Efeito de três protocolos de irrigação final na remoção da smear layer do terço médio de dentes endodonticamente tratados: uma análise qualitativa / Effect of three final irrigation protocols on the smear layer removal from the middle third of endodontically treated teeth: a qualitative analysis

Objetivo: avaliar, por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), a capacidade de desobliteração dos túbulos dentinários de dentes endodonticamente tratados, utilizando- se diferentes soluções quelantes. Métodos: os condutos radiculares de caninos permanentes foram irrigados com hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) a 2,5% (substituído a cada instrumento) e obturados. Após a desinfecção e obturação desses dentes, realizou-se a remoção do material obturador, com brocas largo, e utilizou-se as seguintes soluções auxiliares, com irrigação ultrassônica passiva (PUI) por 1 minuto: álcool 70% (controle); ácido cítrico a 10%; EDTA a 17%; e quitosana a 0,2%. As raízes foram seccionadas longitudinalmente em duas partes e as amostras foram levadas para análise em microscópio eletrônico de varredura, para obtenção de fotomicrografias para a avaliação qualitativa. Resultados: as soluções de EDTA a 17% e ácido cítrico a 10% removeram a smear layer de forma semelhante entre si. A solução de quitosana a 0,2% removeu a smear layer parcialmente, apresentando menor eficácia na desobliteração dos túbulos dentinários do que as soluções de EDTA a 17% e ácido cítrico a 10%. Conclusão: houve uma maior remoção de smear layer e desobliteração quando da utilização do EDTA a 17%, seguido do ácido cítrico a 10%, da quitosana a 0,2% e do álcool 70%.

Conhecimento de hiperfosfatemia e quelante de fósforo em hemodialíticos / Knowledge about hyperphosphatemia and phosphate binder at hemodialysis

Introdução: O controle do fósforo sérico é um desafio no tratamento de pacientes em hemodiálise. A orientação dietética e o uso adequado de quelantes são a base do tratamento e seu sucesso depende essencialmente da habilidade do paciente em entender e aderir ao plano dietético e ao uso dos quelantes. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre hiperfosfatemia e uso de quelantes de fósforo de pacientes em hemodiálise. Método: Estudo transversal que avaliou 74 pacientes em hemodiálise, por meio de questionário preestabelecido sobre conhecimento da hiperfosfatemia, uso de quelantes, alimentos ricos em fósforo, e aspectos relacionados ao tratamento da hiperfosfatemia. Os parâmetros laboratoriais Kt/V, níveis séricos de paratormônio (PTH), fósforo (P), cálcio (Ca) e produto cálcio/fósforo (CaxP) foram identificados. Os dados foram apresentados como porcentagens ou média e desvio padrão. Para avaliação dos fatores associados à hiperfosfatemia, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson, adotando nível de significância adotado de 5%. Resultados: Cerca de 40,3% dos pacientes faziam uso de quelantes de fósforo, 36,6% apresentavam níveis séricos de PTH elevados, 36% de hiperfosfatemia e 28% estavam com o produto Ca x P inadequado. A maioria conhecia os efeitos da hiperfosfatemia (52%) e sua relação causal com a alimentação (82,2%), sendo capazes de identificar os alimentos ricos em fósforo (60%). O uso de quelantes junto às refeições foi apontado por 88% dos pacientes. O insucesso no tratamento da hiperfosfatemia foi atribuído ao consumo de dieta rica em fósforo por 70,9% dos pacientes. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes possuía conhecimento sobre a hiperfosfatemia, contudo, apresentou baixa adesão às recomendações dietéticas.(AU)

Introduction: The control of serum phosphorus is a challenge in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. Dietary guidance and the proper use of chelating agents are the mainstay of treatment, its success depends primarily on the patient's ability to understand and adhere to the dietary plan and the use of chelators. Objective: To assess the knowledge of hyperphosphatemia and use of phosphate binders in hemodialysis patients treated. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 74 patients in hemodialysis, through preestablished questionnaire on knowledge of hyperphosphatemia, use of binders, phosphorus-rich foods, and aspects related to the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. The laboratory parameters Kt / V, serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and product calcium / phosphorus (Ca x P) were identified. The data were presented as percentages or means and standard deviations. To evaluate the factors associated with hyperphosphatemia were used Poisson regression, with a level of significance of 5%. Results: About 40.3% of patientes made use of phosphorus binders, 36.6% had elevated serum PTH, 36% of hyperphosphatemia and 28% had inadequate Ca x P product. Most knew the effects of hyperphosphatemia (52%) and their causal relationship with food (82.2%), being able to identify foods rich in phosphorus (60%). The use of binders with meals was reported by 88% of patients. The failure in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia has been attributed to the consumption of a diet rich in phosphorus by 70.9% of patients. Conclusion: Most patients had knowledge of hyperphosphatemia, however showed poor adherence to dietary recommendations.(AU)

Effect of mitochondrial potassium channel on the renal protection mediated by sodium thiosulfate against ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in rat model

Purpose: Sodium thiosulfate (STS) is clinically reported to be a promising drug in preventing nephrolithiasis. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial KATP channel in the renal protection mediated by STS. Materials and Methods: Nephrolithiasis was induced in Wistar rats by administrating 0.4% ethylene glycol (EG) along with 1% ammonium chloride for one week in drinking water followed by only 0.75% EG for two weeks. Treatment groups received STS, mitochondrial KATP channel opener and closer exclusively or in combination with STS for two weeks. Results: Animals treated with STS showed normal renal tissue architecture, supported by near normal serum creatinine, urea and ALP activity. Diazoxide (mitochondria KATP channel opening) treatment to the animal also showed normal renal tissue histology and improved serum chemistry. However, an opposite result was shown by glibenclamide (mitochondria KATP channel closer) treated rats. STS administered along with diazoxide negated the renal protection rendered by diazoxide alone, while it imparted protection to the glibenclamide treated rats, formulating a mitochondria modulated STS action. Conclusion: The present study confirmed that STS render renal protection not only through chelation and antioxidant effect but also by modulating the mitochondrial KATP channel for preventing urolithiasis.

Combination Therapy for the Cardiovascular Effects of Perinatal Lead Exposure in Young and Adult Rats / Alterações cardiovasculares da exposição perinatal ao chumbo em ratos jovens e adultos: papel da terapia combinada

Background: Combination therapy can play a significant role in the amelioration of several toxic effects of lead (Pb) and recovery from associated cardiovascular changes. Objective: To investigate the effects of combination therapy on the cardiovascular effects of perinatal lead exposure in young and adult rats Methods: Female Wistar rats received drinking water with or without 500 ppm of Pb during pregnancy and lactation. Twenty-two- and 70-day-old rat offspring who were or were not exposed to Pb in the perinatal period received meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), L-arginine, or enalapril and a combination of these compounds for 30 additional days. Noradrenaline response curves were plotted for intact and denuded aortas from 23-, 52-, 70-, and 100-day-old rats stratified by perinatal Pb exposure (exposed/unexposed) and treatment received (treated/untreated). Results: Systolic blood pressure was evaluated and shown to be higher in the 23-, 52-, 70-, and 100-day age groups with Pb exposure than in the corresponding control age groups: 117.8 ± 3.9*, 135.2 ± 1.3*, 139.6 ± 1.6*, and 131.7 ± 2.8*, respectively and 107.1 ± 1.8, 118.8 ± 2.1, 126.1 ± 1.1, and 120.5 ± 2.2, respectively (p < 0.05). Increased reactivity to noradrenaline was observed in intact, but not denuded, aortas from 52-, 70-, and 100-day-old exposed rats, and the maximum responses (g of tension) in the respective Pb-exposed and control age groups were as follows: 3.43 ± 0.16*, 4.32 ± 0.18*, and 4.21 ± 0.23*, respectively and 2.38 ± 0.33, 3.37 ± 0.13, and 3.22 ± 0.21, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All treatments reversed the changes in vascular reactivity to noradrenaline in rats perinatally exposed to Pb. The combination therapy resulted in an earlier restoration of blood pressure in Pb-exposed rats compared with the monotherapies, except for enalapril therapy in young rats. These ...

Introdução: A terapia combinada parece desempenhar papel significativo em reduzir os efeitos cardiovasculares deletérios da exposição ao chumbo (Pb). Objetivo: Para investigar esta possibilidade, ratas Wistar receberam Pb (500 ppm na água de beber) ou água durante a prenhez e a lactação. Ratos com 22 e 70 dias, expostos perinatalmente ao Pb ou não, receberam DMSA, L- arginina, enalapril e a combinação destes por 30 dias adicionais. Métodos: Curvas concentração-efeito à noradrenalina foram obtidas em aortas intactas e desnudas, de ratos com 23, 52, 70 e 100 dias expostos ou não ao Pb, tratados ou não. Resultados: A pressão arterial sistólica caudal (mmHg) foi avaliada e mostrou-se aumentada em ratos expostos ao Pb [23, 52, 70 e 100 dias, respectivamente: controle 107,1±1,8, 118,8±2,1, 126,1±1,1, 120,5±2,2; Pb 117,8±3,9*, 135,2±1,3*, 139,6±1,6* e 131,7± 2,8*]. Observou-se aumento de reatividade à noradrenalina em aorta intacta, mas não desnudada, de ratos com 52, 70 e 100 dias expostos ao Pb [resposta máxima (g de tensão) 52 dias: Pb 3,43±0,16*, controle 2,38±0,33; 70 dias: Pb 4,32±0,18*, controle 3,37±0,13; 100 dias: Pb 4,21±0,23*, controle 3,22±0,21]. (*) p < 0,05 em relação ao respectivo controle. Conclusões: Todos os tratamentos restauraram as alterações de reatividade à noradrenalina em aortas de ratos expostos perinatalmente ao Pb. Exceto pelo enalapril em ratos jovens, a terapia combinada restaurou mais precocemente a pressão arterial de ratos expostos ao Pb em relação aos tratamentos isolados. Estes resultados representam uma nova abordagem no desenvolvimento de protocolos terapêuticos no tratamento da hipertensão induzida pela exposição ao Pb. .

Efecto del zinc aminoquelado y el sulfato de zinc en la incidencia de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea en niños preescolares de centros infantiles / Effect of zinc amino acid chelate and zinc sulfate in the incidence of respiratory infection and diarrhea among preschool children in child daycare centers

Introducción. El déficit de zinc es común en niños de poblaciones en desarrollo. La deficiencia de zinc altera el sistema inmunológico y la resistencia a las infecciones. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de dos compuestos de zinc en la prevención de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea agudas. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un ensayo comunitario triple ciego en 301 niños entre dos y cinco años de edad de centros infantiles de Medellín. Fueron seis conglomerados distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos de intervención que recibieron zinc aminoquelado, sulfato de zinc y placebo durante cinco días de la semana a lo largo de 16 semanas. Se evaluaron diariamente los síntomas de infección respiratoria, diarrea aguda y efectos secundarios. Resultados. La incidencia de la infección respiratoria fue menor con el zinc aminoquelado (1,42 por 1.000 días-niño) comparado con el sulfato de zinc (1,57 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,90, IC 95% : 0,382 a 2,153 , p=0,999) y con el placebo (3,3 por 1.000 días-niño) ( RR=0,43, IC 95% : 0,196 a 0,950 , p=0,049). La incidencia de diarrea aguda con el zinc aminoquelado (0,15 por 1.000 días-niño) fue menor que con el sulfato de zinc (1,18 0,78 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,20, IC 95% : 0,0043 a 1,662, p=0,361) y que la del grupo placebo (0,49 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,32, IC 95% : 0,006 a 3,990 , p=0,346). Conclusiones. El zinc aminoquelado tuvo mejor efecto en la disminución de la incidencia de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea agudas en niños preescolares comparado con los otros grupos de estudio.

Introduction: Zinc deficiency is common in children among populations in developing areas. Zinc deficiency alters the immune system and the resistance to infections. Objective: To evaluate the effect of two zinc compounds in the prevention of acute respiratory infection and acute diarrhea. Materials and methods: Randomized triple-blind community trial with 301 children between 2-5 years of age from six child daycare centers in Medellin, Colombia. Children were distributed in three groups receiving zinc amino acid chelate, zinc sulfate and placebo five days a week for 16 weeks. Daily symptoms of respiratory infection, acute diarrhea and side effects were evaluated. Results: The incidence of respiratory infection was lower with zinc amino acid chelate (1.42 per 1,000 child-days) compared with placebo (3.3 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.196 to 0.950, p=0.049) and with zinc sulfate (1.57 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.90, 95% CI 0.382 to 2.153, p=0.999). The incidence of acute diarrhea with zinc amino acid chelate (0.15 per 1,000 child-days) was lower than with placebo (0.49 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.32, 95% CI 0.006 to 3.990, p=0.346) and with zinc sulfate (0.78 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.0043 to 1.662, p=0.361). Conclusions: Zinc amino acid chelate had a better effect in reducing the incidence of acute respiratory infection and acute diarrhea in preschool children when compared with the other groups.

Cirroses hepáticas metabólicas / Hepatic cirrhosis metabolic

A cirrose hepática é importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. Entre as principais etiologias destacam-se as hepatites crônicas pelos vírus da hepatite C (HCV) e B (HBV) e o consumo e abuso do álcool. Destacamos, também, as hepatites crônicas e cirroses de natureza autoimune, medicamentosas, dentre outras.

Liver cirrhosis is the most important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world. Among the mainly etiologies, chronic hepatites highlight due hepatite C (HCV) and B (HBV) and alcohol abuse. We also emphasize chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis from autoimmune and medical origins, among others.

Wilson's disease: an analysis of 28 Brazilian children

OBJECTIVES: Clinical-laboratory and evolutionary analysis of twenty-eight patients with Wilson's disease. METHODS: Twenty-eight children (twelve females and sixteen males) with Wilson's disease were evaluated retrospectively between 1987 and 2009, with a follow-up of 72 months (1 - 240 months). The clinical, laboratory, and histologic features at diagnosis were recorded at the end of the study. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 11 years (2 - 18 years). Twelve patients were asymptomatic, seven had hepatitis symptoms, five had raised aminotransferase levels, three had hepatomegaly associated with neurological disorders, one had fulminant hepatitis with hemolytic anemia, and six patients presented with a Kayser-Fleischer ring. A histological analysis revealed that six children had chronic hepatitis, seven had cirrhosis, two had steatosis, one had portal fibrosis, and one had massive necrosis. The treatment consisted of D-penicillamine associated with pyridoxine for 26 patients. Adverse effects were observed in the other two patients: one presented with uncontrollable vomiting and the other demonstrated elastosis perforans serpiginosa. At the end of the study, all 26 treated patients were asymptomatic. Twenty-four of the patients were treated with D-penicillamine and pyridoxine, and two were treated with trientine and zinc sulfate. A liver transplant was performed in one patient with fulminant hepatitis, but the final patient died 48 hours after admission to the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Family screenings associated with early treatment are important in preventing Wilson's disease symptoms and potentially fatal disease progression. The study suggests that Wilson's disease must be ruled out in children older than two years presenting with abnormal levels of hepatic enzymes because of the heterogeneity of symptoms and the encouraging treatment results obtained so far.

Time-dependent effects of chitosan on dentin structures

Complete debridement with smear layer removal are essential measures for achieving a successful outcome of root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan at different concentrations on the removal of the smear layer and on dentin structure after 3 and 5 min of application. Twelve recently extracted maxillary canine teeth were instrumented using the crown-down technique and irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. The specimens were distributed according to the time and concentration of the final irrigating solution: G1: 0.1% chitosan for 3 min; G2: 0.2% chitosan for 3 min; G3: 0.37% chitosan for 3 min; G4: 0.1% chitosan for 5 min; G5: 0.2% chitosan for 5 min; G6: 0.37% chitosan for 5 min. All samples were prepared for SEM analysis. G1 exhibited removal of the smear layer, but not the smear plugs. G2 showed visible and open tubules with slight erosion of the peritubular dentin. Cleaning in G3 was similar to that in G2, however, the erosive effect was greater. There was expansion of the diameter of the tubules in G4; and in G5 and G6, there was severe erosion with deterioration of dentin surface. In conclusion, 0.2% chitosan for 3 min appeared to be efficient for removing the smear layer, causing little erosion of dentin.

Completo debridamento dos canais radiculares com a remoção da smear layer são medidas essenciais no sucesso do tratamento endodôntico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da quitosana, em diferentes concentrações, na remoção da smear layer e na estrutura da dentina, após 3 e 5 min de aplicação. Doze dentes caninos superiores, recém extraídos, foram instrumentados pela técnica crown-down e irrigados com hipoclorito de sódio 1%. Os espécimes foram distribuídos em seis grupos conforme o tempo e a concentração da solução irrigante final: G1: quitosana 0,1% por 3 min; G2: quitosana 0,2% por 3 min; G3: quitosana 0,37% por 3 min; G4: quitosana 0,1% por 5 min; G5: quitosana 0,2% por 5 min; G6: quitosana 0,37% por 5 min. Todas as amostras foram preparadas para avaliação em MEV. Os resultados mostraram que o G1 apresentou remoção da smear layer, mas não da smear plug. O G2 mostrou túbulos visíveis e abertos com ligeira erosão da dentina peritubular. A limpeza no G3 foi semelhante à do G2, no entanto, o efeito erosivo foi maior. No G4 houve ampliação do diâmetro dos túbulos e no G5 e G6, severa erosão com deterioração da superfície dentinária. Concluiu-se que a quitosana 0,2% por 3 min foi eficiente na remoção da smear layer, ocasionando pequena erosão.

Influence of dental exposure to oral environment on smear layer removal and collagen exhibition after using different conditioning agents

Although in vitro studies have shown encouraging results for root surface conditioning with demineralizing agents, in vivo studies have failed to show its benefits in periodontal healing. This can be attributed to several factors, among which, the hypermineralization of dental surface. Therefore, this in vitro study compared, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of root surface conditioning with different conditioners (1% and 25% citric acid, 24% EDTA and 50 mg/mL tetracycline hydrochloride) in impacted teeth and in teeth that had their roots exposed to the oral environment. One trained examiner assessed the SEM micrographs using a root surface modification index. There was a tendency of more root surface modification in the group of impacted teeth, suggesting that the degree of root mineralization influences its chemical demineralization.

Apesar de estudos in vitro terem demonstrado resultados favoráveis ao condicionamento da superfície radicular com agentes desmineralizantes, estudos in vivo não mostraram seus benefícios na cicatrização periodontal. Isto pode ser atribuído a vários fatores, entre os quais, a hipermineralização da superfície dental. Portanto, este estudo in vitro comparou, usando microscopia eletrônica de varredura, o efeito do condicionamento da superfície radicular com diferentes condicionadores (1% e 25% de ácido cítrico, EDTA 24% e 50 mg/mL de cloridrato de tetraciclina) em dentes impactados e dentes que tinham suas raízes expostas ao meio bucal. Um examinador treinado avaliou as microscopias eletrônicas de varredura utilizando um índice de modificação da superfície radicular. Houve uma tendência de maior modificação da superfície radicular no grupo de dentes impactados, sugerindo que o grau de mineralização da raiz influencia a sua desmineralização química.

Wilson's disease in southern Brazil: a 40-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Long-term data on the clinical follow-up and the treatment effectiveness of Wilson's disease are limited because of the low disease frequency. This study evaluated a retrospective cohort of Wilson's disease patients from southern Brazil during a 40-year follow-up period. METHODS: Thirty-six Wilson's disease patients, diagnosed from 1971 to 2010, were retrospectively evaluated according to their clinical presentation, epidemiological and social features, response to therapy and outcome. RESULTS: Examining the patients' continental origins showed that 74.5 percent had a European ancestor. The mean age at the initial symptom presentation was 23.3 ± 9.3 years, with a delay of 27.5 ± 41.9 months until definitive diagnosis. At presentation, hepatic symptoms were predominant (38.9 percent), followed by mixed symptoms (hepatic and neuropsychiatric) (30.6 percent) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (25 percent). Kayser-Fleischer rings were identified in 55.6 percent of patients, with a higher frequency among those patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms (77.8 percent). Eighteen patients developed neuropsychiatric features, most commonly cerebellar syndrome. Neuroradiological imaging abnormalities were observed in 72.2 percent of these patients. Chronic liver disease was detected in 68 percent of the patients with hepatic symptoms. 94.2 percent of all the patients were treated with D-penicillamine for a mean time of 129.9 ± 108.3 months. Other treatments included zinc salts, combined therapy and liver transplantation. After initiating therapy, 78.8 percent of the patients had a stable or improved outcome, and the overall survival rate was 90.1 percent. CONCLUSION: This study is the first retrospective description of a population of Wilson's disease patients of mainly European continental origin who live in southern Brazil. Wilson's disease is treatable if correctly diagnosed, and an adequate quality of life can be achieved, resulting in a long overall survival.

Deferasirox: Oral, once daily iron chelator - An expert opinion.

Iron overload is a serious and potentially fatal condition that results from multiple blood transfusions required over a long period of time to treat certain types of anemias such as, that caused by β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease and myelodysplastic syndrome. Deferoxamine, which has been used since four decades as an iron chelator has limited efficacy due to its demanding therapeutic regimen, leading to poor compliance. Deferasirox, once daily oral iron chelator provides an effective alternative to Deferoxamine in the treatment of transfusional hemosiderosis. In this review, the role of Deferasirox as an ideal iron chelator has been discussed. Pubmed searches on Deferasirox were carried out for the same. Several studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Deferasirox in reducing iron burden in iron-overloaded patients with β-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia and myelodysplastic anemia. Thus, convenient, effective and tolerable chelation therapy with oral Deferasirox is likely to be a significant development in the treatment of transfusional iron overload, due to its ability to provide constant chelation coverage and the potential to improve compliance.

Combined Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Chelation, Phototherapeutic Keratectomy and Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Treatment of Band Keratopathy

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelation and excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) combined with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the treatment of band keratopathy (BK). METHODS: Eleven eyes in ten patients with BK received combined PTK (ablation zone of central 7.0-7.5 mm, depth of 50 microm), EDTA chelation (0.05 M, 3 minutes), and amniotic membrane transplantation using fibrin glue. Preand postoperative best corrected visual acuities, symptom changes, reepithelialization time, cosmesis, recurrence, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in three eyes (27.3%) and did not change in eight eyes (72.7%). Symptoms improved in all patients, and the mean reepithelialization time was 10.6+/-5.3 days. The cosmetic results were good in eight eyes (72.7%) and were fair in three eyes (27.3%). During the mean follow-up period of 11.4+/-6.1 months (range, 6 to 23 months), no postoperative complications or recurrences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of EDTA chelation, PTK, and AMT is safe and effective for the treatment of band keratopathy.

Lead-induced peripheral neuropathy following ayurvedic medication.

Lead poisoning following intake of Ayurvedic medication is one of the recent areas of concern. We report a case of a 58-year-old type II diabetic man who was stable with diet control and 30 mg pioglitazone per day. He took Ayurvedic medication for generalized weakness and developed peripheral neuropathy following its intake. He was found to have high blood and urinary lead levels and was diagnosed to have subacute lead poisoning. He was treated with d-Penicillamine for 8 weeks, following which his lead levels became normal. The use of d-Penicillamine was proved highly effective in treating a case of lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning due to gunshot bullet in contact with cerebrospinal fluid: case report / Intoxicação por chumbo devida a projétil de arma de fogo em contato com o líquido cefalorraquidiano: relato de caso

CONTEXT: Lead poisoning due to retained gunshot bullets is a well-known clinical problem that is fairly frequently described in the literature. The risk factors for this occurrence relate mainly to whether the lead bullet is in contact with the joint fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The treatment for these cases entails chelation therapy while symptoms are shown and definitive surgical removal of the bullet as a potential source of lead. The aim of this paper is to describe a clinical case of lead poisoning due to a retained gunshot bullet in contact with CSF. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old male was hit by gunshot bullets during a holdup, and one of them was retained in the spinal cord. Six years later, he developed intense low back pain and underwent laminectomy. Nine years later, he then underwent arthrodesis on L5-S1, but he developed intense abdominal pain after the surgical procedure. For five years, he was treated with calcium versenate in five-day cycles, with a good response. The chelation therapy cycles showed great efficacy during symptomatic periods, thus reducing the symptoms and signs of poisoning and promoting great amounts of lead excretion, thereby reducing the total lead burden responsible for the symptoms. Fortunately, over the last four years, the symptoms have improved and the urine levels of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) have declined, to reach complete normalization. This shows that a healing process is probably taking place on the spinal wound, thereby isolating the bullet fragments from CSF contact.

CONTEXTO: A intoxicação por chumbo devida a projétil retido em ferimento por arma de fogo é uma complicação já conhecida e descrita na literatura. O risco de intoxicação endógena por chumbo está associado ao contato do projétil com o líquido sinovial ou líquido o cefalorraquidiano. O tratamento requer terapia de quelação e retirada cirúrgica do projétil como tratamento definitivo. Este artigo descreve caso clínico de paciente que desenvolveu intoxicação por chumbo devida a projétil retido em contato com líquido cefalorraquidiano. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente masculino, 42 anos, foi baleado durante assalto e teve projéteis que se alojaram no abdômen, perna direita e coluna lombo-sacra. Seis anos depois, desenvolveu intensa lombociatalgia e foi submetido a laminectomia. Nove anos após o acidente, foi submetido a artrodese de L5-S1, quando foi tentada a retirada do projétil, sem sucesso, desenvolvendo no pós-operatório intensa dor abdominal. Foi então feito diagnóstico de intoxicação por chumbo, que foi tratada com gluconato de cálcio, com boa resposta. Durante os cinco anos seguintes, fez ciclos de quelação com ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA) cálcico, com boa evolução. Os ciclos de quelação mostraram grande eficácia na redução dos sinais e sintomas da intoxicação, promovendo um grande aumento da excreção de chumbo e reduzindo a carga corpórea total de chumbo responsável pelos sintomas. Nos últimos quatro anos, apresentou melhora dos sintomas de intoxicação, com diminuição dos níveis de ALA urinário até a normalização, mostrando que provavelmente houve um processo de cicatrização da lesão, isolando os fragmentos de chumbo do contato com o líquor.

Prescrição de quelantes de fósforo e calcitriol para pacientes em hemodiálise crônica / Prescription of phosphorus binders and calcitriol for chronic hemodialysis patients

OBJETIVO: Descrever a frequência de prescrição de quelantes de fósforo (QF) e calcitriol em pacientes sob hemodiálise (HD) crônica em Salvador, Brasil, e avaliar se o tratamento está de acordo com recomendações do Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). MÉTODOS: Corte transversal de dados da linha de base do Estudo Prospectivo do Prognóstico de Pacientes Tratados Cronicamente por Hemodiálise (PROHEMO). Foi realizada descrição da frequência de prescrição de QF e calcitriol conforme as concentrações de indicadores laboratoriais do metabolismo mineral, comparando com recomendações do K/DOQI. RESULTADOS: Sevelamer isoladamente (i.e., não combinado com outro QF) foi prescrito para 45,4 por cento dos pacientes, carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) isoladamente para 26,5 por cento, sevelamer combinado com CaCO3 para 2,1 por cento e acetato de cálcio para 5,2 por cento. Prescrição de QF foi observada para 53 por cento dos pacientes com fósforo <3,5 mg/dL e 40 por cento com fósforo <3,0 mg/dL. Em desacordo com K/DOQI, prescrição de calcitriol foi detectada para 19 por cento dos pacientes com PTH<150 pg/mL e ausência da prescrição para aproximadamente 35,4 por cento com PTH>300 pg/dL combinado com fósforo menor ou igual a 5,5 mg/dL, cálcio menor ou igual a 9,5 mg/dL e produto cálcio e fósforo (CaxP)<55 mg2/dL2. Neste último grupo, 38 por cento tiveram prescrição de sevelamer sem outro QF. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostram um elevado percentual de prescrição de sevelamer em pacientes em HD de manutenção em uma cidade brasileira, apesar do alto custo deste medicamento e ausência de contraindicação para QF à base de cálcio. Os resultados em pacientes com PTH<150 pg/mL e com PTH>300 pg/mL combinado com determinadas concentrações de cálcio, fósforo e CaxP indicam também a necessidade de avaliar as práticas de uso de QF e calcitriol.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of prescription of phosphate binders (PB) and calcitriol for patients on chronic hemodialysis in Salvador, Brazil, and to assess whether treatment is in agreement with recommendations of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). METHODS: Cross section of baseline data of the PROHEMO study. The frequency of prescription of PB and calcitriol according to laboratory indicators of mineral metabolism was compared with K/DOQI recommendations. RESULTS: Sevelamer alone (i.e., not combined with other PB) was prescribed for 45.4 percent of patients, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) alone for 26.5 percent, sevelamer combined with CaCO3 for 2.1 percent and calcium acetate for 5.2 percent. Prescription of PB was noted in 53 percent of the patients with phosphorus <3.5 mg/dL and 40 percent with phosphorus <3.0 mg/dL. In disagreement with K/DOQI, prescription of calcitriol was found in 19 percent of patients with PTH<150 pg/mL and prescription was absent for approximately 35.4 percent with PTH>300 pg/dL combined with phosphorus equal or less than 5.5 mg/dL, calcium equal or less than 9.5 mg/dL and calcium x phosphorus product (CaxP)<55 mg2/dL2. For this latter group 38 percent had a prescription of sevelamer without other phosphate binders. CONCLUSION: Results show a large percentage of prescriptions of sevelamer among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in a Brazilian city, despite the high cost of the medication and absence of contraindications for PB with calcium salts. Results in patients with PTH<150 pg/mL and with PTH>300 pg/mL combined with certain concentrations of calcium, phosphate and CaxP also indicate the need to evaluate practices for use of phosphate binders and calcitriol.

Dieta e quelantes como ferramentas para o manuseio do hiperparatireoidismo secundário / Diet and phosphate binders in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism

O fósforo é um elemento fundamental no metabolismo celular e sua homeostase é mantida pelo sistema digestivo, remodelação óssea e rins. Uma dasprincipais alterações no metabolismo do fósforo, a hiperfosfatemia, pode se tornar uma situação de grave morbidade para pacientes com doença renalcrônica (DRC), sendo considerada atualmente uma responsável indireta pela alta taxa de mortalidade dessa população. Cerca de 60% dos pacientes em diálise apresentam níveis de fósforo elevados. O excesso de ingestão de fósforo, o uso inadequado de seus quelantes intestinais, a inadequação dialítica e o status da remodelação óssea compõem o caráter multifatorial da hiperfosfatemia, tornando seu tratamento um dilema ao nefrologista. Na fase não-dialítica, a restrição de fósforo é mais facilmente implementada já que normalmente os pacientes são orientados a ingerir reduzida quantidade de proteína, o que, conseqüentemente, acarreta uma diminuição no conteúdo de fósforo. Na fase dialítica, em função da elevada necessidade protéica, a restrição significativa de fósforo quase nunca pode ser empregada, o que na maioria das vezes, implica na utilização de quelantes de fósforo. Os quelantes devem ser ingeridos junto com a alimentação, de forma a permitir a melhor mistura com os alimentos. Dentre os tipos mais comumente utilizados estão os quelantes à base decálcio ou aqueles livres de cálcio ou metal, como o sevelamer. A dose de cálcio elementar proveniente de quelantes não deve exceder a 1500 mg/dia ou 2000 mg/dia, se considerado o cálcio da dieta. Pacientes com hipercalcemia não devem utilizar quelantes que contêm cálcio. Finalmente, é importanteressaltar que o sucesso do tratamento da hiperfosfatemia da DRC requer o envolvimento de toda a equipe multiprofissional, particularmente do nutricionista.

Phosphorus, an essential element for cell metabolism, has its homeostasis maintained in the body by the integrated actions of intestine, bone and kidneys.Hyperphosphatemia, mainly due to derangements in phosphorus metabolism, is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) responsible for thehigh rates of mortality in this population. Elevated serum phosphorus is found in about 60% of the patients on maintenance dialysis. Several factors can contribute to hyperphosphatemia, including high phosphorus intake, inappropriate use of phosphate binders, poor dialysis efficiency and the bone turnover condition. For these reasons the treatment of hyperphosphatemia is still a challenge for nephrologists. In CKD stages 2 to 4 a low phosphorus intake is often achieved since dietary protein restriction, with consequent phosphorus reduction content is usually employed for these patients. In contrast, considering the elevated protein requirement of patients on dialysis it is not possible to reduce phosphorus intake in a significant manner without harmful consequences inthe nutritional status. Thus, the use of phosphate binders is always necessary for these patients. For better results, however, the binders must be takentogether with the meals to guarantee a satisfactory mixture with food. Calcium based phosphate binders or those binders free of calcium or metals such assevelamer are among the most used ones. Calcium intake provided by phosphate binders should not exceed 1500 mg/day or 2000 mg/day, considering the calcium provided by the diet. However, for patients with hypercalcemia, calcium based phosphate binders should be avoided. Finally, it is important to address that the success of the treatment relies on the involvement of all members of health care team in particular the nutritionist.

Effect of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing on the bond strength of a resin-based endodontic sealer

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of Epiphany™ resin-based sealer to dentin walls after placement of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] dressings. Fifteen extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented using 2.5 percent NaOCl + EDTA as irrigants. The teeth were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5), according to the intracanal dressing: G1= Ca(OH)2 + saline; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) gel; and G3= saline (control). After 10 days of storage in 100 percent humidity at 37ºC, the dressings were removed and the root canals were filled with Epiphany™ sealer. After additional 48 h of storage, the specimens were sectioned transversally into 2-mm-thick discs. Push-out tests were performed (1 mm/min, Instron 4411) and the maximum loads at failure were recorded in MPa. One-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls tests showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strength when a Ca(OH)2 dressing was used before root canal filling with Epiphany™ (G1= 10.18 ± 1.99 and G2= 9.98 ± 2.97) compared to the control group (13.82 ± 3.9) (p< 0.05). It may be concluded that the use of Ca(OH)2 as an intracanal dressing material affected the adhesion of Epiphany™ to the root canal walls, but even though the values were within the acceptable range found in the literature.

O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a resistência de união do cimento resinoso Epiphany™ às paredes dentinárias após aplicação de pastas de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Quinze dentes humanos uniradiculares foram igualmente instrumentados sob irrigação com as soluções de NaOCl 2,5 por cento + EDTA. Os dentes foram divididos em três grupos (n=5) e tratados com diferentes pastas de Ca(OH)2: G1= Ca(OH)2 + soro fisiológico; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX e G3= tratado apenas com soro fisiológico (grupo controle). Após 10 dias de armazenamento a 37°C e 100 por cento de umidade, as medicações foram removidas e os dentes obturados com o cimento Epiphany. Passadas 48 horas de armazenamento adicional, as amostras foram seccionadas tranversalmente em discos de 2 mm de espessura. Os testes de resistência de união (push-out) foram realizados em máquina de ensaio mecânico (1 mm/min) e os resultados expressos em MPa. Os testes de ANOVA e Newman-Keuls mostraram um significante decréscimo nos valores de resistência de união quando as pastas de Ca(OH)2 foram utilizadas (10,18 ± 1,99 e 9,98 ± 2,97) em comparação ao grupo controle (13,82 ± 3,9) (p<0,05). Pode-se concluir que o uso do Ca(OH)2 como medicação intracanal diminuiu a adesão do cimento Epiphany™ às paredes dos canais radiculares, embora os valores de resistência de união estejam dentro das médias aceitáveis encontradas na literatura.

Effect of monothiol along with antioxidant against mercury-induced oxidative stress in rat.

Efficacy of thiol chelators viz. N-acetyl cysteine and D-penicillamine (NAC and DPA) along with nutritional supplements viz. zinc acetate, sodium selenite and magnesium sulphate (Zn, Se and Mg) in the treatment of mercury intoxication was investigated in rats. This is of particular interest since high bonding affinity between mercuric ion and the thiol group exits. The mutual antagonism of mercury and selenium is one of the strongest examples of the interaction in the trace element field. Adult rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were administered a bolus dose of dimethyl mercury (10 mg/kg) orally. A significant rise in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyltranspeptidase, bilirubin and creatinine were observed. Single mercury exposure also resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxides with a concomitant decrease in reduced glutathione level in liver, kidney and brain. A decrease in the enzymatic activities of acetyl cholinesterase in different regions of the brain was observed. These parameters were restored considerably with chelating agents along with nutritional supplementation, but NAC+Se and DPA+Mg offered significant protection in comparison with other combinations.