Risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules with diameters greater than 4 centimeters

ABSTRACT Objective: The risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules (TN) with diameters ≥ 3-4 cm remains controversial. However, some groups have indicated surgical treatment in these patients regardless of the FNAB results. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the FNAB in systematically resected ≥4 cm TN and if the risk of malignancy is higher in these patients. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients (142 nodules) with TN with diameters ≥4 cm who underwent thyroidectomy. Results: The FNAB results were nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory (ND/UNS) in 2.1% of the cases and benign in 51.4%. They indicated atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in 23.9% of cases, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) in 9.2%, suspicion of malignancy (SUS) in 8.5%, and malignant in 4.9%. The histopathological analysis after thyroidectomy revealed a thyroid cancer rate of 100% in the FNABs classified as malignant, 33.3% in SUS cases, 7.7% in FN/SFN, 17.6% in AUS/FLUS, and 4.1% in benign FNABs. None of the ND/UNS FNABs were malignant. The global malignancy diagnosis was 14.8% (n = 21). However, the rate of false negatives for FNAB was low (4.1%). Conclusion: We showed that the risk of malignancy in nodules with diameters ≥4 cm was higher compared to the risk of thyroid cancer in TN in general. However, we found a low rate of false-negative cytological results; therefore, our data do not justify the orientation of routine resection for these larger nodules.

No association between vitamin D status and COVID-19 infection in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT In recent years the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D, a steroid hormone, have been extensively studied. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the question arose as to 25(OH)D status would be related to susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, since several studies pointed out a higher prevalence and severity of the disease in populations with low levels of 25(OH)D. Thus, we investigated the 25(OH)D levels in adults "Detected" positive for SARS CoV-2 by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) test, and in negative controls, "not Detected", using the Fleury Group's examination database, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Of a total of 14.692 people with recent assessments of 25(OH)D and RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, 2.345 were positive and 11.585 were negative for the infection. The groups did not differ in the percentage of men and women, or in the age distribution. There were no differences in the distribution of 25(OH)D between the two groups (p = 0.08); mean 25(OH)D of 28.8 ± 21.4 ng/mL and 29.6 ± 18.1 ng/mL, respectively. In the specific population studied, clinical, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors should have greater relevance than 25(OH)D in determining the susceptibility to COVID-19.

Atuação da psicologia em um centro de terapia intensiva dedicado para COVID-19: relato de experiência / The psychologist's work within a COVID intensive care unit: an experience report

As reestruturações necessárias nos serviços de saúde em decorrência da pandemia da COVID-19 geraram impactos na assistência aos pacientes hospitalizados, em especial àqueles gravemente afetados pela doença. A atuação da psicologia em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva dedicadas a esses pacientes requer a ampliação de ferramentas clínicas que possibilitem o atendimento às demandas psicológicas nesse contexto. Esse artigo discute, a partir de um relato de experiência, as atividades desenvolvidas pela equipe de psicologia em um Centro de Terapia Intensiva voltado ao tratamento da COVID-19: atendimento remoto a familiares, atendimento aos pacientes, visitas virtuais e presenciais. As intervenções realizadas, em consonância com o referencial teórico utilizado, indicam os seguintes benefícios: fortalecimento das conexões entre paciente, família e equipe; atenuação do sofrimento provocado pela situação de isolamento; prevenção de agravos em saúde mental relacionados ao luto complicado e à vivência de experiências traumáticas. Espera-se que as inovações nas práticas desenvolvidas sigam contribuindo para qualificar a atenção a pacientes críticos após a pandemia.(AU)

The reorganization needed in health care services due to the COVID-19 pandemic generated a substantial impact on the assistance of hospital patients, especially those who are severely affected by the disease. The psychologist's work in Intensive Care Units, dedicated to these specific patients, requires the amplification of clinical tools that enable the assistance of the psychological demands in this context. In an experience report format, this article discusses the activities developed by the psychological team in an Intensive Care Unit dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients such as: families' remote support, direct patient´s psychological care and virtual and face to face visits. The interventions, in accordance with the theoretical background used, indicate the following benefits: strengthening of the connection between patient, family and health care teams, attenuation of suffering provoked by isolation, the prevention of the aggravation of mental health problems related to complicated mourning processes and the experience of traumatic situations. It is hoped that the innovative developed practices can continue to contribute to qualify the assistance of critically ill patients after the pandemic.(AU)

La necesaria reestructuración de los servicios de salud como consecuencia de la pandemia COVID-19 ha repercutido en la atención de los pacientes hospitalarios, especialmente en los afectados gravemente por la enfermedad. El trabajo de la psicología en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos dedicadas a estos pacientes requiere la ampliación de herramientas clínicas que permitan atender las demandas psicológicas de este contexto. Este artículo analiza, a partir de un relato de experiencia, las actividades desarrolladas por el equipo de psicología en un Centro de Cuidados Intensivos enfocado al tratamiento del COVID-19: atención remota a familiares, atención a pacientes, visitas virtuales y presenciales. Las intervenciones realizadas, en consonancia con el referencial teórico utilizado, señalan los siguientes beneficios: fortalecimiento de las conexiones entre paciente, familia y equipo; mitigación del sufrimiento causado por la situación de aislamiento; prevención de agravios en salud mental relacionados al duelo complicado y experiencias traumáticas. Se espera que las innovaciones en las prácticas desarrolladas continúen contribuyendo para calificar la atención de los pacientes críticos pasada la pandemia.(AU)

Choosing Wisely for Thyroid Conditions: Recommendations of the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Objective: Choosing Wisely (CW) is an initiative that aims to advance the dialogue between physicians and patients about low-value health interventions. Given that thyroid conditions are frequent in clinical practice, we aimed to develop an evidence-based list of thyroid CW recommendations. Materials and methods: The Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) named a Task Force to conduct the initiative. The Task Force work was based on an electronic Delphi approach. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted for voting by all SBEM associates. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by SBEM associates are presented herein. Results: The Task Force was composed of 14 thyroidologists from 10 tertiary-care, teaching-based Brazilian institutions. The brainstorming/ideation phase resulted in 69 recommendations. After the removal of duplicates and recommendations that did not adhere to the initiative's scope, 35 remained. Then the Task Force voted to attribute a grade (0 [lowest agreement] to 10 [highest agreement]) for each recommendation. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted to all SBEM associates. A total of 683 associates voted electronically, attributing a grade (0 to 10) for each recommendation. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by the SBEM associates compose our final list. Conclusion: A set of recommendations to avoid unnecessary medical tests, treatments, or procedures for thyroid conditions are offered with a transparent methodology. This initiative aims to foster productive interactions between physicians and patients, stimulating shared decision-making.

Thyroid cancer burden and economic impact on the Brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Objective: Recent data indicates an increasing incidence of thyroid cancer not accompanied by a proportional increase in mortality, suggesting overdiagnosis, which may represent a big public health problem, particularly where resources are scarce. This article aims to describe and evaluate the procedures related to investigation of thyroid nodules and treatment and follow-up of thyroid cancer and the costs for the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2015. Materials and methods: Data on procedures related to investigation of thyroid nodules and treatment/follow-up of thyroid cancer between 2008 and 2015 in Brazil were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Datasus) website. Results: A statistically significant increase in the use of procedures related to thyroid nodules investigation and thyroid cancer treatment and follow-up was observed in Brazil, though a reduction was noted for procedures related to the treatment of more aggressive thyroid cancer, such as total thyroidectomy with neck dissection and higher radioiodine activities such as 200 and 250 milicuries (mCi). The procedures related to thyroid nodules investigation costs increased by 91% for thyroid ultrasound (p = 0.0003) and 128% in thyroid nodule biopsy (p < 0.001). Costs related to treatment and follow-up related-procedures increased by 120%. Conclusion: The increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in Brazil is directly associated with an increased use of diagnostic tools for thyroid nodules, which leads to an upsurge in thyroid cancer treatment and followup-related procedures. These data suggest that substantial resources are being used for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a potentially indolent condition.

Clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the follow-up of a large cohort of patients with high-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with high-risk DTC. Subjects and methods Single-center retrospective study with 74 patients with high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), classified in 4 groups. Group 1: patients with positive sTg or TgAb, subdivided in Group 1A: negative RxWBS and no foci of metastases identified at conventional image (n = 9); Group 1B: RxWBS not compatible with suspicious foci at conventional image or not proportional to sTg level (n = 13); Group 2: patients with histological findings of aggressive DTC variants (n = 21) and Group 3: patients with positive RxWBS (n = 31). Results 18F-FDG PET/CT identified undifferentiated lesions and helped restage the disease in groups 1B and 2. The scan helped guide clinical judgment in 9/13 (69%) patients of group 1B, 10/21 (48%) patients of group 2 and 2/31 (6%) patients of group 3. There was no clinical benefit associated with group 1A. 18F-FDG PET/CT was associated with progressive disease. Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT is a useful tool in the follow-up of patients with high-risk DTC, mainly in the group of RxWBS not compatible with suspicious foci at conventional image or not proportional to sTg level and in those with aggressive DTC variants. Additionally, this study showed that 18F-FDG PET/CT was associated with progression and helped display undifferentiated lesions guiding clinical assessments regarding surgeries or expectant treatments.

Clinical impact of thyroglobulin (Tg) and Tg autoantibody (TgAb) measurements in needle washouts of neck lymph node biopsies in the management of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objectives The presence of thyroglobulin (Tg) in needle washouts of fine needle aspiration biopsy (Tg-FNAB) in neck lymph nodes (LNs) suspected of metastasis has become a cornerstone in the follow-up of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there are limited data regarding the measurement of anti-Tg antibodies in these washouts (TgAb-FNAB), and it is not clear whether these antibodies interfere with the assessment of Tg-FNAB or whether there are other factors that would more consistently justify the finding of low Tg-FNAB in metastatic LNs. Materials and methods We investigated 232 FNAB samples obtained from suspicious neck LNs of 144 PTC patients. These samples were divided according to the patient’s serum TgAb status: sTgAb- (n = 203 samples) and sTgAb+ (n = 29). The TgAb-FNAB levels were measured using two different assays. Tg-FNAB was also measured using two assays when low levels (< 10 ng/mL) were identified in the first assay of the metastatic LNs from the sTgAb+ samples. Results The TgAb-FNAB results were negative in both assays in all samples. Low levels of Tg-FNAB were identified in 11/16 of the metastatic LNs of the sTgAb+ patients and 16/63 of the sTgAb- patients (p < 0.05) using assay 1. The measurement of the Tg-FNAB levels using assay 2 indicated additional metastases in 5 LNs of the sTgAb+ patients. Conclusions Factors other than the presence of TgAb-FNAB may contribute to the higher number of metastatic LNs with undetectable Tg-FNAB in the sTgAb+ group. In addition, the measurement of Tg-FNAB using different assays was useful to enhance the diagnosis of metastatic LNs, particularly when cytological and Tg-FNAB results are discordant.

Avaliação da eliminação de bioaerossóis em filtros de malha modificados com nanopartículas de prata / Elimination of evaluation of bioaerosols in mesh filter modified with silver nanoparticles

RESUMO O monitoramento da qualidade do ar interior (QAI) vem ganhando cada vez mais atenção nas pesquisas atuais, no entanto existem poucos trabalhos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de técnicas para minimizar os efeitos da poluição do ar interior. O objetivo deste estudo foi modificar os tecidos de malha poliéster e viscose (PV) com nanopartículas de prata, a fim de usá-los em aparelhos de ar-condicionado. Para alcançar esse objetivo, tecidos foram modificados por imersão dos filtros nas suspensões de nanopartículas. Depois da secagem do filtro, a coleta de material particulado foi feita em um banheiro de uma instituição de ensino superior. Os resultados mostraram que os filtros impregnados com nanopartículas de prata foram capazes de reduzir significativamente a atividade de microrganismos presentes no material particulado no ar, encontrando valores entre 22 e 83%.

ABSTRACT The monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) is gaining increasing attention on current research. However, there has been less work concerning the development of techniques to mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution. The aim of this study was to modify polyester-viscose (PV) mesh fabrics with silver nanoparticles, in order to use them in air conditioners. To reach this objective, common fabrics purchased from commercial sources were modified by immersion of the chosen filters in nanoparticle suspensions. After drying the filter, collection of particulate matter was made in a higher education institution. The results showed that the filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles were able to significantly reduce the activity of microorganisms present in the airborne particulate matter, by between 22 and 83%.

Impacto da doença de Parkinson na performance do equilíbrio em diferentes demandas atencionais / Impacto de la enfermedad de Parkinson en el equilibrio en distintas situaciones propuestas / Impact of Parkinson’s disease in the performance of balance with different attentional demands

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o equilíbrio de pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) na posição de tandem com os olhos abertos (OA), olhos fechados (OF) e em condição de dupla tarefa (DT). Trata-se de um estudo transversal composto por 19 indivíduos com DP nos estágios leve a moderado. Os pacientes foram avaliados em uma plataforma de força Biomec400. Os parâmetros analisados foram a área do centro de pressão dos pés (COP) e a amplitude e velocidade do COP nas direções anteroposterior (AP) e mediolateral (ML). Foram encontrados resultados estatisticamente significantes para amplitude AP e ML do COP e da área do COP, com valores maiores para as posições em tandem de OF e tandem com DT, quando comparados com a posição em tandem de OA. Os valores de velocidade média AP e ML foram maiores na posição em tandem de OF em comparação ao tandem de OA (p=0,009 e p=0), respectivamente. Concluiu-se que indivíduos com DP, quando submetidos a desafios cognitivos, comportam-se de forma semelhante à retirada do recurso visual no que diz respeito às alterações de equilíbrio. Isso reforça a necessidade de introduzir no plano terapêutico desses indivíduos atividades que requeiram o treino dessas habilidades.

RESUMEN El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el equilibrio de pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (DP) en la posición tándem con los ojos abiertos (OA), ojos cerrados (OC) y en condición de doble tarea (DT). Se trata de un estudio transversal, del cual participaron 19 personas con DP en etapas leve a moderada. Se evaluaron a los pacientes en una plataforma de fuerza Biomec400. Los parámetros evaluados fueron el área del centro de presión de los pies (COP) y la amplitud y velocidad del COP en las direcciones anteroposterior (AP) y mediolateral (ML). Se encontraron resultados estadísticamente significativos para la amplitud AP y ML del COP y del área del COP, con mayores valores para las posiciones tándem con OC y tándem en DT, en comparación a la posición tándem con OA. Los valores de la velocidad media AP y ML fueron mayores en la posición tándem de OC comparados a la tándem de OA (p=0,009 y p=0, respectivamente). Se concluye que los sujetos con DP, en el momento que se les sometieron a los desafíos cognitivos, se portaron de manera semejante cuando se les taparon los ojos en lo que se refiere a las alteraciones de equilibrio. Este resultado señala la necesidad de introducir en la fisioterapia de los pacientes con DP actividades que les exigen el entrenamiento de estas habilidades.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the balance of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in Tandem stance with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and in dual task condition (DT). This is a cross-sectional study, composed of 19 individuals with mild to moderate PD. Patients were evaluated in a BIOMEC400 force platform. The parameters analyzed were: area of the foot center of pressure (COP), COP amplitude and speed, in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. We found statistically significant results for AP and ML amplitude of the COP and COP area, with higher values for the stances EC Tandem and DT Tandem, when compared with EO Tandem. The values of AP and ML average speed were higher in EC Tandem when compared with EO Tandem (P=0.009 and P=0.000), respectively. We concluded that, when individuals with PD undergo cognitive challenges, they behave as if they were with eyes closed regarding balance changes. This reinforces the need to introduce, in the therapeutic plan of these individuals, activities that require the practice of these skills.

Linfoma No-Hodgkin y pancreatitis aguda en gestante: reporte de caso / Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute pancreatitis in pregnant women: case report

ANTECEDENTES: El linfoma no Hodgkin durante el embarazo es una entidad rara, el tipo difuso de células grandes es aún menos frecuente y se caracteriza por una alta tasa de progresión tumoral con poca expresión clínica. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento representan un reto clínico debido a la baja incidencia de la enfermedad y a las posibles repercusiones fetales a causa del tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Gestante secundípara de 31 años que ingresa por cuadro de dolor abdominal y cifras elevadas de lactato deshidrogenasa. Durante la gestación precisa varios ingresos por pancreatitis aguda de repetición y cuadro de colestasis intrahepática. Tras el parto evoluciona tórpidamente con aparición de edema en esclavina en cuello y miembros superiores, siendo diagnosticada de gran masa torácica cuya biopsia es informada como Linfoma No Hodgkin tipo B difuso de células grandes primario mediastinal. Se administran dos ciclos de tratamiento quimioterápico tras lo cual remite completamente la enfermedad. Se induce el parto con prostaglandinas intravaginal, con recién nacido de 3350 gramos y APGAR 8/10. Tras un año la paciente permanece en remisión completa.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare entity; the diffuse large cell lymphoma is still less common, and it has a high rate of tumor progression with a little clinical expression. Diagnosis and treatment is a huge challenge due to the low incidence of the condition and to the possible fetal effects because of the treatment. CLINICAL CASE: A 31-year-old woman -in her second delivery- was admitted with abdominal pain and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. During pregnancy, she was required several admissions reporting repeated acute pancreatitis and intrahepatic cholestasis. After delivery, it evolves into facial and upper extremity oedema, diagnosed with a large chest mass, resulting in the diagnosis of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma through the biopsy. The disease goes into remission completely after two cycles of chemotherapy treatments are given. Labor is induced with intravaginal prostaglandins, with a newborn of 3350 g and Apgar 8/10. After a year, the patient remains in complete remission.

Development, characterization and clinical validation of new sensitive immunofluorometric assay for the measurement of serum thyroglobulin / Desenvolvimento, caracterização e validação clínica de um novo ensaio sensível para a dosagem da tiroglobulina sérica

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, data published stressed the role of highly-sensitive thyroglobulin (Tg) assays in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. The present study describes a new, highly-sensitive Tg assay, compares it with an available commercial assay, and validates it in the follow-up of DTC patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The immunofluorometric high-sensitivity Tg assay is based on monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies produced at our laboratories. It was validated in 100 samples of 87 patients with DTC submitted to total thyroidectomy, 87% of whom also received radioiodine. For correlation, all samples were also tested using a commercial Tg assay (Beckman Access) with functional sensitivity (FS) of 0.1 ng/mL. RESULTS: The new method showed FS of 0.3 ng/mL. The correlation between the two methods was good (r = 0.74; p < 0.0001). The diagnostic sensitivity was 88.9%, and it was increased to 100% when combined with neck US. CONCLUSION: This new, high-sensitivity Tg assay presented a good correlation with Beckman Access assay and with the clinical outcome of the patients. The continuous availability of a validated assay is an additional advantage for long term follow-up of DTC patients. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):658-65.

OBJETIVO: Na última década, estudos mostraram a importância dos ensaios de tiroglobulina (Tg) com melhor sensibilidade funcional no seguimento dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tiroide (CDT). Neste estudo, descrevemos o desenvolvimento de um novo ensaio de Tg de alta sensibilidade, que foi validado no seguimento de pacientes com CDT e correlacionado com um ensaio comercialmente disponível. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: O ensaio imunofluorométrico de Tg baseia-se em anticorpos, um monoclonal e um policlonal desenvolvidos em nosso laboratório. Avaliamos 100 amostras de soro de 87 pacientes com CDT submetidos à tiroidectomia total, sendo que 87% deles também receberam 131I. A Tg foi dosada também em ensaio comercial (Beckman Access). RESULTADOS: A correlação entre os dois métodos foi de 0,74 (p < 0,0001). O novo ensaio mostrou uma sensibilidade funcional de 0,3 ng/mL. A sensibilidade diagnóstica foi de 88,9%, que aumentou para 100% quando associada ao ultrassom cervical (US). CONCLUSÃO: O novo método de dosagem de Tg mostra boa correlação com o ensaio comercial Beckman Access e com a evolução clínica dos pacientes. O novo ensaio será fundamental no seguimento dos nossos pacientes com CDT. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):658-65.

Avaliação de fatores clínicos, laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos preditores de malignidade em nódulos tiroidianos / Evaluation of clinical, laboratorial and ultrasonographic predicting factors of malignancy in thyroid nodules

OBJETIVO: Avaliar risco de malignidade de nódulos tiroidianos por meio de aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais, ultrassonográficos e citológicos. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: 741 nódulos de 407 pacientes. RESULTADOS: A citologia foi benigna (60,5 por cento), indeterminada (23,3 por cento), maligna (8,6 por cento) ou não diagnóstica (7,6 por cento). A prevalência de câncer nas citologias indeterminadas foi 18,5 por cento (16 por cento nas lesões foliculares, 44 por cento nas suspeitas). O diagnóstico de malignidade foi 17,2 por cento (n = 70). A frequência de câncer em mulheres (15,2 por cento) foi menor do que em homens (27,9 por cento). Houve uma relação inversa entre idade e risco de câncer. Não houve significância estatística na prevalência de câncer de acordo com número, tamanho dos nódulos ou níveis de TSH. Hipoecogenicidade e microcalcificações ao ultrassom foram fatores de risco. CONCLUSÃO: O risco de malignidade foi maior em homens, nódulos hipoecogênicos, com microcalcificações e inversamente relacionado à idade. O nível de TSH não foi um preditor independente de malignidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules through clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and cytological aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 741 nodules of 407 patients. RESULTS: The cytology was benign (60,5 percent), indeterminate (23,3 percent), malignant (8,3 percent) or nondiagnostic (7,6 percent). The prevalence of cancer in indeterminate citology was 18,5 percent (16 percent in follicular lesions, 44 percent in suspicious). The diagnosis of malignancy was 17,2 percent (n = 70). The frequency of cancer in women (15,2 percent) was lower than in men (27,9 percent). There was an inverse relation between age and cancer risk. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of cancer according to number, size of nodules or TSH levels. Hypoechogenicity and microcalcifications on ultrasound were risk factors. CONCLUSION: The risk of malignancy was higher in men, hypoechoic nodules, with microcalcifications and was inversely related to age. The TSH level was not an independent factor predictive of malignancy.

Importância da complementação com SPECT e 99mTc na cintilografia das paratiroides e da correlação clínica, laboratorial, ultrassonográfica e citológica na localização pré-operatória do adenoma de paratiroide - ensaio pictórico / Importance of parathyroid SPECT and 99mTc scintigraphy, and of clinical, laboratorial, ultrasonographic and citologic correlation in the pre-operative localization of the parathyroid adenoma - pictorial assay

OBJETIVO: Diante de um paciente portador de hiperparatiroidismo primário com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico, a localização pré-operatória da paratiroide é de fundamental importância para definir a melhor abordagem cirúrgica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A realização adicional de imagens SPECT e da cintilografia com 99mTc durante a cintilografia das paratiroides com Setamibi não é rotina em nosso meio, sendo comum a aquisição apenas das imagens planas − precoce (15 minutos) e tardia (2 horas). RESULTADOS: Na nossa experiência, tem-se percebido que a realização do protocolo completo contribui de maneira decisiva na sensibilidade da localização pré-operatória da paratiroide. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação completa de todos os métodos cintilográficos disponíveis (SPECT e 99mTc) e a análise cuidadosa das imagens em um contexto multidisciplinar podem aumentar a acurácia da cintilografia das paratiroides.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, candidates for surgical intervention, the parathyroid pre-operative localization is of fundamental importance in planning the appropriate surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The additional acquisition of SPECT and Technetium-99m images, during parathyroid scintigraphy with Sestamibi, is not common practice. Usually, only planar image acquisition, 15 minutes prior and 2 hours after radiopharmaceutical administration, is performed. RESULTS: In our experience, the complete protocol in parathyroid scintigraphy increases the accuracy of pre-operative parathyroid localization. CONCLUSION: The complete utilization of all available nuclear medicine methods (SPECT e 99mTc) and image interpretation in a multidisciplinary context can improve the accuracy of parathyroid scintigraphy.

Comparação entre as variações respiratórias da amplitude de onda pletismográfica da oximetria de pulso e do pulso arterial em pacientes com e sem uso de norepinefrina / Comparison between respiratory pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude and arterial pulse pressure variations among patients with and without norepinephrine use

OBJETIVOS: A variação respiratória da pressão arterial é um bom preditor da resposta a fluidos em pacientes ventilados. Foi recentemente demonstrado que a variação respiratória na pressão arterial de pulso se correlaciona com a variação da amplitude da onda pletismográfica da oximetria de pulso. Nossa intenção foi avaliar a correlação entre a variação respiratória da pressão arterial de pulso e a variação respiratória na amplitude da onda pletismográfica da oximetria de pulso, e determinar se esta correlação foi influenciada pela administração de norepinefrina. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de sessenta pacientes com ritmo sinusal normal sob ventilação mecânica, profundamente sedados e hemodinamicamente estáveis. Foram monitorados o índice de oxigenação e pressão arterial invasiva. A variação respiratória da pressão do pulso e a variação respiratória da amplitude da onda pletismográfica na oximetria de pulso foram registradas simultaneamente batimento a batimento, e foram comparadas utilizando o coeficiente de concordância de Pearson e regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Trinta pacientes (50 por cento) necessitaram de norepinefrina. Ocorreu uma correlação significante (K=0,66; p<0,001) entre a variação respiratória na pressão arterial de pulso e a variação respiratória na amplitude de onda pletismográfica na oximetria de pulso. A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,88 (variando de 0,79-0,97) com melhor valor de corte de 14 por cento para prever uma variação respiratória na pressão arterial de pulso de 13. O uso de norepinefrina não influenciou esta correlação (K=0,63; p=0,001, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Uma variação respiratória na pressão do pulso arterial acima de 13 por cento pode ser prevista com precisão por meio de uma variação respiratória da amplitude de onda pletismográfica na oximetria de pulso de 14 por cento. O uso de norepinefrina não modifica este relacionamento.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial pulse pressure respiratory variation is a good predictor of fluid response in ventilated patients. Recently, it was shown that respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure correlates with variation in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude. We wanted to evaluate the correlation between respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure and respiratory variation in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude, and to determine whether this correlation was influenced by norepinephrine administration. METHODS: Prospective study of sixty patients with normal sinus rhythm on mechanical ventilation, profoundly sedated and with stable hemodynamics. Oxygenation index and invasive arterial pressure were monitored. Respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure and respiratory variation in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude were recorded simultaneously in a beat-to-beat evaluation, and were compared using the Pearson coefficient of agreement and linear regression. RESULTS: Thirty patients (50 percent) required norepinephrine. There was a significant correlation (K = 0.66; p < 0.001) between respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure and respiratory variation in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude. Area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (range, 0.79 - 0.97), with a best cutoff value of 14 percent to predict a respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure of 13. The use of norepinephrine did not influence the correlation (K = 0.63, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory variation in arterial pulse pressure above 13 percent can be accurately predicted by a respiratory variation in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude of 14 percent. The use of norepinephrine does not alter this relationship.

Fatores preditores precoces de reinternação em unidade de terapia intensiva / Early predictive factors for intensive care unit readmission

OBJETIVOS: Prever reinternação na unidade de terapia intensiva, analisando as primeiras 24 horas de pacientes após admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: A primeira internação de pacientes de janeiro a maio de 2009 em UTI geral foi estudada. Considerou-se reinternação em unidade de terapia intensiva na mesma permanência hospitalar ou retorno em até 3 meses após alta da unidade. Pacientes que faleceram na 1ª admissão foram excluídos. Fatores demográficos, uso de assistência ventilatória e permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva por mais de 3 dias foram analisadas de forma uni e multivariada de acordo com desfecho reinternação. RESULTADOS: Quinhentos e setenta e sete pacientes foram incluídos (33 óbitos excluídos). O grupo de reinternação foi 59 pacientes, e 518 não reinternados. O tempo entre admissão índice e reinternação foi 9 (3-28) dias (18 foram readmitidos com menos de 3 dias) e 10 faleceram. Os pacientes reinternados pelo menos 1 vez na unidade de terapia intensiva apresentaram as seguintes diferenças em relação ao grupo controle: maior idade: 75 (67-81) versus 67 (56-78) anos, p<0,01; admissão por insuficiência respiratória e/ou sepse: 33 versus 13 por cento, p<0,01; admissão clínica: 49 versus 32 por cento, p<0,05; maior SAPS II: 27 (21-35) versus 23 (18-29) pontos, p<0,01; Charlson: 2 (1-2) versus 1 (0-2) pontos, p<0,01 e permanência maior que 3 dias na unidade de terapia intensiva na 1ª admissão (35 versus 23 por cento, p<0,01). Após regressão logística, idade, índice de Charlson e admissão por causas respiratórias ou sepse foram independentemente associados às reinternações em unidade de terapia intensiva. CONCLUSÃO: Idade, comorbidades e admissão por insuficiência respiratória e/ou sepse estão precocemente associadas a maior risco de reinternações na unidade de terapia intensiva estudada.

OBJECTIVE: To predict readmission in intensive care unit analyzing the first 24 hours data after intensive care unit admission. METHODS: The first intensive care unit admission of patients was analyzed from January to May 2009 in a mixed unit. Readmission to the unit was considered those during the same hospital stay or within 3 months after intensive care unit discharge. Deaths during the first admission were excluded. Demographic data, use of mechanical ventilation, and report of stay longer than 3 days were submitted to uni and multivariate analysis for readmission. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-seven patients were included (33 excluded deaths). The readmission group had 59 patients, while 518 patients were not readmitted. The lead time between the index admission and readmission was 9 (3-28) days (18 were readmitted in less than 3 days), and 10 died. Patients readmitted at least once to the intensive care unit had the differences below in comparison to the control group: older age: 75 (67-81) versus 67 (56-78) years, P<0.01; admission for respiratory insufficiency or sepsis: 33 versus 13 percent, P<0.01; medical admission: 49 versus 32 percent, P<0.05; higher SAPS II score: 27 (21-35) versus 23 (18-29) points, P<0.01; Charlson index: 2 (1-2) versus 1 (0-2) points, P<0.01; first ICU stay longer than 3 days: 35 versus 23 percent, P<0.01. After logistic regression, higher age, Charlson index and admission for respiratory and sepsis were independently associated to readmissions in intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Age, comorbidities and respiratory- and/or sepsis-related admission are associated with increased readmission risk in the studied sample.

Seven-year follow-up of a juvenile female with papillary thyroid carcinoma with poor outcome, BRAF mutation and loss of expression of iodine-metabolizing genes / Sete anos de seguimento de uma paciente jovem com carcinoma papílfero de tireóide e mutação de BRAF e perda de expressão de genes do metabolismo de iodo

BACKGROUND: Recent studies reported that BRAF V600E mutation, the most prevalent genetic event found in papillary thyroid carcinoma, is an independent poor prognostic marker. Additionally, it correlates with a less differentiated tumor stage due to reduced expression of key genes involved in iodine metabolism. We previously described a patient with BRAF V600E mutation in primary tumor and a new mutation (V600E+K601del) in the matched-lymph node metastases. In the present study we report an unusual clinical behavior of PTC and correlate with BRAF mutational status and level of expression of TSHR and NIS. METHODS: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the NIS and TSHR level of expression in matched papillary thyroid carcinoma and adjacent normal tissue. RESULTS: In this study, we presented a seven-year follow up of a juvenile papillary thyroid carcinoma patient who had an aggressive tumor harboring BRAF mutation, and failed to conventional therapy. We found a markedly decrease of NIS and TSHR expression in primary PTC compared to adjacent normal thyroid tissue. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that BRAF mutational status and decreased NIS and TSHR expression in this patient may reduce radioiodine uptake and lead to a negative response to radioiodine therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos recentes demonstraram que a mutação V600E no gene BRAF é o evento genético mais freqüentemente encontrado em carcinoma papilífero da tiróide e um marcador de prognóstico independente. Adicionalmente, esta alteração genética tem sido correlacionada com a redução de expressão de genes envolvidos no metabolismo do iodo. Previamente, nosso grupo descreveu uma paciente com a mutação V600E no gene BRAF no tumor primário e uma mutação nova (V600E+K601del) em metástases pareadas. Neste estudo, reportamos um carcinoma papilífero com um comportamento clínico incomum e correlacionamos com a presença de mutação no gene BRAF e os níveis de expressão de TSHR e NIS. MÉTODO: Análise de expressão dos genes NIS e receptor de TSH (TSHR) através da técnica de PCR em tempo real. RESULTADOS: Descrevemos sete anos de acompanhamento de uma paciente jovem que apresentava um tumor com comportamento agressivo e baixa resposta aos tratamentos convencionais. Uma acentuada diminuição da expressão do TSHR e a ausência de expressão de NIS foram observadas no tumor primário desta paciente quando comparada com o tecido tiroidiano normal adjacente. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos dados sugerem que as mutações encontradas nesta paciente no gene BRAF com conseqüente perda de expressão dos genes NIS e TSHR podem ter reduzido a captação de iodo radioativo e a resposta ao tratamento.

Early diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: a challenge for physicians / Diagnóstico precoce de neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2B: um desafio para os médicos

BACKGROUND: The hereditary form of medullary thyroid carcinoma may occur isolated as a familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) or as part of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2A (MEN2A) and 2B (MEN2B). MEN2B is a rare syndrome, its phenotype may usually, but not always, be noted by the physician. In the infant none of the MEN2B characteristics are present, except by early gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by intestinal neuromas. When available, genetic analysis confirms the diagnosis and guides pre-operative evaluation and extent of surgery. Here we report four cases of MEN2B in which the late diagnosis had a significant impact in clinical evolution and, potentially, in overall survival...

A forma hereditária do carcinoma medular da tiróide pode ocorrer de modo isolado, o carcinoma medular da tiróide familiar (FMTC), ou como parte das neoplasias endócrinas múltiplas tipo 2A (MEN2A) e 2B (MEN2B). MEN2B é uma síndrome rara e seu fenótipo é usualmente, mas nem sempre, notado pelo médico. Na infância, nenhuma das características de MEN2B estão presentes, exceto pela disfunção gastrintestinal precoce, causada pelos neuromas intestinais. Quando disponível, a análise genética confirma o diagnóstico e orienta a avaliação pré-operatória e extensão da cirurgia. Neste artigo, apresentamos quatro casos de MEN2B, nos quais o diagnóstico tardio teve impacto significativo na evolução clínica e, potencialmente, na mortalidade em geral...

Cateter venoso profundo recoberto com antibiótico para reduzir infecção: estudo piloto / Antibiotic coated catheter to decrease infection: pilot study

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A bacteremia associada a cateter venoso central (CVC) aumenta a morbidade e mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Os cateteres recobertos com rifampicina e minociclina (RM) reduzem a freqüência de colonização e bacteremia. No entanto, resultados de estudos recentes questionaram o seu impacto clínico. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência de colonização e bacteremia associada à CVC recobertos com RM e não recobertos numa coorte de pacientes admitidos em UTI. METODO: Estudo prospectivo, controlado em UTI mista clínico-cirúrgica. Os pacientes receberam um CVC recobertos com RM ou não recoberto. Após remoção do CVC, foi feita cultura de ponta do cateter e hemoculturas foram coletadas. Avaliou-se a freqüência de colonização e bacteremia. RESULTADOS: Cento e vinte CVC foram inseridos e 100 puderam ser avaliados, 49 no grupo não recobertos e 51 no grupo recoberto. As características clínicas foram similares nos 2 grupos. Dois casos de bacteremia associada ao cateter (BAC) (3,9 por cento) ocorreram em pacientes que receberam CVC recobertos com RM comparado a 5 (10,2 por cento) casos de BAC no grupo não recobertos (p = 0,26). Seis (11,8 por cento) cateteres recobertos foram colonizados, comparados a 14 (28,6 por cento) no grupo não recoberto (p = 0,036). A análise de Kaplan-Meier não demonstrou diferença no risco de colonização ou BAC entre os dois grupos estudados. A taxa de BAC foi de 4,7 por 1000 cateteres-dia no grupo com CVC recobertos e 11,4 por 1000 cateteres-dia no grupo que recebeu cateteres não recobertos (p = 0,45). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo piloto, demonstrou-se menor freqüência de colonização em cateteres recobertos com RM, quando comparados a cateteres não recobertos. A freqüência de BAC não foi diferente entre os dois grupos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nosocomial catheter related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) increase morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Central venous catheters (CVC) coated with rifampin and minocycline (RM) decrease rates of colonization and CR-BSI. However, recent trials challenged the clinical impact of such catheters. We designed this trial to compare rates of colonization and CR-BSI in RM catheters and controls in a cohort of critically ill patients in Brazil. METHODS: Prospective, controlled trial conducted in one medico-surgical ICU. Patients were assigned to receive a control or RM CVC. After removal, tips were cultured in association with blood cultures. Rates of colonization and CR-BSI were recorded. RESULTS: Among 120 catheters inserted, 100 could be evaluated, 49 in the uncoated and 51 in the coated group. Clinical characteristics of patients were similar in the two groups. Two cases of CR-BSI (3.9 percent) occurred in patients who received RM catheters compared with 5 (10.2 percent) in the uncoated group (p = 0.26). Six RM catheters (11.8 percent) were colonized compared with 14 (28.6 percent) control catheters (p = 0.036). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences in the risk of colonization or CR-BSI. Rates of CR-BSI were 4.7 per 1000 catheter-days in the RM coated group compared to 11.4 per 1000 catheter days in the uncoated group (p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, we showed lower rates of colonization in RM coated when compared with uncoated catheters. Incidence and rates of CR-BSI were similar in the two groups.

Investigação de linfonodos em pacientes em seguimento por carcinoma diferenciado de tiróide / Cervical lymph nodes metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

Recorrências regionais dos carcinomas diferenciados de tiróide (CDT) são representadas por linfonodos cervicais em 60-75 por cento dos casos. Com a introdução da ultra-sonografia cervical (USC) no seguimento dos pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tiróide (CPT) tornou-se freqüente o encontro de pequenos linfonodos (LNs) cervicais. Porém, apesar da USC apresentar alta sensibilidade, o estudo citológico obtido por punção aspirativa (PAAF), e nos últimos anos, a dosagem da tiroglobulina (Tg) no lavado da agulha da PAAF (Tg-PAAF), vêm assumindo papel importante no diagnóstico de LNs cervicais. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a importância do diagnóstico precoce das metástases em linfonodos cervicais no seguimento dos pacientes com carcinoma de tiróide.

Loco-regional recurrences of the differentiated thyroid cancer have been reported to be located in cervical lymph nodes in 60-75 percent of cases. The widespread use of neck ultrasonography (US) during the follow-up of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has led to the discovery of small cervical lymph nodes (LN). Although US has a high sensitivity for diagnosing LN, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) and measurement of thyroglobulin in fine needle aspirates (FNA-Tg) have proven to be invaluable tools. The aim of this paper is to review the importance of the early diagnosis of lymph node metastases in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.