Characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU in a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil - study protocol

OBJECTIVES: We designed a cohort study to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the largest public hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as Latin America becomes the epicenter of the pandemic. METHODS: This is the protocol for a study being conducted at an academic hospital in Brazil with 300 adult ICU beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients. We will include adult patients admitted to the ICU with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during the study period. The main outcome is ICU survival at 28 days. Data will be collected prospectively and retrospectively by trained investigators from the hospital's electronic medical records, using an electronic data capture tool. We will collect data on demographics, comorbidities, severity of disease, and laboratorial test results at admission. Information on the need for advanced life support and ventilator parameters will be collected during ICU stay. Patients will be followed up for 28 days in the ICU and 60 days in the hospital. We will plot Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate ICU and hospital survival and perform survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model to identify the main risk factors for mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04378582. RESULTS: We expect to include a large sample of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and to be able to provide data on admission characteristics, use of advanced life support, ICU survival at 28 days, and hospital survival at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide epidemiological data about critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, which could inform health policy and resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries.

Reliability of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), and ultrasonographic classification of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules

ABSTRACT Objective Ultrasonography (US) is the best diagnostic tool for initial assessment of thyroid nodule. Recently, data reporting systems for thyroid lesions, such as the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) and American Thyroid Association (ATA), which stratifies the risk for malignancy, have demonstrated good performance in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of both data reporting systems in predicting thyroid malignancy in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods We evaluated 195 thyroid nodules using modified TI-RADS and ATA risk stratification. The results were compared to the cyto-pathology analysis. Histopathological results were available for 45 cases after surgery, which is considered the golden standard for diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Results When compared with cytological results, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 100, 61.1, 100, and 63%, respectively, for TI-RADS; and 100, 75, 100, and 76%, respectively, for ATA. When compared with histopathological results, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and accuracy were 90, 51.4, 94.7, and 60% respectively, for TI-RADS; and 100, 60, 100, and 68%, respectively, for ATA. All patients with malignant nodules were classified in the categories 4 or 5 of TI-RADS and in the intermediate or high suspicion risk according to the ATA system. Conclusion Both TI-RADS and the ATA guidelines have high sensitivity and NPV for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. These systems are feasible for clinical application, allowing to better select patients to undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsies.

Painless thyroiditis associated to thyroid carcinoma: role of initial ultrasonography evaluation

Even though it is a rare event, most associations of thyroid carcinoma with subacute thyroiditis described in the literature are related to its granulomatous form (Quervain’s thyroiditis). We present a patient with subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis (painless thyroiditis) and papillary thyroid cancer that was first suspected in an initial ultrasound evaluation. A 30-year old female patient who was referred to the emergency room due to hyperthyroidism symptoms was diagnosed with painless thyroiditis established by physical examination and laboratory findings. With the presence of a palpable painless thyroid nodule an ultrasound was prescribed and the images revealed a suspicious thyroid nodule, microcalcification focus in the heterogeneous thyroid parenquima and cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was taken from this nodule; cytology was assessed for compatibility with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Postsurgical pathology evaluation showed a multicentric papillary carcinoma and lymphocytic infiltration. Subacute thyroiditis, regardless of type, may produce transitory ultrasound changes that obscure the coexistence of papillary carcinoma. Due to this, initial thyroid ultrasound evaluation should be delayed until clinical recovery. We recommended a thyroid ultrasound exam for initial evaluation of painless thyroiditis, particularly in patients with palpable thyroid nodule. Further cytological examination is recommended in cases presenting with suspect thyroid nodule and/or non-nodular hypoechoic (> 1 cm) or heterogeneous areas with microcalcification focus.

A institucionalização da política de educação permanente em saúde em três estados da região nordeste

O presente estudo analisou a conformação da Política Nacional de Educação Permanente em Saúde em três estados da região Nordeste a partir de seu caráter interfederativo, reafirmado pelo Pacto Pela Saúde. Buscou-se responder como a Política de Educação Permanente em Saúde se institucionalizou na região Nordeste? Para isso, o percurso metodológico empregou a triangulação de métodos, recorrendo a pesquisa documental e análise de conteúdo dos Planos de Saúde, de Educação Permanente em Saúde e Relatórios Anuais de Gestão; além da aplicação de um questionário on line aos gestores da política nas Secretarias de Estado da Saúde de Paraíba, Pernambuco e Sergipe sobre a PNEPS nos respectivos UF. A análise foi realizada por meio de oito categorias que possibilitaram identificar as relações interfederativas estabelecidas a partir da organização, dos objetivos, dos atores envolvidos, do controle, dos recursos, dos focos e dos espaços e instancias de governança. Como resultado identificou-se uma política pouco inovadora frente a Educação Continuada, marcada pela homogeneidade entre os estados e a fragmentação das ações. Centrada nos trabalhadores de nível superior, ao mesmo passo em que negligencia atores institucionais essenciais, constituiu-se uma política fortemente centralizada na esfera estadual, ao mesmo tempo em que os municípios demandam e definem as ações à serem executadas. Dentre os potenciais avanços, destaca-se o protagonismo das instituições de ensino para o desenvolvimento da política tanto enquanto executoras como parceiras no desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para o fortalecimento da integração ensino-serviço, a exemplo das Redes de Escolas SUS.

This study analyzed the conformation of the National Permanent health education's Policy (PNEPS) in three states in the Northeast of Brazil, starting from its interfederative character, reaffirmed by the Pact for Health. The study aimed to answer the question: "How Permanent health education's Policy is institutionalized in the Northeast of Brazil?”. For this, the methodological approach used was triangulation method, using documental research, content analysis of health plans and annual permanent health education's management reports besides the application of an online questionnaire to the PNEPS' managers from the health departments in the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco and Sergipe. The analysis was performed using eight categories that allowed the identification inter-federative relationships established by the organizations, the objectives, the stakeholders, the control, the resources, the focus, and the spaces and instances of governance. As a result, the study identified a little innovative policy, compared to the Continuing Education, marked by homogeneity between the states and the fragmentation of actions. Focused on higher-education workers and, at the same step, overlooking key institutional actors, it constituted a strongly centralized policy at the state level, while municipalities define the actions to be performed. Among the potential advances, can be highlighted the role of educational institutions in developing the policy as "executing agencies" as much as being partners in developing new strategies for enhancing the integration between teaching and service like "SUS' network of schools".

Tratamento endoscopico das estenoses funcionais das vias aereas / Bronchoscopic management of functional airway obstruction

O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a traqueobroncomalacia (TBM) e excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC, colapso dinâmico excessivo das vias aereas). Embora a TBM e o EDAC, caracterizados por uma redução de 50% ou mais da luz, sejam descritos com frequencia crescente na forma de relatos de casos clinicos, faltam dados sistematizados que permitam o pronto diagnostico e a distinção entre TBM e EDAC. As tecnicas endoscopicas tem papel fundamental no diagnostico e podem ser uma alternativa para o tratamento de TBM e EDAC. É evidente a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados acerca de TBM e EDAC que permitam o pronto reconhecimento e o tratamento adequado dessas entidades e das doenças subjacentes, contribuindo para uma melhora na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

The objective of this review was to characterize tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC). There have been clinical case reports of TBM and EDAC, both of which are characterized by a ¡Ý 50% reduction in the crosssectional area of the tracheobronchial lumen, and the number of such reports is increasing. However, there are no systematicdata that would facilitate prompt diagnosis and allow distinctions to be drawn between TBM and EDAC. Endoscopic techniques play a key role in the diagnosis of both conditions and might represent an alternative means of treating patients with TBM or EDAC.There is a clear need for further studies of TBM and EDAC in order to develop strategies for the prompt recognition andproper treatment of these entities, as well as of the underlying diseases. The use of such strategies could lead to an improvement in the quality of life of patients within this population.

Política nacional de educação permanente em saúde: a experiência de Pernambuco / National policy of continuing education in health: the experience of Pernambuco

A Política Nacional de Educação Permanente em Saúde não consiste simplesmente em uma portaria que aloca recursos, mas consiste em um processo político complexo, iniciado antes mesmo da criação do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Contudo, tamanha sua complexidade, o tema obteve pouco avanço até a instituição da PNEPS e da elaboração de diretrizes que possibilitam uma construção mais participativa e mais atenta às particularidades das várias regiões, estados e municípios do país. Por isso, este trabalho apresenta informações sobre a construção da Política de Educação Permanente em Saúde no estado de Pernambuco até os dias atuais. De ações desarticuladas e desvinculadas da própria PNEPS, que passam, inclusive, pela ausência de informações e/ou registros públicos, a política estadual avança gradualmente, porém, constantemente atravessada por trâmites burocráticos, inerentes ao serviço público brasileiro. Aos poucos, é possível identificar uma organização conduzida e centralizada pelo estado, que contribuiu para o desenvolvimento da temática em todas as suas regiões, arquitetadas, principalmente, sobre o pilar da regionalização e tendo como norte a integralidade da atenção à saúde em Pernambuco.

Caracterização de pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 do sul do Brasil: complicações crônicas e fatores associados / Characterization of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in southern Brazil: chronic complications and associated factors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de complicações crônicas vasculares e fatores associados em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 1. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes DM tipo 1 atendidos no Serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à presença de complicações crônicas vasculares. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 573 pacientes, idade média de 33 anos. A presença de retinopatia diabética (RD) foi observada em 43,3 por cento, o tempo de DM [RC: 1,07; IC95 por cento 1,03-1,11; P < 0,001], presença de nefropatia diabética (ND) [RC 3,40; IC95 por cento 1,89 - 6,13; P <0,001] e presença de hipertensão (HAS) [RC:2,12; IC95 por cento 1,16 - 3,87; P = 0,014] foram associados com RD. A ND esteve presente em 34,5 por cento e foi associada à presença de HAS [RC: 1.93; IC95 por cento (1,16-3,21); P = 0,001] e colesterol total [RC: 1,0; IC 95 por cento (1,0-1,01); P = 0,05]. Sete pacientes apresentaram doença macrovascular. Apenas 22 por cento atingiram níveis de HbA1c <7,0 por cento. A prevalência de HAS foi 33 por cento, sendo que 48 por cento estavam com a PA <130/80 mm Hg e 45 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram valores de LDL >100 mg/dl. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos elevadas prevalências de complicações microvasculares e de HAS. A duração do DM, HAS e presença de ND foram associados à RD. HAS e dislipidemia foram associados à ND. A maioria dos pacientes encontrava-se fora dos alvos desejados de controle glicêmico, pressórico e lipídico. Maiores esforços são necessários para intensificar o controle metabólico e pressórico de pacientes com DM tipo 1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic vascular complications and associated factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Cross sectional study with type 1 DM patients attending the Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. Patients were evaluated for presence of chronic vascular complications. RESULTS: We evaluated 573 patients, mean age of 33 years. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was observed in 43.3 percent, diabetes duration [OR: 1.07, 95 percent CI: 1.03 to 1.11, P <0001], the presence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) [OR: 3.40; CI 95 percent: 1.89 to 6.13, P <0001] and hypertension (HPT) [OR: 2.12, 95 percent CI: 1.16 to 3.87, P = 0014] were associated with DR. The DN was present in 34.5 percent and was associated with HPT [OR: 1.93, 95 percent CI: 1.16 to 3.21, P = 0001] and total cholesterol [OR: 1.0, 95 percent CI: 1.0-1.01, P = 0.05]. Seven patients had macrovascular disease. Only 22 percent achieved an A1c of <7.0 percent. HPT was 33 percent and 48 percent had levels <130/80 mm Hg and 45 percent of patients had values for LDL> 100 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of microvascular complications and HPT. Duration of DM, HPT and presence of DN were associated with DR. HPT and dyslipidemia were associated with DN. Most patients did not meet the desired glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid targets. Greater efforts are needed to intensify the pressure and metabolic control of patients with type 1 DM.

Liga com memória de forma: estudo preliminar do grampo de judet de nitinol e sua possível aplicação em tórax instável / Shape memory alloy: a preliminary study of nitinol judet staples for future application in flail chest

Este artigo sucintamente descreve a evolução da liga metálica “inteligente”, com memória de forma na área de Saúde. A confecção de grampos de Judet em nitinol ocorreu no Laboratório de Transformação Mecânica da UFRGS (LdTM) e a simples verificação das qualidades superelásticas e de memória de forma foram contempladas no LdTM e no HCPA pela equipe envolvida no projeto. A título de ilustração, demonstramos com um caso clínico a aplicabilidade do grampo de Judet no cenário de instabilidade da parede torácica, a qual, além de prejudicar a mecânica respiratória, apresenta uma alta taxa de mortalidade. Os resultados preliminares evidenciaram a transformação provocada pelo calor, ocasionando o fechamento das garras dos grampos de Judet, que se manteve firme e sem alteração da consistência com o tempo, permitindo antever sua aplicabilidade num modelo experimental. Grampos de Judet em Nitinol são apresentados teoricamente como vantajosos em relação aos já existentes em aço inoxidável 316L, especialmente pela facilidade de manuseio e possível simplificação do procedimento cirúrgico. Detalhes no acabamento permitem a biocompatibilidade e o engenheiro projetista de materiais deve compatibilizar as ligas de níquel e titânio (NiTi) utilizadas nos grampos. O nitinol possui amplo emprego no cenário médico-odontológico e há normas técnicas bem definidas. A epidemiologia do trauma e a gravidade das lesões associadas à instabilidade da parede torácica evidenciam a oportunidade de estudos nessa direção. Concluímos sobre a necessidade de prosseguir para uma avaliação experimental, agregando a mensuração de parâmetros viscosos e viscoelásticos da mecânica respiratória, especialmente em seu componente de parede torácica (cw).

The aim of this article is to briefly describe the incorporation of nitinol (NiTi) – an intelligent nickel-titanium alloy presenting shape memory – for use in medical applications. Nitinol Judet staples were developed at the Mechanical Processing Laboratory (LdTM) at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Simple confirmation assays of superelasticity and shape memory were performed at the LdTM and Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre by the project team. A clinical case was used to demonstrate the applicability of nitinol Judet staples in the treatment of flail chest, a condition characterized by respiratory mechanics associated with fairly high mortality. The initial observation revealed a transformation resulting from heat exposure causing the closure of staple prongs. With time, the consistency of the Judet staples remained unchanged, indicating the feasibility of an experimental model employing these staples. The advantages of NiTi-made Judet staples in relation to 316L stainless steel staples are outlined, with emphasis on the ease of use and possible simplification of the surgical procedure. Finishing details ensure biocompatibility, with a focus on specific adaptations in the NiTi alloy employed to manufacture the staples; nevertheless, nitinol is widely employed in medicine and dentistry, with well-defined standards. The epidemiology of trauma and the severity of lesions associated with flail chest provide an opportunity for the proposed studies. The experimental assessment of nitinol Judet staples must now address viscosity and viscoelastic parameters of respiratory mechanics, especially concerning the chest wall.