Colorectal cancer screening: A review of current knowledge and progress in research.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, being the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite the progress in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment, approximately 20%-25% of CRC patients still present with metastatic disease at the time of their initial diagnosis. Furthermore, the burden of disease is still expected to increase, especially in individuals younger than 50 years old, among whom early-onset CRC incidence has been increasing. Screening and early detection are pivotal to improve CRC-related outcomes. It is well established that CRC screening not only reduces incidence, but also decreases deaths from CRC. Diverse screening strategies have proven effective in decreasing both CRC incidence and mortality, though variations in efficacy have been reported across the literature. However, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal screening method, age intervals and periodicity. Moreover, adherence to CRC screening remains globally low. In recent years, emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence, and non-invasive biomarkers, have been developed to overcome these barriers. However, controversy exists over the actual impact of some of the new discoveries on CRC-related outcomes and how to effectively integrate them into daily practice. In this review, we aim to cover the current evidence surrounding CRC screening. We will further critically assess novel approaches under investigation, in an effort to differentiate promising innovations from mere novelties.

The lucky polyp: an unusual manifestation of chronic schistosomiasis.

A 23-year-old male from Brazil presented with bright red hematochezia. Proctological examination revealed grade II internal hemorrhoids, but flexible sigmoidoscopy uncovered a 6 mm-pedunculated polyp in the sigmoid colon, which was found to result from inflammatory reaction to Schistosoma mansoni egg deposition. The patient had no signs of portal hypertension and was successfully treated with praziquantel. This case underscores a rare presentation of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis and emphasizes the role of early diagnosis in preventing severe hepatic sequelae of chronic Schistosoma infection.

Severe Acute Liver Injury due to Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report.

Severe acute liver injury (ALI) is mostly triggered by viral infections and hepatotoxic drugs; however, it can also be seen in systemic diseases. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, immune-mediated syndrome that presents as a life-threatening inflammatory disorder affecting multiple organs. Secondary causes occur mainly in the set of malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disease, and are seldom triggered by vaccination. Although liver involvement is common, presentation as severe ALI is rare. We describe a case of a 65-year-old male with history of low-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis treated with prednisolone who presented with persistent fever and jaundice 1 week after COVID-19 vaccination. The diagnosis was challenging given the predominant liver impairment, characterized by hyperbilirubinemia, transaminases over 1,000 U/L, and prolonged INR, which prompted an extensive investigation and exclusion of autoimmune, toxic, and viral causes of hepatitis. Laboratory workup revealed bicytopenia, hyperferritinemia, which together with organ failure and evidence of hemophagocytosis in bone marrow suggested the diagnosis of HLH. After excluding infectious etiologies, flare of rheumatological disease, and the progression of hematological disease, HLH was diagnosed. He was successfully treated with etoposide and corticosteroids, with dramatic improvement of liver tests. After exclusion of other causes of secondary HLH, the recent vaccination for COVID-19 was the likely trigger. We report a case of double rarity of HLH, as it presented with severe liver dysfunction which was probably triggered by vaccination. In this case, the predominant liver involvement urged extensive investigation of liver disease, so a high index of suspicion was required to make an early diagnosis. Clinicians should consider HLH in patients with unexplained signs and symptoms of systemic inflammatory response and multiorgan involvement, including severe liver involvement as the first presentation.

A lesão hepática aguda (LHA) grave é desencadeada principalmente por infeções virais e hepatotóxicos; contudo, pode ocorrer em condições com envolvimento sistémico. A linfohistiocitose hemofagocítica (LHH) é uma síndrome inflamatória, rara, imunomediada, potencialmente fatal, que pode afetar múltiplos órgãos. A LHH secundária ocorre em contexto de neoplasias, infeções e doenças autoimunes, podendo raramente ser precipitada pela vacinação. Embora seja frequente o envolvimento hepático na LHH, a apresentação como LHA grave é rara. Os autores descrevem o caso de um homem de 65 anos com história de leucemia linfocítica crónica de baixo risco e artrite reumatóide sob prednisolona de 65 anos, que se apresentou com febre persistente e icterícia uma semana após a primeira dose da vacina COVID-19. O diagnóstico constituiu um desafio dado o envolvimento hepático predominante, caracterizado por hiperbilirrubinemia, transaminases acima de 1000 U/L e INR prolongado, o que condicionou uma extensa investigação e exclusão das causas autoimunes, tóxicas, e virais de doença hepática. A presença de bicitopenia e hiperferritinemia, conjuntamente com o desenvolvimento de falências de órgão e evidência de hemofagocitose na medula óssea sugeriram o diagnóstico de LHH. Após exclusão infeções, agudização da doença reumatológica e progressão da doença hematológica, foi feito o diagnóstico de LHH.O doente foi tratado com etoposido e corticosteróides com sucesso, verificando-se uma melhoria dramática das provas hepáticas. Após a exclusão de outras causas de LHH secundária, a recente vacinação foi assumida como provável fator desencadeante. Relatamos um caso raro de LHH, quer pela apresentação com lesão hepática grave, quer pela vacinação como presumível desencadeante. Neste caso, o envolvimento hepático predominante promoveu a uma investigação extensa da doença hepática, tendo sido necessário um elevado índice de suspeição para um diagnóstico atempado. Os médicos devem considerar o diagnóstico de LHH em doentes com sinais e sintomas de resposta inflamatória sistémica, inexplicados que se acompanham por disfunção multiorgânica, nomeadamente disfunção hepática grave como apresentação clínica.

Teaching and practice in Homeopathy via pharmacobotany and pathophysiology

Semiology, Clinical Pathophysiology, Phytotherapy and Homeopathy were taught through active methodology by the Moodle platform (HL) also using apps for monitoring injuries through SAPB site, building rationality for the external topic use of homeopathic and herbal medicines.At the 7th Infirmary of General Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia in Rio de Janeiro, the clinical medical team of the Benoit Mure Nucleus of Assistance Teaching and Research,made a medicinal plant gardenwith the agricultural/environmental educator, and communityethnicalleaders. Undergraduate students from UNIFASE/FMP Academic League of Physiology and Pathophysiology plantedCalendula Officinalis seedlings, destined to research in pharmacobotany and to be in touch with pharmacotechnical prepares. Aims: To follow-up the study since from seedling of Calendula Officinalistill to prepare of HUD. Methodology: To prepare medicinal garden: plant seedlings of Calendula offin accordance with good agricultural techniques. At first: Three seeds in ten pots, made in triplicate (N = 90), to obtain explants of quality analyzed whose evaluation was about plant development (explants percentual: weight, size, viability, morphology). To visit pharmacy-school to learn how to preparematrix extracts and High Ultra-Diluted Solutions (HUD) of Calendula off 6DH. Results and Discussion: The stages of teaching semiology and practice in pharmacobotany, besides cultive plant have been completed.Viability was impaired because of lack of irrigation during 4 months (50%). Weight, sizewere minor than usual but with no statistical significance (p>0.05). Morphology was maintained. Unfortunately, the visit to pharmacy-school couldn't be performed at this period. Conclusion: Through hybrid learning and face-to-face activities completely realized, students had qualitative perception of the relevance about morphology and quality of plant development, chemistry plant production, aiming for resolutive actions based upon pathophysiology of chronic diseases. Because of pandemic, it was described just a preliminary experience. After returning to normal activities the experiment will be repeated.

Practical teaching of pathophysiology to LAFFH at the IPD outpatient clinic of FMP/FASE: Historical Repor

Undergraduate students of UNIFASE/FMP, through the Academic League of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology (Liga Acadêmica de Fisiologia e FisiopatologiaHumana -LAFFH), participate in a supervised internship to outpatient at the Infectious and Parasitic DiseasesService of FMP/FASE, authorized by Clinical Direction (October 2018). Patients received conventional therapy in addition to complementary therapy with Homeopathy, for external use for cleaning skin lesions and modulating inflammatory responses, whose mechanisms of action are already described in the scientific literature and authorized by ANVISA. Aims: Make approach of undergraduate students to Homeopathic pathophysiology. Methodology: The supervised clinical internship of LAFFH students is in two service rooms with 6 students in each, based on prior appointment due to spontaneous demand, with medical records registered by the IPD outpatient service secretary. Outpatient clinical care addresses the pathophysiology and miasms of the symptoms and signs of neglected chronic parasitic diseases prevalent in our country, identified by anamnesis and physical examination. They are correlated to biological activities in plant chemistry classes, besides official homeopathic pharmacopoeia. So, it was adopted the external use of HUD Ledum palustre 6ch for the cleansing of skin lesions with torpid evolution at IPD. Results and discussion: Two patients with edemaand varicose ulcers were treated with the ointment offered. Edema extension which was +++/4+ to both patients diminished to +/4+ in 30 days of interval. Indeed, ulcers remained at the same shape and size, but their bases were cleaned, without purulence. Novel clinical sessions did not occur because of social distancing needed. Conclusion: It has been developed a positive perception among patients and students about the action of homeopathic remedies. The practical teaching activity initiated encourages students in clinical reasoning about complementary therapeutic association with Homeopathy for patients whose evolution is below the expected prognosis with conventional therapy. Project of clinical observation will be elaborated to research ethics committee.

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Use.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (kayexalate) is a cation-exchange resin widely used in the management of hyperkalemia. Gastrointestinal adverse events are uncommon; symptoms are nonspecific, and mucosal injury can range from mild ulceration to bowel perforation. An 81-year-old man was admitted because of decompensation of cirrhosis with acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia, treated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. During admission, he presented multiple episodes of hematochezia, accompanied by tachycardia and hemoglobin drop. Colonoscopy revealed colonic ulceration, and histopathological findings were compatible with ulceration due to kayexalate injury. Despite rare, the widespread use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate puts a large population at risk of serious complications related to its use.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Is the Population's Opinion.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the first cause of death by cancer in Portugal and mortality has been increasing in the last 30 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a raising awareness campaign performed by our Gastroenterology Department, in Setúbal, Portugal, an anonymous written questionnaire was developed and presented in order to evaluate the population's knowledge and attitude regarding CRC screening. RESULTS: The following results were reported: 140 persons; mean age 54.6 years; 61.4% women; 22.1% had a family history of colorectal cancer. The main risk factors mentioned by the respondents were family history of CRC, previous history of intestinal polyps, and intestinal infection. Screening was considered useful by all respondents. About 60% of the respondents had been counselled, at least, on one screening technique, mainly by their general practitioner: colonoscopy in 31, fecal occult blood test in 44, and flexible sigmoidoscopy in 9. Most of the respondents had had the appropriate screening test, according to their age and family history. Fourteen of the respondents had not undergone the recommended screening. Their answers showed that this was due to fear of pain/discovering a disease as well as embarrassment. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of the respondents were aware of the importance of CRC screening, results show that there are still several misconceptions about risk factors, fear, and reluctance concerning the screening techniques. Awareness actions are useful to clarify possible questions and inform the population in order to increase compliance with screening.

INTRODUÇÃO: O cancro colorretal (CCR) é a primeira causa de morte por cancro em Portugal, com uma mortalidade que tem aumentado nos últimos 30 anos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Durante uma acção de sensibilização levada a cabo por profissionais de saúde do Serviço de Gastrenterologia, em Setúbal, Portugal, foi realizado um inquérito escrito, anónimo, no sentido de avaliar os conhecimentos e atitudes da população face ao CCR. RESULTADOS: 140 indivíduos; idade média 54.6 anos; 61.4% mulheres; 22.1% tinham pelo menos 1 familiar com CCR. Os factores de risco para CCR mais referidos foram a presença de pólipos e a história familiar. A infecção intestinal foi considerada como um factor de risco para CCR por 74% dos inquiridos, sendo que o rastreio foi considerado útil por todos. Tinha sido recomendado pelo menos um exame de rastreio a cerca de 60% dos participantes, a maioria por indicação do médico assistente de medicina geral e familiar: colonoscopia total em 31, pesquisa de sangue oculto nas fezes em 44 e rectossigmoidoscopia em 9. Atendendo à idade e história familiar, a maioria efectuou um rastreio apropriado. Catorze pessoas não efectuaram o rastreio aconselhado; os motivos mais apontados foram o medo da dor/descobrir uma doença e vergonha. CONCLUSÃO: Embora a maioria dos inquiridos estivesse alerta para a importância do rastreio do CCR, persistem muitas ideias erradas em relação a factores de risco, receios e reticências quanto à realização dos exames de rastreio. Acções de sensibilização são úteis para clarificar dúvidas e informar a população no sentido de aumentar a adesão ao rastreio.

Mediastinal Mass in a Patient with Colorectal Cancer: A Diagnostic Challenge.

The differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses involves many benign and malignant conditions, such as lymphadenopathies and cystic lesions. Metastatic mediastinal adenopathies are usually due to lung, esophagus, and stomach cancer and, rarely, due to colorectal cancer. Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are uncommon inherited lesions usually diagnosed during childhood and may involve the esophagus in 20% of cases. In adults, they are usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. We report the case of a 54-year-old male who recently underwent sigmoidectomy due to an obstructive colon adenocarcinoma. Staging computed tomography scan showed a hypodense lesion in the posterior mediastinum suggestive of metastatic adenopathy. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a homogeneous and hypoechogenic lesion with intramural location in the upper esophagus, suggestive of a duplication esophageal cyst. Given the oncologic background and to exclude metastatic disease, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed, and a mucinous fluid was aspirated. The cytologic examination supported the ultrasonographic diagnostic hypothesis. This case highlights the role of endoscopic ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses, particularly in oncologic patients, in order to rule out more ominous lesions.

O diagnóstico diferencial das massas mediastínicas inclui diversas patologias benignas e malignas, tais como linfadenopatias e lesões císticas. As adenopatias mediastínicas metastáticas são habitualmente devidas ao cancro do pulmão, esófago e estômago, e mais raramente ao cancro colorretal. Os cistos de duplicação gastrointestinais são lesões congénitas diagnosticadas habitualmente durante a infância e podem envolver o esófago em cerca de 20% dos casos. Nos adultos, são frequentemente assintomáticos e diagnosticadas acidentalmente. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 54 anos recentemente submetido a sigmoidectomia por adenocarcinoma estenosante do sigmóide. A tomografia computorizada de estadiamento mostrou uma lesão hipodensa no mediastino posterior, sugestiva de adenopatia metastática. A ultrassonografia endoscópica revelou uma lesão homogénea e hipoecogénica na dependência da parede do esófago torácico, sugestiva de um cisto de duplicação esofágico. Dado o contexto oncológico e para excluir doença metastática, foi realizada punção aspirativa com agulha fina tendo-se aspirado um fluido mucinoso. O exame citológico confirmou a hipótese diagnóstica ultrassonográfica. Este caso destaca o papel da ultrassonografia endoscópica no diagnóstico diferencial das massas mediastínicas, particularmente em doentes oncológicos, no sentido de excluir lesões mais graves.

Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of a Pancreatic Mass.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare entity of unknown etiology that can mimic pancreatic cancer and whose diagnosis involves clinical, serological, imagiological, and histological findings. There are two types of autoimmune pancreatitis: type 1, in which the pancreas is involved as one part of a systemic immunoglobulin G4-related disease, and type 2, generally without immunoglobulin G4-positive cells and without systemic involvement. CASE: We report the case of a 45-year-old female, who underwent an abdominal magnetic resonance imaging for etiological study of a solid liver lesion, which revealed a tail pancreatic mass. Laboratory analyses showed normal levels of immunoglobulin G4 and negative antinuclear antibodies. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a homogeneous and hypoechogenic lesion in the pancreatic tail with a "sausage-like" appearance. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was inconclusive and the patient underwent a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the challenge in the diagnostic approach of a pancreatic mass, particularly in distinguishing benign from malignant disease.

Introdução: A pancreatite autoimune é uma entidade rara, de etiopatogenia desconhecida, que pode simular cancro do pâncreas e cujo diagnóstico envolve a integração de dados clínicos, serológicos, imagiológicos e histológicos. Descrevem-se dois tipos de pancreatite autoimune: tipo 1, cujo envolvimento pancreático integra o espetro das doenças associadas à imunoglobulina G4, e tipo 2, geralmente sem evidência de células imunoglobulina G4 positivas e sem manifestações sistémicas. Caso: Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 45 anos, submetida a ressonância magnética abdominal para esclarecimento etiológico de lesão nodular hepática que revelou uma massa na cauda do pâncreas. Analiticamente apresentava imunoglobulina G4 normal e anticorpos antinucleares negativos. A ultrassonografia endoscópica revelou uma lesão homogénea e hipoecogénica na cauda pancreática com morfologia "em salsicha". A punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi inconclusiva tendo a doente sido submetida a pancreatectomia distal por via laparoscópica. O exame histopatológico confirmou o diagnóstico de pancreatite autoimune tipo 2. Conclusão: Este caso destaca o desafio na abordagem diagnóstica da massa pancreática, particularmente na diferenciação entre patologia benigna e maligna.

Colonic diverticulosis and the metabolic syndrome: an association?

Background and objectives: Colonic diverticulosis (CD) is related to advanced age and a lack of dietary fiber. Recently, several studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MS) is also implicated in the etiopathogenesis of CD. This study aimed to assess the association between MS, obesity and CD. Methods: This was a prospective study of a one-year duration. The MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Demographic data, risk factors for MS and endoscopic findings of patients who underwent a total colonoscopy in the department were collected. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Informed consent was obtained. The local Ethics Committee and National Data Protection Committee approved the study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21 and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: The study included 203 patients, 95 males with a mean age of 65.5 years. CD was diagnosed in 30.5% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that age, hypertension, increased waist circumference and hyperlipidemia were associated with colonic diverticulosis. There was no association with gender, obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multivariate analysis showed that age and a greater waist circumference increased the risk of diverticulosis. Ageadjusted analysis showed that MS was associated with diverticulosis. The prevalence of adenoma in patients with CD was similar to that in patients without CD. Conclusion: In this series, MS was significantly associated with CD. The identification of risk groups is important since diverticulosis can have serious and potentially fatal complications. To our knowledge, this is the first Southern European prospective study evaluating the association between MS and CD (AU)

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Colonic diverticulosis and the metabolic syndrome: an association?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Colonic diverticulosis (CD) is related to advanced age and a lack of dietary fiber. Recently, several studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MS) is also implicated in the etiopathogenesis of CD. This study aimed to assess the association between MS, obesity and CD. METHODS: This was a prospective study of a one-year duration. The MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Demographic data, risk factors for MS and endoscopic findings of patients who underwent a total colonoscopy in the department were collected. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Informed consent was obtained. The local Ethics Committee and National Data Protection Committee approved the study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21 and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 203 patients, 95 males with a mean age of 65.5 years. CD was diagnosed in 30.5% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that age, hypertension, increased waist circumference and hyperlipidemia were associated with colonic diverticulosis. There was no association with gender, obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multivariate analysis showed that age and a greater waist circumference increased the risk of diverticulosis. Age-adjusted analysis showed that MS was associated with diverticulosis. The prevalence of adenoma in patients with CD was similar to that in patients without CD. CONCLUSION: In this series, MS was significantly associated with CD. The identification of risk groups is important since diverticulosis can have serious and potentially fatal complications. To our knowledge, this is the first Southern European prospective study evaluating the association between MS and CD.

Waldmann's disease: a rare cause of protein losing enteropathy in an adult patient

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia or Waldmann’s disease is an uncommon cause of protein losing enteropathy with an unknown etiology and is usually diagnosed during childhood. It is characterized by dilation and leakage of intestinal lymph vessels leading to hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia. Differential diagnosis should include erosive and nonerosive gastrointestinal disorders, conditions involving mesenteric lymphatic obstruction and cardiovascular disorders that increase central venous pressure. Since there are no accurate serological or radiological available tests, enteroscopy with histopathological examination based on intestinal biopsy specimens is currently the gold standard diagnostic modality of intestinal lymphangiectasia. We report a rare case of a primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 60-year-old Caucasian female who presented with asymptomatic hypoalbuminemia and hypogammaglobulinemia. After the diagnosis of a protein losing enteropathy, the patient underwent an enteroscopy and biopsies were taken, whose histological examination confirmed dilated intestinal lymphatics with broadened villi of the small bowel. Secondary causes of intestinal lymphangiectasia were excluded and the diagnosis of Waldmann’s disease was recorded. The patient was put on a high-protein and low-fat diet with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation with improvement (AU)

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Waldmann's disease: a rare cause of protein losing enteropathy in an adult patient.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia or Waldmann's disease is an uncommon cause of protein losing enteropathy with an unknown etiology and is usually diagnosed during childhood. It is characterized by dilation and leakage of intestinal lymph vessels leading to hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia. Differential diagnosis should include erosive and non-erosive gastrointestinal disorders, conditions involving mesenteric lymphatic obstruction and cardiovascular disorders that increase central venous pressure. Since there are no accurate serological or radiological available tests, enteroscopy with histopathological examination based on intestinal biopsy specimens is currently the gold standard diagnostic modality of intestinal lymphangiectasia. We report a rare case of a primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 60-year-old Caucasian female who presented with asymptomatic hypoalbuminemia and hypogammaglobulinemia. After the diagnosis of a protein losing enteropathy, the patient underwent an enteroscopy and biopsies were taken, whose histological examination confirmed dilated intestinal lymphatics with broadened villi of the small bowel. Secondary causes of intestinal lymphangiectasia were excluded and the diagnosis of Waldmann's disease was recorded. The patient was put on a high-protein and low-fat diet with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation with improvement.

Comparison of the prognostic value of Chronic Liver Failure Consortium scores and traditional models for predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis / Comparación del valor pronóstico de los modelos del Chronic Liver Failure Consortium y modelos tradicionales para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con cirrosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently, the European Association for the Study of the Liver - Chronic Liver Failure (CLIF) Consortium defined two new prognostic scores, according to the presence or absence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF): the CLIF Consortium ACLF score (CLIF-C ACLFs) and the CLIF-C Acute Decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs). We sought to compare their accuracy in predicting 30- and 90-day mortality with some of the existing models: Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD-Na, integrated MELD (iMELD), MELD to serum sodium ratio index (MESO), Refit MELD and Refit MELD-Na. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that evaluated all admissions due to decompensated cirrhosis in 2 centers between 2011 and 2014. At admission each score was assessed, and the discrimination ability was compared by measuring the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: A total of 779 hospitalizations were evaluated. Two hundred and twenty-two patients met criteria for ACLF (25.9%). The 30- and 90-day mortality were respectively 17.7 and 37.3%. CLIF-C ACLFs presented an AUROC for predicting 30- and 90-day mortality of 0.684 (95% CI: 0.599-0.770) and 0.666 (95% CI: 0.588-0.744) respectively. No statistically significant differences were found when compared to traditional models. For patients without ACLF, CLIF-C ADs had an AUROC for predicting 30- and 90-day mortality of 0.689 (95% CI: 0.614-0.763) and 0.672 (95% CI: 0.624-0.720) respectively. When compared to other scores, it was only statistically superior to MELD for predicting 30-day mortality (p = 0.0296). CONCLUSIONS: The new CLIF-C scores were not statistically superior to the traditional models, with the exception of CLIF-C ADs for predicting 30-day mortality

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: Recientemente The European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure Consortium estableció 2 nuevos sistemas pronósticos considerando la existencia o no de Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF): el score CLIF Consortium ACLF (CLIF-C ACLF) y el CLIF-C Acute Descompensation score (CLIF-C ADs). Pretendimos comparar su fiabilidad para predecir la mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días con la de algunos de los sistemas de puntuación existentes: Child-Turcotte-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD-Na, integrated MELD, MELD to serum sodium ratio index, Refit MELD y Refit MELD-Na. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes incluyendo todos los pacientes con cirrosis ingresados en 2 centros entre 2011 y 2014 por descompensación de su enfermedad. En el momento de la admisión cada puntación fue calculada y fueron comparadas las áreas bajo la curva ROC (AUROC) para evaluar su capacidad de discriminación respecto a la mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días. RESULTADOS: Fueron analizadas un total de 779 hospitalizaciones. Doscientos y veintidós pacientes cumplían criterios para ACLF (25,9%). La mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días fue de 17,7% y 37,3% respectivamente. En los pacientes con ACLF el AUROC del CLIF-C ACLF para predecir la mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días fue 0,684 (IC 95%: 0,599-0,770) y 0,666 (IC 95%: 0,588-0,744) respectivamente. No se encontraron diferencias significativas con los modelos tradicionales. En los pacientes sin ACLF, el AUROC del CLIF-C ADs para predecir la mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días fue 0,689 (IC 95%: 0,614-0,763) y 0,672 (IC 95%: 0,624-0,720) respectivamente. Únicamente fue estadísticamente superior al MELD para predecir la mortalidad a los 30 días (p = 0,0296). CONCLUSIONES: Los nuevos modelos CLIF-C no fueron superiores estadísticamente a los modelos tradicionales, con la excepción del CLIF-C ADs en la predicción de la mortalidad a los 30 días

Ball valve syndrome caused by a giant gastric Vanek’s tumor

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Effectiveness of Spiritist "passe" (Spiritual healing) for anxiety levels, depression, pain, muscle tension, well-being, and physiological parameters in cardiovascular inpatients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Biofield therapies, such as laying on of hands, are used in association with Conventional Medicine as Spiritist "passe", among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety, depression, pain, muscle tension and well-being, as well as physiological parameters in cardiovascular inpatients submitted to the Spiritist "passe", sham, and no intervention. METHODS: In the total, 41 cardiovascular inpatients submitted to the Spiritist "passe", sham, and no intervention during a 10-min period on 3 consecutive days. They were evaluated through anxiety and depression level, pain, the perceptions of muscle tension and well-being and physiological parameters, before and after interventions. RESULTS: A significant reduction (p=0.001) in anxiety scores and muscle tension (p=0.011), improvement of well-being (p=0.003) and a significant increase in peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation scores (p=0.028) were observed in Spiritist "passe" patients, and a significant reduction (p=0.028) of muscle tension and improvement of well-being (p=0.045) in sham patients. However, muscle tension reduction (p=0.003) and improvement of well-being (p=0.003) were more accentuated in the Spiritist "passe" compared to sham and no intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the Spiritist "passe" appeared to be effective, reducing anxiety level and the perception of muscle tension, consequently improving peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation and the sensation of well-being compared to sham and no intervention in cardiovascular inpatients.