HIV and neoplasms: What do we know so far?

INTRODUCTION: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic remains an important issue. In 2020, approximately 37.7 million people were living with the disease and there were more than 680 thousand deaths due to complications linked to the disease. Despite these exorbitant numbers, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has marked a new era, changing the epidemiological profile of the infection and related pathologies, including neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: We performed a literature review to assess the role of neoplasms in patients with HIV after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: A literature review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, searching the MEDLINE, LILACS, and COCHRANE databases for articles published from 2010 onwards. RESULTS: Using specific key terms, 1,341 articles were identified; two were duplicates, 107 were selected for full-text evaluation, and 20 were included in the meta-analysis. The selected studies included 2,605,869 patients. Fifteen of the 20 articles indicated a reduction in the global incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and 12 indicated an overall increase in non-AIDS-defining cancers after the introduction of antiretrovirals. This growth trend could be explained by a range of factors including the aging population with HIV, risky behaviors, and coinfection with oncogenic viruses. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decreasing trend in the incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and increasing trend in non-AIDS-defining neoplasms. However, the carcinogenic effect of antiretrovirals could not be confirmed. In addition, studies focusing on the oncogenic role of HIV and screening for neoplasms in individuals with HIV are required.

Treating the face of women with botulinum toxin type A: 7-year review / Tratamento da face de mulheres com toxina botulínica do tipo A: revisão de 7 anos

Introduction: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is the number one aesthetic procedure worldwide, and the difficulty in standardizing the aesthetic treatment of the face results in a broad range of treatment possibilities. The objective this study aimed to describe the author's experience treating facial wrinkles of women with BTX-A and suggest a standardized initial treatment method. Methods: A documentary retrospective review of all medical records from the main author's clinic from 2010 to 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil, was performed, searching for female patients who required the BTX-A aesthetic treatment to reduce facial wrinkles. The main author obtained, reviewed, and classified photographic data ("Carruthers Grading Scale for Forehead Lines"). Results: The BTX-A used in all patients was Botox® (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA). A total of 156 female treatments with BTX-A were identified. The average total units of BTX-A used for the referred treatment was 32.43U. The average period between treatments in the same patient was 8.73 months. All patients showed an improved "Grading Scale for Forehead Lines" post-treatment Conclusion: The review suggests a safe and effective technique is possible with even lower complication rates than found in the literature using fewer units, resulting in lower product costs. One should always try to minimize risks in aesthetic treatments.

Introdução: A aplicação de toxina botulínica do tipo A (BTX-A) é o procedimento estético mais realizado no mundo. Não há consenso sobre a forma ideal de realizar essa aplicação, que defina os locais de aplicação e a quantidade ideal necessária para o referido tratamento. O objetivo do estudo tem como objetivos descrever a experiência do autor no tratamento das rugas faciais em mulheres com BTX-A e sugerir uma padronização para o tratamento inicial. Método: Foi realizado um estudo documental retrospectivo de todos os prontuários médicos da clínica do autor principal, em São Paulo - SP, Brasil, desde 2010 até 2017, em busca dos dados de pacientes do sexo feminino que foram submetidas ao tratamento das rugas faciais com BTX-A, por razões estéticas. Os arquivos fotográficos foram obtidos, revisados e classificados pelo autor principal de acordo com a "Carruthers Grading Scale for Forehead Lines". Resultados: A BTX-A utilizada em todas as pacientes foi: Botox® (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA). Um total de 156 tratamentos com BTX-A foi encontrado. A média de unidade de toxina utilizada para o tratamento foi de 32,43U. O período médio de retorno para nova aplicação, na mesma paciente, foi de 8,73 meses. Todas as pacientes apresentaram melhora da classificação obtida através da "Grading Scale for Forehead Lines" após o tratamento. Conclusão: A revisão sugere que uma técnica efetiva e segura para o tratamento é possível, com menos unidades e menor taxa de complicações, quando comparada à literatura. Devemos sempre minimizar os riscos em tratamentos estéticos.

Third-line and rescue therapy for refractory Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Due to increasing resistance rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to different antibiotics, failures in eradication therapies are becoming more frequent. Even though eradication criteria and treatment algorithms for first-line and second-line therapy against H. pylori infection are well-established, there is no clear recommendation for third-line and rescue therapy in refractory H. pylori infection. AIM: To perform a systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of rescue therapies against refractory H. pylori infection. METHODS: A systematic search of available rescue treatments for refractory H. pylori infection was conducted on the National Library of Medicine's PubMed search platform based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies evaluating the effectiveness of H. pylori infection rescue therapies were included. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included in the analysis of mean eradication rates as rescue therapy, and 21 of these were selected for analysis of mean eradication rate as third-line treatment. For rifabutin-, sitafloxacin-, levofloxacin-, or metronidazole-based triple-therapy as third-line treatment, mean eradication rates of 81.6% and 84.4%, 79.4% and 81.5%, 55.7% and 60.6%, and 62.0% and 63.0% were found in intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. For third-line quadruple therapy, mean eradication rates of 69.2% and 72.1% were found for bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), 88.9% and 90.9% for bismuth quadruple therapy, three-in-one, Pylera® (BQT-Pylera), and 61.3% and 64.2% for non-BQT) in ITT and PP analysis, respectively. For rifabutin-, sitafloxacin-, levofloxacin-, or metronidazole-based triple therapy as rescue therapy, mean eradication rates of 75.4% and 78.8%, 79.4 and 81.5%, 55.7% and 60.6%, and 62.0% and 63.0% were found in ITT and PP analysis, respectively. For quadruple therapy as rescue treatment, mean eradication rates of 76.7% and 79.2% for BQT, 84.9% and 87.8% for BQT-Pylera, and 61.3% and 64.2% for non-BQT were found in ITT and PP analysis, respectively. For susceptibility-guided therapy, mean eradication rates as third-line and rescue treatment were 75.0% in ITT and 79.2% in PP analysis. CONCLUSION: We recommend sitafloxacin-based triple therapy containing vonoprazan in regions with low macrolide resistance profile. In regions with known resistance to macrolides or unavailability of bismuth, rifabutin-based triple therapy is recommended.

HIV and neoplasms: What do we know so far?

ABSTRACT Introduction The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic remains an important issue. In 2020, approximately 37.7 million people were living with the disease and there were more than 680 thousand deaths due to complications linked to the disease. Despite these exorbitant numbers, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has marked a new era, changing the epidemiological profile of the infection and related pathologies, including neoplasms. Objective We performed a literature review to assess the role of neoplasms in patients with HIV after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Methods A literature review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, searching the MEDLINE, LILACS, and COCHRANE databases for articles published from 2010 onwards. Results Using specific key terms, 1,341 articles were identified; two were duplicates, 107 were selected for full-text evaluation, and 20 were included in the meta-analysis. The selected studies included 2,605,869 patients. Fifteen of the 20 articles indicated a reduction in the global incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and 12 indicated an overall increase in non-AIDS-defining cancers after the introduction of antiretrovirals. This growth trend could be explained by a range of factors including the aging population with HIV, risky behaviors, and coinfection with oncogenic viruses. Conclusions There was a decreasing trend in the incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and increasing trend in non-AIDS-defining neoplasms. However, the carcinogenic effect of antiretrovirals could not be confirmed. In addition, studies focusing on the oncogenic role of HIV and screening for neoplasms in individuals with HIV are required.

THE ROLE OF ENDOSCOPY IN DYSPEPTIC SYNDROME IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTES.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the epigastric region, and can be subdivided into organic and functional. The diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is based on the criteria defined by the Rome committee. In the pediatric population, functional dyspepsia is more common than organic dyspepsia, in addition to being part of a set of diseases called defined gastrointestinal disorders, defined by the Rome IV criteria. The most efficient diagnostic method of functional dyspepsia in the pediatric population is still uncertain since endoscopy is an important test to rule out organic changes, but it is invasive to be performed on a large scale. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia in pediatric patients, aiming at preventing invasive procedures and reaching high specificity in the result, which is important to determine the best diagnostic guideline for these patients. METHODS: Narrative literature review study performed by searching for articles in the PubMed/Medline and LILACS database using the PRISMA method. RESULTS: A total of 102 articles were found in PubMed, 15 of which were selected for the study. In the LILACS database, nine articles were found and one was selected. Thus, 16 articles were selected for the study. The most appropriate indications for endoscopy, how to differentiate organic from functional dyspepsia without endoscopy, the main endoscopic findings of the studies, the differences between Rome III and Rome IV criteria, and the prevalence and factors possibly associated with functional dyspepsia were approached through the selected articles. CONCLUSION: The main indication for endoscopy is the presence of alarm symptoms in pediatric patients with dyspepsia and the Rome clinical criteria are efficient for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. However, there is still no standardized diagnostic guideline to be followed in this age group.

O papel da endoscopia na síndrome dispéptica de crianças e adolescentes / The role of endoscopy in dyspeptic syndrome in children and adolescentes

ABSTRACT Background Dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the epigastric region, and can be subdivided into organic and functional. The diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is based on the criteria defined by the Rome committee. In the pediatric population, functional dyspepsia is more common than organic dyspepsia, in addition to being part of a set of diseases called defined gastrointestinal disorders, defined by the Rome IV criteria. The most efficient diagnostic method of functional dyspepsia in the pediatric population is still uncertain since endoscopy is an important test to rule out organic changes, but it is invasive to be performed on a large scale. Objective To evaluate the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia in pediatric patients, aiming at preventing invasive procedures and reaching high specificity in the result, which is important to determine the best diagnostic guideline for these patients. Methods: Narrative literature review study performed by searching for articles in the PubMed/Medline and LILACS database using the PRISMA method. Results A total of 102 articles were found in PubMed, 15 of which were selected for the study. In the LILACS database, nine articles were found and one was selected. Thus, 16 articles were selected for the study. The most appropriate indications for endoscopy, how to differentiate organic from functional dyspepsia without endoscopy, the main endoscopic findings of the studies, the differences between Rome III and Rome IV criteria, and the prevalence and factors possibly associated with functional dyspepsia were approached through the selected articles. Conclusion The main indication for endoscopy is the presence of alarm symptoms in pediatric patients with dyspepsia and the Rome clinical criteria are efficient for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. However, there is still no standardized diagnostic guideline to be followed in this age group.

RESUMO Contexto: A dispepsia é a dor ou desconforto na região epigástrica, e pode ser subdividida em orgânica e funcional. O diagnóstico de dispepsia funcional é realizado com base nos critérios definidos pelo comitê de Roma. Na população pediátrica a dispepsia funcional é mais comum que a orgânica, além de que está dentro de um conjunto de doenças denominado distúrbios gastrointestinais funcionais, definidos pelos critérios de Roma IV. O método diagnóstico de dispepsia funcional mais eficiente na população pediátrica, ainda é incerto uma vez que a endoscopia é um exame importante para descartar alterações orgânicas, porém invasivo para ser realizado em alta escala, por isso a importância desse estudo, que visa definir a melhor conduta. Objetivo: Avaliar o papel da endoscopia no diagnóstico da dispepsia funcional em pacientes pediátricos, visando prevenir procedimentos invasivos e atingir alta especificidade no resultado, o que é importante para determinar a melhor diretriz diagnóstica para esses pacientes. Métodos: Estudo de revisão narrativa da literatura, realizada por meio de buscas de artigos na base de dados PubMed/Medline e LILACS, utilizando o método PRISMA. Resultados: No PubMed foram encontrados 102 artigos, sendo 15 selecionados para o estudo. Na base de dados LILACS foram encontrados nove artigos e selecionado um. Dessa forma, 16 artigos foram selecionados ao estudo, sendo abordado por meio deles quais são as indicações mais adequadas para a endoscopia, como diferenciar dispepsia orgânica de funcional sem endoscopia, quais os principais achados endoscópicos dos estudos, quais as diferenças entre os critérios de Roma III e Roma IV, qual a prevalência e os fatores possivelmente associados à dispepsia funcional. Conclusão A principal indicação para endoscopia foi a presença de fatores de alarme nos pacientes pediátricos com dispepsia e os critérios clínicos de Roma mostraram-se eficientes para o diagnóstico de dispepsia funcional. Porém, ainda não existe uma diretriz diagnóstica padronizada a ser seguida nessa faixa etária.

Acute pancreatitis and COVID-19: a new target for infection?

This review aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 is capable of infecting the gland and causing acute pancreatitis, and the peculiarities in the management of these cases. The research was conducted through PubMed® database, and 62 articles were systematically selected for analysis. Differences were found in the literature; however, there are important warnings, such as the presence of hyperlipasemia, clinical and imaging findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis in the presence and even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Attention should be paid to clinical and imaging findings during this virus infection, since it is possible to identify these two diseases early. Therefore, it is possible to detect and isolate these patients more quickly, providing the correct care and decreasing the morbidity and mortality of two potentially severe diseases.

Acute pancreatitis and COVID-19: a new target for infection?

ABSTRACT This review aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 is capable of infecting the gland and causing acute pancreatitis, and the peculiarities in the management of these cases. The research was conducted through PubMed® database, and 62 articles were systematically selected for analysis. Differences were found in the literature; however, there are important warnings, such as the presence of hyperlipasemia, clinical and imaging findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis in the presence and even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Attention should be paid to clinical and imaging findings during this virus infection, since it is possible to identify these two diseases early. Therefore, it is possible to detect and isolate these patients more quickly, providing the correct care and decreasing the morbidity and mortality of two potentially severe diseases.

COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract: what do we already know?

The new coronavirus disease pandemic is defining 2020, with almost 17.5 million infected individuals and 700 thousand deaths up to beginning of August. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the transmission is through the respiratory tract. Those infected may be asymptomatic, present typical symptoms (fever, dry cough and dyspnea), gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) and viral RNA in stools. The objective of this work was to review the literature related to the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, and to check the possibility of fecal-oral transmission. We searched PubMed® database on COVID-19 and gastrointestinal tract and selected articles using the PRISMA method. We eliminated articles based on titles and abstracts, small number of patients and the mechanism of infection, leaving 14 studies. Comorbidities and laboratory alterations (elevation of hepatic aminotransferases and bilirubin) were related to worsening of the disease. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms ranged from 6.8% to 61.3%, including diarrhea (8.14% to 33.7%), nausea/vomiting (1.53% to 26.4%), anorexia (12.1% to 40.0%) and abdominal pain (0% to 14.5%). The presence of viral RNA in stools was rarely tested, but positive in 0% to 48.1%. The gastrointestinal tract is affected by COVID-19, causing specific symptoms, laboratory alterations and viral presence in the feces. However, the results of prevalence and possibility of fecal-oral transmission were varied, requiring further studies for more assertive conclusions. It is important that healthcare professionals draw attention to this fact, since these changes can help make diagnosis and initiate early treatment.

COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract: what do we already know? / COVID-19 e o trato gastrintestinal: o que já sabemos?

ABSTRACT The new coronavirus disease pandemic is defining 2020, with almost 17.5 million infected individuals and 700 thousand deaths up to beginning of August. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the transmission is through the respiratory tract. Those infected may be asymptomatic, present typical symptoms (fever, dry cough and dyspnea), gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) and viral RNA in stools. The objective of this work was to review the literature related to the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, and to check the possibility of fecal-oral transmission. We searched PubMed® database on COVID-19 and gastrointestinal tract and selected articles using the PRISMA method. We eliminated articles based on titles and abstracts, small number of patients and the mechanism of infection, leaving 14 studies. Comorbidities and laboratory alterations (elevation of hepatic aminotransferases and bilirubin) were related to worsening of the disease. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms ranged from 6.8% to 61.3%, including diarrhea (8.14% to 33.7%), nausea/vomiting (1.53% to 26.4%), anorexia (12.1% to 40.0%) and abdominal pain (0% to 14.5%). The presence of viral RNA in stools was rarely tested, but positive in 0% to 48.1%. The gastrointestinal tract is affected by COVID-19, causing specific symptoms, laboratory alterations and viral presence in the feces. However, the results of prevalence and possibility of fecal-oral transmission were varied, requiring further studies for more assertive conclusions. It is important that healthcare professionals draw attention to this fact, since these changes can help make diagnosis and initiate early treatment.

RESUMO Com quase 17,5 milhões de infectados e 700 mil mortos até o início de agosto no mundo, a pandemia do novo coronavírus está marcando o ano de 2020. O agente causador da doença é o vírus SARS-CoV-2, e a transmissão é por via respiratória. Os infectados podem ser assintomáticos, apresentar sintomas típicos (febre, tosse seca e dispneia), sintomas gastrintestinais (diarreia, náusea, vômito e dor abdominal) e RNA viral nas fezes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a literatura relacionada com a prevalência dos sintomas gastrintestinais, e verificar se é possível a transmissão fecal-oral da doença. Fizemos uma pesquisa na base de dados PubMed® sobre a COVID-19 e o trato gastrintestinal, selecionando artigos pelo método PRISMA. Eliminamos artigos com base em títulos e resumos, quantidade pequena de pacientes e sobre mecanismo de infecção, restando 14 estudos. Comorbidades e alterações laboratoriais (elevação de aminotransferases hepáticas e bilirrubina) foram relacionadas com piora da doença. A prevalência de sintomas gastrintestinais variou entre 6,8% e 61,3%, sendo eles diarreia (8,14% a 33,7%), náusea/vômito (1,53% a 26,4%), anorexia (12,1% a 40,0%) e dor abdominal (0% a 14,5%). A presença do RNA viral foi pouco testada, mas foi positiva entre 0% a 48,1%. O trato gastrintestinal é muito acometido pela COVID-19, provocando sintomas específicos, alterações laboratoriais e presença viral nas fezes. Contudo, os resultados de prevalência e a possibilidade de transmissão fecal-oral foram variados, necessitando de estudos maiores para conclusões mais assertivas. É importante a atenção de profissionais da saúde a isso, visto que essas alterações podem ajudar no diagnóstico e a iniciar tratamento precoce.

Urinary beta-trace protein gene expression analysis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients / Análise da expressão do gene da proteína beta-traço na urina de pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the gene expression of beta-trace protein in urine of diabetic patients, with no reduction in glomerular filtration rate, which was defined as below 60mL/min/1.73m2. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were recruited, and a group of non-diabetic individuals served as control. Beta-trace protein gene expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Blood samples were collected to establish glucose levels and baseline kidney function. Accuracy was analyzed using ROC curves. Results: Ninety type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 20 non-diabetic individuals were recruited. The area under the curve was 0.601, sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 89.47%. Among diabetic participants, 18% showed an expression above the cutoff point. Conclusion: These results of accuracy of beta-trace protein gene expression in urine of diabetic patients are promising, although they did not achieve a higher area under the curve level.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão do gene da proteína beta-traço na urina de pacientes diabéticos, sem redução na taxa de filtração glomerular, definida como abaixo de 60mL/min/1,73m2. Métodos: Foram recrutados pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, e um grupo de indivíduos não diabéticos serviu como controle. A expressão do gene da proteína beta-traço foi analisada por PCR quantitativa. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para estabelecer níveis de glicemia e função renal inicial. A acurácia foi analisada utilizando curvas ROC. Resultados: Foram recrutados 90 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e 20 não diabéticos. A área sob a curva foi de 0,601, com sensibilidade de 20% e especificidade de 89,47%. Entre os diabéticos, 18% apresentaram expressão acima do ponto de corte. Conclusão: Estes resultados de acurácia da expressão do gene da proteína beta-traço na urina de pacientes diabéticos são promissores, apesar de não terem atingido um nível alto na área sob a curva.

Urinary beta-trace protein gene expression analysis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gene expression of beta-trace protein in urine of diabetic patients, with no reduction in glomerular filtration rate, which was defined as below 60mL/min/1.73m2. METHODS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were recruited, and a group of non-diabetic individuals served as control. Beta-trace protein gene expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Blood samples were collected to establish glucose levels and baseline kidney function. Accuracy was analyzed using ROC curves. RESULTS: Ninety type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 20 non-diabetic individuals were recruited. The area under the curve was 0.601, sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 89.47%. Among diabetic participants, 18% showed an expression above the cutoff point. CONCLUSION: These results of accuracy of beta-trace protein gene expression in urine of diabetic patients are promising, although they did not achieve a higher area under the curve level.

Antiretroviral drugs and acute pancreatitis in HIV/AIDS patients: is there any association? A literature review.

In HIV-seropositive individuals, the incidence of acute pancreatitis may achieve 40% per year, higher than the 2% found in the general population. Since 1996, when combined antiretroviral therapy, known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), was introduced, a broad spectrum of harmful factors to the pancreas, such as opportunistic infections and drugs used for chemoprophylaxis, dropped considerably. Nucleotide analogues and metabolic abnormalities, hepatic steatosis and lactic acidosis have emerged as new conditions that can affect the pancreas. To evaluate the role of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS in a scenario of high incidence of acute pancreatitis in this population, a systematic review was performed, including original articles, case reports and case series studies, whose targets were HIV-seropositive patients that developed acute pancreatitis after exposure to any antiretroviral drugs. This association was confirmed after exclusion of other possible etiologies and/or a recurrent episode of acute pancreatitis after re-exposure to the suspected drug. Zidovudine, efavirenz, and protease inhibitors are thought to lead to acute pancreatitis secondary to hyperlipidemia. Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, despite being powerful inhibitors of viral replication, induce a wide spectrum of side effects, including myelotoxicity and acute pancreatitis. Didanosine, zalcitabine and stavudine have been reported as causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis. They pose a high risk with cumulative doses. Didanosine with hydroxyurea, alcohol or pentamidine are additional risk factors, leading to lethal pancreatitis, which is not a frequent event. In addition, other drugs used for prophylaxis of AIDS-related opportunistic diseases, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and pentamidine, can produce necrotizing pancreatitis. Despite comorbidities that can lead to pancreatic involvement in the HIV/AIDS population, antiretroviral drug-induced pancreatitis should always be considered in the diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.

Antiretroviral drugs and acute pancreatitis in HIV/AIDS patients: is there any association? A literature review / Drogas antirretrovirais e pancreatite aguda em pacientes com HIV/AIDS: existe alguma associação? Revisão da literatura

In HIV-seropositive individuals, the incidence of acute pancreatitis may achieve 40% per year, higher than the 2% found in the general population. Since 1996, when combined antiretroviral therapy, known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), was introduced, a broad spectrum of harmful factors to the pancreas, such as opportunistic infections and drugs used for chemoprophylaxis, dropped considerably. Nucleotide analogues and metabolic abnormalities, hepatic steatosis and lactic acidosis have emerged as new conditions that can affect the pancreas. To evaluate the role of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS in a scenario of high incidence of acute pancreatitis in this population, a systematic review was performed, including original articles, case reports and case series studies, whose targets were HIV-seropositive patients that developed acute pancreatitis after exposure to any antiretroviral drugs. This association was confirmed after exclusion of other possible etiologies and/or a recurrent episode of acute pancreatitis after re-exposure to the suspected drug. Zidovudine, efavirenz, and protease inhibitors are thought to lead to acute pancreatitis secondary to hyperlipidemia. Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, despite being powerful inhibitors of viral replication, induce a wide spectrum of side effects, including myelotoxicity and acute pancreatitis. Didanosine, zalcitabine and stavudine have been reported as causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis. They pose a high risk with cumulative doses. Didanosine with hydroxyurea, alcohol or pentamidine are additional risk factors, leading to lethal pancreatitis, which is not a frequent event. In addition, other drugs used for prophylaxis of AIDS-related opportunistic diseases, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and pentamidine, can produce necrotizing pancreatitis. Despite comorbidities that can lead to pancreatic involvement in the HIV/AIDS population, antiretroviral drug-induced pancreatitis should always be considered in the diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.

Em HIV-soropositivos, a incidência de pancreatite aguda pode chegar até 40% ao ano, o que é consideravelmente maior que na população geral, cuja incidência é de 2%. A partir de 1996, com a introdução da terapia antirretroviral combinada, conhecida pela sigla HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), o espectro de fatores nocivos ao pâncreas, como infecções oportunistas e uso de drogas para sua quimioprofilaxia, diminuiu consideravelmente. Análogos nucleotídeos e anormalidades metabólicas, esteatose hepática e acidose láctica despontaram como novas condições que podem acometer o pâncreas. A fim de avaliar o papel das drogas antirretrovirais para tratamento do HIV/AIDS na incidência elevada de pancreatite aguda nessa população, foi realizada revisão sistemática, com inclusão de artigos originais, relatos e séries de caso, cujos alvos de estudo eram pacientes HIV-soropositivos que evoluíram com pancreatite aguda após exposição a alguma das drogas que compõem o esquema antirretroviral. Essa associação foi confirmada após exclusão de outras possíveis etiologias e/ou recorrência do episódio de pancreatite aguda após reexposição ao fármaco suspeito. Zidovudina, efavirenz e os inibidores de protease são suspeitos de levar a uma pancreatite secundária à hiperlipidemia. Já os análogos nucleotídeos da transcriptase reversa, apesar de serem potentes inibidores da replicação viral, possuem grande espectro de efeitos colaterais, entre eles a mielotoxicidade e a pancreatite aguda. Didanosina, zalcitabina e estavudina já foram reportados como produtores de pancreatite crônica e aguda, tendo risco elevado com dose cumulativa. Didanosina com hidroxiureia, álcool ou pentamidina são fatores de risco adicionais, podendo induzir a uma pancreatite fatal, embora pouco frequente. Além disso, outras drogas usadas para profilaxia de doenças oportunistas relacionadas à AIDS, como sulfametoxazol-trimetoprima e pentamidina, podem produzir pancreatite necrotizante. Apesar das comorbidades que podem levar ao acometimento pancreático na população com HIV/AIDS, pancreatite medicamentosa desencadeada por drogas antirretrovirais sempre deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial desses pacientes que se apresentam com dor abdominal e elevação das enzimas pancreáticas.

Hemodialysis and hepatitis B vaccination: a challenge to physicians.

Hepatitis B is responsible for the development of half of hepatocellular carcinoma cases and is a major cause of hepatic insufficiency. The vaccine against hepatitis B virus does not exhibit the same high efficacy in patients on hemodialysis as it does in immunocompetent individuals. The medical literature recommends vaccination with four doses (40 mg each) of the hepatitis B virus vaccine before beginning hemodialysis; however, approximately one-third of hemodialysis patients do not respond to this vaccination schedule. A new serologic test should be performed each year for individuals who respond adequately, whereas a booster dose should be offered to those with antibody titers below 10 mIU/mL. In this study, we followed 83 hemodialysis patients and collected quantitative serologic measurements every 2 months over a 1-year period. We made the measurements 1 month after the vaccination period. We found that 41% of the patients had antibody titers below 10 mIU/mL (nonresponders), 21.7% had antibody titers between 10 mIU/mL and 100 mIU/mL (poor responders), and 37.3% had antibody titers higher than 100 mIU/mL (good responders). Patients with diabetes and/or hypertension exhibited worse response to vaccination. All subjects displayed decreasing antibody titers during the observation period. The group of poorly responsive patients had antibody titers below 10 mIU/mL at the 6-month follow-up period.

Dyspepsia among patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUNDS: Dyspepsia is a condition that affects 25% of the U.S. population, and, when associated with pyrosis, its prevalence reaches 40%. Patients with chronic renal insufficiency not only present higher circulating levels of gastrin and gastric dysmotilty, but also make use of a great amount of drugs for the treatment of their comorbidities. This situation increases the chances of developing gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the dyspeptic disease profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis, comparing them with chronic renal disease patients in conservative treatment and non-renal injury patients. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study performed at the Gastroenterology department at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC in São Paulo, Brazil. Three groups were set aside according to the renal function levels calculated using the simplified MDRD formula. They answered three questionnaires that evaluated the presence of dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with the performance of high digestive endoscopy. RESULTS: A significant difference between the groups was observed concerning the renal function evaluated by the rates of creatinine clearance, creatinine and urea (p < 0.001). The rate of dyspepsia in the control group was higher than in patients with renal function alterations (p = 0.014). There was no difference between groups when it came to the presence of functional dyspepsia and GERD. However, there was a higher use of proton pump inhibitors in the hemodialysis group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the proposed model, there was no positive correlation between the worsening of the renal function and the presence of dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia and GERD. The longitudinal evaluation of hemodialysis patients is hampered by the high mortality rates in this group. There was a higher use of proton pump inhibitors, and it is believed that the dyspeptic symptoms are not acid-related.

Pancreatic insufficiency in HIV: is it possible?

Pancreatic involvement in AIDS is very important and common, but there are few studies in the literature concerning the pancreas in AIDS. Therefore, our research involves an important issue in the pancreatic field. The objective of the study was to evaluate the profile of HIV-infected patients with probable exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and its relation to the degree of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This is a cross-sectional study carried out at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC in partnership with the basic health care unit Vila Guiomar in Santo André. We selected 118 individuals divided into four groups (a control group and three other groups composed of AIDS patients, separated according to CD4 levels); participants had an interview, completed a questionnaire, and had laboratory and imaging tests. The only clinical variables with significant differences among the studied groups were the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of opportunistic infections, the administration of chemoprophylaxis, and weight loss. There were no differences in the amylase, lipase, and steatocrit dosages among the groups. Levels of fecal elastase 1 were lower in the HIV patient groups (2, 3, and 4) when compared with the control group, although all of them showed average levels that were much higher than the cutoff point (200 µg/g). Only nonalcoholic individuals showed a relationship between diarrhea and alterations in elastase levels. A relationship between the use of HAART and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in different phases of HIV infection could not be verified.

Perfil mastigatório de obesos mórbidos submetidos à gastroplastia / Masticatory profile of morbidly obese patients undergoing gastroplasty

OBJETIVO: traçar o perfil mastigatório do obeso mórbido. MÉTODO: estudo pareado por idade e sexo avaliou motricidade orofacial e mastigação de 40 obesos mórbidos submetidos à gastroplastia e 40 eutróficos sem queixas de mastigação e/ou deglutição. RESULTADOS: obesos mórbidos apresentaram: alteração de práxis e variáveis de lábios, língua, além de alteração no tamanho de mandíbula; na avaliação de mastigação habitual - ritmo rápido, movimentação vertical de mandíbula, tamanho grande do bolo, escassez de mastigação e necessidade de líquido durante a mastigação; nas avaliações de mastigações lateralizadas - ausência de corte do alimento, ritmo rápido, movimentação vertical de mandíbula, tamanho grande do bolo e escassez de mastigação. CONCLUSÃO: pacientes obesos mórbidos apresentam alterações de mastigação.

PURPOSE: to trace a profile of morbidly obese patient chewing. METHOD: study matched for age and sex evaluated oral motor and chew of 40 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and 40 eutrophic with no complaints of chewing and/or swallowing. RESULTS: morbidly obese showed: change in praxis and variables of lips and tongue and change in mandible size upon evaluating the mastication process - fast pace, vertical movement of the jaw, large size of the pie, chewing scarcity and need for fluid during chewing; in evaluations of lateralized chewing - no food cut, fast pace, the vertical movement of the jaw, large size of the cake and a shortage of mastication. CONCLUSION: morbidly obese patients show chewing alterations.