Avaliação do tratamento quimioterápico paliativo com o esquema LDE- paclitaxel em pacientes portadores de metástases ósseas por neoplasia maligna / Evaluation of palliative chemotherapy treatment with the LDEpaclitaxel regimen in patients with bone metastases from malignant neoplas

Introdução: Pacientes com câncer em estádios avançados e metástases ósseas frequentemente não apresentam condições clínicas para a realização de esquemas quimioterápicos convencionais subsequentes, restringindo as opções de tratamento. Anteriormente, demonstramos que nanopartículas artificiais lipídicas (LDE), semelhantes à lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) rica em colesterol, são captadas por tecidos malignos, e quando associadas aos quimioterápicos, após injeção pela via endovenosa, reduz drasticamente a toxicidade do tratamento. Os objetivos deste presente estudo foram avaliar a resposta clínica ao tratamento quimioterápico com paclitaxel (PTX) associado à LDE; avaliar as toxicidades clínicas e laboratorial, e a capacidade da associação LDE-PTX em reduzir a dor oncológica relacionada às metástases ósseas em pacientes com carcinoma de mama, próstata e pulmão, previamente tratados e não elegíveis para tratamento quimioterápico convencional subsequente. Métodos: Dezoito pacientes (8 com câncer de mama, 5 de próstata e 5 de pulmão) com metástases ósseas foram incluídos. O tratamento consistiu no esquema LDE-PTX na dose convencional do PTX (175 mg/m2 de superfície corpórea de 3/3 semanas) e os pacientes foram avaliados por resposta clínica, redução da dor óssea, uso de medicamentos opióides, e ocorrência de fraturas ósseas patológicas. Resultados: No total, 104 ciclos de quimioterapia foram realizados, e nenhum paciente apresentou toxicidade clínica, laboratorial, assim como não houve fraturas patológicas. Dos 18 pacientes incluídos, 9 tiveram sobrevida livre de progressão de doença 6 meses. Houve em todos os pacientes redução da dor óssea, permitindo substituição da medicação opióide por analgésico não opióide. Conclusão: A melhora significativa na dor óssea sem que tenha ocorrido toxicidade do tratamento, e o tempo de não progressão de doença 6 meses na metade dos pacientes sugere que esses pacientes tenham se beneficiado consistentemente do tratamento com a LDE-PTX. Portanto, a LDE-PTX pode tornar- se uma opção terapêutica interessante em pacientes com carcinomas de próstata, mama ou pulmão em estágios avançados e sem condições clínicas de se submeterem a outros esquemas quimioterápicos convencionais

Introduction: Patients with advanced cancer and bone metastases usually do not have clinical conditions to perform additional conventional chemotherapy regimens, restricting treatment options. Previously, we showed that lipid core nanoparticles (LDE), similar to cholesterol-rich low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are taken up by malignant tissues, and when associated to chemotherapy, after endovenous injection, it drastically decreases the toxicity of the treatment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical response to chemotherapy treatment with paclitaxel (PTX) associated with LDE; to evaluate the clinical and laboratorial toxicities, and the ability of the LDE-PTX to reduce cancer pain related to bone metastases in patients with breast, prostate or lung carcinoma, previously treated and not eligible for subsequent conventional chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Eighteen patients (8 with breast cancer, 5 with prostate and 5 with lung) with bone metastases were included. Treatment consisted of the LDE-PTX regimen at a conventional dose of PTX (175 mg/m2 body surface area, 3/3 weeks) and patients were evaluated for clinical response, reduction in bone pain, use of opioid medications, and the occurrence of pathological bone fractures. Results: In total, 104 chemotherapy cycles were performed, and none of the patients showed clinical or laboratorial toxicities, as well as there were no pathological fractures. Of the 18 patients evaluated, 9 had progression-fee survival 6 months. Patients had decrease in bone pain allowing replacement of opioid medication by another non-opioid analgesic. Conclusion: Significant improvement in bone pain without treatment toxicity, and time to disease progression of 6 months in half of the patients suggest that these patients have consistently benefited with LDE-PTX treatment. Therefore, LDE-PTX may become an interesting therapeutic option in patients with advanced stage of prostate, breast or lung carcinomas and without clinical conditions to undergo other conventional chemotherapy regimens

Falla hepática aguda / Acute liver failure

La falla hepática aguda es la pérdida súbita de la función hepática en un corto plazo en un paciente sin enfermedad hepática previa, que se acompaña de coagulopatía y encefalopatía. Es una entidad rara con una incidencia muy baja que afecta especialmente a personas jóvenes. La principal causa en países desarrollados es la toxicidad por acetaminofén, mientras que en los países subdesarrollados son las hepatitis virales. El curso natural de la enfermedad es la progresión rápida a muerte por falla orgánica multisistémica, sepsis o edema cerebral. Después del diagnóstico, los pacientes deben remitirse tempranamente a la unidad de cuidado intensivo y a centros que ofrezcan trasplante hepático. La supervivencia sin trasplante hepático hasta hace pocos años era menor al 15%; sin embargo, en la actualidad puede ser hasta del 50%, dependiendo de la causa, y está relacionada con tratamientos específicos, la disponibilidad de trasplante hepático y una atención óptima en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. El trasplante hepático se constituye en el tratamiento de elección para los pacientes con falla hepática aguda y criterios de mal pronóstico del King's College.

Acute liver failure is the severe short-term liver function impairment in a patient without previous liver disease, which is accompanied by coagulopathy and encephalopathy. It is a rare condition with a very low incidence that affects young people. The leading cause in developed countries is acetaminophen toxicity, while in developing countries is mainly caused by viral hepatitis. The natural course is characterized by a rapid progression to death due to multisystemic organ failure, sepsis, or cerebral edema. After diagnosis, patients must be transferred to the intensive care unit and liver transplantation centers. Survival without liver transplantation until a few years ago was less than 15%; however, currently it can be up to 50% depending on the cause, and it is related to specific treatments, availability of liver transplantation and optimal care in the intensive care units. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with acute liver failure and King's College criteria for poor prognosis.

Effect of copaiba oil in hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen in rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of copaiba oil on the hepatic damage induced by paracetamol. METHODS: Thirty six rats were distributed into six study groups (N=6): control group, that didn't receive the acetaminophen; Acetaminophen Group, that only received the acetaminophen; Prophylactic Copaiba Group 1, that received copaiba oil two hours before the acetaminophen; Prophylactic Copaiba Group 7, that received copaiba oil seven days, once by day, before the acetaminophen; Therapy Copaiba Group, that received the copaiba oil two hours afther the acetaminophen; and N-Acetyl-Cysteine Group, , that received the N-Acetyl-Cysteine two hours afther the acetaminophen. Euthanasia was performed after 24 hours. The serum levels of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin and histological analisis were analized. RESULTS: The prophylactic copaiba group 7, therapy copaiba group and N-Acetyl-Cysteine Group showed amounts of AST and ALT similar to the control group; and the prophylactic copaiba group 1 showed similar levels to the acetaminophen group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the amount of alkaline phosphatase and GT (p>0.05). The therapy copaiba group showed the highest levels of bilirubin and was statistically different from the other groups (p<0.01) and this increased the costs of direct bilirubin. Regarding histopathology, the oil of copaiba administered prophylactic or therapeutic form for 7 days could decrease the amount of necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSION: Copaiba oil administered prophylactically for seven days, and therapeutic could reduce liver damage caused by paracetamol similarly N-Acetyl-Cysteine, however, when treated with copaiba therapeutically showed increases in bilirubin, costs increasing fraction indirect.

Fibrosis retroperitoneal asociada a uso crónico de ergotamina. Tratamiento con colchicina y esteroides: Caso clínico / Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with chronic use of ergotamine: Report of one case

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) associated with chronic use of ergotamine is a very rare disorder. We report a 45-year-old woman who presented with a RPf after using, almost daily for 23 years, ergotamine tartrate for migraine relief. FRP presented as a chronicinflammatory state, anemia, abdominal and lumbosacral pain and a hypogastric mass. A CT-Scan showed a periaortic mass and left hydronephrosis. A percutaneous biopsy was obtained and the patient was subjected to a surgical ureterolysis and tissue resection. The biopsy confirmed the presence of RPf. Due to persistent symptoms and increase in the volume of periaortic tissue, treatment with colchicine 1 mg/day and defazacort 30 mg/day was started, resulting in a rapid di-sappearance of symptoms, disappearance ofinflammation and a significant reduction in the volume of the periaortic tissue. The patient remains in complete remission after 29 months of follow up.

Reacciones adversas por antiinflamatorios no esteroideos / Adverse reactions caused by non-steroidal antinflammatory drugs

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en el Consultorio Médico de la Familia No 28 perteneciente al Policlínico Universitario y Docente Dr Mario Muñoz Monroy desde el 1ro. de junio al 31 de diciembre de 2008, con el objetivo de detectar las reacciones adversas más frecuentes provocadas por el consumo de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos. El universo estuvo constituido por 105 pacientes que asistieron a consulta en el tiempo de estudio y de estos se seleccionó una muestra de 60 pacientes, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario de preguntas donde se recogieron las variables de análisis. .Las mujeres resultaron las que más antiinflamatorios consumieron y en el rango de edades de 31-59 años. Las reacciones adversas que más se reportaron fueron la epigastralgia y la hipertensión arterial, así mismo se comprobó la automedicación en algunos pacientes

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the family physicianïs office No 28 attached to Dr Mario Muñoz Monroy university teaching polyclinics from June 1st to December 31st 2008. The objective was to detect the most common adverse reactions caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The universe of study was made up of 105 patients who attended the physicianïs office during the study and from this number, a sample of 60 patients was selected. They were administered a questionnaire including analysis variables. The females aged 31-59 years consumed more antinflammatory drugs. The most reported adverse reactions were epigastralgia and blood hypertension; besides, self-medication was confirmed

Treatment with paracetamol, ketorolac or etoricoxib did not hinder alveolar bone healing: a histometric study in rats

Prostaglandins control osteoblastic and osteoclastic function under physiological or pathological conditions and are important modulators of the bone healing process. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and consequently prostaglandins synthesis. Experimental and clinical evidence has indicated a risk for reparative bone formation related to the use of non-selective (COX-1 and COX-2) and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Ketorolac is a non-selective NSAID which, at low doses, has a preferential COX-1 inhibitory effect and etoricoxib is a new selective COX-2 inhibitor. Although literature data have suggested that ketorolac can interfere negatively with long bone fracture healing, there seems to be no study associating etoricoxib with reparative bone formation. Paracetamol/acetaminophen, one of the first choices for pain control in clinical dentistry, has been considered a weak anti-inflammatory drug, although supposedly capable of inhibiting COX-2 activity in inflammatory sites. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether paracetamol, ketorolac and etoricoxib can hinder alveolar bone formation, taking the filling of rat extraction socket with newly formed bone as experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The degree of new bone formation inside the alveolar socket was estimated two weeks after tooth extraction by a differential point-counting method, using an optical microscopy with a digital camera for image capture and histometry software. Differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA after confirming a normal distribution of sample data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Histometric results confirmed that none of the tested drugs had a detrimental effect in the volume fraction of bone trabeculae formed inside the alveolar socket.

Reação cutânea grave induzida por carbamazepina no tratamento da neuralgia pós-herpética: relato de caso / Reacción cutánea grave inducida por la carbamazepina en el tratamiento de la neuralgia postherpética: relato de caso / Severe carbamazepine-induced cutaneous reaction in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O herpes zoster tem como principal complicação a neuralgia pós-herpética (NPH). Utiliza-se para o tratamento a carbamazepina (CXB), um anticonvulsivante bem tolerado, porém frequentemente associado a reações Cutâneas graves, como, por exemplo, a síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) e a necrólise epidérmica tóxica (NET). O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de SSJ/NET secundário ao uso de CBZ em paciente com NPH. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, com dor contínua em região torácica e dorso, intensa, em queimação, fisgada, choque, alteração de força de membro superior ipsilateral e sudorese. Apresentava lesões crostosas e eritematosas em região dorsal do tórax, com alodinia e disestesias em dermátomo acometido. Iniciou-se CBZ 300 mg.dia-1, amitriptilina (AMT) 12,5 mg à noite e infiltração com anestésico local na região afetada. Após 15 dias, referia mal-estar, febre, dores musculares e artralgias com rash cutâneo leve e inespecífico. Retirou-se a carbamazepina imediatamente. Uma semana depois, foi internada com urticária e exantema generalizados, erupções Cutâneas eritematosas, bolhosas e máculas purpúricas por todo o corpo. A impressão era de SSJ/NET induzida por carbamazepina. Houve progressiva piora do quadro, com aumento do número e do tamanho das lesões Cutâneas, além de rash eritematoso macular generalizado, áreas de necrose e erosões, com destacamento simétrico da epiderme em face, pescoço, tórax, dorso e membros acometendo mais de 50 por cento da área de superfície, além de envolvimento da mucosa bucal, conjuntival e genital com erosões vesiculares. Apresentou piora funcional progressiva, evoluindo com choque séptico e falência múltipla de órgãos, indo a óbito. CONCLUSÕES: A SSJ/NET é uma reação Cutânea grave com potencial para morbidade e mortalidade elevadas e que demanda intervenção rápida e tratamento adequado. Fica também o alerta para o uso da carbamazepina, que deve sempre ser supervisionado, ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the main complication of herpes zoster. Carbamazepine (CBZ), a well-tolerated anticonvulsant, but frequently associated with severe cutaneous reactions, such as the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is used in the treatment of this complication. The objective of this article was to report a case of SJS/TEN secondary to CBZ in a patient with PHN. CASE REPORT: This is a female patient with continuous severe, burning, chock-like pain in the thoracic region and dorsum associated with reduced strength in the ipsilateral upper limb and diaphoresis. She had crusty and erythematous lesions in the dorsal region of the thorax with allodynia and dysesthesia in the affected dermatome. She was treated with CBZ 300 mg.day-1, amitriptyline (AMT) 12.5 mg at bedtime, and infiltration with local anesthetic in the affected region. After 15 days, she developed malaise, fever, muscle pain, and arthralgia with a mild non-specific cutaneous rash. Carbamazepine was discontinued immediately. One week later, she was hospitalized with urticaria, generalized exanthema, erythematous cutaneous eruptions, bullae, and purpuric maculae all over her body. The impression was of carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN. She evolved with progressive worsening of her symptoms, with increase in the number and size of cutaneous lesions, besides generalized erythematous macular rash, areas of necrosis, and erosions with symmetrical loosening of the epidermis in face, neck, thorax, dorsum, and limbs, affecting more that 50 percent of her body surface, besides involvement of buccal, conjunctival, and genital mucosa with vesicular erosions. She had progressive functional worsening, evolving to septic shock and multiple organ failure followed by death. CONCLUSIONS: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe cutaneous reaction with potential for elevated morbidity and mortality ...

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El herpes zoster tiene como principal complicación la neuralgia postherpética (NPH). Para su tratamiento se usa la carbamazepina (CBZ), un anticonvulsivo bien tolerado, pero que sin embargo está a menudo asociado a reacciones cutáneas graves, como por ejemplo, el síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) y la necrólisis epidérmica tóxica (NET). El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar un caso de SSJ/NET secundario al uso de CBZ en paciente con NPH. RELATO DEL CASO: Paciente del sexo femenino, con dolor continuo e intenso en la región torácica y dorso, ardor, punzada, descarga eléctrica, alteración de fuerza del miembro superior ipsilateral y sudoración. Presentaba lesiones de postillas y eritemas en la región dorsal del tórax, con alodinia y disestesias en el dermatoma acometido. Se inició CBZ 300 mg.día-1, amitriptilina (AMT)12,5 mg por la noche e infiltración con anestésico local en la región afectada. Después de 15 días, el paciente decía sentir un fuerte malestar, fiebre, dolores musculares y artralgias con rash cutáneo ligero e inespecífico. Se le retiró la carbamazepina inmediatamente. Una semana después fue ingresado con urticaria y exantema generalizados, erupciones cutáneas eritematosas, burbujas y marcas purpúricas por todo el cuerpo. La impresión era de SSJ/NET inducida por carbamazepina. Hubo un progresivo empeoramiento del cuadro, con aumento del número y del tamaño de las lesiones cutáneas, además de rash eritematoso macular generalizado, áreas de necrosis y erosiones simétricas de la epidermis en la cara, cuello, tórax, dorso y miembros, llegando a más del 50 por ciento del área de superficie, además de la involucración de la mucosa bucal, conjuntival y genital con erosiones vesiculares. Presentó un empeoramiento funcional progresivo, evolucionando con choque séptico y fracaso multiorgánico, lo que produjo finalmente su deceso. CONCLUSIONES: La SSJ/NET es una reacción cutánea grave con potencial para la ...

Antipyretic effect of ketoprofen.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and side effect profile of ketoprofen as well as compliance with respect to the taste of the drug and compare these parameters with those of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. METHODS: A total of 301 patients between 1-14 years of age who applied to emergency rooms of three medical centers with the complaint of fever that required antipyretic therapy were included in the study. Fever was measured with the aid of a tympanic thermometer (Braun Kronberg 6014) and followed for 4-6 hours. The measurement was repeated at 30, 60, 120 minutes, and again 4-6 hours after the initial assessment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.8+/-41.1 months. The patients randomly received 15 mg/kg/dose of acetaminophen (n=112 group 1), 0.5 mg/kg/dose of ketoprofen (n=105, group 2), or 10 mg/kg/dose of ibuprofen (n=84, group 3). Fever was 38.4+/-0.7 degrees C, 38.4+/-0.7 degrees C, and 38.5+/-0.5 degrees C at 30 minutes; 38.0+/-0.7 degrees C, 37.9+/-0.7 degrees C, and 38.0+/-0.6 degrees C at 60 minutes (p>0.05), 37.7+/-0.6 degrees C, 37.6+/-0.7 degrees C, and 37.7+/-0.5 degrees C at 120 minutes (p>0.05); 37.5+/-0.7 degrees C, 37.3+/-0.6 degrees C, and 37.4+/-0.6 degrees C at 4-6 hours after admission (p>0.05). The fever was significantly lower at 30, 60, and 120 minutes in all group s (p<0.05). Early vomiting after medication (<6 hours) was observed in 3.8%, 13.5%, and 9.6% whereas late vomiting (6-48 hours) occurred in 1.3%, 2.7%, and 5.8% respectively (p>0.05). Bad taste was expressed by 5.1%, 12.2%, and 5.8% early (<6 hours), and 3.9%, 8.1%, and 3.8% late (6-48 hours) (p>0.05). There were no differences between age groups for antipyretic effect, taste and adverse effect in three drugs (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All three drugs were similar in terms of efficacy, adverse effects, and compliance within 48 hours of therapy. These results suggest that ketoprofen may be used for antipyresis as an alternative to acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Cyclic nitroxides inhibit the toxicity of nitric oxide-derived oxidants: mechanisms and implications

The substantial therapeutic potential of tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) and related cyclic nitroxides as antioxidants has stimulated innumerous studies of their reactions with reactive oxygen species. In comparison, reactions of nitroxides with nitric oxide-derived oxidants have been less frequently investigated. Nevertheless, this is relevant because tempol has also been shown to protect animals from injuries associated with inflammatory conditions, which are characterized by the increased production of nitric oxide and its derived oxidants. Here, we review recent studies addressing the mechanisms by which cyclic nitroxides attenuate the toxicity of nitric oxidederived oxidants. As an example, we present data showing that tempol protects mice from acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and discuss the possible protection mechanism. In view of the summarized studies, it is proposed that nitroxides attenuate tissue injury under inflammatory conditions mainly because of their ability to react rapidly with nitrogen dioxide and carbonate radical. In the process the nitroxides are oxidized to the corresponding oxammonium cation, which, in turn, can be recycled back to the nitroxides by reacting with upstream species, such as peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide, or with cellular reductants. An auxiliary protection mechanism may be down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. The possible therapeutic implications of these mechanisms are addressed.

O considerável potencial terapêutico de tempol (4-hidroxi-2,2, 6,6-tetrametil-1piperiniloxila) e nitróxidos cíclicos relacionados como antioxidantes tem estimulado inúmeros estudos de suas reações com espécies reativas derivadas de oxigênio. Em comparação, as reações de nitróxidos com oxidantes derivados do óxido nítrico têm sido investigadas menos frequentemente. Todavia, essas reações são relevantes porque o tempol é também capaz de proteger animais de injúrias associadas a condições inflamatórias, as quais são caracterizadas por uma aumentada produção de óxido nítrico e derivados oxidantes. Aqui, discutimos estudos recentes abordando os mecanismos pelos quais nitróxidos cíclicos atenuam a toxicidade de oxidantes derivados do óxido nítrico. Como um exemplo, apresentamos dados que demonstram que o tempol protege camundongos do dano hepatotóxico promovido por altas doses de acetaminofeno e discutimos o possível mecanismo de proteção. Com base nos estudos sumarizados, é proposto que nitróxidos atenuam a injúria tecidual em condições inflamatórias devido principalmente a sua capacidade de reagir rapidamente com ambos, dióxido de nitrogênio e radical carbonato. Em conseqüência, os nitróxidos são oxidados ao cátion oxamônio correspondente, o qual, por sua vez, pode ser reciclado ao nitróxido através de reações com espécies precursoras, como peroxinitrito e peróxido de hidrogênio, ou com redutores celulares. Um possível mecanismo auxiliar de proteção é a regulação negativa da expressão da sintase do óxido nítrico induzível. As possíveis implicações terapêuticas desses mecanismos são abordadas.

Conocimiento básico de los riesgos del uso de analgésicos no opioides en pacientes ambulatorios / Basic knowledge of risks for non-opioid analgesics (NOA) in ambulatory patients

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el conocimiento básico de los pacientes acerca de los analgésicos no opioides (ANOP) e identificar los posibles factores relacionados con la falta de información sobre este tipo de analgésicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 629 pacientes >50 años con síndrome doloroso de origen no oncológico y que recibieron ANOP. Se analizaron sus características generales, la información recibida y su conocimiento sobre ANOP. La variable dependiente fue la falta de conocimiento básico (FCB) sobre ANOP. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y bivariado. RESULTADOS: Del total de participantes, 64.2 por ciento tuvo FCB; 28 por ciento desconocía la forma correcta de tomar ANOP y 48 por ciento sabía que ocasionan trastornos gastrointestinales. Factores asociados con la FCB: no recibir información sobre ANOP (RM= 2.22; IC95 por ciento 1.32-3.70), escolaridad < 7 años (RM= 1.87; IC95 por ciento 1.33-2.63) y duración del dolor < 4 años (RM=1.70; IC95 por ciento 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes carecen de conocimiento y reciben poca información acerca de ANOP. Es indispensable promover acciones para solucionar este problema.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patients’ knowledge of non-opioid analgesics (NOA) and to identify factors associated with patients’ lack of basic knowledge (LBN) on this type of medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 629 ambulatory patients older than 50 years of age, with non-malignant pain syndrome, attended to two family medicine clinics and received seven day prescriptions for NOA. The data on patients’ general characteristics, the information they received and their actual knowledge of NOA were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 64.2 percent had LBN; 28 percent did not know how to take NOA properly, and 48 percent knew that these drugs cause gastrointestinal adverse effects. The factors significantly associated with LBN on NOA included: failure to receive information on NOA (OR:2.22, 95 percentCI 1.32-3.70), education <7 years (OR:1.87, 95 percentCI 1.33-2.63) and pain duration <4 years (OR:1.70, 95 percentCI 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSION: Patients lack knowledge and receive little information on NOA. It is important to encourage actions to tackle this problem.

Therapeutic dose of acetaminophen with fatal hepatic necrosis and acute renal failure.

A 33-year-old woman without evidence of previous liver disease developed fulminant hepatic failure following the therapeutic dose of acetaminophen 3 days prior to admission. At admission, liver and renal function revealed hepatocellular injury with jaundice, and acute renal failure, total serum bilirubin 12.5 mg/ dL, direct serum bilirubin 8.1 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase 8460 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 4640 IU/L, blood urea nitrogen 36 mg/dL, and serum creatinine 5.2 mg/dL. Two days later she developed multiorgan failure including hemodynamic disturbance with irreversible shock, and expired. Autopsy was performed, liver pathology showed severe centrilobular and midzonal necrosis, compatible with toxic hepatic necrosis, and renal pathology showed focal loss of tubular epithelial cells and partial occlusion of tubular lumen by cellular debris, compatible with acute tubular necrosis. Physicians should be aware of potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of acetaminophen, even if given at therapeutic dosage in acute febrile illness.

Parametric evaluation of methotrimeprazine-midazolam-ketamine and methotrimeprazine-midazolam-ketamine-xylazine combination in dogs / Avaliação paramétrica das associações levomepromazinamidazolam-cetamina e levomepromazinamidazolamcetamina-xilazina em cães

PURPOSE: To evaluate the parameters of dogs anesthetized by different dissociative drugs protocols through continuous intravenous infusion. METHODS: Thirty healthy dogs of both sexes were assigned randomly to three groups (G1, G2, and G3). G1 was administered with methotrimeprazine as a pre-anesthetic medication, intravenously midazolam-ketamine as bolus for induction and midazolam-ketamine by continuous intravenous infusion for a 60 minute-period of maintenance. G2: the same as for G1. plus an increase in the midazolam dose during maintenance. G3: the same treatment as for G2, plus the addition of xylazine during maintenance. Immediately after induction the anesthetic maintenance started, and measures were taken 15 minutes after pre-medication, at 10 minutes intervals, during maintenance (M0 to M7). RESULTS: Bradycardia, atrioventricular blockage, bradypnea and hypoxemia were shown in G3. G1 and G2 showed a slight hypotension only. CONCLUSION: There were some advantages by using the continuous intravenous via: no parameters oscillation and reduction in the anesthetic recovery period. The increase in midazolam dose brought about little parametric variations which were greater when xylazine was used, with a consequent hypoxemia, bradyarrhytmia, and decrease in respiratory frequency and minute volume.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os parâmetros de cães anestesiados com diferentes protocolos de fármacos dissociativos por infusão intravenosa contínua. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 cães, machos e fêmeas, clinicamente sadios, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos (G1,G2 e G3) (*)). Em G1 utilizou-se levomepromazina como medicação pré-anestésica (MPA), midazolam-cetamina pela via intravenosa em bolus para indução e midazolam-cetamina em infusão intravenosa contínua por 60 minutos para manutenção. Em G2 procedeu-se da mesma forma que em G1 elevando-se, porém, a dose de midazolam durante a manutenção. Em G3 repetiu-se o tratamento empregado em G2, acrescentando-se a xilazina à manutenção. Após a indução, iniciou-se imediatamente a manutenção anestésica, realizando-se aferições, 15 minutos depois da MPA, em intervalos de 10 minutos, durante a manutenção (M0 a M7). RESULTADOS: Em G3 ocorreu bradicardia, bloqueio átrio-ventricular, bradipnéia e hipoxemia e em G1 e G2, discreta hipotensão. CONCLUSÃO: A via intravenosa contínua apresentou vantagens quanto a: não oscilação dos parâmetros e redução no período de recuperação anestésica. A elevação da dose de midazolam resultou em discretas variações paramétricas, estas, acentuadas pelo uso da xilazina, que causou hipoxemia, bradiarritmia, diminuição da freqüência respiratória e volume minuto.

Analgésicos no opioides en dolor postoperatorio pediátrico / Analgesic not opioids in pediatric postoperative pain

El dolor postoperatorio es todavía subvalorado en la población pediátrica. Por otro lado, entre las publicaciones que abordan el tema del dolor postoperatorio solo un 10 por ciento de ellas incluye a la población menor de 15 años. Las alternativas terapéuticas en base a analgésicos no opiaceos es restringida en niños, ya que sólo un 20 por ciento del total de las drogas disponibles en el mercado ha probado su eficacia y seguridad en esta población. un analgésico antiguo es el acetaminofeno, acumulando la mayor cantidad de estudios. Los antinflamatorios no esteriodales (AINEs) han ganado popularidad en el manejo del dolor postoperatorio pediátrico. El objetivo de esta revision es determinar cuáles son las indicaciones y las dosis mas racionales y seguras para el tratamiento del dolor agudo en niños.

Postoperatory pain is still subvaluated in pediatric population. On the other hand, only 10 percent of publications discussing postoperatory pain subjects includes a population under age 15. Therapeutic alternatives based on nonopiate analgesics are restrained for children as only 20 percent of the total available drugs in the market has proven their efficacy and safety in children. An old analgesic is acetaminophen, which accumulates most part of studies. Nonsteroidal antinflammarory drugs (NSAI) are gaining popularity to manage postoperatory pain in children. The objective of this revision is to determine the most rational and safest indications and dosages when treating acute pain in children.

Anaphylactic reaction due to paracetamol.

A 58-year old woman had anaphylactic reaction two hours after oral administration of paracetamol. She was treated conservatively and responded favourably. This incident is being reported as anaphylaxis to paracetamol which is rare. Whenever there is history of allergy to other non-narcotic analgesic drugs, paracetamol sensitivity should be tested under medical supervision.

Retrospective evaluation of bone pain palliation after samarium-153-EDTMP therapy

OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito paliativo da dor e a toxicidade medular associados ao tratamento com Samário-153-EDTMP em pacientes com metástases ósseas. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado de forma retrospectiva, a partir do levantamento de prontuário de 178 pacientes submetidos a tratamento com 1mCi/kg de 153Sm-EDTMP devido à dor por metástases ósseas. Os prontuários de 73 pacientes foram considerados adequados para análise dos parâmetros clínicos (intensidade da dor) e laboratoriais (hemograma). A intensidade da dor foi avaliada em escala de 0 a 10 pelo próprio paciente, antes e durante 8 semanas após o tratamento. Hemograma completo foi realizado antes do tratamento e a cada semana nas 8 semanas seguintes. Estudos de dosimetria foram realizados em 41 dos 73 pacientes, baseados na excreção urinária e retenção do radioisótopo, sendo a dose de radiação absorvida correlacionada à toxicidade medular. RESULTADOS: Redução importante na intensidade da dor (diminuição de 75 a 100% do basal) foi constatada em 36 pacientes (49%), com redução de 50-75%, 25-50% e 0-25% em, respectivamente, 20 (27%), 10 (14%) e 7 (10%) casos. Não se observou variação significativa da resposta entre os pacientes com tumor primário de mama (n=29) ou de próstata (n=36). Toxicidade medular foi observada em 75,3% dos pacientes (71,2% com leucopenia e 53,4% com plaquetopenia), em geral de grau leve a moderado e com recuperação ao término da 8º semana. A dose média de medula foi de 347±65 cGy, havendo baixa correlação entre a dosimetria medular e a queda da contagem de leucócitos (coeficiente de correlação linear de 0,40) ou de plaquetas (coeficiente de correlação linear = 0,48). CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento com Samário-153-EDTMP permitiu um adequado controle da dor por metástases ósseas, com significativa redução na intensidade da dor. A toxicidade medular transitória foi a principal reação adversa observada, em geral de grau leve a moderado, apresentando baixa correlação com as medidas dosimétricas.