Adequacy of surgical margins, re-excision, and evaluation of factors associated with recurrence: a retrospective study of 769 basal cell carcinomas

Abstract Background: Achieving adequate surgical margins and preventing recurrence are important in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adequacy of surgical margins and the re-excision rates in patients with primary BCC who underwent standard surgical treatment using our proposed algorithm and to define the risk factors in patients with recurrent BCC. Methods: The medical records of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BCC were reviewed. An algorithm created based on previous literature was used to determine the distribution of optimal surgical margins adequacy and re-excision rates. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the cases with and without recurrence in age at diagnosis (p = 0.004), tumor size (p = 0.023), tumor location in the H zone of the face (p = 0.005), and aggressive histopathological subtype (p = 0.000). When the tumors were evaluated for adequacy of deep and lateral surgical margins and re-excision rates, higher rates of adequate excision (457 cases, 68.0%) and re-excision (43 cases, 33.9%) were noted for tumors in the H or M zone. Study limitations: Inadequate follow-up of newly diagnosed patients in terms of recurrence and metastasis and the retrospective application of our proposed algorithm are the limitations of the present study. Conclusions: Our results showed that if BCC was detected at an early age and at an early stage, recurrence was lower. The H and M zones were the regions with the highest rates of optimal surgical outcomes.

Comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes con infarto cerebral en Villa Clara

Fundamento la enfermedad cerebrovascular representa el problema de salud más frecuente relacionado con la atención neurológica, hecho en que estriba la importancia que reviste su estudio en los diferentes contextos y desde diversos enfoques. Objetivo describir el comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas en pacientes ingresados por infarto cerebral. Métodos estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el servicio de Neurología del Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro, de Villa Clara, Cuba, el cual incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto cerebral cardioembólico o aterotrombótico, ingresados en sala durante el año 2019. La información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas almacenadas en el Archivo del Hospital; y fue procesada en el paquete estadístico SPSS. v. 21. Se aplicó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, en una distribución de frecuencias. Resultados predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (51,6 %). Hubo mayor incidencia en hombres mayores de 79 años (47,7 %), y en mujeres mayores de 70 (86,0 %). En el 67,3 % se demostró la causa cardioembólica. La hipertensión arterial resultó el principal factor de riesgo asociado (83,6 %). El defecto motor se observó como hallazgo clínico más frecuente al ingreso (96,7 %). Se identificaron la transformación hemorrágica del infarto y la bronconeumonía nosocomial como principales complicaciones neurológicas y no neurológicas respectivamente. Prevalecieron los pacientes egresados vivos (68,6 %). Conclusiones los ictus isquémicos son más frecuentes en pacientes de edad avanzada; la identificación temprana y manejo oportuno de la enfermedad instaurada puede prevenir en gran medida la aparición de complicaciones, y consecuentemente la muerte.

Background cerebrovascular disease represents the most common health problem related to neurological care, it is important to study it in different contexts and from different approaches. Objective to describe epidemiological and clinical variables' behavior in patients admitted for stroke. Methods descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital's Neurology service from Villa Clara, Cuba, which included all patients with a clinical diagnosis of cardioembolic or atherothrombotic stroke, admitted to the ward during 2019. The information was obtained from the medical records stored in the Hospital Archive; and it was processed in the statistical package SPSS. v. 21. A descriptive statistical analysis was applied, in a frequency distribution. Results female patients predominated (51.6%). There was a higher incidence in men older than 79 years (47.7%), and in women older than 70 (86.0%). In 67.3% the cardioembolic cause was demonstrated. Arterial hypertension was the main associated risk factor (83.6%). The motor defect was observed as the most frequent clinical finding on admission (96.7%). Hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct and nosocomial bronchopneumonia were identified as the main neurological and non-neurological complications, respectively. Patients discharged alive prevailed (68.6%). Conclusions ischemic strokes are more frequent in elderly patients; early identification and timely management of the established disease can largely prevent the appearance of complications, and consequently death.

Factores de riesgo relacionados con la evolución intrahospitalaria de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST

Fundamento: el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST es uno de los principales motivos de consulta e ingresos en servicios de urgencia. Su curso clínico y pronóstico pueden modificarse por diversos factores. Objetivo: analizar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la evolución intrahospitalaria de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST ingresados en la sala de cuidados intensivos coronarios del Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico de tipo transversal que incluyó 99 pacientes que con diagnóstico de SCACEST ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados coronarios del Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía cardiovascular, desde junio del 2018 a junio del 2019. Se recogieron las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y angiográficas Las variables de respuesta fueron las complicaciones y la muerte de causa cardiovascular ocurrida durante el ingreso hospitalario. Se analizó la distribución de frecuencias, se realizó la prueba de Chi Cuadrado y se emplearon las diferencias de medias para muestras independientes. Resultados: predominaron los pacientes mayores de 60 años, con una edad media de 63 años y el sexo masculino. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo más frecuente, seguido del tabaquismo. Se constató que la clasificación de Killip Kimball III-IV tuvo una fuerte asociación con una evolución desfavorable con un OR de 41,50 (p=0,000), seguido del infarto agudo de miocardio previo OR de 3,25 (p=0,03). Conclusiones: la clasificación de Killip Kimball II-IV, la escala Grace de riesgo moderado a alto, y los valores de creatinina tuvieron una mayor asociación con la evolución intrahospitalaria desfavorable.

Background: acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation is one of the main reasons for consultation and admissions to emergency services. Its clinical course and prognosis can be modified by various factors. Objective: to analyze the risk factors related to the in-hospital evolution of patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome admitted to the coronary intensive care unit of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. Methods: a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out that included 99 patients with a diagnosis of STEACS admitted to the coronary care unit of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, from June 2018 to June 2019. Sociodemographic variables were collected, clinical and angiographic. The response variables were complications and death from cardiovascular causes that occurred during hospital admission. The frequency distribution was analyzed, the Chi Square test was performed and the mean differences for independent samples were used. Results: patients older than 60 years predominated, with a mean age of 63 years and the male sex. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent risk factor, followed by smoking. It was found that the Killip Kimball III-IV classification had a strong association with an unfavorable evolution with an OR of 41.50 (p=0.000), followed by previous acute myocardial infarction OR of 3.25 (p=0.03). Conclusions: the Killip Kimball II-IV classification, the Grace scale of moderate to high risk, and creatinine values ​​had a greater association with unfavorable in-hospital evolution.

The association between VSX1 exon3 gene variants and keratoconus in Malaysian patients

Purpose: This case-control study aims to examine possible associations of VSX1 exon3 gene variants with the development of keratoconus (KC) in Malaysian patients. Methods: A case-control study was done on 42 keratoconus cases, 127 family member controls, and 96 normal controls. Results: Three gene variants, p.A182A, p.P237P, and p.R217H showed significant associations with keratoconus (P < 0.05). While p.A182A and p.P227P were more prevalent than in the family and normal controls (OR 3.14–4.05), the reverse was observed with p.R217H (OR 0.086–1.59). With Haploview analysis, p.A182A and p.P237P were shown to be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) (LOD (logarithm of the odds score) score of 2.0, r2 of 0.957, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.96–1.00). Conclusion: The study results suggest that the p.A182A and p.P237P variants could have contributed to the development of keratoconus in some Malaysians and that these two variants are likely to be co?inherited. In contrast, the p.R217H variant appeared to confer some protection against the development of keratoconus.

Estilos parentais como fator de proteção ou risco ao consumo de álcool

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar os estilos parentais (autoritativo, autoritário, negligente e indulgente) como fator de proteção ou risco ao consumo de álcool em estudantes de uma universidade pública localizada no estado XX, Brasil. Participaram do estudo 392 universitários com idade entre 18 e 58 anos (M = 23, 23; DP = 5,78), a maioria do sexo feminino (70,7%), solteiros (58,4%), que responderam ao Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), a Escala de Responsividade e Exigência e a questões sociodemográficas. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e análise multivariada de variância (MANOVA). Os resultados da MANOVA indicaram, de modo geral, os estilos de socialização parental autoritativo e indulgente como fatores de proteção ao consumo de álcool; enquanto a parentalidade autoritária e negligente constituíram risco ao uso da substância. Os dados da contribuição de cada estilo parental no consumo de bebidas etílicas favorece o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção, além de permitir identificar o impacto das práticas parentais na educação dos filhos, promovendo comportamentos mais saudáveis e adaptativos.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar los estilos parentales (autoritativo, autoritario, negligente e indulgente) como un factor de protección o de riesgo para el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes de una universidad pública ubicada en el estado XX, Brasil. Participaron 392 estudiantes universitarios de 18 a 58 años (M = 23, 23; SD = 5.78), en su mayoría mujeres (70.7%), solteros (58.4%), los cuales respondieron el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), la Escala de Responsividad y Exigencia, y las cuestiones sociodemográficas. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y análisis multivariante de la varianza (MANOVA). Los resultados de MANOVA indicaron, en general, los estilos de socialización parental autoritativos e indulgentes como factores de protección para el consumo de alcohol; mientras que la parentalidad autoritaria y negligente constituyeron un riesgo para el uso de sustancias. Los datos sobre la contribución de cada estilo parental al consumo de bebidas etílicas favorecen el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención, además de permitir la identificación del impacto de las prácticas parentales en la educación de los hijos, promoviendo comportamientos más saludables y más adaptativos.

This research aimed to analyze parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent and neglectful) as a protective factor or risk alcohol consumption in students of a public university in the state XX, Brazil. The study included 392 university aged 18 to 58 years (M = 23, 23; SD = 5.78), most females (70.7%), single (58.4%), who answered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Responsiveness and Requirement Scale, and sociodemographic questions. Descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were performed. MANOVA results generally indicated authoritative and indulgent parental socialization styles as protective factors for alcohol consumption; while the authoritarian and neglectful parenting constituted risk of substance use. The data of the contribution of each parental style in the consumption of beverages ethylic favoring the development of prevention strategies, and allows identify of the impact of parenting practices in the education of children by promoting healthier behaviors and adaptive.

Screening for Behavioural Abnormality Using Strength & Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) in Children with Epilepsy

Aims: To estimate the problem of behavioural co morbidity and to determine risk factors associated with epi-lepsy in children. Methods: A prospective observational study using Hindi and Gujarati version of Strength & Difficulty ques-tionnaire (SDQ) was conducted. Children aged 6 to 17 years with epilepsy (CWE) as cases & without epilepsy as controls enrolled. Detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded. The total difficulty score and the subscale scores were compared between two groups. Comparison of the scores were done among the children with epilepsy group also. Results: 52 children in each group were included. Self-reported SDQ used in 76% and parent reported SDQ used in 27% participants. Prevalence of behaviour abnormality was 25% in CWE. (p 0.004). CWE had signifi-cantly higher mean total difficulty score (p<0.001) and mean emotional (p <0.0001) and conduct subscale score (p 0.0024). Children having uncontrolled epilepsy (OR 15, 95% CI 2.9 - 76.3, p 0.0005) and having num-ber of seizures more than 3 (OR 13.33 95% CI 3.4 - 51.04, p 0.0004) were found to be significantly associated with behavioural abnormality. Conclusion: Epileptic children are at more risk of behavioural problem than in normal children, especially emotional problem and conduct problem. Uncontrolled epilepsy and frequency of seizure were significant risk factor for occurrence of behavioural problem.

Demographics and Clinical Patterns of Retinopathy of Prematurity at the University of Teaching Hospitals, Women and Newborn Hospital

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the developing retina of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. It is an important cause of childhood blindness and is listed as one of the causes of avoidable blindness in the vision 2020 - “The Right to Sight” Programme.ROP is more prevalent in highly developed countries where neonatal services’ availability, access and outcomes are good. The survival rates of Very low Birth Weight (VLBW) infant and low gestational age (GA) at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Women and Newborn Hospital (WNH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has improved.Aims: To estimate the prevalence of ROP at UTH, WNH, NICU.Study Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional study.Place and Duration: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women and Newborn hospital at the University Teaching Hospital, in Lusaka, Zambia between November 2021 to April 2022.Methodology: We included 110 (54.5% males and 45.5% females) infants either born at <32 weeks GA or weighed <1500g. Dilated fundus examinations were done at 4 to 6 weeks chronological age or 31 to 33 weeks GA. Medical records were reviewed to identify associated factors.Results: Mean gestational age at birth was 30.6±2 weeks ranging from 27 to 34 weeks, mean birth weight was 1422.7±334.3 g ranging from 900g to 2200 g, mean Apgar score at 1 minute was 7±1.3, at 5 minutes the mean was 7.8±0.9, and at 10 minutes the mean was 8.4±0.7. Twenty-six (23.6%) were products of multiple gestations. Hyaline membrane disease was observed in 14 (12.7%), neonatal sepsis in 48 (43.6%), necrotising enterocolitis in 6 (5.5%), patent ductus arteriosus in one (0.9%), and hyperglycaemia in 56 (50.9%) cases.Conclusion: Our study found no participant with retinopathy of prematurity at UTH NICU. Further, the study could not make associations between suggested risk factors to the development of ROP. However, being a novel study on this topic in the country, it highlights the importance of setting up screening protocols and their attendant equipment in Special Care Baby Units at UTH and improving neonatal care services.

Risk Factors Associated with Severity of COVID-19 Infections Among Older Patients – A Prospective Study

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus infection disease causing respiratory failure and a high death rate in vulnerable populations. Prior studies have identified age, male sex, and metabolic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes as risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. These comorbidities are more common among older age groups, and overwhelming evidence from around the world suggests that age itself is the most significant risk factor for severe disease and death from COVID-19. The aim of this study was to determine the associated risk factors of severe COVID-19 infections among older patients. Material & Methods: This was a prospective study and was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology of Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh during the period from March, 2021 to March, 2022. In this study, we took 80 confirmed cases of COVID 19 positive who attended and took admission in Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Results: In our study we found majority (48.75%) of our study patients were aged between 65-74 years old, most of our patients were male (61.25%). The mean age of our patients was 76.54 ± 21.04 years. Among all patients, 89% had respiratory difficulty, 86% came with nausea & vomiting, 83% came with fever, 74% had ache all over body, 76% & 64% came with chest pain & running nose respectively. We found 51% patients with DM,80% with CKD, 70% with respiratory failure, 49% with arrhythmia, 74% with IHD, 46% with Sepsis, 55% with acute liver injury, 26% with coagulopathy. Some risk factors co-exist among our patients. Conclusion: In our study, we included the elderly patients with COVID 19 associated with severe illness who had a high mortality rate. We found aged above 80 years, male gender, DM, CKD, respiratory failure, arrhythmia, IHD, Sepsis, acute liver injury are most common risk factors that triggers the severity of COVID 19 infections.

Caracterización de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica atendidos en el Hospital General Docente Guillermo Domínguez de Las Tunas

Fundamento: las enfermedades cerebrovasculares constituyen un problema de salud a nivel mundial y una de las principales causas de mortalidad y discapacidad global. Objetivo: caracterizar clínicamente a los pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica ingresados en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General Docente Guillermo Domínguez López en el período comprendido entre mayo de 2019 y mayo de 2021. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General Docente Guillermo Domínguez López en el municipio Puerto Padre en la provincia Las Tunas en el período comprendido entre mayo de 2019 y mayo de 2021. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por 184 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica. La muestra coincidió con el universo al estudiar el total de pacientes. Se caracterizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, formas clínicas de presentación, complicaciones y supervivencia al egreso. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Los resultados se presentaron en cuadros de distribución de frecuencias para su mejor comprensión y análisis. Resultados: predominaron los pacientes de sexo masculino (53,80 %) y el grupo etáreo de 65 a 74 años con un 33,15 %. El principal factor de riesgo fue la hipertensión arterial (58,29 %) y predominó el infarto cerebral aterotrombótico con un 47,83 % como forma clínica de presentación. Las infecciones respiratorias (28 %) fueron las de mayor incidencia en cuanto a complicaciones. El 92,93 % de los pacientes egresaron vivos. Conclusiones: predominaron los hipertensos mayores de sesenta años, ingresados con infarto cerebral aterotrombótico.

Background: cerebrovascular diseases are a global health problem and one of the main causes of mortality and global disability. Objective: to clinically characterize patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease admitted to the Internal Medicine Service of the Guillermo Domínguez López General Teaching Hospital in the period between May 2019 and May 2021. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Internal Medicine Service of the Guillermo Domínguez López General Teaching Hospital in the Puerto Padre municipality in Las Tunas province in the period between May 2019 and May 2021. The study population consisted of 184 patients diagnosed with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The sample coincided with the universe when studying the total number of patients. The following variables were characterized: age, sex, risk factors, clinical forms of presentation, complications, and survival to discharge. Descriptive statistics were used. The results were presented in frequency distribution tables for better understanding and analysis. Results: male patients (53.80 %) and the age group of 65 to 74 years with 33.15 % predominated. The main risk factor was arterial hypertension (58.29 %) and atherothrombotic cerebral infarction prevailed with 47.83 % as the clinical form of presentation. Respiratory infections (28 %) were the ones with the highest incidence in terms of complications. 92.93 % of the patients were discharged alive. Conclusions: hypertensive patients over sixty years of age, admitted with atherothrombotic cerebral infarction, predominated.

New-Onset Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery - A Retrospective Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Objective: To explore predictive factors and potential mechanisms of new-onset POAF in isolated off-pump CABG patients. Methods: Retrospective observational case-control study of 233 patients undergoing isolated off-pump CABG surgery between August 2018 and July 2020 at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School. Associations between predictor variables and new-onset POAF were identified. The main outcome was new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. Results: A total of 75 (32.19%) patients developed new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. The new-onset POAF patients had advanced age, higher baseline systolic blood pressure, more preoperative use of diuretic drug, more transfusion of blood products, atrial dilation and postoperative positive inotropic drug treatment. Nineteen variates entered the multivariable logistic regression model with a Hosmer-Lemeshow test score of 7.565 (P=0.477). Postoperative left atrial enlargement, postoperative drainage in the first 24 hours and total length of hospital stay were statistically significant, while postoperative right atrial enlargement (OR and 95% CI, 7.797 [0.200, 304.294], P=0.272) and left atrial enlargement (3.524 [1.141, 10.886], P=0.029) assessed by echocardiography had the largest OR value. Conclusion: Atrial enlargement is strongly associated with new-onset POAF in patients with isolated off-pump CABG, thus it highlights the advantage of echocardiography as a useful tool for predicting new-onset POAF. Careful monitoring and timely intervention should be considered for these patients.

Smoking is an independent risk factor for stricture recurrence after the urethroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To clarify the association between smoking and stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched with keywords: "urethroplasty," "buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty," "oral mucosa graft urethroplasty," "excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty," "urethral stricture recurrence" until July 1, 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on PICOS principles. The quality of included studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (N.O.S.) system. Hazard ratio (H.R.), odds ratio (OR), and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted or re-calculated from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 based on univariate and multivariate data separately. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability of the meta-analysis. I2 was calculated to evaluate heterogeneity. Publication biases were assessed by Egger's and Begg's tests. Funnel plots of univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were also offered. Results: Twenty one studies with 6791 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. The analysis results of the two stages were consistent. In the univariate meta-analysis stage, 18 studies with 5811 patients were pooled, and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.32, P=0.001). Based on the adjusted estimate, 11 studies with 3176 patients were pooled in the multivariate meta-analysis stage, and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.35, P=0.049). There was no significant heterogeneity in both the univariate and multivariate stages. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that smoking may prompt stricture recurrence after the urethroplasty. Quitting smoking may be a good option for patients undergoing urethroplasty surgery.

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 as poor prognosis factor for Hodgkin's lymphoma patients

Abstract Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as a prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Methods: In the present study, 45 paraffin biopsies from patients up to 19 years old diagnosed with HL were used in two referral hospitals in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Risk groups were classified into favorable and unfavorable, according to Ann Arbor. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their inhibitors was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism 5 program. Results: MMP-2 intensity pattern was stronger (> 10% of the total field) in patients with stage III/ IV and B symptoms. MMP-2 showed an association with the risk group (p = 0.0388). That is, the stronger the MMP-2 marking, the greater the unfavorable risk. However, for MMP-9 there was no difference in the stronger intensity pattern in relation to stages I/II and III/IV, only in the presence of B symptoms. MMP-9 showed an association with B Symptoms (p = 0.0411). Therefore, patients with B symptoms have higher MMP-9 expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MMP-2 expression is associated with HL progression. While MMP-9 expression is related to the clinical worsening of these patients. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the exact role of these proteins in hematologic malignancies.

Caracterización clínica-epidemiológica de pacientes menores o iguales a 40 años con cáncer de mama / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients under or equal to 40 years old with breast cancer

El cáncer de mama se encuentra dentro de los tres primeros cánceres diagnosticados en las mujeres a nivel mundial. En las mujeres menores de 40 años ocupa el primer puesto de incidencia. Alrededor de 146 000 nuevos casos son diagnosticados en mujeres menores de 40 años a nivel global. Objetivo. Identificar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de las pacientes con edad menor o igual a 40 años con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en un hospital de tercer nivel especializado en la atención de la mujer. Metodología. Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se recolectó información de 60 expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama con edad menor o igual de 40 años diagnosticados entre enero 2019 y diciembre 2020. Resultados. El mayor número de casos se encontró en las mujeres entre 39 y 40 años (18,3 %, cada uno). El 60 % era del área urbana; el 80 % de las pacientes tenía una paridad entre uno a cuatro hijos; el 40 % de se encontraba con sobrepeso y el 58 % no tenía antecedentes familiares de cáncer de mama. El estadio clínico más frecuente fue IIIA. El diagnóstico histopatológico más común fue carcinoma de mama invasivo de tipo no especial (91,6 %), pobremente diferenciado, con receptores para estrógeno y progesterona positivos. Conclusión. Las mujeres con edad menor o igual a 40 años, con cáncer de mama, son pacientes procedentes del área urbana, con sobrepeso, con uno a cuatro hijos y sin antecedentes familiares de cáncer de mama; con presentación clínica inicial en etapas localmente avanzadas, con diagnóstico de carcinoma de mama invasivo de tipo no especial, pobremente diferenciado y receptores para estrógeno y progesterona positivos

Breast Breast cancer is among the first three cancers diagnosed in women worldwide. In women younger than 40 years old it occupies the first place in incidence. About 146 000 new cases are diagnosed globally in women under 40 years old. Objective. To identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients under or equal to 40 years old, diagnosed with breast cancer in a tertiary hospital specialized in women's care. Methodology. Descriptive cross-sectional study. Information was collected from 60 clinical records of patients diagnosed with breast cancer with an age less than or equal to 40 years old, between January 2019 and December 2020. Results. The highest number of cases was found in women between 39 and 40 years old (18.3 % each). Sixty percent were from the urban area; 80 % of the patients had parity between one and four children; 40 % were overweight and 58 % had no family history of breast cancer. The most frequent clinical stage was IIIA. The most common histopathological diagnosis was invasive breast carcinoma of non-special type (91.6 %), poorly differentiated with positive estrogen and progesterone receptors. Conclusion. Women aged less than or equal to 40 years old, with breast cancer, are patients from urban areas, overweight, with one to four children and no family history of breast cancer, with initial clinical presentation in locally advanced stages, with a diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma of non-special type, poorly differentiated and positive estrogen and progesterone receptors

Is mental stress a risk factor of acute coronary syndrome? – A case–control study

Background: The burden of the cardiovascular disease is on rise throughout the world. Especially in India due to changing food habits, life style changes such as lack of physical activity, sedentary life style, and mental stress all add to the increase in the risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death. Our country, India has got highest number of deaths due to coronary artery disease in the world. Hence, the health burden is high in India with regard to coronary artery disease. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to find out is mental stress a risk factor for ACS. Materials and Methods: This is a case–control study. Mental stress was assessed using perceived stress scale by Sheldon Cohen. Sample size of the study was 160 which include 80 cases and 80 controls. Results: Among cases, 73.8% had high stress and among controls, 35% had high stress. Odds ratio for high stress obtained in this study is 5.22 with 95% CI (2.65–10.27). Persons with high stress have 5.22 times more risk of developing ACS than the persons without high stress. Conclusion: In this study, it is proved that persons with high mental stress are a risk factor for ACS (as the persons with high mental stress have 5.5 times more risk of developing ACS). Hence, it is mandatory to focus on stress reduction measures to bring down the occurrence of ACS.

Predictive Factors of Tolerance in Office Hysteroscopy - a 3-Year Analysis from a Tertiary Center

Abstract Objective Pain is the primary limitation to performing hysteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of low tolerance to office hysteroscopic procedures. Methods Retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent office hysteroscopy from January 2018 to December 2020 at a tertiary care center. Pain tolerance to office-based hysteroscopy was subjectively assessed by the operator as terrible, poor, moderate, good, or excellent. Categorical variables were compared with the use of the Chi-squared test; an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare continuous variables. Logistic regression was performed to determine the main factors associated with low procedure tolerance. Results A total of 1,418 office hysteroscopies were performed. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 13.8 years; 50.8% of women were menopausal, 17.8% were nulliparous, and 68.7% had a previous vaginal delivery. A total of 42.6% of women were submitted to an operative hysteroscopy. Tolerance was categorized as terrible or poor in 14.9% of hysteroscopies and moderate, good, or excellent in 85.1%. A terrible or poor tolerance was more frequently reported in menopausal women (18.1% vs. 11.7% in premenopausal women, p = 0.001) and women with no previous vaginal delivery (18.8% vs. 12.9% in women with at least one vaginal birth, p = 0.007). Low tolerance led more often to scheduling a second hysteroscopic procedure under anesthesia (56.4% vs. 17.5% in reasonable-to-excellent tolerance, p < 0.0005). Conclusion Office hysteroscopy was a well-tolerated procedure in our experience, but menopause and lack of previous vaginal delivery were associated with low tolerance. These patients are more likely to benefit from pain relief measures during office hysteroscopy.

Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis: How much do clinical and surgical variables interfere with their development?

Abstract Objective: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is a complex hereditary disease that exposes the carrier to a great risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). After prophylactic surgery, intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are known to be one the most important cause of death. Therefore, recognition of increased-risk patients and modification of operative strategy may be crucial. Aim: The objective of this study was to estimate the desmoid tumor risk in relation to various surgical and clinical variables. Methods: Patients who had undergone polyposis since 1958 were included in the study. After exclusion criteria were met, those who had developed desmoid tumors were selected to undergo further evaluation. Results: The study revealed that the risk of developing desmoid tumors was associated with various factors such as sex ratio, colectomy, and reoperations. On the other hand, the type of surgery, family history, and surgical approach did not affect the risk of developing desmoid tumors. The data collected from 146 polyposis patients revealed that 16% had desmoid polyps. The sex ratio was 7:1, and the median age at colectomy was 28.6 years. Family history, multiple abdominal operations, and reoperations were some of the characteristics that were common in desmoid patients. Conclusion: Recognition of clinical (female sex) and surgical (timing of surgery and previous reoperations) data as unfavorable variables associated with greater risk may be useful during the decision-making process.

Multimorbidity patterns: obesity as the main modifiable risk factor in adult women in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify multimorbidity patterns in women in southern Brazil, and its relationship with sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, and nutritional status, as well as to explore the main independent risk factor for the identified patterns. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with 1,128 women (20-69 years), southern Brazil. Chronic conditions were identified using the therapeutic and chemical anatomical classification of continuous use of medications. Multimorbidity was assessed as ≥2 or ≥3 chronic conditions to identify dyads and triads. Poisson regression was used to explore risk factors in the different adjustment models. As independent variables evaluated, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle variables were included: consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and nutritional status. Results: Eleven dyads (frequencies between 2.0% and 6.4%) and three triads (frequencies between 1.9% and 2.1%) of morbidities were identified in the study. Aging was related to a higher prevalence of all patterns, and obesity was a risk factor for multimorbidity patterns that contained conditions related to the cardiovascular and metabolic system and mental health. After adjustment, obesity increased the probability of "hypertension + common mental disorders (CMD)" (PR 3.63; 95% CI 1.94-6.78) and "dyslipidemia + CMD" (PR 3.69; 95% CI 1.08-12.65) by more than three times. Conclusion: This study identified common and important diseases in the patterns, associated with a common risk factor, obesity, that must be addressed by public health policies to prevent multimorbidity.

Affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay / Oportunidades de ação no ambiente domiciliar de lactentes e crianças com risco de atraso do desenvolvimento

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay and to identify factors associated with their frequency. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 97 families who responded to the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development — Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) for 3-18 months (n=63), or AHEMD - Self-Report (AHEMD-SR) for 18-42 months (n=34). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to identify the differences between the frequencies of affordances between the groups. Multiple linear regression was used to verify the association between the child's sex, mother's marital status, education, socioeconomic level, child and mother's ages, house residents' number, per capita income, and AHEMD scores (α=0.05). Results: The home affordances' frequency in the AHEMD-IS ranged from less than adequate to excellent, while in the AHEMD-SR, the highest predominance was medium. The offer of stimuli in the AHEMD-IS was significantly higher. Higher socioeconomic level and house residents' number were associated with greater affordances. Conclusions: The higher the socioeconomic level and house residents' number, the greater the affordances in the homes of children at risk of delay. It is necessary to provide families with some alternatives to make their home environments richer in affordances that favor child development.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a adequação das oportunidades de ação no ambiente doméstico de crianças em risco de atraso no desenvolvimento e identificar fatores associados à sua frequência. Métodos Este estudo transversal incluiu 97 famílias que responderam ao Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) para 3-18 meses (n=63) ou o Self Report (AHEMD-SR) para 18-42 meses (n=34). O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para identificar as diferenças entre as frequências de oportunidades de ação entre os grupos. A regressão linear múltipla foi utilizada para verificar a associação entre o sexo da criança, o estado civil, a escolaridade e nível socioeconômico da mãe, as idades da criança e da mãe, o número de residentes da casa, a renda per capita e os escores do AHEMD (α=0,05). Resultados A frequência das oportunidades de ação dos domicílios no AHEMD-IS variou de menos do que adequado a excelente; enquanto, no AHEMD-SR, a maior predominância foi de média frequência. A oferta de estímulos no AHEMD-IS foi significativamente maior. O maior nível socioeconômico e o número de moradores da casa foram associados a maiores oportunidades de ação. Conclusões Quanto maior o nível socioeconômico e o número de moradores, maiores são as oportunidades de ação nos domicílios das crianças em risco de atraso. É necessário oferecer às famílias algumas alternativas para tornar os seus ambientes domésticos mais ricos em oportunidades de ação que favoreçam o desenvolvimento infantil.

Sleep quality analysis in individuals with acute coronary syndrome / Análisis de la calidad del sueño en individuos con síndrome coronario agudo / Análise da qualidade do sono em indivíduos com síndrome coronariana aguda

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbances and factors associated with sleep quality in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Method: this is a cross-sectional study, carried out in the Cardiology Unit of a public university hospital, from October 2021 to December 2022, with patients hospitalized for Acute Coronary Syndrome over 18 years old. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical association tests were performed, considering a value of p<0.05 as significant. Results: a total of 96 patients were included, the majority being male, married and with a mean age of 63 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. It was identified that 92% had alteration in sleep quality and that the number of hours slept (p.<0.01), time to start sleep (p.0.03), sleep latency (p.<0.01), sleep duration (p.<0.01), habitual sleep efficiency (p.<0.02) and daytime sleepiness and daytime dysfunction (p.0.01) were significantly associated with sleep quality. There was a weak but significant correlation between age (r-0.22, p.0.02) and the presence of obstructive coronary lesions (r-0.23; p.0.02) with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score. Conclusion: most patients with acute coronary syndrome were classified as poor sleepers, therefore educational interventions to promote sleep should be performed in this population to reduce cardiovascular risk.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño y factores asociados a la calidad del sueño en pacientes con Síndrome Coronario Agudo. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en la Unidad de Cardiología de un hospital universitario público, de octubre de 2021 a diciembre de 2022, con pacientes hospitalizados por Síndrome Coronario Agudo mayores de 18 años. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, y la calidad del sueño se midió mediante el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh. Se realizaron pruebas de asociación estadística, considerando significativo un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 96 pacientes, la mayoría hombres, casados ​​y con una edad media de 63 años. Las comorbilidades más prevalentes fueron hipertensión arterial sistémica, dislipidemia y diabetes. Se identificó que el 92% presentaba cambios en la calidad del sueño y que la cantidad de horas dormía (p.<0,01), tiempo de inicio del sueño (p.0,03), latencia del sueño (p.<0,01), duración del sueño (p.<0,01), eficiencia del sueño (p.<0,02) y somnolencia diurna y disfunción diurna (p.0,01) se asociaron significativamente con la calidad del sueño. Hubo una correlación débil pero significativa entre la edad (r-0,22, p.0,02) y la presencia de lesiones coronarias obstructivas (r-0,23; p.0,02) con el puntaje del Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Conclusión: la mayoría de los pacientes con Síndrome Coronario Agudo fueron clasificados como insomnes, por lo que se deben realizar intervenciones educativas para promover el sueño en esta población para reducir el riesgo cardiovascular.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de distúrbios do sono e os fatores associados à qualidade do sono em pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda. Método: estudo transversal, realizado na Unidade de Cardiologia de um hospital público universitário, no período de outubro de 2021 a dezembro de 2022, com pacientes hospitalizados por Síndrome Coronariana Aguda maiores de 18 anos. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, e a qualidade do sono foi mensurado pelo Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh. Testes estatísticos de associação foram realizados, sendo considerado um valor de p<0,05 como significativo. Resultados: foram incluídos 96 pacientes, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino, casados e com idade média de 63 anos. As comorbidades mais prevalentes foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia e diabetes. Foi identificado que 92% tinham alteração na qualidade do sono e que a quantidade de horas dormidas (p.<0,01), o tempo para iniciar o sono (p.0,03), a latência do sono (p.<0,01), duração do sono (p.<0,01), eficiência do sono (p.<0,02) e sonolência diurna e disfunção diurna (p.0,01) apresentaram associação significativa com a qualidade do sono. Houve correlação fraca, porém, significativa entre a idade (r-0,22, p.0,02) e a presença de lesões obstrutivas coronarianas (r-0,23; p.0,02) com o escore do Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Conclusão: a maioria dos pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda foram classificados como maus dormidores, portanto intervenções educativas para promoção do sono devem ser realizadas nesta população para a redução no risco cardiovascular.

Bloodstream infection in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia induced by chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for documented infection in pediatric patients with FN and cancer. Methods This prospective cohort study included patients under 18 years from 2016 to 2018. Infection was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results A total of 172 febrile neutropenic episodes were evaluated. From univariate analysis, the risk factors were: female gender; monocyte count < 100 cell/mm³, platelets < 50,000, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 90 mg/dl and hemoglobin < 7mg/dl at the onset of an episode; two or more episodes of FN, and; fever onset; positive blood culture at the fever onset. Independent risk factors according to the multivariate analysis were: CRP at the onset of a febrile episode > 90mg/dl, fever onset and first blood culture with a positive result. The lowest probability of infection was related to first episode and to platelets > 50,000 at the onset of fever. Conclusion A CRP > 90 at the onset of a febrile episode, platelets < 50,000, second episode or more, first fever episode during hospitalization and positive first blood culture were found to be associated with a higher risk of infection and they could be useful for the establishment of risk scores for infection in neutropenic children.