Prevalence of patellar chondropathy on 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of patellar chondropathy using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the findings with individual features such as gender, age, and body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data consisted of collecting 3T MRIs of patients' knees obtained between October 2016 and September 2017, comprising a period of 12 months. These MRIs were assessed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist who confirmed the presence of patellar chondropathy and, when present, rated the finding into the four grades ascribed by the International Cartilage Repair Society. RESULTS: A total number of 291 patients were assessed during the period with 389 MRI scans. Of those patients, 308 (79.2%) were diagnosed with patellar chondropathy, while 81 (20.8%) were not. Chondropathy was more prevalent in the female gender, in subjects above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. When the results were weighed in International Cartilage Repair Society classification, the milder grades (1 and 2) were seen in younger men (< 30 years of age), while the more severe grades (3 and 4) were mostly present in females, those above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of patellar chondropathy in patients who had undergone high-field knee MRIs (79.2%), being highest in the female gender and in subjects above 40 years of age. The most prevalent group was graded as 4 by the International Cartilage Repair Society classification.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer a prevalência de condropatia patelar em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) em campo de 3,0 T e associar os achados com características como gênero, idade e índice de massa corporal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram coletados exames de RM de joelho em campo magnético de 3.0 T no período de outubro de 2016 a setembro de 2017. Os exames foram analisados por radiologista com experiência em radiologia musculoesquelética, que verificou a presença de condropatia patelar e a classificou entre os quatro graus, de acordo com a classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 291 pacientes, com a realização de 389 exames de RM. Destes exames, 308 (79,2%) apresentavam condropatia patelar e apenas 81 (20,8%) não a apresentavam. A doença foi vista mais frequentemente nas mulheres, em indivíduos acima de 40 anos e em obesos. Quando classificada por graus, os mais leves (graus 1 e 2) foram mais observados em homens e jovens (< 30 anos) e os mais severos (graus 3 e 4) no sexo feminino, nos acima de 40 anos e nos obesos. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de condropatia patelar nos pacientes que realizaram RM foi elevada (79,2%), sendo maior no sexo feminino e nos indivíduos acima de 40 anos. Dentro da classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society, o grupo mais prevalente foi o grau 4.

Prevalence of patellar chondropathy on 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging / Prevalência de condropatia patelar na ressonância magnética de 3,0 T

Abstract Objective: To establish the prevalence of patellar chondropathy using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the findings with individual features such as gender, age, and body mass index. Materials and Methods: Data consisted of collecting 3T MRIs of patients' knees obtained between October 2016 and September 2017, comprising a period of 12 months. These MRIs were assessed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist who confirmed the presence of patellar chondropathy and, when present, rated the finding into the four grades ascribed by the International Cartilage Repair Society. Results: A total number of 291 patients were assessed during the period with 389 MRI scans. Of those patients, 308 (79.2%) were diagnosed with patellar chondropathy, while 81 (20.8%) were not. Chondropathy was more prevalent in the female gender, in subjects above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. When the results were weighed in International Cartilage Repair Society classification, the milder grades (1 and 2) were seen in younger men (< 30 years of age), while the more severe grades (3 and 4) were mostly present in females, those above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of patellar chondropathy in patients who had undergone high-field knee MRIs (79.2%), being highest in the female gender and in subjects above 40 years of age. The most prevalent group was graded as 4 by the International Cartilage Repair Society classification.

Resumo Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência de condropatia patelar em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) em campo de 3,0 T e associar os achados com características como gênero, idade e índice de massa corporal. Materiais e Métodos: Foram coletados exames de RM de joelho em campo magnético de 3.0 T no período de outubro de 2016 a setembro de 2017. Os exames foram analisados por radiologista com experiência em radiologia musculoesquelética, que verificou a presença de condropatia patelar e a classificou entre os quatro graus, de acordo com a classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society. Resultados: Foram avaliados 291 pacientes, com a realização de 389 exames de RM. Destes exames, 308 (79,2%) apresentavam condropatia patelar e apenas 81 (20,8%) não a apresentavam. A doença foi vista mais frequentemente nas mulheres, em indivíduos acima de 40 anos e em obesos. Quando classificada por graus, os mais leves (graus 1 e 2) foram mais observados em homens e jovens (< 30 anos) e os mais severos (graus 3 e 4) no sexo feminino, nos acima de 40 anos e nos obesos. Conclusão: A prevalência de condropatia patelar nos pacientes que realizaram RM foi elevada (79,2%), sendo maior no sexo feminino e nos indivíduos acima de 40 anos. Dentro da classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society, o grupo mais prevalente foi o grau 4.

Quantifying Dynamic Deformity After Dual Plane Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic breast deformity (DBD) is characterized by visible distortion and deformity of the breast due to contraction of the pectoralis major muscle after submuscular breast augmentation; fortunately, in most cases, this is not a clinically significant complaint from patients. The purpose of this study is to present a simple method for objectively measuring DBD in patients submitted to dual plane breast augmentation (DPBA). METHODS: We studied 32 women, between 18 and 50 years old, who underwent primary DPBA with at least 1 year of follow-up. Anthropometric landmarks of the breast were marked, creating linear segments. Standardized photographs were obtained both during no pectoralis contraction (NPC) and during maximum pectoralis muscle contraction (MPC); measurements of the linear segments were taken through ImageJ imaging software, and both groups were compared. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in all analyzed segments when comparing measurements of the breasts during NPC and MPC (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study proposes a novel, standardized method for measuring DBD after DPBA. This technique is reproducible, allowing for objective quantification of the deformity in any patient, which can be valuable for both patients and surgeons, as it allows for a more thorough discussion on DBD, both pre- and postoperatively, and may help both patients and surgeons to make more informed decisions regarding potential animation deformities after breast augmentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Tratamento pós-operatório de tenorrafias dos tendões flexores da mão: uma revisão narrativa / Post-operative treatment of tenorrhaphies of the flexor tendons of the hand: a narrative review

Objetivos: Revisar a literatura quanto à conduta pós-operatória mais adequada para o tratamento das lesões dos tendões flexores da mão. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados MEDLINE/PUBMED, com as seguintes palavras indexadas "digitorum profundus tendon", "digitorum superficialis tendon", "hand tendon injuries", "hand tendon repair", "hand tendon surgery", "early passive mobilization", "controlled active motion", "flexor tendon repair surgery", "postoperative hand rehabilitation". A data de seleção se restringiu entre os anos de 2010 a 2018. Foram encontrados 149 artigos e, desses, 9 foram escolhidos para a análise deste estudo, por atenderem os critérios de inclusão. Resultados: É consenso entre os artigos analisados que o movimento dos dígitos após a cirurgia é fundamental para a recuperação do déficit motor da mão. O movimento na intensidade apropriada previne rupturas e aderências tendíneas. Além do movimento, há um impasse quanto ao modo de imobilização do punho. Conclusão: A análise dos estudos indica que a melhor opção de tratamento pós-operatório é a mobilização ativa precoce, pelo fato de o índice de adesão tendínea ser baixíssimo. Resta dúvida se a posição do punho pode interferir no índice de ruptura dos tendões.

Objectives: To review the literature on the most appropriate postoperative question for the treatment of injuries of the flexor tendons of the hand. Methods: A search was performed in the MEDLINE / PUBMED database, with the following words indexed "digitorum profundus tendon", "digitorum superficialis tendon", "hand tendon injuries", "hand tendon repair", "hand tendon surgery", "early passive mobilization, "" controlled active motion, "" flexor tendon repair surgery, "" postoperative hand rehabilitation. "The selection date was restricted between 2010 and 2018. 149 articles were found and 9 were selected for analysis of this study, because they met the inclusion criteria. Results: It is a consensus among the articles that concern the movement of patients after surgery is fundamental, for a recovery of the motor deficit of the hand. The movement in the struggle for correction prevents tendinous ruptures and adhesions. In addition, there is a stalemate regarding the mode of immobilization of the wrist. Conclusion: The analysis of the studies indicates that the best option for postoperative treatment is active early mobilization, because the tendon adhesion index is very low. Whether the wrist position may interfere with tendon rupture rates remains to be questioned.

Dieta hiperproteica e função renal: discutindo seus efeitos em adultos normais / High-protein diet and kidney disease: a discussion on effects in regular adults

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é revisar e atualizar a literatura sobre os efeitos de uma dieta hiperprotéica em comparação com uma dieta hipoprotéica na função renal de indivíduos adultos previamente hígidos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas as bases digitais Pubmed/Medline e Lilacs durante o mês de maio de 2018. Os termos utilizados foram "Diet, High-protein AND Kidney Disease", ambos Mesh Terms, sendo pesquisados artigos em língua portuguesa e em língua inglesa. Os critérios de inclusão utilizados selecionaram adultos saudáveis em uso de dieta hiperproteica, com função renal preservada ou minimamente alterada. Estudos que não preenchessem esses critérios, bem como artigos que abordaram grupos de neonatos, crianças e adolescentes, não foram selecionados. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 11 estudos. Analisamos os efeitos da ingestão aumentada de proteínas na Taxa de Filtração Glomerular (TGF), da pressão arterial e do metabolismo do cálcio e da ureia. O conteúdo das revisões dos estudos conflagra um aumento dos níveis de vasopressina, combinado à elevação da Taxa de Filtração Glomerular, da excreção de cálcio na urina e dos níveis séricos de ureia. Não foram encontradas evidências significativas quanto a risco de lesões renais. CONCLUSÕES: De acordo essa revisão, não foram encontradas evidências de que uma dieta com alto teor protéico possa acarretar prejuízo na função renal a curto ou médio prazo, em indivíduos normais.

AIMS: This study aims to review and atualize the literature about the effects on renal function comparing a high-protein diet and a low-protein diet in healthy adults. METHODS: Pubmed/Medline and Lilacs were the digital databases in which the search was performed during May 2018. The Mesh terms used here were "Diet, High-protein AND Kidney Disease" and the articles chosen were either in portuguese or english language. There were only included studies related to hiperproteic diets in healthy human adults with null or negative outcomes towards renal functionality. Studies that did not meet this criteria, such as articles that approached newborn, children or teenagers, were not picked up. RESULTS: We picked 11 studies. We analyzed the effects of high-protein diets in the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), blood pressure and in urea and calcium metabolism. The review content of the studies could display an increase of vasopressin levels, as well as Glomerular Filtration Rate, excretion of calcium and serum level of urea. There were not identified significant evidence about risk of renal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: According to this review, any evidence that a high-protein diet is capable of causing renal impairment at short and medium term in healthy individuals could not be found.

Chordata method combined with electrotherapy in functional recovery after brachial plexus injury: report of three clinical cases / Método Chordata combinado com eletroterapia na recuperação funcional após lesão do plexo braquial: relato de três casos clínicos

AIMS: To report three clinical cases of complex brachial plexus injury treated with an innovative physical therapy program, the Chordata Method, combined with electrotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients suffered a complex brachial plexus injury. They were submitted to surgery and to long-term rehabilitation with the Chordata method (including suspension and tilting exercises) combined with electrotherapy. All patients exhibited significant signs of recovery in post-treatment electroneuromyography. Moreover, improvements in muscle strength and in the range of motion of the injured upper limb were also observed, leading to better posture and gains in activities of daily living (e.g., driving a modified car, holding objects, performing household chores, and doing leisure activities). CONSLUSIONS: There was great functional recovery after the physical therapy program with the Chordata Method combined with electrotherapy, with an impact on patients' daily lives as well as on electroneuromyography findings. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or refute this new non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever três casos clínicos em que os indivíduos tiveram lesão de plexo braquial complexa, tratada com um programa inovador de fisioterapia, o Método Chordata, associado à eletroterapia. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: Três pacientes sofreram lesões complexas do plexo braquial. Os três sujeitos foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica e a um longo período de reabilitação com o emprego do método Chordata (envolvendo exercícios de suspensão e pendulação corporal), combinada com a eletroterapia. Todos os pacientes apresentaram sinais significativos de recuperação na eletroneuromiografia pós-tratamento. Além disso, os três também apresentaram melhora na força muscular e nas amplitudes de movimento do membro superior acometido. Observou-se melhor postura e ganhos importantes nas atividades de vida diária (tais como dirigir um carro modificado, segurar objetos, realizar tarefas domésticas e atividades de lazer). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados revelaram uma importante recuperação funcional após o programa de fisioterapia com o Método Chordata associado à eletroterapia, com impacto na vida diária dos pacientes, bem como nos achados eletroneuromiográficos. Ensaios clínicos randomizados são necessários para confirmar ou refutar esta nova estratégia terapêutica não farmacológica nas lesões de plexo braquial.

A gastrocnemius heterotopical transplant model with end-to-side neurorraphy.

PURPOSE: To present an animal model to assess the effects of end-to-side innervation in the heterotopically transplanted model with reduced chances of neural contamination. METHODS: The medial portion of the gastrocnemius muscle in wistar male rats was isolated and its pedicle dissected and performed a flap in the abdominal portion. To prevent neural contamination in the abdominal region, the muscle was wrapped with a Goretex(r) sheet. The specimens were divided into 2 groups (G). In G1 was performed an end-to-end suture between tibial nerve of the gastrocnemius and femoral motor nerve and between the saphenous sensory nerve and the motor nerve. In G2 was performed a end-to-side suture between the tibial nerve and the motor femoral and between the tibial nerve and saphenous motor nerve. The specimens were evaluated 60 days later to check the structure of the neurorraphy. Sections were obtained proximal and distal to the coaptation site. RESULTS: The medial gastrocnemius muscle had the advantage of maintaining visible mass after 60 days. No disruption of the coaptation site was found. No major injury to the donor nerve was seen in group 2. CONCLUSION: The proposed model is simple, reproduciple and prevent the neural contamination in the flap in end-to-side suture.

Sodium fluorescein in skull base meningiomas: a technical note.

OBJECTIVES: Skull base meningiomas are a neurosurgical challenge due to the involvement of neurovascular structures. In this study, the authors present the first study of the trans-operative use of sodium fluorescein (SF) to enhance skull base meningiomas and perform a quantitative digital analysis of the tumors' pigmentation. The goal of the study was to observe the SF enhancement of skull base meningiomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, within-subjects study was designed and performed. This study included twelve patients with skull base meningiomas. After an initial dissection, digital pictures were taken before and after systematic injections of SF using the same light-source used for the surgical microscope. These pictures were analyzed with software that calculated the wavelengths of the sodium fluorescein before and after the injection of the dye. RESULTS: The meningiomas in the sample included the following types: 1 cavernous sinus, 1 olfactory groove, 3 petroclival, 1 tuberculum sellae, 3 sphenoid wings, 1 anterior clinoid, and 2 temporal floor. The SF enhancement in all tumors was strongly positive. CONCLUSIONS: The low cost, universal availability and safety of SF indicate that this dye should be examined in further studies, and its applications in skull-base meningioma surgeries should be further assessed.

Convexity meningiomas enhanced by sodium fluorescein.

BACKGROUND: The resection of the meningiomas surrounding the dura is an important goal during the removal of a convexity meningioma. The authors present the first application of sodium fluorescein (SF) as a tool for tumor and dural tail identification in convexity meningiomas. METHODS: Five frontal convexity meningiomas operated on between December 2012 and April 2013 were included. After initial dissection a dose of 1 g of the SF, 20% was injected into a peripheral vein. Tumor and dural tail were removed using the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and transoperative SF enhancement. RESULTS: Simpson Grade 1 removal was obtained in three cases, grade 2 in one atypical meningioma and grade zero in one case. SF dural tail enhancement was positive in all cases and histologic analysis evidenced involvement of the dura by tumors. CONCLUSION: SF enhancement was evident in meningiomas and dura surrounding the lesions. Histologic analysis confirmed dural involvement. SF could represent an universally available fluorescent tool for meningioma surgery.

The effect of the anti-angiogenic drug sunitinib malate on the vascular architecture of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The effects of anti-angiogenic therapies in guiding tumor angioarchitecture prompted us to examine the modifications in the vascular network of the oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) produced by the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib malate. Twelve Syrian hamsters had their right buccal pouches submitted to tumor induction with dimethylbenzanthracene and carbamide peroxide for 55 days. The animals were then divided into two groups of six animals each; group I was treated with sunitinib malate and group II (control) was remained untreated. After 4 weeks, the hamsters had their vascular networks casted by Mercox® resin and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The qualitative study of the vascular network of the control tumor-bearing pouches showed images of intussusception and sprouting angiogenesis, flattened blood vessels, abrupt variations in their diameter, and a tortuous course. The samples treated with sunitinib exhibited a qualitative reduction of the signs of vascular proliferation. In addition, these casts presented an attenuation of the morphological features observed in the untreated tumor-bearing pouches. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the pouches treated with sunitinib did not show a decrease (P > 0.05) in the vascular diameter and intervessel distances when compared with the control group. The results of the present study suggest that sunitinib may act on the vascular network of oral SCC, normalizing the blood vessels. However, further experiments should be performed in order to determine a judicious dose of this anti-angiogenic therapy.

Skull Base Meningiomas and Cranial Nerves Contrast Using Sodium Fluorescein: A New Application of an Old Tool.

Objective The identification of cranial nerves is one of the most challenging goals in the dissection of skull base meningiomas. The authors present an application of sodium fluorescein (SF) in skull base meningiomas with the purpose of improving the identification of cranial nerves. Design A prospective study within-subjects design. Setting Hospital Ernesto Dornelles, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants Patients with skull base meningiomas. Main Outcomes Measures Cranial nerve identification. Results The group of nine meningiomas was composed of one cavernous sinus, three petroclival, one tuberculum sellae, two sphenoid wing, one olfactory groove, and one temporal floor meningioma. The SF enhancement in all tumors was strong, and the contrast with cranial nerves clearly evident. There were one definite olfactory nerve deficit, one transient abducens deficit, and one definite hemiparesis. All lesions were resected (Simpson grades 1 and 2). The analysis of the difference of the delta SF wavelength between the meningiomas and cranial nerve contrast was performed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test and showed p = 0.011. Conclusions The contrast between the enhanced meningiomas and cranial nerves was evident and assisted in the visualization and microsurgical dissection of these structures. The anatomical preservation of these structures was improved using the contrast.

Amputação de quirodáctilo e microcirurgia com reimplante / Chirodactile amputation and microsurgery with reimplant

As amputações digitais são lesões frequentes e podem acarretar danos estéticos e funcionais. O tratamento visa devolver a função original, tendo no reimplante a principal indicação. Porém, há indicações específicas e condições adequadas para sua realização. Esse artigo revisa a conduta atual do reimplante em amputações de quirodáctilos.

Digital amputations are frequent injuries and can result in esthetics and functional damages. The treatment aims return the original function, having in the replantation the main indication. However, there are specific indications and adequate conditions for its realization. This article reviews the actual management in replantation and amputation of fingers.

A gastrocnemius heterotopical transplant model with end-to-side neurorraphy

PURPOSE: To present an animal model to assess the effects of end-to-side innervation in the heterotopically transplanted model with reduced chances of neural contamination. METHODS: The medial portion of the gastrocnemius muscle in wistar male rats was isolated and its pedicle dissected and performed a flap in the abdominal portion. To prevent neural contamination in the abdominal region, the muscle was wrapped with a Goretex(r) sheet. The specimens were divided into 2 groups (G). In G1 was performed an end-to-end suture between tibial nerve of the gastrocnemius and femoral motor nerve and between the saphenous sensory nerve and the motor nerve. In G2 was performed a end-to-side suture between the tibial nerve and the motor femoral and between the tibial nerve and saphenous motor nerve. The specimens were evaluated 60 days later to check the structure of the neurorraphy. Sections were obtained proximal and distal to the coaptation site. RESULTS: The medial gastrocnemius muscle had the advantage of maintaining visible mass after 60 days. No disruption of the coaptation site was found. No major injury to the donor nerve was seen in group 2. CONCLUSION: The proposed model is simple, reproduciple and prevent the neural contamination in the flap in end-to-side suture. .

PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION: CELL THERAPY AND NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS.

Peripheral nerve trauma results in functional loss in the innervated organ, and recovery without surgical intervention is rare. Many surgical techniques can be used for nerve repair. Among these, the tubulization technique can be highlighted: this allows regenerative factors to be introduced into the chamber. Cell therapy and tissue engineering have arisen as an alternative for stimulating and aiding peripheral nerve regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide a survey and analysis on the results from experimental and clinical studies that used cell therapy and tissue engineering as tools for optimizing the regeneration process. The articles used came from the LILACS, Medline and SciELO scientific databases. Articles on the use of stem cells, Schwann cells, growth factors, collagen, laminin and platelet-rich plasma for peripheral nerve repair were summarized over the course of the review. Based on these studies, it could be concluded that the use of stem cells derived from different sources presents promising results relating to nerve regeneration, because these cells have a capacity for neuronal differentiation, thus demonstrating effective functional results. The use of tubes containing bioactive elements with controlled release also optimizes the nerve repair, thus promoting greater myelination and axonal growth of peripheral nerves. Another promising treatment is the use of platelet-rich plasma, which not only releases growth factors that are important in nerve repair, but also serves as a carrier for exogenous factors, thereby stimulating the proliferation of specific cells for peripheral nerve repair.

Regeneração de nervos periféricos: terapia celular e fatores neurotróficos / Peripheral nerve regeneration: cell therapy and neurotrophic factors

Traumatismos em nervos periféricos resultam na perda de função do órgão inervado e raramente apresentam recuperação sem a intervenção cirúrgica. Diversas técnicas cirúrgicas são passíveis de serem empregadas para o reparo nervoso. Dentre elas, ressalta-se o uso da técnica de tubulização, podendo ser acrescentados fatores com capacidade regenerativa na câmara. A terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos surgem como uma alternativa para estimular e auxiliar a regeneração de nervos periféricos. Portanto, o objetivo desta revisão é fornecer um levantamento e uma análise de estudos experimentais e clínicos, quanto aos resultados obtidos, que utilizam a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos como ferramentas para otimizar o processo de regeneração. Os artigos utilizados são oriundos de bases de dados científicas LILACS e Medline, através de pesquisas realizadas no PubMed e SciELO. Artigos sobre o uso de células-tronco, células de Schwann, fatores de crescimento, colágeno, laminina e plasma rico em plaquetas no reparo de nervos periféricos foram sintetizados ao longo da revisão. Com base nos diversos estudos pode-se concluir que a utilização de células-tronco derivadas de diferentes fontes apresentam resultados promissores na regeneração nervosa, pois estas possuem capacidade de diferenciação neuronal, demonstrando, assim, resultados funcionais eficazes. O uso de tubos acrescidos de elementos bioativos com liberação controlada também otimiza o reparo nervoso, promovendo uma maior mielinização e crescimento axonal dos nervos periféricos. Outro tratamento promissor é o uso de plasma rico em plaquetas, que, além de liberar fatores de crescimento importantes no reparo nervoso, ainda serve como um carreador para fatores exógenos estimulando a proliferação de células específicas no reparo de nervo periférico.

Peripheral nerve trauma results in functional loss in the innervated organ, and recovery without surgical intervention is rare. Many surgical techniques can be used for nerve repair. Among these, the tubulization technique can be highlighted: this allows regenerative factors to be introduced into the chamber. Cell therapy and tissue engineering have arisen as an alternative for stimulating and aiding peripheral nerve regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide a survey and analysis on the results from experimental and clinical studies that used cell therapy and tissue engineering as tools for optimizing the regeneration process. The articles used came from the LILACS, Medline and SciELO scientific databases. Articles on the use of stem cells, Schwann cells, growth factors, collagen, laminin and platelet-rich plasma for peripheral nerve repair were summarized over the course of the review. Based on these studies, it could be concluded that the use of stem cells derived from different sources presents promising results relating to nerve regeneration, because these cells have a capacity for neuronal differentiation, thus demonstrating effective functional results. The use of tubes containing bioactive elements with controlled release also optimizes the nerve repair, thus promoting greater myelination and axonal growth of peripheral nerves. Another promising treatment is the use of platelet-rich plasma, which not only releases growth factors that are important in nerve repair, but also serves as a carrier for exogenous factors, thereby stimulating the proliferation of specific cells for peripheral nerve repair.

Use of sodium fluorescein in skull base tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The authors present this study using sodium fluorescein (SF) to enhance skull base tumors by performing a quantitative digital analysis of tumor enhancement. The purpose of this study is to observe the grade of SF enhancement by the tumors. METHODS: A prospective experiment within-subjects study design was performed which included six patients with skull base lesions. Digital pictures were taken before and after the SF systemic injection, using the same light source of the microsurgical field. The pictures were analyzed by computer software which calculated the wavelength (WL) of the SF pre- and post-injection. RESULTS: THE GROUP OF TUMORS WAS AS FOLLOWS: one vestibular schwannoma, three meningiomas, one craniopharyngioma and one pituitary adenoma. The SF enhancement in all tumors was strongly positive. The digital analysis of the pictures, considering the SF WL pre- and post-injection, presented P = 0.028 (Wilcoxon T test). CONCLUSIONS: The enhancement of the tumors by SF was consistent and evident. The introductory results suggest the possibility of using SF as an adjuvant tool for the skull base surgery. Further studies should test the clinical application of the SF in skull base tumors.

The Use of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (Picc) in the Hospital Environment / A utilização do cateter central de inserção periférica (CCIP) no ambiente hospitalar / La utilización del catéter central de inserción periférica (CCIP) en el ambiente hospitalario

The study aimed to analyze the history of the use of the peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients admitted to hospital from 2000 to 2007. The historical cohort approach was used with retrospective data collection from medical records of the Catheter Group of the Moinhos de Vento Hospital Association in Porto Alegre, RS, totaling 229 catheters inserted. The growth curve in the use of the PICC was from 1 catheter inserted in 2000 to 57 in 2007. The most prevalent pathology was oncology (17.9 percent, n=41). In relation to the indications of use, antibiotic use prevailed (54.1 percent, n=124). In the radiological confirmation the vena cava was prevalent (68.1 percent, n=156). The use of the PICC in the hospital environment is expanding and nursing has a fundamental role in its insertion, maintenance and removal.

O estudo objetivou analisar o histórico da utilização do cateter central de inserção periférica em pacientes adultos e internados, em ambiente hospitalar, de 2000 a 2007. Teve abordagem de coorte histórica, com coleta de dados retrospectiva em prontuários do Grupo de Cateteres da Associação Hospitalar Moinhos de Vento, em Porto Alegre, RS, totalizando 229 cateteres inseridos. A curva de crescimento na utilização do cateter central de inserção periférica (CCIP) foi de 1 cateter inserido em 2000 a 57 inseridos em 2007. A prevalência inerente à patologia foi a oncológica (17,9 por cento, n=41). Em relação às indicações ao uso, prevaleceu a antibioticoterapia (54,1 por cento, n=124). Na confirmação radiológica, a veia cava foi prevalente (68,1 por cento, n=156). Pode-se concluir que a utilização do CCIP no ambiente hospitalar está em expansão e a enfermagem tem papel fundamental na inserção, manutenção e sua remoção.

El estudio objetivó analizar el histórico de la utilización del catéter central de inserción periférica en pacientes adultos e internados en ambiente hospitalario de 2000 a 2007. Tuvo abordaje de cohorte histórico con recolección de datos retrospectivo en fichas del Grupo de Catéteres de la Asociación Hospitalaria Molinos de Viento en Porto Alegre, RS, totalizando 229 catéteres inseridos. La curva de crecimiento en la utilización del CCIP fue de 1 catéter inserido en 2000 a 57 inseridos en 2007. La prevalencia inherente a la patología fue oncológica (17,9 por ciento, n=41). En relación a las indicaciones de uso prevaleció la terapia con antibióticos (54,1 por ciento, n=124). En la confirmación radiológica la vena cava fue prevalente (68,1 por ciento, n=156). La utilización del CCIP en el ambiente hospitalario está en expansión y la enfermería tiene un papel fundamental en la inserción, manutención y remoción.

The use of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the hospital environment.

The study aimed to analyze the history of the use of the peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients admitted to hospital from 2000 to 2007. The historical cohort approach was used with retrospective data collection from medical records of the Catheter Group of the Moinhos de Vento Hospital Association in Porto Alegre, RS, totaling 229 catheters inserted. The growth curve in the use of the PICC was from 1 catheter inserted in 2000 to 57 in 2007. The most prevalent pathology was oncology (17.9%, n=41). In relation to the indications of use, antibiotic use prevailed (54.1%, n=124). In the radiological confirmation the vena cava was prevalent (68.1%, n=156). The use of the PICC in the hospital environment is expanding and nursing has a fundamental role in its insertion, maintenance and removal.