Effect of an Individualized Lung Protective Ventilation on Lung Strain and Stress in Children Undergoing Laparoscopy: An Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Exaggerated lung strain and stress could damage lungs in anesthetized children. The authors hypothesized that the association of capnoperitoneum and lung collapse in anesthetized children increases lung strain-stress. Their primary aim was to describe the impact of capnoperitoneum on lung strain-stress and the effects of an individualized protective ventilation during laparoscopic surgery in children. METHODS: The authors performed an observational cohort study in healthy children aged 3 to 7 yr scheduled for laparoscopic surgery in a community hospital. All received standard protective ventilation with 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Children were evaluated before capnoperitoneum, during capnoperitoneum before and after lung recruitment and optimized PEEP (PEEP adjusted to get end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure of 0), and after capnoperitoneum with optimized PEEP. The presence of lung collapse was evaluated by lung ultrasound, positive Air-Test (oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry 96% or less breathing 21% O2 for 5 min), and negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure. Lung strain was calculated as tidal volume/end-expiratory lung volume measured by capnodynamics, and lung stress as the end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure. RESULTS: The authors studied 20 children. Before capnoperitoneum, mean lung strain was 0.20 ± 0.07 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.23), and stress was 5.68 ± 2.83 (95% CI, 4.44 to 6.92) cm H2O. During capnoperitoneum, 18 patients presented lung collapse and strain (0.29 ± 0.13; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.35; P < 0.001) and stress (5.92 ± 3.18; 95% CI, 4.53 to 7.31 cm H2O; P = 0.374) increased compared to before capnoperitoneum. During capnoperitoneum and optimized PEEP, children presenting lung collapse were recruited and optimized PEEP was 8.3 ± 2.2 (95% CI, 7.3 to 9.3) cm H2O. Strain returned to values before capnoperitoneum (0.20 ± 0.07; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.22; P = 0.318), but lung stress increased (7.29 ± 2.67; 95% CI, 6.12 to 8.46 cm H2O; P = 0.020). After capnoperitoneum, strain decreased (0.18 ± 0.04; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.20; P = 0.090), but stress remained higher (7.25 ± 3.01; 95% CI, 5.92 to 8.57 cm H2O; P = 0.024) compared to before capnoperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: Capnoperitoneum increased lung strain in healthy children undergoing laparoscopy. Lung recruitment and optimized PEEP during capnoperitoneum decreased lung strain but slightly increased lung stress. This little rise in pulmonary stress was maintained within safe, lung-protective, and clinically acceptable limits.

Prevention of atelectasis by continuous positive airway pressure in anaesthetised children: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prevents peri-operative atelectasis in adults, but its effect in children has not been quantified. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CPAP in preventing postinduction and postoperative atelectasis in children under general anaesthesia. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study. SETTING: Single-institution study, community hospital, Mar del Plata. Argentina. PATIENTS: We studied 42 children, aged 6 months to 7 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I, under standardised general anaesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomised into two groups: Control group (n = 21): induction and emergence of anaesthesia without CPAP; and CPAP group (n = 21): 5 cmH2O of CPAP during induction and emergence of anaesthesia. Lung ultrasound (LUS) imaging was performed before and 5 min after anaesthesia induction. Children without atelectasis were ventilated in the same manner as the Control group with standard ventilatory settings including 5 cmH2O of PEEP. Children with atelectasis received a recruitment manoeuvre followed by standard ventilation with 8 cmH2O of PEEP. Then, at the end of surgery, LUS images were repeated before tracheal extubation and 60 min after awakening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lung aeration score and atelectasis assessed by LUS. RESULTS: Before anaesthesia, all children were free of atelectasis. After induction, 95% in the Control group developed atelectasis compared with 52% of patients in the CPAP group (P < 0.0001). LUS aeration scores were higher (impaired aeration) in the Control group than the CPAP group (8.8 ±â€Š3.8 vs. 3.5 ±â€Š3.3 points; P < 0.0001). At the end of surgery, before tracheal extubation, atelectasis was observed in 100% of children in the Control and 29% of the CPAP group (P < 0.0001) with a corresponding aeration score of 9.6 ±â€Š3.2 and 1.8 ±â€Š2.3, respectively (P < 0.0001). After surgery, 30% of children in the Control group and 10% in the CPAP group presented with residual atelectasis (P < 0.0001) also corresponding to a higher aeration score in the Control group (2.5 ±â€Š3.1) when compared with the CPAP group (0.5 ±â€Š1.5; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of 5 cmH2O of CPAP in healthy children of the studied age span during induction and emergence of anaesthesia effectively prevents atelectasis, with benefits maintained during the first postoperative hour. TRIAL REGISTRY: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03461770.

Fine air pollution particles trapped by street tree barks: In situ magnetic biomonitoring.

Particulate air pollution in cities comprises a variety of harmful compounds, including fine iron rich particles, which can persist in the air for long time, increasing the adverse exposure of humans and living things to them. We studied street tree (among other species, Cordyline australis, Fraxinus excelsior and F. pensylvanica) barks as biological collectors of these ubiquitous airborne particles in cities. Properties were determined by the environmental magnetism method, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy, and analyzed by geostatistical methods. Trapped particles are characterized as low-coercivity (mean ± s.d. value of remanent coercivity Hcr = 37.0 ± 2.4 mT) magnetite-like minerals produced by a common pollution source identified as traffic derived emissions. Most of these Fe rich particles are inhalable (PM2.5), as determined by the anhysteretic ratio χARM/χ (0.1-1 µm) and scanning electron microscopy (<1 µm), and host a variety of potentially toxic elements (Cr, Mo, Ni, and V). Contents of magnetic particles vary in the study area as observed by magnetic proxies for pollution, such as mass specific magnetic susceptibility χ (18.4-218 × 10-8 m3 kg-1) and in situ magnetic susceptibility κis (0.2-20.2 × 10-5 SI). The last parameter allows us doing in situ magnetic biomonitoring, being convenient because of species preservation, measurement time, and fast data processing for producing prediction maps of magnetic particle pollution.

Feasibility of postural lung recruitment maneuver in children: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary atelectasis in anesthetized children is easily reverted by lung recruitment maneuvers. However, the high airways pressure reached during the maneuver could negatively affect hemodynamics. The aim of this study is to assess the effect and feasibility of a postural lung recruitment maneuver (P-RM); i.e., a new maneuver that opens up the atelectatic lung areas based on changing the child's body position under constant ventilation with moderated driving pressure (12 cmH2O) and of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP, 10 cmH2O). Forty ASA I-II children, aged 6 months to 7 years, subjected to general anesthesia were studied. Patients were ventilated with volume control mode using standard settings with 5 cmH2O of PEEP. They were randomized into two groups: (1) control group (C group, n = 20)-ventilation was turned to pressure control ventilation using a fixed driving pressure of 12 cmH2O. PEEP was increased from 5 to 10 cmH2O during 3 min maintaining the supine position. (2) P-RM group (n = 20)-patients received the same increase in driving pressure and PEEP, but they were placed, respectively, in the left lateral position, in the right lateral position (90 s each), and back again into the supine position after 3 min. Then, ventilation returned to baseline settings in volume control mode. Lung ultrasound-derived aeration score and respiratory compliance were assessed before (T1) and after (T2) 10 cmH2O of PEEP was applied. RESULTS: At baseline ventilation (T1), both groups showed similar aeration score (P-RM group 9.9 ± 1.9 vs C group 10.4 ± 1.9; p = 0.463) and respiratory compliance (P-RM group 15 ± 6 vs C group 14 ± 6 mL/cmH2O; p = 0.517). At T2, the aeration score decreased in the P-RM group (1.5 ± 1.6 vs 9.9 ± 2.1; p < 0.001), but remained without changes in the C group (9.9 ± 2.1; p = 0.221). Compliance was higher in the P-RM group (18 ± 6 mL/cmH2O) when compared with the C group (14 ± 5 mL/cmH2O; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lung aeration and compliance improved only in the group in which a posture change strategy was applied.

Riesgo cardiovascular en barrios de General Pueyrredon según los registros de Esquinas Saludables / Cardiovascular risk profile in the neighborhoods of General Pueyrredón, from records of Healthy Corner

El reto de promoción de la salud es incorporar acciones que permitan llegar a toda la población. Durante los años 2013 a 2015 se implementó, en el partido de Gral. Pueyrredón, un dispositivo de promoción de la salud llamado Esquinas Saludables (ES). Se realizó valoración de riesgo cardiovascular y consejería de salud en distintos barrios. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la presencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y su distribución por barrios, a partir de registros de ES. Los barrios se agruparon en siete unidades que llamamos anillos. El 36,7% de las personas refirió tener Hipertensión, Diabetes el 10,4%, Dislipemia 30,7%, Sedentarismo 50,8% Tabaquismo 18,9%, y Obesidad 31,4%. Se observó una diferencia significativa en la presencia de los distintos factores de riesgo en relación con el anillo de donde provenían las personas. Según el análisis multivariado de correspondencia múltiple en todos los anillos se encontró FRCV con distinto porcentaje de representación. Las condiciones de riesgo cardiovasculares están presentes en todos los barrios de la ciudad, con una distribución desigual en función de las características de cada barrio. Su valoración sustenta las acciones destinadas a modificarlas (AU)

The challenge of health promotion consists in incorporate actions that allow reaching the entire population. From 2013 to 2015 it has been functioning a device of promotion of health in the community known as "Healthy Corners, (HC)" in General Pueyrredon, were it took place the valuation of risks in cardiovascular diseases in the population and the counseling of health at the different neighborhoods in town. The objective of this study is to describe the presence of the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors (CDRF) and its distribution in each neighborhood, from the records of HC. The neighborhoods grouped in seven units called rings. Self-reported CDRF were Hypertension 36.7%, Diabetes 10.4%, Hypercholesterolemia 30.7%, sedentarism 50.8%, Smoking 18.9 % and Obesity 31.4%. Significative statistical difference had been observed in the presence of the different risk factors in relation to the ring. According to de Factorial analysis of multiples correspondences, in all the rings there had been found cardiovascular risk with different representation percentage. There are cardiovascular risk conditions in all the neighborhoods of the city with an unequal distribution according to the characteristics of each neighborhood. Its valuation supports actions to modify them (AU)

Lung recruitment improves right ventricular performance after cardiopulmonary bypass: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Atelectasis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can affect right ventricular (RV) performance by increasing its outflow impedance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a lung recruitment manoeuvre improves RV function by re-aerating the lung after CPB. DESIGN: Randomised controlled study. SETTING: Single-institution study, community hospital, Córdoba, Argentina. PATIENTS: Forty anaesthetised patients with New York Heart Association class I or II, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction at least 50% and Euroscore 6 or less scheduled for cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to receive either standard ventilation with 6 cmH2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP; group C, n = 20) or standard ventilation with a recruitment manoeuvre and 10 cmH2O of PEEP after surgery (group RM, n = 20). RV function, left ventricular cardiac index (CI) and lung aeration were assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) before, at the end of surgery and 30 min after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RV function parameters and atelectasis assessed by TOE. RESULTS: Haemodynamic data and atelectasis were similar between groups before surgery. At the end of surgery, CI had decreased from 2.9 ±â€Š1.1 to 2.6 ±â€Š0.9 l min m in group C (P = 0.24) and from 2.8 ±â€Š1.0 to 2.6 ±â€Š0.8 l min m in group RM (P = 0.32). TOE-derived RV function parameters confirmed a mild decrease in RV performance in 95% of patients, without significant differences between groups (multivariate Hotelling t-test P = 0.16). Atelectasis was present in 18 patients in group C and 19 patients in group RM (P = 0.88). After surgery, CI decreased further from 2.6 to 2.4 l min m in group C (P = 0.17) but increased from 2.6 to 3.7 l min m in group RM (P < 0.001). TOE-derived RV function parameters improved only in group RM (Hotelling t-test P < 0.001). Atelectasis was present in 100% of patients in group C but only in 10% of those in group RM (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Atelectasis after CPB impairs RV function but this can be resolved by lung recruitment using 10 cmH2O of PEEP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol started on October 2014.

Rehabilitación cardiovascular en amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular / Cardiovascular rehabilitation in the lower extremities amputations to vascular diseases / Reabilitação cardiovascular em os amputados dos membros inferiores de causa vascular

Introducción. La aterosclerosis que afecta a los vasos de los miembros inferiores, llevándolos a la amputación, también puede involucrar otros vasos (coronarios, carotídeos, etc.). Las cardiopatías son significativamente elevadas en estos casos, incrementando su morbi-mortalidad a 5 ó 10 años, en su mayor parte, debido a patologías cardiovasculares y a diabetes. Estos pacientes para deambular deben desarrollar una energía superior a los no amputados. Hay evidencias de que efectuando ejercicios programados periódicos, utilizando los grupos musculares pertenecientes al tronco y a los miembros superiores, se obtienen similares resultados a los conseguidos convencionalmente en rehabilitación cardiovascular. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto que provoca la rehabilitación cardiovascular en la morbi-mortalidad de pacientes amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular arterial. Material y métodos. Se aleatorizaron 40 pacientes en dos grupos, 20 en el grupo plan (GP) y 20 en el grupo control (GC). Al GP se le efectuaron ejercicios semanales periódicos y a ambos grupos controles de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Ambos grupos fueron seguidos durante 5 años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables involucradas. Los datos categóricos se analizaron utilizando porcentajes, en tanto que los cuantitativos, utilizando la media con el respectivo desvío estándar y la mediana. Se analizó la independencia entre variables cualitativas o categóricas a través de una prueba de Chi-cuadrado o test exacto de Fischer. Para analizar la diferencia entre los dos grupos en el caso de variables continuas se usó el test t de Student o la prueba no paramétrica de Mann Whitney cuando la distribución no fue normal. Se comparó la supervivencia de los pacientes del GP con la del GC mediante la confección de curvas de Kaplan-Meier, aplicándose a estas curvas la prueba de log-rank. Se consideró significación estadística un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. La mortalidad del GP fue del 25%, la del GC del 55% (p=0,035). Morbilidad: en el GP, 8 pacientes (40%) padecieron 9 internaciones; en el GC, 13 pacientes (65%) padecieron 18 internaciones (p=0,0095). Conclusión. Los adecuados planes que engloban ejercicios programados periódicos y estricto control de los factores de riesgo disminuyen significativamente la morbi-mortalidad de los pacientes amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular.

Introduction. The atherosclerosis affecting blood vessels from lower extremities and leading to amputation can involve other vessels too (such as heart and carotid among others). Heart disease is remarkably high in these cases, and its 5 to 10 year morbimortality is high too, mainly cardiovascular pathologies and diabetes. Patients need to develop greater more energy to roam than patients without amputation. It has been shown that periodic scheduled exercises using the muscle groups corresponding to the trunk and upper extremities yield similar results to those conventionally achieved with cardiovascular rehabilitation. Objective. Assess the impact exerted by cardiovascular rehabilitation on the morbimortality of lower extremities amputees due to vascular/arterial diseases. Material and methods. To meet objectives, 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups: 20 in the plan group and 20 in the control group. The plan group carried out periodic weekly exercises and both groups underwent cardiovascular risk factor checkups. Follow-up was conducted for 5 years in both groups.We performed a descriptive analysis of the variables involved. Categorical data were analyzed using percentages, whereas quantitative using the average with the respective standard deviation and median. Independently analyzed the qualitative or categorical variables through a Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. To analyze the difference between the two groups in the case of continuous variables used Student's t-test or the nonparametric Mann Whitney when distribution was normal. We compared the survival of patients in the plan with the control group by producing Kaplan-Meier curves, applied to these curves the log-rank test. Statistical significance was considered P <0.05. Results. Mortality was 25% for the plan group, while the control group accounted for 55% (p=0.035). Regarding morbidity, 8 patients (40%) from the plan group underwent 9 hospitalizations, whereas 13 patients (65%) from the control group underwent 18 hospitalizations (p=0.0095). Conclusions. Proper plans encompassing scheduled exercises and a strict control of risk factors, significantly improve the morbimortality of patients with lower extremities amputations due to vascular reasons.

Introdução. A aterosclerose afeta os vasos sanguíneos dos membros inferiores, levando à amputação, também pode envolver outros vasos (coronárias, carótidas, etc.). A doença cardíaca é significativamente maior nestes casos, aumentando a morbidade e a mortalidade de 5 ou 10 anos, principalmente devido a doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes. Estes pacientes precisam desenvolver uma maior energia para andar que os não-amputados. Há evidências de que a realização de exercícios programados periódicos usando grupos musculares pertencentes ao tronco e membros superiores, foram obtidos resultados semelhantes aos alcançados convencionalmente em reabilitação cardiovascular. Objetivo. Avaliar o impacto que causa a reabilitação cardiovascular na morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes amputados de membros inferiores devido à doença vascular arterial. Material e métodos. Foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos 40 pacientes, de 20 no grupo plano (GP) e 20 no grupo controle (GC). No GP realizaram-se exercícios semanários e periódicos e para ambos os grupos controles dos fatores de risco cardiovascular. Ambos os grupos foram seguidos durante 5 anos. A análise descritiva das variáveis envolvidas foi realizada. Os dados categóricos foram analisados utilizando porcentagens, enquanto quantitativos, utilizando a média com o respectivo desvio padrão e mediana. Foi analisada a independência entre variáveis qualitativas ou categóricas através de teste de Qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fischer. Para analisar a diferença entre os dois grupos, no caso das variáveis contínuas foi utilizado o teste t de Student ou o teste não paramétrico de Mann Whitney quando a distribuição não foi normal. Foi comparada a sobrevida de pacientes do GP com o GC, através da realização de curvas de Kaplan-Meier, nestas curvas se aplicaram o teste de log-rank. A significância estatística foi considerada quando um valor de p <0,05. Resultados. A mortalidade do GP foi de 25%, enquanto que o GC foi responsável de 55% (p=0,035). Em relação à morbidade, oito pacientes (40%) do GP sofreram nove internações, enquanto que 13 pacientes (65%) do GC sofreram 18 hospitalizações (p=0,0095). Conclusão. Os planos adequados que incluem exercícios programados periódicos e rigoroso controle dos fatores de risco diminuem significativamente a morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes amputados de membros inferiores de causa vascular.

Rehabilitación cardiovascular en amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular / Cardiovascular rehabilitation in the lower extremities amputations to vascular diseases / ReabilitaþÒo cardiovascular em os amputados dos membros inferiores de causa vascular

Introducción. La aterosclerosis que afecta a los vasos de los miembros inferiores, llevándolos a la amputación, también puede involucrar otros vasos (coronarios, carotídeos, etc.). Las cardiopatías son significativamente elevadas en estos casos, incrementando su morbi-mortalidad a 5 ó 10 años, en su mayor parte, debido a patologías cardiovasculares y a diabetes. Estos pacientes para deambular deben desarrollar una energía superior a los no amputados. Hay evidencias de que efectuando ejercicios programados periódicos, utilizando los grupos musculares pertenecientes al tronco y a los miembros superiores, se obtienen similares resultados a los conseguidos convencionalmente en rehabilitación cardiovascular. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto que provoca la rehabilitación cardiovascular en la morbi-mortalidad de pacientes amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular arterial. Material y métodos. Se aleatorizaron 40 pacientes en dos grupos, 20 en el grupo plan (GP) y 20 en el grupo control (GC). Al GP se le efectuaron ejercicios semanales periódicos y a ambos grupos controles de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Ambos grupos fueron seguidos durante 5 años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables involucradas. Los datos categóricos se analizaron utilizando porcentajes, en tanto que los cuantitativos, utilizando la media con el respectivo desvío estándar y la mediana. Se analizó la independencia entre variables cualitativas o categóricas a través de una prueba de Chi-cuadrado o test exacto de Fischer. Para analizar la diferencia entre los dos grupos en el caso de variables continuas se usó el test t de Student o la prueba no paramétrica de Mann Whitney cuando la distribución no fue normal. Se comparó la supervivencia de los pacientes del GP con la del GC mediante la confección de curvas de Kaplan-Meier, aplicándose a estas curvas la prueba de log-rank. Se consideró significación estadística un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. La mortalidad del GP fue del 25%, la del GC del 55% (p=0,035). Morbilidad: en el GP, 8 pacientes (40%) padecieron 9 internaciones; en el GC, 13 pacientes (65%) padecieron 18 internaciones (p=0,0095). Conclusión. Los adecuados planes que engloban ejercicios programados periódicos y estricto control de los factores de riesgo disminuyen significativamente la morbi-mortalidad de los pacientes amputados de miembros inferiores de causa vascular.(AU)

Introduction. The atherosclerosis affecting blood vessels from lower extremities and leading to amputation can involve other vessels too (such as heart and carotid among others). Heart disease is remarkably high in these cases, and its 5 to 10 year morbimortality is high too, mainly cardiovascular pathologies and diabetes. Patients need to develop greater more energy to roam than patients without amputation. It has been shown that periodic scheduled exercises using the muscle groups corresponding to the trunk and upper extremities yield similar results to those conventionally achieved with cardiovascular rehabilitation. Objective. Assess the impact exerted by cardiovascular rehabilitation on the morbimortality of lower extremities amputees due to vascular/arterial diseases. Material and methods. To meet objectives, 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups: 20 in the plan group and 20 in the control group. The plan group carried out periodic weekly exercises and both groups underwent cardiovascular risk factor checkups. Follow-up was conducted for 5 years in both groups.We performed a descriptive analysis of the variables involved. Categorical data were analyzed using percentages, whereas quantitative using the average with the respective standard deviation and median. Independently analyzed the qualitative or categorical variables through a Chi-square test or Fishers exact test. To analyze the difference between the two groups in the case of continuous variables used Students t-test or the nonparametric Mann Whitney when distribution was normal. We compared the survival of patients in the plan with the control group by producing Kaplan-Meier curves, applied to these curves the log-rank test. Statistical significance was considered P <0.05. Results. Mortality was 25% for the plan group, while the control group accounted for 55% (p=0.035). Regarding morbidity, 8 patients (40%) from the plan group underwent 9 hospitalizations, whereas 13 patients (65%) from the control group underwent 18 hospitalizations (p=0.0095). Conclusions. Proper plans encompassing scheduled exercises and a strict control of risk factors, significantly improve the morbimortality of patients with lower extremities amputations due to vascular reasons.(AU)

IntroduþÒo. A aterosclerose afeta os vasos sanguíneos dos membros inferiores, levando O amputaþÒo, também pode envolver outros vasos (coronárias, carótidas, etc.). A doenþa cardíaca é significativamente maior nestes casos, aumentando a morbidade e a mortalidade de 5 ou 10 anos, principalmente devido a doenþas cardiovasculares e diabetes. Estes pacientes precisam desenvolver uma maior energia para andar que os nÒo-amputados. Há evidÛncias de que a realizaþÒo de exercícios programados periódicos usando grupos musculares pertencentes ao tronco e membros superiores, foram obtidos resultados semelhantes aos alcanþados convencionalmente em reabilitaþÒo cardiovascular. Objetivo. Avaliar o impacto que causa a reabilitaþÒo cardiovascular na morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes amputados de membros inferiores devido O doenþa vascular arterial. Material e métodos. Foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos 40 pacientes, de 20 no grupo plano (GP) e 20 no grupo controle (GC). No GP realizaram-se exercícios semanários e periódicos e para ambos os grupos controles dos fatores de risco cardiova

The agreement chart as an alternative to the receiver-operating characteristic curve for diagnostic tests.

OBJECTIVE: For diagnostic tests, the most common graphical representation of the information is the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The "agreement chart" displays the information of two observers independently classifying the same n items into the same k categories, and can be used if one considers one of the "observers" as the diagnostic test and the other as the known outcome. This study compares the two charts and their ability to visually portray the various relevant summary statistics that assess how good a diagnostic test may be, such as sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The geometric relationships displayed in the charts are first described. The relationship between the two graphical representations and various summary statistics is illustrated using data from three common epidemiologically relevant health issues: coronary heart disease, screening for breast cancer, and screening for tuberculosis. RESULTS: Whereas the ROC curve incorporates information on sensitivity and specificity, the agreement chart includes information on the positive and negative predictive values of the diagnostic test. CONCLUSION: The agreement chart should be considered as an alternative visual representation to the ROC for diagnostic tests.

Utility of base deficit, lactic acid, microalbuminuria, and C-reactive protein in the early detection of complications in the immediate postoperative evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of biochemical parameters such as lactic acid (LA), C-reactive protein (CRP), microalbuminuria (MAU), and base deficit (BD) as early markers of complications in the immediate postoperative evolution of elective open gastrointestinal surgeries. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients subject to elective open gastrointestinal surgery were evaluated during a period of 22 months. RESULTS: From the initial 62 patients, 2 were excluded, 29 (48.3%) evolved without complications, and 31 (51.6%) with complications. It was observed that the most significant areas under the ROC curve corresponded to BD in the preoperative period, LA on the first day, and CRP from the second to the seventh day after surgery. MAU was not a discriminating parameter since it did not reach a significant area under the curve (AUC) at any time. CONCLUSIONS: The biochemical markers that best relate to the presence of complications are BD in the preoperative period, LA on the first day, and CRP from the second to the seventh day after surgery.