Prevalence of symptoms of COVID-19 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul: results of a population-based study with 18,000 participants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of reports of symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals with and without antibodies and identify those with greater capability to predict the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The study uses data collected in phases 5 to 8 of Epicovid-19-RS. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated by a rapid test. The occurrence of cough, fever, palpitations, sore throat, difficulty breathing, changes in taste and smell, vomiting, diarrhea, body pain, shaking, and headache since March 2020 was also evaluated. Then, the capability to predict the evaluated symptoms concerning the presence of antibodies was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 18,000 individuals were interviewed and 181 had antibodies against COVID-19 in phases 5 to 8. The proportion of asymptomatic individuals was 19.9% among participants with antibodies and 49.7% among those without antibodies. All symptoms were reported more frequently by individuals with antibodies. The division of the prevalence of symptoms among individuals with antibodies by the prevalence among individuals without antibodies showed the following prevalence ratios: for changes in smell or taste (9.1), fever (4.2), tremors (3.9), breathing difficulty (3.2) and cough (2.8 times). Anosmia and fever were the symptoms with a greater capability to predict the presence of antibodies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of symptoms was higher among individuals with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The proportion of asymptomatic individuals was low. Altered smell or taste and fever were the symptoms that most predict the presence of antibodies. These results can help to identify probable cases, contributing to the clinical diagnosis and screening of patients for testing and isolation guidance in positive cases, especially in scenarios of the scarcity of diagnostic COVID-19 tests.

The cost of metastatic prostate cancer using time-driven activity-based costing.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) treatment using the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method from the perspective of a philanthropic hospital in the Brazilian public health system (PHS) and to identify determinants of costs. METHODS: We used data from patients who received docetaxel chemotherapy in the Brazilian PHS from September 2012 to May 2017. Direct medical costs were estimated with the TDABC microcosting method, taking into account the multiple departments and services the patients interacted with during their oncological treatment. RESULTS: The median overall survival of the forty-three patient sample was 1.8 years (95% CI 1.45-2.30), and the total cost of the sample was BRL 917.005 (USD 250,878). The median monthly cost per patient was BRL 20.201 (USD 5,526). The end-of-life cost per patient using the TDABC method was BRL 5.151 (USD 1,409). Patients who had received previous treatment at the center registered the lowest cost for hospitalizations and exams, suggesting an opportunity to better manage healthcare resources. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on the economic burden of mPC in the Brazilian PHS using the TDABC costing evaluation method. Accurate cost information obtained with the TDABC can be helpful in guiding disease management to guarantee better use of ever-scarcer resources.

O impacto da mentoria no desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional de diferentes turmas / The impact of mentoring on the personal and professional development of different classes

Resumo: Introdução: O programa de mentoria da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) teve início em 2016, sendo ofertado de maneira eletiva. Seus objetivos são: orientação para o futuro profissional, apoio institucional formal, suporte emocional e compartilhamento de experiências durante a formação médica. Relato de experiência: Os encontros foram conduzidos de modo não diretivo com temáticas predefinidas - escolhidas pelo mentor e pelos alunos. Os assuntos abordam tanto o desenvolvimento profissional do estudante quanto o pessoal, assim como a saúde mental dele. Vivência profissional, currículos formais e informais, sobrecarga e rendimento acadêmico foram alguns dos tópicos principais. Por meio dos relatos, foi possível perceber que os grupos reduzidos permitiram àqueles alunos que não se sentiam confortáveis para desenvolver algum assunto no currículo formal pudessem abrir-se e discutir temas relacionados ao curso. Discussão: Notou-se uma mudança na postura de alguns alunos diante do curso e de momentos de lazer, valorizando tempo com a família, exercício físico e hobbies. Os encontros permitiram elucidar dúvidas sobre residência e carreira médica, assim como ajudaram os alunos a se reconectar com o curso. Conclusão: O programa de mentoria da UFCSPA mostrou-se efetivo ao oportunizar reflexão sobre as vivências pessoais e o projeto profissional, e estimular a autonomia do pensamento crítico.

Abstract: Introduction: The Mentoring program of the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) began in 2016, offered as an elective course. Its objectives are to provide orientation for the future professional, formal institutional support, emotional support and sharing of experiences during medical training. Experience report: The meetings were conducted in a non-directive manner with predefined themes - chosen by the mentor and students. The subjects address both the professional and personal development of the student, as well as the individual's mental health. Professional experience, formal and informal curriculum, overload and academic performance were some of the main topics. The reports demonstrated that the small groups allowed students who did not feel comfortable talking about a subject in the formal curriculum to open up and discuss these subjects related to the course. Discussion: A change was observed in the attitude of some students towards the course and free time, valuing time with the family, physical exercise and hobbies. The meetings allowed doubts to be clarified about residency and medical careers, as well as helping students to reconnect with the course. Conclusion: The UFCSPA Mentoring Program proved to be effective in providing opportunities for reflection on personal experiences, professional projects and encouraging autonomous critical thinking.

Prevalence of symptoms of COVID-19 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul: results of a population-based study with 18,000 participants / Prevalência de sintomas característicos de covid-19 no Rio Grande do Sul: resultados de um estudo de base populacional com 18 mil participantes

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of reports of symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals with and without antibodies and identify those with greater capability to predict the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS The study uses data collected in phases 5 to 8 of Epicovid-19-RS. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated by a rapid test. The occurrence of cough, fever, palpitations, sore throat, difficulty breathing, changes in taste and smell, vomiting, diarrhea, body pain, shaking, and headache since March 2020 was also evaluated. Then, the capability to predict the evaluated symptoms concerning the presence of antibodies was calculated. RESULTS A total of 18,000 individuals were interviewed and 181 had antibodies against COVID-19 in phases 5 to 8. The proportion of asymptomatic individuals was 19.9% among participants with antibodies and 49.7% among those without antibodies. All symptoms were reported more frequently by individuals with antibodies. The division of the prevalence of symptoms among individuals with antibodies by the prevalence among individuals without antibodies showed the following prevalence ratios: for changes in smell or taste (9.1), fever (4.2), tremors (3.9), breathing difficulty (3.2) and cough (2.8 times). Anosmia and fever were the symptoms with a greater capability to predict the presence of antibodies. CONCLUSION The prevalence of symptoms was higher among individuals with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The proportion of asymptomatic individuals was low. Altered smell or taste and fever were the symptoms that most predict the presence of antibodies. These results can help to identify probable cases, contributing to the clinical diagnosis and screening of patients for testing and isolation guidance in positive cases, especially in scenarios of the scarcity of diagnostic COVID-19 tests.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar prevalência de relato de sintomas característicos de covid-19 entre indivíduos com e sem anticorpos e identificar aqueles com maior capacidade de predição da presença de anticorpos contra o SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS O presente estudo usa dados coletados nas fases de 5 a 8 do Epicovid-19-RS. A presença de anticorpos contra o SARS-CoV-2 foi avaliada por um teste rápido. Avaliou-se também a ocorrência dos sintomas tosse, febre, palpitações, dor de garganta, dificuldade para respirar, alterações no paladar e olfato, vômito, diarreia, dor no corpo, tremedeira e dor de cabeça, desde março de 2020. Então, calculou-se a capacidade de predição dos sintomas avaliados em relação a presença de anticorpos. RESULTADOS Nas fases de 5 a 8, 18 mil indivíduos foram entrevistados e 181 apresentaram anticorpos contra covid-19. A proporção de indivíduos assintomáticos foi de 19,9% entre participantes com anticorpos e 49,7% entre aqueles sem anticorpos. Todos os sintomas foram relatados com maior frequência por indivíduos com presença de anticorpos. A divisão da prevalência de sintomas entre indivíduos com anticorpos pela prevalência entre indivíduos sem anticorpos evidenciou as seguintes razões de prevalência: para alterações de olfato ou paladar (9,1), febre (4,2), tremedeira (3,9), dificuldade respiratória (3,2) e tosse (2,8 vezes). Anosmia e febre foram os sintomas com maior capacidade de predizer a presença de anticorpos. CONCLUSÃO A prevalência de sintomas foi maior entre indivíduos com anticorpos contra SARS-CoV-2. A proporção de indivíduos assintomáticos foi baixa. Alteração de olfato ou paladar e febre foram os sintomas que mais predizem a presença de anticorpos. Esses resultados podem auxiliar a identificação de casos prováveis, contribuindo para o diagnóstico clínico e triagem de pacientes para testagem e orientação de isolamento em casos positivos, especialmente em cenários de escassez de testes diagnósticos de covid-19.

Proportional weight loss in six months as a risk factor for mortality in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer / Perda de peso proporcional em seis meses como fator de risco para mortalidade no câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas estádio IV

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate different weight loss (WL) cut-off points as prognostic markers of 3-month survival after diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This was a prospective study involving 104 patients with metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC who were admitted to a cancer treatment center in southern Brazil between January of 2014 and November of 2016. We evaluated total WL and WL per month, as well as WL and WL per month in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis. The patients were followed for 3 months after diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used in order to evaluate 3-month survival. Results: The median WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis was 6% (interquartile range, 0.0-12.9%). Patients with WL ≥ 5% had a median survival of 78 days, compared with 85 days for those with WL < 5% (p = 0.047). Survival at 3 months was 72% for the patients with WL ≥ 5% (p = 0.047), 61% for those with WL ≥ 10% (p < 0.001), and 45% for those with WL ≥ 15% (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for risk of death was 4.51 (95% CI: 1.32-15.39) for the patients with WL ≥ 5%, 6.34 (95% CI: 2.31-17.40) for those with WL ≥ 10%, and 14.17 (95% CI: 5.06-39.65) for those with WL ≥ 15%. Conclusions: WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis of NSCLC is a relevant prognostic factor and appears to be directly proportional to the rate of survival at 3 months.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar diferentes pontos de corte da perda de peso (PP) como marcadores prognósticos de sobrevida em 3 meses após o diagnóstico de câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas estádio IV (CPCNP). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 104 pacientes com CPCNP metastático (estádio IV) que foram internados em um centro de tratamento de câncer no sul do Brasil entre janeiro de 2014 e novembro de 2016. Avaliamos a PP total e PP por mês, bem como PP e PP por mês nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3 meses após o diagnóstico. Um modelo de regressão de riscos proporcionais de Cox e curvas de Kaplan-Meier foram utilizados para avaliar a sobrevida em 3 meses. Resultados: A mediana da PP nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico foi de 6% (intervalo interquartil, 0,0-12,9%). Pacientes com PP ≥ 5% tiveram uma sobrevida mediana de 78 dias, comparados a 85 dias para aqueles com PP < 5% (p = 0,047). A sobrevida em 3 meses foi de 72% para os pacientes com PP ≥ 5% (p = 0,047), 61% para aqueles com PP ≥ 10% (p < 0,001) e 45% para aqueles com PP ≥ 15% (p < 0,001). Na análise multivariada, a taxa de risco para óbito foi de 4,51 (IC95%: 1,32-15,39) para os pacientes com PP ≥ 5%, 6,34 (IC95%: 2,31-17,40) para aqueles com PP ≥ 10%, e 14,17 (IC95%: 5,06-39,65) para aqueles com PP ≥ 15%. Conclusões: A PP nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico de CPCNP é um fator prognóstico relevante e parece ser diretamente proporcional à taxa de sobrevida em 3 meses.

Role of the Nurse Navigator: integrative review. / Atuação do Nurse Navigator: revisão integrativa.

OBJECTIVE: To identify scientific literature on oncology nurses who provide patient navigation services as nurse navigators. METHODS: Integrative review of literature searches in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, Web of Science and Science Direct based on the descriptors patient; navigation; nurse; professional; cancer; oncology; navigator; and navigators. RESULTS: Seventeen articles were identified and grouped according to the following thematic approach: Care Processes; Patients; and Health Workers. It was observed that scientific literature on nurse navigators mostly comes from the United States, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Demark, where the first nurse navigator programmes were introduced. No studies were found in local journals or populations. CONCLUSIONS: The nurse navigator offer a unique service for the provision of quality care. Although international research is recent, further studies on the role of these professionals are clearly needed.

Proportional weight loss in six months as a risk factor for mortality in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate different weight loss (WL) cut-off points as prognostic markers of 3-month survival after diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 104 patients with metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC who were admitted to a cancer treatment center in southern Brazil between January of 2014 and November of 2016. We evaluated total WL and WL per month, as well as WL and WL per month in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis. The patients were followed for 3 months after diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used in order to evaluate 3-month survival. RESULTS: The median WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis was 6% (interquartile range, 0.0-12.9%). Patients with WL ≥ 5% had a median survival of 78 days, compared with 85 days for those with WL < 5% (p = 0.047). Survival at 3 months was 72% for the patients with WL ≥ 5% (p = 0.047), 61% for those with WL ≥ 10% (p < 0.001), and 45% for those with WL ≥ 15% (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for risk of death was 4.51 (95% CI: 1.32-15.39) for the patients with WL ≥ 5%, 6.34 (95% CI: 2.31-17.40) for those with WL ≥ 10%, and 14.17 (95% CI: 5.06-39.65) for those with WL ≥ 15%. CONCLUSIONS: WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis of NSCLC is a relevant prognostic factor and appears to be directly proportional to the rate of survival at 3 months.

Atuação do Nurse Navigator: revisão integrativa / Actuación del Nurse Navigator: revisión integrativa / Role of the Nurse Navigator: integrative review

Resumo OBJETIVO Conhecer a produção científica sobre o enfermeiro atuando na oncologia com a função de navegador de pacientes, Nurse Navigator. MÉTODOS Revisão integrativa com buscas nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, Web of Science e Science Direct, utilizando os descritores: patient; navigation; nurse; professional; cancer; oncology; navigator e navigators. RESULTADOS Identificaram-se 17 artigos. Estes foram agrupados conforme a abordagem temática: Processos Assistenciais; Pacientes; e Profissionais de Saúde. Evidenciou-se que o conhecimento científico produzido sobre Nurse Navigator concentra-se nos Estados Unidos, Austrália, Canadá, Suécia e Dinamarca, países onde os primeiros Programas de Navegação de Pacientes foram implantados. Não houveram estudos publicados em periódicos ou populações locais. CONCLUSÕES A atuação do Nurse navigator, proporciona um diferencial para a qualidade assistencial dos serviços. Apesar de serem recentes as pesquisas internacionais abordando o tema, ficou claro que ainda se faz necessária a realização de mais estudos acerca do papel deste profissional.

Resumen OBJETIVO Conocer la producción científica sobre enfermero actuando en oncología con la función de navegador de pacientes, Nurse Navigator. MÉTODOS Revisión integradora con búsqueda en bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, Web of Science y Science Direct, utilizando descriptores: patient; navigation; nurse; professional; cancer; oncology; navigator y navigators. RESULTADOS Se identificaron 17 artículos. Se agruparon conforme abordaje temático: Procesos Asistenciales; Pacientes; y Profesionales de Salud. Se evidenció que el conocimiento científico producido sobre Nurse Navigator se concentra en Australia, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Suecia y Dinamarca, países donde se implantaron los primeros Programas de Navegación de Pacientes. No hay estudios publicados en periódicos o poblaciones locales. CONCLUSIONES La actuación del Nurse navigator, proporciona un diferencial para la calidad asistencial de los servicios. A pesar de recientes las investigaciones internacionales abordando el tema, se hace necesaria la realización de más estudios acerca del papel de este profesional.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify scientific literature on oncology nurses who provide patient navigation services as nurse navigators. METHODS Integrative review of literature searches in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, Web of Science and Science Direct based on the descriptors patient; navigation; nurse; professional; cancer; oncology; navigator; and navigators. RESULTS Seventeen articles were identified and grouped according to the following thematic approach: Care Processes; Patients; and Health Workers. It was observed that scientific literature on nurse navigators mostly comes from the United States, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Demark, where the first nurse navigator programmes were introduced. No studies were found in local journals or populations. CONCLUSIONS The nurse navigator offer a unique service for the provision of quality care. Although international research is recent, further studies on the role of these professionals are clearly needed.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for FIGO stage I ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: This is an updated version of the original review that was first published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Laparoscopy has become an increasingly common approach to surgical staging of apparent early-stage ovarian tumours. This review was undertaken to assess the available evidence on the benefits and risks of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy for the management of International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I ovarian cancer. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of FIGO stage I ovarian cancer (stages Ia, Ib and Ic) when compared with laparotomy. SEARCH METHODS: For the original review, we searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials (CGCRG) Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Biological Abstracts and CancerLit from 1 January 1990 to 30 November 2007. We also handsearched relevant journals, reference lists of identified studies and conference abstracts. For the first updated review, the search was extended to the CGCRG Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS to 6 December 2011. For this update we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase from November 2011 to September 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and prospective cohort studies comparing laparoscopic staging with open surgery (laparotomy) in women with stage I ovarian cancer according to FIGO. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: There were no studies to include, therefore we tabulated data from non-randomised studies (NRS) for discussion as well as important data from other meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS: We performed no meta-analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review has found no good-quality evidence to help quantify the risks and benefits of laparoscopy for the management of early-stage ovarian cancer as routine clinical practice.

Prevenção e manejo de pacientes oncológicos na APS

Aborda o desenvolvimento e atitude receptiva dos médicos para os pacientes que tiveram diagnostico de câncer e estão em remissão completa após o término de seu tratamento oncológico, do paciente que tem risco de desenvolver efeitos tardios dos tratamentos oncológicos, daqueles com risco de recidiva ou segundo tumor primário e daqueles com alto risco de desenvolver câncer. Além disso, revisa os conhecimentos básico desta área da medicina para embasar esta assistência e capacita a análise de dados epidemiológicos e clínicos para individualizar esta atenção.

The epidemiology of cancer in Angola-results from the cancer registry of the national oncology centre of Luanda, Angola.

Knowledge of the epidemiological profile of cancer is a key step in planning national cancer policy. The main objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological profile of cancer in Angola based on cases of cancer registered at the National Oncology Centre (NOC) of Luanda, the only Angolan hospital to specialize in cancer treatment and diagnosis. The study consisted of a cross-sectional historical review of cases treated at the NOC between 2007 and 2011. The following variables were analysed: tumour location, diagnostic basis, and source of referral, as well as patient age, sex, place of residence, and the stage of the disease. The NOC registered a total of 4,791 patients throughout the study period, at an annual average of 958 cases. The most commonly diagnosed cancers were breast (20.5%), cervical (16.5%), and head and neck cancer (10.6%), followed by lymphoma (7.2%), Kaposi sarcoma (6.1%), and prostate cancer (4%). A total of 76% of patients were under 60 years old, and 10% were less than 15 years old. Of the total number of patients with cancer treated at the NOC, 77.3% lived in the Luanda province. Staging data were only available for patients with breast or cervical cancer, and an analysis of this variable showed that most of these individuals were in advanced stages of the disease. In the absence of a population-based cancer registry, this study constitutes a reasonable assessment of the epidemiological profile of cancer in Angola.

High prevalence of anemia in children and adult women in an urban population in southern Brazil.

This population-based study was designed to detect the prevalence of anemia in a healthy population of children (18 months to 7 years) and women (14 to 30 years) tested in 2006-2007 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil as part of an effort to tackle this massive problem that still affects so many people in the XXI century. Anemia was defined according to the WHO. Capillary blood was measured and socioeconomic status was determined according to the Brazilian Association of Market Research Agencies. The median prevalence of anemia in 2198 children was 45.4% and in 1999 women 36.4%. Anemia decreased with age during childhood; although significantly more prevalent in lower classes individuals, it was also high in the upper classes. There are indirect evidences that the lack of iron supplementation and/or iron fortified food may play a role in it. Professionals and society wise measures of education have to be implemented in order to address possible biologic factors involved in childhood psychosocial development in southern Brazil.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for FIGO stage I ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: This is an updated version of the original review that was first published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Laparoscopy has become an increasingly common approach to surgical staging of apparent early-stage ovarian tumours. This review was undertaken to assess the available evidence on the benefits and risks of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy for the management of International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I ovarian cancer. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and risks of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy for the surgical treatment of FIGO stage I ovarian cancer (stages Ia, Ib and Ic). SEARCH METHODS: For the original review, we searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials (CGCRG) Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Biological Abstracts and CancerLit from 1 January 1990 to 30 November 2007. We also handsearched relevant journals, reference lists of identified studies and conference abstracts. For this updated review, we extended the CGCRG Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS searches to 6 December 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and prospective case-control studies comparing laparoscopic staging with open surgery (laparotomy) in women with stage I ovarian cancer according to FIGO. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: There were no studies to include, therefore we tabulated data from non-randomised studies (NRS) for discussion. MAIN RESULTS: We performed no meta-analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review has found no good-quality evidence to help quantify the risks and benefits of laparoscopy for the management of early-stage ovarian cancer as routine clinical practice.

Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: an observation in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma cutaneous and the mortalities rates are rising in most countries worldwide. OBJECTIVE: to describe the histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma, according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Group of Melanoma, and to evaluate early diagnosis in a cancer treatment referral center. METHODS: we performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of cases of primary cutaneous melanoma identified after excisional biopsy and processed at the pathology laboratory of Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa between Jan 1st 2000 and Jan 15th 2005. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, topography, histopathologic subtype, Breslow thickness, growth phase, Clark level, mitotic index, peritumoral and intratumoral lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, ulceration, regression, type of regression, microscopic satellitosis, and surgical margins. RESULTS: 328 cases, 57% female and 43% male, were analyzed. Mean age was 55.6 years. For women, the most common tumor location was in inferior(29.26%) and superior limbs(23.94%), while for men melanoma was mainly found in the back(35%), followed by anterior chest/abdomen(14.29%) (p<0.05). Prevalence of histologic subtypes was the following: superficial spreading melanoma(62.8%), lentigo maligna(14.9%), nodular(14.6%), acral(7.3%), and desmoplastic(0.3%) types. Regarding Breslow, 26.2% were in situ, 36.9% had <1 mm, and only 15.9% were ? 4mm in depth. CONCLUSION: the distribution of histopathologic subtypes, as well as Breslow thickness, was in accordance with previous studies in outpatient populations. The profile of cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in a tertiary hospital seems to be experiencing some changes over the last two decades, with a current trend for earlier diagnosis.

A precocidade diagnóstica do melanoma cutâneo: uma observação no sul do Brasil / Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: an observation in southern Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: A incidência do melanoma cutâneo e as taxas de mortalidade a ele associadas estão crescendo na maioria dos países do mundo. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características histopatológicas do melanoma cutâneo, segundo critérios do Grupo Brasileiro de Melanoma, e avaliar a precocidade diagnóstica em hospital de referência do sul do Brasil para o atendimento de melanoma. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com casos de melanoma cutâneo primário reconhecidos após biópsia excisional, processados no laboratório de Patologia do Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre entre 1º/1/2000 e 15/1/2005. Outras variáveis analisadas: idade, sexo, topogra fia da lesão, subtipos histopatológicos, índice Breslow, fase de crescimento, índice de Clark, índice mitótico, infiltrado inflamatório linfocitário peritumoral e intratumoral, invasão angiolinfática e perineural, presença de úlcera e regressão, tipo de regressão, satelitose microscópica e margens cirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 328 casos, sendo 57 por cento mulheres e 43 por cento homens, com média de idade de 55,63 anos. A localização foi preferencialmente nos membros inferiores (29,26 por cento) e superiores (23,94 por cento) nas mulheres. Nos homens, predominou no dorso (35 por cento) e no tórax anterior/abdome (14,29 por cento) (p<0,05). Os subtipos histológicos se apresentaram com as seguintes frequências: espalhamento superficial (62,8 por cento), lentigo maligno (14,9 por cento), nodular (14,6 por cento), acral (7,3 por cento) e desmoplásico (0,3 por cento). Quanto ao Breslow: 26,2 por cento dos casos eram in situ, 36,9 por cento eram <1mm, enquanto apenas 15,9 por cento apresentavam mais de 4mm de profundidade. CONCLUSÃO: A distribuição dos subtipos histológicos e o nível de profundidade (Breslow) foram semelhantes aos encontrados em estudos anteriores em população de base não hospitalar. O perfil dos casos de melanoma cutâneo avaliados em hospital terciário parece estar se modificando nas últimas duas décadas, com tendência a diagnósticos mais precoces, atualmente.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma cutaneous and the mortalities rates are rising in most countries worldwide. OBJECTIVE: to describe the histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma, according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Group of Melanoma, and to evaluate early diagnosis in a cancer treatment referral center. METHODS: we performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of cases of primary cutaneous melanoma identified after excisional biopsy and processed at the pathology laboratory of Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa between Jan 1st 2000 and Jan 15th 2005. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, topography, histopathologic subtype, Breslow thickness, growth phase, Clark level, mitotic index, peritumoral and intratumoral lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, ulceration, regression, type of regression, microscopic satellitosis, and surgical margins. RESULTS: 328 cases, 57 percent female and 43 percent male, were analyzed. Mean age was 55.6 years. For women, the most common tumor location was in inferior(29.26 percent) and superior limbs(23.94 percent), while for men melanoma was mainly found in the back(35 percent), followed by anterior chest/abdomen(14.29 percent) (p<0.05). Prevalence of histologic subtypes was the following: superficial spreading melanoma(62.8 percent), lentigo maligna(14.9 percent), nodular(14.6 percent), acral(7.3 percent), and desmoplastic(0.3 percent) types. Regarding Breslow, 26.2 percent were in situ, 36.9 percent had <1 mm, and only 15.9 percent were ? 4mm in depth. CONCLUSION: the distribution of histopathologic subtypes, as well as Breslow thickness, was in accordance with previous studies in outpatient populations. The profile of cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in a tertiary hospital seems to be experiencing some changes over the last two decades, with a current trend for earlier diagnosis.

Basal-like immunophenotype markers and prognosis in early breast cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Basal-like breast cancer is a distinct group of tumors with heterogeneous behavior, and not all have a poor prognosis. The present study analyzed the prevalence and prognosis of early basal-like breast cancer. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 112 patients with stage I and II breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed using immunohistochemical stains for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, cytokeratin 5/6 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Basal-like tumors were defined as being estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 negative and cytokeratin 5/6 and/or epidermal growth factor receptor positive. RESULTS: Of the 112 cases, respectively 13 (11.6%) were basal-like, 77 (68.8%) luminal A or B, 13 (11.6%) HER2 positive and 9 (8%) undefined. In basal-like tumors, epidermal growth factor receptor and cytokeratin 5/6 expression was positive in 5 patients (38.5%) and 12 patients (92%), respectively. There was no significant correlation between basal-like breast cancer and age (P = 0.207), lymph node status (P = 1.0) or clinical stage (P = 0.53). Among all tested biomarkers, positivity was found in 81 (72.3%) for estrogen receptor, 13 (11.6%) for HER2, 11 (9.8%) for epidermal growth factor receptor and 36 (32.1%) for cytokeratin 5/6. Epidermal growth factor receptor expression was significantly correlated with estrogen receptor-negative (P = 0.01) and HER2-positive (P = 0.02) tumors. During a median follow-up of 81 months, there were 26 (23%) disease relapses and 12 (10.7%) deaths. No significant difference relating to disease-free survival and overall survival was noted between basal-like breast cancer and subtypes luminal A and B, HER2 positive and undefined. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of cytokeratin 5/6 and epidermal growth factor receptor defines a small subgroup of patients with basal-like tumors. In a population with early breast cancer, basal-like tumors did not have a prognosis different from the other subtypes. Neither was there a significant association with clinicopathological features. The high frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor positivity in estrogen receptor-negative and HER2-positive tumors represents a potential target in clinical trials.

Perfil antropométrico e conhecimento nutricional de mulheres sobreviventes de Câncer de Mama do Sul do Brasil / / El perfil antropométrico y conocimiento nutricional de mujeres sobrevivientes del Cáncer de Mama del Sur de Brasil / Antropometric profile and nutritional knowledge of women who Survived Breast

A importância da dieta no controle do câncer de mama é bastante reconhecida. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificara prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e o conhecimento nutricional das mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama. A amostra foi composta por 175 mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama em acompanhamento em dois hospitais públicos federais do Rio Grande do Sul, 105 da capital e 70 do interior, no entanto, os resultados permitiram unificar a amostra (p>0,05). As mulheres adultas (≤59 anos) encontram-se com sobrepeso e obesidade em 57,13% dos casos,e as idosas (≥60 anos), com sobrepeso em 63,4%. A maioria (71,43%) aumentou o peso após o diagnóstico, emmédia 6,46 Kg (± 4,9). O conhecimento nutricional foi moderado (61,7%), e não houve diferença no conhecimentonutricional entre as mulheres que receberam e não receberam orientações nutricionais (p=0,276). Houve predomínio de mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama com sobrepeso/obesidade na amostra e expressivo aumento de pesoapós o diagnóstico, mesmo em mulheres que receberam orientações nutricionais. Após regressão linear multivariada,verificou-se que o conhecimento nutricional associou-se somente à escolaridade (p=0,00), e não houve associação com o índice de massa corpórea (p=0,85). Concluiu-se que, apesar das evidências científicas, ainda não se faz uma abordagem nutricional individualizada e efetiva para a adequação dos hábitos de vida que possam diminuir o risco derecidiva do câncer de mama e de segundo tumor primário.

The importance of a diet in the control of breast cancer is quite recognized. The purpose of this study was to verify theprevalence of overweight and obesity as well as the nutritional knowledge of women who survived breast cancer. Thesample was composed of 175 women, 105 from the capital and 70 from the countryside, who survived breast cancerand are under follow-up control in two public federal hospitals in Rio Grande do Sul. However, the results allowedthe sample (p>0.05) to be unified. The adult women (≤ 59 years old), were overweight and obese in 57.13% of thecases, and the elderly (≥ 60 years old) were overweight in 63.4%. Most of them (71.43%) gained weight after thediagnosis, 6.46 Kg (± 4.9) in average. Their nutritional knowledge was moderate (61.7%) and there was no difference as to the nutritional knowledge between the women who have received nutritional orientation and those who have not received it (p=0.276). The sample showed prevalence of overweight/obesity in women who survived breast cancerand an expressive weight gain after the diagnosis, even in women who had received nutritional information. Aftermultivariate linear regression, it was verified that their nutritional knowledge was associated only with their educationlevel (p=0.00) and not with their body mass index (p=0.85). In conclusion, an individual and effective nutritionalapproach to improve life style has not been carried out yet despite scientific evidence that these actions would lessenthe risk of either breast cancer recurrence or second primary tumor.

La importancia de la dieta en el control del cáncer de mama es bastante reconocida. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad y el conocimiento nutricional de las mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama. La muestra fue compuesta por 175 mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama acompañadas en dos hospitales públicos federales de Rio Grande do Sul, 105 de la capital y 70 del interior. Sin embargo, los resultados permitieron unificar la muestra (p>0,05). Las mujeres adultas (≤ 59 años), se encontraron en sobrepeso y obesidad un 57,13% de los casos, y las ancianas (≥ 60 años), en sobrepeso un 63,4%. La mayoría (71,43%) aumentó el peso tras el diagnóstico, en media 6,46 Kg (± 4,9). El conocimiento nutricional fue moderado (61,7%), y no hubo diferencia en el conocimiento nutricional entre las mujeres que recibieron y no recibieron orientaciones nutricionales (p=0,276). Hubo predominio de mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama con sobrepeso/obesidad en la muestra y expresivo aumento de peso tras el diagnóstico, mismo en mujeres que recibieron orientaciones nutricionales. Después de la regresión lineal multivariada, se verifico que el conocimiento nutricional se asoció sólo con la escolaridad (p=0,00), y no hubo asociación con el índice de masa corporal (p=0,85). Se concluye que a pesar de las evidencias científicas, aún no se hace un abordaje nutricional individualizado y efectivo para la adecuación de los hábitos de vida que puedan disminuir el riesgo de recaída del cáncer de mama y de segundo tumor primario.

Prostasin, a potential tumor marker in ovarian cancer--a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer is generally diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease; therefore, poor prognoses are typical. The development of tumor markers is thus of utmost importance. Prostasin is a protease that in normal tissues is highly expressed only in the prostate gland and seminal fluid. A previous study showed that prostasin is highly overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. This study sought to evaluate the expression of prostasin in ovarian cancer. METHODS: Fresh tumor samples of ovarian epithelial cancer (n: 12) were analyzed for expression of prostasin mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) by conventional and real time quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction). As a standard control, a normal prostate sample was analyzed. RESULTS: Using conventional PCR, prostasin was detected in all but one sample. Using quantitative PCR, prostasin was over-expressed in all but one of the samples as compared to the control (prostate). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that prostasin is overexpressed in many epithelial ovarian cancers. Further studies of prostasin as a potential biomarker for this disease are warranted.

Rastreamento e diagnóstico de câncer de próstata / Screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer

Não existem até o momento provas contundentes que a população coberta pelo plano de saúde UNIMED-POA deva ser submetida ao rastreamento sistemático do câncer de próstata com o intuito de reduzir a mortalidade decorrente deste tipo de câncer, uma vez que não existem estudos desenhados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul que contemplem este aspecto. Recentemente, dois grandes estudos randomizados que visavam a esclarecer se o rastreamento populacional poderia reduzir a mortalidade por câncer de próstata concluíram: em estudo realizado nos Estados Unidos (prostate, lung, colorectal and ovary trial), não houve diferença na mortalidade da população rastreada ou não; no estudo europeu (European randomized of screening for prostate cancer), houve uma redução de 20 por cento da mortalidade da população rastreada em relação à não rastreada. Cabe ressaltar que ambos os estudos apresentaram, entre outros problemas, viés de seleção dos pacientes, onde mais de 50 por cento do grupo teoricamente não rastreado efetivamente realizou exames antes ou durante o estudo. Sendo assim, permanece recomendada realização de rastreamento nas diretrizes da Associação Americana de Urologia, Associação Europeia de Urologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia.

So far, there is no compelling evidence that the local population covered by the health plan UNIMED-POA should be submitted to systematic screening for prostate cancer in order to reduce mortality resulting from this type of cancer, as no studies in Rio Grande do Sul have been performed to address this particular issue. In other countries, two large randomized studies aimed at clarifying whether such screening could reduce mortality from prostate cancer were conducted recently: the prostate, lung, colorectal and ovary trial in the United States, and the European randomized screening for prostate cancer. In the former, there was no difference in mortality between screened and non-screened groups; in the latter there was a 20 percent reduction in mortality in the screened as compared to the non-screened group. It should be highlighted that both studies had many design problems including biased selection of patients, as more than 50 percent of the supposedly non-screened group was in fact submitted to medical tests either before or during the trial. Therefore, screening still should be performed according to the guidelines of the American Association of Urology, European Association of Urology and the Brazilian Society of Urology.

Rastreamento e diagnóstico do carcinoma de endométrio / Screening and diagnosis of endometrial cancer

Recomendações baseadas em evidências sobre rastreamento e diagnóstico do câncer de endométrio desenvolvidas por grupo multidisciplinar de médicos da cooperativa médica Unimed Porto Alegre. O trabalho foi discutido e legitimado pelos especialistas da área, em oficina específica. Visa a apoiar a boa prática médica e qualificar a assistência médica (AU)

Evidence-based recommendations on screening and diagnosis of endometrial cancer developed by a multidisciplinary group of physicians in the medical cooperative Unimed of Porto Alegre. The recommendation was discussed and legitimated by experts on the field, in a specific Workshop. It was designed to support good medical practice and improve health care (AU)