Systematic review and quality assessment of clinical and economic evidence for superabsorbent wound dressings in a population with chronic ulcers.

Effective exudate management is key for optimal ulcer healing. Superabsorbent dressings are designed to have high fluid handling capacity, reduced risk of exudate leakage, fluid retention under compression, and to sequester harmful exudate components. This study aimed to systematically identify existing evidence for the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of superabsorbent dressings for the treatment of moderate-to-highly exudating chronic ulcers of various etiologies. The aim is focused on examining the 'class' effect of all superabsorbers, not any particular dressing. Clinical and cost effectiveness systematic reviews were conducted, searching Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The Cost Effectiveness Analysis Registry and Econ papers were also searched for the economic review. Outcomes of interest included ulcer closure, dressing properties, hospital- and infection-related outcomes, safety, and economic outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomised controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogeneous in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favourable outcomes, including reductions in frequency of dressing change and pain scores. As most studies were case series, drawing firm conclusions was difficult due to absence of a comparator arm. The economic systematic review identified seven studies, five of which were cost-utility analyses. These suggested superabsorbent dressings are a more cost-effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard dressings. However, the small number and low quality of studies identified in both reviews highlights the need for future research.

Association of Alcohol Consumption with Cognition and Functionality in Older Adults Aged 75+ Years: The Pietà Study.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and cognition is still controversial. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Caeté (MG), Brazil, where 602 individuals aged 75+ years, 63.6% female, and with a mean education of 2.68 years, were submitted to thorough clinical assessments and categorized according to the number of alcoholic beverages consumed weekly. The prevalence rates of previous and current alcohol consumption were 34.6% and 12.3%, respectively. No association emerged between cognitive diagnoses and current/previous alcohol consumption categories. Considering current alcohol intake as a dichotomous variable, the absence of alcohol consumption was associated with dementia (OR = 2.34; 95%CI: 1.39-3.90) and worse functionality (p = 0.001). Previous consumption of cachaça (sugar cane liquor) increased the risk of dementia by 2.52 (95%CI: 1.25-5.04). The association between the consumption of cachaça and dementia diagnosis has not been described before.

Educational interventions on preventing pressure injuries targeted at nurses: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although preventable, pressure injuries are commonly observed in the hospital setting and are estimated to be the third most costly condition, after cancer and cardiovascular disease. AIM: Nurses play a crucial role in the prevention and management of pressure injuries, however, published evidence on the effectiveness of educational interventions, directed specifically at nurses in the hospital environment, is scarce. METHOD: The authors retrieved published studies on the subject from selected databases (Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library) in a number of languages (Portuguese, English, French and Spanish). The search yielded randomised controlled trials, as well as quasi-experimental and comparative studies. FINDINGS: In total, 11 studies were selected. The outcomes analysed, following some type of educational intervention, included the attitudes and knowledge of the nursing professionals, as well as the incidence of pressure injuries. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that different educational strategies can help prevent pressure injuries in the hospital environment.

Predicting Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Using Algorithms with the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised Subscores Combined with Sociodemographic Factors.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are important causes of dementia with challenging differential diagnoses in many cases. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) is a cognitive battery that may be useful to differentiate the two disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objectibe of this study is to investigate the value of the ACE-R combined with sociodemographic factors in the differential diagnosis between AD and bvFTD. METHODS: The ACE-R was administered to 102 patients with mild dementia due to probable AD, 37 with mild bvFTD, and 135 controls. Performances of patients and controls were analyzed by logistic regression and by ROC curves to refine the diagnostic accuracy of the ACE-R in AD and bvFTD. RESULTS: The ACE-R subscores Attention and Orientation, Fluency, and Memory, in combination with schooling differentiated AD from controls with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.936 (86% sensitivity and 87% specificity). The ACE-R subscores Attention and Orientation, Fluency, and Language, in combination with sex (male), age, and schooling, discriminated bvFTD from controls with an AUC of 0.908 (81% sensitivity and 95% specificity). In the differentiation between AD and bvFTD, the ACE-R subscores Attention and Orientation, Fluency, and Language, together with age, displayed an AUC of 0.865 (78% sensitivity and 85% specificity). CONCLUSION: The combination of ACE-R scores with sociodemographic data allowed good differentiation between AD and bvFTD in the study sample.

High performance older adults in a population-based sample with low education: Pietà study.

BACKGROUND: Healthy brain aging can be defined as aging without neurological or psychiatric disorders, sustaining functional independence. In addition to the absence of disease and preserved functionality, there are individuals who stand out for their superior performance to that considered normal for their age in cognitive tests. These individuals are called "high-performance older adults" (HPOA). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of HPOA in an oldest-old population with low education, and if present, to investigate associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables. METHODS: We evaluated 132 cognitively healthy individuals from the Pietà Study, a population-based investigation with 639 participants. We used the delayed recall from the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test to verify the existence of HPOA and to classify participants based on their performance. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables associated with HPOA were investigated. RESULTS: We identified 18 individuals fulfilling HPOA criteria (age: 77.4 ± 2.6 years old; 14 women; education: 4.6 ± 3.4 years). The other participants, 114 total (age: 79.8 ± 4.5 years old; 69 women; education: 3.0 ± 2.7 years) were classified as "standard performance older adults" (SPOA). In multivariate analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.672; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.462-0.979; p = 0.037) and lower scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (OR = 0.831; 95%CI: 0.688-0.989; p = 0.038) were associated with HPOA. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identifies for the first time HPOA with low educational level, thereby reinforcing the existence of biological substrates related to this condition. Furthermore, the data suggest an association between younger age and less depressive symptoms with HPOA.

ANTECEDENTES: Envelhecimento cerebral saudável pode ser definido como envelhecimento sem transtornos neurológicos ou psiquiátricos e com independência funcional. Além da ausência de doença e funcionalidade preservada, existem indivíduos que se destacam pelo desempenho superior ao normal em testes cognitivos. Estes indivíduos são chamados de "high performance older adults" (HPOA, na sigla em inglês). OBJETIVOS: Investigar a presença de HPOA em uma população de idosos com baixa escolaridade e, se presente, investigar associações com variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de estilo de vida. MéTODOS: Avaliamos 132 indivíduos cognitivamente saudáveis do Estudo Pietà (n = 639). Foi utilizado o Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey para verificar a existência de HPOA e classificar os participantes em dois grupos com base em seu desempenho. Variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de estilo de vida associadas a HPOA foram investigadas. RESULTADOS: Identificamos 18 indivíduos que preencheram critérios para HPOA (idade: 77,4 ± 2,6 anos; 14 mulheres; escolaridade: 4,6 ± 3,4 anos). Os demais, 114 no total (idade: 79,8 ± 4,5 anos; 69 mulheres; escolaridade: 3,0 ± 2,7 anos), foram classificados como "standard performance older adults" (SPOA, na sigla em inglês). Na análise multivariada, menor idade (odds ratio [OR] = 0,672; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0,462­0,979; p = 0,037) e menor pontuação na Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (OR = 0,831; IC95%: 0,688­0,989; p = 0,038) foram associados ao grupo HPOA. CONCLUSõES: O presente estudo identifica pela primeira vez HPOA entre indivíduos de baixa escolaridade, reforçando a existência de substratos biológicos relacionados a esta condição. Além disso, os dados sugerem uma associação entre idade mais jovem e menos sintomas depressivos com HPOA.

Retrospective Evaluation of Characteristics of Patients with Burn Injuries Treated at the Largest Reference Hospital in Brazil.

Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian population. We conducted this study in a tertiary hospital in Brazil to discover the epidemiological characteristics of patients with burn injuries. We conducted a cohort review of patients admitted to the burn unit of our institute during a 5-year period. For each patient, we collected data that included age, gender, total percentage of burned body surface area, burn location, burn mode, and burn cause. We analyzed the data using the R programming language. We included a total of 496 patients in our study. The mean age of the patients was 28 ± 14.7 years. The median length of hospital stay was 2 weeks. We found a significant correlation between the total percentage of burned body surface area and the length of hospitalization (p < .001) and the length of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (p < .001). A total of 427 patients (86%) were discharged from the hospital after successful treatment. In contrast, 43 patients (8.67%) died. The mortality rate was highest in patients who had more than 70% of their total body surface area burned. The average length of hospitalization aligned with global and national statistics presented in the literature. The main causes of the burn injuries were thermal (e.g., fire, hot liquids). We found inhalation injuries present in more than one third of the patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit with thermal burns.

High performance older adults in a population-based sample with low education: Pietà study / Idosos de alta performance cognitiva em uma amostra de base populacional com baixa escolaridade: estudo Pietà

Abstract Background Healthy brain aging can be defined as aging without neurological or psychiatric disorders, sustaining functional independence. In addition to the absence of disease and preserved functionality, there are individuals who stand out for their superior performance to that considered normal for their age in cognitive tests. These individuals are called "high-performance older adults" (HPOA). Objectives To investigate the presence of HPOA in an oldest-old population with low education, and if present, to investigate associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables. Methods We evaluated 132 cognitively healthy individuals from the Pietà Study, a population-based investigation with 639 participants. We used the delayed recall from the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test to verify the existence of HPOA and to classify participants based on their performance. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables associated with HPOA were investigated. Results We identified 18 individuals fulfilling HPOA criteria (age: 77.4 ± 2.6 years old; 14 women; education: 4.6 ± 3.4 years). The other participants, 114 total (age: 79.8 ± 4.5 years old; 69 women; education: 3.0 ± 2.7 years) were classified as "standard performance older adults" (SPOA). In multivariate analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR] =0.672; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.462-0.979; p = 0.037) and lower scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (OR = 0.831; 95%CI: 0.688-0.989; p = 0.038) were associated with HPOA. Conclusions The present study identifies for the first time HPOA with low educational level, thereby reinforcing the existence of biological substrates related to this condition. Furthermore, the data suggest an association between younger age and less depressive symptoms with HPOA.

Resumo Antecedentes Envelhecimento cerebral saudável pode ser definido como envelhecimento sem transtornos neurológicos ou psiquiátricos e com independência funcional. Além da ausência de doença e funcionalidade preservada, existem indivíduos que se destacam pelo desempenho superior ao normal em testes cognitivos. Estes indivíduos são chamados de "high performance older adults" (HPOA, na sigla em inglês). Objetivos Investigar a presença de HPOA em uma população de idosos com baixa escolaridade e, se presente, investigar associações com variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de estilo de vida. Métodos Avaliamos 132 indivíduos cognitivamente saudáveis do Estudo Pietà (n = 639). Foi utilizado o Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey para verificar a existência de HPOA e classificar os participantes em dois grupos com base em seu desempenho. Variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de estilo de vida associadas a HPOA foram investigadas. Resultados Identificamos 18 indivíduos que preencheram critérios para HPOA (idade: 77,4 ± 2,6 anos; 14 mulheres; escolaridade: 4,6 ± 3,4 anos). Os demais, 114 no total (idade: 79,8 ± 4,5 anos; 69 mulheres; escolaridade: 3,0 ± 2,7 anos), foram classificados como "standard performance older adults" (SPOA, na sigla em inglês). Na análise multivariada, menor idade (odds ratio [OR] =0,672; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0,462-0,979; p = 0,037) e menor pontuação na Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (OR = 0,831; IC95%: 0,688-0,989; p = 0,038) foram associados ao grupo HPOA. Conclusões O presente estudo identifica pela primeira vez HPOA entre indivíduos de baixa escolaridade, reforçando a existência de substratos biológicos relacionados a esta condição. Além disso, os dados sugerem uma associação entre idade mais jovem e menos sintomas depressivos com HPOA.

Hydrogel enriched with sodium alginate and vitamins A and E for diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers usually are hard to heal, and amputation is sometimes necessary. Wound bed preparation helps promote the normal healing process, and debridement is fundamental to improving the wound microenvironment. Hydrogel enriched with sodium alginate and vitamins A and E is a new treatment that can aid in debridement and WBP. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of the autolytic debridement promoted by hydrogel in the healing of DFU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up period. Twenty-six patients were randomized into either the control group (cleaning and a simple dressing) or the experimental group (hydrogel treatment). Nineteen patients completed the trial. The wound area, healing, and wound severity classification based on PUSH were evaluated, and microscopic evaluation of the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and collagen production was performed. RESULTS: The average patient age, duration of the open wound, and presence of diabetes were similar between the groups. The initial wound area was larger in the experimental group than in the control group, however. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the outcomes (lesion area and PUSH subscores) between the groups. Histological analysis demonstrated a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate in the experimental group; however, there was no increase in collagen production. CONCLUSIONS: The use of enriched hydrogel was found to be of no benefit compared with conventional dressings in the management of DFU.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Patient with HIV and Histoplasmosis: A not so Rare Correlation.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disorder that occurs due to unsuitable monocyte activation in a variety of infections. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, patients with advanced immunossupression associated with opportunistic infections are at increased risk of developing HLH. We describe a clinical case of a 33-year-old male student diagnosed with HIV who was hospitalized for investigation of asthenia and dyspnea, accompanied by adynamia, decreased motor force in the left leg, dysphagia, and dysfluency. His general condition was regular, he was pale, feverish, and had normal cardiac and pulmonary auscultation. Physical examination revealed ulcerated lesions in the perianal region and hepatosplenomegaly without palpable lymph node enlargement. Laboratory parameters showed pancytopenia, a slight increase in liver function accompanied by high lactate dehydrogenase, and hiperferritinemia. The initial diagnosis was disseminated histoplasmosis, thus amphotericin B deoxycholate was empirically prescribed while waiting on myeloculture and blood cultures for fungi and mycobacteria. Other clinical procedures were blood transfusion, resumption of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and secondary prophylaxis. Myeloculture blood cultures of fungi and mycobacteria were negative. Patient evolved well in relation to the initial complaints and showed partial clinical and laboratory improvement. However, 23 days after hospitalization, he developed a febrile episode accompanied by chills and a convulsive crisis. The patient was transferred to the intensive unit care and developed septic shock and respiratory failure. He died 25 days after the onset of the condition. After the postmortem examination, histopathology revealed countless rounded fungal structures compatible with Histoplasma sp., which were observed in the peripancreatic lymph node, liver, and spleen, in addition to hemophagocytosis in the splenic parenchyma. We thus conclude that when the patient met criteria for HLH, such as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, hiperferritinemia, and pancytopenia, the evolution was fast due to the aggressive and rapidly fatal nature of HLH, despite anti-fungal and corticoid treatment. Therefore, this case report reinforces the need to consider hemophagocytic syndrome in patients with HIV and disseminated histoplasmosis, especially where histoplasmosis is highly endemic, in order for the treatment be started early when there is high clinical suspicion.

Influence of Neuropeptide Y and Neuropeptide Y 2 Receptor Variants in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 ACS patients and 278 healthy controls were selected for this study. Four variants in NPY and two variants in NPY2R genes were genotyped using Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify the genotype frequencies. The logistic regression analyses were used for the evaluation of the studied variables. Haplotype analysis was used to evaluate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the variants (p<0.05). Results An association of NPY c.20T>C variant was found with the ACS group when compared to the healthy group. In the analysis between variants and risk factors in the ACS group, NPY c.84G>A was associated with hypertension. The analysis between TIMI risk showed a significance for NPY c.20T>C between the low and intermediate/high TIMI risk groups. In the haplotype analysis, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between the variants NPY c.150G>A and NPY c.-485T>C. Conclusion The NPY c.20T>C variant appears to contribute to the development of ACS. The NPY2R c.-1116A>G variant may contribute to the early development of ACS and the NPY c.84G>A variant appears to contribute to the development of hypertension. In addition, the NPY c.20T>C is associated with a protective effect in ACS severity.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in burn patient: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Burns often cause severe physical and mental suffering and can become a trigger for the development of permanent psychological diseases, even after wound healing. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one such disorder, which involves the re-experiencing of many symptoms provoked by a previous traumatic situation. METHOD: This study is a systematic review of interventions used to reduce or prevent PTSD symptoms in burn victims. We included randomized clinical trials that described therapeutic interventions for the prevention of PTSD in burn patients. The search was conducted in the databases EMBASE and PUBMED/Medline between 2009 and 2020, and the main variables evaluated were%TBSA, age, number of hospitalization days, type of intervention, follow-up time and results. The analysis of the bias risk was carried out according to the guidance in the Cochrane Handbook for Bias Risk Assessment. RESULTS: Eight clinical trials were selected: three of them were performed in children, and five involved adults. The most common bias risks were related to participant/researcher blinding and loss of follow-up. Two interventions were identified: a pharmacological intervention and a psychological intervention. Medications (sertraline and propanolol) were not effective in reducing stress symptoms. Four studies used cognitive-behavioral therapies, which achieved the best results for PTSD improvement in burn patients. Hypnosis and an informational education program were also evaluated and did not show success in reducing PTSD. CONCLUSION: Cognitive-behavioral therapies may work to reduce PTSD symptoms in burn patients, and when they are adopted early by burn units, they may improve the psychological condition of burn patients.

Strategies for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in public health: an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: As a source of readily available evidence, rigorously synthesized and interpreted by expert clinicians and methodologists, clinical guidelines are part of an evidence-based practice toolkit, which, transformed into practice recommendations, have the potential to improve both the process of care and patient outcomes. In Brazil, the process of development and updating of the clinical guidelines for the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) is already well systematized by the Ministry of Health. However, the implementation process of those guidelines has not yet been discussed and well structured. Therefore, the first step of this project and the primary objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of strategies used to promote clinical practice guideline implementation and dissemination. METHODS: This overview used systematic review methodology to locate and evaluate published systematic reviews regarding strategies for clinical practice guideline implementation and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review (PRISMA). RESULTS: This overview identified 36 systematic reviews regarding 30 strategies targeting healthcare organizations, healthcare providers and patients to promote guideline implementation. The most reported interventions were educational materials, educational meetings, reminders, academic detailing and audit and feedback. Care pathways-single intervention, educational meeting-single intervention, organizational culture, and audit and feedback-both strategies implemented in combination with others-were strategies categorized as generally effective from the systematic reviews. In the meta-analyses, when used alone, organizational culture, educational intervention and reminders proved to be effective in promoting physicians' adherence to the guidelines. When used in conjunction with other strategies, organizational culture also proved to be effective. For patient-related outcomes, education intervention showed effective results for disease target results at a short and long term. CONCLUSION: This overview provides a broad summary of the best evidence on guideline implementation. Even if the included literature highlights the various limitations related to the lack of standardization, the methodological quality of the studies, and especially the lack of conclusion about the superiority of one strategy over another, the summary of the results provided by this study provides information on strategies that have been most widely studied in the last few years and their effectiveness in the context in which they were applied. Therefore, this panorama can support strategy decision-making adequate for SUS and other health systems, seeking to positively impact on the appropriate use of guidelines, healthcare outcomes and the sustainability of the SUS.

Brazilian Version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised in the Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer'S Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are frequent causes of dementia and, therefore, instruments for differential diagnosis between these two conditions are of great relevance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) for differentiating AD from bvFTD in a Brazilian sample. METHODS: The ACE-R was administered to 102 patients who had been diagnosed with mild dementia due to probable AD, 37 with mild bvFTD and 161 cognitively healthy controls, matched according to age and education. Additionally, all subjects were assessed using the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. The performance of patients and controls was compared by using univariate analysis, and ROC curves were calculated to investigate the accuracy of ACE-R for differentiating AD from bvFTD and for differentiating AD and bvFTD from controls. The verbal fluency plus language to orientation plus name and address delayed recall memory (VLOM) ratio was also calculated. RESULTS: The optimum cutoff scores for ACE-R were <80 for AD, <79 for bvFTD, and <80 for dementia (AD + bvFTD), with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) (AUC) >0.85. For the differential diagnosis between AD and bvFTD, a VLOM ratio of 3.05 showed an AUC of 0.816 (Cohen's d = 1.151; p < .001), with 86.5% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, 72.7% positive predictive value, and 85.7% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian ACE-R achieved a good diagnostic accuracy for differentiating AD from bvFTD patients and for differentiating AD and bvFTD from the controls in the present sample.

Estudo de três modelos de predição de gravidade em uma unidade de terapia intensiva especializada no atendimento de pacientes com extensas queimaduras / Study of three severity prediction models in an intensive care unit specialized in the care of patients with extensive burns

OBJETIVO: Não existe na literatura consenso indicando o melhor índice mortalidade a ser aplicado para pacientes vítimas de grandes queimaduras. Contudo, os índices de gravidade podem determinar o quadro apresentado pelo paciente, além de avaliar a probabilidade de mortalidade e morbidade a partir do quadro patológico, possibilitando uma melhor compreensão sobre a gravidade da doença e efetividade do tratamento. O objetivo é avaliar se o índice de gravidade clínica fornecido por três escalas de prognóstico (LODS, APACHE II e Charlson) reflete a situação clínica dos pacientes nas primeiras 24 horas posteriores a sua admissão na UTI de queimados. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo documental com análise retrospectiva utilizando dados de 225 pacientes internados em UTI especializada em tratamentos de grandes queimados. Os valores registrados no prontuário nas primeiras 24 horas de internação foram aplicados nos escores LODS, APACHE II e índice de comorbidade de Charlson. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1 (alta, 229 pacientes) e grupo 2 (óbito, 26 pacientes). RESULTADOS: Como resultado, foi obtida diferença estatística entre os dois grupos no escore de LODS e APACHE II, havendo uma média de pontuação superior no grupo 2. Também houve diferença estatística significante em relação aos parâmetros renais e pulmonares no escore de LODS, predição da mortalidade do escore APACHE II e superfície corporal queimada. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo indica que a porcentagem de superfície corporal queimada, a função pulmonar e renal são preditores significantes de morte para pacientes queimados. Os índices calculados pelo APACHE II e o LODS se mostraram úteis para uso junto a esta população.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus in the literature indicating the best mortality rate to be applied to patients suffering from major burns. However, the severity indexes can determine the condition presented by the patient, in addition to evaluating the probability of mortality and morbidity from the pathological condition, allowing a better understanding of the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. The aim is to assess whether the clinical severity index provided by three prognostic scales (LODS, APACHE II and Charlson) reflects the clinical situation of patients in the first 24 hours after their admission to the burn ICU. METHODS: This is a study with a retrospective analysis using data from 225 patients admitted to an ICU specializing in the treatment of major burns. The values recorded in the medical records in the first 24 hours of hospitalization were applied to the LODS, APACHE II and Charlson comorbidity index scores. Patients were divided into group 1 (discharge, 229 patients) and group 2 (death, 26 patients). RESULTS: As a result, a statistical difference was obtained between the two groups in the LODS and APACHE II scores, with an average of higher scores in group 2. There was also a statistically significant difference in relation to renal and pulmonary parameters in the LODS score, predicting the mortality of the APACHE II score and burned body surface. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the percentage of body surface burned, lung and kidney function are significant predictors of death for burn patients. The indices calculated by APACHE II and the LODS proved to be useful for use with this population.

Public engagement in health technology assessment in Brazil: the case of the public consultation on National Clinical Guidelines for Care in Normal Birth.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of public engagement in health technology assessment. However, there is still uncertainty regarding how the results should be recorded, analyzed, and used by decision makers. OBJECTIVE: Synthesize the contributions of the Brazilian public (women, health professionals, managers, educational institutions, and companies) about the implementation of the National Clinical Guidelines for Care in Normal Birth from the public consultation carried out in Brazil. METHOD: IRaMuTeQ software was used to organize and summarize the corpus based on three types of analysis: descriptive statistics; descending hierarchical classification; and specificities analysis. The public consultation was conducted in 2016 by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC) in the Brazilian public health system as part of the guideline development process. RESULTS: The corpus consisted of 303 texts, separated into 1233 text segments, 1081 of which were used, corresponding to retention of 87.67%. Five classes emerged from our analyses: mandatory presence of an obstetrician during labor and delivery in hospital settings; barriers and facilitators for guideline implementation; use of evidence-based practices by health professionals; progression of labor and delivery and women's rights; and mobilization to promote the guideline For each class, the most frequent words and sentences with the highest chi-squared scores were presented. Barriers were associated with lack of financial resources, training and professional motivation, and facilitators with training to change the practices of health professionals. Obstetric nurses emerged as an alternative for supervising normal births as well as the mandatory presence of an obstetrician during childbirth in hospital settings. CONCLUSION: Our findings summarize the contributions provided by the Brazilian public and shed some light on the barriers and facilitators of clinical guidelines for care in normal birth. These topics are not typically explored by quantitative studies. Including this information in the decision-making process would not only increase public engagement, but provide greater evidence for implementing the clinical guidelines nationwide.

Evaluation of the evidence level for the use of radiofrequency in aesthetic treatments: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. It has been employed for several aesthetic purposes. AIM: This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on the use of RF for aesthetic applications and assess the level of accumulated evidence for each condition. METHODS: Using the MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases, we searched for articles published from 2009 to 2019 describing the use of RF treatment for aesthetic purposes. RESULTS: Our search approach identified 25 randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of RF in the following clinical situations: body contour improvement, facial rejuvenation, acne scar treatment, alopecia, and rosacea. There were problems with the quality of the studies, especially regarding selection, performance, and detection bias. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that RF treatment is potentially promising in all of the evaluated clinical situations; however, we were not able to identify a level of evidence that justifies its use over other therapeutic options currently available on the market.

A Sanger-based approach for scaling up screening of SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern.

The global spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern underscore an urgent need of simple deployed molecular tools that can differentiate these lineages. Several tools and protocols have been shared since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they need to be timely adapted to cope with SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Although whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the virus genetic material has been widely used, it still presents practical difficulties such as high cost, shortage of available reagents in the global market, need of a specialized laboratorial infrastructure and well-trained staff. These limitations result in SARS-CoV-2 surveillance blackouts across several countries. Here we propose a rapid and accessible protocol based on Sanger sequencing of a single PCR fragment that is able to identify and discriminate all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) identified so far, according to each characteristic mutational profile at the Spike-RBD region (K417N/T, E484K, N501Y, A570D). Twelve COVID-19 samples from Brazilian patients were evaluated for both WGS and Sanger sequencing: three P.2, two P.1, six B.1.1 and one B.1.1.117 lineage. All results from the Sanger sequencing method perfectly matched the mutational profile of VOCs and non-VOCs RBD's characterized by WGS. In summary, this approach allows a much broader network of laboratories to perform molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and report results within a shorter time frame, which is of utmost importance in the context of rapid public health decisions in a fast evolving worldwide pandemic.

Retrospective Evaluation Of The Accuracy Of Five Different Severity Scores To Predict The Mortality In Burns Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with great clinical impairment, due to extensive burns, need to be admitted to intensive care units, in these treatment sites, indices are used to classify the severity of patients. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of the FLAMES score in relation to the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), the Simplified Acute Physiologic Score II (SAPS II), the Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) and the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) applied to the severe burn patient facing mortality in an ICU of a reference center for burns in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted in ICU comparing the accuracy the APACHE II, SAPS II, LODS, ABSI and FLAMES instruments were applied to all the selected medical records. To evaluate the accuracy of the SIs, the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was calculated and the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Among the 574 patients included in the study, male individuals (70.13%), with an average age of 44.01 ± 28.64 prevailed and the majority of the burns were caused by accidents (76.53%). The outcome accounted for 35.29% of deaths. It was observed that the FLAMES and ABSI presented the two largest areas under the ROC curves and the highest sensitivities (96% and 89%, respectively). The APACHE II, SAPS II and LODS presented sensitivities equal to or greater than 80%. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated that indices specifically developed for burn patients, specifically the FLAMES and ABSI indices, presented better accuracies and prediction performances.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of COVID-19-related cranial nerve lesions.

The complete features of the neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still need to be elucidated, including associated cranial nerve involvement. In the present study we describe cranial nerve lesions seen in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of six cases of confirmed COVID-19, involving the olfactory bulb, optic nerve, abducens nerve, and facial nerve. Cranial nerve involvement was associated with COVID-19, but whether by direct viral invasion or autoimmunity needs to be clarified. The development of neurological symptoms after initial respiratory symptoms and the absence of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suggest the possibility of autoimmunity.