ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The objective of our study is to present the first Brazilian cryoablation experience in the treatment of low and intermediate risk localized prostate cancer using 3rd generation cryoablation and real-time biplanar transrectal ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten Brazilian patients underwent primary cryoablation for localized prostate cancer between October 2010 and June 2011. All patients consented for whole gland primary cryotherapy. The procedures were performed by 3rd generation cryoablation with the Cryocare System® (Endocare, Irvine, California). Preoperative data collection included patient demographics along with prostate gland size, Gleason score, serum prostate specific antigen, and erectile function status. Operative and post-operative assessment involved estimated blood loss, operative time, complications, serum PSA level, erectile function status, urinary incontinence, biochemical disease free survival (BDFS), and follow-up time. RESULTS: All patients in the study successfully underwent whole gland cryoablation. The mean of: age, prostate size, PSA level, and Gleason score, was 66.2 years old; 40.7g; 7.8ng/mL; and 6 respectively. All patients were classified as low or moderate D'Amico risk (5 low and 5 moderate). Erectile dysfunction was present in 50% of patients. The estimated blood loss was minimal, operative time was 46.1 minutes. All patients that developed erectile dysfunction post-treatment responded to oral or intracavernosal medications with early penile rehabilitation. All patients maintained urinary continence by the end of a 10 months evaluation period and none had biochemical relapse within the mean follow-up of 13 months (7-15 months). CONCLUSION: Our initial experience shows that cryoablation is a minimally invasive option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Short term data seems to be promising but longer follow-up is necessary to verify oncological and functional results.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cryosurgery/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Brazil , Cryosurgery/adverse effects , Feasibility Studies , Neoplasm Grading , Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Factors , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of social support on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: The sample is composed by 150 MS consecutive patients. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey to assess social support and the Health Status Questionnaire to assess HRQoL. For inferential analysis, we used the Multiple Linear Regression with stepwise selection of variables. RESULTS: The age, basic education, psychological support and disability explains 41.6 percent of the variance in physical function, 29.4 percent in physical performance and 30.6 percent in emotional performance. Age and psychological support explains 23.1 percent of the variance in physical function and 29.4 percent in vitality. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that social support is a predictor with a significant effect on HRQoL in MS.
OBJETIVO: Determinar o valor preditivo do apoio social na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde dos doentes com esclerose múltipla (HRQoL). MÉTODO: Cento e cinquenta doentes foram consecutivamente avaliados na consulta de esclerose múltipla. Usamos o Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey para avaliar o apoio social e o Health Status Questionnaire para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Na análise inferencial, utilizamos a regressão múltipla linear com a seleção de variáveis passo a passo. RESULTADOS: A idade, a educação básica, o apoio psicológico e a incapacidade explicam 41,6 por cento da variância na função física, 29,4 por cento da variância no desempenho físico e 30,6 por cento da variância no desempenho emocional. Idade e apoio psicológico explicam 23,1 por cento da variância na função física e 29,4 por cento na vitalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou que o apoio social é o preditor com um efeito significativo sobre HRQoL.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Multiple Sclerosis , Quality of Life , Social Support , Age Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Status , Linear Models , Mental Health , Multiple Sclerosis/psychology , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: Poucos têm sido os estudos para conhecer o grau de poluição pelo fumo do tabaco a que estão sujeitas as pessoas em vários lugares públicos e privados. O objectivo do estudo foi quantificar o nível de poluição do ar provocada pelo fumo do cigarro em locais de trabalho e de lazer. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado no concelho de Braga, Portugal, em 2005. A medição dos teores de nicotina no ar interior foi realizada com monitores passivos contendo um filtro de 37 mm de diâmetro tratado com bissulfato sódico no seu interior. Os monitores foram colocados em lugares públicos, de trabalho e de lazer, pré-definidos. Para cada um dos locais, calculou-se a mediana da nicotina. RESULTADOS: A presença de nicotina foi detectada em 85 por cento das amostras. Foram encontrados valores elevados de contaminação do ar nas discotecas, com mediana de 82,26 mug/m³, variando entre os 5,79 e os 106,31 mug/m³.Os locais de trabalho da administração pública e da universidade apresentaram os valores mais baixos de nicotina. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados confirmam a necessidade de reforçar a implemen-tação e sobretudo, o cumprimento de políticas sem fumo nos locais de trabalho e de lazer, em benefício da saúde dos trabalhadores e como medida reforçadora de um ambiente que facilite aos fumadores o abandono do fumo do tabaco.
OBJECTIVE: There have been few studies investigating the level of cigarette smoke pollution to which people in several public and private places are exposed. The purpose of this study was to quantify the level of air pollution produced by cigarette smoking in workplaces and leisure settings. METHODS: The study was carried out in Braga, Portugal, in 2005. Nicotine content in indoor air was measured using passive monitors containing a 37-mm diameter filter inside treated with sodium bisulphate. The monitors were installed in predefined public workplaces and leisure settings. Median nicotine content was estimated for each place studied. RESULTS: Nicotine was detected in 85 percent of the samples. Extremely high air contamination levels were found in discos with a median of 82.26 mug/m³, ranging between 5.79 and 106.31 mug/m³. Workplaces of public administration and university buildings showed the lowest nicotine content. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings confirm the need to promote the implementation of smoke-free policies in workplaces and leisure settings to protect workers' health and as a reinforcing measure of an environment which facilitates smokers to quit smoking.