What else in times of COVID-19? The role of minimally invasive autopsy for the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory failure in a case of kala-azar

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by trypanosomatids, considered endemic in 98 countries, mainly associated with poverty. About 50,000-90,000 cases of VL occur annually worldwide, and Brazil has the second largest number of cases in the world. The clinical picture of VL is fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia, progressing to death in 90% of cases due to secondary infections and multi-organ failure, if left untreated. We describe the case of a 25-year-old female who lived in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, who had recently taken touristic trips to several rural areas in Southeastern Brazil and was diagnosed post-mortem. During the hospitalization in a hospital reference for the treatment of COVID-19, the patient developed acute respiratory failure, with chest radiographic changes, and died due to refractory shock. The ultrasound-guided minimally invasive autopsy diagnosed VL (macrophages containing amastigote forms of Leishmania in the spleen, liver and bone marrow), as well as pneumonia and bloodstream infection by gram-negative bacilli.

O Uso de um Ventilador Mecânico Portátil na Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar é Viável, Melhora os Parâmetros Respiratórios e Previne a Redução da Complacência Pulmonar Dinâmica / Use of a Portable Mechanical Ventilator during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is Feasible, Improves Respiratory Parameters, and Prevents the Decrease of Dynamic Lung Compliance

Resumo Fundamentos Para ventilação prática e protetora durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP), desenvolveu-se um ventilador mecânico (VLP2000E) de 150 gramas que limita o pico de pressão inspiratória (PPI) durante ventilação e compressões torácicas simultâneas. Objetivos Avaliar a viabilidade da ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP e comparar os parâmetros monitorados versus ventilação com bolsa-válvula. Métodos Estudo experimental randomizado com 10 porcos intubados por grupo. Após sete minutos de fibrilação ventricular, iniciaram-se ciclos de RCP de 2 minutos. Todos os animais foram ventilados com VLP2000E após o retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE). Resultados Os grupos bolsa-válvula e VLP2000E apresentaram taxa de RCE (60% vs. 50%, respectivamente) e saturação arterial de oxigênio similares na maioria dos ciclos de RCP, volume corrente basal diferente [0,764 (0,068) vs. 0,591 (0,123) L, p = 0,0309, respectivamente] e, em 14 ciclos, diferentes PPI [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectivamente], volume corrente [0,635 (0,172) vs. 0,306 (0,129) L], ETCO2 [14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], e pico de fluxo inspiratório [0,878 (0,234) vs. 0,533 (0,105) L/s], todos p < 0,0001. A complacência pulmonar dinâmica (≥ 0,025 L/cm H2O) diminuiu após o RCE no grupo bolsa-válvula, mas se manteve no grupo VLP2000E [ 0,019 (0,006) vs. 0,024 (0,008) L/cm H2O, p = 0,0003]. Conclusões Ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP é viável e equivalente a ventilação com bolsa-válvula quanto à taxa de RCE e saturação arterial de oxigênio. Esse ventilador produz melhores parâmetros respiratórios, com pressão das vias aéreas e volume corrente menores. Ventilação com VLP2000E também previne a redução significante da complacência pulmonar dinâmica observada após ventilação com bolsa-válvula. Seria interessante realizar mais estudos pré-clínicos para confirmar esses resultados.

Abstract Background For practical and protective ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a 150-grams mechanical ventilator (VLP2000E) that limits peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during simultaneous ventilation with chest compressions was developed. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of VLP2000E ventilation during CPR and to compare monitored parameters versus bag-valve ventilation. Methods A randomized experimental study with 10 intubated pigs per group. After seven minutes of ventricular fibrillation, 2-minute CPR cycles were delivered. All animals were placed on VLP2000E after achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Results Bag-valve and VLP2000E groups had similar ROSC rate (60% vs. 50%, respectively) and arterial oxygen saturation in most CPR cycles, different baseline tidal volume [0.764 (0.068) vs. 0.591 (0.123) L, p = 0.0309, respectively] and, in 14 cycles, different PIP [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectively], tidal volume [0.635 (0.172) vs. 0.306 (0.129) L], ETCO2[14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], and peak inspiratory flow [0.878 (0.234) vs. 0.533 (0.105) L/s], all p < 0.0001. Dynamic lung compliance (≥ 0.025 L/cm H2O) decreased after ROSC in bag-valve group but was maintained in VLP2000E group [0.019 (0.006) vs. 0.024 (0.008) L/cm H2O, p = 0.0003]. Conclusions VLP2000E ventilation during CPR is feasible and equivalent to bag-valve ventilation in ROSC rate and arterial oxygen saturation. It produces better respiratory parameters, with lower airway pressure and tidal volume. VLP2000E ventilation also prevents the significant decrease of dynamic lung compliance observed after bag-valve ventilation. Further preclinical studies confirming these findings would be interesting.

InsulinAPP application protocol for the inpatient management of type 2 diabetes on a hospitalist-managed ward: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objective: We assessed metrics related to inpatient glycemic control using InsulinAPP, an application available for free in Brazil, on the hospitalist-managed ward of our hospital. Subjects and methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) admitted from November 2018 to October 2019. InsulinAPP recommends NPH and regular insulins three times a day, in bolus-correction or basal-bolus schemes. Parameters that included BG within range of 70-180 mg/dL, insulin treatment regimen and frequency of hypoglycemia were evaluated. Results: A total of 147 T2D individuals (23% medicine and 77% surgery) were included (mean age 62.3 ± 12.7 years, HbA1c: 8.3 ± 3.0%). The initial insulin regimen was 50% bolus-correction, 47% basal-bolus and 3% with sliding scale insulin. During hospitalization, 71% patients required a bolus-basal regimen. In the first 10 days of the protocol, 71% BG measurements were between 70-180 mg/dL and 26% patients experienced one or more episodes of hypoglycemia < 70 mg/dL, and 5% with BG < 54 mg/dL. Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study indicate the InsulinAPP application using human insulin formulations was effective and safe for the management of hyperglycemia on a hospitalist-managed ward, with more than 70% BG measurements within the therapeutic range and a low rate of hypoglycemia.

Desafios da profilaxia estendida do tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos / Challenges of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in medical and surgical patients

Resumo Pacientes hospitalizados por doenças clínicas e cirúrgicas agudas estão sob risco de desenvolvimento de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) durante a hospitalização e após a alta. A profilaxia farmacológica estendida além do período da hospitalização é recomendada para pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de alto risco de TEV e para grupos selecionados de pacientes clínicos hospitalizados. Diversos desafios envolvem essa prática, desde o reconhecimento das populações de risco elegíveis para a extensão da profilaxia até a escolha do anticoagulante mais adequado e a definição do tempo ideal de utilização. Os principais modelos de avaliação de risco de TEV em pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos hospitalizados, as recomendações atuais para uso da profilaxia estendida e suas limitações e benefícios serão apresentados nesta revisão.

Abstract Patients hospitalized for acute medical and surgical illnesses are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) during hospitalization and after discharge. Extended pharmacological prophylaxis beyond the hospital stay is recommended for patients undergoing surgeries at high risk for VTE and for selected groups of hospitalized medical patients. This practice involves several challenges, from identification of at-risk populations eligible for extended prophylaxis to choice of the most appropriate anticoagulant and definition of the ideal duration of use. This review will present the main VTE risk assessment models for hospitalized medical and surgical patients, the current recommendations for use of extended prophylaxis, and its limitations and benefits.

Papel do Instrutor de Pediatric Advanced Life Support na Aplicação das Melhores Práticas em Ressuscitação Pediátrica / The Role of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor in Applying Best Practices in Pediatric Resuscitation

Resumo: Introdução: A parada cardiorrespiratória é um evento emergencial que requer tanto a identificação precoce de sinais de deterioração clínica quanto ações rápidas e eficazes para a sua reversão. Muitos médicos e enfermeiros que atendem crianças procuram se capacitar no atendimento desses eventos, realizando o curso Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), tornando-se posteriormente instrutores. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer a percepção do instrutor de PALS sobre seu papel na articulação entre o cenário simulado e o real da ressuscitação pediátrica. Método: Trata-se de uma abordagem qualitativa em que se utilizou a entrevista semiestruturada como técnica de pesquisa. Foram realizadas 12 entrevistas com instrutores do PALS vinculados a variados centros de treinamento em São Paulo. Os dados qualitativos das entrevistas seguiram o método de análise proposto por Minayo, e o marco teórico adotou os conceitos de campo e habitus de Pierre Bourdieu. Resultados: A análise das entrevistas mostrou que os médicos e enfermeiros se sentem reconhecidos e seguros, conduzem melhor a equipe, realizam intervenção construtiva, sugerem mais treinamentos em ressuscitação pediátrica e implantam melhorias nos serviços após se tornarem instrutores do PALS. O habitus incorporado no campo simulado foi reproduzido pelos instrutores no campo da assistência, exceto na aplicação do debriefing. Conclusão: O papel dos instrutores foi de multiplicação das boas práticas, envolvendo as equipes e favorecendo a realização de atendimentos sistematizados e baseados em evidências, com resultados positivos no dia a dia das instituições hospitalares.

Abstract: Introduction: Cardiopulmonary arrest is an emergency event that requires both early identification of signs of clinical deterioration and rapid and effective actions for its reversal. Many physicians and nurses who provide care for children seek to training in this area of care by completing the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, and subsequently becoming an instructor. The aim of this research was to understand the PALS instructors' views on their role in connecting simulated scenarios to real life pediatric resuscitation situations. Method: The article has a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews were used as the research technique. Twelve interviews were conducted with PALS instructors linked to various training centers in São Paulo. For qualitative analysis of the interviews the method proposed by Minayo was used, and Pierre Bourdieu's field and habitus theoretical framework was also adopted. Results: Analysis of the interviews showed that after becoming PALS instructors, physicians and nurses feel recognized and self-confident, are better team leaders, make constructive interventions, suggest more training in pediatric emergencies and implement improvements in their services. The built-in habitus in the simulated field was reproduced by the instructors in the field of assistance, except in the debriefing application. Conclusion: The role of the instructors was to multiply best practices, involving the teams and favoring the execution of systematized and evidence-based care, with positive results in the day-to-day of hospital institutions.

Time de resposta rápida e atendimento de paradas cardíacas extra-hospitalares / Rapid response Team and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Times de Resposta Rápida (TRR) são equipes multidisciplinares treinadas para atender indivíduos com intercorrências agudas e graves, incluindo parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) súbita, nas unidades de internação. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir as particularidades do emprego de um TRR hospitalar no atendimento de PCRs extra-hospitalares, utilizando a experiência do time do Instituto Central do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICHC-FMUSP) para elucidação. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, utilizando o banco de dados do TRR do ICHC-FMUSP. Foram levantados todos os casos classificados como PCR súbita atendidos em ambiente extra-hospitalar, nos anos de 2014 a 2016. Dados globais de cinco pacientes que evoluíram com alta hospitalar e nível neurológico preservado foram descritos e analisados em detalhes. Resultados: Entre 11 atendimentos, oito tiveram retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE) na cena (72,2%) e três morreram no local. Dos oito pacientes admitidos com vida no Departamento de Emergência, cinco tiveram alta hospitalar após o evento (45,5%). A média de tempo de resposta foi 3 ± 1,2 minutos e o intervalo chamada-choque foi de 7,25 ± 3,2 minutos. Os ritmos de parada foram fibrilação ventricular (80%) e atividade elétrica sem pulso (20%). Dois pacientes foram diagnosticados com doença coronariana grave e quatro receberam um cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) para profilaxia secundária de morte súbita. Um paciente, entre os cinco que tiveram alta, faleceu em outro serviço. Conclusão: Apesar de pouco usual, o emprego de um TRR hospitalar no atendimento de PCRs extra-hospitalares pode ser benéfico. Os desfechos favoráveis provavelmente decorreram do treinamento da equipe e da rapidez na realização do atendimento. A investigação cardiológica dos sobreviventes identificou pacientes com doenças graves, que, portanto, mais se beneficiariam da assistência de um time especializado

Introduction: Rapid Response Teams (RRT) are multidisciplinary groups trained to treat individuals with severe and acute events, including sudden cardiac arrest (CA), in in-patient units. The aim of this report is to discuss the singularities of deploying a hospital RRT for out-of-hospital CA assistance, using the experience of the team at the Instituto Central of Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (ICHC-FMUSP) as illustration. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted, using the RRT database of the ICHC-FMUSP. All cases classified as sudden CA treated outside of the hospital between 2014 and 2016 were surveyed. Global data for five patients who progressed to discharge from hospital free of neuro - logical impairment were described and analyzed in detail. Results: Of the 11 cases, 8 had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at the scene (72.2%), and 3 died on site. Of the 8 patients admitted to the Emergency Department, 5 were discharged from the hospital after the event (45.5%). The average response time was 3±1.2minutes, and the call-to-shock time interval was 7.25±3.2minutes. The cardiac arrest rhythms were ventricular fibrillation (80%) and pulseless electrical activity (20%). Two patients were diagnosed with severe coronary disease and four received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prophylaxis of sudden death. One patient, of the 5 discharged, died in another unit. Conclusion: Although unusual, the use of a hospital RRT for out-of-hospital CA assistance can be beneficial. The favorable outcomes likely resulted from the team's training and the speed with which the treatment was given. Cardiovascular evaluation of the survivors identified patents with severe diseases, which would, therefore, most benefit from the care of a specialized team

Caracterização do atendimento do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU) às emergências clínicas / Characterization of the urgency mobile service (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência, SAMU) for clinical emergencies / Caracterización de la atención del Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencias (SAMU) para emergencias clínicas

Objetivo: caracterizar os atendimentos clínicos realizados pelo SAMU de Salvador. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo descritivo, exploratório e transversal cuja amostra foi composta de 465 fichas de atendimentos clínicos realizados pelo SAMU, na cidade de Salvador na Bahia. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de instrumento de coleta de dados e a análise descritiva realizada com o software SPSS, no qual foram processadas frequências relativas e absolutas. Resultados: os usuários atendidos se caracterizaram por serem homens (49,9%) com média de idade de 54 anos [desvio-padrão (DP)=21)]. Os agravos neurológicos (36,1%), cardiológicos (14,4%) e respiratórios (12,9%) foram prevalentes. Unidades de suporte básico foram as mais acionadas (63,7%) e tiveram como principal desfecho o atendimento no local e remoção para um hospital de referência (21,7%), no entanto, recursos como oxigenoterapia e punção venosa não foram utilizados na maior parte dos atendimentos. A média de tempo entre a abertura da ocorrência e saída da base foi de 22 minutos (DP= 20). O tempo resposta teve média de 39 minutos (DP= 25) e a duração total média da ocorrência foi de duas horas (DP= 1:23). Conclusão: os atendimentos clínicos realizados pelo SAMU ocorrem prevalentemente com homens e por agravos neurológicos. Identificou-se discordância entre a necessidade dos pacientes e o envio de recursos, mediante a avaliação da equipe. Os tempos implicados no atendimento pré-hospitalar são elevados.(AU)

Objectives: to characterize the clinical care provided by SAMU of Salvador. Methodology: this is a descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional study whose sample consisted of 465 records of clinical care performed by the SAMU, in the city of Salvador, Bahia. Data was obtained through a data collection instrument and descriptive analysis was performed with the SPSS software, in which relative and absolute frequencies were processed. Results: the patients attended were characterized by being men (49.9%) with a mean age of 54 years old [Standard Deviation (SD)=21)]. Neurological (36.1%), cardiac (14.4%) and respiratory (12.9%) injuries were prevalent. Basic support units were the most triggered (63.7%) and their main outcome was onsite care and removal to a reference hospital (21.7%); however, resources such as oxygen therapy and venipuncture were not used in most calls. The mean time between the opening of the occurrence and the output was 22 minutes (SD=20). The mean response time was 39 minutes (SD=25) and the total mean duration of occurrence was two hours (SD=1:23). Conclusion: SAMU clinical consultations occur predominantly with men and neurological disorders. Disagreement was identified between the patients' need and the dispatching of resources, according to the team's evaluation. The times involved in pre-hospital care are high.(AU)

Objetivo: caracterizar la atención clínica brindada por el SAMU de Salvador. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y transversal cuya muestra consistió en 465 registros de atención clínica realizadas por el SAMU, en la ciudad de Salvador, Bahía. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante un instrumento de recogida datos y un análisis descriptivo realizado con el software SPSS, en el que se procesaron las frecuencias relativas y absolutas. Resultados: los usuarios atendidos se caracterizaron como varones (49,9%) con edad media de 54 años [desviación estándar (DP) = 21)]. Prevalecieron los problemas neurológicos (36.1%), cardíacos (14.4%) y respiratorios (12.9%). Las unidades de apoyo básicas fueron las más necesitadas (63,7%) y su resultado principal fue la atención in situ y el traslado a un hospital de referencia (21,7%); sin embargo, en la mayoría de los casos, no se utilizaron recursos como la oxigenoterapia y la punción venosa. El tiempo promedio entre la apertura del incidente y la salida de la base fue de 22 minutos (DP = 20). El promedio del tiempo de respuesta fue de 39 minutos (DP = 25) y la duración total promedio del incidente fue de dos horas (DP = 1:23). Conclusión: las casos clínicos atendidos por el SAMU ocurren básicamente entre hombres y por problemas neurológicos. Se identificó un desacuerdo entre la necesidad de los pacientes y el envío de recursos, de acuerdo con la evaluación del equipo. Los tiempos de atención prehospitalaria son elevados.(AU)

Kidney injury and other complications related to colonoscopy in inpatients at a tertiary teaching hospital

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical complications related to colonoscopy in inpatients with multiple diseases. Among the known complications, acute kidney injury was the primary focus. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study of 97 inpatients. Data relating to age; gender; comorbidities; current medication; blood tests (renal function, blood glucose and LDL cholesterol levels); length of hospital stay; indication, results, and complications of colonoscopies; and time to the development of kidney injury were collected between June 2011 to February 2012. RESULTS: A total of 108 colonoscopies (9 screening and 88 diagnostic) were conducted in 97 patients. Renal injury occurred in 41.2% of the patients. The univariate analysis revealed that kidney injury was related to the use of diuretics, statins, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor; however, the multivariate analysis showed that only the use of diuretics was associated with kidney injury. The occurrence of kidney injury and the time to its development were independent of the previous glomerular filtration rate as calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of diuretics was the only independent variable associated with the development of kidney injury in inpatients with multiple comorbidities who underwent colonoscopy. The occurrence of kidney injury and the time to its development were independent of previous CKD-EPI-based assessments of renal function. These results highlight the increased risk of colonoscopy in such patients, and its indication should be balanced strictly and perhaps avoided as a screening test.

Enfermeiros da Atenção Primária em suporte básico de vida / Primary Care nurses in basic life support

Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento de enfermeiros da Atenção Primária à Saúde sobre as medidas de Suporte Básico de Vida utilizadas no tratamento da parada cardiorrespiratória em adultos e relacioná-lo com tempo de formação, experiência profissional e participação em cursos de atualização. Métodos Cento e vinte e nove enfermeiros preencheram formulário contendo as variáveis do estudo e realizaram um teste com 10 questões de múltipla escolha. Resultados A pontuação média global foi preocupantemente baixa (4,5±1,9 pontos). Enfermeiros mais jovens, com menos tempo de formação e atuação em Atenção Primária à Saúde e com experiência em emergência ou cardiologia tiveram desempenho significativamente melhor. Enfermeiros que realizaram cursos práticos avançados de suporte de vida nos últimos dois anos também tiveram melhor desempenho, mas isto correspondeu a menos de 10% da amostra. Conclusão A falta de experiência em emergências e a carência de treinamento regular contribuíram para o fraco desempenho dos enfermeiros que atuam na Assistência Primária à Saúde. Isso foi evidenciado na avaliação utilizada para medir o conhecimento sobre tratamento da parada cardiorrespiratória em adultos, indicando a necessidade de um programa de educação continuada.

Objective Evaluate the knowledge of Primary Health Care nurses on basic life support measures used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary arrest in adults, relating it to length of training, professional experience, and participation in actualization courses. Methods One hundred twenty nine nurses filled in a form containing the study variables and performed a test with 10 multiple choice questions. Results The overall mean score was worryingly low (4.5±1.9 points). Younger and recently graduated nurses with less professional experience in primary health care and with experience in emergency or cardiology had significantly higher scores. Nurses who had completed advanced life support courses in the last 2 years also performed better, but this was less than 10% of the sample. Conclusion The lack of experience in emergencies and lack of regular training contributed to the poor performance of nurses working in primary health care, as evidenced in the evaluation used to measure their knowledge about cardiopulmonary arrest treatment in adults, indicating the need for a continuing education program.

Tratamento da parada cardíaca experimental com adrenalina, vasopressina ou placebo / Experimental cardiac arrest treatment with adrenaline, vasopressin, or placebo

FUNDAMENTO: Na ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP) prolongada, o efeito dos vasoconstritores não foi plenamente esclarecido. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito pressórico da adrenalina e da vasopressina, e observar o retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, cego e placebo-controlado. Após sete minutos em fibrilação ventricular, porcos receberam ciclos de dois minutos de RCP. Tentou-se a desfibrilação (4 J/kg) uma vez aos 9 minutos e após cada ciclo, conforme o ritmo verificado, reiniciando-se a RCP imediatamente. Aos 9 minutos e depois de cada cinco minutos, aplicou-se adrenalina 0,02 mg/kg (n = 12 porcos), ou vasopressina 0,4 U/kg (n = 12), ou solução salina 0,9% 0,2 mL/kg (n = 8). A RCP continuou por 30 minutos ou até o RCE. RESULTADOS: A pressão de perfusão coronária aumentou para aproximadamente 20 mmHg nos três grupos. Com os vasoconstritores, a pressão alcançou 35 mmHg versus 15 mmHg com placebo (p < 0,001). Com vasopressina, manteve-se efeito de 15-20 mmHg após três doses versus zero com adrenalina ou placebo. Observou-se o RCE com frequência diferente (p = 0,031) entre adrenalina (10/12), vasopressina (6/12) e placebo (2/8). O tempo médio até o RCE não diferiu (16 minutos), nem o número de doses recebidas até então (uma ou duas). Entre os vasoconstritores não houve diferença significante, mas, frente ao placebo, apenas a adrenalina aumentou significantemente o RCE (p = 0,019). CONCLUSÃO: O efeito pressórico inicial dos vasoconstritores foi equivalente, e a vasopressina manteve um efeito tardio na ressuscitação prolongada. Apesar disso, comparando-se ao placebo, apenas a adrenalina aumentou significantemente a frequência do retorno da circulação espontânea.

BACKGROUND: The effect of vasoconstrictors in prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has not been fully clarified. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate adrenaline and vasopressin pressure effect, and observe the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). METHODS: A prospective, randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled study. After seven minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, pigs received two minutes cycles of CPR. Defibrillation was attempted (4 J/kg) once at 9 minutes, and after every cycle if a shockable rhythm was present, after what CPR was immediately resumed. At 9 minutes and every five minutes intervals, 0.02 mg/kg (n = 12 pigs) adrenaline, or 0.4 U/kg (n = 12) vasopressin, or 0.2 mL/kg (n = 8) 0.9% saline solution was administered. CPR continued for 30 minutes or until the ROSC. RESULTS: Coronary perfusion pressure increased to about 20 mmHg in the three groups. Following vasoconstrictors doses, pressure level reached 35 mmHg versus 15 mmHg with placebo (p < 0.001). Vasopressin effect remained at 15-20 mmHg after three doses versus zero with adrenaline or placebo. ROSC rate differed (p = 0.031) among adrenaline (10/12), vasopressin (6/12), and placebo (2/8). Time-to-ROSC did not differ (16 minutes), nor the number of doses previously received (one or two). There was no difference between vasoconstrictors, but against placebo, only adrenaline significantly increased the ROSC rate (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The vasoconstrictors initial pressure effect was equivalent and vasopressin maintained a late effect at prolonged resuscitation. Nevertheless, when compared with placebo, only adrenaline significantly increased the ROSC rate.

Venous thromboembolism risk assessment in hospitalised patients: A new proposal

OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional studies have been conducted to evaluate the adequacy of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism. However, these studies often evaluate prophylaxis on the data collection day, without analysing the prophylactic dose or duration and without reference to inappropriate use in patients without risk. A prospective, observational study was performed to assess the adequacy of prophylaxis in a general medicine ward of a university hospital. METHOD: In the analysis, the use of the proper prophylactic dose at the correct time, the use in patients with contraindications, and the misuse in patients without risk of venous thromboembolism were considered. RESULTS: A total of 245 patients were evaluated. Of these patients, 104 (42.4%) were considered to be at risk, and 82.7% either received adequate prophylaxis (i.e., the correct dose at the right time) or did not receive prophylaxis because it was contraindicated. Among the 141 patients who were not at risk, 81 (57.4%) incorrectly received prophylaxis, the majority (61/81) of whom presented with risk factors but did not demonstrate reduced mobility. Among the entire group, only 59.6% of patients were properly treated. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of prophylaxis adequacy should consider not only whether the correct dose is administered at the correct time but also whether it is used in patients with contraindications and whether it is inappropriately administered to patients who are not at risk. .

Fatal pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients: a large autopsy-based matched case-control study

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolism is an underdiagnosed major cause of death for hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to identify the conditions associated with fatal pulmonary embolism in this population. METHODS: A total of 13,074 autopsy records were evaluated in a case-control study. Patients were matched by age, sex, and year of death, and factors potentially associated with fatal pulmonary embolism were analyzed using univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Pulmonary embolism was considered fatal in 328 (2.5%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, conditions that were more common in patients who died of pulmonary embolism were atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and neurological surgery. Some conditions were negatively associated with fatal pulmonary embolism, including hemorrhagic stroke, aortic aneurism, cirrhosis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and pneumonia. In the control group, patients with hemorrhagic stroke and aortic aneurism had short hospital stays (8.5 and 8.8 days, respectively), and the hemorrhage itself was the main cause of death in most of them (90.6% and 68.4%, respectively), which may have prevented the development of pulmonary embolism. Cirrhotic patients in the control group also had short hospital stays (7 days), and 50% died from bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: In this large autopsy study, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and neurological surgery were diagnoses associated with fatal pulmonary embolism. .

Impacto de um programa para profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes clínicos em quatro hospitais de Salvador / Impact of a program for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized patients in four hospitals in Salvador

OBJETIVO: Implementar um programa hospitalar de profilaxia de TEV através da criação de uma comissão, da realização de palestras e da distribuição de algoritmos baseados na Diretriz Brasileira para Profilaxia de TEV em Pacientes Clínicos e avaliar seu impacto na adequação da utilização de profilaxia em quatro hospitais de Salvador, Bahia. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados dois estudos de corte-transversal, um antes e um depois da implementação do programa, e comparadas as proporções de pacientes em risco de TEV e as mudanças na adequação da profilaxia. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 219 pacientes clínicos antes e 292 depois do programa. As taxas daqueles com pelo menos um fator de risco para TEV e daqueles com contra indicação (CI) para heparina foram semelhantes nos dois grupos: 95 por cento vs. 98 por cento (p=0,13) e 42 por cento vs. 34 por cento (p=0,08), respectivamente. Nos dois estudos, 75 por cento vs. 82 por cento (p=0,06) eram candidates para profilaxia, e 44 por cento vs. 55 por cento (p =0,02) eram candidatos sem qualquer CI para heparina. Após o programa, utilizou-se mais profilaxia mecânica, 0,9 por cento vs. 4,5 por cento (p=0,03) e menos profilaxia farmacológica, 55,3 por cento vs. 47,9 por cento (p=0,04), embora tenha havido um aumento significativo na utilização das doses corretas das heparinas, 53 por cento vs. 75 por cento (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A profilaxia de TEV é subutilizada nos hospitais brasileiros. Aulas de educação continuada e distribuição passiva de algoritmos de profilaxia de TEV são insuficientes para melhorar a utilização, mas melhoram a adequação da profilaxia.

SUMMARY: There is a discrepancy between guideline recommendations and practice of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hospitals worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To implement a program using a risk-assessment tool (RAT) for VTE and educational lectures based on the Brazilian Guidelines for VTE Prophylaxis for Medical Patients and to evaluate the impact of these tools on adequacy of VTE prophylaxis in 4 hospitals in Salvador, Bahia. METHODS: We performed two cross-sectional surveys before and after the implementation of the program to compare the proportion of patients at-risk of VTE and the changes in the adequacy of VTE prophylaxis. RESULTS: We compared the data of 219 medical patients before with 292 patients after the program. The rates of patients with at least one risk factor for VTE and with contraindications (CI) for heparins were similar: 95 percent vs. 98 percent (p=0.13), and 42 percent vs. 34 percent (p=0.08), respectively. In both studies, 75 percent vs. 82 percent (p=0.06) were candidates for prophylaxis, and 44 percent vs. 55 percent (p =0.02) were candidates for prophylaxis and had no CI for heparin. After the program there was an increase in the use of mechanical prophylaxis 0.9 percent vs. 4.5 percent (p=0.03) and a decrease in pharmacological prophylaxis, 55.3 percent vs. 47.9 percent (p=0.04). However, there was a significant increase of use of the recommended doses of heparins, 53 percent vs. 75 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is underutilization of VTE prophylaxis in Brazilian hospitals. Strategies based on passive distribution of RAT and educational lectures were not sufficient to improve the practice of prophylaxis, but improved the adequacy of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients.

Suporte avançado de vida: implantaçäo no Brasil e sua essência / ACLS: its nature and implantation in Brasil

O Suporte Avançado de Vida em Cardiologia (SAVC), é um treinamento dado a médicos, enfermeiras, paramédicos e outros profissionais de saúde no atendimento às principais emergências cardiológicas, incluíndo-se nestas as diversas modalidades de parada cardiorrespiratória, as arritmias potencialmente letais, e o tratamento inicial de infarto agudo do miocárdio e do edema agudo pulmonar. Trata-se de um curso teórico-prático, em cujas estaçöes práticas säo utilizadas manequins e simuladores de arritmia que reproduzem situaçöes encontradas na vida rreal. Nos Estados Unidos, esses cursos coordenados pela "Americam Heart Association" têm ampla divulgaçäo e säo administrados nas próprias faculdades de Medicina, de Enfermagem e de Paramédicos, sendo oferecidos, também, por dezenas de centros de treinamento espalhados por todo o país. Embora näo seja obrigatório por lei, em todo serviço de atendimento de emergência, incluíndo os serviços paramédicos de atendimento fora do hospital ou as equipes de atendimento de emergência dentro do hospital, o pessoal possui certificado, revalidado a cada dois anos, em SAVC. No Brasil a SBC e o Fundo de Aperfeiçoamento e Pesquisa em Cardiologia, com seu Comitê Nacional de Ressuscitaçäo, vêm também, há vários anos, realizando esforços no sentido de melhorar o atendimento de emergência no Brasil, por meio de realizaçäo de cursos, encontros, congressos e publicaçöes, principalmente no atendimento da parada cardiorrespiratória.