Lung cancer screening in Brazil: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, Brazilian Thoracic Association, and Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.

Although lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common and lethal tumors, only 15% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Smoking is still responsible for more than 85% of cases. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) reduces LC-related mortality by 20%, and that reduction reaches 38% when LCS by LDCT is combined with smoking cessation. In the last decade, a number of countries have adopted population-based LCS as a public health recommendation. Albeit still incipient, discussion on this topic in Brazil is becoming increasingly broad and necessary. With the aim of increasing knowledge and stimulating debate on LCS, the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, the Brazilian Thoracic Association, and the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging convened a panel of experts to prepare recommendations for LCS in Brazil. The recommendations presented here were based on a narrative review of the literature, with an emphasis on large population-based studies, systematic reviews, and the recommendations of international guidelines, and were developed after extensive discussion by the panel of experts. The following topics were reviewed: reasons for screening; general considerations about smoking; epidemiology of LC; eligibility criteria; incidental findings; granulomatous lesions; probabilistic models; minimum requirements for LDCT; volumetric acquisition; risks of screening; minimum structure and role of the multidisciplinary team; practice according to the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System; costs versus benefits of screening; and future perspectives for LCS.

Lung cancer screening in Brazil: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, Brazilian Thoracic Association, and Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging / Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Torácica, Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia e Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem para o rastreamento do câncer de pulmão no Brasil

ABSTRACT Although lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common and lethal tumors, only 15% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Smoking is still responsible for more than 85% of cases. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) reduces LC-related mortality by 20%, and that reduction reaches 38% when LCS by LDCT is combined with smoking cessation. In the last decade, a number of countries have adopted population-based LCS as a public health recommendation. Albeit still incipient, discussion on this topic in Brazil is becoming increasingly broad and necessary. With the aim of increasing knowledge and stimulating debate on LCS, the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, the Brazilian Thoracic Association, and the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging convened a panel of experts to prepare recommendations for LCS in Brazil. The recommendations presented here were based on a narrative review of the literature, with an emphasis on large population-based studies, systematic reviews, and the recommendations of international guidelines, and were developed after extensive discussion by the panel of experts. The following topics were reviewed: reasons for screening; general considerations about smoking; epidemiology of LC; eligibility criteria; incidental findings; granulomatous lesions; probabilistic models; minimum requirements for LDCT; volumetric acquisition; risks of screening; minimum structure and role of the multidisciplinary team; practice according to the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System; costs versus benefits of screening; and future perspectives for LCS.

RESUMO O câncer de pulmão (CP) é uma das neoplasias mais comuns e letais no Brasil, e apenas 15% dos pacientes são diagnosticados nos estágios iniciais. O tabagismo persiste como o responsável por mais de 85% de todos os casos. O rastreamento do CP (RCP) por meio da TC de baixa dosagem de radiação (TCBD) reduz a mortalidade do CP em 20%, e, quando combinado com a cessação do tabagismo, essa redução chega a 38%. Na última década, diversos países adotaram o RCP como recomendação de saúde populacional. No Brasil, embora ainda incipiente, a discussão sobre o tema é cada vez mais ampla e necessária. Com o intuito de aumentar o conhecimento e estimular o debate sobre o RCP, a Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Torácica, a Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia e o Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem constituíram um painel de especialistas para elaborar as recomendações para o RCP. As recomendações aqui apresentadas foram baseadas em revisão narrativa da literatura, com ênfase em grandes estudos populacionais, em revisões sistemáticas e em recomendações de diretrizes internacionais, sendo construídas após ampla discussão pelo grupo de especialistas. Os temas revisados foram os seguintes: porque rastrear, considerações gerais sobre tabagismo, epidemiologia do CP, critérios de elegibilidade, achados incidentais, lesões granulomatosas, modelos probabilísticos, requisitos mínimos da TCBD, aquisições volumétricas, riscos do rastreamento, estrutura mínima e papel da equipe multidisciplinar, conduta segundo o Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS), custos vs. benefícios e perspectivas do rastreamento.

Minimally invasive interventions for biopsy of malignancy-suspected pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Imaging tests are important for diagnosis during the management of pulmonary nodules; however, biopsy is required to confirm the malignancy. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of different techniques used for the biopsy of a pulmonary nodule. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using Cochrane methodology in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on minimally invasive techniques, including tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy (PERCUT), transbronchial biopsies with fluoroscopy (FLUOR), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUSR), and electromagnetic navigation (NAVIG). The primary outcomes were diagnostic yield, major adverse events, and need for another approach. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included (913 participants; 39.2% female, mean age: 59.28 years). Little to no increase was observed in PERCUT over FLUOR (P = 0.84), PERCUT over EBUSR (P = 0.32), and EBUSR over NAVIG (P = 0.17), whereas a slight increase was observed in NAVIG over FLUOR (P = 0.17); however, the evidence was uncertain. EBUSR may increase the diagnostic yield over FLUOR (P = 0.34). PERCUT showed little to no increase in all bronchoscopic techniques, with uncertain evidence (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: No biopsy method is definitively superior to others. The preferred approach must consider availability, accessibility, and cost, as safety and diagnostic yield do not differ. Further RCTs planned, conducted, and reported with methodological rigor and transparency are needed, and additional studies should assess cost and the correlation between nodule size and location, as well as their association with biopsy results. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database, CRD42018092367 -https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=92367.

Minimally invasive interventions for biopsy of malignancy-suspected pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Imaging tests are important for diagnosis during the management of pulmonary nodules; however, biopsy is required to confirm the malignancy. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of different techniques used for the biopsy of a pulmonary nodule. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using Cochrane methodology in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on minimally invasive techniques, including tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy (PERCUT), transbronchial biopsies with fluoroscopy (FLUOR), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUSR), and electromagnetic navigation (NAVIG). The primary outcomes were diagnostic yield, major adverse events, and need for another approach. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included (913 participants; 39.2% female, mean age: 59.28 years). Little to no increase was observed in PERCUT over FLUOR (P = 0.84), PERCUT over EBUSR (P = 0.32), and EBUSR over NAVIG (P = 0.17), whereas a slight increase was observed in NAVIG over FLUOR (P = 0.17); however, the evidence was uncertain. EBUSR may increase the diagnostic yield over FLUOR (P = 0.34). PERCUT showed little to no increase in all bronchoscopic techniques, with uncertain evidence (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: No biopsy method is definitively superior to others. The preferred approach must consider availability, accessibility, and cost, as safety and diagnostic yield do not differ. Further RCTs planned, conducted, and reported with methodological rigor and transparency are needed, and additional studies should assess cost and the correlation between nodule size and location, as well as their association with biopsy results. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database, CRD42018092367 -https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=92367.

Early discharge for patients with benign pleural effusions using a Wayne catheter (pigtail) chest drain - analysis of safety, complications, and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: to assess safety, efficacy and quality of life in patients with benign pleural effusions undergong pleural drainage with Wayne pleural catheter (DW) in an outpatient setting. METHOD: this is a prospective study, in which 47 patients were evaluated between July 2017 and October 2018. Patients with non-malignant pleural effusions underwent pleural drainage with clinical evolution compatible with outpatient care were included. Patients who underwent drainage due to other conditions and patients were excluded. RESULTS: after catheter placement, the mean length of hospital stay was 3.14 (± 3.85) days, and 21 patients (44.68%) were discharged within 24 hours. The mean time with the catheter was 12.63 (± 7.37) days. The analysis of the pleural fluid was transudate in 87.3% of cases and exudate in 12.3%. The causes of pleural effusion were heart failure (72.3%), renal failure (19.1%), liver failure (6.3%) and pneumonia (8.5%). The quality of life, analyzed according to the parameters of the questionnaire SF 36, showed low average values when compared to other studies. Analyzing each descriptor, the average was greater only in the limitation related to physical aspects. In the other descriptors, the results were similar, but smaller. CONCLUSION: the outpatient use of pleural catheters of the Wayne type (pigtail) proved to be feasible, safe and with a low associated infection rate. This is a viable option for selected patients.

Challenges of Implementing Lung Cancer Screening in a Developing Country: Results of the Second Brazilian Early Lung Cancer Screening Trial (BRELT2).

PURPOSE: This paper aims to present the results of a series of several Brazilian institutions that have been carrying out lung cancer screening (LCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, cohort study, with follow-up of individuals of both sexes, with a heavy smoking history, who participated in LCS programs between December 2013 and January 2021 in six Brazilian institutions located in the states of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Bahia. RESULTS: Three thousand four hundred seventy individuals were included, of which 59.8% were male (n = 2,074) and 50.6% were current smokers (n = 1,758), with 60.7 years (standard deviation 8.8 years). Lung-RADS 4 was observed in 233 (6.7%) patients. Biopsy was indicated by minimally invasive methods in 122 patients (3.5%). Two patients who demonstrated false-negative biopsies and lung cancer were diagnosed in follow-up. Diagnosis of lung cancer was observed in 74 patients (prevalence rate of 2.1%), with 52 (70.3%) in stage I or II. Granulomatous disease was found in 20 patients. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of lung cancer, biopsies, granulomatous disease, and Lung-RADS 4 nodules between public and private patients. CONCLUSION: There are still many challenges and obstacles in the implementation of LCS in developing countries; however, our multi-institutional data were possible to obtain satisfactory results in these scenarios and to achieve similar results to the main international studies. Granulomatous diseases did not increase the number of lung biopsies. The authors hope that it could stimulate the creation of organized screening programs in regions still endemic for tuberculosis and other granulomatous diseases.

Early discharge for patients with benign pleural effusions using a Wayne catheter (pigtail) chest drain - analysis of safety, complications, and quality of life / Alta precoce para pacientes com derrames pleurais benignos em uso de dreno pleural de Wayne (pigtail) - análise de segurança, complicações e qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess safety, efficacy and quality of life in patients with benign pleural effusions undergong pleural drainage with Wayne pleural catheter (DW) in an outpatient setting. Method: this is a prospective study, in which 47 patients were evaluated between July 2017 and October 2018. Patients with non-malignant pleural effusions underwent pleural drainage with clinical evolution compatible with outpatient care were included. Patients who underwent drainage due to other conditions and patients were excluded. Results: after catheter placement, the mean length of hospital stay was 3.14 (± 3.85) days, and 21 patients (44.68%) were discharged within 24 hours. The mean time with the catheter was 12.63 (± 7.37) days. The analysis of the pleural fluid was transudate in 87.3% of cases and exudate in 12.3%. The causes of pleural effusion were heart failure (72.3%), renal failure (19.1%), liver failure (6.3%) and pneumonia (8.5%). The quality of life, analyzed according to the parameters of the questionnaire SF 36, showed low average values when compared to other studies. Analyzing each descriptor, the average was greater only in the limitation related to physical aspects. In the other descriptors, the results were similar, but smaller. Conclusion: the outpatient use of pleural catheters of the Wayne type (pigtail) proved to be feasible, safe and with a low associated infection rate. This is a viable option for selected patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a segurança, a eficácia, as complicações e a qualidade de vida da alta precoce e acompanhamento ambulatorial de pacientes com derrames pleurais benignos submetidos à drenagem pleural com dreno de Wayne (DW). Método: estudo prospectivo, em que foram avaliados 47 pacientes entre julho de 2017 e outubro de 2018. Foram incluídos os pacientes com derrames pleurais não malignos, submetidos a drenagem pleural com evolução clínica compatível com o cuidado ambulatorial. Foram excluídos os pacientes submetidos a drenagem por outras afecções. Resultados: após a drenagem, a média do tempo de internação dos pacientes foi de 3,14 (±3,85) dias, sendo que 21 pacientes (44,68%) tiveram alta em até 24 horas após a drenagem. O tempo médio de permanência com o dreno foi de 12,63 (±7,37) dias. A análise do líquido pleural mostrou tratar-se de transudato em 87,3% dos casos e de exsudato em 12,3%. Dentre as causas do derrame pleural, destacaram-se insuficiência cardíaca (72,3%), insuficiência renal (19,1%), hepatopatias (6,3%) e pneumonias (8,5%). A qualidade de vida, analisada segundo os parâmetros do questionário SF 36, teve valores médios baixos, principalmente em relação a outros estudos. Na análise de cada descritor, a média apresentou-se maior somente na limitação por aspectos físicos. Nos demais descritores, os resultados foram semelhantes, mas menores. Conclusão: o uso ambulatorial de cateteres pleurais do tipo Wayne (pigtail) mostrou-se factível, seguro e com baixa taxa de infecções associadas. Trata-se de opção viável para pacientes selecionados.

Traditional chest drainage versus drainage by thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chest tube drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space with the traditional approach in patients undergoing muscle-sparing thoracotomy. METHODS: We evaluated 40 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective muscle sparing thoracotomies. Patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients. One group underwent thoracic drainage by the same intercostal space of thoracotomy and the other by traditional chest drainage approach. RESULTS: The mean length of hospital stay for the intercostal drainage group in the intensive care unit was 1.5 day (1.0 to 2.0 days) and 2.0 days (25.1 to 3.0 days) for the traditional chest drainage group (p=0.060). The intercostal drainage group had mean length of hospital stay (p=0.527) and drainage (p=0.547) of 4 days, and the traditional chest drainage group and 2 and 5.5 days, respectively. Dipirona and tramadol doses did not differ between groups (p=0.201 and p=0.341). The mean pain scale values on first postoperative was 4.24 in the drainage by the same intercostal group and 3.95 in the traditional chest drainage (p=0.733). In third postoperative day, mean was 3.18 for the first group and 3.11 for the traditional group (p=0.937). In the 15th day after surgery, drainage by the incision was 1.53 and the traditional chest drainage was 2.11 (p=0.440), 30th days after drainage by incision was 0.71 and traditional chest drainage was 0.84 (p=0.787). Complications, for both groups were similar with 30% in proposed drainage and 25% in traditional approach (p=0.723). CONCLUSION: Drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space was feasible and results 30 days after surgery were not inferior to those of the traditional chest drainage approach.

Traditional chest drainage versus drainage by thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study / Drenagem torácica tradicional versus drenagem pela toracotomia: estudo prospectivo randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the chest tube drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space with the traditional approach in patients undergoing muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Methods We evaluated 40 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective muscle sparing thoracotomies. Patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients. One group underwent thoracic drainage by the same intercostal space of thoracotomy and the other by traditional chest drainage approach. Results The mean length of hospital stay for the intercostal drainage group in the intensive care unit was 1.5 day (1.0 to 2.0 days) and 2.0 days (25.1 to 3.0 days) for the traditional chest drainage group (p=0.060). The intercostal drainage group had mean length of hospital stay (p=0.527) and drainage (p=0.547) of 4 days, and the traditional chest drainage group and 2 and 5.5 days, respectively. Dipirona and tramadol doses did not differ between groups (p=0.201 and p=0.341). The mean pain scale values on first postoperative was 4.24 in the drainage by the same intercostal group and 3.95 in the traditional chest drainage (p=0.733). In third postoperative day, mean was 3.18 for the first group and 3.11 for the traditional group (p=0.937). In the 15th day after surgery, drainage by the incision was 1.53 and the traditional chest drainage was 2.11 (p=0.440), 30th days after drainage by incision was 0.71 and traditional chest drainage was 0.84 (p=0.787). Complications, for both groups were similar with 30% in proposed drainage and 25% in traditional approach (p=0.723). Conclusion Drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space was feasible and results 30 days after surgery were not inferior to those of the traditional chest drainage approach.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a drenagem torácica pela mesma intercostotomia à drenagem tradicional em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia poupadora lateral. Métodos Foram avaliados 40 pacientes maiores de 18 anos submetidos a toracotomias poupadoras laterais eletivas. Eles foram separados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes cada, sendo um submetido à drenagem torácica pelo mesmo espaço intercostal da toracotomia e o outro à drenagem tradicional. Resultados No grupo da drenagem pela mesma intercostotomia, a mediana de tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 1,5 dia (1,0 a 2,0 dias) e de 2,0 dias (1,25 a 3,0 dias) na drenagem tradicional (p=0,060). As medianas do tempo de internação (p=0,527) e de drenagem (p=0,547) foram ambas de 4 dias, no primeiro grupo, e de 2 e 5,5 dias, no grupo com drenagem tradicional. As doses utilizadas de dipirona e de tramadol não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos (p=0,201 e p=0,341). As médias da escala de dor foram 4,24 no primeiro dia pós-operatório do grupo com a drenagem proposta e 3,95 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,733); no terceiro pós-operatório, foi de 3,18 para o grupo drenado pela incisão e de 3,11 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,937). No 15º dia após a cirurgia, a drenagem pela incisão foi de 1,53 e a tradicional de 2,11 (p=0,440); no 30º pós-operatório, foi de 0,71 e 0,84, respectivamente, para a incisão e a forma tradicional (p=0,787). Em relação às complicações, os grupos foram semelhantes, com 30% na drenagem proposta e 25% na drenagem tradicional (p=0,723). Conclusão A drenagem pelo mesmo espaço intercostal foi exequível e não apresentou inferioridade à técnica tradicional no período pós-operatório estudado de 30 dias.

Experimental study for evaluation of a low-cost spray cryotherapy system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of a low-cost cryotherapy system. METHODS: Experimental study with 25kg Landrace pigs submitted to a longitudinal cervico-thoraco-abdominal incision for exposure of the trachea, thorax and abdomen. The tissues were frozen by continuous spray application at different periods of time (5, 10 and 15 seconds). Spray cryotherapy was performed using a fluorinated gas (tetrafluorethane) delivered at - 47°C temperature (DermaFreeze®, Emdutos; ANVISA registration 80409950001; price R$ 394,00). via an adapted, disposable 1.8mm cholangiography catheter (Olympus; price R$ 280,00). The specimens were resected for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Thirty samples were obtained from ten different organs and divided according to spray cryotherapy application time. System activation for 5, 10 or 15 seconds led to consumption of 14g, 27g and 40g of gas respectively (average gas consumption, 2.7g/s using a 1.8mm catheter). The system comprising a spray tube and catheter proved user-friendly and effective, with constant gas dispersion and adequate tissue freezing. In spite of effective freezing, microscopy failed to reveal tissue changes. This may have reflected methodological constraints precluding evaluation at tissue damage peak time (48 hours). CONCLUSION: The low-cost spray cryotherapy system proved feasible and safe.

Experimental study for evaluation of a low-cost spray cryotherapy system / Estudo experimental para avaliação de um sistema de baixo custo para crioterapia em spray

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of a low-cost cryotherapy system. Methods Experimental study with 25kg Landrace pigs submitted to a longitudinal cervico-thoraco-abdominal incision for exposure of the trachea, thorax and abdomen. The tissues were frozen by continuous spray application at different periods of time (5, 10 and 15 seconds). Spray cryotherapy was performed using a fluorinated gas (tetrafluorethane) delivered at - 47°C temperature (DermaFreeze®, Emdutos; ANVISA registration 80409950001; price R$ 394,00). via an adapted, disposable 1.8mm cholangiography catheter (Olympus; price R$ 280,00). The specimens were resected for histopathological analysis. Results Thirty samples were obtained from ten different organs and divided according to spray cryotherapy application time. System activation for 5, 10 or 15 seconds led to consumption of 14g, 27g and 40g of gas respectively (average gas consumption, 2.7g/s using a 1.8mm catheter). The system comprising a spray tube and catheter proved user-friendly and effective, with constant gas dispersion and adequate tissue freezing. In spite of effective freezing, microscopy failed to reveal tissue changes. This may have reflected methodological constraints precluding evaluation at tissue damage peak time (48 hours). Conclusion The low-cost spray cryotherapy system proved feasible and safe.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a exequibilidade e a aplicação de um sistema de baixo custo de crioterapia. Métodos Estudo experimental realizado com um suíno da raça Landrace, 25kg, submetido à cervicotoracolaparotomia longitudinal, com exposição de traqueia, tórax e abdome. Procedemos ao congelamento das estruturas em tempos diferentes (5, 10 e 15 segundos) com jato contínuo. A crioterapia foi realizada com gás fluoretado (tetrafluoretano), na forma de spray em tubo, que atinge a temperatura de -47°C (DermaFreeze®, Emdutos; registro ANVISA 80409950001; preço R$ 394,00). A este tubo, adaptamos um cateter descartável de colangiografia de 1,8mm (Olympus; preço R$ 280,00). As peças foram ressecadas para análise histopatológica. Resultados Foram obtidas 30 amostras em 10 órgãos diferentes, divididos em três intervalos de tempo distintos. Quando o sistema foi acionado por 5 segundos, gastaram-se 14g de gás; por 10 segundos, 27g; e por 15 segundos, 40g; o gasto médio foi de 2,7g/s pelo cateter de 1,8mm. O sistema confeccionado com tubo de gás e cateter proporcionou resultado efetivo, com dispersão adequada e constante do gás, congelamento adequado e de fácil execução. Apesar da técnica evidenciar congelamento efetivo, na microscopia não houve alteração tecidual. Isso ocorreu porque o pico de lesão tecidual por congelamento ocorre após 48 horas, o que não foi possível avaliar por este método proposto. Conclusão O sistema de crioterapia em spray de baixo custo foi exequível e seguro.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. RESULTS: The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) - p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment / Estudo comparativo da perda transepidérmica de água em pacientes com e sem hiperidrose por mensurador de câmara fechada em ambiente climatizado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. Results The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) - p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001. Conclusion Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a diferença entre a perda transepidérmica de água aferida entre pacientes com e sem diagnóstico de hiperidrose, em ambiente climatizado. Métodos Foram selecionados 20 pacientes com diagnóstico de hiperidrose e 20 hígidos, submetidos à aferição de maneira quantitativa, com mensurador de câmara fechada, em seis locais previamente estabelecidos. Resultados As medidas realizadas mostraram valores diferentes de perda transepidérmica de água em pessoas hígidas e naquelas com hiperidrose, principalmente em mãos e pés. No Grupo Controle, a mediana das aferições em mãos foi 46,4g/m2/hora (p25: 36,0; p75: 57,6), enquanto, no Grupo Hiperidrose, obtivemos a mediana de 123,5g/m2/hora (p25: 54,3; p75: 161,2) - p<0,001. Já nos pés, a mediana no Grupo Controle foi 41,5g/m2/hora (p25: 31,3; p75: 63,5) e, no Grupo Hiperidrose, foi 61,2g/m2/hora (p25: 32,3; p75: 117) - p<0,02. As medidas das regiões axilares também mostraram diferença. No Grupo Controle, obtivemos mediana 14,8g/m2/hora (p25: 11,8; p75: 19,0) e, no Hiperidrose, 83,5g/m2/hora (p25: 29,5; p75: 161,7) - p<0,001. Conclusão A mensuração da perda transepidérmica de água é suficiente para diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com hiperidrose.

Web-based versus traditional lecture: are they equally effective as a flexible bronchoscopy teaching method?

This study compares the traditional live lecture to a web-based approach in the teaching of bronchoscopy and evaluates the positive and negative aspects of both methods. We developed a web-based bronchoscopy curriculum, which integrates texts, images and animations. It was applied to first-year interns, who were later administered a multiple-choice test. Another group of eight first-year interns received the traditional teaching method and the same test. The two groups were compared using the Student's t-test. The mean scores (± SD) of students who used the website were 14.63 ± 1.41 (range 13-17). The test scores of the other group had the same range, with a mean score of 14.75 ± 1. The Student's t-test showed no difference between the test results. The common positive point noted was the presence of multimedia content. The web group cited as positive the ability to review the pages, and the other one the role of the teacher. Web-based bronchoscopy education showed results similar to the traditional live lecture in effectiveness.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the COX-2 marker in acute pulmonary injury in rats.

Acute inflammatory response is one of the main defensive mechanisms of the lungs. This work tried to assess this response through an immunohistochemical analysis of rat lungs mechanically injured by open manipulation, analyzing the COX-2 inflammatory marker, in addition to performing a microscopic histological analysis using the hematoxylin and eosin stain. The correlation between this response and the degree of manipulation over different lengths of time and degrees of injury was also investigated. Sixteen rats were divided into four groups and subjected to anterior thoracotomy. The upper lobe of the right lung was compressed using a plastic Bulldog clamp for different time length according to group (5 minutes, 2 minutes, and three 10-second compressions with 10 second intervals). The control group was subjected to thoracotomy but their lungs were not compressed. The injured lobes were analyzed histologically and subjected to immunohistochemistry and the results were compared. There were no differences in the immunohistochemical patterns between the control and injured rats, but the histological patterns between them differed. In conclusion, the histological analysis shows that the degree of injury caused by clamping the pulmonary parenchyma increases as the time length of compression increases but this inflammatory response is not paralleled by modifications of the COX-2 marker at immunohistochemistry.