Controversy on the CONVINCE study findings: the PRO take / Controvérsia sobre os achados do estudo CONVINCE: a perspectiva PRO

ABSTRACT The CONVINCE study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reveals a groundbreaking 23% reduction in the relative risk of all-cause mortality among end-stage kidney patients undergoing high convective volume hemodiafiltration. This significant finding challenges the conventional use of high-flux hemodialysis and offers hope for improving outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. While some controversies surround the study's findings, including concerns about generalizability and the causes of death, it is essential to acknowledge the study's design and its main outcomes. The CONVINCE study, part of the HORIZON 2020 project, enrolled 1360 patients and demonstrated the superiority of hemodiafiltration in reducing all-cause mortality overall, as well as in specific patient subgroups (elderly, short vintage, non-diabetic, and those without cardiac issues). Interestingly, it was shown that hemodiafiltration had a protective effect against infection, including COVID-19. Future research will address sustainability, dose scaling effects, identification of subgroups especially likely to benefit and cost-effectiveness. However, for now, the findings strongly support a broader adoption of hemodiafiltration in renal replacement therapy, marking a significant advancement in the field.

RESUMO O estudo CONVINCE, publicado recentemente no New England Journal of Medicine, revela uma redução inovadora de 23% no risco relativo de mortalidade por todas as causas entre pacientes renais em estágio terminal submetidos à hemodiafiltração de alto volume de convecção. Esse achado significativo desafia o uso convencional da hemodiálise de alto fluxo e oferece esperança de melhoria dos desfechos em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Embora algumas controvérsias cerquem os achados do estudo, incluindo preocupações sobre a generalização e as causas de óbito, é essencial reconhecer o desenho do estudo e seus principais desfechos. O estudo CONVINCE, parte do projeto HORIZON 2020, inscreveu 1.360 pacientes e demonstrou a superioridade da hemodiafiltração na redução da mortalidade por todas as causas em geral, bem como em subgrupos específicos de pacientes (idosos, HD de curta duração, não diabéticos e aqueles sem problemas cardíacos). Curiosamente, demonstrou-se que a hemodiafiltração teve um efeito protetor contra infecções, incluindo a COVID-19. Pesquisas futuras abordarão sustentabilidade, efeitos de escalonamento da dose, identificação de subgrupos especialmente propensos a se beneficiar e a relação custo-benefício. No entanto, por ora, os achados apoiam fortemente uma adoção mais ampla da hemodiafiltração na terapia renal substitutiva, marcando um avanço significativo na área.

Clinical application value of a predictive model for the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin in treatment of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical application value of a predictive model for the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin in the treatment of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （CASBP）. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted among 50 patients with liver cirrhosis and CASBP who were admitted to The Ninth Hospital of Nanchang from January 2021 to June 2022， and the patients were randomly divided into optimized treatment group and traditional treatment group， with 25 patients in each group. The patients in the optimized treatment group received ceftazidime or imipenem for initial treatment based on the above predictive model， and those in the traditional treatment group received ceftazidime for initial treatment， with the subsequent use of antibiotics adjusted based on the efficacy of initial treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of the response rate of initial treatment， cure rate on day 5， and 30-day mortality rate. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsAll patients completed the study. The optimized treatment group had a significantly higher response rate of initial treatment than the traditional treatment group （88.0% vs 60.0%， χ2=5.094， P=0.024）， while there was no significant difference in the cure rate on day 5 between the two groups （80.0% vs 56.6%， χ2=3.309， P=0.069）. As for the patients who received ceftazidime for initial treatment， the optimized treatment group had a significantly higher response rate of initial treatment than the traditional treatment group （88.9% vs 60.0%， χ2=4.341， P=0.037）， while there was no significant difference in the cure rate on day 5 between the two groups （83.3% vs 56.0%， χ2=2.425， P=0.119）. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality rate between the two groups （8.0% vs 20.0%， χ2=0.664， P=0.415）. For all patients， there was a significant association between response of initial treatment and cure on day 5 （odds ratio ［OR］=9.643， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 2.292‍ — ‍40.564） and between cure on day 5 and 30-day mortality （OR=0.138， 95%CI： 0.023‍ — ‍0.813）. ConclusionThis predictive model for efficacy helps clinicians to identify the patients who can benefit from third-generation cephalosporin treatment and improve the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin in the initial empirical treatment of CASBP.

Efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization alone or in combination with partial splenic embolization in treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis： A Meta-analysis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization （PTVE） alone or in combination with partial splenic embolization （PSE） in the treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis through a meta-analysis. MethodsThis study was conducted according to PRISMA guideline， with a PROSPERO registration number of CRD42023396690. Wanfang Med Online， CNKI， CBM， VIP Databases， PubMed， Embase， the Cochrane Library， and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on PTVE alone or in combination with PSE in the treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis published up to December 23， 2022. The articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria， and related data were extracted. The RevMan 5.4.1 statistical analysis software was used to perform the meta-analysis. ResultsEight articles were finally included， with a total sample size of 592 cases， among which there were 316 cases in the PTVE+PSE group and 276 cases in the PTVE group. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the PTVE group， the PTVE+PSE group had significantly lower postoperative portal vein pressure （standardized mean difference ［SMD］=-1.75， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： -2.33 to -1.16， P<0.05）， postoperative diameter of the portal vein （SMD=-0.87， 95%CI： -1.64 to -0.10， P<0.05）， postoperative rebleeding rate （odds ratio ［OR］=0.17， 95%CI： 0.11 — 0.28， P<0.05）， mortality rate （OR=0.13， 95%CI： 0.04 — 0.37， P<0.05）， and incidence rate of postoperative portal hypertensive gastrointestinal disease （OR=0.17， 95%CI： 0.07 — 0.45， P<0.05］， as well as a significantly higher postoperative platelet level （SMD=0.79， 95%CI： 0.52 — 1.06， P<0.05）， while there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of postoperative ascites. ConclusionCompared with PTVE alone， PTVE combined with PSE can effectively reduce the rebleeding rate and mortality rate of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis， the incidence rate of portal hypertensive gastrointestinal disease， and portal vein pressure， and it can also shorten the diameter of the portal vein and increase platelet level. Therefore， it is an effective interventional method for the treatment of portal hypertension hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis.

A comparative study on the functional outcomes of patients who underwent internal versus external fixation for Tibial Plateau fractures two years post-surgery

Introduction@#Tibial plateau fractures are due to high energy trauma brought about by axial compression forces and associated varus or valgus component. @*Objective@#Patients diagnosed with tibial plateau fractures from January to December 2018 treated with internal vs. external fixation will be described according to their Schatzker classification. The study further aims to compare the functional outcomes between the two groups in terms of surgery done. @*Methods@#A chart review determined the distribution of demographics. The Modified Rasmussen Score (MRS) was used to determine the clinical and radiographic parameters after taking a new knee radiograph and assessment from the rehabilitation department. The MRS determined the functional outcomes of the said patients. Ethical considerations and proper informed consent were upheld after being reviewed by the hospital’s research committee. @*Results@#Out of 48 patients, 35 underwent internal fixation via open reduction using plates and/or screws, while 13 underwent external fixation using hybrid external fixator. The demographic profile showed mostly males between ages 20 to 49 years old. Most cases were due to vehicular accidents affecting the left lower extremity. In terms of Schatzker classification, the most common was type VI. The computed mean MRS of the internal fixation group was 30.43 while the external fixation group was 30.00, generally showing no significant difference. @*Conclusion@#Surgical intervention of tibial plateau fractures aims for anatomic reduction using internal or external fixation. There was no significant difference on the functional outcome of the two groups despite classifying the respondents according to Schatzker type, hence we can conclude that external fixation be chosen as the treatment of choice for tibial plateau fractures when properly indicated.

Analysis of birth surveillance results in Baoshan Districtfrom 2013 to 2022 / 预防医学

Objective @#To investigate the fertility level of registered population in Baoshan District, Shanghai Municipality and the incidence of adverse birth outcomes of live births from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide the evidence for improving maternal and child health care strategies. @*Methods@#The data pertaining to live births registered in Baoshan District from 2013 to 2022 were collected through the Shanghai Birth Medical Information System, including the basic information of live births and maternal fertility. The indicators such as fertility level, parity, birth age and incidence of adverse birth outcomes of live births were descriptively analyzed. The trend of crude birth rate and total fertility rate was analyzed by annual percent change (APC). @*Results@#A total of 56 719 live births were registered in Baoshan District from 2013 to 2022. The crude birth rate was 6.54‰, the total fertility rate was 31.78‰, and the sex ratio at birth was 105.61. The crude birth rate showed a downward trend from 2016 to 2022 (APC=-11.054%, P<0.05), and the total fertility rate showed a downward trend from 2017 to 2022 (APC=-10.377%, P<0.05). The proportion of second parity and above showed an increasing trend from 2013 to 2017 (P<0.05) and a decreasing trend from 2017 to 2022 (P<0.05). The maternal childbearing age showed an increasing trend from 2013 to 2022 (P<0.05), the incidence of premature infants and low birth weight infants showed an increasing trend (both P<0.05). The incidence of premature infants and low birth weight infants increased with the rising childbearing age (both P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#The fertility level in Baoshan District was relatively low from 2013 to 2022. The proportion of second parity and above showed an upward trend followed by a downward trend. The incidence of premature infants and low birth weight infants increased with the rising childbearing age.

Outcome of Covid-19 in adult patients with renal insufficiency admitted at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021

Objective@#This study sought to define the profile and outcome of Covid-19 in adult patients with renal insufficiency admitted to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021.@*Methods@#Retrospective cross-sectional study and utilized descriptive statistics.@*Results@#A total of 49 patients who tested positive for Covid- 19 also had renal insufficiency. The included patients were aged 51 to 60 (26.5%) and 61 to 70 (26.5%) years old, almost equal in sex distribution. Majority were unemployed (81.6%). On clinical profile most have no history of smoking (85.7%), alcohol intake (81.6%), and drug illicit use (100%). Predominantly the eGFR level was less than 15 mL/min (89.8%), with diabetes mellitus (36.7%) as the leading cause of renal insufficiency, followed by hypertension (61.2%). Majority received hemodialysis (81.6%) and advised for the continuation of hemodialysis (51%) upon discharge. Their length of stay was from 0-5 days (30.6%) with most being admitted to the intensive care unit (55.1%). Most were eventually discharged (63.3%).@*Conclusion@#Patients admitted in this hospital who had Covid-19 and renal insufficiency were between 51-70 years old, almost equally divided between males and females, and unemployed. Majority denied smoking, alcohol intake, and drug illicit use. The average eGFR was less than 15 mL/min, had diabetes mellitus and hypertension as a co-morbidity. The treatment received upon admission consisted mostly of hemodialysis only. Their length of hospital stay was 0-5 days with most being admitted to the ICU. Majority of the patients were eventually discharged.

Maternal mid-upper arm circumference as a predictor of low birth weight outcome among newborn deliveries of adolescents in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background@#Maternal malnutrition is a major cause of low birth weight (LBW) newborn outcome especially among adolescent mothers. It is one of the key drivers of child stunting and initiates the vicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. The body mass index prior to pregnancy or at the initial trimester is currently being used to establish the desired weight gain throughout pregnancy. However, Filipino adolescents often delay their first antenatal visit at a later stage of pregnancy. Without a baseline weight, the establishment of appropriate weight gain and nutritional status is often challenging. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was proven to be a good proxy measure of acute malnutrition, however, there was no global consensus on what MUAC cut-off point to use to identify pregnant adolescents at risk for delivering LBW babies. Finding the optimal cut-off could facilitate early identification and intervention of pregnant adolescents who are nutritionally at risk and could eventually break the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition.@*Objectives@#The study aims to determine the association of maternal MUAC and the birth weight outcomes among newborn deliveries of adolescents in a tertiary hospital for a period of six months and to identify the optimal maternal MUAC cut-off point that can be used to predict low birth weight outcome among newborn deliveries of adolescents in a tertiary hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents ages 10 to 19 years who delivered babies in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines for a period of six months. Maternal MUAC and LBW outcome were documented, and their association was determined using a logistic regression analysis. To measure diagnostic accuracy, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve were taken for each MUAC point. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to aid the MUAC cut-off determination.@*Results@#Out of 237 newborn deliveries, 35% were noted with low birth weight while 65% had normal birth weight. Most of the mothers were in their late adolescence at 78%. The crude association for the MUAC cut-offs ≤23.00 cm, ≤23.50 cm, and ≤24.00 cm and LBW showed a significant value of 2.19, 2.25, and 2.39 at 95% CI, respectively. However, it is only the cut-off ≤24.00 cm that showed significant results for adjusted association by the logistic regression analysis. The MUAC cut-off ≤24.00 cm also showed a better trade-off value between the sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the optimal maternal MUAC measurement that predicts LBW newborn outcome points to ≤24.00 cm cut-off based on the ROC curve.@*Conclusion@#This study shows that the maternal MUAC is predictive of LBW outcome among adolescent deliveries.A MUAC cut-off of ≤24.00 cm was superior to lower cut-offs studied. The pregnant adolescents might need a higher MUAC cut-off than adults to allow timely intervention and prevention of poor neonatal outcomes. By doing this simple screening test, suspected pregnant adolescents can be easily identified and referred for further confirmatory testing.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy in treatment of patients with stage Ⅱ‍b/Ⅲ‍a hepatocellular carcinoma based on China Liver Cancer Staging / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with stage Ⅱb/Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） based on China Liver Cancer Staging （CNLC）. MethodsA total of 198 patients who received first-line TACE combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy or received TACE alone from January 2015 to December 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this study， and after propensity score matching， there were 50 patients in combination group and 50 patients in TACE group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate median overall survival （mOS） and median progression-free survival （mPFS）. Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was used to evaluate objective response rate （ORR） and disease control rate （DCR）， and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 was used to evaluate adverse events. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups； the t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival time and calculate 95% confidence interval （CI）， and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of mOS and mPFS between two groups. ResultsThe combination group had an mOS of 30.1 months （95%CI： 21.9‍ ‍—‍ ‍38.3）， and the TACE group had an mOS of 14.5 months （95%CI： 11.0 ‍—‍‍ ‍18.0）， with a significant difference between the two groups （χ2=17.8， P<0.001）； the combination group had an mPFS of 10.3 months （95%CI： 8.8‍ ‍—‍ ‍11.8）， and the TACE group had an mPFS of 7.1 months （95%CI： 5.8‍ — ‍8.4）， with a significant difference between the two groups （χ2=10.4， P<0.001）. There were significant differences between the combination group and the TACE group in ORR （84% vs 58%， P<0.05） and DCR （94% vs 80%， P<0.05）. There was no significant difference between the combination group and the TACE group in the incidence rate of adverse events （24% vs 16%， P=0.317）， and no adverse event-related deaths were observed in either group. ConclusionCompared with TACE alone， TACE combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy has a better efficacy in the treatment of patients with CNLC stage Ⅱb/Ⅲa HCC， without increasing the incidence rate of severe adverse events.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on treatment outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients: a single-centre study / 中国天然药物

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Factors and Their Impact on Treatment Effect of Acupuncture in Different Outcomes: A Meta-Regression of Acupuncture Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results.@*OBJECTIVE@#To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes.@*METHODS@#Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects.@*RESULTS@#The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.

Progress on study of factors influencing the prognosis and complications of surgery for discoid meniscus injury in children / 中国骨伤

The discoid meniscus is a common congenital meniscal malformation that is prevalent mainly in Asians and often occurs in the lateral discoid meniscus. Patients with asymptomatic discoid meniscus are usually treated by conservative methods such as observation and injury avoidance, while patients with symptoms and tears need to be treated surgically. Arthroscopic saucerization combined with partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair is the most common surgical approach., and early to mid-term reports are good. The prognostic factors are the patient's age at surgery、follow-up time and type of surgery. Some patients experience complications such as prolonged postoperative knee pain, early osteoarthritis, retears and Osteochondritis dissecans. The incidence of prolonged postoperative knee pain was higher and the incidence of Osteochondritis dissecans was the lowest. Retears of the lateral meniscus is the main reason for reoperation.

Long-term visual acuity results from cataract surgery and its association with self-reported visual function: Catquest applicability / Resultados acuidade visual a longo prazo da cirurgia de catarata e sua associação com função visual autorreferida: aplicabilidade do Catquest

ABSTRACT Purposes: This study aimed to determine the association of the long-term refractive outcomes of cataract surgery with self-reported visual function obtained using Catquest-9SF. Methods: Patients recruited from the cataract outpatient clinic of VER MAIS Oftalmologia underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. Patients who were diagnosed with cataract with indications for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation received the Catquest-9SF questionnaire before and after surgery at 30 days and 1 year. Results: A total of 133 patients were recruited, but 32 patients were lost to follow-up; finally, data from 101 patients (48 men, 53 women) were analyzed. The crude variance explained by the data was 69.9%, and the unexplained variance in the first contrast was 2.39 eigenvalues (>2); thus, these results are different from those expected from random data. The people separation index was 2.95 (>2), and the people trust value was 0.9 (>0.8). These indices were evaluated in the assessment of skill levels. Visual acuity was the main variable that correlated with the Catquest score. Conclusions: The Catquest-9SF translated into Portuguese proved to be a one-dimensional and psychometrically valid tool to assess visual dysfunction in patients with cataract, and it is successful in objectively quantifying improvements after surgery. The results of this tool could be predictive and concordant of visual acuity improvement.

RESUMO Objetivo: Associar os resultados refrativos a longo prazo da cirurgia de catarata e a função visual autorreferida pelo questionário Catquest-9SF. Métodos: Paciente recrutados no ambulatório de catarata da VER MAIS Oftalmologia, foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo. Após diagnóstico de catarata com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico com facoemulsificação e implante de lente intraocular, o questionário foi aplicado antes da intervenção, 30 dias após cirurgia e 1 ano após, novamente. Resultados: Foram recrutados 133 pacientes. No decorrer do seguimento, 32 pacientes foram perdidos e ao final foram analisados os dados de 101 pacientes, dos quais 48 foram homens e 53 foram mulheres. A variância bruta explicada por dados foi de 69,9% e a inexplicada em primeiro contraste por 2,39 eigenvalores, sendo maior que 2, o que nos mostra que são resultados differentes dos esperados de dados aleatórios. O índice de separação de pessoas foi de 2.95 (>2) e o valor de confiança de pessoas foi de 0,9 (>0,8). Estes índices são os valores mínimos aceitáveis na diferenciação de níveis de habilidade. Acuidade visual foi a principal variável correlacionada com o score do Catquest. Conclusões: O Catquest-9SF traduzido para o português se demonstrou unidimensional e uma ferramenta psicometricamente válida para avaliar disfunção visual em pacientes com catarata, além de ter tido sucesso para quantificar objetivamente melhoras após a intervenção cirúrgica. Essa ferramenta pode ser utilizada como preditiva e concordante da melhora da acuidade visual.

Is there a relationship between the first-day results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema due to vascular diseases and longterm outcomes? / Há alguma relação entre os resultados do primeiro dia de terapia anti-VEGF para edema macular devido a doenças vasculares e o resultado a longo prazo?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate early changes after the first antivascular endothelial growth factor injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion and the relationship between longterm outcomes. Methods: The study enrolled patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for treatment-naive macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. The central macular thickness was measured at baseline, post-injection day 1, week 2, and month 1, and at the last visit using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A good response was defined as a central macular thickness reduction of ≥10% on post-injection day 1. Patients were reassessed at the last visit with regard to treatment response on post-injection day 1 based on the favorable anatomic outcome defined as a central macular thickness <350 µm. Results: In total, 26 (44.8%) patients had macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and 32 (55.2%) had macular edema-diabetic retinopathy. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (SD 8.5) months. A statistically significant decrease in the central macular thickness was observed in both patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and macular edema-diabetic retinopathy after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (p<0.001 for both). All patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion were good responders at post-injection day 1. All nongood responders at post-injection day 1 belong to the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (n=16.50%). The rate of hyperreflective spots was higher in nongood responders than in good responders of the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (p=0.03). Of 42 (2.4%) total good responders, one had a central macular thickness >350 µm, whereas 5 (31.2%) of 16 total nongood responders had a central macular thickness >350 µm at the last visit (p=0.003). Conclusion: The longterm anatomical outcomes of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy may be predicted by treatment response 1 day after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações precoces após a primeira injeção de anticorpos antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) em casos de edema macular secundário à retinopatia diabética e oclusão da veia da retina e a relação entre essas alterações e o resultado a longo prazo. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes que receberam uma injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular para edema macular, virgem de tratamento e devido à oclusão da veia retiniana ou a retinopatia diabética. A espessura macular central foi medida no início do tratamento e no 1º dia, 2ª semana e 1º mês após a injeção, bem como na última visita, através de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. Definiu-se uma "boa resposta" como uma redução ≥10% na espessura macular central no 1º dia após a injeção. Os pacientes foram reavaliados na última visita com relação à resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção, com base em um resultado anatômico favorável, definido como uma espessura macular central <350 µm. Resultado: Foram registrados 26 (44,8%) pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia da retina e 32 (55,2%) com edema macular e retinopatia diabética. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 24,0 meses (desvio-padrão de 8,5 meses). Foi observada uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa da espessura macular central após o tratamento antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular tanto em pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana quanto naqueles com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p<0,001 para ambos). Todos os pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana responderam bem no 1º dia pós-injeção. Todos os que responderam mal no 1º dia pós-injeção pertenciam ao grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (n=16,50%). A presença de manchas hiperrefletivas foi maior nos pacientes que responderam mal do que naqueles que tiveram boa resposta no grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p=0,03). Um dos 42 (2,4%) pacientes com boa resposta total teve espessura macular central >350 um, enquanto 5 (31,2%) do total de 16 pacientes com resposta ruim apresentaram espessura macular central >350 µm na última visita (p=0,003). Conclusão: O resultado anatômico de longo prazo do edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana e à retinopatia diabética pode ser previsto pela resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular.

Digital analysis of unilateral ptosis repair: external levator advancement vs. Müller's muscle conjunctival resection

ABSTRACT Purpose: Evaluation of lid contour and marginal peak point changes to compare outcomes of external levator advancement and Müller's muscle conjunctival resection surgery in unilateral ptosis. Methods: We reviewed the charts of unilateral ptosis patients who underwent external levator advancement or Müller's muscle conjunctival resection. Eyelid contour analysis was conducted on preoperative and 6-month postoperative digital images. This was performed with the multiple margin reflex distances technique, measuring the vertical distance from a line intersecting the center of the pupil to the eyelid margin at 10 positions at 2 mm intervals. The marginal peak point changes were analyzed digitally using the coordinates of the peak point according to the pupil center. Each position's mean distance was compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and with the fellow eyelid. Results: Sixteen patients underwent external levator advancement and 16 patients had Müller's muscle conjunctival resection. The mean margin reflex distance was improved by both techniques (1.46 vs. 2.43 mm and 1.12 vs. 2.25 mm, p=0.008 and p=0.0001 respectively) and approached that of the fellow eyelid (2.43 vs. 2.88 and 2.25 vs. 2.58 mm, p=0.23 and p=0.19, respectively). However, statistically significant lid margin elevation was limited to between the N6 and T6 points in the external levator advancement group. Whereas, significant elevation was achieved along the whole lid margin in the Müller's muscle conjunctival resection group. The marginal peak point was shifted slightly laterally in the external levator advancement group (p=0.11). Conclusions: Both techniques provide effective lid elevation, however, the external levator advancement's effect lessens toward the canthi while Müller's muscle conjunctival resection provides more uniform elevation across the lid margin. The margin reflex distance alone is not sufficient to reflect contour changes.

A Brazilian series utilizing the SMASH-U system for etiologic classification of intracerebral hemorrhage / Classificação etiológica de pacientes admitidos com hemorragia intracerebral utilizando a escala SMASH-U: uma série brasileira

Abstract Background Understanding the causes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is crucial for effective treatment and preventing recurrences. The SMASH-U scale is a suggested method for classifying and predicting the outcomes of ICH. Objective To describe the SMASH-U classification and outcomes by etiology in patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted to the hospital or outpatient clinic between April 2015 and January 2018. Two stroke neurologists evaluated the SMASH-U classification, and patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. Results Out of the 2000 patients with a stroke diagnosis evaluated, 140 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 57.9 (± 15.5) years, and 54.3% were male. Hypertension was the most frequent etiology, accounting for 41.4% of cases, followed by amyloid angiopathy (18.5%) and structural lesions (14.1%). Structural lesions were more common among women and patients under 45 years old. Favorable outcomes were observed in 61% of patients with structural lesions, compared to 10% of patients with medication-related etiologies. Conclusion This study provides important evidence regarding the etiological classification of Brazilian patients with ICH. Hypertension and amyloid angiopathy were the most frequent causes, while structural lesions and systemic diseases were more common in younger patients.

Resumo Antecedentes Compreender as causas da hemorragia intracerebral (HIC) é crucial para o tratamento eficaz e prevenção de recorrências. A escala SMASH-U é um método sugerido para classificar e prever os resultados da HIC. Objetivo Descrever a classificação SMASH-U e os resultados por etiologia em pacientes admitidos em um centro de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes admitidos no hospital ou ambulatório entre abril de 2015 e janeiro de 2018. Dois neurologistas especializados em doenças cerebrovasculares avaliaram a classificação SMASH-U e pacientes com prontuários incompletos foram excluídos. Resultados Dos 2000 pacientes com diagnóstico de AVC avaliados, 140 foram incluídos na análise final. A idade média foi de 57,9 (±15,5) anos e 54,3% eram do sexo masculino. A hipertensão foi a etiologia mais frequente, correspondendo a 41,4% dos casos, seguida pela angiopatia amiloide (18,5%) e lesões estruturais (14,1%). As lesões estruturais foram mais comuns em mulheres e pacientes com menos de 45 anos. Resultados favoráveis foram observados em 61% dos pacientes com lesões estruturais, em comparação com 10% dos pacientes com etiologias relacionadas a medicamentos. Conclusão Este estudo fornece evidências importantes sobre a classificação etiológica de pacientes brasileiros com HIC. A hipertensão e a angiopatia amiloide foram as causas mais frequentes, enquanto lesões estruturais e doenças sistêmicas foram mais comuns em pacientes mais jovens.

Effect of anxiety and depression levels on pregnancy outcome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in couples receiving in vitro fertilization treatment. METHODS: A total of 102 couples (102 females and 102 males) with unexplained infertility were included in the study. Personal Information Form was used to collect data, Case Follow-up Form to record the treatment process, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory to measure the anxiety and depression levels of couples. Couples were measured twice: before treatment and on oocyte pickup day. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and oocyte count of women (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between State-Trait Anxiety Inventory level and sperm count and between BID level and sperm motility (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and pregnancy outcomes of women (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression had no effect on pregnancy outcome. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in unexplained infertility.

Prevalence and clinical consequences of Hepatitis C virus infection in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients. In Brazil, its occurrence in HCT recipients remains undetermined. We now report on HCV prevalence in HCT recipients and its clinical consequences. The medical records of all HCT recipients seen at Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School, from January 2010 to January 2020 were reviewed to determine HCV serostatus. A retrospective analysis of medical charts was undertaken on all seropositive cases to determine HCV genotype, presence of liver fibrosis, co-infections with other viruses, previous treatments, and clinical evolution of liver pathology after HCT. Of the 1,293 HCT recipients included in the study, seven (0.54%) were HCV antibody-positive and five (0.39%) were also viremic for HCV-RNA. Four of these individuals had moderate to severe liver fibrosis (METAVIR F2/F3) and one was cirrhotic. Two of the viremic patients developed acute liver dysfunction following transplantation. All patients had their acute episode of liver dysfunction resolved with no further complications. Four of the viremic patients were treated for HCV infection with direct acting agents (DAA). Information regarding HCV treatment was lacking for one of the viremic HCV patients due to loss of follow up. Sustained anti-virologic responses were observed in three cases after the use of DAA. The detection of HCV in hematological adults undergoing HCT and its successful treatment with DAA highlight the necessity of testing for HCV both prior to and following transplantation.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. Objective: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. Methods: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. Results: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). Conclusion: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

The Brazilian version of the High-Activity Arthroplasty Score: cross-cultural adaptation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The High Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) is a self-administered questionnaire, developed in British English, that reliably and validly measures the levels of sports activities in patients following hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the HAAS to Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university hospital in Brazil. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HAAS was created through a six-step process: translation, synthesis, committee review, pretesting, back-translation, and submission to developers. The translation step was conducted by two independent bilingual translators, both native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation was performed by an independent translator, a native speaker of British English. To ensure the questionnaire's comprehensibility, 46 volunteers (51% men; average age 34-63) participated in the pre-testing step. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process necessitated modifications to certain terms and expressions to achieve cultural equivalence with the original HAAS. CONCLUSION: The HAAS has been translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted for Brazil. The validation process for HAAS-Brazil is currently underway.