Biological therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Sjögren's syndrome: evidence- and practice-based guidance.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are heterogeneous autoimmune diseases. Severe manifestations and refractory/intolerance to conventional immunosuppressants demand other options, namely biological drugs, and small molecules. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based guidance for the off-label use of biologics in SLE, APS, and SS. Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice in autoimmune disease management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2021. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease. A revision meeting with all experts anticipated the consensus meeting held in June 2021. All experts voted (agree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree) during two rounds, and recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved. A total of 32 final recommendations (20 for SLE treatment, 5 for APS, and 7 for SS) were approved by the experts. These recommendations consider organ involvement, manifestations, severity, and response to previous treatments. In these three autoimmune diseases, most recommendations refer to rituximab, which aligns with the higher number of studies and clinical experience with this biological agent. Belimumab sequential treatment after rituximab may also be used in severe cases of SLE and SS. Second-line therapy with baricitinib, bortezomib, eculizumab, secukinumab, or tocilizumab can be considered in SLE-specific manifestations. These evidence and practice-based recommendations may support treatment decision and, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with SLE, APS, or SS.

Biologic therapy in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease: Evidence- and practice-based guidance.

OBJECTIVE: Vasculitis are a very heterogenous group of systemic autoimmune diseases, affecting large vessels (LVV), small vessels or presenting as a multisystemic variable vessel vasculitis. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based recommendations for the use of biologics in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice on autoimmune diseases management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2022. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease and voted in two rounds, in June and September 2021. Recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved. RESULTS: A total of 32 final recommendations (10 for LVV treatment, 7 for small vessels vasculitis and 15 for BD) were approved by the experts and several biologic drugs were considered with different supporting evidence. Among LVV treatment options, tocilizumab presents the higher level of supporting evidence. Rituximab is recommended for treatment of severe/refractory cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Infliximab and adalimumab are most recommended in treatment of severe/refractory BD manifestations. Other biologic drugs can be considered is specific presentations. CONCLUSION: These evidence and practice-based recommendations are a contribute to treatment decision and may, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with these conditions.

Remote versus in-office monitoring for implantable cardioverter defibrillators: Results from a randomized pragmatic controlled study in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Remote monitoring (RM) is a safe and effective alternative to in-office conventional follow-up. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with RM and its impact on healthcare resources in a population with cardiac implantable electronic devices. METHODS: Randomized, pragmatic, open-label controlled trial, with adult wearers of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy with ICD (CRT-D), eligible for the CareLink® system. Patients newly implanted or with previous conventional follow-up were randomized to RM or conventional follow-up (control), and followed for 12 months, according to the centers' practice. The number of in-office visits and adverse events were compared between groups. Patient and healthcare professionals' satisfaction with RM were described. RESULTS: Of the 134 randomized patients (69 RM; 65 control, aged 60±13 years), 80% were male, 23% employed, 72% ICD wearers and 54% newly implanted. Most patients (70%) reported travel costs less than 15€/visit, and 46% daily routine interference with in-office visits. Median physician/technician time with patient was 15 min/15 min, per in-office visit. Excluding baseline and final visits, control patients had more in-office visits in total: median 1 vs. 0, p<0.001. In 81% of the in-office visits, no clinical measures were taken. There were 10 adverse events, with no differences between groups. At the final visit, 95% of RM patients considered RM easy/very easy to use, and would all prefer to maintain RM and recommend it to others. All professionals found the CareLink website easy/very easy to use and were satisfied with transmission data. CONCLUSIONS: In a Portuguese population with ICD and CRT-D, RM safely reduced the burden of in-office visits, with high levels of satisfaction among patients and healthcare professionals.

Treatment-Resistant Depression in Portugal: Perspective From Psychiatry Experts.

Guidance about treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Portugal is very limited, even though depression prevalence is among the highest in European countries. A questionnaire was conducted, followed by two advisory boards with seven Portuguese psychiatry experts, to characterize and discuss MDD and TRD epidemiology, diagnosis, patient journey, treatment options, and unmet clinical needs. Consensus was reached on the main issues. In daily practice, TRD can be defined as moderate to severe MDD episodes with insufficient clinical improvement after two antidepressant treatments, taken in adequate doses and duration. TRD diagnosis and treatment are mostly decided by psychiatrists at public hospitals. Treatment type and duration must be adjusted to characteristics of the patient and the depressive episode, including symptoms, number of previous episodes, comorbidities, and previous treatment response and side effects. The most relevant objectives of TRD treatment are reaching response and remission, prevention of suicide, and improvement of quality of life, functionality, and wellbeing. Regarding pharmacotherapy, antidepressant switch occurs more frequently with non-response, while optimization, combination, and augmentation are considered for patients with partial response. Psychotherapy should be considered in parallel to pharmacological treatment. Brain stimulation techniques are underused. Lifelong treatment is required for recurrent or more chronic TRD episodes, but patient adherence is also poorer in these cases. In Portugal, TRD management is limited by lack of access to specialist care and to many treatment options. These aspects highlight that conventional pharmacotherapy does not lead to remission in many patients and that optimization strategies are frequently necessary to achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Discontinuation of chronic benzodiazepine use in primary care: a nonrandomized intervention.

BACKGROUND: Chronic benzodiazepine use is a challenge in primary care practice. Protocols to support safe discontinuation are still needed, especially in countries with high utilization rates. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of a benzodiazepine discontinuation protocol in primary care setting. METHODS: Nonrandomized, single-arm interventional study, at primary care units. Family physicians (FPs) recruited patients (18-85 years-old) with benzodiazepine dependence and chronic daily use ≥3 months. Patients with daily dosages ≥30 mg diazepam-equivalent, taking zolpidem, with a history of other substance abuse or major psychiatric disease were excluded. After the switch to diazepam, the dosage was gradually tapered according to a standardized protocol. Primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who stopped benzodiazepine at the intervention last visit. Dosage reduction, withdrawal symptoms, patients' and FPs' satisfaction with the protocol were evaluated. RESULTS: From 66 enrolled patients (74% female; 66.7% aged >64 years; median time of benzodiazepine use was 120 months), 2 withdrew due to medical reasons and 3 presented protocol deviations. Overall, 59.4% of participants successfully stopped benzodiazepine (60.7% when excluding protocol deviations). Men had higher probability of success (relative risk = 0.51, P = 0.001). A total of 31 patients reported at least 1 withdrawal symptom, most frequently insomnia and anxiety. Most of participating FP considered the clinical protocol useful and feasible in daily practice. Among patients completing the protocol, 77% were satisfied. For the patients who reduced dosage, 85% kept without benzodiazepines after 12 months. CONCLUSION: The discontinuation protocol with standardized dosage reduction was feasible at primary care and showed long-term effectiveness.

Quality of life, work productivity impairment and healthcare resources in inflammatory bowel diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have been associated with a low quality of life (QoL) and a negative impact on work productivity compared to the general population. Information about disease control, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), treatment patterns and use of healthcare resources is relevant to optimizing IBD management. AIM: To describe QoL and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), treatment patterns and use of healthcare resources among IBD patients in Brazil. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study included adult outpatients who were previously diagnosed with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). At enrolment, active CD and UC were defined as having a Harvey Bradshaw Index ≥ 8 or a CD Activity Index ≥ 220 or calprotectin > 200 µg/g or previous colonoscopy results suggestive of inadequate control (per investigator criteria) and a 9-point partial Mayo score ≥ 5, respectively. The PRO assessment included the QoL questionnaires SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), and the WPAI questionnaire. Information about healthcare resources and treatment during the previous 3 years was collected from medical records. Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Student's t-/Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare PROs, treatment patterns and the use of healthcare resources by disease activity (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Of the 407 patients in this study (CD/UC: 64.9%/35.1%, mean age 42.9/45.9 years, 54.2%/56.6% female, 38.3%/37.1% employed), 44.7%/25.2% presented moderate-to-severe CD/UC activity, respectively, at baseline. Expressed in median values for CD/UC, respectively, the SF-36 physical component was 46.6/44.7 and the mental component was 45.2/44.2, the EQ-visual analog scale score was 80.0/70.0, and the IBDQ overall score was 164.0/165.0. Moderate to severe activity, female gender, being unemployed, a lower educational level and lower income were associated with lower QoL (P < 0.05). Median work productivity impairment was 20% and 5% for CD and UC patients, respectively, and activity impairment was 30%, the latter being higher among patients with moderate to severe disease activity compared to patients with mild or no disease activity (75.0% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001). For CD/UC patients, respectively, 25.4%/2.8% had at least one surgery, 38.3%/19.6% were hospitalized, and 70.7%/77.6% changed IBD treatment at least once during the last 3 years. The most common treatments at baseline were biologics (75.3%) and immunosuppressants (70.9%) for CD patients and 5-ASA compounds (77.5%) for UC patients. CONCLUSION: Moderate to severe IBD activity, especially among CD patients, is associated with a substantial impact on QoL, work productivity impairment and an increased number of IBD surgeries and hospitalizations in Brazil.

Physicians' beliefs and attitudes about Benzodiazepines: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, Portugal was the OECD country with the highest reported consumption of BZD. Physician's perceptions and attitudes regarding BZD are main determinants of related prescription habits. This study aimed to characterize beliefs and attitudes of Portuguese physicians regarding the prescription, management challenges, benefits, risks and withdrawal effects of BZD. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study with online data collection through anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Physicians registered with the Portuguese Medical Association were invited to participate through direct e-mail message. Physicians were asked to give their opinion (using a 5-points Likert scale) regarding the prescription of BZD, their benefits and risks in the management of insomnia and anxiety, the possible adverse effects of chronic use and alternative non-pharmacologic approaches. Descriptive statistics were used and groups were compared through logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 329 physicians participated in the study (56% family physicians). Mean age was 44.10 ± 15.2 years, with 19.03 ± 14.9 years of clinical experience. Fifty eight percent of participants were female. Physicians reported BZD's negative impact on cognitive function (89%), association with road traffic accidents (88%) and falls (79%). Also, 58% shared the belief that chronic use is justified if the patient feels better and without adverse events. Although 68% reported to feel capable of helping patients to reduce or stop BZD, 55% recognized difficulties in motivating them. Compared to other medical specialists (altogether), family physicians were significantly more aware about the adverse effects of BZD and considered that chronic use may not be justified. Conversely, more family physicians expressed concerns about their skills to motivate patients engaging in withdrawal programs and to support them during the process. CONCLUSION: Our results show that physicians' awareness about risks of BZD chronic use is adequate though their attitudes and self-perceived skills towards promoting BZD withdrawal can be improved. Interventions in primary care are needed to capacitate physicians to better motivate patients for BZD withdrawal.

Hypoglycemia incidence and awareness among insulin-treated patients with diabetes: the HAT study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia affects patient safety and glycemic control during insulin treatment of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Hypoglycemia Assessment Tool study in Brazil aimed to determine the proportion of patients experiencing hypoglycemic events and to characterize patient awareness and fear about hypoglycemia, among insulin-treated T1DM or T2DM patients. METHODS: This was a non-interventional, multicenter study, with a 6-month retrospective and a 4-week prospective evaluation of hypoglycemic events. Patients completed a questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the study, and also a patient diary. The answers 'occasionally' and 'never' to the question 'Do you have symptoms when you have a low sugar level?' denoted impaired hypoglycemia awareness. Fear was reported on a 10-point scale, from 'not afraid at all' to 'absolutely terrified'. RESULTS: From 679 included patients, 321 with T1DM and 293 T2DM, median age of 33.0 and 62.0 years, 59% and 56% were female, and median diabetes duration was 15.0 and 15.0 years, respectively. Median time of insulin use was 14.0 and 6.0 years. During the prospective period, 91.7% T1DM and 61.8% T2DM patients had at least one hypoglycemic event. In the same period, 54.0% T1DM and 27.4% T2DM patients had nocturnal hypoglycemia, 20.6% T1DM and 10.6% T2DM patients had asymptomatic hypoglycemia, and severe events occurred in 20.0% and 10.3%, respectively. At baseline, 21.4% T1DM and 34.3% T2DM had hypoglycemia unawareness. The mean score of hypoglycemia fear was 5.9 ± 3.1 in T1DM and 5.4 ± 3.9 in T2DM. The most common attitude after hypoglycemic events were to increase calorie intake (60.3%) and blood glucose monitoring (58.0%) and to reduce or skip insulin doses (30.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Referred episodes of hypoglycemia were high, in both T1DM and T2DM insulin users. Patient attitudes after hypoglycemia, such as reduction in insulin and increase in calorie intake, can affect diabetes management. These findings may support clinicians in tailoring diabetes education and insulin treatment for patients with diabetes, in order to improve their glycemic control while reducing the risk of hypoglycemic events.

[Hypertension Control at the Primary Health Care: A Comparison Among Portuguese Natives and Portuguese Speaking African Coutries Immigrants]. / Controlo da Hipertensão Arterial nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários: Uma Comparação entre Nativos Portugueses e Imigrantes dos Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa.

INTRODUCTION: In Portugal, the frequency of patient with treated and controlled hypertension is low. It is unknown the relation of socio-economic determinants with hypertension control, particularly in African immigrants. AIMS: To compare frequency of control in treated hypertension and to identify characteristics associated with uncontrolled and treated hypertension between Portuguese natives (Caucasian) and Portuguese Speaking African Coutries immigrants (black). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with treated hypertension, 40-80 years old, randomized from Primary Health Care of Lisbon Region. We collected sociodemographic, clinical and health care data through structured interviews. We compared the frequency of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and identified related factors through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In this study participated 786 patients with treated hypertension (participation rate: 71%): 449 natives and 337 immigrants. Of these, 46% had controlled hypertension. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in younger immigrants. Were associated with no control, in natives, male sex, low education, going to emergency and / or nursing services and not looking for the family doctor; on immigrants, being single, using the pharmacist, the number of years of illness and intentional non-adherence. DISCUSSION: Treated hypertension control has been increasing for last years. Natives and immigrants differ, regarding blood pressure control, relatively to the frequency of family doctor consultation, and resorting to other services and health professionals. These differences didn't reflect in statistically different control rates. CONCLUSIONS: It is needed to define strategies to control hypertension in primary health care specific for ethnic groups.

Introdução: Em Portugal, a percentagem de hipertensos tratados e controlados é relativamente baixa. Desconhece-se a relação dos determinantes socioeconómicos com o controlo tensional, particularmente nos imigrantes africanos. Objetivo: Comparar a frequência de controlo nos hipertensos tratados e identificar características associadas à hipertensão tratada não controlada, entre nativos portugueses (caucasianos) e imigrantes dos PALOP (negros). Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal de hipertensos tratados, com 40-80 anos, aleatorizados dos Cuidados de Saúde Primários da região de Lisboa. Recolheram-se dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e cuidados de saúde por entrevistas estruturadas. Comparou-se a frequência de hipertensos não controlados nos dois grupos, identificando-se fatores relacionados por análise univariada e multi-variada. Resultados: Participaram 786 hipertensos tratados (taxa de participação: 71%): 449 nativos e 337 imigrantes. Destes, 46% tinham a hipertensão controlada. A pressão arterial diastólica foi mais elevada nos imigrantes mais novos. Nos nativos, o não controlo associou--se a: sexo masculino, menor grau de escolaridade, ida aos serviços de urgência e/ou enfermagem e não ida ao médico de família; nos imigrantes, ser solteiro, recorrer ao farmacêutico, número de anos de doença e não adesão intencional à terapêutica. Discussão: O controlo da hipertensão tratada tem vindo a aumentar nos últimos anos. Nativos e imigrantes diferenciam-se no controlo tensional relativamente à frequência do recurso a consulta do médico de família, e de outros serviços e profissionais de saúde. Estas diferenças não se refletiram em taxas de controlo estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões: Será necessário definir estratégias para o controlo da hipertensão nos cuidados de saúde primários diferenciadas para os grupos étnicos.

[PRAdA intervention: effects on weight of dietary intervention among treated hypertensive Portuguese natives and African immigrants]. / Intervenção PRAdA: efeitos no peso induzidos por proposta de alteração de comportamento alimentar em hipertensos medicados nativos Portugueses e imigrantes de origem Africana.

INTRODUCTION: Blood pressure is significantly improved with weight loss. Behavioral interventions for weight loss seem to be less successful in African immigrants. Our main aims were to assess the effect of a dietary and lifestyle intervention on weight among hypertensive Portuguese natives and immigrants and to identify success factors for weight loss, and also to evaluate changes in knowledge and compliance with food recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hypertensive medicated patients followed in primary care setting were randomly enrolled in a two phase study, observational (15-months) and behavioral intervention (six months). Participants were divided in two groups: immigrants from African Countries of Portuguese Official Language and Portuguese natives. Participants were given dietary and life styles recommendations in individual face-to-face and telephone sessions. RESULTS: Of 110 participants with a mean BMI of 31.6 ± 3.7 Kg/m(2), 60 were immigrants. The number of dietary recommendations known and followed at the end was significantly greater than at baseline; however natives performed a greater number of recommendations. Weight loss during intervention was in average 1.4 ± 2.7% in natives and 0.8 ± 3.6% in immigrants and was greater than in the observational period. Being male and consuming more than 2 servings of low-fat dairy products/day was associated with higher weight loss, independently of age and ethnicity. DISCUSSION: In general the proposed intervention was efficacious especially in Portuguese natives, confirming other studies. CONCLUSION: The intervention increased knowledge and adherence to recommendations, highlighting the relevance of nutrition education, culturally adapted in primary care.

Introdução: Perdas de peso melhoram o controlo da tensão arterial em indivíduos hipertensos. As intervenções comportamentais para a perda de peso parecem ser menos eficazes nos imigrantes de origem africana (IOA). Os principais objetivos foram avaliar os efeitos no peso de uma intervenção alimentar em hipertensos nativos de origem portugueses (NOP) e IOA; identificar fatores de sucesso na perda de peso; avaliar a evolução dos conhecimentos e adesão às recomendações alimentares. Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente hipertensos medicados seguidos nos cuidados de saúde primários para um estudo de duas fases, observacional (15 meses) e de intervenção comportamental (seis meses). Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: IOA e NOP. Foram dadas recomendações alimentares e de estilos de vida em sessões individuais presenciais e telefónicas. Resultados: Dos 110 participantes, com IMC médio de 31,6 ± 3,7 kg/m2 e idade média 61,3 ± 10,0 anos, 60 eram imigrantes. Durante a intervenção os NOP perderam 1,4 ± 2,7% do peso e os IOA 0,8 ± 3,6%, sendo a perda superior comparativamente com a fase observacional. Ser do sexo masculino e consumir pelo menos duas porções de lacticínios magros por dia associou-se a maior perda de peso durante a intervenção, independentemente da idade e origem. Houve um aumento significativo no número de recomendações dietéticas conhecidas e cumpridas, com os NOP a cumprirem em média mais recomendações. Discussão: A intervenção foi bem sucedida relativamente à perda de peso, especialmente no grupo dos NOP, confirmando outros estudos. Conclusão: A intervenção aumentou os conhecimentos e adesão às recomendações, realçando a pertinência da educação alimentar, culturalmente adaptada, nos cuidados de saúde primários.

[Urinary tract infections in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients]. / Infeções do trato urinário numa coorte de transplantados renais.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection is the most common infectious complication following renal transplantation and its frequency is insufficiently studied in Portugal. The aim of this study was to characterize the incidence of urinary tract infections and recurrent urinary tract infections in renal transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort observational study, obtained from clinical files of all patients who received a renal transplant at the Hospital of Santa Cruz, from January 2004 to December 2005, with a mean follow-up period of five years or until date of graft loss, death or loss of follow-up. After a descriptive analysis of the population, we used bivariate tests to identify risk factors for urinary tract infections. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were included, with a 593 patients.year follow-up. We detected 53 patients (41.7%) presenting with at least one episode of urinary tract infection; 21 patients (16.5%) had recurrent urinary tract infection. Female gender was the only risk factor associated with the occurrence of urinary tract infections (p < 0.001, OR = 7.08, RR = 2.95) and recurrent urinary tract infections (p < 0.001, OR = 4.66, RR = 2.83). Escherichia coli (51.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.5%) and Enterobacter spp (9.9%) were the most frequently identified pathogens. Patients did not reveal an increased mortality or allograft loss. However, urinary tract infections were the most important cause of hospital admissions. DISCUSSION: Female gender was the only risk factor for urinary tract infections in this population. Escherichia coli was the most frequent agent isolated. CONCLUSION: Despite preventive measures, urinary tract infections remain an important cause of morbidity and hospital admissions.

Introdução: A infeção do trato urinário é a complicação infeciosa mais comum no período pós transplante renal, estando a sua frequência pouco caracterizada na população portuguesa. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a incidência de infeções do trato urinário e infeções do trato urinário recorrentes em transplantados renais. Material e Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo observacional de coorte retrospetiva, com consulta dos processos clínicos de doentes transplantados entre Janeiro de 2004 e Dezembro de 2005, no Hospital de Santa Cruz, com seguimento durante cinco anos ou até à data de perda de enxerto, morte ou perda de follow-up. Após uma análise descritiva da população, utilizámos testes bivariados para identificação de fatores associados a infeções do trato urinário. Resultados: Em 127 doentes incluídos com seguimento de 593 doentes/ ano, 53 (41,7%) tiveram pelo menos um episódio de infeção do trato urinário e 21 (16,5%) tiveram infeções do trato urinário recorrentes. O género feminino foi o único fator associado com ocorrência de infeções do trato urinário (p < 0,001, OR = 7,08, RR = 2,95) e infeções do trato urinário recorrentes (p < 0,001, OR = 4,66, RR = 2,83). Os agentes etiológicos mais frequentes foram Escherichia coli (51,6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15,5%) e Enterobacter spp (9,9%). As infeções do trato urinário não causaram aumento de mortalidade ou perda de enxerto, mas foram a principal causa de internamentos hospitalares. Discussão: Na nossa população, apenas o género feminino foi identificado como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de infeções do trato urinário, recorrentes ou não. Escherichia coli foi o agente etiológico mais frequente. Conclusão: Apesar das medidas preventivas adotadas, as infeções do trato urinário continuam a ser uma importante causa de morbilidade e de internamentos hospitalares.

Non-adherence to antibiotic therapy in patients visiting community pharmacies.

BACKGROUND: Patient non-adherence to antibiotic therapy may lead to therapeutic failure, re-infection, and bacterial resistance. Assessing the factors associated with this problem is important for promoting rational use of antibiotics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure prevalence and reasons for non-adherence to antibiotic treatment and to identify associated factors. METHOD: Patients were recruited for the study in community pharmacies in Lisbon, Portugal, from February to April, 2009. Data from prescriptions for oral antibiotics were collected for adult subjects. Adherence to treatment was assessed with a modified Portuguese version of the Morisky scale. Factors associated with non-adherence were identified through bivariate analysis and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included in the study. They had a mean age 46.5 ± 16.6 years and 74.5 % of the sample was female. The prevalence of non-adherence was 57.7 % and was related to delays and failures in taking the prescribed medicine. Increasing age (OR 0.97), difficulty in buying the antibiotic (OR 2.34), duration of treatment (OR 1.28), difficulty with ingestion (OR 3.08), and satisfaction with the information given by physician (OR 0.33) were identified as independent factors associated with non-adherence. CONCLUSION: Non-adherence to antibiotics is common in the community setting. Factors related to the antibiotic, the patient, and the patient-physician relationship should be addressed to promote adherence. Pharmacists should provide information to patients about correct use of antibiotics and address barriers to adherence.

[Remote versus face-to-face monitoring for implantable cardiac devices: rationale and design of the PORTLink (PORTuguese Research on Telemonitoring with CareLink) trial]. / Monitorização à distância versus seguimento convencional presencial em portadores de dispositivos cardíacos implantados: racional e desenho do estudo PORTLink (PORTuguese Research on Telemonitoring with CareLink).

With expanding indications for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) capable of treating bradycardias, complex cardiac tachyarrhythmias and heart failure, the number of patients requiring regular long-term specialized care is growing rapidly. Currently, routine face-to-face follow-up consultations for patients with CIEDs are a significant burden on hospital services. Remote telemonitoring appears to offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional follow-up in this area. The Medtronic CareLink Network enables remote monitoring of CIED patients, and thus has the potential to improve the efficiency of medical care in this population. The objective of the PORTLink (PORTuguese Research on Telemonitoring with CareLink) multicenter randomized trial is to assess the safety, efficacy and costs of remote CIED monitoring compared to traditional face-to-face follow-up. It will evaluate aspects such as physicians' and patients' acceptance of and satisfaction with reviewing device data via the website, the complexity for troubleshooting calls to the support center, the use of emergency resources by symptomatic patients, the incidence of unscheduled consultations after remote interrogations, levels of anxiety, depression and quality of life, and the main resources used by the CareLink system. Approximately 200 patients will be randomized in up to five centers, with clinical follow-up of 12 months. Enrollment began in 2012 and is expected to be completed in early 2014.

Hidroterapia e exercícios respiratórios associados à massoterapia na reabilitação de paciente com queimaduras acometendo a região torácica / Hydrotherapy, respiratory kinesiotherapy and massotherapy reabilitation program in patient with thoracic region burns

Em uma lesão por queimadura, existe o prejuízo e/ou perdas de funções da pele além de complicações pulmonares quando associado à inalação de gases aquecidos. Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o efeito de um programa de hidroterapia e cinesioterapia respiratória associado a massoterapia sobre as variáveis respiratórias em uma voluntária portadora de queimadura na região torácica e cervical que foi submetida à avaliação fisioterapêutica constituída de espirometria, pico de fluxo expiratório, força muscular respiratória, mobilidade toracoabdominal e aplicação de Escala Análoga Visual (EVA) para avaliação de dor, desconforto e aderência cicatricial. O tratamento englobou alongamentos gerais para membros superiores e coluna cervical, recursos terapêuticos manuais, hidroterapia associada a cinesioterapia respiratória. Os resultados indicaram melhora da ADM de cervical e membros superiores, dos volumes, fluxos, capacidades e endurance respiratórias, da sensação de dor e desconforto. Verificou uma melhora nas variáveis respiratórias e amplitude de movimento, permitindo a reabilitação funcional e bem-estar do paciente grande queimado.

A burn injury can induce decrease of some or all skin function and can cause pulmonary complications when occur an association of warm gases inhalation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a hydrotherapy, respiratory kinesiotherapy and massotherapy program in respiratory volumes and flows in a burn volunteer with scars in thoracic and cervical regions. This volunteer was submitted to a physical therapy evaluation with range motion measurement (ROM) of cervical and arms (shoulder), spirometry, peak flow and respiratory muscular strength, thoracoabdominal mobility and application of Visual Analogous Scales (EVAs) for pain, discomfort and cicatrix malleability. The treatment was constituted by muscle stretching for superior member and cervical column, massotherapy using Cyriax, Watterwald, classic massage and respiratory kinesiotherapy performed in a 60 minutes session, totalizing 10 sessions. The results showed an increase in shoulder and cervical ROM, in respiratory capacities and strength and a decrease in pain and discomfort. Therefore it can be concluded in this program using hydrotherapy, respiratory kinesiotherapy and massotherapy was benefic for burned patient inducing an improvement in functional and welfare.

Exploring the influence of skin perfusion on transepidermal water loss.

BACKGROUND: Eventual relationships between the vascular function and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), in vivo,have not been entirely explored. By promoting local perfusion alterations through a well-known challenge test, the'tourniquet-cuff occlusion' manoeuvre, the present study searches for other dynamical factors influencing the cutaneous barrier, further exploring the applicability of these flow-related variables in dermatological research. METHODS: By applying the tourniquet-cuff manoeuvre to a group of healthy volunteers (n= 20), transcutaneous (tc)gases (pO2-pCO2), LDF (laser doppler flowmetry) and TEWL were considered as representing the dynamical aspects under study and measured non-invasively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An haemodynamical relationship between tcpO2 and LDF in the post-occlusive period was clearly identified, defining the autoregulatory index as a numerical descriptor of the local metabolic-flow adjustment under stress. TEWL was also significantly affected by the manoeuvre, especially during the post-occlusive period,although no significant relationships between TEWL and other tc variables could be found. The present findings seem to suggest that, under the present experimental conditions, local haemodynamics may also influence TEWL measurements and the skin barrier.