The Brazilian Society of Nephrology Code of Conduct: a bioethical analysis / Código de Conduta da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia: uma análise bioética

Abstract Introduction: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technological development and the ethical dilemmas resulting from it. Recently, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) edited its code of conduct, which until then did not exist. Method: Qualitative study with content analysis of the chapters and articles of the SBN Code of Conduct, from the perspective of principlism bioethics. Results: The four moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were found asymmetrically throughout the document, with beneficence predominating over the others. Discussion: The SBN Code of Conduct predominantly expresses the ethical duties that an associate must comply with, but also restrictions on malfeasance, autonomy and justice, anchoring decision-making by managers and including the distribution of possible punishments. It is an unfinished document; therefore, it must be periodically revised, as expected, due to the rapid technological changes, as well as the need for constructive moderation in the relations of nephrologists with each other and, between them, with the Industry, as well as all the ethical consequences arising from these factors.

Resumo Introdução: A deontologia profissional pode ser definida como determinado conjunto de princípios, valores e regras de conduta a serem aplicadas no exercício das funções e inerentes a uma determinada profissão. A nefrologia foi uma das especialidades médicas mais afetadas com o descompasso entre o acelerado desenvolvimento tecnológico e os dilemas éticos decorrentes dele. Recentemente, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) editou seu código de conduta, até então inexistente. Método: Estudo qualitativo com análise de conteúdo dos capítulos e artigos do Código de Conduta da SBN, sob a ótica da bioética principialista. Resultados: Os quatro princípios morais de beneficência, não maleficência, autonomia e justiça foram encontrados de maneira assimétrica em todo o documento, com predomínio da beneficência sobre os demais. Discussão: O Código de Conduta da SBN exprime de maneira predominante os deveres éticos a que um associado deve se atentar, mas também restrições à maleficência, autonomia e justiça, ancorando a tomada de decisão pelos gestores e incluindo a distribuição de possíveis punições. É um documento inacabado, portanto deve ser revisto periodicamente, como previsto, em virtude das rápidas transformações tecnológicas, bem como da necessidade de moderação construtiva das relações dos nefrologistas entre si e, destes, com a Indústria, bem como todos os desdobramentos éticos advindos desses fatores.

The Brazilian Society of Nephrology Code of Conduct: a bioethical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technological development and the ethical dilemmas resulting from it. Recently, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) edited its code of conduct, which until then did not exist. METHOD: Qualitative study with content analysis of the chapters and articles of the SBN Code of Conduct, from the perspective of principlism bioethics. RESULTS: The four moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were found asymmetrically throughout the document, with beneficence predominating over the others. DISCUSSION: The SBN Code of Conduct predominantly expresses the ethical duties that an associate must comply with, but also restrictions on malfeasance, autonomy and justice, anchoring decision-making by managers and including the distribution of possible punishments. It is an unfinished document; therefore, it must be periodically revised, as expected, due to the rapid technological changes, as well as the need for constructive moderation in the relations of nephrologists with each other and, between them, with the Industry, as well as all the ethical consequences arising from these factors.

Differences and inequalities in relation to access to renal replacement therapy in the BRICS countries. / Diferenças e desigualdades no acesso a terapia renal substitutiva nos países do BRICS.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an important public health problem, especially in developing countries due to the high level of economic resources needed to maintain patients in the different programs that make up renal replacement therapy (RRT). To analyze the differences and inequalities involved in access to RRT in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa). This is an applied, descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study, with documentary analysis and a literature review. The sources of data were from national censuses and scientific publications regarding access to RRT in the BRICS countries. There is unequal access to RRT in all the BRICS countries, as well as the absence of information regarding dialysis and transplants (India), the absence of effective legislation to inhibit the trafficking of organs (India and South Africa) and the use of deceased prisoners as donors for renal transplants (China). The construction of mechanisms to promote the sharing of benefits and solidarity in the field of international cooperation in the area of renal health involves the recognition of bioethical issues related to access to RRT in the BRICS countries.

Diferenças e desigualdades no acesso a terapia renal substitutiva nos países do BRICS / Differences and inequalities in relation to access to renal replacement therapy in the BRICS countries

A doença renal terminal (DRT) é um importante problema de saúde pública, sobretudo nos países em desenvolvimento, em vista dos altos recursos econômicos necessários para manutenção dos pacientes nas diversas formas de terapias renais substitutivas (TRS) existentes. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as diferenças e as desigualdades que envolvem o acesso a TRS nos países que compõem o BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul). Estudo aplicado, descritivo, transversal, qualitativo e quantitativo, com análise documental e pesquisa bibliográfica, tendo como fonte de dados censos nacionais e publicações científicas envolvendo o acesso a TRS em tais países. Verificou-se evidências de iniquidade no acesso a TRS em todos os países do BRICS, ausência de censos de diálise e transplante nacionais (Índia), ausência de legislações efetivas que inibam a comercialização de órgãos (Índia e África do Sul) e uso de transplantes de doador falecido de prisioneiros (China). A construção de mecanismos que promovam compartilhamento de benefícios e de solidariedade no campo da cooperação internacional na área da saúde renal passa pelo reconhecimento das questões bioéticas que envolvem o acesso a TRS nos países do BRICS.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a new nomenclature for Wegener's Granulomatosis--Case report.

The granulomatosis with polyangiitis, initially known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a small and medium vessels vasculitis. It's classic form presents a triad: necrotizing granuloma of respiratory tract, necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. This vasculitis has cytoplasmic antineutrophil antibodies as signal. This work illustrates a case, of multisystemic rare disease, in which the segment and treatment were considered satisfactory for symptoms remission.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a new nomenclature for Wegener's Granulomatosis - Case report

The granulomatosis with polyangiitis, initially known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a small and medium vessels vasculitis. It's classic form presents a triad: necrotizing granuloma of respiratory tract, necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. This vasculitis has cytoplasmic antineutrophil antibodies as signal. This work illustrates a case, of multisystemic rare disease, in which the segment and treatment were considered satisfactory for symptoms remission.

Profile of glomerular diseases in a public hospital of Federal District, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Glomerular diseases are a frequent etiology of chronic kidney disease, especially in the developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of such glomerulopathies in a public hospital located in the city of Brasilia, Federal District. METHODS: 121 renal biopsies in different patients were performed by the Renal Division of Hospital Regional da Asa Norte (HRAN) between August 2005 and May 2009. Eight renal biopsies in renal-transplant patients were excluded and the medical records of 113 remaining patients were analyzed. Analyzed data: sex, age, laboratory exams, glomerular syndrome, clinical diagnosis, degree of interstitial fibrosis, immunosuppressants use, need for dialysis and clinical outcome. RESULTS: The age average was 34.9 ± 16.2 years-old, a predominance of male patients (51.3%). Major glomerular syndromes were: nephrotic syndrome (41.6%) and the rapidly- progressive glomerulonephritis (35.4%). Among primary glomerulopathies focal glomerulosclerosis (26.8%) followed by IgA nephropathy (25%) were predominant; and among the most prevalent secondary glomerulopathies we had lupus nephritis (50%) and diffuse exudative proliferative glomerulonephritis (34.2%).The majority of the patients used immunosuppressants (68.1%) and almost one third of them (29.2%) needed dialysis during their hospitalization. Progressed to chronic dialysis therapy 13.3% of the patients and 10.6% died. CONCLUSION: This study may contribute to better epidemiological understanding of glomerular diseases in the Federal District, guiding the adoption of public policies aiming the quick clinical treatment of such diseases.

Profile of glomerular diseases in a public hospital of Federal District, Brazil / Perfil das doenças glomerulares em um hospital público do Distrito Federal

INTRODUÇÃO: As doenças glomerulares são uma causa frequente de doença renal crônica, sobretudo nos países em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o perfil destas glomerulopatias em um hospital público da cidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 121 biopsias renais pela equipe de nefrologia do Hospital Regional da Asa Norte (HRAN) entre agosto de 2005 e maio de 2009. Foram excluídas oito biopsias realizadas em pacientes transplantados renais e analisados os prontuários dos 113 pacientes restantes. Dados analisados: sexo, idade, exames laboratoriais, síndrome glomerular, diagnóstico clínico, grau de fibrose intersticial, uso de imunossupressores, necessidade de diálise e desfecho clínico. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 34,9 ± 16,2 anos, com predomínio masculino (51,3 por cento). As principais síndromes glomerulares foram: síndrome nefrótica (41,6 por cento) e glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva (35,4 por cento). Entre as glomerulopatias primárias, houve predomínio da glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (26,9 por cento) e da nefropatia por IgA (25 por cento) e entre as secundárias a nefrite lúpica (50 por cento) e a glomerulonefrite proliferativa exsudativa difusa (34,2 por cento). A maioria dos pacientes fez uso de imunossupressores (68,1 por cento) e quase um terço deles (29,2 por cento) necessitou de diálise durante a internação. Evoluíram para terapia dialítica crônica 13,3 por cento dos pacientes e 10,6 por cento evoluíram a óbito. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo poderá contribuir para melhor entendimento epidemiológico das doenças glomerulares no Distrito Federal, orientando na adoção de políticas públicas visando permitir rápido diagnóstico e manejo clínico das mesmas.

INTRODUCTION: Glomerular diseases are a frequent etiology of chronic kidney disease, especially in the developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of such glomerulopathies in a public hospital located in the city of Brasilia, Federal District. METHODS: 121 renal biopsies in different patients were performed by the Renal Division of Hospital Regional da Asa Norte (HRAN) between August 2005 and May 2009. Eight renal biopsies in renal-transplant patients were excluded and the medical records of 113 remaining patients were analyzed. Analyzed data: sex, age, laboratory exams, glomerular syndrome, clinical diagnosis, degree of interstitial fibrosis, immunosuppressants use, need for dialysis and clinical outcome. RESULTS: The age average was 34.9 ± 16.2 years-old, a predominance of male patients (51.3 percent). Major glomerular syndromes were: nephrotic syndrome (41.6 percent) and the rapidly- progressive glomerulonephritis (35.4 percent). Among primary glomerulopathies focal glomerulosclerosis (26.8 percent) followed by IgA nephropathy (25 percent) were predominant; and among the most prevalent secondary glomerulopathies we had lupus nephritis (50 percent) and diffuse exudative proliferative glomerulonephritis (34.2 percent).The majority of the patients used immunosuppressants (68.1 percent) and almost one third of them (29.2 percent) needed dialysis during their hospitalization. Progressed to chronic dialysis therapy 13.3 percent of the patients and 10.6 percent died. CONCLUSION: This study may contribute to better epidemiological understanding of glomerular diseases in the Federal District, guiding the adoption of public policies aiming the quick clinical treatment of such diseases.

Epidemiologia da doença renal crônica terminal no Distrito Federal: experiência do Hospital Regional da Asa Norte / Epidemiology of terminal chronic renal disease at the Distrito Fe deral: the experience at the Hospital Re gional da Asa Norte

Introdução. O aumento da expectativa de vida e a crescente prevalência de hipertensão e diabetes têm contribuído para o aumento do número de casos de doença renal crônica terminal no Brasil e em vários outros países. Objetivo. Determinar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com doença renal crônica terminal submetidos a diálise emum hospital público do Distrito Federal. Método. De outubro de 2006 a outubro de 2008, cerca de 291 doentes foram dialisados no Hospital Regional da Asa Norte. Excluídos 71 pacientes: 31 casos de insuficiência renal aguda e 40 por terem dados incompletos. Analisaram-se os220 prontuários restantes em relação a sexo, idade, procedência, causa presumida da doença renal crônica terminal, seguimento conservador prévio, tipo de acesso para diálise e desfecho clínico durante o período de tratamento intra-hospitalar. Resultados. A média de idade dos assistidos foi 52,9 ± 17,7 anos, 60% deles masculinos. A maioria não foi procedentedo Distrito Federal (53%). A principal causa de doença renal crônica terminal foi nefropatia diabética (24%), mas 10% dos casos tiveram causas obstrutivas pós-renais. Apenas 13,6% dos pacientes tiveram algum seguimento conservador prévio e somente 1,8% iniciaram diálise por acesso vascular definitivo. Conclusões. A maioria dos doentes tem idade acima de 40 anos. Os diabéticos são os mais afetados, mas as causas de obstrução pós-renal e de mieloma múltiplo foram mais frequentes do que o observado em outras casuísticas. A transferênciapara outra clínica foi o desfecho clínico mais frequente.

Introduction. The increase of life expectancy and the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes have contributed to raise the number of cases of end-stage renal disease in Brazil and in many other countries.Objective. To determine the epidemiological profile of patients with end-stage renal disease submitted to dialysis in a public hospital of the Distrito Federal. Method. From October 2006 to October 2008, about 291 patients were submitted to dialysis at the Hospital Regional da Asa Norte. From this total, 71 patients were excluded (31 cases of acute renal insufficiency and 40 due to incomplete data), 220 records of the remaining patients were evaluated in the end. Analyzed data: sex, age, origin, presumed cause of end-stage renal disease, previous conservative treatment, type of access for dialysis and clinical outcome during inhospitaltreatment. Results. The mean age of the patients was 52.9 ± 17.7 years-old, 60% males. Most of them did not live in the Distrito Federal (53%). The main cause of end-stage renal disease was diabetic nephropathy (24%) but 10% of the cases were due to post-renal obstructive causes. Just 13.6% of the patients had undergone some previous conservative treatment and only 1.8% started treatment through a definitive vascular access. Conclusions. Most patient were over 40 years of age. Diabetic patients were most affected, however, post renal obstruction and multiple myeloma were more frequently seen as an etiology than that observed in other studies. The transference of patients to another service was the most frequent final clinical event.