Ventilatory weaning strategies for predicting extubation success in children following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart disease (CHD) comprises the anatomic malformations that jeopardise the structure and function of the heart. It can be extremely complex and serious, corresponding to 30% of all deaths in the first month of life. The surgical approach for adequate treatment requires postoperative mechanical ventilation. The most critical decision related to the postoperative management of patients submitted to cardiac surgery is the right time for extubation, especially because not only abrupt or inadequate discontinuation of ventilatory support can lead to clinical decline and necessity of reintubation but also extended time of mechanical ventilation, which can lead to complications, such as pneumonia, atelectasis, diaphragm hypertrophy, and increasing morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This systematic review plans to include individual parallel, cross-over and cluster randomised controlled trials regarding any breathing trial test to predict extubation success in children submitted to cardiac surgery due to CHD. Studies with paediatric patients submitted to cardiac surgery for congenital cardiopathy repair, attended at a critical care unit, and under mechanical ventilatory support will be included. The main outcomes analysed will be success of extubation, reduction of pulmonary complications and time reduction of mechanical ventilation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: We will not treat patients directly; therefore, ethics committee approval was not necessary because it is not a primary study. We expect that this study may improve healthcare and medical assistance, helping healthcare professionals with routine daily decisions regarding the correct time for extubation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021223999.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas? A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas (CVAH) such as infantile hemangiomas, port-wine stains and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) impair patients' lives and may require treatment if complications occur. However, a great variety of treatments for those conditions exist and the best interventions remain under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To summarize Cochrane systematic review (SR) evidence on treatments for CVAH. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A broad search was conducted on March 9, 2021, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed treatments for CVAH. The key characteristics and results of all SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: A total of three SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were presented as a qualitative synthesis. One SR reported a significant clinical reduction of skin redness by at least 20%, with more pain, among 103 participants with port-wine stains. One SR reported that propranolol improved the likelihood of clearance 13 to 16-fold among 312 children with hemangiomas. One SR reported that the relative risk of death or dependence was 2.53 times greater in the intervention arm than with conservative management, among 218 participants with brain AVMs. CONCLUSION: Cochrane reviews suggest that treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed-dye laser improves redness; propranolol remains the best option for infantile hemangiomas; and conservative management seems to be superior to surgical intervention for treating brain AVMs.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas? A narrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas (CVAH) such as infantile hemangiomas, port-wine stains and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) impair patients' lives and may require treatment if complications occur. However, a great variety of treatments for those conditions exist and the best interventions remain under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To summarize Cochrane systematic review (SR) evidence on treatments for CVAH. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A broad search was conducted on March 9, 2021, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed treatments for CVAH. The key characteristics and results of all SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: A total of three SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were presented as a qualitative synthesis. One SR reported a significant clinical reduction of skin redness by at least 20%, with more pain, among 103 participants with port-wine stains. One SR reported that propranolol improved the likelihood of clearance 13 to 16-fold among 312 children with hemangiomas. One SR reported that the relative risk of death or dependence was 2.53 times greater in the intervention arm than with conservative management, among 218 participants with brain AVMs. CONCLUSION: Cochrane reviews suggest that treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed-dye laser improves redness; propranolol remains the best option for infantile hemangiomas; and conservative management seems to be superior to surgical intervention for treating brain AVMs.

Peripherally inserted central catheter versus central venous catheter for intravenous access: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since the first description of the central venous catheter (CVC) in 1952, it has been used for the rapid administration of drugs, chemotherapy, as a route for nutritional support, blood components, monitoring patients, or combinations of these. When CVC is used in the traditional routes (eg, subclavian, jugular, and femoral veins), the complication rates range up to 15% and are mainly due to mechanical dysfunction, infection, and thrombosis. The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is an alternative option for CVC access. However, the clinical evidence for PICC compared to CVC is still under discussion. In this setting, this systematic review (SR) aims to assess the effects of PICC compared to CVC for intravenous access. METHODS: We will perform a comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which compare PICC and traditional CVC for intravenous access. The search strategy will consider free text terms and controlled vocabulary (eg, MeSH and Entree) related to "peripherally inserted central venous catheter," "central venous access," "central venous catheter," "catheterisation, peripheral," "vascular access devices," "infusions, intravenous," "administration, intravenous," and "injections, intravenous." Searches will be carried out in these databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Elsevier), Cochrane CENTRAL (via Wiley), IBECS, and LILACS (both via Virtual Health Library). We will consider catheter-related deep venous thrombosis and overall successful insertion rates as primary outcomes and haematoma, venous thromboembolism, reintervention derived from catheter dysfunction, catheter-related infections, and quality of life as secondary outcomes. Where results are not appropriate for a meta-analysis using RevMan 5 software (eg, if the data have considerable heterogeneity and are drawn from different comparisons), a descriptive analysis will be performed. RESULTS: Our SR will be conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the findings will be reported in compliance with PRISMA. CONCLUSION: Our study will provide evidence for the effects of PICC versus CVC for venous access. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This SR has obtained formal ethical approval and was prospectively registered in Open Science Framework. The findings of this SR will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. REGISTRATION:: osf.io/xvhzf. ETHICAL APPROVAL: 69003717.2.0000.5505.

Early mobilization for children in intensive therapy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care units focus primarily on life support and treatment of critically ill patients, but there are many survivors with complications, such as generalized muscle disorders, functional disability and reduced quality of life after hospital discharge, resulting from prolonged stays in these units. The current evidence suggests that early mobilization-based rehabilitation (exercise initiated immediately after the patient's significant physiological changes have stabilized) in critically ill adults can alleviate these complications from immobility and critical illness. However, there are a lack of practice guidelines, conflicting perceptions about safety, and knowledge gaps about benefits in the critically ill paediatric population. Therefore, we aim to assess the effects of early mobilization for children in intensive therapy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Systematic searches will be carried out in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Latin American and Caribbean Centre on Health Sciences Information, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature and physiotherapy evidence database databases at a minimum without date or language restrictions for relevant individual parallel, cross-over and cluster randomized controlled trials. In addition, a search will also be carried out in the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and in the clinical trial registries of ClinicalTrials.gov, looking for any on-going randomised controlled trials that compare early mobilization with any other type of intervention. Two review authors will independently perform data extraction and quality assessments of data from included studies, and any disagreements will be resolved by discussion or by arbitration. The primary outcomes will be mortality and adverse events. Secondary outcomes will include duration of critical care (days), duration of mechanical ventilation support, muscle strength, pain and neuropsychomotor development. The Cochrane handbook will be used for guidance. If the results are not appropriate for a meta-analysis in RevMan 5 software (e.g., if the data have considerable heterogeneity and are drawn from different comparisons), a descriptive analysis will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was prospectively registered at Open Science Framework and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Sao Paulo (8543210519). We intend to update the public registry used in this review, report any important protocol amendments and publish the results in a widely accessible journal. REGISTRATION:: osf.io/ebju9.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about ultrasound-guided vascular access?

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography is currently used in investigating many vascular diseases, especially for guiding vascular access. OBJECTIVE: The objective here was to summarize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) on the effects of ultrasound-guided vascular access as an intervention approach. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs, conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: A broad search was conducted in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed the effects of ultrasound guidance as a therapeutic approach towards performing any vascular access. The key characteristics and results of all the reviews included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: Three SRs on venous access at all ages and one review on arterial access in pediatric participants were included. There was low to moderate certainty of evidence that ultrasound increased the success rate from the first puncture and the overall success rate of the procedure; and reduced the total rate of perioperative and postoperative adverse events, number of punctures, time needed to achieve success and rate of failure to place catheters. CONCLUSION: Evidence of low to moderate quality showed that ultrasound-guided vascular access seems to reduce the total rate of perioperative and postoperative complications/adverse effects, number of punctures, time needed to achieve success and rate of failure to perform venous catheterization in adults and arterial punctures in children. There is a lack of information regarding ultrasound-guided arterial puncture in adults. Further studies are still imperative for reaching solid conclusions, especially regarding arterial ultrasound-guided access.

Linfedema secundário de membros e febre chicungunha / Secondary lymphedema of limbs and chikungunya fever

Algumas infecções virais sistêmicas podem estar relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de complicações vasculares, como trombose venosa profunda e linfedema de membros inferiores e superiores. Essa relação já está bem estabelecida em pacientes portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), hepatite C ou influenza. Recentemente introduzido no continente americano (2013), o vírus chicungunha, um arbovírus transmitido pelo mosquito do gênero Aedes e agente etiológico da febre chicungunha (FC), ainda não tem essa relação bem sedimentada. Porém, o surto de FC, ocorrido entre 2015 e 2016, fez com que fossem descritos na literatura médica os primeiros casos de complicações vasculares agudas e crônicas secundárias à infecção por essa arbovirose. Neste relato de caso, descrevemos uma paciente que desenvolveu linfedema de membros superiores e inferiores após quadro de FC

Certain systemic viral infections can be related to development of vascular complications, such as deep venous thrombosis and lymphedema of lower and upper limbs. These links have been well-established in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, or influenza. Recently introduced into the American continent (2013), chikungunya virus is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus and is the etiologic agent of chikungunya fever (CF), but its relationship to these vascular complications has not yet been consolidated. However, the CF outbreak that occurred during 2015 and 2016 resulted in the first cases described in the medical literature of acute and chronic vascular complications secondary to infection by this arbovirus. In this report, we describe the case of a patient who developed lymphedema of upper and lower limbs after an episode of CF

Angioplasty and stenting for below the knee ulcers in diabetic patients: protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing. DM has a high social and economic burden due to its complications and associated disorders. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is closely related to DM. More than 85% of patients with DM will develop PAD in their lifetime, and between 10 and 25% of patients with DM will have a foot ulcer. In such cases, it is important to determine for each patient whether it is necessary and feasible to revascularise the affected limb as well as the optimal technique. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is designed to restore blood flow through the vessel lumen by various devices including balloons, drug-coated balloons, bare stents, drug-eluting stents and endovascular atherectomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of PTA in the treatment of lower limb arterial ulcers in diabetic patients. METHODS: We will search randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in the following databases (e.g., MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Lilacs, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ibecs, CINAHL, AMED, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov , and OpenGrey). Our search strategy will use the following free-text terms and controlled vocabulary (e.g., Emtree, MeSH) for 'foot ulcer', 'leg ulcer', 'diabetic foot', 'Peripheral Arterial Disease', 'Diabetes Complications', 'Peripheral Vascular Diseases', 'critical limb ischemia', 'below the knee ulcer', 'angioplasty', 'stents', 'stenting', and 'endovascular procedures'. There will be no limits on date or language of publication. Two authors will, independently, select studies and assess the data from them. Risks of bias (RoB) of included studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane's RoB tool. If possible, we will perform and report structured summaries of the included studies and meta-analyses. Results are not available as this is a protocol for a systematic review, and we are currently in the phase of building a sensitive search strategy. DISCUSSION: While there are several available endovascular techniques for revascularisation, it is unclear which technique has better outcomes for ulcers below the knee in diabetic patients. A systematic review is required to validate and demonstrate these techniques and their outcomes to allow an evidence-based clinical decision. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42017065171.

Perfil epidemiológico de 58 portadores de síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber acompanhados no Ambulatório da Santa Casa de São Paulo / Epidemiological profile of 58 patients with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome followed at Ambulatório da Santa Casa de São Paulo

CONTEXTO: A síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber é uma doença rara sobre a qual encontramos poucos artigos na literatura (geralmente relatos de casos esporádicos relacionados a complicações). OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos portadores da referida síndrome. MÉTODOS: Foram copilados dados dos prontuários de 58 pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório de doenças linfáticas e angiodisplasias da disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: A distribuição foi igual entre homens e mulheres (30 homens e 28 mulheres). A idade média dos pacientes em tratamento foi de 12,8 anos. Na maioria dos casos, a doença foi diagnosticada na infância, sendo a mancha em vinho do porto o primeiro sinal notado pela família, no nascimento ou primeiro ano de vida. O sintoma mais referido foi a dor, normalmente relacionada aos sintomas de estase venosa, sendo o sintoma considerado debilitante. Pela classificação CEAP, encontramos as crianças nas classes C0 e C1 e a maioria dos adultos nas classes avançadas. Foi diagnosticada a presença de fístulas arteriovenosas em 8,5 por cento dos casos. Apenas 6,8 por cento referiram história familiar. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay e a síndrome de Parkes Weber são apresentações diferentes de uma única enfermidade e podem ser estudadas conjuntamente como síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber. O melhor momento para reconhecer os portadores e poder amenizar a progressão de insuficiência venosa, hipertrofia óssea e tecidos moles é a infância. O tratamento compressivo deve ser indicado a todos os portadores com o intuito de diminuir a evolução da doença venosa periférica.

BACKGROUND: Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome is a rare disorder about which there are few articles available (most of them are sporadic case reports related to complications). OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiological profile of patients with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. METHODS: Medical records of 58 patients followed at the lymphatic disease and angiodysplasia outpatient clinic for the discipline of Vascular Surgery at the School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo were reviewed. RESULTS: The disorder affected males and females equally (30 males and 28 females). The mean age of patients under treatment was 12.8 years. In most cases, the syndrome had been diagnosed in childhood, with Port wine stain as the first sign noticed by the family at birth or during the first year of life. The most frequently reported symptom was debilitating pain usually associated with symptoms of venous stasis. The CEAP classification was C0 and C1 for younger patients and C4-C6 for most older patients. Arteriovenous fistulas were diagnosed in 8.5 percent of cases. Positive family history was reported by only 6.8 percent of patients. CONCLUSION: Klippel-Trenaunay and Parkes Weber syndromes are different presentations of a same disorder and they can be studied as one, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. Childhood is the optimal moment to identify affected patients and to reduce progression of venous insufficiency and bony and soft tissue hypertrophy. Compression should be indicated for all affected patients to reduce progression of peripheral venous disease.

Braquioplastia em pacientes ex-obesos mórbidos submetidos a gastroplastia redutora / Brachioplasty after bariatric surgery

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença metabólica de prevalência crescente, sendo aobesidade mórbida uma condição crônica de difícil controle. A cirurgia bariátrica é umaforma de tratamento desta população, que tem como consequência um emagrecimentoacentuado, refletindo em dermocalásia de vários segmentos, alterando o contorno corporal.A braquioplastia foi descrita, em 1954, por Correa e Fernandez. No entanto, significantesinovações na técnica ocorreram na década de setenta, despertando novos interesses noassunto. Embora suportada por estudos e várias propostas técnicas, a braquioplastia podeapresentar em alguns casos resultados pouco satisfatórios. As maiores complicações estãorelacionadas a cicatriz patológica, deformidades de contorno do braço, edema persistentee possíveis lesões do sistema linfático. Método: Para avaliar o efeito da dermolipectomiabraquial na drenagem linfática dos membros superiores, estudaram-se nove pacientes, totalizando18 membros superiores. Estas foram submetidas ao exame linfocintilográfico nomomento pré-operatório, realizada a braquioplastia, e avaliado o exame linfocintilográficono pós-operatório seis meses. O critério de exclusão foi paciente com exame clínico oulinfocintilográfico alterado no pré-operatório. Os dezoito membros superiores avaliadosforam submetidos a análise estatística, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Oresultado foi estatisticamente significante, mostrando que o procedimento cirúrgico alteraa drenagem linfática dos membros superiores de acordo com as linfocintilografias, exameeste considerado padrão-ouro no estudo do sistema linfático.

Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease with an increased incidence, being morbidobesity a chronic condition of difficult control. The bariatric surgery is a form of treatment forthis group which leads to sizeable weight loss, hence reflecting in redundant tissue at severalbody segments, altering the body profile. The brachioplasty was firstly described in 1954 byCorrea and Fernandez. Nevertheless significant innovation in the technique have occurredin the seventies decade, gathering increased interest on this subject. Although supported bystudies and technical proposals, the brachioplasty may present in some cases, unsatisfactoryresults. The majority of the complications are related to scar sequelae, problems of shapingthe form of the arm, persistent swelling and likely injury to the lymphatic system. Methods:In order to appraise the dermolipectomy effect on lymphatic drainage of the arms, nine patientswere studied. They were evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy prior to surgery, submittedto the brachioplasty and again evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy, six month postoperative.The exclusion criteria were patients with altered clinic or lymphocintigraphy before surgery.The evaluated eighteen arms were the subject of statistic analysis with 5% significance level.Results: The result was statistically validated hence demonstrating the brachioplasty alterthe lymphatic drainage of the arms, according to lymphocintigraphy. This exam is a goldstandard to evaluate the lymphatic system.

Fatores de morbimortalidade na cirurgia eletiva do aneurisma da aorta abdominal infra-renal: experiência de 134 casos / Morbidity and mortality factors in the elective surgery of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case study with 134 patients

CONTEXTO: O tratamento cirúrgico convencional do aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) infra-renal pode resultar em complicações graves. A fim de otimizar os resultados na evolução do tratamento, é importante que sejam identificados os pacientes predispostos a determinadas complicações e instituídas condutas preventivas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a taxa de mortalidade operatória precoce, analisar as complicações pós-operatórias e identificar os fatores de risco relacionados com a morbimortalidade. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 134 pacientes com AAA infra-renal submetidos a correção cirúrgica eletiva no período de fevereiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2005. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade foi de 5,2%, sendo secundária principalmente a infarto agudo de miocárdio (IAM) e isquemia mesentérica. As complicações cardíacas foram as mais freqüentes, seguidas das pulmonares e renais. A presença de diabetes melito (DM), insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC), insuficiência coronariana (ICO) e cintilografia miocárdica positiva para isquemia estiveram associadas às complicações cardíacas. A idade avançada, a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e a capacidade vital forçada reduzida aumentaram os riscos de atelectasia e pneumonia. História de nefropatia, tempo de pinçamento aórtico prolongado e níveis de uréia elevados aumentaram os riscos de insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRA). A isquemia dos membros inferiores esteve associada ao tabagismo e à idade avançada, e a maior taxa de mortalidade, à presença de coronariopatia, tempos prolongados de pinçamento aórtico e de cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de morbimortalidade esteve compatível com a literatura nacional e internacional, sendo secundária às complicações cardíacas, respiratórias e renais. Os fatores de risco identificados no pré e transoperatório estiveram relacionados com essas complicações.

BACKGROUND: Conventional surgical treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can result in serious complications. To optimize treatment outcome it is important to identify patients at risk of having complications and implement prophylaxis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze early surgical mortality rate and postsurgical complications, and to identify risk factors related to morbidity and mortality. METHOD: A total of 134 patients with infrarenal AAA submitted to elective surgical correction from February 2001 to December 2005 were analyzed. RESULTS: The mortality rate (5.2%) was secondary mainly to acute myocardial infarction and intestinal ischemia. Heart-related complications were the most frequent, followed by lung and kidney complications. Presence of diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and scintigraphy suggestive of ischemia were related to cardiac complications. Advanced age, chronic obstructive lung disease and reduced forced vital capacity were related to higher risks of atelectasis and pulmonary infection. Presence of renal failure, prolonged aortic clamping and high urea rates were related to acute renal failure. Smoking and advanced age were associated with lower limb ischemia. Presence of obstructive coronary insufficiency and prolonged aortic clamping and surgery time were associated with higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality rate was compatible with data found in the national and international literature, secondary to cardiac, pulmonary and kidney complications. Identified risk factors before and during the surgery were related to these complications.

Analysis of the effects of the interruption of the flow in the normal arterial endothelium morphology and the correlation with the ischemia duration in rabbits

The study of acute arterial insufficiency of the extremities is an area of continuing interest and investigation, in light of the possible effects stemming from the evolution of the disease and the necessity for urgent treatment. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of the interruption of the flow in the normal arterial endothelium morphology and correlate them with the ischemia duration. METHODS: We submitted 30 rabbits to the ligature of the right external iliac artery for 6 hours or 72 hours and observed specific morphological variables in the endothelial layer under optical and electronic microscopy. RESULTS: In the optical microscopic study, no statistically significant results were observed in the comparison of the groups (control, 6- and 72-hour occlusions). With electronic microscopy, we observed alterations in the endothelial cell characterized by hyperpigmentation with detachment of the same from its bed; and rupture of the internal elastic membrane, with the exposure of the subendothelial material to the vascular lumen. CONCLUSIONS: The optical microscopy was not an effective method for the determination of endothelial morphological alterations; the electronic microscopy allowed us to observe initial signals of the endothelial cell and layer injury 72 hours after the interruption of the normal arterial flow.

O estudo da insuficiência arterial aguda das extremidades é área de contínuo interesse e investigação, devido possibilidade de eventos catastróficos na evolução da doença e necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico de urgência. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da ausência de fluxo na morfologia do endotélio arterial normal segmentar, como os que ocorrem na porção imediatamente abaixo da área que sofreu oclusão arterial aguda por embolia, e correlacioná-los com o tempo de isquemia. MÉTODOS: Submetemos 30 coelhos à ligadura da artéria ilíaca externa direita por 6 horas ou 72 horas e observamos variáveis morfológicas específicas da camada endotelial e subendotelial à microscopia óptica e eletrônica. RESULTADOS: No estudo da microscopia óptica não foram observados resultados estatisticamente significativos quando comparados os grupos entre si. A microscopia eletrônica observamos alterações da célula endotelial caracterizadas por hiperpigmentação e descolamento da mesma de seu leito, e ruptura da membrana elástica interna com exposição do material subendotelial para luz vascular. CONCLUSÕES: A microscopia óptica não foi procedimento eficaz na determinação das alterações morfológicas endoteliais estudadas; a microscopia eletrônica mostrou sinais iniciais de sofrimento da célula endotelial e lesão da camada endotelial após 72 horas da ausência de fluxo na artéria normal.

Analysis of the effects of the interruption of the flow in the normal arterial endothelium morphology and the correlation with the ischemia duration in rabbits.

UNLABELLED: The study of acute arterial insufficiency of the extremities is an area of continuing interest and investigation, in light of the possible effects stemming from the evolution of the disease and the necessity for urgent treatment. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of the interruption of the flow in the normal arterial endothelium morphology and correlate them with the ischemia duration. METHODS: We submitted 30 rabbits to the ligature of the right external iliac artery for 6 hours or 72 hours and observed specific morphological variables in the endothelial layer under optical and electronic microscopy. RESULTS: In the optical microscopic study, no statistically significant results were observed in the comparison of the groups (control, 6- and 72-hour occlusions). With electronic microscopy, we observed alterations in the endothelial cell characterized by hyperpigmentation with detachment of the same from its bed; and rupture of the internal elastic membrane, with the exposure of the subendothelial material to the vascular lumen. CONCLUSIONS: The optical microscopy was not an effective method for the determination of endothelial morphological alterations; the electronic microscopy allowed us to observe initial signals of the endothelial cell and layer injury 72 hours after the interruption of the normal arterial flow.

Critérios semiquantitativos de análise da linfocintilografia em linfedema dos membros inferiores / Criteria for semi-quantitative analysis of lymphoscintigraphy in lower limb lymphedema

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se diferentes parâmetros de análise da linfocintilografia permitem a distinção entre membros com e sem linfedema em pacientes com quadro clínico de edema unilateral. MÉTODOS: Levantamento retrospectivo dos exames de 20 pacientes submetidos a linfocintilografia para investigação de edema unilateral de membros inferiores, divididos em pacientes com linfedema primário (grupo 1, n = 7) ou secundário pós-traumático (grupo 2, n = 13). Foi realizada linfocintilografia após injeção subdérmica de soroalbumina humana marcada com tecnécio-99m nos pés, com imagens da região inguinal durante 15 min e imagens dos membros inferiores após 15 min e 1 h. Os parâmetros analisados foram: tempo de aparecimento da cadeia inguinal, índice semiquantitativo (fluxo linfático, difusão intersticial, aspecto dos vasos, tempo de aparecimento e aspecto dos linfonodos inguinais) e inclinação da curva de atividade em função do tempo da região inguinal. As medidas nos membros clinicamente acometidos foram comparadas aos membros sem linfedema em ambos os grupos. RESULTADO: O tempo médio de aparecimento da cadeia inguinal e o índice semiquantitativo foram significativamente maiores nos membros com linfedema que nos membros sem linfedema quando considerados todos os pacientes, com maior retardo e índice semiquantitativo nos membros com linfedema do grupo 1 em relação aos do grupo 2. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do tempo de aparecimento da cadeia inguinal e o índice semiquantitativo fornecem parâmetros objetivos de avaliação do linfedema que podem auxiliar na detecção e seguimento dos pacientes com linfedema.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether different parameters could be used in the analysis of lymphoscintigraphy to distinguish affected from unaffected limbs in patients with unilateral edema. METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy for screening of unilateral lower limb edema were retrospectively assessed and divided into patients with primary lymphedema (group 1, n = 7) or secondary post-traumatic edema (group 2, n = 13). Technetium 99m-labeled human serum albumin was subdermally administered in the feet, followed by a dynamic lymphoscintigraphy of the pelvis during 15 min and static images of the lower limbs after 15 min and 1 h. Analyzed parameters were detection time of groin activity, semi-quantitative index (lymph flow, interstitial diffusion, aspect of vessels, detection time and aspect of inguinal lymph nodes) and slope of groin time-activity curve. The parameters of clinically affected limbs were compared to those of the contralateral limbs in both groups. RESULTS: Detection time of groin activity and semi-quantitative index were significantly higher in affected limbs considering all patients, with a more severe delay and a higher semi-quantitative index in group 1 compared to group 2. CONCLUSION: Analysis of detection time of groin activity and semi-quantitative index can add objective parameters that can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with lymphedema.

Aspectos cirúrgicos dos aneurismas isolados das artérias ilíacas / Surgical aspects of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

OBJETIVO: Discorrer sobre os aspectos clínicos e o tratamento cirúrgico de uma série de casos de aneurismas isolados das artérias ilíacas. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os dados protocolados e os prontuários de 12 pacientes com diagnóstico de aneurisma isolado das artérias ilíacas, operados no Departamento de Cirurgia da Santa Casa de São Paulo, no período de novembro de 1999 a fevereiro de 2003. RESULTADOS: A freqüência do aneurisma isolado das artérias ilíacas foi de 1,5 por cento dos aneurismas abdominais operados no período do estudo. A faixa etária variou entre 56 e 80 anos, 33 por cento dos doentes apresentavam aneurisma bilateral, e os diâmetros dos aneurismas variaram entre 2,0 e 8,5 cm. Em 83 por cento dos casos, os pacientes encontravam-se sintomáticos no momento do tratamento. Em nenhum dos casos o aneurisma se encontrava roto. A via de acesso utilizada nos aneurismas unilaterais foi a extraperitoneal homolateral à dilatação e, nos aneurismas bilaterais, a transperitoneal, longitudinal ou transversa. Não dissecamos o segmento posterior das artérias ilíacas para clampeamento, para evitar a ocorrência de lesão venosa intra-operatória. Não observamos mortalidade no período peroperatório. Em todos os casos, preservamos pelo menos uma artéria ilíaca interna. CONCLUSÃO: A via de acesso para os aneurismas isolados das artérias ilíacas deve ser individualizada. A preservação de pelo menos uma artéria ilíaca interna constitui uma regra a ser observada, bem como deve-se evitar a dissecção circunferencial das artérias ilíacas no intra-operatório.

OBJETIVE: To discuss clinical aspects and surgical treatment of a series of cases of isolated iliac artery aneurysms. METHODS: Protocol data and medical charts of 12 patients with diagnosis of isolated iliac artery aneurysm were retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent surgery at the Department of Surgery of Santa Casa de São Paulo, from November 1999 to February 2003. RESULTS: Frequency of isolated iliac artery aneurysm was 1.5 percent of abdominal aneurysms who underwent surgery in the period under investigation. Age group ranged between 56-80 years, 33 percent of patients presented bilateral aneurysm, and aneurysm diameters ranged between 2.0-8.5 cm. In 83 percent of cases, the patients were symptomatic during treatment. Aneurysms were not ruptured in any case. Extraperitoneal approach ipsilateral to the dilatation was used in unilateral aneurysms, and transperitoneal approach, longitudinal or transverse, in bilateral aneurysms. We did not dissect the posterior segment of the iliac arteries for clamping, in order to avoid intraoperative venous lesion. There were no deaths during the surgery. In all cases, we preserved at least one internal iliac artery. CONCLUSION: Approach to isolated iliac artery aneurysms should be chosen on an individual basis. Preserving at least one internal iliac artery is a rule to be observed. Circumferential dissection of iliac arteries during the surgery should be avoided.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: prognostic factors

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores prognósticos relacionados com a letalidade dos doentes com aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto. MÉTODO: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 72 doentes portadores de aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto, operados no período de 1976 a 2000 pela disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular da Santa Casa de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: A análise descritiva dos dados mostra média de idade de 67,93 anos, com desvio padrão de 11,58 anos, sendo 32% do sexo feminino e 68% do sexo masculino. Do total, 28% tinham história prévia de aneurisma e 72% desconheciam a doença. A pressão arterial sistólica na admissão foi de 96,53 mmHg. A dor esteve presente em 100% dos doentes, assim como massa abdominal pulsátil. O local de rompimento do aneurisma foi em 93% dos casos para o retroperitônio, 4% para o duodeno e 2% para peritônio livre. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores prognósticos relacionados à letalidade que se mostraram com significância estatística foram: idade, pressão arterial admissional, diurese intra-operatória, volume infundido e creatinina admissional.