Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene (NR3C1) Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from the Mennonite Population.

The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with polymorphisms and the methylation degree of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and is potentially involved in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to evaluate the association between MetS with the polymorphisms, methylation, and gene expression of the NR3C1 in the genetically isolated Brazilian Mennonite population, we genotyped 20 NR3C1 polymorphisms in 74 affected (MetS) and 138 unaffected individuals without affected first-degree relatives (Co), using exome sequencing, as well as five variants from non-exonic regions, in 70 MetS and 166 Co, using mass spectrometry. The methylation levels of 11 1F CpG sites were quantified using pyrosequencing (66 MetS and 141 Co), and the NR3C1 expression was evaluated via RT-qPCR (14 MetS and 25 Co). Age, physical activity, and family environment during childhood were associated with MetS. Susceptibility to MetS, independent of these factors, was associated with homozygosity for rs10482605*C (OR = 4.74, pcorr = 0.024) and the haplotype containing TTCGTTGATT (rs3806855*T_ rs3806854*T_rs10482605*C_rs10482614*G_rs6188*T_rs258813*T_rs33944801*G_rs34176759*A_rs17209258*T_rs6196*T, OR = 4.74, pcorr = 0.048), as well as for the CCT haplotype (rs41423247*C_ rs6877893*C_rs258763*T), OR = 6.02, pcorr = 0.030), but not to the differences in methylation or gene expression. Thus, NR3C1 polymorphisms seem to modulate the susceptibility to MetS in Mennonites, independently of lifestyle and early childhood events, and their role seems to be unrelated to DNA methylation and gene expression.

Nutrition assistance improves skeletal muscle function and performance in community-dwelling older women / Assistência nutricional melhora o desempenho muscular esquelético de mulheres idosas residentes na comunidade

To analyze the effects of nutritional assistance focusing on protein intake (in the individual's usual diet) in relation to muscle mass, and the muscle strength and functional performance of community-dwelling older women. Methods: This is a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-three community-dwelling older women, who were allocated to the Control Group (CG; n = 20) or the Nutrition Group (NG; n = 23). The NG received individualized nutrition assistance and participated in group activities that focused on dietary protein intake once a week for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures: protein and energy intake; handgrip strength (HGS); gait speed (GS); quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA); and intramuscular non-contractile tissue (IMNCT). The Student's t-test for independent samples, the Mann-Whitney U test, and a mixed model ANOVA with two factors (group and time) were adopted, followed by a post hoc Bonferroni test. A Spearman's correlation test was performed on tests for HGS; GS; CSA; IMNCT; age; and protein intake adjusted for weight (g/kg) (p ≤ 0.050). Results: Participants in the NG showed higher CSA values than those in the CG (p < 0.001). NG participants also had higher HGS (p < 0.001) and GS (p = 0.037) when compared to pre-intervention. Correlations were observed between IMNCT and protein intake adjusted for weight (g/kg) (r = -0.517; p = 0.020); HGS, and CSA (r = 0.827; p = 0.000); and CSA and age (r = -0.520, p = 0.009).

Analisar os efeitos da assistência nutricional com foco na ingestão proteica (na dieta habitual do indivíduo) em relação a massa muscular, força muscular e desempenho funcional de idosas de uma comunidade. Métodos: Trata-se um ensaio clínico controlado não randomizado. Quarenta e três idosas da comunidade foram alocadas no Grupo Controle (GC; n = 20) ou no Grupo Nutrição (GN; n = 23). O GN recebeu atendimento nutricional individualizado e participou de atividades grupais com foco na ingestão proteica da dieta uma vez por semana, durante 12 semanas. Principais medidas de resultado: ingestão de proteína e energia; força de preensão palmar (FPP); teste de velocidade da marcha (TVM); área de secção transversa do quadríceps (ASTq); e tecido intramuscular não contrátil (TIMNC). Utilizou-se o teste t de Student para amostras independentes, o teste U de Mann-Whitney e um modelo misto de análise de variância (ANOVA) com dois fatores (grupo e tempo), seguido de teste post hoc de Bonferroni. Um teste de correlação de Spearman foi realizado para FPP; TVM; ASTq; TIMNC; idade; e ingestão proteica ajustada para peso (g/kg) (p ≤ 0,050). Resultados: Os participantes do GN apresentaram valores de ASTq superiores aos do GC (p < 0,001). Os participantes do GN também exibiram maior FPP (p < 0,001) e GS (p = 0,037) quando comparados à pré-intervenção. Foram observadas correlações entre TIMNC e ingestão proteica ajustada para peso (g/kg) (r = -0,517; p = 0,020); HGS e ASTq (r = 0,827; p = 0,000); e ASTq e idade (r = -0,520, p = 0,009).

Comparison between visual inspection of turbidity and quantitative determination of triglycerides in plasma bags / Comparação entre a inspeção visual da turbidez e a determinação quantitativa de triglicerídeos em bolsas de plasma

ABSTRACT Introduction Blood donor screening is an important stage of quality control in blood banks. Turbidity caused by increased levels of triglycerides is detected by visual inspection, but there is no consensus on its threshold at which plasma should be considered inappropriate for donation. Objective Compare triglycerides dosage and visual turbidity in decision making for the disposal of plasma. Material and methods Plasma bags (n=205) were classified by visual inspection as clear, moderately turbid or turbid and triglyceride concentration were determined in serum and plasma with enzimatic-colorimetric methodology by automation. Results Our results show a positive correlation between serum and plasma triglycerides levels (r=0,94) but we observed a higher concentration in serum when compared to plasma samples (p<0,03). Most of the plasma were classified as moderately turbid or turbid (75%). Visual inspection and triglycerides levels were moderately correlated in serum (rb=0,57) and plasma (rb=0,52). However, moderately turbid samples showed discordance between serum or plasma triglyceride levels and the visual inspection. Discussion Our findings corroborate with the literature data, supporting the subjectivity of the visual inspection. We recommend further studies to determine which triglyceride threshold should be used for the disposal of plasma bags combined with automated methods to enhance visual classification accuracy. Conclusion Quality improvement actions are critical for standardization of the screening in order to avoid unnecessary disposal of the plasma bags.

RESUMO Introdução A triagem das bolsas de plasma é uma etapa importante do controle de qualidade nos hemocentros. A turbidez causada pelo aumento de triglicerídeos é detectada por inspeção visual, mas não há consenso acerca do limite no qual o plasma deve ser considerado inadequado para doação. Objetivo Comparar a dosagem de triglicerídeos e a turbidez visual na tomada de decisão para o descarte do plasma. Material e métodos As bolsas de plasma (n=205) foram classificadas pela inspeção visual como límpidas, moderadamente turvas ou turvas e as concentrações de triglicerídeos foram determinadas no soro e plasma com metodologia enzimática-colorimétrica por automação. Resultados Nossos resultados mostraram uma correlação positiva entre soro e plasma (r=0,94) mas observamos que a concentração de triglicerídeos foi mais alta no soro do que no plasma (p<0,03). A maioria das bolsas foi classificada como moderadamente turva ou turva (75%). A inspeção visual e a concentração de triglicerídeos apresentaram uma correlação moderada para o soro (rb=0,57) e plasma (rb=0,52). Entretanto, no grupo moderadamente turvo, houve uma divergência significativa entre as concentrações de triglicerídeos no soro/plasma e a inspeção visual. Discussão Nossos achados corroboram com a literatura, reforçando a subjetividade da inspeção visual. Nós recomendamos a realização de estudos futuros para determinar o limite dos níveis de triglicerídeos para o descarte de plasma em conjunto com a combinação de métodos automatizados para aumentar a acurácia da classificação visual. Conclusão As ações voltadas para a melhoria da qualidade são críticas para a padronização da triagem e evitar o descarte desnecessário de plasma.

Biomarkers of cardio-renal syndrome in uremic myocardiopathy animal model / Biomarcadores de síndrome cardiorrenal em modelo animal de miocardiopatia urêmica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardio-renal syndrome subtype 4 (CRS4) is a condition of primary chronic kidney disease that leads to reduction of cardiac function, ventricular hypertrophy, and risk of cardiovascular events. Objective: Our aim was to understand the mechanisms involved on the onset of CRS4. Methods: We used the nephrectomy 5/6 (CKD) animal model and compared to control (SHAM). Serum biomarkers were analyzed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. After euthanasia, histology and immunohistochemistry were performed in the myocardium. Results: Troponin I (TnI) was increased at 4 weeks (W) and 8W, but nt-proBNP showed no difference. The greater diameter of cardiomyocytes indicated left ventricular hypertrophy and the highest levels of TNF-α were found at 4W declining in 8W while fibrosis was more intense in 8W. Angiotensin expression showed an increase at 8W. Conclusions: TnI seems to reflect cardiac injury as a consequence of the CKD however nt-proBNP did not change because it reflects stretching. TNF-α characterized an inflammatory peak and fibrosis increased over time in a process connecting heart and kidneys. The angiotensin showed increased activity of the renin-angiotensin axis and corroborates the hypothesis that the inflammatory process and its involvement with CRS4. Therefore, this animal study reinforces the need for renin-angiotensin blockade strategies and the control of CKD to avoid the development of CRS4.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome cardiorrenal (SCR) tipo 4 é uma afecção da doença renal crônica primária que leva a redução da função cardíaca, hipertrofia ventricular e risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi compreender os mecanismos envolvidos no surgimento da SCR tipo 4. Métodos: Um modelo animal de nefrectomia 5/6 (DRC) foi comparado a animais de controle (Placebo). Biomarcadores séricos foram analisados no início do estudo e com quatro e oito semanas de estudo. Após eutanásia, foram realizados exames histológicos e de imunoistoquímica no tecido miocárdico. Resultados: Troponina I (TnI) estava aumentada nas semanas quatro (S4) e oito (S8), mas o NT-proBNP não apresentou diferenças. O diâmetro maior dos cardiomiócitos indicava hipertrofia ventricular esquerda. Os níveis mais elevados de TNF-α foram identificados na S4 com redução na S8, enquanto fibrose foi mais intensa na S8. A expressão de angiotensina mostrou elevação na S8. Conclusões: TnI parece sugerir lesões cardíacas em consequência da DRC, porém o NT-proBNP não sofreu alterações por refletir alongamento. O TNF-α evidenciou um pico inflamatório e a fibrose aumentou ao longo do tempo devido ao processo de conexão entre rins e coração. A angiotensina mostrou aumento da atividade do eixo renina-angiotensina, corroborando a hipótese do processo inflamatório e seu envolvimento com SCR tipo 4. Portanto, o presente estudo em modelo animal reforça a necessidade de em adotar estratégias com bloqueadores de renina-angiotensina e controle da DRC para evitar o desenvolvimento de SCR tipo 4.

Biomarkers of cardio-renal syndrome in uremic myocardiopathy animal model.

INTRODUCTION: Cardio-renal syndrome subtype 4 (CRS4) is a condition of primary chronic kidney disease that leads to reduction of cardiac function, ventricular hypertrophy, and risk of cardiovascular events. Objective: Our aim was to understand the mechanisms involved on the onset of CRS4. METHODS: We used the nephrectomy 5/6 (CKD) animal model and compared to control (SHAM). Serum biomarkers were analyzed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. After euthanasia, histology and immunohistochemistry were performed in the myocardium. RESULTS: Troponin I (TnI) was increased at 4 weeks (W) and 8W, but nt-proBNP showed no difference. The greater diameter of cardiomyocytes indicated left ventricular hypertrophy and the highest levels of TNF-α were found at 4W declining in 8W while fibrosis was more intense in 8W. Angiotensin expression showed an increase at 8W. CONCLUSIONS: TnI seems to reflect cardiac injury as a consequence of the CKD however nt-proBNP did not change because it reflects stretching. TNF-α characterized an inflammatory peak and fibrosis increased over time in a process connecting heart and kidneys. The angiotensin showed increased activity of the renin-angiotensin axis and corroborates the hypothesis that the inflammatory process and its involvement with CRS4. Therefore, this animal study reinforces the need for renin-angiotensin blockade strategies and the control of CKD to avoid the development of CRS4.

Effects of statins on liver cell function and inflammation in septic rats.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that the presence of statins may be beneficial during sepsis, but this idea is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term statin treatment in the livers of septic animals, focusing on its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and metabolic properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated orally with simvastatin, atorvastatin, or vehicle once a d. After 30 d, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in Control, Simvastatin-treated, and Atorvastatin-treated groups, while the Sham group underwent only laparotomy. The Basal Simvastatin and Basal Atorvastatin groups received only their respective drugs without surgery. Twenty-four h after CLP or laparotomy, samples were collected from anesthetized rats for evaluation of hepatic oxidative stress, liver histology, hepatic mitochondria enzyme activity, leukocyte counts in blood and peritoneal cavity, gene expression of hepatic superoxide dismutase and TNF-2, and plasma biochemistry. RESULTS: Most parameters that we tested exhibited expected changes upon sepsis induction. However, statin treatment only improved liver mitochondrial enzymatic activity. In other parameters, simvastatin and atorvastatin failed to protect the liver against injuries incurred upon the CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis model. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with simvastatin or atorvastatin alone before sepsis induction improved mitochondrial activity in the liver; however, this result was not reproduced in other biomarkers of liver function and leukocyte migration during sepsis. Future studies should be performed to evaluate whether statins can be combined with other drugs to increase the efficacy of sepsis therapy.

Comparative analysis of two methodologies for the identification of urinary red blood cell casts.

INTRODUCTION: Dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine are a strong indicator of a glomerular bleeding source. RBC casts, which while generally following RBC dysmorphism are not frequently seen on routine urinalysis, are also important indicators of glomerular hematuria. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the superiority of a urine concentration technique (CT) over the standard method (SM) for RBC cast identification in a group of patients suspected of glomerular hematuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of a total of 4,227 routine urinary samples, 249 with dysmorphic hematuria were selected. The samples were processed according to two techniques: standard method (SM) and concentration technique (CT). The percentages of RBC cast identification according to each method were compared. RESULTS: The CT showed a higher rate of RBC casts (52.6%) compared to the SM (8.4%) (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We suggest that the SM did not sufficiently concentrate the urine sample, the RBC casts remaining in the supernatant and being discarded. The CT increased the sensitivity of the RBC cast yield. The CT, associated with the presence of RBC dysmorphism, was useful to increase the agreement of the two parameters used for identification of glomerular-based bleeding and the diagnosis of glomerular diseases, important causes of chronic kidney disease.

Induction of systemic inflammation and thickening of subepicardiac arteries in an animal model of uremia.

UNLABELLED: Although renal dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are few experimental studies investigating the cardiovascular consequences of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the induction of renal dysfunction on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and on the histology of subepicardial vessels. METHODS: This experimental study involved thirty Wistar male rats, which were divided into two groups. One (chronic kidney disease - CKD group) underwent renal ablation, and the other (SHAM group) was submitted to kidney manipulation only. Both groups were followed up for eight weeks. During follow-up, serum levels of urea, phosphorus and TNF-α were measured. Heart tissue was processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: The CKD group had increased levels of urea and phosphorus, in comparison with the SHAM group. The levels of TNF-α were increased in the CKD group and undetectable in the SHAM group (p < 0.05). Thickness of the middle layer of the subepicardial vessels of the CKD group was significantly higher than that of the SHAM group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Induction of renal dysfunction in rats increased the biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and led to a thickening of the subepicardial vessels when compared with normal controls.

Análise comparativa de duas metodologias para a identificação de cilindros hemáticos urinários / Comparative analysis of two methodologies for the identification of urinary red blood cell casts

INTRODUÇÃO: A presença de hemácias dismórficas na urina é um forte indicativo da origem glomerular do sangramento, sendo uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico de glomerulonefrites. Os cilindros hemáticos geralmente acompanham as hemácias dismórficas, sendo também fortes indicadores de hematúria glomerular, embora não sejam encontrados com frequência no exame parcial de urina. OBJETIVO: Comparar duas técnicas de concentração de amostras em uma série de exames de urina com hematúria dismórfica. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 249 amostras com hematúria dismórfica a partir de 4.277 amostras de urina de rotina. As amostras foram processadas utilizando-se duas técnicas: a convencional e a de concentração. O percentual de identificação dos cilindros hemáticos foi comparado de acordo com a metodologia utilizada. RESULTADOS: A presença de cilindros hemáticos pela técnica de concentração foi estatisticamente maior (52,6 por cento) em comparação com a positividade pela metodologia convencional (8,4 por cento) (p < 0,001). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que a técnica convencional não concentrou suficientemente a amostra de urina e os cilindros hemáticos ficaram no sobrenadante, sendo descartados. A utilização da técnica de concentração aumentou a sensibilidade técnica para a pesquisa dos cilindros hemáticos. Portanto, a técnica de concentração, associada à presença de hemácias dismórficas, mostrou-se útil para aumentar a concordância dos dois parâmetros laboratoriais para a detecção da hematúria de origem glomerular como auxílio diagnóstico das glomerulopatias, importante causa de doença renal crônica.

INTRODUCTION: Dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine are a strong indicator of a glomerular bleeding source. RBC casts, which while generally following RBC dysmorphism are not frequently seen on routine urinalysis, are also important indicators of glomerular hematuria. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the superiority of a urine concentration technique (CT) over the standard method (SM) for RBC cast identification in a group of patients suspected of glomerular hematuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of a total of 4,227 routine urinary samples, 249 with dysmorphic hematuria were selected. The samples were processed according to two techniques: standard method (SM) and concentration technique (CT). The percentages of RBC cast identification according to each method were compared. RESULTS: The CT showed a higher rate of RBC casts (52.6 percent) compared to the SM (8.4 percent) (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We suggest that the SM did not sufficiently concentrate the urine sample, the RBC casts remaining in the supernatant and being discarded. The CT increased the sensitivity of the RBC cast yield. The CT, associated with the presence of RBC dysmorphism, was useful to increase the agreement of the two parameters used for identification of glomerular-based bleeding and the diagnosis of glomerular diseases, important causes of chronic kidney disease.

Indução de resposta inflamatória sistêmica e espessamento de artérias subepicárdicas em um modelo animal de uremia / Induction of systemic inflammation and thickening of subepicardiac arteries in an animal model of uremia

A disfunção renal é um fator de risco para doença cardiovascular (DCV). Estudos experimentais controlados que possam analisar o impacto da disfunção renal no sistema cardiovascular, isolando esses fatores relacionados à uremia dos fatores de risco tradicionais, que são altamente prevalentes na população com doença renal crônica (DRC), ainda são escassos. OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto cardiovascular em ratos com disfunção renal, analisando biomarcadores de risco cardiovascular e a histologia das artérias subepicárdicas desses animais. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental envolvendo trinta ratos machos Wistar, divididos em dois grupos. Um grupo foi submetido à ablação renal e o outro grupo SHAM (grupo controle) à manipulação do pedículo renal. Ambos os grupos foram acompanhados por oito semanas, período em que foram feitas dosagens de ureia, fósforo e do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α). Lâminas obtidas de cortes do miocárdio foram confeccionadas para análise das características das arteríolas subepicárdicas. RESULTADOS: O grupo DRC apresentou níveis elevados de uréia e fósforo em relação ao grupo SHAM. Já os níveis de TNF-α, em todas as análises, foram indetectáveis nos animais do grupo SHAM, em contraste com o grupo DRC, onde se observaram elevados níveis de TNF-α (p < 0,05). A espessura da camada média dos vasos subepicárdicos do grupo DRC foi significativamente maior do que em relação ao grupo SHAM (p = 0,011). CONCLUSÃO: A indução de disfunção renal determinou alterações em biomarcadores de risco cardiovascular e um aumento na espessura dos vasos subepicárdicos estudados em comparação aos animais com função renal normal.

Although renal dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are few experimental studies investigating the cardiovascular consequences of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the induction of renal dysfunction on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and on the histology of subepicardial vessels. METHODS: This experimental study involved thirty Wistar male rats, which were divided into two groups. One (chronic kidney disease - CKD group) underwent renal ablation, and the other (SHAM group) was submitted to kidney manipulation only. Both groups were followed up for eight weeks. During follow-up, serum levels of urea, phosphorus and TNF-α were measured. Heart tissue was processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: The CKD group had increased levels of urea and phosphorus, in comparison with the SHAM group. The levels of TNF-α were increased in the CKD group and undetectable in the SHAM group (p < 0.05). Thickness of the middle layer of the subepicardial vessels of the CKD group was significantly higher than that of the SHAM group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Induction of renal dysfunction in rats increased the biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and led to a thickening of the subepicardial vessels when compared with normal controls,.

Characteristics and causes of immune dysfunction related to uremia and dialysis.

From the immunologic viewpoint, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by disorders of both the innate and adaptive systems, generating a complex and still not fully understood immune dysfunction. Markers of a chronically activated immune system are closely linked to several complications of CKD and represent powerful predictors for mortality in the CKD population. On the other hand, CKD patients respond poorly to vaccination and to challenges such as bacterial infection. Interestingly, the main causes of death in patients with CKD are cardiovascular and infectious diseases, both being pathologic processes closely linked to immune function. Therefore, accelerated tissue degeneration (as a consequence of chronic inflammation) and increased rate of sepsis (because of a poorly orchestrated immune response) represent the most important targets for interventions aiming to reduce mortality in CKD patients. Understanding the mechanisms behind the immune dysfunction that is peculiar to CKD generates a perspective to improve outcomes in this group of patients.

Programa de controle da qualidade externo em hematologia: variações interlaboratoriais para eritrograma e plaquetas em Curitiba e Região Metropolitana, PR / External quality control program in hematology: interlaboratory variability for red blood cell and platelets values in Curitiba and Metropolitan Area, PR, Brazil

A padronização e o controle de qualidade representam elementos imprescindíveis para a rotina laboratorial. Este projeto teve como objetivo analisar a variabilidade interlaboratorial, a partir da distribuição de amostras preservadas para os valores de eritrograma e contagem de plaquetas. Foram preparadas amostras estáveis para eritrograma e contagem de plaquetas a partir de unidades de sangue venoso de 3 doadores, coletadas no Banco de Sangue do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR. Os eritrócitos e as plaquetas foram isolados e ressuspensos em meio CE após fixação parcial com glutaraldeído (leonart et al. Rev. Brasil. Anal. Clin. 21: 111, 1989; Emendorfer et al Rev. Bras. Anal. Clin. 32: 191, 2000), para amostras controle altas, médias e baixas. Distribuiu-se alíquotas a 14 Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas de Curitiba e Região Metropolitana, que determinaram que os valores do eritrograma e plaquetas, semanalmente, empregando os equipamentos T890 e STKS (Coulter), Cell Dyn 1400,1700 e 3500 (Abbott) ou Sysmex (Roche). Verificou-se o desempenho dos laboratórios por meio dos gráficos de controle de qualidade, determinando-se a frequência de resultados de fora dos limites controle. Observou-se menor ocorrência desses limites para os laboratórios que realizavam controle de qualidade externo e interno, e uma correlação aceitável entre os resultados obtidos com os equipamentos empregados. Tais resultados incentivam a utilização de sistemas de qualidade para assegurar a padronização das técnicas e garantir o controle de qualidade nos Laboratórios e Análises Clínicas.

Análise de amostras preservadas para controle de qualidade em hematologia em laboratórios de análises clínicas de Curitiba e Região Metropolitana, PR / Preserved samples analysis for hematology quality control in clinical laboratories from Curitiba and Metropolitan area, PR, Brazil

Para a obtenção de valores hematológicos confiáveis, é imprescindível o emprego de amostras controle estáveis, como parte de programa de Controle de Qualidade. Esse projeto teve como objetivo analisar a estabilidade de amostras preservadas em hematimetria. Preparou-se amostras estáveis para o eritrograma e plaquetas, a partir de unidade de sangue venoso de 3 doadores, coletadas no Banco de Sangue do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR. Isolou-se eritrócitos e plaquetas, ressuspendendo-se em meio CE, após fixação parcial com glutaraldeído (Leonart et al., RBAC 21:111, 1989; Emendorfer et al., RBAC 32:192, 2000) para amostras controle altas, médias e baixas. Distribuiu-se alíquotas aos laboratórios participantes, que determinaram os valores do eritrograma e plaquetas semanalmente, empregando os equipamentos T890 e STKS (Coulter), Cell Dyn 1400, 1700 e 3500 (Abbott) ou Sysmex (Roche). Comprovou-se a estabilidade das amostras durante a preservação pelo coeficiente de determinação (r elevado ao quadrado) próximo de zero, cujos valores foram comparados nas amostras controle altas, médias e baixas como medida de tendência central e de dispersão. A comparação dos valores médios de r elevado ao quadrado para as medidas hematimétricas em função do tempo mostrou que não há diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as amostras controle (p>0,05). As amostras controle médias mostraram menor dispersão em torno da média que as amostras-controle altas e baixas para eritrócitos, hemoglobina e VG (p<0,05). A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se sugerir que a amostra-controle média resulta em menor variabilidade dos dados durante o armazenamento, e que as amostras analisadas apresentaram estabilidade adequada para uso em controle da qualidade em hematologia.