Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma and placentae in pre-eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Endocan-1 has been proposed as a possible biomarker and predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies. Thus, we hypothesised that Endocan-1 levels would be up-regulated in maternal plasma and placentae from women with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae from normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. METHODS: Observational and case-controlled study, at the São Lucas Hospital, Brazil. Placental biopsies, maternal/umbilical venous (fetal) plasma were taken from 67 normotensive and 50 pre-eclamptic women. Endocan-1 levels were quantified using MagPlex(TH)-C and analysed by Analysis of Covariance and Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected at p<0.05. RESULTS: Higher levels of Endocan-1 were found in maternal plasma in the pre-eclamptic group (mean ratio=1.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.85, p=0.001), with a moderate effect size (Cohen's D=0.84). Placental Endocan-1 levels (µg/g) were lower in pre-eclampsia (1.52 [1.10, 2.40] vs. 2.24 [1.32, 3.75], p=0.033) and fetal Endocan-1 concentration (ng/ml) did not show any difference between groups (3.10 [2.60, 4.54] vs. 2.91 [2.20, 3.66] p=0.085). In addition, an up-regulation of maternal plasma Endocan-1 in the pre-eclamptic group was observed when stratified in relation to gestational age, systolic blood pressure and proteinuria (p<0.05, for all). Furthermore, a positive correlation between Endocan-1 concentration in maternal vs. fetal plasma was also found (r=0.258, p=0.015). For the matched samples, a negative correlation between Endocan-1 in maternal/fetal plasma with birthweights, placental weights and gestational age at delivery was observed (p<0.05 for all). DISCUSSION: Endocan-1 is increased in women with pre-eclampsia for all strata, which highlight the importance of this molecule as a possible biomarker. The negative correlations between Endocan-1 and clinical data suggest that this molecule may also be involved with prematurity and low birth weight, which warrants further investigations.

Decrease in Alcohol Use Disorder Hospitalizations in Brazil: What Does It Mean?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trend of alcohol use disorder (AUD) hospitalizations in the Brazilian regions, and establish its relationship with mental health care facilities. METHODS: Data were collected through the Hospital Information System of Brazilian National Health System (SIH/SUS) and National Register of Health Establishments of Brazil (CNES). We used linear regression models to estimate the effect of SUS psychiatric beds and Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) on AUD hospitalizations. RESULTS: During 2015 to 2020, 298,735 hospitalizations for AUD were recorded. Most of the hospitalizations were male (88.8%). Individuals aged 60 years and older represented 11.7% of our cohort. The highest concentration of hospitalizations occurred in the South region (40.1%). The rate of hospitalizations per hospital bed remained relatively constant. The number of CAPS has a negative effect on SUS psychiatric beds in Brazil (average effect -22.31 [95% CI -26.92 to -17.70]). Psychiatric beds have a positive effect on AUD hospitalizations in the country (average effect 1.82 [95% CI 0.91 to 2.74]). CONCLUSIONS: Prioritization guidelines for other forms of care are associated with a decrease in admissions for AUD, so we highlight the importance of adequate training of health care professionals for proper referral to hospital admission when necessary for these patients.

Bipolar disorder treatment according to illness trajectory: a systematic review of clinical trials.

The current bipolar disorder treatment guidelines focus mainly on the prevention of recurrence and stabilization of acute mood episodes while neglecting outcomes related to the longitudinal course of illness. We systematically reviewed studies that assess the impact of disease progression in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for clinical trials that moderated treatment effects by number of previous episodes, disease length, or a clinical staging model. We retrieved 6,156 potential abstracts. After deduplication, 5,376 were screened and eight studies met inclusion criteria. Seven trials moderated results by number of prior episodes, and one of those also used a measure of disease length. One trial used a clinical staging model and yielded informing results. Only three studies evaluated pharmacological interventions, the other five assessing psychotherapeutic modalities. Most of the studies were post-hoc analysis of clinical trials not primarily aimed at studying variables associated with illness trajectory. Overall, a loss of efficacy was found according to clinical progression, which supports early intervention. Tailored recommendations according to disease stages cannot be made. Furthermore, we identified methodological weaknesses and strengths in this subfield of research, suggesting the use of clinical staging models for future studies.

Emergências glicêmicas / Glycemic emergencies

Emergências glicêmicas são complicações frequentes na prática do emergencista, constituindo importante causa de morbimortalidade. Este capítulo objetiva abordar de forma prática o diagnóstico e o manejo das emergências glicêmicas mais comuns em sala de emergência.

Glycemic emergencies are frequent complications in the practice of the emergencist physician, and it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This chapter aims to approach in a practical way the diagnosis and management of the most common glycemic emergencies in the emergency room.

Pacientes em hemodiálise: estado inflamatório emassa magra corporal / Hemodialysis patients: inflammatory status and lean body mass

Objetivos: Investigar a relação do estado inflamatório com a massa magra corporal de pacientes em hemodiálise.Métodos: Um estudo transversal observacional incluiu pacientes em hemodiálise há pelo menos três meses. A análise da composição corporal foi realizada por bioimpedância segmentar multi-frequência (InBody 520®). O estado nutricional associado à inflamação foi avaliado usando o instrumento que computa o Escore Desnutrição-Inflamação.Resultados: A amostra incluiu 59 indivíduos, sendo 30 mulheres. A idade média foi de 58,7±14,4 anos, a mediana do tempo em hemodiálise foi de 24 (9-49) meses, a média do peso seco estimado foi 67,0±14,7 kg e a média de massa magra foi 29,7±5,5 kg. A mediana do nível sérico de proteína C-reativa ultrassensível foi 8,6 (3,9-18,0) mg/L e acima do limite normal (≤ 5,0 mg/L), sugerindo a presença de inflamação.O escore desnutrição-inflamação teve mediana de 4 (2-6). Houve correlação significativa entre o escore desnutrição-inflamação e a idade(rs=0,350, p menor do que 0,01) e com o tempo em diálise: (rs=0,320, p menor do que 0,05). Inflamação avaliada pelo nível de proteína C-reativa ultrassensível foi significativamente associada à massa magra (rs=-0,283, p menor do que 0,05).Conclusões: O aumento do tempo em hemodiálise e a idade aumentada estiveram associados com pior estado nutricional. Nesta população, aparentemente quanto menor a massa magra corporal maior o nível de proteína C-reativa ultrassensível, sugerindo uma possível associação entre a inflamação e a massa magra corporal nestes pacientes...

AIMS: To investigate the relationship of the inflammatory status with the lean body mass in hemodialysis patients.METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study included patients on hemodialysis for at least three months. The body composition analysis was performed by segmental multi-frequency bioimpedance (InBody 520�). The nutritional status associated with inflammation was evaluated using the instrument that computes the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score.RESULTS: The sample included 59 subjects, 30 were female. The mean age was 58.7 � 14.4 years, the median time on dialysis was 24 (9-49) months, the mean estimated dry weight was 67.0 � 14.7 kg and mean lean body mass was 29.7 � 5.5 kg. The median serum level of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein was 8.6 (3.9 to 18.0) mg / L and above the normal limit (equal or less than 5.0 mg / L), suggesting the presence of inflammation. The malnutrition-inflammation score had a median of 4 (2-6). There was a significant correlation between the score malnutrition-inflammation and age (rs = 0.350, p less than 0.01) and with time on dialysis: (rs = 0.320, p less than 0.05). Inflammation assessed by the level of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein was significantly associated with lean body mass (rs = - 0.283, p less than 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The increased time on dialysis and increased age were associated with poorer nutritional status. In this population, apparently the lower lean body mass the higher level of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, suggesting a possible association between inflammation and lean body mass in these patients...

Aumento dos níveis do receptor solúvel da Interleucina-6 em pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia em relação a gestantes normotensas / Increased levels of the soluble receptor of interleukin-6 in patients withpreeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women

Objetivos: Comparar níveis plasmáticos do receptor solúvel da interleucina-6 (IL-6sR) entre gestantes normotensas e com pré-eclâmpsia.Métodos: Realizou-se coleta de sangue materno no período pré-parto de 21 pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia e 39 controles normotensas. As amostras foram armazenadas a menos 80°C até a análise laboratorial. Os níveis séricos de IL-6sR foram mensurados através do teste imunoenzimático ELISA. Para comparar os grupos foi utilizado teste t de Student. Consideraram-se significantes os resultados com P menor do que 0,05.Resultados: Os dados de gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia e gestantes normotensas, respectivamente, foram: idade materna 22,3±4,8 vs 26,0±3,7 anos (P=0,06); idade gestacional 32,7±5,8 vs 40,1±0,8 semanas (P=0,01); pressão arterial sistólica 143,0±2,2 vs 118,8±3,1 mmHg (P=0,01); pressão arterial diastólica 112,5±4,0 vs 77,2±10,2 mmHg (P=0,01); ácido úrico 5,87±1,10 vs 4,57±0,12 mg/dL (P=0,02); creatinina 0,82±0,12 vs 0,73±0,09 mg/dL (P=0,01); peso do recém-nascido 2.130,7±839,3 vs 3.555,0±261,0 gramas (P=0.01) e peso da placenta 621,3±167,0 vs 796,3±154,2 gramas (P=0,05).A relação proteinúria/creatininúria no grupo das pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia foi de 2,40±1,31. O valor de IL-6sR(ng/dL) na pré-eclâmpsia foi 28,7±10,8 vs 16,5±6,4 na gestante normotensa (P=0,01).Conclusões: Estes resultados mostram o aumento dos níveis plasmáticos do IL-6sR em pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia, em relação a gestantes normotensas. Mais estudos se mostram necessários para o esclarecimento da fisiopatologia desta entidade, como a análise de outras citocinas ligadas a esse receptor, visto que elas podem ser a chave para a resposta inflamatória sistêmica que ocorre nestas pacientes e, portanto, para o seu tratamento...

Aims: To compare Interleukin-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) plasmatic levels between normotensive pregnant controls and preeclamptic women.Methods: Maternal blood samples were collected before delivery from 21 patients with preeclampsia and 39 normotensive pregnant controls. Samples were stored at -80°C until laboratory assay. IL-6sR was measured by ELISA enzyme immunoassay. To compare groups Student's t test was used. Results with P less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Data from preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant controls were respectively: maternal age 22.3±4.8 vs 26.0±3.7 years (P=0.06); gestational age 32.7±5.8 vs 40.1±0.8 weeks (P=0.01); systolic blood pressure 143.0±2.2 vs 118.8±3.1 mmHg (P=0.01); diastolic blood pressure 112.5±4.0 vs 77.2±10.2 mmHg (P=0.01); uric acid 5.87±1.10 vs4.57±0.12 mg/dL (P=0.02); creatinine 0.82±0.12 vs 0.73±0.09 mg/dL (P=0.01); birth weight 2130.7±839.3 vs 3555.0±261.0 g (P=0.01); placental weight 621.3±167.0 vs 796.3±154.2 g (P=0,05). Proteinuria over creatininuria ratio in the preeclampsia group was 2.40±1.31. The concentration of IL-6sR (ng/dL) was 28.7±10.8 in preeclampsia vs 16.5±6.4 in normotensive pregnant controls (P=0.01).Conclusions: These results show an increased plasma levels of IL-6sRin patients with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women. More studies are necessary to clarify the pathophysiology of this entity, including the analysis of other cytokines linked to this receptor, due to the fact that they can be the key for the systemic inflammatory response that occurs in these patients and therefore for their treatment....