two acinis. It is extremely uncommon due to the arterial and portal venous blood supply. We report a case of a patient not know to have diabetes who developed massive areas of ischemic infarcts of the liver after episode of acutely diabetes decompensated. CASE REPORT: A 67 year-old hypertensive female who has been presenting, for the last 10 days, polydipsia, high urinary volume, visual and gait impairment, nausea and vomiting was admitted to the emergency room (ER). During the physical examination it was observed dehydration, skin discoloration, peripheral cyanosis, hypothermia, tachycardia, hypotension and mild diffuse abdominal pain. Admissional laboratory exams demonstrated total leukocytes: 16.800, Cr: 3.7, Ur: 167, Na: 133, K: 6.9, glucose: 561; arterial gasometry (O2 catheter: 2 L/min): pH: 6.93, pCO2: 12.1, pO2: 107, B.E.: -28.8, HCO3: 2.4, Sat 91.3%, lactato: 79; urinalysis: pH: 6; leukocytes: 13; density: 1015; erythrocytes: 19; protein: ++; glucose: +++; bilirubin: negative; ketonic bodies: + denote ketonemia. EKG: sharp T wave, right branch block. Patient was treated with intravenous insulin, hydration, sodium bicarbonate and ceftriaxone. After initial treatment, the laboratory exams showed Cr: 2.2, Ur: 122, Na: 162, K: 4.3, Ca: 6.4, glucose: 504, pH: 7.01, HCO3: 7.1, B.E.: -22. One day after admission the patient presented with important abdominal pain and peritoneal irritation, followed by difficulty for talking and somnolence; routine laboratory exams showed arterial gasometry: pH: 7.4, pCO2: 31, pO2: 68, BE: -4.4, HCO3: 19, SatO2: 93.5%; Ur: 95,Cr: 1.4, albumin: 2.4, Ca: 0.95, Na: 166, K:4, bilirubin: 0.5, bilirubin D/I: 0.2/0.3, Amylase: 1157, Gamma-GT: 56, AST 7.210, ALT: 2.470, SR (sedimentation rate): 15, Lipase: 84. Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable. Patient respiratory function and conscience level worsened, requiring intubation. Despite all resuscitation efforts, she died. Necropsy showed multiple ischemic infarcts of the liver with vascular thrombosis, splenic infarcts, generalized visceral congestion and atherosclerosis of aorta and its branches. Pancreas was normal. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of hepatic and splenic infarctions in this case were unclear. The following factors may have contributed to necrosis: vomiting and fever should be considered to induce dehydration and hypotension, which further decreased portal and hepatic arterial inflows; elevated level of catecholamine in hyperglycemic states might induce vasoconstriction effects; widespread atherosclerosis is commonly seen in diabetic and hypertensive patients. This case underlies the importance of searching for hepatic necrosis or infarction in any diabetic patient with elevated liver enzymes. Anticoagulation therapy should be instituted promptly upon recognition of vascular thromboses.

Complicações cardiovasculares em usuário de cocaína: relato de caso / Cardiovascular complications related to cocaine use: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cocaína é uma droga ilícita amplamente utilizada e o seu uso tem sido associado a efeitos decorrentes da toxicidade aguda e crônica em praticamente todos os órgãos, particularmente no sistema cardiovascular. Este artigo visou descrever um caso de cardiomiopatia em paciente jovem usuário crônico de cocaína. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 19 anos, usuário de cocaína por inalação e crack desde os 15 anos de idade. Foi internado em fevereiro de 2006 devido a dispnéia progressiva aos mínimos esforços e expectoração sanguinolenta. Ao exame físico apresentava edema nos membros inferiores, estase jugular e dispnéia em repouso. Foram observados no ecocardiograma: dilatação das quatro câmaras cardíacas, com hipocinesia difusa de ventrículo esquerdo (VE), trombo mural em VE de 17 mm e fração de ejeção de 12 por cento. Realizada broncoscopia pulmonar que identificou sangramento em língula ativo, tratado com embolização. Após 48h do procedimento, o paciente manteve-se assintomático e sem expectoração sanguinolenta. Iniciado tratamento antitrombótico com warfarina e enoxaparina. A cineangiocoronariografia não evidenciou lesões obstrutivas e o paciente recebeu alta após melhora clínica. Re-internado em julho de 2006 com dor precordial de forte intensidade e dispnéia de repouso. Nova cineangiocoronariografia evidenciou oclusão de terço médio da artéria descendente anterior. CONCLUSÕES: Os efeitos agudos da cocaína freqüentemente motivam atendimento de emergência. Já as suas manifestações crônicas, como as doenças cardiovasculares, podem produzir alterações de difícil correlação futura ao seu consumo prévio. O uso prolongado da cocaína está relacionado à alteração da função sistólica ventricular esquerda por hipertrofia ou dilatação miocárdica, aterosclerose, disritmias cardíacas, apoptose de cardiomiócitos e lesão simpática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cocaine is the most commonly used illicit drug and its acute and chronic effects are related to a variety of physiological changes, mainly in the cardiovascular system. This study is a case report of a patient with cardiomyopathy related to cocaine use. CASE REPORT: A 19 year old men, who has been using cocaine and crack since 15 years old, was admitted to the emergency department (ED) in February 2006 with progressive dyspnea during minimal efforts and bloody expectoration. During the physical exam it was observed legs edema, jugular stasis and dyspnea at rest. The echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular hypocinesia, a 17 mm ventricular thrombus and a 12 percent ejection fraction. A bleeding from the left upper lobe was identified during a pulmonary bronchoscopy which was treated with arterial embolization. After 48h of the procedure, the patient was asymptomatic and an antithrombotic treatment with warfarin and enoxaparin was started. No obstruction was found at the cineangiography and the patient was discharged after clinical improvement. The patient was admitted again to the intensive care unit in July with intense chest pain and dyspnea at rest. A new cineangiography was performed and it was observed occlusion in the anterior descendent coronary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The cocaine acute effects are commonly seen at the ED but the chronic effects, as the cardiovascular manifestations, can take longer to be correlated as a side effect of cocaine use. Its prolonged use is related to left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to hypertrophy or myocardial dilation, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, myocyte apoptosis and sympathetic damage.

[Cardiovascular complications related to cocaine use: case report]. / Complicações cardiovasculares em usuário de cocaína: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cocaine is the most commonly used illicit drug and its acute and chronic effects are related to a variety of physiological changes, mainly in the cardiovascular system. This study is a case report of a patient with cardiomyopathy related to cocaine use. CASE REPORT: A 19 year old men, who has been using cocaine and crack since 15 years old, was admitted to the emergency department (ED) in February 2006 with progressive dyspnea during minimal efforts and bloody expectoration. During the physical exam it was observed legs edema, jugular stasis and dyspnea at rest. The echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular hypocinesia, a 17 mm ventricular thrombus and a 12% ejection fraction. A bleeding from the left upper lobe was identified during a pulmonary bronchoscopy which was treated with arterial embolization. After 48h of the procedure, the patient was asymptomatic and an antithrombotic treatment with warfarin and enoxaparin was started. No obstruction was found at the cineangiography and the patient was discharged after clinical improvement. The patient was admitted again to the intensive care unit in July with intense chest pain and dyspnea at rest. A new cineangiography was performed and it was observed occlusion in the anterior descendent coronary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The cocaine acute effects are commonly seen at the ED but the chronic effects, as the cardiovascular manifestations, can take longer to be correlated as a side effect of cocaine use. Its prolonged use is related to left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to hypertrophy or myocardial dilation, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, myocyte apoptosis and sympathetic damage.