Chinese expert consensus on intra-arterial drug and combined drug administration for primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华内科杂志

Transarterial interventional therapy is one of the most widely used treatment methods in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. With the progress in interventional technology and the use of new drugs, transarterial interventional therapy has achieved favorable results in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and has become the first choice non-surgical treatment for advanced liver cancer. However, at present, there are great differences in the drugs used in transarterial interventional treatment and the combined application of other drugs among centers, and there is no uniform consensus or guideline. Based on the latest research data and clinical practice experience, as well as the characteristics of Chinese patients, the Specialist Group of Interventional Drugs, Interventionalists Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association was organized to formulate the Chinese expert consensus on intra-arterial drug and combined drug administration for primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this consensus is to explore the efficacy and safety of drugs and drug combinations related to intra-arterial interventional therapy, the use of drugs in special populations, the management of adverse reactions, and adjuvant drugs to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Antiagregación plaquetaria: stents, isquemia y sangrado ¿Qué sabemos al respecto? / Platelet antiaggregation: stents, ischemia and bleeding What do we know about it?

Antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention are two of the most important interventions in the management of coronary artery disease. In the last 20 years there has been groundbreaking advances in the pharmacotherapy and stent technology. Bleeding is the most feared complication of antiplatelet therapy, mainly due to the increase in major adverse cardiovascular events besides the bleeding itself. Different clinical decision tools have developed with the aim to define which patients have a high ischemic or bleeding risk, thus individualizing treatment.

Respuesta al tratamiento con poliquimioterapia en pacientes con carcinoma no microcítico / Treatment response to polychemotherapy in patients with non-microcytic carcinoma

Introducción: El cáncer de pulmón constituye una de las principales causas de muerte en Cuba. La mayoría de los enfermos acuden al servicio de salud en etapa avanzada de la enfermedad, la poliquimioterapia es uno de los tratamientos utilizados. Objetivos: Evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento con cisplatino-etopósido vs cisplatino-paclitaxel, en pacientes con carcinoma no microcítico en estadios avanzado de la enfermedad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, en 40 pacientes diagnosticados con carcinoma no microcítico en estado avanzado de la enfermedad, que fueron asignados de forma aleatoria a uno de los dos grupos de tratamiento de cisplatino + etopósido (n=20) y cisplatino + paclitaxel (n=20) en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico en el período comprendido desde enero de 2017 a septiembre de 2018. Resultados: Predominaron pacientes del sexo masculino entre 50 a 69 años de edad, 37,5 por ciento en estadio IV. En 72,5 por ciento de los pacientes se encontró una respuesta clínica al tratamiento, en la modalidad de cisplatino + etopósido 70 por ciento y en cisplatino + paclitaxel 75 por ciento respectivamente. Se observó un porcentaje similar de respuesta objetiva antitumoral, 32,5 por ciento de los pacientes tuvieron una reducción parcial de la lesión tumoral, mientras que en otro 32,5 por ciento se observó estabilidad de la enfermedad. Por el contrario, en 35 por ciento restante hubo progresión de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Se concluye que ambas modalidades tienen una efectividad similar en la evolución clínico-radiológica de los enfermos de carcinoma no microcítico en etapa avanzada(AU)

Introduction: Lung cancer constitutes one of the main causes of death in Cuba. Most of the patients come to the health service at an advanced stage of the disease. Polychemotherapy is one of the treatments used. Objectives: To assess the response to treatment with cisplatin-etoposide vs. cisplatin-paclitaxel, in patients with advanced non-small cell carcinoma. Methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted in 40 patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell carcinoma. They were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: cisplatin + etoposide (n = 20) and cisplatin. + paclitaxel (n = 20) at the Pneumologic Hospital from January 2017 to September 2018. Results: Male patients predominated, ages ranged between 50 and 69 years, 37.5 percent were in stage IV. Clinical response to treatment was found in 72.5 percent of patients, that is, 70 percent in the modality of cisplatin + etoposide and 75 percent in cisplatin + paclitaxel. Similar percentage of objective antitumor response was observed, that is, 32.5 percent of the patients had partial reduction of the tumor lesion, while disease stability was observed in 32.5 percent . In contrast, in the remaining 35.0 percent , disease progression was observed. Conclusions: Both modalities are concluded to have similar effectiveness in the clinical-radiological evolution of persons suffering from non-microcytic carcinoma in advanced stage(AU)

Eficacia del uso combinado de lidocaína y fenilefrina como midriáticos intracamerales en la cirugía de catarata / Efficacy of the combined use of lidocaine and phenylephrine as intracameral mydriatics in cataract surgery

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de una combinación de lidocaína 2 por ciento y fenilefrina 1 por ciento administrada intracameralmente para provocar midriasis intraoperatoria en la cirugía de catarata. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo, comparativo, de serie de casos en 70 ojos de igual número de pacientes quienes fueron sometidos a cirugía de catarata mediante facoemulsificación con implante de lente intraocular, en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" entre septiembre del año 2017 y febrero de 2018. 35 pacientes fueron dilatados con una combinación de fenilefrina y lidocaína inyectada en la cámara anterior justo antes de la cirugía (grupo midriáticos intracamerales) y otros 35 ojos se dilataron con un colirio midriático como se realiza cotidianamente y de manera tradicional (grupo midriáticos tópicos). La eficacia se evaluó mediante la medición del diámetro pupilar (pupilometría) realizada con un compás quirúrgico en diferentes momentos de la cirugía en ambos grupos de estudio. Los resultados de ambos grupos se compararon entre sí. Resultados: En ambos grupos de pacientes se lograron diámetros pupilares superiores a los 7 mm justo antes de la capsulorrexis, aunque fueron ligeramente mayor en el grupo midriáticos tópicos (8,17 vs. 7,55 mm). En las mediciones posteriores todas las pupilometrías del grupo midriáticos intracamerales fueron superiores y se mantuvieron por encima de los 7 mm, mientras las del grupo midriáticos tópicos sufrieron una reducción paulatina hasta el final de la cirugía (5,68 mm). Conclusiones: La combinación de lidocaína más fenilefrina aplicada de manera intracameral es efectiva para provocar una midriasis adecuada y mantenida durante la cirugía de catarata(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the combination 2 percent lidocaine / 1 percent phenylephrine administered intracamerally to achieve intraoperative mydriasis in cataract surgery. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted of a case series of 70 patients (70 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from September 2017 to February 2018. Of the total eyes, 35 were dilated with a combination of phenylephrine and lidocaine injected into the anterior chamber just before surgery (MIC group), whereas the remaining 35 were dilated with mydriatic eye drops in the habitual traditional manner (MT group). Efficacy was evaluated in the two study groups measuring the pupil diameter (pupilometry) with a surgical compass at several moments during the surgery. The results for each group were compared. Results: In both groups patients achieved pupil diameters above 7 mm just before capsulorhexis, though values were slightly higher in the MT group (8.17 vs. 7.55 mm). Later measurement showed that in the MIC group all pupilometries were higher, remaining above 7 mm, whereas in the MT group they underwent gradual reduction until the end of surgery (5.68 mm). Conclusions: The combination of lidocaine and phenylephrine administered intracamerally is effective to achieve appropriate, sustained mydriasis during cataract surgery(AU)

Individualized treatment for allergic rhinitis based on key nasal clinical manifestations combined with histamine and leukotriene D4 levels / Tratamento individualizado para a rinite alérgica baseado nas principais manifestações clínicas nasais e dos níveis de histamina e leucotrieno D4

Abstract Introduction The types of allergic rhinitis are roughly classified based on the causative antigens, disease types, predilection time, and symptom severity. Objective To examine the clinical typing and individualized treatment approach for allergic rhinitis and to determine the optimal treatment method for this disease using various drug combination therapies. Methods A total of 108 participants with allergic rhinitis were divided into three groups based on symptoms. Subsequently, each group was further categorized into four subgroups based on the medications received. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated using the visual analog scale VAS scores of the total and individual nasal symptoms, decline index of the symptom score, histamine and leukotriene levels, and mRNA and protein expression levels of histamine 1 and cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptors. Results Loratadine + mometasone furoate and loratadine + mometasone furoate + montelukast significantly improved the sneezing symptom and reduced the histamine levels compared with the other combination therapies (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, montelukast + mometasone furoate and montelukast + mometasone furoate + loratadine considerably improved the nasal obstruction symptom and decreased the leukotriene D4 levels compared with the other combination therapies (p < 0.05). Conclusion Clinical symptom evaluation combined with experimental detection of histamine and leukotriene levels can be an objective and accurate method to clinically classify the allergic rhinitis types. Furthermore, individualized treatment based on allergic rhinitis classification can result in a good treatment efficacy.

Resumo Introdução A rinite alérgica é basicamente classificada de acordo com os antígenos causadores, tipos de doença, peridiocidade e gravidade dos sintomas. Objetivo Avaliar os tipos clínicos e a abordagem terapêutica individualizada para cada tipo de rinite alérgica e determinar o método de tratamento ideal utilizando várias terapias de combinação de fármacos. Método Um total de 108 participantes com rinite alérgica foram divididos em três grupos com base nos sintomas. Posteriormente, cada grupo foi subsequentemente categorizado em quatro subgrupos com base nos medicamentos recebidos. A eficácia dos tratamentos foi avaliada utilizando os escores da escala visual analógica EVA dos sintomas nasais totais e individualmente, índice de declínio do escore de sintomas, níveis de histamina e leucotrienos e níveis de expressão de mRNA e proteína dos receptores de histamina 1 e cisteinil-leucotrieno 1. Resultados As associações entre loratadina + furoato de mometasona, assim como a de loratadina + furoato de mometasona + montelucaste melhoraram significativamente o sintoma de espirros e reduziram os níveis de histamina em comparação às outras terapias combinadas (p < 0,05). Por outro lado, a associação montelucaste + furoato de mometasona, assim como a associação montelucaste + furoato de mometasone + loratadina melhoraram consideravelmente o sintoma de obstrução nasal e diminuíram os níveis de leucotrieno D4 em comparação com as outras combinações (p < 0,05). Conclusão A avaliação clínica dos sintomas combinada com a detecção experimental dos níveis de histamina e leucotrieno pode ser um método objetivo e preciso para classificar clinicamente os tipos de rinite alérgica. Além disso, o tratamento individualizado baseado na classificação da rinite alérgica pode resultar no aumento da eficácia do tratamento.

Cost-utility analysis of interferon-free treatments for patients with early-stage genotype 1 hepatitis C virus in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION We conducted a cost-utility analysis of available interferon-free treatments for patients with early-stage genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C based on a Brazilian public health system perspective. METHODS A Markov model was derived using a cohort of stage F0-F2 patients treated as recommended by the Brazilian national guidelines. RESULTS: Glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir was superior to all other treatments, followed by sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir. Sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir was identified as the least cost-effective option. CONCLUSIONS: The above findings were confirmed via probabilistic sensitivity analysis and the tested scenarios.

Medication-overuse headache. Retrospective comparison of preventive treatments / Cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos. Comparação retrospectiva de tratamentos preventivos

ABSTRACT Objectives: Medication-overuse headache is commonly seen in tertiary centers. Limited evidence is available regarding treatment. We compared the use of one or two drugs, three drugs, or four pharmacological agents for the prevention of headache. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 149 consecutive patients. Sudden withdrawal and pharmacological prevention with one or more drugs were carried out. Adherence and the decrease of headache frequency of more than 50% were compared after four months between the one or two, three, and four drug groups. Results: There was no difference in adherence (p > 0.6). Headache frequency reduction was shown in 23 (54.8%, one or two drugs), 33 (70%, three drugs) and 11 (55%, four drugs); p = 0.13 and p = 0.98, not significant. There was a tendency towards significance between the one or two drug takers versus the three drug and four drug takers together (p = 0.09). Conclusions: The use of more drugs was not better at improving headache. However, there is the possibility that acting simultaneously on different sites may promote broader modulation and better outcome.

RESUMO Objetivos: Cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos (CEM) é comum em centros terciários. Existe evidência limitada quanto a estratégias de tratamento e se combinar drogas é melhor do que abordagens com monoterapia. Objetivamos comparar o uso de até dois, três ou quatro agentes farmacológicos para a prevenção. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 149 pacientes consecutivos. A suspensão súbita das drogas usadas em excesso e o início de prevenção foram realizados. A adesão e a redução superior a 50% na frequência da cefaleia foram comparadas após quatro meses entre até duas drogas, três drogas e quatro drogas. Resultados: A adesão não foi diferente (p > 0.6). A redução da frequência de cefaleia foi de 23 (54.8%, até duas drogas, 33 (70%, três drogas) e 11 (55%, quatro drogas; p = 0.13 e p = 0.98, não significativo). Houve uma tendência à significância quando comparamos até duas drogas com três e quatro drogas (p = 0.09). Conclusões: Não demonstramos superioridade de mais drogas, comparando-se a um ou dois medicamentos. Acreditamos na possibilidade de atuação em sítios de diferentes de forma simultânea e a modulação mais abrangente com melhores parâmetros evolutivos.

Combination therapy of curcumin and alendronate modulates bone turnover markers and enhances bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the effects of combination therapy of curcumin and alendronate on BMD and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Subjects and methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial study, 60 postmenopausal women were divided into three groups: control, alendronate, and alendronate + curcumin. Each group included 20 patients. Total body, total hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 12 months of therapy. Bone turnover markers such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) were measured at the outset and 6 months later. Results: Patients in the control group suffered a significant decrease in BMD and increased bone turnover markers at the end of study. The group treated with only alendronate showed significantly decreased levels of BALP and CTx and increased levels of osteocalcin compared to the control group. The alendronate group also showed significant increases in the total body, total hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs at the end of study compared to the control group. In the curcumin + alendronate group, BALP and CTx levels decreased and osteocalcin levels increased significantly at the end of study compared to the control and alendronate groups. BMD indexes also increased in four areas significantly at the end of study compared to the control and alendronate groups. Conclusion: The combination of curcumin and alendronate has beneficial effects on BMD and bone turnover markers among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018;62(4):438-45

Estimated rates of recurrence, cure, and treatment abandonment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with a ­four-drug fixed-dose combination regimen at a tertiary health care facility in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Estimativas das taxas de recidiva, cura e abandono de tratamento em pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar tratados com esquema de dose fixa combinada de quatro drogas em uma unidade de saúde terciária na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the rates of recurrence, cure, and treatment abandonment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with a four-drug fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimen, as well as to evaluate possible associated factors. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving 208 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis enrolled in the Hospital Tuberculosis Control Program at the Institute for Thoracic Diseases, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between January of 2007 and October of 2010, the patients were treated with the rifampin-isoniazid-pyrazinamide (RHZ) regimen, whereas, between November of 2010 and June of 2013, the patients were treated with the rifampin-isoniazid-pyrazinamide-ethambutol FDC (RHZE/FDC) regimen. Data regarding tuberculosis recurrence and mortality in the patients studied were retrieved from the Brazilian Case Registry Database and the Brazilian Mortality Database, respectively. The follow-up period comprised two years after treatment completion. Results: The rates of cure, treatment abandonment, and death were 90.4%, 4.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. There were 7 cases of recurrence during the follow-up period. No significant differences in the recurrence rate were found between the RHZ and RHZE/FDC regimen groups (p = 0.13). We identified no factors associated with the occurrence of recurrence; nor were there any statistically significant differences between the treatment groups regarding adverse effects or rates of cure, treatment abandonment, or death. Conclusions: The adoption of the RHZE/FDC regimen produced no statistically significant differences in the rates of recurrence, cure, or treatment abandonment; nor did it have any effect on the occurrence of adverse effects, in comparison with the use of the RHZ regimen.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar as taxas de recidiva, cura e abandono de tratamento em pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar tratados com o esquema de dose fixa combinada (DFC) de quatro drogas e avaliar possíveis fatores associados. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo com 208 pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de tuberculose pulmonar registrados no Programa de Controle da Tuberculose Hospitalar do Instituto de Doenças do Tórax, localizado na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Os pacientes tratados entre janeiro de 2007 e outubro de 2010 receberam o esquema rifampicina-isoniazida-pirazinamida (RHZ), e aqueles tratados entre novembro de 2010 e junho de 2013 receberam o esquema rifampicina-isoniazida-pirazinamida-etambutol em DFC (RHZE/DFC). Os dados dos pacientes sobre recidiva e óbito foram obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade, respectivamente. O período de acompanhamento foi de dois anos após o encerramento do tratamento. Resultados: As taxas de cura, abandono e óbito foram de 90,4%, 4,8% e 4,8%, respectivamente. Houve 7 casos de recidivas durante o período de acompanhamento. Não houve diferenças significativas na taxa de recidiva entre os grupos de tratamento RHZ e RHZE/DFC (p = 0,13). Não foram identificados fatores associados com a ocorrência de recidiva, nem houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na ocorrência dos efeitos adversos ou nas taxas de cura, abandono e óbito entre os grupos de tratamento. Conclusões: A adoção do esquema de tratamento RHZE/DFC não produziu diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas taxas de recidiva, cura e abandono nem na ocorrência de efeitos adversos em comparação com o esquema RHZ.

Glomerulonefritis por inmunocomplejos en un paciente con lepra / Immune-complex glomerulonephritis in a patient with leprosy

La lepra es una enfermedad cuyas manifestaciones se dan a nivel cutáneo y neurológico periférico. Es conocida desde siglos atrás y continúa siendo un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. La prevalencia ha disminuido después de la instauración de esquemas de tratamiento poliquimioterápicos. En Colombia no está considerada como un problema de salud pública por su baja prevalencia. El compromiso multisistémico es común, especialmente en las formas multibacilares. Los sistemas articular y renal son frecuentemente afectados, aunque estas afectaciones son en muchas ocasiones pasadas por alto. Se reporta el caso de un paciente con lepra lepromatosa que presentó glomerulonefritis mediada por inmunocomplejos y, además, compromiso poliarticular secundario a una reacción leprosa del tipo eritema nudoso lepromatoso. No hay conciencia por parte del personal de salud sobre las características de la enfermedad, ya que en muchos casos se cree erradicada. Este caso ilustra la importancia del reconocimiento y tratamiento oportunos para prevenir la discapacidad asociada.

Leprosy is a disease whose manifestations are seen in the skin and at the peripheral neurological level. It has been known for centuries and remains a public health problem worldwide; however its prevalence has declined after the introduction of multidrug treatment schemes. In Colombia leprosy is not considered a public health problem because of its low incidence. Multisystem compromise is common, especially in multibacillary forms, with the articular and renal systems commonly affected; although these effects are often overlooked. We report a patient with lepromatous leprosy who presented immune-mediated glomerulonephritis and polyarticular impairment secondary to erythaema nodosum leprosum. There is no awareness on the part of health personnel on the characteristics of the disease and in many cases are believed eradicated. This case illustrates the importance of early recognition and timely treatment to prevent disability associated.

Association of clonidine and ropivacaine in brachial plexus block for shoulder arthroscopy / Associação de clonidina e ropivacaína no bloqueio de plexo braquial para artroscopia de ombro

Abstract Background and objectives: Arthroscopy for shoulder disorders is associated with severe and difficult to control pain, postoperatively. The addition of clonidine to local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block has become increasingly common, thanks to the potential ability of this drug to reduce the mass of local anesthetic required and to prolonging analgesia postoperatively. The present study aimed to evaluate the success of brachial plexus block for arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery using local anesthetic with or without clonidine. Method: 53 patients of both genders, between 18 and 70 years old, American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II, who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery were selected. Patients were then randomized into two groups. The verbal numerical pain scale and the presence of motor block were obtained in the post-anesthetic recovery room and 6, 12, 18 and 24 h postoperatively. Results: The association of clonidine (0.15 mg) to a solution of 0.33% ropivacaine (30 mL) in brachial plexus block for shoulder arthroscopy has not diminished the visual numeric pain scale values, nor the need for opioid rescue postoperatively. There was a lower incidence of nausea/vomiting postoperatively and a significant motor block time prolongation in the group of patients who received clonidine as adjuvant. Conclusions: The use of brachial plexus block with local anesthetic for analgesic postoperative control is well established in the literature. The addition of clonidine in the dose proposed for prolongation of the analgesic effect and reduction of opioid rescue proved unhelpful.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A artroscopia para afecções do ombro associa-se a dor de forte intensidade no pós-operatório, de difícil manejo. A adição de clonidina ao anestésico local em bloqueios periféricos tornou-se progressivamente maior graças à potencial habilidade dessa droga em reduzir a massa de anestésicos locais necessários e prolongar a analgesia no pós-operatório. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o sucesso do bloqueio de plexo braquial para a cirurgia artroscópica de manguito rotador com o uso de anestésico local associado ou não à clonidina. Método: Foram selecionados 53 pacientes de ambos os sexos, entre 18 e 70 anos, ASA I ou II, que seriam submetidos à cirurgia de ombro por artroscopia. Os pacientes foram então randomizados em dois grupos. A escala numérica verbal de dor e a presença de bloqueio motor eram obtidas na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA) e com seis, 12, 18 e 24 horas de pós-operatório. Resultados: A associação de clonidina (0,15 mg) à solução de ropivacaína 0,33% (30 mL) no bloqueio de plexo braquial para artroscopia de ombro não diminuiu os valores da escala visual numérica de dor, nem a necessidade de resgate com opioides no pós-operatório. Houve uma menor incidência de náuseas e vômitos no pós-operatório (NVPO) e aumento considerável do tempo de bloqueio motor no grupo de pacientes que recebeu clonidina como adjuvante. Conclusões: O uso do bloqueio de plexo braquial com anestésico local para controle analgésico pós-operatório está consolidado na literatura. A adição de clonidina na dose proposta para prolongamento do efeito analgésico e redução de resgate com opioides mostrou-se pouco útil.

Terapêutica hipolipemiante na hipercolesterolemia familiar / Lipid-lowering therapy in familial hypercholesterolemia

A hipercolesterolemia familiar (HF) é doença metabólica muito comum, mas não reconhecida e tratada adequadamente. Sua forma homozigótica, mais rara, leva a aumentos muito importantes do LDL-colesterol e à evolução dramática da aterosclerose e suas complicações em fases muito precoces da vida. Na sua forma mais branda, muito mais comum, a heterozigótica, o aparecimento de manifestações ateroscleróticas costuma ser mais tardio, dependendo da intensidade das alterações do perfil lipídico e dos outros fatores de risco eventualmente presentes. Os recursos terapêuticos para controle da HF vão desde as mudanças do estilo de vida até os medicamentos de uso comum como estatinas potentes em altas doses, na maioria das vezes combinadas à ezetimiba e/ou resina, niacina e fibratos. Novos produtos foram aprovados para uso em outros países, como a lomitapida e o mipomersen, mas apenas para a HF na forma homozigótica. Os inibidores da PCSK9 são importante esperança no controle desses pacientes. As pesquisas com os inibidores da CETP têm sido marcadas por decepções, mas um estudo clínico envolvendo um deles ainda está em andamento. Nosso país não dispõe da LDL-aférese, recurso que se tem mostrado fundamental para a melhora do prognóstico dos portadores das formas graves da HF

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common metabolic disease, although not adequately recognized and treated. Its rarer, homozygous form leads to a significant increase in LDL-cholesterol and marked development of atherosclerosis and its complications in very early phases of life. In its milder, much more common, heterozygous form, the appearance of clinical manifestations usually occurs later, depending on the intensity of the changes in lipid profile and the presence of other risk factors. Therapeutic resources for FH control range from changes in lifestyle to medications commonly used as high potency statins in high dosages, in most cases combined with ezetimibe and/or resins, niacin and fibrates. New products have recently been approved for use in other countries such as lomitapide and mipomersen, but only for homozygous FH. PCSK9 inhibitors are an important hope for the control of these patients.Research with CETP inhibitors has failed to demonstrate clinical benefits to date, but a clinical study evaluating one of them is still ongoing. Our country does not have availability of LDL-apheresis, a resource that has proven fundamental for improving the prognosis of patients with more severe forms of FH

Papel da ecocardiografia na avaliação das alterações cardiovasculares em recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso, com ênfase na presença do canal arterial / Echocardiography role in assessing cardiovascular changes in very low birth weight babies, with emphasis on the presence of the ductus arteriosus

O trabalho consistiu em uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as alterações cardiovasculares em neonatos prematuros. Tais alterações têm elevada prevalência nas unidades de terapiaintensiva neonatal, bem como há necessidade frequente de tratamento específico e implicações prognósticas. A revisão foi realizada de forma não sistematizada, a partir das seguintesfontes de pesquisas: PubMed, BVS e Medline. Foram definidas as causas de tais alterações hemodinâmicas,os métodos frequentemente utilizados para sua detecção e propostas alternativas mais objetivas e eficientes nesta avaliação, enfatizando-se diferentes parâmetros ecocardiográficos bem como as limitações de cada método.

The potential efficacy of Survanta (r) and Seprafilm (r) on preventing intra-abdominal adhesions in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the potential efficacy of beractant (Survanta(r)) and Seprafilm(r) on the prevention of postoperative adhesions. METHODS: Forty Wistar-albino female rats were used. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups of 10 rats each as control group (CG), beractant group (BG), Seprafilm(r) group (SG), and combined group (COG). All rats underwent cecal abrasion via midline laparotomy. Before abdominal closure, isotonic saline, beractant, Seprafilm, and combined agents were intraperitoneally administered. Adhesions were classified macroscopically with Canbaz Scoring System on postoperative day 10. Ceacum was resected for histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Macroscopic adhesion scores were significantly lower in BG, SG, and COG than CG (p<0.05); (45%, 15%, 25%, and 15%; respectively). Histopathological assessment revealed a reduced inflammation and fibrosis score in the study groups than CG (p<0.05). In BG, adhesion development, inflammation and fibrosis scores were lower than SG; however, it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal application of beractant is significantly effective for the prevention of adhesion formation with no adverse effect by covering the whole peritoneal mesothelium with excellent gliding properties in a rat model. The combination of both agents is also effective in reducing adhesion formation, however, not superior to single beractant application.

Colonoscopy sedation: clinical trial comparing propofol and fentanyl with or without midazolam / Sedação para colonoscopia: ensaio clínico comparando propofol e fentanil associado ou não ao midazolam

ABSTRACT Colonoscopy is one of the most common procedures. Sedation and analgesia decrease anxiety and discomfort and minimize risks. Therefore, patients prefer to be sedated when undergoing examination, although the best combination of drugs has not been determined. The combination of opioids and benzodiazepines is used to relieve the patient's pain and discomfort. More recently, propofol has assumed a prominent position. This randomized prospective study is unique in medical literature that specifically compared the use of propofol and fentanyl with or without midazolam for colonoscopy sedation performed by anesthesiologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the side effects of sedation, discharge conditions, quality of sedation, and propofol consumption during colonoscopy, with or without midazolam as preanesthetic. The study involved 140 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I received intravenous midazolam as preanesthetic 5 min before sedation, followed by fentanyl and propofol; Group II received intravenous anesthesia with fentanyl and propofol. Patients in Group II had a higher incidence of reaction (motor or verbal) to the colonoscope introduction, bradycardia, hypotension, and increased propofol consumption. Patient satisfaction was higher in Group I. According to the methodology used, the combination of midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol for colonoscopy sedation reduces propofol consumption and provides greater patient satisfaction.

RESUMO A colonoscopia é um dos procedimentos mais feitos. Sedação e analgesia diminuem a ansiedade e o desconforto e minimizam riscos. Em razão disso, os pacientes preferem que o exame seja feito sob anestesia, embora não tenha sido determinada a melhor combinação de fármacos. A associação de benzodiazepínicos com opioides é usada para aliviar a dor e o desconforto do paciente. Mais recentemente, o propofol assumiu posição de destaque. Este estudo, prospectivo e randomizado, é único na literatura médica e especificamente comparou o uso do propofol e fentanil associado ou não ao midazolam na sedação para colonoscopia feita por anestesiologistas. Os objetivos do estudo foram avaliar os efeitos colaterais da sedação, as condições de alta, a qualidade da sedação e o consumo de propofol durante a colonoscopia, com ou sem o midazolam como pré-anestésico. Envolveu 140 pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. O Grupo I recebeu, por via endovenosa, midazolam como pré-anestésico, cinco minutos antes da sedação, seguido do fentanil e propofol. O Grupo II recebeu, por via endovenosa, anestesia com fentanil e propofol. Os pacientes do Grupo II apresentaram maior incidência de reação (motora ou verbal) à introdução do colonoscópio, bradicardia, hipotensão arterial e maior consumo de propofol. A satisfação dos pacientes foi maior no Grupo I. De acordo com a metodologia empregada, a associação de midazolam ao propofol e fentanil para sedação em colonoscopia reduz o consumo de propofol e cursa com maior satisfação do paciente.

Combined treatment with caffeic and ferulic acid from Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) protects against metabolic syndrome in mice

Fractionation of the EtOH extract from aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) led to isolation of caffeic and ferulic acids, which were identified from spectroscopic and spectrometric evidence. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be effective in the prevention/treatment of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether the combined treatment of caffeic and ferulic acids exhibits a more significant beneficial effect in a mouse model with metabolic syndrome. The combination treatment with caffeic and ferulic acids was tested for 60 days in C57 mice kept on a high-fat (40%) diet. The data obtained indicated that treatment with caffeic and ferulic acids prevented gain in body weight induced by the high-fat diet and improved hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The expression of a number of metabolically relevant genes was affected in the liver of these animals, showing that caffeic and ferulic acid treatment results in increased cholesterol uptake and reduced hepatic triglyceride synthesis in the liver, which is a likely explanation for the prevention of hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, the combined treatment of caffeic and ferulic acids displayed major positive effects towards prevention of multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome and liver steatosis in an obese mouse model.

Efficacy of a quadruple therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication after partial gastrectomy

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy plus postural change after dosing for Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients. We compared 76 gastric stump patients with H. pylori infection (GS group) with 50 non-gastrectomized H. pylori-positive patients who met the treatment indication (controls). The GS group was divided into GS group 1 and GS group 2. All groups were administered bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg), esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1.0 g), and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 14 days. GS group 1 maintained a left lateral horizontal position for 30 min after dosing. H. pylori was detected using rapid urease testing and histologic examination of gastric mucosa before and 3 months after therapy. Mucosal histologic manifestations were evaluated using visual analog scales of the updated Sydney System. GS group 1 had a higher prevalence of eradication than the GS group 2 (intention-to-treat [ITT]: P=0.025; per-protocol [PP]: P=0.030), and the control group had a similar prevalence. GS group 2 had a lower prevalence of eradication than controls (ITT: P=0.006; PP: P=0.626). Scores for chronic inflammation and activity declined significantly (P<0.001) 3 months after treatment, whereas those for atrophy and intestinal metaplasia showed no significant change. Prevalence of adverse reactions was similar among groups during therapy (P=0.939). A bismuth-containing quadruple therapy regimen plus postural change after dosing appears to be a relatively safe, effective, economical, and practical method for H. pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients.