COVID-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children mimicking acute appendicitis - how to differentiate and conduct pediatric patients during the pandemic? - Proposal of a management flowchart.

INTRODUCTION: the new coronavirus pandemic has been a reality throughout 2020, and it has brought great challenges. The virus predominantly manifests in the pediatric population with mild symptoms. However, an increase in the incidence of Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been described in the literature. MIS-C manifests mainly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and may mimic acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to propose a care flowchart for suspected cases of acute appendicitis in the initial phase in pandemic times, considering the possibility of MIS-C. This situation was brought up by a patient treated in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. DISCUSSION: It was possible to identify common signs and symptoms in the reported patient and those published cases that may serve as alerts for early identification of MIS-C cases. Based on the literature review and on the similarities between the syndrome and the inflammatory acute abdomen in children, we elaborated an initial approach for these cases to facilitate the identification, early diagnosis, and management. The flowchart considers details of the clinical history, physical examination, and complementary exams prior to the indication of appendectomy in patients with initial phase symptoms. CONCLUSION: MIS-C, although rare and of poorly known pathophysiology, is most often severe and has a high mortality risk. The use of the proposed flowchart can help in the diagnosis and early treatment of MIS-C.

COVID-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children mimicking acute appendicitis - how to differentiate and conduct pediatric patients during the pandemic? - Proposal of a management flowchart / Síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica em crianças associada ao COVID-19 mimetizando apendicite aguda - como diferenciar e conduzir pacientes pediátricos durante a pandemia? - Proposta de fluxograma de atendimento

ABSTRACT Introduction: the new coronavirus pandemic has been a reality throughout 2020, and it has brought great challenges. The virus predominantly manifests in the pediatric population with mild symptoms. However, an increase in the incidence of Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been described in the literature. MIS-C manifests mainly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and may mimic acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to propose a care flowchart for suspected cases of acute appendicitis in the initial phase in pandemic times, considering the possibility of MIS-C. This situation was brought up by a patient treated in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. Discussion: It was possible to identify common signs and symptoms in the reported patient and those published cases that may serve as alerts for early identification of MIS-C cases. Based on the literature review and on the similarities between the syndrome and the inflammatory acute abdomen in children, we elaborated an initial approach for these cases to facilitate the identification, early diagnosis, and management. The flowchart considers details of the clinical history, physical examination, and complementary exams prior to the indication of appendectomy in patients with initial phase symptoms. Conclusion: MIS-C, although rare and of poorly known pathophysiology, is most often severe and has a high mortality risk. The use of the proposed flowchart can help in the diagnosis and early treatment of MIS-C.

RESUMO Introdução: a pandemia do novo coronavírus arrastou-se ao longo de 2020 e trouxe grandes desafios. Acredita-se que o vírus manifesta-se na população pediátrica predominantemente com quadros leves, entretanto, aumento da incidência da Síndrome Inflamatória Multissistêmica em Crianças (SIM-C) associada à COVID-19 tem sido descrito na literatura. A SIM-C manifesta-se principalmente com febre e sintomas gastrointestinais, podendo mimetizar abdome agudo inflamatório por apendicite aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor fluxograma de atendimento dos casos suspeitos de apendicite aguda em fase inicial, em tempos de pandemia, considerando-se a possibilidade de SIM-C, motivado pelo caso de paciente atendido em hospital pediátrico no Brasil. Discussão: Foi possível identificar sinais e sintomas em comum entre o paciente aqui relatado e casos publicados que podem servir de alerta para identificação precoce dos casos de SIM-C. Com base na revisão da literatura e nas semelhanças entre a síndrome e quadros de abdome agudo inflamatório na criança, foi elaborado fluxograma de abordagem inicial destes doentes para facilitar a identificação, diagnóstico precoce e condução dos pacientes. O fluxograma leva em consideração detalhes da história clínica, exame físico e exames complementares antes da indicação de apendicectomia em pacientes com sintomas na fase inicial. Conclusão: A SIM-C, apesar de rara e da fisiopatologia pouco conhecida, apresenta-se na maioria das vezes de forma grave e possui alto risco de mortalidade. O uso do fluxograma proposto pode auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento precoce da SIM-C.

Simulation in Pediatric Video Surgery: Training with Simple and Reproducible Exercises Elaborated by Residents.

Background: Most residents do not have a defined program for simulation training in video surgery in Brazil. The training takes place for the most part in vivo or in short courses. The goal of this article is to describe and evaluate a set of exercises using low-cost materials, created by the residents themselves, to enable basic skills training in video surgery. Materials and Methods: Seven exercises were elaborated aiming to simulate main maneuvers performed in video surgery. The residents were guided by a written and video description showing the execution of the exercises, performed the exercises, and answered a questionnaire. After 3 weeks of free training, the residents performed the exercises and answered the questionnaire again. Results: Seven residents started the study; however, 6 completed the two steps. Among the participants, 83% received in vivo video surgery training, and only 2 (33%) received some supervised simulation training in minimally invasive surgery before this time. All participants considered the set of seven exercises representative of the actual skills in video surgery. There was no difficulty in acquiring the materials or in assembling them to carry out the training. All the participants had a shorter training time than initially proposed, on average 1 day/week for 20 minutes. Conclusions: A simple set of exercises can be elaborated by the residents themselves and make feasible the simulated training in video surgery even without the availability of sophisticated and expensive materials. The presence of a tutor and the scheduling of exclusive training seem necessary for more satisfactory results.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Splenectomies in Children: A Comparative Study Performed at a Public Hospital in Brazil.

Introduction: In pediatric population, the two most common indications for splenectomy include traumatic rupture and hematological diseases such as hereditary spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, sickle cell disease, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Traditionally, splenectomy has been an open procedure; however, since the first laparoscopic splenectomy was reported in 1991, the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach has become increasingly popular. In most public hospitals in Brazil, where vessel sealing devices are not available, most surgeons seem to prefer open splenectomy to guarantee intraoperative safety and improved outcomes. Objectives: To compare outcomes between open and laparoscopic splenectomy in children in a public hospital in Brazil. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study conducted between January 2010 and June 2018. Patients from 0 to 14 years old who underwent open or laparoscopic splenectomy at the University Hospital of Federal University of Paraná were included. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and surgical data were collected. Results: For 8 years, 35 patients underwent splenectomy. Mean age was 4 years old and 54% were female. Of the 35 subjects, 69% had sickle cell anemia and 23% spherocytosis. The most common indication for surgery was a previous episode of splenic sequestration. The 13 laparoscopic surgeries were performed without harmonic scalpel or other vessel sealing devices. During the laparoscopic procedure, 2 patients experienced intraoperative complications: bleeding and prolonged surgical time due to technical problems with the equipment. Mean operative time was higher in laparoscopy group than in open group (186 minutes versus 66 minutes). Oral feeds began earlier on the laparoscopic group. Postoperatively, there were more complications on the open group, and no reoperations. There was only one fatality, likely secondary to fulminant sepsis, which occurred 34 days after the surgery in a patient who was undergoing prophylactic oral antibiotics therapy. Discussion: Performing laparoscopic splenectomy without harmonic scalpel or other vessel sealing devices is feasible, but it implicates in a significantly higher surgical time. Laparoscopic splenectomy had earlier oral feeds and fewer complications than open surgery.

Choledochal cyst in the pediatric population: experience of 13 laparoscopic procedures in two years at a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the first 13 cases of laparoscopic correction of common bile duct cyst in the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: we performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of cases of choledochal cyst operated by laparoscopy between March 2014 and September 2016. RESULTS: of the 13 patients, eight were female and the mean age at surgery was 7.8 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The hepaticoduodenal anastomosis was the most used reconstruction technique, in 84.6% of the cases. There was no conversion to laparotomy or intraoperative complications. Only one patient presented anastomotic fistula and was reoperated by laparotomy. All patients were followed up in an outpatient clinic, were asymptomatic and had no episode of cholangitis after surgery, with a mean follow-up of 16 months. CONCLUSION: laparoscopy is a safe method to correct choledochal cysts, even in younger children, with low rates of complications and low rates of conversion to open surgery when performed by well trained surgeons.

Choledochal cyst in the pediatric population: experience of 13 laparoscopic procedures in two years at a single institution / Cisto de colédoco na população pediátrica: experiência de 13 procedimentos laparoscópicos em dois anos de uma única instituição

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the first 13 cases of laparoscopic correction of common bile duct cyst in the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: we performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of cases of choledochal cyst operated by laparoscopy between March 2014 and September 2016. Results: of the 13 patients, eight were female and the mean age at surgery was 7.8 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The hepaticoduodenal anastomosis was the most used reconstruction technique, in 84.6% of the cases. There was no conversion to laparotomy or intraoperative complications. Only one patient presented anastomotic fistula and was reoperated by laparotomy. All patients were followed up in an outpatient clinic, were asymptomatic and had no episode of cholangitis after surgery, with a mean follow-up of 16 months. Conclusion: laparoscopy is a safe method to correct choledochal cysts, even in younger children, with low rates of complications and low rates of conversion to open surgery when performed by well trained surgeons.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever os primeiros 13 casos de correção laparoscópica de cisto do ducto biliar comum no Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: análise retrospectiva dos registros médicos em prontuário dos casos de cisto de colédoco operados por via laparoscópica entre março de 2014 e setembro de 2016. Resultados: dos 13 pacientes, oito eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade na ocasião da cirurgia foi de 7,8 anos. O sintoma mais comum foi dor abdominal. A anastomose hepático-duodenal foi a técnica de reconstrução mais utilizada, em 84,6% dos casos. Não houve conversão para laparotomia ou complicações intraoperatórias. Apenas um paciente apresentou fístula da anastomose e foi reoperado por laparotomia. Todos permanecem em acompanhamento ambulatorial, com tempo de seguimento médio de 16 meses, assintomáticos e não apresentaram episódio de colangite após a cirurgia. Conclusão: a laparoscopia é um método seguro para correção dos cistos de colédoco, mesmo em crianças mais jovens, com baixas taxas de complicações e baixas taxas de conversão para cirurgia aberta quando realizada por cirurgiões com bom treinamento.

Influência do tratamento com metformina sobre a tolerância à glicose induzida por corticosteróides em ratos Wistar / Influence of metformin treatment on glucose tolerance induced by corticosteroid administration in rats Wistar

Corticóides induzem um estado de intolerância à glicose, resistência à insulina e hiperglicemia. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a participação de corticosteróides endógenos sobre a hiperglicemia aguda em modelo experimental de intolerância à glicose induzida por dexametasona (0,1 mg kg-1, s.c., 4 dias). O modelo experimental foi caracterizado pela determinação da concentração de glicose sanguínea, volume urinário de 24 horas, consumo de ração e água. Os ratos foram tratados com clorpropamida (100 mg kg-1), metformina (300 mg kg-1) ou pioglitazona (10 mg kg-1) durante 4 dias e o efeito do tratamento foi avaliado pelo teste de tolerância à glicose endovenoso (GTT). A adrenalectomia corrigiu o quadro de intolerância à glicose destes animais, demonstrando que a dexametasona promove hiperglicemia por meio de um provável efeito sinérgico sobre os corticosteróides endógenos. O tratamento com metformina reduziu a alteração glicêmica. Nossos resultados sugerem um efeito benéfico na utilização da metformina como profilático no uso de corticóides em pacientes hiperglicêmicos.

This work evaluated the effect of the corticosteroid administration on glucose intolerance state induced by dexamethasone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c., 4 days). The experimental model was characterized through blood and urine glucose levels determination, 24 hour urinary volume, food and water intake. The rats were treated with chlorpropamide (100 mg kg-1), metformin (300 mg kg-1) or pioglitazone (10 mg kg-1) during 4 days. The effect of adrenalectomy or the drugs treatment effectiveness on hyperglycemia state were evaluated during intravenous GTT. Metformin treatment restored the altered hyperglycemia observed in this experimental model. Results suggest that dexamethasone promotes a hyperglycemia state through a synergic effect on endogenous corticosteroids, and that metformin treatment restores these altered responses. Indeed, the dexamethasone induced insulin resistance in humans, promoting hyperglycemia, which should be avoid by the prophylactic administration of metformin.

A participatory assessment to identify strategies for improved cervical cancer prevention and treatment in Bolivia

En este trabajo se evalúan la organización y disponibilidad de servicios de prevención y tratamiento del cáncer cervicouterino en cuatro de los nueve departamentos de Bolivia y se identifican estrategias de intervención. De 2001 a 2002 un equipo multidisciplinario de 15 personas llevó a cabo en Bolivia una evaluación que comprendió una revisión bibliográfica sobre el cáncer cervicouterino en el país, entrevistas semiestructuradas con 583 partes interesadas y 56 observaciones de servicios de salud de diversos niveles. En un taller celebrado después del trabajo de campo se reunieron 60 líderes de todos los departamentos del país para revisar los resultados y determinar su prioridad, y para elaborar recomendaciones basadas en las pruebas científicas recaudadas con miras a fortalecer los servicios de prevención del cáncer cervicouterino. Bolivia tiene una de las tasas más altas de cáncer cervicouterino en el mundo. No obstante, no tiene ningún programa organizado ni tampoco ninguna estrategia destinada a lograr que el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino alcance una cobertura mínima de 80 por ciento, que es la meta establecida por el Ministerio de Salud y Previsión Social. Una buena parte de la población carece de información sobre los servicios para la prevención y el tratamiento de lesiones precancerosas, o no puede llegar a estos servicios con facilidad. Los proveedores de atención sanitaria en el sector público calculan que de 50 a 80 por ciento de las mujeres sometidas al tamizaje no regresan a su seguimiento porque no hay ningún sistema que garantice un seguimiento adecuado con fines de diagnóstico o tratamiento. Muchos prestadores de atención de salud desconocen que los frotis de Papanicolaou se usan para detectar lesiones precancerosas. Bolivia tiene una unidad establecida dentro del Ministerio de Salud y Previsión Social cuya función es crear, administrar y supervisar programas nacionales para la prevención y el tratamiento del cáncer cervicouterino. Dicha unidad, en coordinación con las autoridades sanitarias en cada uno de los departamentos del país, también busca fortalecer la imposición de normas nacionales, actividades de capacitación, e iniciativas comunitarias de tipo informativo o educativo. No obstante, los servicios de tamizaje no están debidamente vinculados con los de diagnóstico y tratamiento de lesiones precancerosas. Por añadidura, los servicios de diagnóstico y tratamiento no siempre abundan o son accesibles...

Toxicity studies of Cordia salicifolia extract

Este estudo foi realizado para determinar a toxicidade aguda do extrato total de Cordia salicifolia (DL50) após administração oral e intraperitoneal em camundongos, assim como os efeitos do extrato sobre alguns parâmetros bioquímicos no plasma de ratos após um tratamento prolongado (90 dias). A DL50 do extrato administrado por v.o. foi maior que 2000 mg/Kg, enquanto a DL50 por via i.p. foi aproximadamente 920 mg/Kg. A administração oral diária do extrato nas doses de 20, 100, 200 e 400 mg/kg por um período de 90 dias não causou modificações no ganho de peso corporal, no peso dos órgãos, nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos dos animais. Estes resultados indicam que a administração do extrato por um período mais prolongado não provocou efeitos de toxicidade nos animais

Avaliação das atividades hipoglicemiante e antihiperglicemiante do extrato hidroalcóolico das folhas da Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) em modelos experimentais de hiperglicemia / Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities in hydroethanolic extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) in experimental models of hyperglycemia

As atividades hipoglicemiante e antihiperglicemiante do extrato hidroalcóolico obtido das folhas da Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) foram avaliadas em ratos, utilizandose diferentes modelos experimentais de hiperglicemia: diabetes tipo 1 induzido por aloxana, intolerância à glicose e resistência aguda à insulina induzidas pela dexametasona e resistência crônica à insulina em modelo de obesidade induzida pelo monoglutamato de sódio. O extrato hidroalcóolico da Averrhoa carambola, na dose de 800 mg/Kg de peso corporal, não apresentou atividades hipoglicemiantes e antihiperglicemiantes nos modelos de hiperglicemia testados