Anemia e deficiência de ferro em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal em um centro de referência no Brasil: prevalência e fatores de risco / Anemia and iron deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease patients in a referral center in brazil: prevalence and risk factors

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Data regarding the prevalence of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are scarce in Brazil. Anemia and iron deficiency anemia have been known to cause significant functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher morbidity and mortality and may be correlated with an impact on the cost of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for anemia and iron deficiency anemia in patients with IBD in a tertiary IBD unit in Southeast Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective analysis of an adult IBD cohort (IBD Unit, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil) consisting of 579 patients between January 2014 and July 2018. Clinicoepidemiological data, hemoglobin measurements and serum ferritin were extracted from electronic medical records. Anemia prevalence was calculated among ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) phenotypes. Risk factors for anemia were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 529 (91%) patients had complete blood counts available in their medical records. Only 35.5% of IBD patients were fully screened for anemia. The prevalence of anemia in IBD patients was 24.6% (29.1% in CD and 19.1% in UC, P=0.008). The anemia was moderate to severe in 16.9% (19.8% in CD and 11.4% in UC, P=0.34). The prevalence of iron deficiency was 52.3% (53.6% in CD and 51.2% in UC, P=0.95). Anemia of chronic disease was present in 14.1% of IBD patients. A total of 53.8% of patients with anemia were in clinical remission. CD was associated with an increased prevalence of anemia (P=0.008; OR=1.76; CI 95% =1.16-2.66) compared to UC. The penetrant disease phenotype in CD was associated with a lower risk of anemia (P<0.0001; OR=0.25; CI 95% =0.14-0.43). Active disease compared to the disease in clinical remission was associated with an increased risk of anemia (P=0.0003; OR=2.61; CI 95% =1.56-4.36) in CD. The presence of anemia was less frequent in patients with CD who underwent surgical bowel resection compared to those who did not undergo surgery (P<0.0001; OR=0.24; CI 95% =0.14-0.40). No differences in anemia prevalence were observed regarding CD localization, age at diagnosis, UC extension or biological therapy (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite the low levels of full screening, anemia and iron deficiency anemia were common manifestations of IBD. CD was associated with an increased risk of anemia, especially with active disease. In addition, patients with CD who underwent surgical bowel resection and penetrant disease phenotype in CD were associated with lower risk of anemia.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Dados referentes à prevalência de anemia em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) são escassos no Brasil. Sabe-se que anemia e a anemia ferropriva causam comprometimento funcional significativo, menor qualidade de vida e maior morbimortalidade e podem estar correlacionadas com um impacto no custo do tratamento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e os fatores de risco de anemia e de anemia ferropriva em pacientes com DII em um centro de referência de DII no Sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes com DII adultos, aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética Institucional do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil, constituída por 579 pacientes no período de janeiro de 2014 a julho de 2018. Dados clínico-epidemiológicos, níveis de hemoglobina e de ferritina sérica foram obtidos dos prontuários eletrônicos. A prevalência de anemia foi calculada entre os fenótipos de retocolite ulcerativa (RCU) e doença de Crohn (DC). Fatores de risco para anemia também foram calculados. RESULTADOS: Um total de 529 (91%) pacientes tinha disponível o exame de hemograma completo em seus prontuários médicos. Apenas 35,5% dos pacientes com DII tinha o rastreamento completo para anemia. A prevalência de anemia nos pacientes com DII foi de 24,6% (29,1% na DC e 19,1% na RCU, P=0,008). A anemia foi moderada a grave em 16,9% (19,8% na DC e 11,4% na RCU, P=0,34). A prevalência de deficiência de ferro foi de 52,3% (53,6% na DC e 51,2% na RCU, P=0,95). Anemia de doença crônica estava presente em 14,1% dos pacientes com DII. Um total de 53,8% dos pacientes com anemia estavam em remissão clínica. A DC esteve associada a um aumento da prevalência de anemia (P=0,008; OR=1,76; IC 95% =1,16-2,66) em comparação à RCU. O fenótipo da doença penetrante na DC foi associado a um menor risco de anemia (P<0,0001; OR=0,25; IC 95% =0,14-0,43). A doença ativa comparada à doença em remissão clínica foi associada a um risco aumentado de anemia (P=0,0003; OR=2,61; IC 95% =1,56-4,36) na DC. A presença de anemia foi menos frequente nos pacientes com DC submetidos à ressecção intestinal em comparação aos que não foram submetidos à cirurgia (P<0,0001; OR=0,24; IC 95% =0,14-0,40). Não foram observadas diferenças na prevalência de anemia em relação à localização da DC, idade ao diagnóstico, extensão da RCU ou terapia biológica (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do baixo rastreamento completo, tanto a anemia como a anemia ferropriva foram manifestações comuns da DII. A DC foi associada a um risco aumentado de anemia, especialmente com doença ativa. Além disto, pacientes com DC submetidos a ressecção intestinal e/ou com fenótipo penetrante tiveram menor risco de anemia.

Analysis of gene expression EGFR and KRAS, microRNA-21 and microRNA-203 in patients with colon and rectal cancer and correlation with clinical outcome and prognostic factors

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the expression of EGFR, KRAS genes, microRNAs-21 and 203 in colon and rectal cancer samples, correlated with their age at diagnosis, histological subtype, value of pretreatment CEA, TNM staging and clinical outcome. Methods: Expression of genes and microRNAs by real time PCR in tumor and non-tumor samples obtained from surgical treatment of 50 patients. Results: An increased expression of microRNAs-21 and 203 in tumor samples in relation to non-tumor samples was found. There was no statistically significant difference between the expression of these genes and microRNAs when compared to age at diagnosis and histological subtype. The EGFR gene showed higher expression in relation to the value of CEA diagnosis. The expression of microRNA-203 was progressively lower in relation to the TNM staging and was higher in the patient group in clinical remission. Conclusions: The therapy of colon and rectum tumors based on microRNAs remains under investigation reserving huge potential for future applications and clinical interventions in conjunction with existing therapies. We expect, based on the exposed data, to stimulate the development of new therapeutic possibilities, making the treatment of these tumors more effective.

Effects of zinc supplementation on fatigue and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer / Efeitos da suplementação de zinco na fadiga e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer colorretal

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of oral zinc supplementation on fatigue intensity and quality of life of patients during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 24 patients on chemotherapy for colorectal adenocarcinoma in a tertiary care public hospital. The study patients received zinc capsules 35mg (Zinc Group, n=10) or placebo (Placebo Group, n=14) orally, twice daily (70mg/day), for 16 weeks, from the immediate postoperative period to the fourth chemotherapy cycle. Approximately 45 days after surgical resection of the tumor, all patients received a chemotherapeutic regimen. Before each of the four cycles of chemotherapy, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was completed. We used a linear mixed model for longitudinal data for statistical analysis. Results The scores of quality of life and fatigue questionnaires were similar between the groups during the chemotherapy cycles. The Placebo Group presented worsening of quality of life and increased fatigue between the first and fourth cycles of chemotherapy, but there were no changes in the scores of quality of life or fatigue in the Zinc Group. Conclusion Zinc supplementation prevented fatigue and maintained quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer on chemotherapy.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os efeitos da suplementação oral de zinco sobre a intensidade da fadiga e a qualidade de vida de pacientes durante a quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal. Métodos Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego conduzido em um hospital universitário público terciário, com 24 pacientes em regime quimioterápico para adenocarcinoma colorretal. Os pacientes receberam cápsulas de zinco 35mg (Grupo Zinco, n=10) ou placebo (Grupo Placebo, n=14) por via oral, duas vezes ao dia (70mg/dia), durante 16 semanas, desde o período pós-operatório imediato até o quarto ciclo de quimioterapia. Todos os pacientes receberam quimioterapia por aproximadamente 45 dias após a ressecção cirúrgica do tumor. A escala Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue foi preenchida antes de cada um dos quatro ciclos de quimioterapia. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear misto para dados longitudinais para análise estatística. Resultados Os escores de qualidade de vida e de fadiga foram semelhantes entre os grupos de estudo durante os ciclos de quimioterapia. O Grupo Placebo apresentou piora da qualidade de vida e da fadiga entre o primeiro e o quarto ciclos de quimioterapia, mas não houve mudança nos escores de qualidade de vida e fadiga no Grupo Zinco. Conclusão A suplementação com zinco previne a fadiga e preserva a qualidade de vida de pacientes em quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal.

Comparative evaluation of oncologic outcomes in colon cancer

PURPOSE: In this paper we report clinical variables on colon cancer series. Oncological outcomes were compared to low-income and high-income countries. METHODS: We analysed a prospective database of 51 colon cancer patients submitted to primary tumor resection between 2010 and 2011, showing clinical variables and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: R0 resection obtained in 80.4%, 21.6% of patients was TNM stage IV, and only 13.7% showed TNM stage I. Disease-free survival was 32 months, overall survival was 46 months, and the tumoral recurrence rate was 9.8%. Univariate analysis showed association of serum CEA levels ≥ 5 ng/dl (p= 0.004), presence of metastasis at diagnosis (p= 0.012), compromised surgical margins (p < 0.001) and poorer tumor differentiation (p= 0.041) to death. Multivariate analysis identified compromised surgical margins as an independent risk factor for death due to colon cancer (P=0.003; odds ratio=0.36; 95% confidence interval=0.004-0.33). Nowadays, 62.7% of patients are alive. CONCLUSION: Recurrence rate, disease-free survival and overall survival was similar to those observed in more developed countries. Serum CEA levels ≥ 5 ng/dl, the presence of metastasis at diagnosis, compromised surgical margins and poorer tumor differentiation were associated with death. A compromised surgical margin was the only independent risk factor for death.

Transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy

PURPOSE: In this paper we report the oncological outcomes from clinical series of patients with rectal cancer submitted to local excision after neoadjuvant therapy and discuss the indications for local excision in partial clinical responders. METHODS: We analysed a prospective database of 39 patients submitted to a transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation between 2006 and 2015, comparing clinical and pathological variables, perioperative complications, recurrence rate and overall survival. RESULTS: We obtained 15.4% ypT0, 17.9% ypT1, 35.9% ypT2 and 28.2% ypT3. After a median follow-up of 24 months, tumoral recurrence was observed in 4 patients, one of them with isolated pulmonary metastasis. R0 resection was achieved in 79.5%, and postoperative complications were observed in 30.2% patients and no perioperative mortality occur. Compromise surgical margins do not affect recurrence rate, and 94.9% of patients are alive nowadays. CONCLUSION: Local excision could be associated with low recurrence rate and good overall survival. Short hospitalization time and low level of serious complications observed could be an interesting option for patients who would not tolerate a radical procedure or for those who declined a total mesorectal excision. A strict long-term follow-up must be warranted to detect early tumoral recurrence.

A novel subcutaneous T-shaped bridge device for loop colostomies

PURPOSE: To describe a novel securing device for loop colostomies, developed in our institution and report our 10-year experience. METHODS: The T-shaped support device was used in all patients who required loop colostomy and who were at an increased risk of stoma withdrawal. The device was removed on the fifth postoperative day in all patients. An analysis from a prospective database regarding early postoperative complication, from 209 patients, was conducted between 2003 and 2013. RESULTS: Bleeding, peristomal skin problems, surgical site infection, stomal ischemia/necrosis, stenosis, obstruction, retraction and early withdrawal of the stoma were not noted in all cases. Thirteen patients (6%) reported mild discomfort on the site of the skin suture. Removal of the instrument was fast and easy, with the advantage of keeping the colostomy bag. CONCLUSION: The T-shaped bridge device successfully prevented stoma withdrawal in all subjects. The device was safe and well accepted, with minor complications.

Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promotes successful healing in patients with refractory Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: To investigate de adjunctive effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease. METHODS: A total of 29 subjects with refractory Crohn's disease were submitted to daily sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, in a 2800 Sechrist Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber (Sechrist, USA) pressurized to 2.4 ATA. Each session lasted 2 hours. The endpoint was closure of enterocutaneous fistulas and complete healing of Pyoderma Gangrenosum and perineal Crohn's disease. RESULTS: A total of 829 HBOT sessions were performed and no complications were noted. Overall success rate was 76% (22 cases). Pyoderma Gangrenosum and enterocutaneous fistulas had the highest successful healing rates (100% and 91%, respectively). Perineal Crohn's disease healing rate was 65%. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promoted satisfactory healing in a group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease.

Copper-Zinc ratio and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients during the perioperative period

PURPOSE : This study aimed to determine Cu/Zn ratio, nutritional and inflammatory status in patients during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer. METHODS: The study included patients with histological diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma (Cancer Group, n=46) and healthy volunteers (Control Group, n=28). We determined habitual food intake, body composition, laboratory data of nutritional status, serum calprotectin and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed between-group comparisons and Spearman correlation test for correlations between the variables. RESULTS: Individuals in the Cancer Group presented significantly lower BMI, fat mass, plasma hemoglobin, total protein and albumin as compared with the Control Group. Serum calprotectin[70.1 ng/mL (CI95% 55.8-84.5) vs.53.3 ng/mL (40.3-66.4), p=0.05], plasma Cu concentrations [120 µg/dL(CI95% 114-126) vs. 106 µg/dL(CI95% 98-114), p<0.01] and the Cu/Zn ratio [1.59 (CI95% 1.48-1.71)vs. 1.35 (CI95% 1.23-1.46), p=0.01]were higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in controls. Additionally, the Cancer Group showed negative correlations between the Cu/Zn ratio and Zn intake, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and positive correlation between the Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an increased plasma Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin, and decreased protein values may be a result of the systemic inflammatory response to the tumor process.

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy on treatment of rectal procidentia: analysis of 48 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results obtained in 48 cases of perineal rectosigmoidectomy in patients with rectal procidentia. METHODS: 48 medical records of patients undergoing PRS were analyzed, retrospectively. RESULTS: Before surgery, 44 patients (77.1%) reported complaints of anal mass and rectal bleeding was reported 13 times (22.8%). The period of hospitalization was 3.91 days (2 to 12 days). Women were the majority (85.4%). The mean age was 73.8 years (49 to 101 years). The average time of surgery was 72 minutes (40 to 90 minutes). Mechanical anastomosis was performed in 72.9% and manual in 27.1%. Among the 12 (25%) patients with fecal incontinence, continence was achieved in 2 cases. Postoperative complications occurred in five cases - 10.5% (two pneumonia and three anastomotic leakages). Recurrence was verified in four patients (8,3%). There were no deaths related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is a good surgical option for rectal procidentia, with low morbidity and mortality, low recurrence rate and short hospitalization length. (AU)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado de 48 casos de procidência retal submetidos a retossigmoidectomia perineal. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva de 48 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a retossigmoidectomia perineal. RESULTADO: Antes da cirurgia, 44 pacientes (77,1%) queixavam-se de "massa na região anal" e sangramento transretal foi relatado em 13 (22,8%) casos. O tempo de internação médio foi de 3,91 dias (2 a 12 dias). O gênero feminino prevaleceu na amostra (85,4%). A idade média foi 73,8 anos (49 a 101 anos). O tempo médio de cirurgia foi 72 minutos (40 a 90 minutos). Optado por anastomose mecânica em 72,9% dos casos e manual em 27,1%. Entre os 12 (25%) pacientes com incontinência fecal, foi alcançada continência em 2 casos. Complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em cinco casos - 10,5% (duas pneumonias e três deiscências de anastomose). Recorrência foi verificada em quatro pacientes (8,3%). Não houve óbito relacionado ao procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A retossigmoidectomia perineal é uma boa opção cirúrgica para procidência retal, com baixa morbimortalidade, baixo índice de recorrência e curta internação hospitalar. (AU)

Neoplasia no sítio da colostomia de paciente com megacólon chagásico: relato de caso / Neoplasia at the site of the colostomy of patient with chagasic megacolon: case report

A neoplasia no sítio da colostomia associada ao megacólon chagásico é uma entidade rara. Os autores relatam caso de um paciente com lesão avançada, o qual foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico e discutem aspectos relacionados a esta afecção.

Neoplasia at the site of the colostomy associated with chagasic megacolon is a rare clinical event. Here, the authors report the case of a patient with advanced lesion, who had to undergo surgical treatment, and discuss aspects related to this disease.

Paniculite mesentérica (PM) e fibromatose mesentérica (FM): relato de casos / Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) and mesenteric fibromatosis (MF): report of cases

A paniculite mesentérica (PM) e a fibromatose mesentérica (FM) são doenças fibróticas de etiologia incerta. São mais frequentes no mesentério do intestino delgado, no grande omento e nos mesocólons. Clinicamente a FM pode apresentar-se de forma aguda na qual uma complicação da doença é sua primeira expressão. Na forma crônica é caracterizada por sintomas abdominais vagos e/ou massa abdominal palpável. A comprovação diagnóstica, assim como na PM, é feita através de laparotomia exploradora ou videolaparoscopia diagnóstica e biopsia. Os autores relatam dois casos sendo um de PM e outro de FM, apresentam um paralelo dos aspectos clínicos, tomográficos, diagnóstico, histopatológico e terapêutico destacando as semelhanças e as diferenças entre essas duas patologias.

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) and mesenteric fibromatosis (MF) are fibrotic diseases of uncertain aetiology. Both occur most frequently in the mesentery of the small intestine, the greater omentum and the mesocolons. In its acute form, the first clinical symptoms of MF are complications of the disease. Chronic MF is characterized by vague abdominal symptoms and/or a palpable abdominal mass. Like mesenteric panniculitis, mesenteric fibromatosis can be diagnostically verified by exploratory laparotomy, or diagnostic video-laparoscopy and biopsy. Here, we present two cases, one of MP and the other of MF, with resembling clinical and tomographic aspects, as well as similarities in diagnosis, histopathology and therapy. With our case report, we want to emphasise both similarities and differences between these two pathologies.

Surgical treatment of Chagas megacolon. Critical analysis of outcome in operative methods / Tratamento cirúrgico do megacólon chagásico análise crítica dos resultados dos métodos operatórios

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of chagasic megacolon has suffered innumerable transformations over the years. Poor knowledge of the disease physiopathology is one of the reasons. METHODS: From January 1977 to December 2003, 430 patients were submitted to surgical treatment for chagasic megacolon. Of these procedures, 351 were elective and 79 emergency operations carried out at the University Hospital of Ribeirão Preto. Four elective operations, most frequently used, should be singled out: anterior rectosigmoidectomy (52.71 percent), left hemicolectomy (18.23 percent), Duhamel-Haddad operation(15.95 percent), and total colectomy (5.98 percent). From the 79 exploratory laparotomies performed on an emergency basis, 53 (67.09 percent) required intestinal resection. From the 430 patients operated upon, 268 (62.33 percent) progressed without recurrence of intestinal constipation, and 71 (15.51 percent) had a recurrence. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Based on the data collected, left hemicolectomy had the highest constipation recurrence rate compared to other operating procedures; anterior retosigmoidectomy had less complication episodes and a larger recurrence of intestinal constipation in comparison to the Duhamel-Haddad operation. Emergency operations, mainly for the treatment of volvulus and fecaloma, presented high morbidity and mortality and required extensive intestinal resections, stomas and reoperations.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico do megacólon chagásico tem passado por sucessivas modificações ao longo do tempo. A multiplicidade das operações é explicada pelo conhecimento ainda incompleto da fisiopatologia da doença, MÉTODOS: No período de janeiro de 1977 a dezembro de 2003, 430 pacientes chagásicos foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para o megacólon no Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto. Foram realizadas 351 operações eletivas e 79 de urgência. Quatro tipos de operações realizadas em caráter eletivo mereceram destaque por terem sido as mais utilizadas: retossigmoidectomia anterior (52,71 por cento), hemicolectomia esquerda (18,23 por cento), abaixamento de cólon à Duhamel-Haddad (15,95 por cento) e colectomia total (5,98 por cento). Das 79 laparotomias exploradoras realizadas em regime de urgência, em 53 (67,09 por cento) houve ressecção intestinal. Dentre os 430 pacientes operados, 268 (62,33 por cento) evoluíram sem recidiva e 71 (16,51 por cento) com recidiva da constipação intestinal. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Com base nos resultados obtidos concluiu-se que: a hemicolectomia esquerda, comparada às demais operações, apresentou maior recidiva da constipação intestinal; a retossigmoidectomia anterior comparada à operação de Duhamel-Haddad apresentou menor número de complicações e maior recidiva da constipação intestinal; as operações de urgência para o tratamento do volvo e do fecaloma apresentaram alta morbimortalidade, exigem resseções intestinais, estomas e reoperações.

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction treated with jejunostomy: case report and literature review

CONTEXT: Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a very rare condition. CASE REPORT: This study describes a male patient who had presented obstructive symptoms for 24 years. He had been treated clinically and had undergone two previous operations in different services, with no clinical improvement or correct diagnosis. He was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction without mechanical factors in our service and underwent jejunostomy, which had a significant decompressive effect. The patient was able to gain weight and presented improvements in laboratory tests. Jejunostomy is a relatively simple surgical procedure that is considered palliative but, in this case, it was resolutive.

CONTEXTO: A pseudo-obstrução intestinal crônica idiopática é uma causa rara de obstrução intestinal. RELATO DE CASO: O presente estudo relata o caso de um paciente com queixas obstrutivas há longa data (24 anos); sendo já submetido a tratamentos clínicos e a duas laparotomias em outro serviço, não houve melhora dos sintomas e nem elucidação do diagnóstico. Foi diagnosticada obstrução intestinal sem fator mecânico e o paciente foi submetido a jejunostomia em nosso serviço, tendo apresentado importante efeito descompressivo. Houve ganho de peso ponderal e melhora nos exames laboratoriais. A jejunostomia é um procedimento cirúrgico relativamente simples, considerada paliativa, mas nesse caso, teve caráter definitivo e resolutivo.

Análise retrospectiva das neoplasias de ânus em pacientes atendidos no HC-FMRP-USP de 1979 a 2004 e revisão da literatura / Retrospective analysis of patients with anal tumors diagnosed at the school of medicine of Ribeirão Preto Hospital and clinics (HC-FMRP), between 1979 and 2004 and literature review

Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 49 casos de pacientes com neoplasia de ânus, sendo 23 de 1979-1996 e 26 de 1997-2004, 49 por cento masculinos e 51 por cento femininos. Em 81,6 por cento dos pacientes o tratamento foi adjuvante, com radioterapia e esquema de NIGRO, 12,2 por cento metástases à distância e 36,7 por cento perderam o seguimento. Obitos ocorreram em 20,4 por cento. Notou-se diminuição da necessidade da cirurgia de Miles (30,8 por cento vs 43,3 por cento). A perda de seguimento foi menor (19,5 por cento vs 56,5 por cento), mas a mortalidade foi discretamente maior (23,1 por cento vs 17,4 por cento). O tratamento neo-adjuvante com radio e quimioterapia em 96 por cento dos pacientes com neoplasia anal foi capaz de promover remissão da lesão na maioria dos casos (57,5 por cento), confirmados pela biópsia da cicatriz residual, evitando-se amputação cirúrgica do reto. Dados mais recentes mostram que 45 por cento dos pacientes permanecem sem recidiva (seguimento médio 3,5 anos). A alta taxa de mortalidade e o diagnóstico de lesões avançadas podem decorrer da procura tardia do serviço médico.

In total, 49 cases of anal tumor were studied, 23 cases from 1979-1996 and 26 cases from 1997-2004. From the cases studied, 49 percent were male and 51 percent were female patients. Patients that were submitted to radio and chemotherapy by the "nigro scheme" totalized 81.6 percent; 12.2 percent presented metastasis, 36.7 percent lost follow up and 20.4 percent died. There was a reduction of the Miles surgery indication (30.8 percent vs 43.3 percent) and the follow up loss (19.5 percent vs 56.5 percent). The mortality rate was a little higher (23.1 percent vs 17.4 percent). Radio and chemotherapy was used in 96 percent of patients, and promoted lesion remission in 57.5 percent of cases (confirmed by negative anal scar biopsy), avoiding the anal amputation surgery indication. Recent data indicate that 45 percent of patients (3.5 years of average follow up) are still with no recidivated tumor. The prevalence of high mortality rates and the diagnosis of high stage lesions are due to a delay of patients in search for a diagnosis. This might be due to a difficult access to a medical service and to the low social-economical level of our patients. These conditions make the diagnosis and treatment of anal tumors difficult, impairing its prognosis.

Apendicite crônica e apendicite recorrente. Artigo de revisäo e apresentaçäo de casuística / Chronic and recurrent appendicitis. Review article and cases report

A apendicite crônica e a apendicite recorrente säo condições patológicas que diferem da apendicite aguda, a afecçäo mais comum do apêndice vermiforme. O propósito deste artigo é decifrar, com critério, os aspectos clínicos, o diagnóstico e a histopatologia da apendicite-crônica e da apendicite recorrente. Os dados da literatura e as experiências, clínica e cirúrgica, dos autores, demonstradas dentre 10 pacientes com idade média entre 40 e 45 anos, com distribuiçäo similar quanto ao sexo, sendo seis pacientes com apendicite recorrente e quatro com apendicite crônica, permitem concluir que a apendicite crônica e a recorrente já näo devem ser mais uma controvérsia ou dúvida, mas um fato inequívoco, de importância clínica e acadêmica, cujos conceitos, por isso mesmo, merecem difusäo na literatura científica e nas escolas médicas