Radioterapia en la población oncológica pediátrica de Costa Rica: experiencia de 2 años / Radiotherapy in the pediatric oncology population of Costa Rica: a 2-year experience

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes con enfermedad oncológica atendidos en el Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", que recibieron radioterapia externa, durante el periodo de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2016. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de una serie de casos de pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico oncológico, que recibieron radioterapia y fueron atendidos durante un periodo de 2 años. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos para la obtención de los datos de manera retrospectiva, de acuerdo con las variables de interés. Se registraron datos demográficos, el tipo de tumor, el sitio anatómico irradiado, la necesidad de anestesia y el tiempo de espera. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo de las variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 117 pacientes quienes recibieron radioterapia, de los cuales un 59.0% fueron hombres. La edad promedio fue de 7,7 años. Las leucemias y el grupo de los tumores cerebrales fueron los tipos de tumores más frecuentemente irradiados; siendo el sistema nervioso central el sitio anatómico más tratado, en 56 pacientes (40.6%). La radioterapia curativa fue más frecuente que la paliativa. En 34 pacientes (29.1%) se requirió de anestesia. Todos los pacientes tuvieron que esperar para el inicio de su tratamiento y en una minoría se registró el motivo en relación con una condición no clínica del paciente. Conclusiones: En oncología pediátrica, la radioterapia es una modalidad de tratamiento utilizada mayoritariamente con carácter curativo en pacientes de diferentes edades y ambos sexos, principalmente con diagnóstico de tumores cerebrales y leucemia; algunos pacientes de corta edad pueden requerir anestesia durante el tratamiento. En una minoría de pacientes, se atribuyó a factores no clínicos el tiempo de espera para el inicio de su tratamiento.

Abstract Aim: To determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with oncological disease treated at the Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", who received external radiotherapy, during the period from January 2015 to December 2016. Methods: It is an observational, descriptive study of a series of cases of pediatric patients with an oncologic diagnosis, who received radiotherapy and were treated for a period of 2 years. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain the data retrospectively, according to the variables of interest. Demographic data, tumor type, anatomical site irradiated, need for anesthesia, and waiting time were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the qualitative and quantitative variables was applied. Results: A total of 117 patients who received radiotherapy were analyzed, of which 59.0% were men. The average age was 7.7 years. Leukemias and the group of brain tumors were the most frequently irradiated tumor types; being the central nervous system the most treated anatomical site, in 56 patients (40.6%). Curative radiotherapy was more frequent than palliative. In 34 patients (29.1%) anesthesia was required. All patients had to wait for the start of their treatment and in a minority the reason was recorded in relation to a non-clinical condition of the patient. Conclusión: In pediatric oncology, radiotherapy is a treatment modality used predomi- nantly for curative purposes in patients of different ages and both sexes, most commonly with brain tumors and leukemia; some young patients may require anesthesia during treatment. In a minority of patients, the waiting time for the start of their treatment was attributed to non-clinical factors.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on care of oncological patients: experience of a cancer center in a Latin American pandemic epicenter / Impacto da COVID-19 sobre o atendimento de pacientes oncológicos: experiência de um centro oncológico localizado em um epicentro Latino-Americano da pandemia

ABSTRACT Objective Since the rising of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is uncertainty regarding the impact of transmission to cancer patients. Evidence on increased severity for patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment is posed against deferring oncologic treatment. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patient volumes in a cancer center in an epicenter of the pandemic. Methods Outpatient and inpatient volumes were extracted from electronic health record database. Two intervals were compared: pre-COVID-19 (March to May 2019) and COVID-19 pandemic (March to May 2020) periods. Results The total number of medical appointments declined by 45% in the COVID-19 period, including a 56.2% decrease in new visits. There was a 27.5% reduction in the number of patients undergoing intravenous systemic treatment and a 57.4% decline in initiation of new treatments. Conversely, there was an increase by 309% in new patients undergoing oral chemotherapy regimens and a 5.9% rise in new patients submitted to radiation therapy in the COVID-19 period. There was a 51.2% decline in length of stay and a 60% reduction in the volume of surgical cases during COVID-19. In the stem cell transplant unit, we observed a reduction by 36.5% in length of stay and a 62.5% drop in stem cell transplants. Conclusion A significant decrease in the number of patients undergoing cancer treatment was observed after COVID-19 pandemic. Although this may be partially overcome by alternative therapeutic options, avoiding timely health care due to fear of getting COVID-19 infection might impact on clinical outcomes. Our findings may help support immediate actions to mitigate this hypothesis.

RESUMO Objetivo Desde o surgimento da pandemia da doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), há incerteza quanto ao impacto da transmissão para pacientes com câncer. As evidências sobre o aumento da gravidade para pacientes submetidos a tratamento antineoplásico são contra o adiamento do tratamento oncológico. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 em volumes de pacientes em um centro oncológico, em um epicentro da pandemia. Métodos Os volumes de pacientes ambulatoriais e de internação foram extraídos do banco de dados de prontuários eletrônicos. Dois intervalos foram comparados: períodos pré-COVID-19 (março a maio de 2019) e pandemia COVID-19 (março a maio de 2020). Resultados O número total de consultas médicas diminuiu 45% no período pandemia COVID-19, inclusive com redução de 56,2% nas novas consultas. Houve redução de 27,5% no número de pacientes em tratamento sistêmico intravenoso e de 57,4% no início de novos tratamentos. Por outro lado, ocorreram aumento de 309% em novos pacientes submetidos a regimes de quimioterapia oral e elevação de 5,9% em novos pacientes submetidos à radioterapia no período pandemia COVID-19. Observaram-se queda de 51,2% nos dias de internação e redução de 60% no volume de casos cirúrgicos durante a COVID-19. Na unidade de transplante de células-tronco, a redução foi de 36,5% nos dias de internação e de 62,5% nos transplantes de células-tronco. Conclusão Foi observado declínio significativo no número de pacientes em tratamento de câncer após a pandemia de COVID-19. Embora isso possa ser parcialmente superado por opções terapêuticas alternativas, evitar cuidados de saúde oportunos devido ao medo de contrair COVID-19 pode impactar nos resultados clínicos. Nossos resultados podem ajudar a apoiar ações imediatas para mitigar essa hipótese.

Análisis cienciométrico de la producción científica del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología / National Cancer Institute scientific production scientometric analysis

Resumen Introducción: La cienciometría permite analizar la productividad e impacto de las publicaciones científicas mediante técnicas bibliométricas y computacionales. Objetivo: Proponer una metodología multidimensional para obtener el perfil cienciométrico del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), México, y compararlo respecto a otras instituciones nacionales de salud. Método: Con el programa LabSOM y la metodología ViBlioSOM, basada en redes neuronales artificiales, se analizó la producción científica del INCan indexada en la Web of Science entre 2007 y 2017. Se obtuvo el perfil cienciométrico multidimensional del Instituto y se comparó con el de otras instituciones nacionales de salud. Resultados: En productividad, el INCan ocupa el cuarto lugar de las 10 instituciones mexicanas de salud pública indexadas en la Web of Science.; en el ranking de impacto normalizado, el sexto lugar. Aun cuando de 1323 artículos, 683 (51.62 %) no recibieron citas, 11 artículos de excelencia (0.83 %) lograron 24 % de 11 932 citas y, consecuentemente, el impacto normalizado del INCan evidenció una productividad media por arriba de la media mundial. Conclusión: El análisis multidimensional con la red neuronal propuesta permite obtener un perfil cienciométrico institucional absoluto y relativo más fidedigno e integral que el derivado de conteos de variables aisladas.

Abstract Introduction: Scientometrics analyzes scientific publications through bibliometric and computational techniques, whereby productivity and impact indicators are generated. Objective: To propose a multidimensional methodology in order to obtain the scientometric profile of the National Cancer Institute (INCan), Mexico, and rank it with regard to other national health institutions. Method: Using the LabSOM software and the ViBlioSOM methodology based on artificial neural networks, the INCan scientific production indexed in the Web of Science from 2007 to 2017 was analyzed. The multidimensional scientometric profile of the Institute was obtained and compared with that of other national health institutions. Results: In terms of productivity, INCan ranks fourth among the 10 Mexican public health institutions indexed in the Web of Science; in the normalized impact ranking, it ranks sixth. Although out of 1323 articles 683 (51.62 %) did not receive citations, 11 articles classified as excellent (0.83 %) obtained 24 % of 11,932 citations and, consequently, INCan normalized impact rate showed a mean productivity higher than the world mean. Conclusion: Multidimensional analysis with the proposed neural network enables obtaining a more reliable and comprehensive absolute and relative institutional scientiometric profile than that derived from measuring isolated variables.

Interconsultas de cuidados paliativos para pacientes con cáncer en un hospital general: Características y oportunidad / Interconsultation on palliative care for patients with cancer in a general hospital. Features and opportunity

Las recomendaciones internacionales apuntan a la integración temprana de cuidados paliativos (CP) en cáncer a través de la atención simultánea y del entrenamiento de los equipos primarios. La Unidad de CP del Hospital General de Agudos E. Tornú realiza interconsultas para pacientes internados en el hospital y brinda capacitación a los equipos tratantes. El perfil de las interconsultas realizadas podría brindar información importante sobre las características de la intervención de CP dentro de la institución. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar retrospectivamente las interconsultas de primera vez de pacientes con cáncer realizadas a lo largo de 2 años, con foco en la temporalidad, la identificación de problemas por parte del equipo tratante y del equipo de interconsulta de CP, y la prontitud de respuesta y capacidad pronóstica de este último. La población atendida en interconsulta (168 casos) estuvo constituida principalmente por pacientes con enfermedad avanzada, deterioro del estado general, sin posibilidad de tratamiento oncológico y diagnóstico reciente. En aproximadamente 25% de los casos se encontraron indicios de intervención temprana y participación del equipo de CP en la toma de decisiones. Se discute la oportunidad de la intervención de CP y se señalan áreas con necesidad de mejora, como la identificación de síntomas no físicos y el pronóstico, a ser tenidas cuenta en las futuras actividades asistenciales y educativas.

The international recommendations point to the early integration of palliative care (PC) in cancer through simultaneous care and training of primary teams. The PC Unit of the Hospital General de Agudos E. Tornú conducts interconsultations for hospitalized patients in the hospital and provides training to the treatment teams. The profile of the interconsultations carried out could provide important information about the characteristics of the PC intervention within the institution. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the first-time interconsultations of cancer patients carried out over 2 years, focusing on temporality, identification of problems by the treating team and the PC interconsultation team, the promptness of response and the prognostic capacity of the latter. In the period, 168 interconsultations were carried out. Most patients had advanced disease, poor performance status, no possibility of oncological treatment and recent diagnosis. In approximately 25% of the cases, evidence of early intervention and participation of the pc team in decision making was found. The opportunity of PC intervention is discussed and areas needing improvement are indicated, such as the identification of non-physical symptoms and prognosis, to be considered in future care and educational activities.

Avaliação geriátrica ampla como preditor de morbimortalidade nos pacientes oncológicos vulneráveis submetidos ao tratamento quimioterápico / Comprehensive geriatric assessment as a morbimortality predictor in patients vulnerable to the chemotherapy treatment

Objetivos: O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar o valor preditivo da Avaliação Geriátrica Ampla (AGA) em relação à toxicidade e mortalidade nos pacientes oncológicos idosos classificados como vulneráveis, submetidos à quimioterapia. Método: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte prospectivo com coleta de informações extraídas de banco de dados já construído do projeto ÂNCORA e disponível online. Foram construídas tabelas de distribuição de frequência das variáveis estudadas e na análise univariada foi usado o chi-quadrado e Teste de Fisher, quando indicado. Por fim, considerou-se o nível de significância de 5% e todos os testes foram aplicados com 95% de confiança. Resultados: Em uma amostra total de 254 pacientes, o percentual de mortalidade foi de 37% e de intercorrências foi de 46,5%, sendo infecção a mais frequente. Houve associação entre o déficit nutricional e o aumento da mortalidade (p=0,003). Conclusão: Observou-se associação estatística entre o aumento da mortalidade em pacientes vulneráveis que realizaram quimioterapia (p=0,046), quando comparados aos pacientes saudáveis. Os resultados deste estudo reforçam constatações da literatura como o uso da AGA pode ajudar oncologistas e geriatras em suas tomadas de decisão.

Objectives: to determine the predictive value of the Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) regarding toxicity and mortality in elderly cancer patients classified as vulnerable who were submitted to chemotherapy. Method: A prospective cohort study was performed with data gathered from the database already built by the anchor project and available online. Tables of the frequency of distribution of the studied variables were created. The chi-square test was used in the univariate analysis, and the Fisher test when indicated. The level of significance of 5% were considered and all the tests were applied with a confidence of 95%. Results: The frequency of patients classified as vulnerable by CGA was 40.2%, and the mortality rate in the total number of patients was 37%. The association between nutritional status and mortality (p=0.003) was observed, where most of the denuded patients (51.4%) died during follow-up, and most patients (46.5%) had some type of complication. Conclusion: There was an association between the increase in mortality in patients vulnerable to chemotherapy (p=0,046), when compared to healthy patients. The results of this study follow the literature on the use of CGA can help oncologists and geriatricians in their decision making.

Cancer care network: Structure analysis of enabled services / Rede de atenção oncológica: análise da estrutura de serviços habilitados

Summary Introduction: Cancer has now become part of the agenda of health managers, prompting them to consider new models of system organization. Objective: To study the cancer care network of the Brazilian public health system (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym) in the state of São Paulo by analyzing the structure of the installed and enabled network for treatment and its characteristics. Method: A single, integrated case study. We used secondary data from the following sources: Datasus, Inca, RHC and CNES, and primary data from official documents from the Reference Committee on Oncology of the State of Sao Paulo. We used the official guidelines to able services from the National Health Department to make comparison. Results: According to the CNES, in April, 2013 there were 72 cancer care services authorized by SUS in the state of Sao Paulo. Using the population criterion, the state had one service enabled for every 581,961 inhabitants, in an unequal distribution throughout the 17 health care regions. In terms of available structure and services, 80% of the hospitals were compliant for cancer surgery, 31% for chemotherapy and 74% for radiotherapy. In terms of minimum production, only 13% of hospitals were compliant with cancer surgery, 42% with chemotherapy and 14% with radiotherapy. Conclusion: The installed network proved to have sufficient size and structure to meet the demand from new cancer cases. However, there were both regional differences, as well as a wide variation in productivity between services, which probably had an impact on patient access.

Resumo Introdução: O câncer chegou à agenda dos gestores de saúde, provocando-os a pensar em novos modelos de organização do sistema. Objetivo: Estudo da rede oncológica do Sistema Único de Saúde no estado de São Paulo por meio da análise da estrutura da rede instalada e habilitada para tratamento e suas características quanto ao perfil e à distribuição dos estabelecimentos, estrutura e serviços disponíveis e produção mínima anual para a manutenção da excelência. Método: Estudo de caso único e integrado, utilizando dados secundários do Datasus, Inca, RHC e CNES e dados primários de documentos oficiais do Comitê de Referência em Oncologia do Estado de São Paulo. Como parâmetros de referência, a Portaria SAS/MS n. 140 de 2014. Resultados: Em abril de 2013 estavam habilitados 72 estabelecimentos para atendimento de oncologia no SUS. Pelo critério populacional, o estado possuía um serviço habilitado para cada 581.961 habitantes, distribuídos de forma desigual pelas 17 RRAS. Com relação à estrutura e aos serviços disponíveis, 80% dos hospitais estavam em conformidade para cirurgias oncológicas, 31% para quimioterapia e 74% para radioterapia. Em relação à produção mínima, 13% dos hospitais estavam conformes em cirurgias oncológicas, 42% em quimioterapia e 14% em radioterapia. Conclusão: A rede instalada apresentava estrutura e tamanho suficiente para atender à demanda de casos novos de câncer, porém havia diferenças regionais e ampla variação de produção entre os serviços, o que provavelmente impactava no acesso dos pacientes, promovia a criação de filas de espera ao mesmo tempo que havia serviços com ociosidade nas instalações.

Síndrome de Burnout em trabalhadores da oncologia: uma revisão integrativa / Burnout syndrome in oncology workers: an integrative review / Síndrome de Burnout en trabajadores de oncología: una revisión integradora

O estudo teve como objetivo identificar, na literatura, os principais fatores geradores da síndrome de Burnout em profissionais de saúde, sobretudo em enfermeiros que atuam em unidades de oncologia. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, a qual utilizou as etapas metodológicas de Ganong. Realizamos uma busca eletrônica por artigos indexados nas bases de dados Web of Science, PubMed Central e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, publicados entre 2010 a 2015. Nós utilizamos, em diferentes combinações, os descritores controlados: esgotamento profissional, enfermagem e oncologia. A amostra final foi composta por 18 artigos. O maior número de publicações, quatro artigos (22,2%) em cada ano, ocorreu em 2010 e 2013, principalmente nos Estados Unidos (n=5, 27,8%) e na Austrália (n=3, 16,6%). Lidar com o agravamento da doença do paciente e a morte foi considerado o principal fator gerador da síndrome de burnout. A implementação de programas de valorização profissional e de grupos de apoio psicossocial para equipe de enfermagem tem potencial para auxiliar na elaboração de mecanismos para suportar as situações difíceis que permeiam o cotidiano da enfermagem oncológica.

The study aimed to identify, in the literature, the main factors causing burnout in health professionals, mainly nurses working in oncology units. This is an integrative review, which used the methodological steps of Ganong. We searched an electronic search for articles indexed in the databases Web of Science, PubMed Central and Virtual Health Library, published between 2010 and 2015. We used, in different combinations, controlled descriptors: burnout, nursing and oncology. The final sample consisted of 18 articles. The highest number of publications, four articles (22.2%) in each year, occurred in 2010 and 2013, mainly in the United States (n=5, 27.8%) and Australia (n = 3, 16.6%). Dealing with the worsening of the patient's disease and death were considered the main burnout causing factors. The implementation of professional appreciation programs and psychosocial support groups for nursing staff have the potential to assist in the development of mechanisms to handle difficult situations that permeate the dailylife of oncology nursing.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar, en la literatura, los principales factores causantes de burnout en profesionales de la salud, sobre todo enfermeras que trabajan en unidades de oncología. Se trata de una revisión integradora, que utiliza los pasos metodológicos de Ganong. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica de artículos indexados en las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed Central y la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, publicada entre 2010 y 2015. Utilizamos, en diferentes combinaciones, los descriptores controlados: burnout, enfermería y oncología. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 18 artículos. El mayor número de publicaciones, cuatro artículos (el 22,2%) al año, se produjo en 2010 y 2013, principalmente en los Estados Unidos (n = 5, el 27,8%) y Australia (n = 3, el 16,6%). Encaja con el empeoramiento de la enfermedad y la muerte del paciente fueron considerados los principales factores que causan síndrome de burnout. La implementación de programas de habilidades profesionales y grupos de apoyo psicosocial para el personal de enfermería tiene el potencial para ayudar en el desarrollo de mecanismos para manejar las situaciones difíciles que impregnan la vida cotidiana de la enfermería oncológica.

Brazilian pediatric research groups, lines of research, and main areas of activity / Grupos e linhas de pesquisa pediátrica no Brasil e suas principais áreas de atuação

OBJECTIVES: The Brazilian scientific production in the pediatrics field has been increasing significantly. It is important to identify the distribution and activity of these groups in the country and the main study areas, contributing with data for better resource allocation by institutions. METHODS: An active research was conducted in the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [CNPq]) website, using as filters the macro area of the research group (Health Sciences), the area (Medicine), and descriptors related to pediatrics. Research lines and main area of pediatric research groups were classified according to the subject predominantly studied by each group. The scientific production of the leader of the pediatric research group between 2011 and 2014 was also analyzed. RESULTS: Most pediatric research groups in Brazil have more than five years of activity and are concentrated in the Southeast and South regions of the country; São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Minas Gerais are the states with most groups. Of the 132 specific pediatric research groups analyzed, 14.4% have lines of research in multiple areas and 11.4% in child and adolescent health. Among the 585 lines of research of these groups, the most prevalent areas were: oncology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, and gastroenterology. CONCLUSIONS: The pediatric research groups in Brazil have relevant scientific production, including works published in international publications, and are concentrated in regions with higher socioeconomic index. Most groups registered in CNPq started their activity in the last five years (46%), reflecting the recent growth of scientific production in this area. .

OBJETIVOS: A produção científica brasileira na área da pediatria vem aumentando significativamente. Diante desse quadro, é importante identificar a distribuição e atividade desses grupos no país e as principais áreas estudadas para contribuir com dados para que as instituições possam alocar melhor seus recursos. MÉTODOS: Foi feita pesquisa ativa no site do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), que teve como filtros a grande área do grupo - ciências da saúde - e área medicina e descritores relacionados à pediatria. Posteriormente foram classificadas as linhas de pesquisa e a área de atuação principal dos grupos de acordo com os temas prevalentemente estudados. Avaliou-se também a produção científica entre 2011 e 2014 dos coordenadores dos grupos de pesquisa pediátrica pelo currículo Lattes. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos grupos de pesquisa pediátrica do Brasil tem mais de cinco anos de atividade e está concentrada nas regiões Sudeste e Sul. São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul e Minas Gerais, são os principais estados. Dos 132 grupos específicos de pesquisa pediátrica cadastrados, 14,4% têm linhas de pesquisa em múltiplas áreas e 11,4% em saúde da criança e do adolescente. Entre as 585 linhas de pesquisa desses grupos, são predominantes as áreas: oncologia, infectologia, epidemiologia e gastroenterologia. CONCLUSÕES: Os grupos de pesquisa pediátrica do Brasil têm produção relevante, até mesmo internacional, e estão concentrados nas regiões de maior índice socioeconômico. Grande parte dos grupos cadastrados no CNPq entrou em atividade nos últimos cinco anos (46%), o que evidencia crescimento recente da produção científica nessa área. .

Características clínicas y demográficas de pacientes oncológicos del Hospital Base Valdivia con complicaciones infecciosas. Enero-Julio 2013 / Clinical and demographic description of Oncological Patients with ongoing infectious complications in Hospital Base Valdivia. January - July 2013

El cáncer constituye la segunda causa de muerte en Chile y las infecciones constituyen uno de los principales gatillantes del deceso. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es describir las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes oncológicos del Hospital Base Valdivia (HBV) que presentaron complicaciones infecciosas entre el periodo enero-julio de 2013. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de serie de casos que incluyó a todos los pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados que presentaron complicaciones infecciosas entre enero-julio de 2013, excluyendo a quienes rechazaran el consentimiento informado o tuvieran fichas clínicas incompletas. Se aplicaron instrumentos para determinar estado nutricional y nivel socioeconómico. Análisis computacional con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se pesquisaron 38 pacientes con un total de 52 infecciones. Dieciséis eran hombres y 22 mujeres, edad promedio 59 años. La mayoría pertenecía a estratos socioeconómicos bajos y poseía estudios básicos. Las neoplasias subyacentes más frecuentes fueron el cáncer de mama y cervicouterino. Dieciséis pacientes se encontraban en etapa IV y cerca de 2/3 estaban desnutridos. De las 52 infecciones 31 fueron localizadas, mientras 21 tuvieron respuesta sistémica, 2 pacientes fallecieron debido a la infección. Los sitios más frecuentes de afección fueron: árbol bronquial, tracto genitourinario y cavidad oral. Clínicamente se determinó que 44 de los cuadros fueron bacterianos, 3 fúngicos, 3 virales y 2 combinados. Discusión: Llama la atención el predominio de pacientes provenientes de niveles socioeconómicos y educacionales bajos. Si bien las infecciones pueden corresponder a cuadros potencialmente fatales en pacientes oncológicos, la mayoría de nuestros casos correspondieron a cuadros leves.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Chile and infections are one of the main-triggering of death. The main objective of this research is to describe clinical and demographic characteristics of oncological patients of Hospital Base Valdivia with ongoing infectious complications between January-July 2013. Material and methods: series of cases, we reviewed the medical records of all oncological patients who had infectious complications between January-July 2013, excluding those who rejected the invitation or had incomplete medical records. Also, tools for determining nutritional status and socioeconomic status were applied. Data went through computational analysis with determination of descriptive statistics. Result: 38 patients were included with total of 52 infections. Sixteen were men and 22 women, average age was 59 years. Most belonged to lower socioeconomic strata and only had basic education. The most common underlying neoplasms were breast and cervical cancer. Sixteen patients were in stage IV and about two-thirds were malnourished. 31 of the 52 infections were localized, while in 21 there was systemic response, 5 progressed to sepsis and 2 to septic shock, 2 patients died because of their infections. The most common sites of infection were: bronchia, genitourinary tract and oral cavity. Clinically it was determined that 44 were bacterial infections, 3 fungal, 2 viral and 2 combined. Discussion: it draws our attention the predominance of patients from low socioeconomic and educational levels. While infections may correspond to potentially fatal complications in cancer patients, the majority of our cases were mild.

Brazilian Abstracts Presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meetings: Contribution, Publication Rates, and Comparison with Oncology Abstracts

Purpose Scientific research originating from Brazil appears to be rising in several medical fields. Research results are often presented at scientific meetings before publication in peer-reviewed journals. We investigated the publication rate of Brazilian studies presented in American Urological Association (AUA) meetings and compared with the rate of publication of Brazilian oncological studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meetings. Materials and Methods a hand search of 12,454 abstracts presented at aua meetings 2001-2007 was conducted. abstracts for which at least two-thirds of institutions were from brazil were considered as brazilian. final publication was searched in pubmed and lilacs databases. oncological abstracts were also hand searched in the asco meetings proceedings in the same years. Results There was no significant temporal trend in the proportion of AUA studies originating from Brazil along those 7 years. A total of 195 abstracts (1.57%) were from Brazil. One hundred (51.3%) abstracts were published in full, and the estimated 5-year publication rate was 48.2%. There was a progressive increase in publication rates for studies categorized as video, poster, and podium presentations. Considering abstracts presented in years 2001-2005, urologic publication rate was significantly higher than for abstracts presented at the ASCO meeting. Conclusions Our results suggest that the Brazilian contribution to AUA meetings is at a plateau and that the Brazilian literature contribution is greater in urology than in oncology. Efforts must be invested towards raising this plateau and understanding qualitative aspects of the urology scientific output from Brazil. .

Profile and scientific production of the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) researchers in the field of Hematology/Oncology / Perfil e produção científica dos pesquisadores do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico na área de Hematologia-Oncologia

Objective: several studies have examined the academic production of the researchers at the CNPq, in several areas of knowledge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific production of researchers in Hematology/Oncology who hold scientific productivity grants from the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development. Methods: the Academic CVs of 28 researchers in Hematology/Oncology with active grants in the three-year period from 2006 to 2008 were included in the analysis. The variables of interest were: institution, researchers’ time after doctorate, tutoring of undergraduate students, masters and PhD degree, scientific production and its impact. Results: from a total of 411 researchers in Medicine, 28 (7%) were identified as being in the area of Hematology/Oncology. There was a slight predominance of males (53.6%) and grant holders in category 1. Three Brazilian states are responsible for approximately 90% of the researchers: São Paulo (21,75%), Rio de Janeiro (3,11%), and Minas Gerais (2, 7%). During their academic careers, the researchers published 2,655 articles, with a median of 87 articles per researcher (IQR = 52 to 122). 65 and 78% of this total were indexed on the Web of Science and Scopus databases, respectively. The researchers received 14,247 citations on the WoS database with a median of 385 citations per researcher. The average number of citations per article was 8.2. Conclusion: in this investigation, it was noted that researchers in the field of Hematology/Oncology have a relevant scientific output from the point of view of quantity and quality compared to other medical specialties. .

Objectivo: vários estudos têm analisado a produção acadêmica dos pesquisadores do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), em diversas áreas do conhecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a produção científica de pesquisadores de Hematologia- Oncologia, cadastrados como bolsistas de produtividade científica do CNPq. Métodos: os currículos Lattes de 28 pesquisadores em Hematologia-Oncologia, com bolsas ativas no triênio 2006 a 2008, foram incluídos na análise. As variáveis de interesse foram: instituição, tempo de doutoramento, orientação de alunos de graduação, mestres e doutores, artigos publicados e seu impacto. Resultados: de um total de 411 pesquisadores em Medicina, 28 (7%) foram identificados como da área da Hematologia- Oncologia. Houve uma discreta predominância do gênero masculino (53,6%) e de bolsistas na categoria 1 (53,6%). Três Estados da Federação são responsáveis por 90% dos pesquisadores: São Paulo (21; 75%), Rio de Janeiro (3; 11%) e Minas Gerais (2; 7%). No total da carreira acadêmica, os pesquisadores publicaram 2.655 artigos em periódicos, sendo a mediana de 87 artigos por pesquisador (intervalo interquartil [IQ] = 52-122). Desse total, 65% e 78% foram artigos indexados nas bases de dados Web of Science (WoS) e Scopus, respectivamente. Os pesquisadores receberam 14.247 citações na base de dados WoS, sendo a mediana por pesquisador de 385 citações. A média de citações por artigo foi de 8,2. Conclusão: na presente investigação, observou-se que os pesquisadores na área de Hematologia-Oncologia apresentam uma produção científica relevante do ponto de vista qualitativo quando comparada a das demais especialidades médicas. .

Prevalencia de infección por virus de hepatitis B en pacientes pediátricos hemato-oncológicos / Infection prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus in pediatric hematology-oncology patients

Antecedentes y objetivos: El virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) se transmite por vía sexual y por vía sanguínea. En la mayoría de los brotes conocidos en hospitales el contagio se ha asociado a prácticas poco seguras de inyección, realización de procedimientos, y a la falta de adherencia a las precauciones universales para prevención de infecciones. Por lo cual se quiso determinar la prevalencia de infecciones por VHB, en pacientes Hemato-oncológico sometidos a tratamiento de quimio- terapia y/o transfusión de hemoderivados. Pacientes y Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo detalla la prevalencia y las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes de la Sala de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica del Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Cata rino Rivas (HNMCR), a quienes se les diagnosticó infección VHB, entre 1999-2011. Resultados: La prevalencia de infección por VHB en pacientes hemato-oncológicos fue de un 1.86%, el 64% de estos pacientes contaban con un esquema de vacunación completo. En todos los pacientes se les diagnosticó primero una patología hemato-oncológica y fue hasta después de un año o más que se realizó el diagnóstico de infección por VHB. Conclusiones: las transfusiones son un factor de riesgo inminente en pacientes que las ameritan sobre todo en los pacientes con diagnósticos hemato-oncológicos...(AU)

Profile of breast cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital in north India.

Background and Aims: We carried out this study in order to know the epidemiology and management strategies for breast cancer patients in our patient population. Settings and Design: The epidemiological data pertaining to demography and risk factors for carcinoma breast were analyzed retrospectively in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital of North India. Materials and Methods: Hospital records of 304 patients admitted for over a period of five years (January 1998 to December 2002) were used for data analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired T-test . Results: Mean age of our female breast cancer patients was found to be lower compared to the western world, with an average difference of one decade. A majority of the patients were from a rural background and had a longer duration of symptoms compared to urban patients. Lump in the breast was a dominant symptom. Familial breast cancer was uncommon. Left sided breast cancer was slightly preponderant. Screening by mammography and staging procedures such as bone scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were sparsely used. The most common histology was infiltrating duct carcinoma. Conclusion: Modified radical mastectomy was found to be a safe operative procedure. Breast conservative surgery, although considered the gold standard in early breast cancer, was found unsuitable for our patients, due to the social background and lack of intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy backup. Infiltrating duct carcinoma was more commonly associated with positive lymph nodes compared to other histopathologies. Cases operated by surgical oncologists had better axillary clearance. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used mainly by surgical oncologists suggesting a more rational approach toward the management of breast carcinoma.

Oncologists should measure life, not death: a newer perspective of cancer statistics.

We discuss why we should measure parameters of 'life' and not 'death' in choosing a therapy for cancer and what are the flaws and difficulties in measuring cancer specific deaths. We then submit those parameters which can be measured with high precision and validity in cancer patients and so should be recorded to guide us in deciding the best therapy.

La Enseñanza de la enfermería oncológica en las Instituiciones Escolares del Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Los datos epidemiológicos nacionales con respecto a los enfermos de cáncer justifican la preocupación que existe en relación con la formación inicial de los profesionales de salud que actúan en la prevención y control de esta enfermedad. Esta preocupación se extiende también hacia los profesionales ya egresados de las Escuelas de Enfermería que están actualmente desarrollando su actividad laboral en centros de salud. El presente estudio busca identificar las Escuelas de Enfermería del Estado de Río de Janeiro que incluyen contenidos de oncología en los programas de sus cursos de graduación. El objetivo general sería el de investigar de qué forma se está desarrollado el contenido específico de oncología en las Instituciones para la formación sanitaria. Se pretende proporcionar un análisis de la actual situación de la Enseñanza de Enfermería Oncológica en este Estado así como elaborar nuevas propuestas que, a nuestro entender, serían positivas para la mejora del servicio en este sector de la salud. La investigación fue realizada entre los años 2002 y 2006 aplicando el método descriptivo. Los datos fueron recopilados a través de cuestionarios estructurados en base al perfil de los contenidos curriculares actuales. Participaron en la investigación las veintitrés Escuelas de Enfermería del Estado de Río de Janeiro acreditadas por el Ministerio de Educación. Los resultados revelaron que el 87% de las facultades, a menudo incluyen el contenido oncológico bajo la forma de clases separadas. Estas clases se imparten más en los estudios de Enfermería en la salud de la mujer, Enfermería del adulto y del anciano, Enfermería en el cuidado oncológico, Enfermería en la salud del niño, Enfermería en salud colectiva I y II, Procesos patológicos generales y Enfermería quirúrgica. Los contenidos se encuentran fragmentados y poco destacados en las Las consideraciones finales de la investigación apuntan nuevos caminos a recorrer por las Instituciones Escolares de Enfermería, señalando que los planes de estudio deben atender las situaciones más predominantes dentro del cuadro epidemiológico del país y cumplir una carga horaria y teórica adecuada para el área de oncológica.

The national epidemiological data justifies the preoccupation concerning the teaching given to professional health workers on how to act in the prevention and control of cancer. This concern extends itself to those professionals graduated from Nursing Schools. This research sought to identify the Nursing Schools of the Rio de Janeiro State that nowadays include a content of oncology in the programs of their graduate courses. It seeks to verify in which manner the specific oncology content is being developed in the Schools, aiming to analyse the current situation of the tuition in Oncological Nursing in this State. The research was carried out between the period of 2002 to 2006 applying the observacional method. The data was collected through structured questionnaires regarding the profile of the curriculum content. 23 Nursing schools of the Rio de Janeiro State recognized by the Ministry of Education participated in the research. These are divided into Nursing in women"s health, medical nursing for adults and the aged, oncologic nursing, pediatric nursing, collective health nursing I and II, General pathologic process and medical surgical nursing.The results revealed that the courses (87%) most frequently include the oncology content in the form of a group of classes within a variety of disciplines. These are generally Nursing in Women’s health, Medical Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Oncologic Nursing, Medical-surgical Nursing, Paediatric and neonatal Nursing and Gynaecology-Obstetrics Nursing. The content found is fragmented and little emphasized in the schools analysed, the problem being mainly concentrated in the existence of gaps in the education of those graduated from these schools where they weren’t trained in the prevention, detection, precocious diagnostication and treatment of cancer. Our final considerations indicate new paths to be trod by nurses backed by the norms of the new Curriculum guidelines of the Graduate course in Nursing, demonstrating that the curricula should attend the most prevalent situations within the epidemiological framework of our country.