Topical tacrolimus for atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) (or atopic eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects children and adults and has an important impact on quality of life. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the first-line therapy for this condition; however, they can be associated with significant adverse effects when used chronically. Tacrolimus ointment (in its 2 manufactured strengths of 0.1% and 0.03%) might be an alternative treatment. Tacrolimus, together with pimecrolimus, are drugs called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for moderate and severe atopic dermatitis compared with other active treatments. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to 3 June 2015: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library (Issue 5, 2015), MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), LILACS (from 1982), and the Global Resource of Eczema Trials (GREAT database). We searched six trials registers and checked the bibliographies of included studies for further references to relevant trials. We contacted specialists in the field for unpublished data.A separate search for adverse effects of topical tacrolimus was undertaken in MEDLINE and EMBASE on 30 July 2013. We also scrutinised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites for adverse effects information. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of participants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (both children and adults) using topical tacrolimus at any dose, course duration, and follow-up time compared with other active treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened and examined the full text of selected studies for compliance with eligibility criteria, risk of bias, and data extraction. Our three prespecified primary outcomes were physician's assessment, participant's self-assessment of improvement, and adverse effects. Our secondary outcomes included assessment of improvement of the disease by validated or objective measures, such as SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis), the EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), and BSA (Body Surface Area) scores. MAIN RESULTS: We included 20 studies, with 5885 participants. The variability of drug doses, outcomes, and follow-up periods made it difficult to carry out meta-analyses.A single trial showed that tacrolimus 0.1% was better than low-potency TCS by the physician's assessment (risk ratio (RR) 3.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.14 to 4.45, 1 study, n = 371, moderate-quality evidence). It was also marginally better than low-potency TCS on face and neck areas and moderate-potency TCS on the trunk and extremities by the physician's assessment (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.49, 1 study, n = 972, moderate level of evidence) and for some of the secondary outcomes. Compared with pimecrolimus 1%, people treated with tacrolimus were almost twice as likely to improve by the physician's assessment (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.42, 2 studies, n = 506, moderate quality of evidence). Compared with the lower concentration of 0.03%, the tacrolimus 0.1% formulation reduced the risk of not having an improvement by 18% as evaluated by the physician's assessment (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.92, 6 studies, n = 1640, high-quality evidence). Tacrolimus 0.1% compared with moderate-to-potent TCS showed no difference by the physician's assessment, and 2 secondary outcomes (1 study, 377 participants) and a marginal benefit favouring tacrolimus 0.1% was found by the participant's assessment (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.29, 1 study, n = 974, low quality of evidence) and SCORAD.Based on data from 2 trials, tacrolimus 0.03% was superior to mild TCS for the physician's assessment (RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.96 to 3.38, 2 studies, n = 790, moderate-quality evidence) and the participant's self-assessment (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.90, 1 study, n = 416, moderate quality of evidence). One trial showed moderate benefit of tacrolimus 0.03% compared with pimecrolimus 1% on the physician's assessment (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.98, 1 study, n = 139, low-quality evidence), but the effects were equivocal when evaluating BSA. In the comparison of tacrolimus 0.03% with moderate-to-potent corticosteroids, no difference was found in most of the outcomes measured (including physician's and participant's assessment and also for the secondary outcomes), but in two studies, a marginal benefit favouring the corticosteroid group was found for the EASI and BSA scores.Burning was more frequent in those using calcineurin inhibitors than those using corticosteroid tacrolimus 0.03% (RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.96 to 3.14, 5 studies, 1883 participants, high-quality evidence), but no difference was found for skin infections. Symptoms observed were mild and transient. The comparison between the two calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus) showed the same overall incidence of adverse events, but with a small difference in the frequency of local effects.Serious adverse events were rare; occurred in both the tacrolimus and corticosteroid groups; and in most cases, were considered to be unrelated to the treatment. No cases of lymphoma were noted in the included studies nor in the non-comparative studies. Cases were only noted in spontaneous reports, cohorts, and case-control studies. Systemic absorption was rarely detectable, only in low levels, and this decreased with time. Exception is made for diseases with severe barrier defects, such as Netherton's syndrome, lamellar ichthyosis, and a few others, with case reports of a higher absorption. We evaluated clinical trials; case reports; and in vivo, in vitro, and animal studies; and didn't find any evidence that topical tacrolimus could cause skin atrophy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus 0.1% was better than low-potency corticosteroids, pimecrolimus 1%, and tacrolimus 0.03%. Results were equivocal when comparing both dose formulations to moderate-to-potent corticosteroids. Tacrolimus 0.03% was superior to mild corticosteroids and pimecrolimus. Both tacrolimus formulations seemed to be safe, and no evidence was found to support the possible increased risk of malignancies or skin atrophy with their use. The reliability and strength of the evidence was limited by the lack of data; thus, findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. We did not evaluate costs.

Cisplatin versus carboplatin in combination with third-generation drugs for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 220,000 new cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 160,000 deaths are expected to occur in the US in 2013, representing about 28% of cancer-related mortality. Approximately 75% of these people will have locally advanced or metastatic disease and will be treated in a palliative setting. Platinum-based combination chemotherapy has benefits in terms of survival and symptom control when compared with best supportive care. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of carboplatin-based chemotherapy when compared with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, both in combination with a third-generation drug, in people with advanced NSCLC. To compare quality of life in people with advanced NSCLC receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin and carboplatin combined with a third-generation drug. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed) (1966 to 6 March 2013), EMBASE (via Ovid) (1974 to 6 March 2013), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 2, 2013), and LILACS (1982 to 6 March 2013). In addition, we handsearched the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Meetings (January 1990 to March 2013), reference lists from relevant resources and the Clinical Trial.gov database. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials comparing regimens with carboplatin or cisplatin combined with a third-generation drug in people with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. We accepted any regimen and number of cycles that included these drugs, since there is no widely accepted standard regimen. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed search results and a third review author resolved any disagreements. We analysed the following endpoints: overall survival, one-year survival, quality of life, toxicity and response rate. MAIN RESULTS: We included 10 trials with 5017 people, 3973 of whom were available for meta-analysis. There was no difference between carboplatin-based and cisplatin-based chemotherapy in overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 1.97, I(2) = 0%) and one-year survival rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.98; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.09, I(2) = 24%). Cisplatin had higher response rates when we performed an overall analysis (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99, I(2) = 3%), but trials using paclitaxel or gemcitabine plus a platin in both arms had equivalent response rates (paclitaxel: RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.07, I(2) = 0%; gemcitabine: RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.16, I(2) = 34%). Cisplatin caused more nausea or vomiting, or both (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.67, I(2) = 53%) and carboplatin caused more thrombocytopenia (RR 2.00; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.91, I(2) = 21%) and neurotoxicity (RR 1.55; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.27, I(2) = 0%). There was no difference in the incidence of grade III/IV anaemia (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.43, I(2) = 20%), neutropenia (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.08, I(2) = 49%), alopecia (RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.68, I(2) = 0%) or renal toxicity (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.45, I(2) = 3%). Two trials performed a quality of life analysis; however, they used different methods of measurement so we could not perform a meta-analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The initial treatment of people with advanced NSCLC is palliative, and carboplatin can be a treatment option. It has a similar effect on survival but a different toxicity profile when compared with cisplatin. Therefore, the choice of the platin compound should take into account the expected toxicity profile and the person's comorbidities. In addition, when used with either paclitaxel or gemcitabine, the drugs had an equivalent response rate.

Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of medical residency training over the years.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety in Brazilian medical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare residents' beliefs and clinical practices related to COVID-19 patients among all six years of medical residency training in Brazil. METHODS: A quantitative study was conducted in April 2020 with a convenience sample of medical resident volunteers from an anonymous online survey. This investigation collected sociodemographic information and used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) to measure burnout, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure depression, and the General Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) to measure generalized anxiety disorder. This study also developed a COVID-19 Impact Questionnaire (CIQ-19) to assess the residents' beliefs and clinical practices related to COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 3071 respondents. Depressive symptoms were the most common among second-year residents (70.5%), followed by anxiety symptoms (56.0%) and burnout (55.2%) among fourth-year residents. We also observed burnout symptoms (55.1%) among second-year residents. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of mental illnesses in some years of residency. Our study could not conclude the reasons why the incidence varies among levels of physician training. Final year medical residents have avoided seeing COVID-19 patients.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on the outcome of patients with stable coronary artery disease: 2-year follow-up of the MASS II study.

OBJECTIVE: We characterized the impact of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on cardiovascular adverse events in patients with symptomatic chronic multivessel coronary artery disease, which have been followed prospectively for 2 years. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the MASS II study were evaluated for each component of the MetS, as well as the full syndrome. RESULTS: The criteria for MetS were fulfilled in 52% of patients. The presence of MetS (P<0.05), glucose intolerance (P=0.007), and diabetes (P=0.04) was associated with an increased mortality in our studied population. Moreover, despite a clear tendency for each of its components to increase the mortality risk, only the presence of the MetS significantly increased the risk of mortality among nondiabetic study participants in a multivariate model (P=0.03, relative risk 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-6). Finally, MetS was still associated with increased mortality even after adjustment for diabetes status. These results indicate a strong and consistent relationship of the MetS with mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: Although glucose homeostasis seems to be the major force driving the increased risk of MetS, the operational diagnosis of MetS still has information for stratifying patients when diabetes information is taken into account.

Impact of number of vessels disease on outcome of patients with stable coronary artery disease: 5-year follow-up of the Medical, Angioplasty, and bypass Surgery study (MASS).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the number of vessels disease has an impact on clinical outcomes as well as on therapeutic results accordingly to medical, percutaneous, or surgery treatment in chronic coronary artery disease. METHODS: We evaluated 825 individuals enrolled in MASS study, a randomized study to compare treatment options for single or multivessel coronary artery disease with preserved left ventricular function, prospectively followed during 5 years. The incidence of overall mortality and the composite end-point of death, myocardial infarction, and refractory angina were compared in three groups: single vessel disease (SVD n=214), two-vessel disease (2VD n=253) and three-vessel disease (3VD n=358). The relationship between baseline variables and the composite end-point was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards survival model. RESULTS: Most baseline characteristics were similar among groups, except age (younger in SVD and older in 3VD, p<0.001), lower incidence of hypertension in SVD (p<0.0001), and lower levels of total and LDL-cholesterol in 3VD (p=0.004 and p=0.005, respectively). There were no statistical differences in composite end-point in 5 years among groups independent of the kind of treatment; however, there was a higher mortality rate in 3VD (p<0.001). When we stratified our analysis for each treatment option, bypass surgery was associated with a lower number of composite end-point in all groups (SVD p<0.001, 2VD p=0.002, 3VD p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, we found higher mortality risk in 3VD comparing to SVD (p=0.005, HR 3.14, 95%CI 1.4-7.0). CONCLUSION: Three-vessel disease was associated with worse prognosis compared to single- or two-vessel disease in patients with stable coronary disease and preserved ventricular function at 5-year follow-up. In addition, event-free survival rates were higher after bypass surgery, independent of the number of vessels diseased in these subsets of patients.

[Diabetes insipidus in a pacient with multiple sclerosis]. / Diabetes insípido em paciente com esclerose múltipla.

Multiple Sclerosis (ME) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by relapses of demyelination that can occur anywhere in the brain stem, spinal cord and optic nerve. Since central diabetes insipidus (DI) is mainly caused by central nervous system damage (such as trauma, surgery, tumor, infection, sarcoidosis), ME is included among its possible etiologies. However, this association is not commonly described. The clinical suspicion must be made in the presence of polyuria and polydipsia or refractory hypernatremia (in patients without free access to water) during the evolution of ME. We will describe a clinical report in which this association occurred and, after the beginning of desmopressin therapy, the clinical findings were reverted.

[QT interval dispersion analysis in acute myocardial infarction patients: coronary reperfusion effect]. / Análise da dispersão do intervalo QT em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio: efeito da reperfusão coronariana.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of early reperfusion of infarct-related artery on QT(DeltaQT) dispersion interval, as well as how valuable it is as a marker for coronary reperfusion and ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: One hundred and six patients with reperfusion (WR) and 48 without reperfusion (WtR) who have received thrombolytic therapy in the acute phase of infarction were studied. ECG carried out on admission as well as on day 4 of patients course were analyzed. DeltaQT - defined as the difference between maximum and minimum QT interval - was measured by 12-lead ECG. RESULTS: The reperfusion group showed significant DeltaQT reduction - from 89.66+/-20.47ms down to 70.95+/-21.65ms (p<0.001). On the other hand, the group without reperfusion showed DeltaQT significant increase - from 81.27+/-20.52ms up to 91.85+/-24.66ms (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that reduction magnitude between pre- and post-thrombolysis DeltaQT was the independent factor to most effectively identify coronary reperfusion (OR 1.045, p<0.0001; CI 95%). No significant difference was found in dispersion measures when patients with ventricular arrhythmias were compared with those with no arrhythmias in the course of the first 48 hours. CONCLUSION: The study shows that DeltaQT is significantly reduced in patients with acute myocardial infarction submitted to successful thrombolysis, and is increased in infarcted patients with closed artery. DeltaQT reduction between the pre- and post-thrombolysis condition was a predictor for coronary reperfusion of those patients, and did not show correlation to ventricular arrhythmias.

Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of medical residency training over the years

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety in Brazilian medical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare residents' beliefs and clinical practices related to COVID-19 patients among all six years of medical residency training in Brazil. METHODS: A quantitative study was conducted in April 2020 with a convenience sample of medical resident volunteers from an anonymous online survey. This investigation collected sociodemographic information and used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) to measure burnout, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure depression, and the General Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) to measure generalized anxiety disorder. This study also developed a COVID-19 Impact Questionnaire (CIQ-19) to assess the residents' beliefs and clinical practices related to COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 3071 respondents. Depressive symptoms were the most common among second-year residents (70.5%), followed by anxiety symptoms (56.0%) and burnout (55.2%) among fourth-year residents. We also observed burnout symptoms (55.1%) among second-year residents. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of mental illnesses in some years of residency. Our study could not conclude the reasons why the incidence varies among levels of physician training. Final year medical residents have avoided seeing COVID-19 patients.

Five-year follow-up of angiographic disease progression after medicine, angioplasty, or surgery.

BACKGROUND: Progression of atherosclerosis in coronary artery disease is observed through consecutive angiograms. Prognosis of this progression in patients randomized to different treatments has not been established. This study compared progression of coronary artery disease in native coronary arteries in patients undergoing surgery, angioplasty, or medical treatment. METHODS: Patients (611) with stable multivessel coronary artery disease and preserved ventricular function were randomly assigned to CABG, PCI, or medical treatment alone (MT). After 5-year follow-up, 392 patients (64%) underwent new angiography. Progression was considered a new stenosis of ≥ 50% in an arterial segment previously considered normal or an increased grade of previous stenosis > 20% in nontreated vessels. RESULTS: Of the 392 patients, 136 underwent CABG, 146 PCI, and 110 MT. Baseline characteristics were similar among treatment groups, except for more smokers and statin users in the MT group, more hypertensives and lower LDL-cholesterol levels in the CABG group, and more angina in the PCI group at study entry. Analysis showed greater progression in at least one native vessel in PCI patients (84%) compared with CABG (57%) and MT (74%) patients (p < 0.001). LAD coronary territory had higher progression compared with LCX and RCA (P < 0.001). PCI treatment, hypertension, male sex, and previous MI were independent risk factors for progression. No statistical difference existed between coronary events and the development of progression. CONCLUSION: The angioplasty treatment conferred greater progression in native coronary arteries, especially in the left anterior descending territories and treated vessels. The progression was independently associated with hypertension, male sex, and previous myocardial infarction.

Quality of life after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting techniques without using cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump CABG) result in less systemic damage, less clinical complications, less time spent in the intensive care unit, and shorter hospital stays, thereby raising the perspective of improved quality of life (QOL) for patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life in patients who underwent on-pump and off-pump CABG. METHODS: The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire was administered to patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved ventricular function before and at six and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2006, a total of 202 patients were randomized to either on-pump or off-pump CABG. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and angiographic characteristics were similar in both groups. One hundred and five patients underwent off-pump CABG and 97 underwent on-pump CABG. In the postoperative course, 22 patients had myocardial infarction, 29 reported angina, one was reoperated, and three experienced stroke. No patient died. Quality of life, as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire, was shown to be similar in both groups regarding physical and mental components. However, male patients showed a significant improvement in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems. Also, a large number of patients in both groups returned to work. CONCLUSION: Progressive enhancement in quality of life and early return to work were observed for all patients, regardless of the surgical technique used. Save for a greater improvement in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems experienced by male patients, no statistically significant differences were found in the other domains between groups.

Comparative costs between myocardial revascularization with or without extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques of myocardial revascularization without the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) have raised hopes of attaining operative results with less systemic damage, lower occurrence of clinical complications and shorter hospital stay duration, generating expectations of lower hospital costs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hospital costs in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization with and without ECC and in those with stable multiarterial coronary disease with preserved ventricular function. METHODS: The hospital costs were based on the existing governmental reimbursement. The costs included that of ortheses and prostheses and clinical complications. The time and costs of ICU stay and hospital stay duration were considered. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and August 2006, 131 patients were randomized to surgery with ECC (SECC), whereas 128 were randomized to surgery without ECC (WECC). The basal characteristics were similar for both groups. The costs of surgical complications were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients from the WECC when compared to the SECC group (606.00 +/- 525.00 vs. 945.90 +/- 440.00), as well as ICU costs: 432.20 +/- 391.70 vs. 717.70 +/- 257.70, respectively. The duration of the operating room stay were 4.9 +/- 1.1 h vs. 3.9 +/- 1.0 h, p < 0.001; at the ICU it was 48.2 +/- 17.2 h vs. 29.2 +/- 26.1h) (p < 0.001), with intubation time of 9.2 +/- 4.5 h vs. 6.4 +/- 5.1h, p < 0.001 for patients from the group with and without ECC, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study allowed us to conclude that the myocardial revascularization surgery without extracorporeal circulation results in the decrease of operational costs and duration of the stay in each section related to the surgical treatment.

[Sepsis during pregnancy: case report]. / Sepse durante a gestação: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sepsis during pregnancy is a rare complication. This potentially fatal disease often occurs due to maternal infectious and can lead to fetal loss. Therefore, any attempted treatment must be aimed at the mother’s well being. As a matter of fact, there are few recent medical publications about sepsis in pregnancy. In spite of this, the treatment based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign seems suitable and practical. The aim of this article is making a case report highlighting a very well succeeded treatment of a pregnant woman with urinary sepsis. CASE REPORT: A 22 year old in her 27th week of pregnancy is hospitalized with pyelonefhritis. One day later, she begins presenting signs of sepsis and unresponsive hypoxemia, resulting in intubation. Afterwards, she evolved with persistent low blood pressure that was unresponsive to volume expansion and had to be put on vasopressor medication. She received intensive care support based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The patient evolved with an important improvement of her ventilatory stats and was extubated. After completing antibiotic treatment, she was discharged and delivered a healthy baby after 42 weeks pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis in pregnancy is a rare and potentially fatal complication. The main treatment is based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The patient had an outstanding improvement and overcame her condition after intensive care support.

Impact of diabetes on five-year outcomes of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of coronary artery disease. Despite improvement in the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease, diabetes remains a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality. Although coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention are widely used, no conclusive evidence exists that either treatment modality is better than medical therapy alone for the treatment of stable single- or multivessel coronary disease in patients with diabetes. METHODS: We compared medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and CABG in 499 diabetic patients (38.5%) and 799 nondiabetic patients (61.5%) with single- or multivessel coronary disease. The composite primary endpoint was cardiac-related death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or refractory angina requiring revascularization. RESULTS: We treated 1,298 patients with either CABG (n = 524), percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 378), or medical therapy (n = 396). More deaths occurred among patients with diabetes than among patients without diabetes, regardless of which option was used (p < 0.001). When treatment modalities were stratified according to the number of diseased vessels, CABG was shown to be more beneficial for patients with diabetes and multivessel disease than for patients with diabetes and single-vessel disease (p < 0.001). However, when stratified by treatment, patients with diabetes receiving medical therapy had a worse prognosis than patients with diabetes treated with CABG (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: All three therapeutic regimens resulted in high rates of cardiac-related deaths among patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes. Moreover, we observed better outcomes among patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing CABG regarding the primary endpoint at 5-year follow-up.

Quality of life in patients with symptomatic multivessel coronary artery disease: a comparative post hoc analyses of medical, angioplasty or surgical strategies-MASS II trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the impact of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Medical Therapy (MT) on self-perceived quality of life among patients with stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: The Medicine, Angioplasty and Surgery Study (MASS-II) implemented initial policies of CABG, PCI or continued medical treatment in patients who allow assessment of mid-term health consequences. METHODS: A total of 542 patients were randomly assigned to CABG (175), to PCI (180) and to MT (187). The short form 36 (SF-36) self-administered quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were applied at baseline, 6 months and 12 months later. RESULTS: All the three therapeutic strategies presented significant improvement in all dimensions of the SF-36 during the follow-up (p<0.0001). However, the CABG group was the one that had significantly greater improvement in physical and social functioning, vitality and general health when compared to MT and PCI. Also, men had the best QoL at the beginning of the treatment when compared to women, with a progressive improvement after 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life was better in both CABG and PCI groups compared to MT after 1 year of follow-up. However, the patients submitted to CABG were the ones that presented the greater and progressive improvement of QoL. Also, men presented better QoL at the beginning and after treatment when compared to women.

Diabetes insípido em paciente com esclerose múltipla / Diabetes insipidus in a pacient with multiple sclerosis

A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença crônica e progressiva que se caracteriza por surtos de desmielinização que podem atingir qualquer topografia do cérebro, medula espinhal e nervo óptico. Sendo o diabetes insípido (DI) central causado, principalmente, em virtude de danos do sistema nervoso central (tais como trauma, cirurgia, tumor, infecção, sarcoidose), a EM está inclusa entre suas possíveis etiologias. Entretanto, a ocorrência dessa associação não é comumente descrita. A suspeita clínica deve ser feita na presença de poliúria e polidipsia ou hipernatremia refratária (em pacientes privados do acesso à água) durante a evolução da EM. Descreveremos um caso em que essa associação ocorreu e, após o início da terapêutica com desmopressina, a paciente reverteu o quadro clínico.

Multiple Sclerosis (ME) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by relapses of demyelination that can occur anywhere in the brain stem, spinal cord and optic nerve. Since central diabetes insipidus (DI) is mainly caused by central nervous system damage (such as trauma, surgery, tumor, infection, sarcoidosis), ME is included among its possible etiologies. However, this association is not commonly described. The clinical suspicion must be made in the presence of polyuria and polydipsia or refractory hypernatremia (in patients without free access to water) during the evolution of ME. We will describe a clinical report in which this association occurred and, after the beginning of desmopressin therapy, the clinical findings were reverted.

Qualidade de vida após revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio com e sem circulação extracorpórea / Quality of life after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

FUNDAMENTO: Técnicas de cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM) sem o uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) possibilitou resultados operatórios com menor dano sistêmico, menor ocorrência de complicações clínicas, menor permanência na sala de terapia intensiva e também no tempo de internação, gerando expectativas de melhor qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a QV em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização com e sem CEC. MÉTODOS: Em pacientes com doença multiarterial coronariana (DAC) estável e função ventricular preservada, aplicou-se o Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire antes da cirurgia e depois de 6 e 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2006, foram randomizados 202 pacientes para cirurgia de RM. As características demográficas clínicas laboratoriais e angiográficas foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Desses pacientes, 105 foram operados sem CEC e 97 com CEC. Na evolução, 22 pacientes sofreram infarto, 29 relataram angina, um reoperou, 3 tiveram AVC e nenhum morreu. A avaliação da QV mostrou similaridade nos dois grupos em relação ao componente físico e mental. Todavia, encontrou-se significativa melhora da capacidade funcional e percepção do aspecto físico nos pacientes do sexo masculino. Além disso, um expressivo número de pacientes dos dois grupos retornou ao trabalho. CONCLUSÃO: Em todos os pacientes estudados, observaram-se melhora progressiva da qualidade de vida e retorno precoce ao trabalho, independentemente da técnica cirúrgica empregada. Exceto pela melhor percepção da capacidade funcional e do aspecto físico experimentado pelos homens, não houve diferença estatística nos resultados dos demais domínios alcançados pelos dois grupos estudados.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting techniques without using cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump CABG) result in less systemic damage, less clinical complications, less time spent in the intensive care unit, and shorter hospital stays, thereby raising the perspective of improved quality of life (QOL) for patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life in patients who underwent on-pump and off-pump CABG. METHODS: The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire was administered to patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved ventricular function before and at six and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2006, a total of 202 patients were randomized to either on-pump or off-pump CABG. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and angiographic characteristics were similar in both groups. One hundred and five patients underwent off-pump CABG and 97 underwent on-pump CABG. In the postoperative course, 22 patients had myocardial infarction, 29 reported angina, one was reoperated, and three experienced stroke. No patient died. Quality of life, as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire, was shown to be similar in both groups regarding physical and mental components. However, male patients showed a significant improvement in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems. Also, a large number of patients in both groups returned to work. CONCLUSION: Progressive enhancement in quality of life and early return to work were observed for all patients, regardless of the surgical technique used. Save for a greater improvement in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems experienced by male patients, no statistically significant differences were found in the other domains between groups.

Custos comparativos entre a revascularização miocárdica com e sem circulação extracorpórea / Comparative costs between myocardial revascularization with or without extracorporeal circulation

FUNDAMENTO: Técnicas cirúrgicas de revascularização miocárdica sem o uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) projetaram esperanças de resultados operatórios com menor dano sistêmico, menor ocorrência de complicações clínicas e menor tempo de internação hospitalar, gerando expectativas de menor custo hospitalar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o custo hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica com e sem o uso de CEC, e em portadores de doença multiarterial coronariana estável com função ventricular preservada. MÉTODOS: Os custos hospitalares foram baseados na remuneração governamental vigente. Acrescentaram-se aos custos uso de órteses e próteses, complicações e intercorrências clínicas. Consideraram-se o tempo e os custos de permanência na UTI e de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Entre janeiro de 2002 e agosto de 2006, foram randomizados 131 pacientes para cirurgia com CEC (CCEC) e 128 pacientes sem CEC (SCEC). As características basais foram semelhantes para os dois grupos. Os custos das intercorrências cirúrgicas foram significativamente menores (p < 0,001) para pacientes do grupo SCEC comparados ao grupo CCEC (606,00 ± 525,00 vs. 945,90 ± 440,00), bem como os custos na UTI: 432,20 ± 391,70 vs. 717,70 ± 257,70, respectivamente. Os tempos de permanência na sala cirúrgica foram (4,9 ± 1,1 h vs. 3,9 ± 1,0 h), (p < 0,001) na UTI (48,2 ± 17,2 h vs. 29,2 ± 26,1h) (p < 0,001), com tempo de entubação (9,2 ± 4,5 h vs. 6,4 ± 5,1h) (p < 0,001) para pacientes do grupo com e sem CEC, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitem concluir que a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica, sem circulação extracorpórea, proporciona diminuição de custos operacionais e de tempo de permanência em cada setor relacionado ao tratamento cirúrgico.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques of myocardial revascularization without the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) have raised hopes of attaining operative results with less systemic damage, lower occurrence of clinical complications and shorter hospital stay duration, generating expectations of lower hospital costs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hospital costs in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization with and without ECC and in those with stable multiarterial coronary disease with preserved ventricular function. METHODS: The hospital costs were based on the existing governmental reimbursement. The costs included that of ortheses and prostheses and clinical complications. The time and costs of ICU stay and hospital stay duration were considered. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and August 2006, 131 patients were randomized to surgery with ECC (SECC), whereas 128 were randomized to surgery without ECC (WECC). The basal characteristics were similar for both groups. The costs of surgical complications were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients from the WECC when compared to the SECC group (606.00 ± 525.00 vs. 945.90 ± 440.00), as well as ICU costs: 432.20 ± 391.70 vs. 717.70 ± 257.70, respectively. The duration of the operating room stay were 4.9 ± 1.1 h vs. 3.9 ± 1.0 h, p < 0.001; at the ICU it was 48.2 ± 17.2 h vs. 29.2 ± 26.1h) (p < 0.001), with intubation time of 9.2 ± 4.5 h vs. 6.4 ± 5.1h, p < 0.001 for patients from the group with and without ECC, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study allowed us to conclude that the myocardial revascularization surgery without extracorporeal circulation results in the decrease of operational costs and duration of the stay in each section related to the surgical treatment.

Sepse durante a gestação: relato de caso / Sepsis during pregnancy: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A sepse durante a gestação é uma complicação rara. O comprometimento fetal resulta principalmente da descompensação materna, por conseguinte, o tratamento deve ser direcionado ao bem-estar da mãe. Poucas evidências permitem extrapolar o tratamento de pacientes não gestantes para as gestantes, porém, o tratamento baseado no Surviving Sepsis Campaing parece adequado e prático. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever o tratamento da sepse na gestação e relatar um caso de gestante com sepse grave que evoluiu favoravelmente. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente com 22 anos, primigesta, na 27ª semana de gestação foi internada com diagnóstico de pielonefrite aguda. Um dia após a internação apresentou quadro de sepse, com hipoxemia refratária às medidas não-invasivas necessitando de intubação traqueal. Após a intubação evoluiu com hipotensão refratária à expansão volêmica necessitando de fármaco vasoativo. Foi interrompido o uso de noradrenalina no mesmo dia e prescrito cefepima. Evoluiu com importante melhora dos padrões ventilatórios, sendo extubada e recebeu alta hospitalar logo após completar o tratamento com antibiótico. Ao completar a 42ª semana de gestação foi internada para indução do trabalho de parto, sendo realizado parto vaginal, sem intercorrências. CONCLUSÕES: A sepse na gestação, mesmo sendo rara é potencialmente fatal. O tratamento foi baseado no Surviving Sepsis Campaign e a paciente apresentou melhora significativa dos parâmetros de perfusão nas primeiras horas com ótima evolução, apesar da gravidade da doença.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sepsis during pregnancy is a rare complication. This potentially fatal disease often occurs due to maternal infectious and can lead to fetal loss. Therefore, any attempted treatment must be aimed at the motherÆs well being. As a matter of fact, there are few recent medical publications about sepsis in pregnancy. In spite of this, the treatment based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign seems suitable and practical. The aim of this article is making a case report highlighting a very well succeeded treatment of a pregnant woman with urinary sepsis. CASE REPORT: A 22 year old in her 27th week of pregnancy is hospitalized with pyelonefhritis. One day later, she begins presenting signs of sepsis and unresponsive hypoxemia, resulting in intubation. Afterwards, she evolved with persistent low blood pressure that was unresponsive to volume expansion and had to be put on vasopressor medication. She received intensive care support based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The patient evolved with an important improvement of her ventilatory stats and was extubated. After completing antibiotic treatment, she was discharged and delivered a healthy baby after 42 weeks pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis in pregnancy is a rare and potentially fatal complication. The main treatment is based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The patient had an outstanding improvement and overcame her condition after intensive care support.

Análise da dispersão do intervalo QT em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio: efeito da reperfusão coronariana / QT interval dispersion analysis in acute myocardial infarction patients: coronary reperfusion effect

OBJETIVO: Estudar o efeito da reperfusão precoce da artéria relacionada ao infarto sobre a dispersão do intervalo QT(deltaQT), e seu valor como marcador de reperfusão coronária e de arritmias ventriculares. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 106 pacientes com reperfusão (CR) e 48 pacientes sem reperfusão (SR) que receberam terapia trombolítica na fase aguda do infarto. Foram analisados os eletrocardiogramas realizados na admissão e no 4° dia de evolução. A deltaQT, definido como a diferença entre o maior e o menor intervalo QT, foram medidos no ECG de 12 derivações. RESULTADOS: Na evolução do grupo com reperfusão, houve redução significativa da deltaQT de 89,66±20,47ms para 70,95±21,65ms (p<0,001). Por outro lado, no grupo sem reperfusão, houve aumento significativo da deltaQT de 81,27±20,52ms para 91,85±24,66ms (p<0,001). Análise de regressão logística demonstrou que a magnitude de redução entre a deltaQT pré e pós-trombólise foi o fator independente que identificou mais efetivamente a reperfusão coronária (OR 1,045, p<0,0001; IC 95 por cento). Não houve diferença significativa das medidas de dispersão quando comparados os pacientes que apresentaram arritmias ventriculares nas primeiras 48 h com aqueles sem arritmias. CONCLUSÃO: Esse estudo mostra que a deltaQT reduz significativamente em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio submetidos à trombólise com sucesso, aumentando nos pacientes que evoluem com a artéria fechada. A redução deltaQT entre a situação pré e pós-trombólise foi fator preditor de reperfusão coronária nesses pacientes, não apresentando correlação com arritmias ventriculares.