Impact of helicobacter pylori on early postoperative complications after sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Impacto do helicobacter pylori em complicações precoces após a gastrectomia vertical: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT The impact of Helicobacter pylori (HP) on postoperative outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the incidence of early complications after SG between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. Eight retrospective comparative studies were included, comprising 4,877 individuals. The prevalence of HP infection in gastric resected specimens ranged from 7.77 to 43.20%. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for overall complications (OR 1.46; 95%CI 0.95-2.23; p=0.08), bleeding (OR 1.35; 95%CI 0.70-2.60; p=0.38), and leak (OR 1.74; 95%CI 0.80-3.81; p=0.17) rates. The need for routine screening and treatment of HP infection before SG remains ambiguous.

RESUMO O impacto do Helicobacter pylori (HP) nos desfechos pós-operatórios da Gastrectomia Vertical (GV) ainda é controverso. Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise foram realizadas para comparar a incidência de complicações pós-operatórias depois da GV entre pacientes HP-positivo e HP-negativo. Oito estudos comparativos retrospectivos foram incluídos, englobando 4.877 indivíduos. A prevalência de infecção por HPnos espécimes gástricos ressecados variou de 7,77 a 43,20%. Não houve diferença estatística significante entre os grupos para complicações gerais (OR 1,46; IC95% 0,95-2,23; p=0,08), sangramento (OR 1,35; IC95% 0,70-2,60; p=0,38), e fístula (OR 1,74; IC95% 0,80-3,81; p=0,17). A necessidade de rastreio e erradicação rotineira do HP antes da GV permanece ambígua.

Tolerância alimentar e risco nutricional após gastrectomia vertical e bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux em pacientes idosos com obesidade grave: um estudo clínico prospectivo randomizado / Food tolerance and nutritional risk after sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-y gastric bypass in elderly patients with severe obesity: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background: Bariatric surgery is still controversial in elderly patients with severe obesity. Most publications focus on safety and early clinical outcomes. Food tolerance and nutritional postoperative risk is unknown for this population. Methods: Thirty-six elderly patients with severe obesity were recruited for an open-label randomized trial from September 2017 to May 2019 comparing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB). Food tolerance was accessed by Quality of Alimentation (QoA) questionnaire and data on weight loss, body composition, and nutritional risk were collected between 6 and 24 months after surgery. Results: Comparing LSG to LRYGB patients, the latter had higher total weight loss (22% vs 31%, P=0.01) and excess weight loss (53% vs 68%, P=0.01). Food tolerance to eight food groups was similar between groups (14 vs 15 points, P=0.270), as Suter score (23 vs 25, P=0.238). Daily protein intake was below recommendation in both groups (40 vs 51 g/d, P=0.105). Nutritional risk, evaluated through Standardized Phase Angle (-1.48 vs -1.99, P=0.027), was worse for LRYGB group. Conclusion: Food tolerance and adequacy of food consumption were similar in both groups. LRYGB patients had higher nutritional risk.

RESUMO Contexto: A cirurgia bariátrica ainda é controversa em pacientes idosos com obesidade grave. A maioria das publicações tem foco em segurança e desfechos clínicos precoces. A tolerância alimentar e o risco nutricional pós-operatório são desconhecidos para essa população. Métodos: Trinta e seis pacientes idosos com obesidade grave foram recrutados para um estudo clínico randomizado de setembro de 2017 a maio de 2019 comparando gastrectomia vertical com Bypass Gástrico em Y-de-Roux (BGYR). A tolerância alimentar foi avaliada pelo questionário de qualidade alimentar e dados sobre perda de peso, composição corporal e risco nutricional foram coletados entre 6 e 24 meses após a cirurgia. Resultados: Comparando os pacientes de gastrectomia vertical com BGYR, estes tiveram maior perda de peso total (22% vs 31%, P=0,01) e perda do excesso de peso (53% vs 68%, P=0,01). A tolerância alimentar para oito grupos foi similar entre grupos 14 vs 15 pontos, P=0,270), bem como o escore de Suter (23 vs 25, P=0,238). A ingestão diária de proteínas foi abaixo do recomendado para ambos os grupos (40 vs 51 g/d, P=0,105). O risco nutricional, avaliado através do ângulo de fase padronizado (-1,48 vs -1,99, P=0,027), foi pior para o grupo do BGYR. Conclusão: A tolerância alimentar e adequação do consumo alimentar foi similar entre os grupos. Pacientes submetidos a BGYR tiveram maior risco nutricional.

Obesidade e esteatose grave: a importância da avaliação bioquímica e escores / Obesity and severe steatosis: the importance of biochemical exams and scores

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica já é considerada um problema de saúde pública, principalmente em pacientes com obesidade severa. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os diferentes escores de bioquímiosa disponíveis e determinar qual deles poderia servir melhor como uma ferramenta de avaliação da NAFLD em uma população de obesos. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal de pacientes obesos. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados com parâmetros laboratoriais séricos 1 semana antes da biópsia e todos os pacientes foram submetidos a biópsia hepática intra-operatória, durante a cirurgia bariátrica. RESULTADOS: Cento e quarenta e três pacientes obesos foram incluídos. Apenas APRI (0,65; IC 95%: 0,55 a 0,8) e HOMA-IR (0,7; IC 95%: 0,58 a 0,82) mostraram capacidade significativa de predição de esteatose grave. HSI, NALFDS, ALS / AST e FIB-4 não foram capazes de prever corretamente esteatose grave na biópsia hepática. APRI mostrou alta especificidade (82%) e baixa sensibilidade (54%). Em contraste, o HOMA-IR apresentou alta sensibilidade (84%) e baixa especificidade (48%). CONCLUSÃO: O NALFDS, FIB-4, AST / ALT e HSI não têm utilidade para avaliação de esteatose grave em pacientes com obesidade severa. Diabetes e avaliação bioquímica relacionada à resistência à insulina, como o HOMA-IR, podem ser empregados como boas ferramentas de rastreamento para esteatose grave em tais pacientes. O escore APRI é a ferramenta diagnóstica bioquímica mais específica para esteatose em pacientes com obesidade severa e pode ser empregado, por equipes médicas, para auxiliar na indicação de cirurgia bariátrica ou metabólica.

ABSTRACT - INTRODUCTION: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a public health problem, mainly in severely obese patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate different biochemical-based scores available and determine which one could best serve as an NAFLD predicting tool in a severely obese population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving severely obese patients. All patients were evaluated with serum laboratory parameters for 1 week before biopsy, and all patients were treated with intraoperative liver biopsy, during bariatric surgery. RESULTS: A total of 143 severely obese patients were included. The median body mass index (BMI) was 48 kg/m2 (35-65). Diabetes mellitus was present in 36%, and steatosis was present in 93% (severe steatosis in 20%). Only aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI=0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.8) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR=0.7 (95% CI: 0.58-0.82) showed significant capacity for the prediction of severe steatosis. Hepatic steatosis index (HSI), NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLDS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/AST, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) were not able to correctly predict severe steatosis on liver biopsy. APRI showed high specificity of 82% and low sensitivity of 54%. In contrast, HOMA-IR showed high sensitivity of 84% and low specificity of 48%. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLDS, FIB-4, AST/ALT, and HSI have no utility for the evaluation of severe steatosis in severely obese patients. Diabetes and insulin-resistance-related biochemical assessments, such as HOMA-IR, can be used as good screening tools for severe steatosis in these patients. APRI score is the most specific biochemical diagnostic tool for steatosis in severely obese patients and can help clinicians to decide the need for bariatric or metabolic surgery.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits: experience of a Brazilian reference center / Impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 no volume de atendimentos no pronto atendimento: experiência de um centro de referência no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department metrics at a large tertiary reference hospital in Brazil. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive emergency department visits, from January 1, 2020, to November 21, 2020, was performed and compared to the corresponding time frame in 2018 and 2019. The volume of visits and patients' demographic and clinic characteristics were compared. All medical conditions were included, except confirmed cases of COVID-19. Results A total of 138,138 emergency department visits occurred during the study period, with a statistically significant (p<0.01) reduction by 52% compared to both 2018 and 2019. This decrease was more pronounced for pediatric visits - a drop by 71% in comparison to previous years. Regarding clinical presentation, there was a decrease of severe cases by 34.7% and 37.6%, whereas mild cases decreased by 55.2% and 56.2% when comparing 2020 to 2018 and 2019, respectively. A 30% fall in the total volume of hospital admission from emergency department patients was observed during the study period, but accompanied by a proportional increase in monthly admission rates since April 2020. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 52% fall in attendance at our emergency department for other conditions, along with a proportional increase in hospital admission rates of COVID-19 patients. Healthcare providers should raise patient awareness not to delay seeking medical treatment of severe conditions that require care at the emergency department.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 nas métricas do pronto atendimento de um hospital terciário de referência no Brasil. Métodos Uma análise retrospectiva das visitas consecutivas ao pronto atendimento, de 1o de janeiro de 2020 a 21 de novembro de 2020, foi realizada e comparada ao mesmo intervalo nos anos de 2018 e 2019. O volume de atendimentos e as características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes foram comparados. Todos os diagnósticos foram incluídos, exceto os casos confirmados de COVID-19. Resultados Um total de 138.138 visitas ao pronto atendimento ocorreu durante o período do estudo, com redução estatisticamente significativa (p<0,01) de 52% do volume comparado tanto a 2018 como a 2019. Essa queda foi mais pronunciada nos atendimentos de pediatria, com redução de 71% se comparada aos números de anos anteriores. Em relação ao quadro clínico, houve redução dos casos graves em 34,7% e 37,6%, enquanto os casos leves caíram 55,2% e 56,2%, quando comparado 2020 a 2018 e a 2019, respectivamente. Uma queda de 30% foi vista no volume de admissões hospitalares originadas dessas visitas, porém houve aumento percentual da taxa de admissão mensal em relação ao volume desde abril de 2020. Conclusão O impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 gerou redução de 52% no volume de atendimento do pronto atendimento por outras condições clínicas, bem como aumento proporcional na taxa de admissão hospitalar de pacientes com COVID-19. Os profissionais de saúde devem orientar seus pacientes a não atrasar a procura por atendimento médico de condições graves que precisem de cuidados no pronto atendimento.

Epidemiologic and clinical features of patients with COVID-19 in Brazil / Características epidemiológicas e clínicas dos pacientes com COVID-19 no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective This study describes epidemiological and clinical features of patients with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed and treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , which admitted the first patients with this condition in Brazil. Methods In this retrospective, single-center study, we included all laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo, Brazil, from February until March 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were analyzed. Results A total of 510 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this study. Most patients were male (56.9%) with a mean age of 40 years. A history of a close contact with a positive/suspected case was reported by 61.1% of patients and 34.4% had a history of recent international travel. The most common symptoms upon presentation were fever (67.5%), nasal congestion (42.4%), cough (41.6%) and myalgia/arthralgia (36.3%). Chest computed tomography was performed in 78 (15.3%) patients, and 93.6% of those showed abnormal results. Hospitalization was required for 72 (14%) patients and 20 (27.8%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Regarding clinical treatment, the most often used medicines were intravenous antibiotics (84.7%), chloroquine (45.8%) and oseltamivir (31.9%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was required by 65% of Intensive Care Unit patients. The mean length of stay was 9 days for all patients (22 and 7 days for patients requiring or not intensive care, respectively). Only one patient (1.38%) died during follow-up. Conclusion These results may be relevant for Brazil and other countries with similar characteristics, which are starting to deal with this pandemic.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características epidemiológicas e clínicas de pacientes com infecção confirmada pelo SARS-CoV-2, diagnosticados e tratados no Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, que admitiu os primeiros pacientes com essa condição no Brasil. Métodos Neste estudo retrospectivo, de centro único, incluímos todos os casos com confirmação laboratorial de COVID-19 no Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, em São Paulo (SP) de fevereiro a março de 2020. Foram analisados dados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos. Resultados Foram incluídos 510 pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (56,9%), com média de idade de 40 anos. Foi relatada história de contato próximo com um caso positivo/suspeito por 61,1% dos pacientes, e 34,4% tinham história de viagens internacionais recentes. Os sintomas mais comuns foram febre (67,5%), congestão nasal (42,4%), tosse (41,6%) e mialgia/artralgia (36,3%). A tomografia computadorizada de tórax foi realizada em 78 (15,3%) pacientes, e 93,6% deles apresentaram resultados anormais. A hospitalização foi necessária para 72 (14%) pacientes, e 20 (27,8%) foram admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Quanto ao tratamento clínico, os medicamentos mais utilizados foram antibióticos intravenosos (84,7%), cloroquina (45,8%) e oseltamivir (31,9%). A ventilação mecânica invasiva foi necessária em 65% dos pacientes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. O tempo médio de internação foi 9 dias para todos os pacientes (22 e 7 dias para pacientes que necessitaram ou não de cuidados intensivos, respectivamente). Apenas um (1,38%) paciente morreu durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão Estes resultados podem ser relevantes para o Brasil e outros países com características semelhantes, que começaram a lidar com essa pandemia.

Real-world evidence of health outcomes and medication use 24 months after bariatric surgery in the public healthcare system in Brazil: a retrospective, single-center study

OBJECTIVES: The number of bariatric procedures has significantly increased in Brazil, especially in the public Unified Health System. The present study describes health outcomes and medication use in obese patients treated in a major hospital that performs publicly funded surgery in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective, single center study was conducted to collect real-world evidence of health outcomes and medication use in 247 obese patients (female, 82.2%) who underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI), presence of apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and medication use (hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia) were assessed preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. The mean cost of medications was calculated for the 12-month preoperative and 24-month postoperative periods. RESULTS: During the surgery, the mean age of patients was 43.42 years (standard deviation [SD], 10.9 years), and mean BMI was 46.7 kg/m2 (SD, 6.7 kg/m2). At 24 months, significant declines were noted in weight (mean, -37.6 kg), BMI (mean, -14.3 kg/m2); presence of T2D, hypertension, and apnea (-29.6%, -50.6%, and -20.9%, respectively); and number of patients using medications (-66.67% for diabetes, -41.86% for hypertension, and -55.26% for dyslipidemia). The mean cost of medications (total costs for all medications) decreased by >50% in 12-24 postoperative months compared to that in 12 preoperative months. CONCLUSION: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass successfully reduced weight, BMI, and comorbidities and medication use and cost at 24 months in Brazilian patients treated in the public Unified Health System.

Changes in the intestinal microbiota of superobese patients after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVES: The gut microbiota is associated with obesity and weight loss after bariatric surgery and has been related to its changing pattern. Exactly how the bacterial population affects weight loss and the results of surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the intestinal microbiota of superobese patients before and after gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). METHOD: DNA fragments for the microbiota obtained from stool samples collected from nine superobese patients before and after bariatric surgery were sequenced using Ion Torrent. RESULTS: We observed that with a mean follow-up of 15 months, patients achieved 55.9% excess weight loss (EWL). A significant population reduction in the Proteobacteria phylum (11 to 2%, p=0.0025) was observed after surgery, while no difference was seen in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Further analyses performed with two specific individuals with divergent clinical outcomes showed a change in the pattern between them, with a significant increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the patient with less weight loss (%EWL 50.79 vs. 61.85). CONCLUSIONS: RYGB affects the microbiota of superobese patients, with a significant reduction in Proteobacteria in patients with different weight loss, showing that different bacteria may contribute to the process.

Protective effect of simvastatin in the cyclophosphamide-induced hemohrragic cystitis in rats / Efeito protetor da sinvastatina na cistite hemorrágica induzida pela ciclofosfamida em ratos

PURPOSE: Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of many neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a frequent side effect of CYP. Several studies show that simvastatin has important pleiotropic (anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory) effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of simvastatin on bladder, ureter and kidney injury caused by CYP. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. The CYP/SIM group received simvastatin microemulsion by gavage during 7 days (10 mg/kg body wt) before the administration of CYP and the CYP/SAL group rats received saline 0.9 percent. The control rats were not treated. After that, all rats were treated with a single dose of CYP 200 mg/kg body wt intraperitoneally. The rats were killed 24 h after CYP administration. Plasma cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Macro and light microscopic study was performed in the bladder, kidney and ureter. RESULTS: In the bladders of CYP/SIMV treated rats edema of lamina propria with epithelial and sub-epithelial hemorrhage were lower than in CYP/SAL treated rats. The scores for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of bladder and ureter were significantly lower in CYP/SIMV rats than in CYP/SAL rats. The kidney was not affected. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 was significatly lower in CF/SINV rats (164.8±22, 44.8±8 and 52.4±13) than in CF/SAL rats (378.5±66, 122.9±26 e 123.6±18), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that simvastatin pretreatment attenuated CYP-induced urotelium inflammation and decreased the activities of cytokines.

OBJETIVO: Ciclofosfamida (CF) é um agente antineoplásico frequente implicado na etiologia da cistite hemorrágica. Vários estudos mostram que a sinvastatina tem importantes efeitos pleiotrópicos (anti-inflamatórios e imunomoduladores). O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar os efeitos da sinvastatina na prevenção de cistite hemorrágica e lesões uroteliais induzidas por CF em modelo experimental. MÉTODOS: Doze ratos Wistar foram distribuídos de forma randomizada em três grupos: nos ratos do grupo experimental (CF/SINV), foi administrada microemulsão de sinvastatina 10mg/Kg, por via oral (gavagem), durante 7 dias antes da administração de CF e os ratos do grupo controle (CF/SAL), foram tratados com solução salina 0,9 por cento nas mesmas doses e prazos. O grupo controle não foi tratado. Todos os ratos foram tratados com CF 200mg/Kg intraperitonial (dose única) e 24 horas após foram sacrificados. Exame macro e microscópico foi feito na bexiga e os rins e ureteres foram avaliados microscopia. Foram realizadas dosagens plasmáticas de TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 (ELISA). RESULTADOS: O escore para avaliação macroscópica do dano à bexiga e o escore para avaliação do dano histológico na bexiga e nos ureteres mostraram-se significativamente menores no grupo CF/SINV em comparação ao grupo CF/SAL (p<0,05). Os rins não foram afetados. A expressão de TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 também foi significativamente menor (p<0,05) no grupo CF/SINV (164,8±22, 44,8±8 e 52,4±13) em comparação ao grupo CF/SAL (378,5±66, 122,9±26 e 123,6±18), respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou eficácia da sinvastatina na atenuação da cistite hemorrágica e lesão ureteral induzidas por CF em ratos Wistar, através da interferência nas citocinas plasmáticas e nas lesões uroteliais.