Medical expert reports in occupational health: a bibliographic review.

Forensic medicine is a branch of medicine located within both the health and law domains that contributes in issues that include civil, criminal, and labor law. Within labor law, medical expert reports aim to evaluate the capacity of workers and ensure them their rights and duties. This study aimed to discuss the information available on the scientific literature regarding expert reports in occupational health. This is a bibliographic review ranging the period of 2012 to 2018 that searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, and LILACS databases, as well as official documents on the subject. We selected 7 articles corresponding to the initially proposed criteria and read them thoroughly. This allowed us to establish 3 main themes corresponding to the study results: 1) The importance of expert reports in occupational health; 2) Hurdles in the context of expert reports in occupational health; and 3) The role of the medical expert in labor lawsuits. Through the selected studies and the evaluation of the initial proposition of this review, we confirmed the importance of expert reports in ensuring workers' rights in occupational health. Moreover, this study allowed the identification of gaps in studies regarding the role of expert reports in occupational health, thus more research should be encouraged in view of the great social relevance of this theme.

In-hospital resource utilization, worsening heart failure, and factors associated with length of hospital stay in patients with hospitalized heart failure: A Japanese database cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to characterize cases of hospitalized heart failure (HHF) focusing on in-hospital resource utilization (particularly furosemide doses) and worsening heart failure (WHF), and identify which factors are associated with the length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Cases of HHF (≥20 years), excluding those undergoing surgical procedures and in-hospital deaths, were retrieved from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database (April 2012 to March 2016). WHF was defined using eight components, including up-titration of intravenous drugs and non-pharmacological management. RESULTS: The mean age of 78,953 cases of HHF was 79 years and 51% were male. The median LOS was 17 days. The maximum daily dose and cumulative dose of furosemide (mean ± standard deviation) were 43.3 ± 56.0 mg and 215.6 ± 450.6 mg, respectively, for intravenous furosemide, and 44.0 ± 37.3 mg and 523.3 ± 675.4 mg, respectively, for oral furosemide. The incidence of WHF was 36.1% during hospitalization and 19.3% from 6th hospital day to discharge. The mean number of WHF components was 1.4 ± 0.7 during hospitalization and 1.3 ± 0.6 from 6th hospital day. Regression analyses showed that the number of WHF components from 6th hospital day, pneumonia, and hyponatremia were strongly associated with longer LOS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings in patients with HHF could be vital to focus future efforts to improve the therapeutic strategies for heart failure.

Evaluation of the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in the anterior and middle scalene muscles guided by ultrasonography in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: A clinical, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with two parallel groups. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) compared to cutaneous pressure. METHODS: 38 patients, 19 in the control group (skin pressure in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles) and 19 in the intervention group (ropivacaine). Subjects with a diagnosis of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pain in upper limbs and/or neck, with no radiculopathy or neurological involvement of the limb affected due to compressive or encephalic root causes were included. The primary endpoint was functionality, evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - DASH scale validated for use in Brasil. The time of the evaluations were T0 = before the intervention; T1 = immediately after; T2 = 1 week; T3 = 4 weeks; T4 = 12 weeks; for T1, the DASH scale was not applied. RESULTS: Concerning the DASH scale, it is possible to affirm with statistical significance (p> 0.05) that the intervention group presented an improvement of functionality at four weeks, which was maintained by the 12th week. CONCLUSION: In practical terms, we concluded that a 0.375% injection of ropivacaine at doses of 2.5 ml in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome helps to improve function.

Evaluation of the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in the anterior and middle scalene muscles guided by ultrasonography in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

SUMMARY A clinical, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with two parallel groups. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) compared to cutaneous pressure. METHODS 38 patients, 19 in the control group (skin pressure in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles) and 19 in the intervention group (ropivacaine). Subjects with a diagnosis of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pain in upper limbs and/or neck, with no radiculopathy or neurological involvement of the limb affected due to compressive or encephalic root causes were included. The primary endpoint was functionality, evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - DASH scale validated for use in Brasil. The time of the evaluations were T0 = before the intervention; T1 = immediately after; T2 = 1 week; T3 = 4 weeks; T4 = 12 weeks; for T1, the DASH scale was not applied. RESULTS Concerning the DASH scale, it is possible to affirm with statistical significance (p> 0.05) that the intervention group presented an improvement of functionality at four weeks, which was maintained by the 12th week. CONCLUSION In practical terms, we concluded that a 0.375% injection of ropivacaine at doses of 2.5 ml in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome helps to improve function.

RESUMO Ensaio clínico, controlado por placebo, aleatorizado, duplo-cego, com dois braços paralelos. OBJETIVO Avaliar a eficácia da injeção de ropivacaína em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico comparado com o toque cutâneo. MÉTODOS Trinta e oito pacientes, sendo 19 no grupo controle (toque cutâneo em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio) e 19 no grupo intervenção (ropivacaína). Foram incluídos sujeitos com diagnóstico de Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico com dor em membros superiores e/ou cervicalgia sem radiculopatia ou comprometimento neurológico do membro em questão por causas radiculares compressivas ou encefálicas. O desfecho primário foi a funcionalidade avaliada pela escala Disabilitie of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand - Dash, validada no Brasil. O tempo das avaliações foram T0 = antes da intervenção; T1 = imediatamente após, T2 = 1 semana, T3 = 4 semanas e T4 = 12 semanas, sendo que para o T1 não foi aplicado o Dash. RESULTADOS Com relação ao Dash, de forma estatisticamente significante (p>0,05), é possível afirmar que o grupo intervenção apresentou melhora da funcionalidade a partir de quatro semanas, e essa melhora se manteve até a 12a semana. CONCLUSÃO Em termos práticos, conclui-se que a injeção de ropivacaína 0,375% nas doses de 2,5 ml em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico auxilia na melhora da função.

Estimated hospitalizations attributable to diabetes mellitus within the public healthcare system in Brazil from 2008 to 2010: study DIAPS 79.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of hospitalizations attributable to diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications within the public healthcare system in Brazil (SUS) and the mean cost paid per hospitalization. METHODS: The official database from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) was consulted from 2008 to 2010. The proportion of hospitalizations attributable to DM was estimated using attributable risk methodology. The mean cost per hospitalization corresponds to direct medical costs in nursing and intensive care, from the perspective of the SUS. RESULTS: The proportion of hospitalizations attributable to DM accounted for 8.1% to 12.2% of total admissions in the period, varying according to use of maximum (self-reported with correction factor) or minimal (self-reported) DM prevalence. The hospitalization rate was 47 to 70.8 per 10.000 inhabitants per year. The mean cost per hospitalization varied from 1.302 Brazilian Reais (BRL) to 1,315 BRL. Assuming the maximum prevalence, hospitalizations were distributed as 10.3% as DM itself, 36.6% as chronic DM-associated complications and 53.1% as general medical conditions. Advancing age was accompanied by an increase in hospitalization rates and corresponding costs, and more pronounced in male patients. CONCLUSION: The results express the importance of DM in terms of the use of health care resources and demonstrate that studies of hospitalizations with DM as a primary diagnosis are not sufficient to assess the magnitude of the impact of this disease.

Estimated hospitalizations attributable to Diabetes Mellitus within the public healthcare system in Brazil from 2008 to 2010: study DIAPS 79 / Hospitalizações atribuíveis ao diabete melito no sistema de saúde público do Brasil (2008 a 2010): estudo DIAPS 79

Objective: to estimate the number of hospitalizations attributable to diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications within the public healthcare system in Brazil (SUS) and the mean cost paid per hospitalization. Methods: the official database from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) was consulted from 2008 to 2010. The proportion of hospitalizations attributable to DM was estimated using attributable risk methodology. The mean cost per hospitalization corresponds to direct medical costs in nursing and intensive care, from the perspective of the SUS. Results: the proportion of hospitalizations attributable to DM accounted for 8.1% to 12.2% of total admissions in the period, varying according to use of maximum (self-reported with correction factor) or minimal (self-reported) DM prevalence. The hospitalization rate was 47 to 70.8 per 10.000 inhabitants per year. The mean cost per hospitalization varied from 1.302 Brazilian Reais (BRL) to 1,315 BRL. Assuming the maximum prevalence, hospitalizations were distributed as 10.3% as DM itself, 36.6% as chronic DM-associated complications and 53.1% as general medical conditions. Advancing age was accompanied by an increase in hospitalization rates and corresponding costs, and more pronounced in male patients. Conclusion: the results express the importance of DM in terms of the use of health care resources and demonstrate that studies of hospitalizations with DM as a primary diagnosis are not sufficient to assess the magnitude of the impact of this disease. .

Objetivo: estimar o número de hospitalizações atribuíveis ao diabete melito (DM) e suas complicações no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro e avaliar o valor médio pago por hospitalização. Métodos: foram consultados bancos de dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS), no período de 2008 a 2010. As proporções de hospitalizações atribuíveis ao DM foram estimadas por meio da metodologia do risco atribuível. O custo médio por hospitalização correspondeu aos custos diretos médicos em enfermaria e tratamento intensivo, sob a perspectiva do SUS. Resultados: hospitalizações atribuíveis ao DM corresponderam a 8,1 a 12,2% do total de internações no período, variando de acordo com a utilização de prevalência máxima (autorreferida com fator de correção) ou mínima (autorreferida) para DM. A taxa de hospitalização foi de 47 a 70,8 por 10 mil habitantes por ano. O custo médio por hospitalização variou de R$ 1.302 a R$ 1.315. Assumindo-se a prevalência máxima, as hospitalizações se (*) Fractions attributable to chronic complications and general medical conditions calculated based on the self-reported prevalence from the VIGITEL survey (**) Fractions attributable to chronic complications and general medical conditions calculated based on the self-reported data expended to include the undiagnosed distribuíram em 10,3% como DM propriamente dito, 36,6% associadas às complicações crônicas do DM e 53,1% atribuídas a condições médicas gerais. O avanço da idade foi acompanhado pelo aumento nas taxas de hospitalizações e nos custos médios correspondentes, sendo mais acentuado nos pacientes do gênero ...

Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of saxagliptine as additional therapy to metformin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in the Brazilian private health system.

OBJECTIVES: To compare costs and clinical benefits of three additional therapies to metformin (MF) for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). METHODS: A discrete event simulation model was built to estimate the cost-utility ratio (cost per quality-adjusted life years [QALY]) of saxagliptine as an additional therapy to MF when compared to rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. A budget impact model (BIM) was built to simulate the economic impact of saxagliptine use in the context of the Brazilian private health system. RESULTS: The acquiring medication costs for the hypothetical patient group analyzed in a time frame of three years, were R$ 10,850,185, R$ 14,836,265 and R$ 14,679,099 for saxagliptine, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, respectively. Saxagliptine showed lower costs and greater effectiveness in both comparisons, with projected savings for the first three years of R$ 3,874 and R$ 3,996, respectively. The BIM estimated cumulative savings of R$ 417,958 with the repayment of saxagliptine in three years from the perspective of a health plan with 1,000,000 covered individuals. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of private paying source, the projection is that adding saxagliptine with MF save costs when compared with the addition of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone in patients with DM2 that have not reached the HbA1c goal with metformin monotherapy. The BIM of including saxagliptine in the reimbursement lists of health plans indicated significant savings on the three-year horizon.

Custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário da saxagliptina como terapia adicional à metformina para o tratamento do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 no sistema de saúde suplementar do Brasil / Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of saxagliptine as additional therapy to metformin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in the brazilian private health system

OBJETIVOS: Comparar custos e benefícios clínicos de três terapias adicionais à metformina (MF) para pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2). MÉTODOS: Um modelo de simulação de eventos discretos foi construído para estimar a relação custo-utilidade (custo por QALY) da saxagliptina como uma terapia adicional à MF comparada à rosiglitazona ou pioglitazona. Um modelo de impacto orçamentário (BIM - Budget Impact Model) foi construído para simular o impacto econômico da adoção de saxagliptina no contexto do Sistema Suplementar de Saúde brasileiro. RESULTADOS: O custo de aquisição da medicação para o grupo de pacientes hipotéticos analisados, para o horizonte temporal de três anos, foi de R$ 10.850.185,00, R$ 14.836.265,00 e R$ 14.679.099,00 para saxagliptina, pioglitazona e rosiglitazona, respectivamente. Saxagliptina exibiu menores custos e maior efetividade em ambas as comparações, com economias projetadas para os três primeiros anos de -R$ 3.874,00 e -R$ 3.996,00, respectivamente. O BIM estimou uma economia cumulativa de R$ 417.958,00 com o reembolso da saxagliptina em três anos a partir da perspectiva de uma operadora de plano de saúde com 1 milhão de vidas cobertas. CONCLUSÃO: Da perspectiva da fonte pagadora privada, a projeção é de que o acréscimo de saxagliptina à MF poupe custos quando comparado ao acréscimo de rosiglitazona ou pioglitazona em pacientes com DMT2 que não atingiram a meta de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) com metformina em monoterapia. O BIM, para a inclusão de saxagliptina nas listas de reembolso das operadoras de planos de saúde, indicou uma economia significativa para o horizonte de 3 anos.

OBJECTIVES: To compare costs and clinical benefits of three additional therapies to metformin (MF) for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). METHODS: A discrete event simulation model was built to estimate the cost-utility ratio (cost per quality-adjusted life years [QALY]) of saxagliptine as an additional therapy to MF when compared to rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. A budget impact model (BIM) was built to simulate the economic impact of saxagliptine use in the context of the Brazilian private health system. RESULTS: The acquiring medication costs for the hypothetical patient group analyzed in a time frame of three years, were R$ 10,850,185, R$ 14,836,265 and R$ 14,679,099 for saxagliptine, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, respectively. Saxagliptine showed lower costs and greater effectiveness in both comparisons, with projected savings for the first three years of R$ 3,874 and R$ 3,996, respectively. The BIM estimated cumulative savings of R$ 417,958 with the repayment of saxagliptine in three years from the perspective of a health plan with 1,000,000 covered individuals. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of private paying source, the projection is that adding saxagliptine with MF save costs when compared with the addition of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone in patients with DM2 that have not reached the HbA1c goal with metformin monotherapy. The BIM of including saxagliptine in the reimbursement lists of health plans indicated significant savings on the three-year horizon.

Hemostatic changes and clinical sequelae after on-pump compared with off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the effects of extracorporeal bypass on biomarkers of hemostasis, fibrinolysis, and inflammation and clinical sequelae. METHODS: Patients were assigned prospectively and randomly to either on-pump (n=41) or off-pump (n=51) coronary bypass surgery. The concentrations of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 in blood were quantified before and after (1 and 24 h) surgery. Similar surgical and anesthetic procedures were used for both groups. Clinical events were assessed during initial hospitalization and at the end of 1 year. RESULTS: The concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 and D-dimer were greater compared with preoperative values 1 and 24 h after surgery in both groups, but their concentrations increased to a greater extent 24 h after surgery in the on-pump group (P<0.01). The concentration of C-reactive protein did not change appreciably immediately after surgery in either group but increased in a parallel manner 24 h after either on-pump or off-pump surgery (P<0.01). Bypass surgery in the on-pump group was associated with greater blood loss during surgery and more bleeding after surgery (P< or =0.01). The incidence of all other complications was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: On-pump surgery was associated with biochemical evidence of a prothrombotic state early after surgery but no greater incidence of thrombotic events was observed. The prothrombotic state might be a consequence of extracorporeal bypass, compensation in response to more bleeding, or both in patients undergoing on-pump surgery.

Prevention of venous thrombosis by warfarin after permanent transvenous leads implantation in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of venous lesions following transvenous cardiac device implantation is high. Previous implantation of temporary leads ipsilateral to the permanent devices, and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction have been associated with an increased risk of venous lesions, though the effects of preventive strategies remain controversial. This randomized trial examined the effects of warfarin in the prevention of these complications in high-risk patients. METHOD: Between February 2004 and September 2007, we studied 101 adults who underwent a first cardiac device implantation, and who had a left ventricular ejection fraction < or =0.40, or a temporary pacing system ipsilateral to the permanent implant, or both. After device implantation, the patients were randomly assigned to warfarin to a target international normalized ratio of 2.0-3.5, or to placebo. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed regularly up to 6 months postimplant. Venous lesions were detected at 6 months by digital subtraction venography. RESULTS: Venous obstructions of various degrees were observed in 46 of the 92 patients (50.0%) who underwent venography. The frequency of venous obstructions was 60.4% in the placebo, versus 38.6% in the warfarin group (P = 0.018), corresponding to an absolute risk reduction of 22% (relative risk = 0.63; 95% confidence interval = 0.013-0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Warfarin prophylaxis lowered the frequency of venous lesions after transvenous devices implantation in high-risk patients.

Varfarina previne obstruções venosas pós-implante de dispositivos cardíacos em pacientes de alto risco: análise parcial / Warfarin prevents venous obstruction after cardiac devices implantation in high-risk patients: partial analysis

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a utilidade da varfarina na prevenção dessas complicações nos pacientes de alto risco. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo, randomizado, cego, em pacientes submetidos ao primeiro implante transvenoso de DCEI, com FEVE<0,40 e/ou MPT ipsilateral ao implante definitivo. Após o procedimento, os pacientes foram randomizados para o uso diário de placebo ou varfarina. Avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais foram realizadas periodicamente. A pesquisa de obstruções venosas foi feita pela venografia por subtração digital, seis meses após o implante. De fevereiro de 2004 a novembro de 2006, foram selecionados 101 pacientes, havendo homogeneidade das características clínicas e operatórias de ambos os grupos (P=NS). RESULTADOS: No grupo Varfarina, 31,4 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram obstruções venosas em comparação a 57,1 por cento do grupo Placebo (RR= 0,57; IC 95 por cento= 0,33 a 0,98; P= 0,015). No grupo Varfarina, 72 por cento dos exames de INR realizados encontraram-se em nível terapêutico. Houve um caso de sangramento gastrintestinal, que justificou a interrupção do uso da varfarina e mudança para o grupo Placebo. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados preliminares mostraram que o uso profilático da anticoagulação mostrou-se seguro e reduziu significativamente a incidência de obstruções venosas pós-implante de DCEI nos pacientes de alto risco.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic use of warfarin in patients with high risk of lead-associated thrombosis. METHODS: Clinical, prospective, randomized and blinded study, in patients submitted to first transvenous leads implantation with LVEF <0.40 and/or previous ipsilateral temporary pacing. After device implantation, patients were randomly assigned to placebo or warfarin. Periodical clinical and laboratorial evaluations were performed to anticoagulant management. After a six-month period, every patient was submitted to a digital subtraction venography. From February 2004 to November 2006, 101 patients underwent randomization. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (P=NS). RESULTS: Venographic analysis showed 31.4 percent of venous obstructions in patients assigned to warfarin as compared with 57.1 percent in patients assigned to placebo (RR= 0.57 [95 percent CI, 0.33 to 0.98]; P=0.015). In the warfarin group, 72 percent of the PT/INR tests were in therapeutic INR range. Only one patient required warfarin discontinuation and cross-over to placebo group due to gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results showed that the anticoagulation therapy has been safe and reduced the frequency of venous thrombosis after transvenous cardiac devices implantation in high risk patients.

Warfarin prevents venous obstruction after cardiac devices implantation in high-risk patients: partial analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic use of warfarin in patients with high risk of lead-associated thrombosis. METHODS: Clinical, prospective, randomized and blinded study, in patients submitted to first transvenous leads implantation with LVEF <0.40 and/or previous ipsilateral temporary pacing. After device implantation, patients were randomly assigned to placebo or warfarin. Periodical clinical and laboratorial evaluations were performed to anticoagulant management. After a six-month period, every patient was submitted to a digital subtraction venography. From February 2004 to November 2006, 101 patients underwent randomization. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (P=NS). RESULTS: Venographic analysis showed 31.4% of venous obstructions in patients assigned to warfarin as compared with 57.1% in patients assigned to placebo (RR= 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33 to 0.98]; P=0.015). In the warfarin group, 72% of the PT/INR tests were in therapeutic INR range. Only one patient required warfarin discontinuation and cross-over to placebo group due to gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results showed that the anticoagulation therapy has been safe and reduced the frequency of venous thrombosis after transvenous cardiac devices implantation in high risk patients.

Comparison between international normalized ratio using a portable device and conventional methodology.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the international normalized ratio (INR) measured by a point-of-care (POC) testing device with that measured by the conventional method in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy with warfarin sodium. METHODS: The INR of 383 warfarin-treated patients (mean age: 56.5 years; 207 female) was measured in capillary blood using the Hemochron Jr. device and compared with that of venous plasma samples determined by the conventional method performed in a Coag-A-Mate analyzer. Results were evaluated globally and for the following subgroups: INR < 2.0, from 2.0 to 3.5, and > 3.5. RESULTS: Using both methods, the comparison between INR values yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.86. However, mean differences in INR in both tests, considering the three subgroups, proved to be statistically significant (p <0.001): 0.14 +/- 0.21 (INR< 2.0); 0.54 +/- 0.31 (2.0 < or = INR < or = 3.5), and 1.64 +/- 1.10 (INR> 3.5). Paired Students t-test analysis revealed a p value < 0.001 for the three subgroups studied. CONCLUSION: The use of point-of-care testing for monitoring oral anticoagulation has some limitations. Anticoagulation intensity was underestimated by this method in the three subgroups studied.

Comparação entre os resultados do índice de normalização internacional medidos em dispositivo portátil (Hemochron Jr) e por metodologia convencional / Comparison between international normalized ratio using a portable device and conventional methodology

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados do índice de Normalização Internacional (INR) obtidos pelo teste rápido com os do método convencional nos pacientes em terapia de anticoagulação oral com varfarina sódica. MÉTODOS: Para 383 pacientes tratados com varfarina (idade média: 56,5 anos; 207 mulheres), o INR foi determinado em sangue capilar pelo equipamento Hemochron Jr. e comparado com os resultados de amostras de plasma venoso analisadas pelo teste convencional realizado em equipamento Coag-A-Mate. Foram avaliados os resultados do desempenho global das amostras e dos seguintes subgrupos: INR < 2,0, entre 2,0 a 3,5 e > 3,5. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os valores de INR dos dois métodos resultou em um coeficiente de correlação (r) de 0,86. Entretanto, a análise das diferenças médias entre os resultados dos dois testes, considerando os três subgrupos, apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,001): 0,14 ± 0,21 (INR < 2,0); 0,54 ± 0,31 (2,0 < INR < 3,5) e 1,64 ± 1,10 (INR> 3,5). O cálculo do teste t-pareado de Student resultou em um p < 0,001 para os três subgrupos analisados. CONCLUSÃO: A adoção do teste rápido para monitoramento da anticoagulação oral apresenta restrições. Esse método subestimou a intensidade da anticoagulação nos três subgrupos estudados.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the international normalized ratio (INR) measured by a point-of-care (POC) testing device with that measured by the conventional method in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy with warfarin sodium. METHODS: The INR of 383 warfarin-treated patients (mean age: 56.5 years; 207 female) was measured in capillary blood using the Hemochron Jr. device and compared with that of venous plasma samples determined by the conventional method performed in a Coag-A-Mate analyzer. Results were evaluated globally and for the following subgroups: INR < 2.0, from 2.0 to 3.5, and > 3.5. RESULTS: Using both methods, the comparison between INR values yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.86. However, mean differences in INR in both tests, considering the three subgroups, proved to be statistically significant (p <0.001): 0.14 ± 0.21 (INR< 2.0); 0.54 ± 0.31 (2.0 < INR < 3.5), and 1.64 ± 1.10 (INR> 3.5). Paired StudentÆs t-test analysis revealed a p value < 0.001 for the three subgroups studied. CONCLUSION: The use of point-of-care testing for monitoring oral anticoagulation has some limitations. Anticoagulation intensity was underestimated by this method in the three subgroups studied.

Reversão da anticoagulação oral em situações de risco / Oral anticoagulation reversion in risk situations

A melhora do conhecimento dos mecanismos de ação dos anticoagulantes, de sua eficácia e de sua segurança tem levado ao aumento progressivo do número de pacientes anticoagulados. A anticoagulação pode ser indicada tanto para prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos nos portadores de fibrilação atrial ou prótese cardíaca mecânica como para tratamento após evento trombótico agudo. Com o evidente aumento do número de pacientes anticoagulados, a ocorrência de eventuais necessidades curúrgicas nesses pacientes tem sido cada vez mais frequente. Diante desas situações de maior risco, será fundamental o preparo do paciente. A conduta deverá ser individualizada e levará em considerações dois aspectos fundamentais: risco trombótico do paciente e risco hemorrágico do procedimento. OS pacientes que serão submetidos a procedimento de alto risco hemorrágico deverão ter sua anticoagulação revertida, porém a reversão da anticoagulação poderá expor o paciente a alto risco trombótico. Acompanhamento multiprofissional com a indicação de medicamentos que atuam de forma...

[Pregnancy-associated venous thrombosis in women with hereditary heterozygous factor V Leiden and/or factor II gene mutations]. / Risque de thrombose lié à la grossesse chez les femmes porteuses d'une mutation hétérozygote du facteur V Leiden, du facteur II ou de leur association.

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnant women with heterozygous factor V Leiden and/or heterozygous factor II 20210A gene mutations is poorly documented, and the need for prophylaxis is therefore controversial. We retrospectively studied 208 women with hereditary thrombophilia (heterozygous FV Leiden and/or factor II gene mutations), who had a total of 406 full-term pregnancies, including 10 with thromboprophylaxis. The ante- and post-partum incidence of VTE was significantly higher in women with both mutations (17.8 %) than in women with FII gene mutation alone (6.2%) p = 0.003. In contrast, there was no significant difference between women with FV+FII mutation and those with FV mutations alone (10%). Thus, the two most common hereditary risk factors for thrombophilia seem to have an additive rather than a synergistic effect on the antepartum/post-partum risk of VTE. In contrast, a previous history of VTE before pregnancy in women with both the FV and the FII gene mutations was associated with a very high risk of VTE (50%). The incidence of VTE was higher during the post-partum period than the ante-partum period. There was no significant difference in the incidence of fetal loss in the three groups, but this was not a primary endpoint. These results, obtained in a single center, have implications for VTE prophylaxis. Routine use of LMWH is not indicated during pregnancy in asymptomatic women with a single mutation. In contrast, it is justified throughout pregnancy in women with both mutations and a history of venous thrombosis. Regarding asymptomatic women with both mutations, the need for prophylaxis during part or all of the pregnancy should be weighed up on an individual basis. In the post-partum period, there is a consensus on the use of LMWH for 6 weeks in women with single or dual mutations associated with thrombophilia.