Nocturnal oximetry in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in potentially hypoxic patients due to neuromuscular diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Polysomnography is the recommended method for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, it is expensive, uncomfortable, and inaccessible. Alternative diagnostic methods are necessary, and Nocturnal Oximetry (NO) has proven to be reliable. Nevertheless, there have been doubts about its accuracy in patients with a history of hypoxia. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of NO in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in patients with NMD suspected of having OSA. We performed a statistical analysis using Spearman's correlation coefficients (SCCs). We used the value of the area under the ROC curve (AUCROC), just as we calculated the sensitivities (Sens) and specificities (Spec) for the chosen variables. RESULTS: The sample comprised 41 patients; 51.2% with muscular dystrophies and 48.8% with motor neuron diseases, with a predominance of men (63.4%). Median age was 42 (19.7-55) years, body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 (23.8-32) kg/m2, forced vital capacity was 67% (54%-76.5%), and maximum inspiratory pressure was-60 cmH2O (-87.5 to -50). The prevalence of OSA was 75.7%. We analyzed and selected the best four oximetric variables with the following performance in identifying the apnea/hypopnea index >5/h, ODI3/2, cutoff>5/h, AUCROC 0.919, Sens 82.3%, Spec 91.7%; ODI3/5, cutoff>11.2/h, AUCROC 0.904, Sens 82.3%, Spec 87.5%; ODI4/5, cutoff>6.02, AUCROC 0.839, Sens 70.6%, Spec 91.6%, and ODI5/5, cutoff>0.87/h, AUCROC 0.870, Sens 94.1%, and Spec 70.8%. CONCLUSION: NO can be used as a diagnostic tool for OSA, even in patients with neuromuscular diseases and potentially hypoxic diseases.

Diagnostic performance of nocturnal oximetry in the detection of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a Brazilian study.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), more practical diagnostic methods than polysomnography (PSG) have become necessary. This research aims to analyze the performance of nocturnal oximetry (NO) in the diagnosis of OSA. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 41 variables provided by the oximetry of all PSG performed by the LabSono of University Hospital Gaffrée and Guinle, a total of 83 exams. We evaluated the correlation coefficients (Spearman) between these data and the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) and then calculated the diagnostics performances, by the area under the curve (ROC) (AUC), of the best correlated variables and their respective cutoffs, in the identification of an AHI ≥ 15/h. RESULTS: Virtually all oximetric data showed good correlations with AHI, except for some temporal data. We chose 5 of them and calculated their diagnostic performances. T < 90% shows AUC of 0.904 (0.835-0.972) and, at cutoff > 19 min, a sensitivity (Sens.) of 75.68% and specificity (Spec.) of 95.65%. DO3/10Total, AUC 0.936 (0.888-0.989), and at the cutoff > 51 has Sens. 97.3% and Spec. 76.09%. ODI3/10/h has AUC 0.932 (0.884-0.988), at the cutoff > 7/h, Sens. 97.3% and Spec. 78.26%. DO4/5Total AUC 0.932 (0.882-0.981), at the cutoff > 64 has Sens. 86.49% and Spec. 82.61% and ODI4/5/h has AUC 0.930 (0.880-0.981), the cutoff > 5.69/h Sens. 97.3% and Spec. 73.91%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that NO is accurate in identifying AHI > 15/h, and provides reliable information on PSG replacement, which could make the diagnosis of OSA cheaper and more comfortable.

Performance of the STOP-Bang in the Detection of OSA, a Brazilian study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the performance of the Stop-Bang questionnaire in Brazilian patients for the screening of OSA. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with historical and consecutive analysis of all patients who underwent polysomnography tests in the Sleeping Sector of the Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Cardiopulmonary (LabSono) Departments of the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital (HUGG), from 10/17/2011 to 04/16/2015. The variables relating to the SB questionnaire were collected by direct research from the medical records of patients. RESULTS: In a series of 83 patients, we found that our sample were similar to other studies conducted in specialized centers of Sleep Medicine, and the population presented characteristics similar to those found by studies in Latin America. Men and women only behaved similarly in relation to the presence of Observed Apnea and body mass index, with a predominance of women who had systemic hypertension over men. In our study, the discriminatory value of 4 or more positive answers to the questionnaire had the best performance in identifying patients with an hourly Apnea-Hypopnea Index greater than 15/h, with a sensitivity of 72.97% (55.9% - 86.2%) and specificity of 67.39% (52.0% - 80.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The Stop-Bang questionnaire proved to be, in our sample, a good screening instrument for diagnosing OSA Syndrome.

Performance of the STOP-Bang in the Detection of OSA, a Brazilian study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES Assess the performance of the Stop-Bang questionnaire in Brazilian patients for the screening of OSA. METHODS A cross-sectional study with historical and consecutive analysis of all patients who underwent polysomnography tests in the Sleeping Sector of the Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Cardiopulmonary (LabSono) Departments of the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital (HUGG), from 10/17/2011 to 04/16/2015. The variables relating to the SB questionnaire were collected by direct research from the medical records of patients. RESULTS In a series of 83 patients, we found that our sample were similar to other studies conducted in specialized centers of Sleep Medicine, and the population presented characteristics similar to those found by studies in Latin America. Men and women only behaved similarly in relation to the presence of Observed Apnea and body mass index, with a predominance of women who had systemic hypertension over men. In our study, the discriminatory value of 4 or more positive answers to the questionnaire had the best performance in identifying patients with an hourly Apnea-Hypopnea Index greater than 15/h, with a sensitivity of 72.97% (55.9% - 86.2%) and specificity of 67.39% (52.0% - 80.5%). CONCLUSIONS The Stop-Bang questionnaire proved to be, in our sample, a good screening instrument for diagnosing OSA Syndrome.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o desempenho no Questionário Stop-Bang (QSB) em pacientes brasileiros para rastrear a Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono. MÉTODO Estudo transversal, com análise histórica e consecutiva de todos os pacientes que realizaram exames de polissonografia pelo Setor de Sono da Otorrinolaringologia e da Cardiopulmonar (LabSono) do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (HUGG), no período de 17/10/2011 a 16/04/2015. As variáveis referentes ao QSB foram colhidas por pesquisa direta nos prontuários dos pacientes. RESULTADOS Numa casuística de 83 pacientes, encontramos amostras semelhantes a outros estudos realizados em Centros Especializados em Medicina do Sono, com características da população semelhantes aos estudos feitos na América Latina. Homens e mulheres só se comportaram de forma semelhante em relação à presença de apneias presenciadas e o índice de massa corporal, com um predomínio de mulheres com hipertensão arterial sistêmica sobre os homens. Em nosso estudo, o valor discriminatório de quatro ou mais respostas positivas ao questionário mostrou o melhor desempenho em identificar pacientes com um índice de apneia/hipopneia por hora maior do que 15/h, obtendo sensibilidade de 72,97% (55,9% - 86,2%) e especificidade de 67,39% (52,0% - 80,5%). CONCLUSÕES O QSB mostrou-se, em nossa amostra, um bom instrumento de rastreio da Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono.

The Effect of Sedating Agents on Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has gained interest for upper airway evaluation in patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and different drugs have been used to induce sedation. Nevertheless, all drugs have presented specific advantages and disadvantages with differential effects on respiratory physiology. This study evaluated and compared the effects of midazolam, propofol and dexmedetomidine on DISE findings, O2 nadir, and bispectral index (BIS) in the same sample of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series prospective study. METHODS: Consecutive patients who elected to undergo surgery for OSA treatment and were intolerant to conservative therapies underwent DISE with propofol, dexmedetomidine, and midazolam between July 2015 and July 2016. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were analyzed, and 43 (82.7%) were men. Agreement among drugs for both degree and patterns of obstruction was excellent at all sites (velum, oropharynx, and epiglottis) except for the tongue base. Dexmedetomidine had the least complete collapse sites and highest O2 nadir and was the only drug for which apnea severity and obstruction levels (upper, lower, or combined) were correlated. The variability among drug treatments for the BIS index was considerable, and propofol had the lowest variability and average value. CONCLUSION: Drug selection had a relevant influence in DISE findings. Compared with dexmedetomidine, midazolam and propofol presented higher incidence of tongue base collapse, lower O2 levels, and lower BIS index values. Propofol resulted in an O2 nadir that most resembled that observed during polysomnography. The BIS index variability differed among drugs, and its use was considered relevant for sedation orientation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:506-513, 2019.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the obstructive sleep apnea: comparison between NOHL and VOTE classifications.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete collapse of the pharynx that result in a decrease in oxyhemoglobin saturation. Nasofibrolaryngoscopy under induced sleep is a promising alternative for identifying sites of upper airway obstruction in patients with OSA. This study aimed to compare the obstruction sites screened by drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) using the Nose oropharynx hypopharynx and larynx (NOHL) and Velum oropharynx tongue base epiglottis (VOTE) classifications. We also determined the relationship between OSA severity and the number of obstruction sites and compared the minimum SaO2 levels between DISE and polysomnography (PSG). This was a prospective study in 45 patients with moderate and severe OSA using DISE with target-controlled infusion of propofol bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. The retropalatal region was the most frequent obstruction site, followed by the retrolingual region. Forty-two percent of patients had obstruction in the epiglottis. Concentrically shaped obstructions were more prevalent in both ratings. The relationship between OSA severity and number of obstruction sites was significant for the VOTE classification. Similar minimum SaO2 values were observed in DISE and PSG. The VOTE classification was more comprehensive in the analysis of the epiglottis and pharynx by DISE and the relationship between OSA severity and number of affected sites was also established by VOTE. The use of BIS associated with DISE is a reliable tool for the assessment of OSA patients.

Derrame pleural em pacientes com Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Humana Adquirida / Pleural effusion in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Atualmente, com advento da terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa (HAART - highly active antiretroviral therapy) a etiologia dos derrames pleurais em indivíduos com HIV positivo é bastante semelhante à observadanaqueles não infectados pelo HIV. AU

Currently with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the etiology of pleural effusions in HIV positive individuals is quite similar to that observed in those not infected with HIV. AU

Correlation between the oropharyngo-laryngoscopic findings and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anatomical and functional changes of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 66 patients of both genders, aged between 21 and 59 years old with complaints of snoring and / or apnea. All underwent full clinical evaluation, including physical examination, nasolarybgoscopy and polisonography. We classified individuals into groups by the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), calculated measures of association and analyzed differences by the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. RESULTS: all patients with obesity type 2 had OSAS. We found a relationship between the uvula projection during nasoendoscopy and OSAS (OR: 4.9; p-value: 0.008; CI: 1.25-22.9). In addition, there was a major strength of association between the circular shape of the pharynx and the presence of moderate or severe OSAS (OR: 9.4, p-value: 0.002), although the CI was wide (1.80-53.13). The septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were the most frequent nasal alterations, however unrelated to gravity. Nasal obstruction was four times more common in patients without daytime sleepiness. The other craniofacial anatomical changes were not predictors for the occurrence of OSAS. CONCLUSION: oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal disorders participate in the pathophysiology of OSAS. The completion of the endoscopic examination is of great value to the evaluation of these patients.

Correlation between the oropharyngo-laryngoscopic findings and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea / Correlação entre os achados orofaringolaringoscópicos e a gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono

Objective: To correlate anatomical and functional changes of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional study of 66 patients of both genders, aged between 21 and 59 years old with complaints of snoring and / or apnea. All underwent full clinical evaluation, including physical examination, nasolarybgoscopy and polisonography. We classified individuals into groups by the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), calculated measures of association and analyzed differences by the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. Results : all patients with obesity type 2 had OSAS. We found a relationship between the uvula projection during nasoendoscopy and OSAS (OR: 4.9; p-value: 0.008; CI: 1.25-22.9). In addition, there was a major strength of association between the circular shape of the pharynx and the presence of moderate or severe OSAS (OR: 9.4, p-value: 0.002), although the CI was wide (1.80-53.13). The septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were the most frequent nasal alterations, however unrelated to gravity. Nasal obstruction was four times more common in patients without daytime sleepiness. The other craniofacial anatomical changes were not predictors for the occurrence of OSAS. Conclusion : oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal disorders participate in the pathophysiology of OSAS. The completion of the endoscopic examination is of great value to the evaluation of these patients.

Objetivo: correlacionar alterações anatômicas e funcionais de cavidade oral, faringe e laringe com a gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS). Métodos: estudo transversal com 66 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 21 e 59 anos e queixas de roncos e/ou apneia. Todos passaram por avaliação clínica otorrinolaringológica completa incluindo exame físico, nasolaringofibroscopia epolissonografia noturna. Foram classificados em grupos pelo valor do índice de apneia-hipopneia (IAH), calculadas medidas de associação e analisadas diferenças pelo teste Kruskal-Wallis e do c2. Resultados: todos os pacientes com obesidade tipo 2 avaliados eram portadores de SAOS. Foi observada relação entre a projeção de úvula durante o exame fibronasoendoscopico e a SAOS (OR:4,9; p-valor: 0.008; IC: 1.25-22.9). Além disso, notou-se uma importante força de associação entre o formato circular da faringe e a presença de SAOS moderado ou grave (OR: 9,4, p-valor: 0,002), embora o IC seja amplo (1.80-53.13).O desvio septal e a hipertrofia de concha inferior foram as alterações nasais mais frequentes, porém sem relação com a gravidade. A obstrução nasal foi quatro vezes mais comum nos pacientes sem sonolência diurna. As demais alterações anatômicas craniofaciais não se mostraram preditoras para a ocorrência de SAOS. Conclusão: concluímos que alterações orais, faríngeas e laríngeas participam da fisiopatologia da SAOS. A realização do exame endoscópico é de grande valia para a avaliação destes pacientes.

Which functional parameters can help differentiate severe asthma from COPD?

The aim of this study was to identify the respiratory function parameters that help in the accurate diagnosis of asthma and COPD. We studied 20 asthma and 30 COPD patients who underwent lung function tests including spirometry and plethysmography both with bronchodilator test and diffusion with carbon monoxide (DLCO). The tests were performed according to International Guidelines (ATS/ERS). The asthma patients were younger (mean age = 48) than those in the COPD group (mean age = 59) and this group also had more female patients (65%) than the COPD group (40%). The results showed a more severe obstruction in the asthma group: FEV1/FVC= 59% versus 66% for COPD. There was also a greater bronchodilator response as shown by changes in absolute and percentage values for FEV1 in the asthma group. Average DLCO values were normal in the asthma group (103%P) and lower in the COPD (69%). In plethysmography the asthma group had a higher residual volume (%P) and a higher airway resistance. We concluded that many functional parameters were useful in distinguishing the asthma and COPD groups. In individual analysis, DLCO was the parameter which best aided in an accurate diagnosis in both groups, with a higher specificity for COPD. The bronchodilator response measured by changes in FEV1 showed a higher sensitivity for asthma. Thus, these two tests are highlighted in the differential diagnosis of obstructive diseases.

Evaluation of adenosine deaminase in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis: a Brazilian meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Brazilian studies by summarizing the accuracy of adenosine deaminase in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis, with the objective of lending support to the movement to make the test part of the routine investigation of pleural effusions. METHODS: A search for Brazilian studies related to the determination of adenosine deaminase levels in the pleural liquid was carried out. These studies were evaluated and included in this study. The data were analyzed using summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, which enabled the studies to be collected and evaluated regarding the accuracy of the diagnosis. As for the global values of sensitivity and specificity, the Bayes' theorem was applied to calculate the post-test probabilities in different prevalences of the disease. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies dating from 1987 to 2005 and including enough information to be used in the meta-analysis were identified. After evaluation, nine studies were included, totaling 1674 patients. According to the SROC curve, a sensitivity of 91.8% (95% CI: 89.8-93.6%) and a specificity of 88.4% (95% CI: 86.0-90.5%) were found, with an area of 0.969 below the curve. The overall odds ratio was 112.0 (95% CI: 51.6-243.2). Considering a prevalence of tuberculosis of 50% (considered neutral), the post-test probability was 88.7% for a positive test and 91.5% for a negative test. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences found among studies, it is possible to conclude that the determination of adenosine deaminase levels has high accuracy in the diagnosis of the pleural tuberculosis and should be used as a routine test in its investigation.

Avaliação da adenosina desaminase no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural: uma metanálise brasileira / Evaluation of adenosine deaminase in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis: a Brazilian meta-analysis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar trabalhos brasileiros resumindo a acurácia da adenosina desaminase no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural, com o intuito de contribuir para a concretização do exame como rotina na investigação dos derrames pleurais. MÉTODOS: Depois de realizada uma busca por trabalhos brasileiros referentes à dosagem da adenosina desaminase no líquido pleural, estes foram avaliados e incluídos no estudo. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio da curva summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) que possibilitou a reunião dos estudos quanto a acurácia para o diagnóstico. Com os valores globais de sensibilidade e especificidade foi aplicado o teorema de Bayes para calcular as probabilidades pós-teste em diferentes prevalências da doença. RESULTADOS: Entre 1987 e 2005 foram encontrados 25 estudos contendo informações suficientes que poderiam ser utilizadas na metanálise. Após avaliação, foram incluídos nove estudos, totalizando 1.674 pacientes. De acordo com a curva SROC, foi encontrada uma sensibilidade de 91,8 por cento (IC95 por cento: 89,8-93,6 por cento) e uma especificidade de 88,4 por cento (IC95 por cento: 86,0-90,5 por cento), com uma área abaixo da curva de 0,969. O odds ratio global foi de 112,0 (IC95 por cento: 51,6-243,2). Considerando uma prevalência da tuberculose pleural de 50 por cento (considerada neutra), a probabilidade do diagnóstico pós-teste positivo é de 88,7 por cento e sua exclusão após resultado negativo de 91,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das diferenças encontradas entre os estudos, é possível concluir que a adenosina desaminase possui alta acurácia no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural, devendo ser utilizada de rotina em sua investigação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Brazilian studies by summarizing the accuracy of adenosine deaminase in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis, with the objective of lending support to the movement to make the test part of the routine investigation of pleural effusions. METHODS: A search for Brazilian studies related to the determination of adenosine deaminase levels in the pleural liquid was carried out. These studies were evaluated and included in this study. The data were analyzed using summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, which enabled the studies to be collected and evaluated regarding the accuracy of the diagnosis. As for the global values of sensitivity and specificity, the Bayes' theorem was applied to calculate the post-test probabilities in different prevalences of the disease. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies dating from 1987 to 2005 and including enough information to be used in the meta-analysis were identified. After evaluation, nine studies were included, totaling 1674 patients. According to the SROC curve, a sensitivity of 91.8 percent (95 percent CI: 89.8-93.6 percent) and a specificity of 88.4 percent (95 percent CI: 86.0-90.5 percent) were found, with an area of 0.969 below the curve. The overall odds ratio was 112.0 (95 percent CI: 51.6-243.2). Considering a prevalence of tuberculosis of 50 percent (considered neutral), the post-test probability was 88.7 percent for a positive test and 91.5 percent for a negative test. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences found among studies, it is possible to conclude that the determination of adenosine deaminase levels has high accuracy in the diagnosis of the pleural tuberculosis and should be used as a routine test in its investigation.

Predictive model for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion.

This study developed a predictive model to identify pleural tuberculosis. A consecutive cases study of patients investigating the cause of pleural effusion, in an area of high prevalence of tuberculosis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Clinical and laboratory variables were compared among patients with tuberculosis (TB) and without tuberculosis (NTB), individually and using logistic regression. The performance was described as diagnostic accuracy, compared to a gold standard in a masked way. We have studied 104 TB patients, 41 with malignant, 29 transudates, 28 parapneumonic, 13 with miscellaneous diseases. After identification of individual discrimination power aided by clinical, radiological and laboratory variables, the following ones were included in a multivariate analysis: ADA, total leukocytes, percentile of lymphocytes, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, duration of disease, age and gender. A logistic regression model to predict pleural tuberculosis including the five first variables showed the best performance. A receiver operating characteristic curve identified the best cutoff at 0.7, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of more then 95%. The predictive model improved the specificity of ADA alone, keeping its sensitivity. This model seems helpful when a microbiological or histological diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis could not be established. External validation of these results is necessary before recommendation for routine application.

Predictive model for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion

This study developed a predictive model to identify pleural tuberculosis. A consecutive cases study of patients investigating the cause of pleural effusion, in an area of high prevalence of tuberculosis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Clinical and laboratory variables were compared among patients with tuberculosis (TB) and without tuberculosis (NTB), individually and using logistic regression. The performance was described as diagnostic accuracy, compared to a gold standard in a masked way. We have studied 104 TB patients, 41 with malignant, 29 transudates, 28 parapneumonic, 13 with miscellaneous diseases. After identification of individual discrimination power aided by clinical, radiological and laboratory variables, the following ones were included in a multivariate analysis: ADA, total leukocytes, percentile of lymphocytes, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, duration of disease, age and gender. A logistic regression model to predict pleural tuberculosis including the five first variables showed the best performance. A receiver operating characteristic curve identified the best cutoff at 0.7, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of more then 95 percent. The predictive model improved the specificity of ADA alone, keeping its sensitivity. This model seems helpful when a microbiological or histological diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis could not be established. External validation of these results is necessary before recommendation for routine application.

O colesterol no diagnóstico dos exsudatos pleurais / Cholesterol on the diagnosis of pleural exsudates

Introdução: apesar do critério de Light (cL) ser o mais empregado para diferenciar exsudatos de transudatos pleurais, alguns autores têm sugerido outras variáveis com a mesma finalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é calcular o melhor valor discriminatórioe o rendimento do Colesterol (COL) como teste diagnóstico para diferenciação entre transudatos e exsudatos. Metodologia: num estudo transversal histórico, foram estudados os níveis do COL em 283 líquidos pleurais obtidos, de forma consecutiva, de pacientes em investigação para a causa de síndrome do derrame pleural, num Hospital Universitário e num Centro de Investigações Pneumológicas. Resultados: estudando 250 exsudatos e 33 transudatos, calculamos uma sensibilidade de 83% (IC95% 75,8-85,8) e especificidade de 97% (IC95% 84,2-99,5) para o diagnóstico de exsudato, utilizando o valor discriminatório de 50 mg/dL. Com esta prevalência, de 88,3% de exsudato, o valor preditivo positivo foi de 99,5% eo negativo, de 42,67%. A razão de verossimilhança positiva foi de 27,33 e a negativa, de 0,18. Conclusão: a sensibilidade foi algo inferior ao cL, enquanto a especificidade foi superior. Os resultados obtidos são semelhantes aos observados por outros autores e apresentam o colesterol como parâmetro valioso, rápido e econômico, isolado ou associado a outros marcadores.

O ensino de iniciação científica no curso de graduação em medicina / The education of scientific initiation in the course of graduation

Introdução: a partir do ano 2000, foi introduzida a Iniciação Científica (IC) no Curso de Graduação em Medicina da UNIRIO. A IC I foi criada com o objetivo principal de capacitar os alunos para a leitura crítica de trabalhos científicos, além de fornecer noções de informática como instrumento para a busca de informações. Periodicamente, a IC I é reavaliada para melhor atender a ementa da disciplina. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se a metodologia atualmente utilizada na IC I trouxe reais benefícios ao aprendizado. Metodologia: estudo transversal realizado com 131 alunos que responderam a um questionário, com itens referentes ao conteúdo programático da disciplina. Destes, 53 eram do segundo período (que tinham acabado de cursar a IC I e elaboraram e participaram de um protocolo de pesquisa); 43 do sétimo período (que cursaram a disciplina hátrês anos e não tiveram experiência com protocolos de pesquisa) e 35 do internato (11° e 12° períodos, que não cursaram a IC I - currículo antigo). Resultados: a amostra foi constituída de 74 mulheres e 57 homens, com média de idade de 22,15±2,34 anos. Quanto às respostas ao questionário como um todo, os estudantes do segundo período mostraram um número significativamente maior de acertos, quando comparados aos demais (p<0,001), não existindo diferença entre o sétimo e o internato (p=0,497). Conclusão: a metodologia recentemente utilizada na IC I está contribuindo para uma maior aquisição de conhecimentos; contudo, é necessário consolidar esses ensinamentos durante o Curso de Medicina.

Novos métodos no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural / New diagnostic tools for pleural tuberculosis

Mesmo frente a uma grande evolução da medicina com relação ao diagnóstico e diante da possibilidade atual de tratamento eficaz para as diferentes causas do derrame pleural, o diagnóstico da tuberculose nesta localização continua sendo baseado em critérios estabelecidos há mais de 50 anos. São necessários testes mais sensíveis que o BAAR e mais rápidos que a cultura tradicional para este diagnóstico. Os autores apresentam uma atualização sobre o rendimento dos novos métodos para o diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural. Pode-se afirmar que a dosagem da adenosina desaminase (ADA), apesar de ser um método indireto (não bacteriológico), tem rendimento superior ao dos métodos tradicionais e já foi mais estudada que os demais novos métodos. Sua alta sensibilidade permite excluir a possibilidade do diagnóstico de tuberculose frente a valores inferiores a 30U/L. Diante de valores elevados de ADA, em um paciente jovem com um exsudato não purulento ou com predomínio de linfócitos, a probabilidade de o derrame ser secundário à tuberculose é superior a 90%. Outros exames podem auxiliar neste diagnóstico, mas um maior número de estudos ainda será necessário antes de incorporá-los à rotina.

Alterações oculares após nebulização com brometo de ipratrópio / Ocular alterations after nebulized ipratropium bromide

Introdução: O brometo de ipratrópio, medicamento derivado da atropina, é bastante utilizado na prática médica, com a finalidade de reduzir o broncoespasmo. Poucos são seus efeitos colaterais, mas pode levar ao desenvolvimento do glaucoma e, conseqüentemente, ao risco de cegueira. O objetivo foi verificar se existe alteração da pressão intra-ocular (PIO), ou da acuidade visual, após nebulização com brometo de ipratrópio, em adultos jovens, sem alteração ocular prévia. Metodologia: Estudo experimental utilizando voluntários saudáveis (alunos do curso de Medicina) que aceitassem participar da pesquisa. Foram excluídos aqueles com alterações oculares previamente identificadas, especialmente hipertensão ocular no exame basal, e cardiopatia grave. Os indivíduos foram submetidos à avaliação da acuidade visual e à medida da PIO, com tonômetro Carl Zeiss AT 020, antes e trinta minutos após a nebulização de uma solução contendo 1mL de brometo de ipratrópio em 5mL de soro fisiológico. As medidas da pressão ocular, antes e após a nebulização, foram comparadas. Resultados: Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos, sendo 51,7% do sexo feminino, com idade variando entre 21 e 33 anos. Excluímos um indivíduo por apresentar PIO inicial elevada. Não houve relato de borramento da visão, xeroftalmia ou alteração da medida da acuidade visual. Todos apresentaram uma PIO dentro da normalidade no exame pós NBZ, não havendo diferença significativa entre as medidas. Conclusão: O uso de brometo de ipratrópio, por meio de nebulização, não apresenta alterações oculares significativas em pacientes jovens sem lesão diagnosticada previamente.

Teste do programa Spiromatic para Windows com as 24 curvas de simulação preconizadas pela American Thoracic Society / European Respiratory Society / Spiromatic for Windows evaluation with 24 volume-times American Thoracic Society / European Respiratory Society waveforms

Introdução: a espirometria mede os fluxos pulmonares e os equipamentos utilizados devem ser testados para garantir a acurácia dos registros espirométricos. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a qualidade do algoritmo de captura de dados do programa Spiromatic (SSE), para Windows. Metodologia: foram analisados os resultados obtidos pela leitura das 24 curvas de simulação preconizadas pela American Thoracic Society (ATS) e European Respiratory Society (ERS). A entrada de dados, em ASCII, foi efetuada de modo a simular uma freqüência de amostragem de 100 hertz. O filtro de polinômios quadráticos (smoothing) foi desabilitado. Resultados: foram expressos pelas médias e diferenças máximas, mostram que estas são mínimas, apesar da ampla faixa de valores testados. A maior diferença encontrada, de 20mL/s, foi para o FEF25-75%, parâmetro dependente da acurácia de aferição do volume e do tempo. Conclusão: o programa Spiromatic para Windows atende plenamente às exigências da ATS/ERS.