Morphological changes in leukocytes of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection patients, Amazon, Brazil / Alterações morfológicas em leucócitos de pacientes com infecção aguda por SARS-CoV-2, Amazônia, Brasil

Introduction: The pandemic for the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) brought many uncertainties about which laboratory parameters would be most suitable during the evolution of COVID 19. Objectives: Correlate the results of the blood count (BC), the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/LR), the C-reactive protein (CRP) and morphological findings of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection through Polymerase Chain Reaction in Real Time (RT-PCR) in a private laboratory in Belém, Pará, from March to September 2020. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study with 30 individuals, of both sexes, any age and clinical complaint, of home or hospital origin who underwent BC, CRP and RT-PCR for COVID 19 until the 8th day of infection. Morphological changes were analyzed after selecting the slides for these patients. Results: Sample composed of 15 men and 15 women, aged between 7 and 92 years. Of these 12/30 individuals were at home and 18/30 were hospitalized. The main complaints were fever, malaise, diarrhea and respiratory distress. The statistical study showed a direct dependency relationship between increases in N/LR, CRP and the need for hospitalization (p = 0.0005). Morphological analysis showed hyposegmented neutrophils with toxic granulations, vacuolated monocytes, and reactive lymphocytes with basophilic cytoplasm. Conclusion: Our results associate intermediate and elevated levels of N/LR with increased CRP and disease severity, however, unrelated to the morphological findings in neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes that were common to all patients diagnosed up to the 8th day of infection (AU)

Introdução: A pandemia pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) trouxe muitas incertezas sobre quais parâmetros laboratoriais seriam mais adequados durante a evolução da COVID 19. Objetivos: Correlacionar os resultados do hemograma (HGM), da relação neutrófilos/linfócitos (R N/L), da proteína C reativa (PCR) e dos achados morfológicos de indivíduos diagnosticados com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 através de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real (RT-PCR) em um laboratório particular de Belém, Pará, no período de março a setembro de 2020. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 30 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, qualquer idade e queixa clínica, de origem domiciliar ou hospitalar que realizaram HGM, PCR e RT-PCR para COVID 19 até o 8o dia de infecção. As alterações morfológicas foram analisadas após a seleção das lâminas desses pacientes. Resultados:Amostra composta por 15 homens e 15 mulheres, com idades entre 7 e 92 anos. Desses, 12/30 indivíduos estavam em domicílio e 18/30 internados. As principais queixas foram febre, mal-estar geral, diarreia e desconforto respiratório. O estudo estatístico mostrou a existência de relação de dependência direta entre os aumentos da R N/L, PCR e necessidade de internação (p=0,0005). A análise morfológica mostrou neutrófilos hipossegmentados com granulações tóxicas, monócitos vacuolizados e linfócitos reativos com citoplasma basofílico. Conclusão: Nossos resultados associam os níveis intermediários e elevados da R N/L com o aumento de PCR e a gravidade da doença, porém, sem relação com os achados morfológicos em neutrófilos, linfócitos e monócitos que foram comuns a todos os pacientes diagnosticados até o 8o dia de infecção

Os principais erros da fase pré-analítica de exames laboratoriais / The main errors of the pre-analytical phase of laboratory exams

As análises clínicas laboratoriais possuem papel fundamental na saúde, pois é através de seus resultados que 70% dos diagnósticos são concluídos pelos médicos, e desta forma é necessário que se preze pela emissão de resultados confiáveis. Entretanto, uma das fases do processo de realização dos exames laboratoriais tem se destacado como a fase que concentra o maior percentual de erros no âmbito laboratorial até os dias atuais. Trata-se da fase pré-analítica, que se inicia com a solicitação do exame e finaliza quando se inicia a análise. Os erros pré-analíticos podem ser responsáveis por até 75% dos erros laboratoriais, o que mostra a vulnerabilidade desta fase. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os principais erros que estão vinculados à fase pré-analítica, assim como os impactos que esses erros podem causar. Os tipos de erros pré-analíticos foram revisados na literatura entre os anos de 2011 a 2020. Os resultados apontaram que os principais erros pré-analíticos estão associados ao momento da coleta de amostras biológicas. Isto mostra a necessidade de gerar melhorias nos setores de coleta, através da realização de treinamentos voltados para as equipes de flebotomia, com o intuito de aperfeiçoar este processo e diminuir as taxas dos erros provocados nesta fase.

The clinical laboratory analyses have a fundamental role in health, because it is through their results that 70% of the diagnoses are concluded by the doctors, therefore, it is necessary to give priority to the issuance of reliable and safe results. However, one of the phases of the process of performing laboratory tests has been highlighted as the phase that concentrates the highest percentage of errors in the laboratory environment until the present day.It is the pre-analytical phase, which begins with the request of the exam and ends when the analysis begins.The pre-analytical errors can be responsible for up to 75% of laboratory errors, which shows the vulnerability of this phase. Therefore, this work aims to identify the main errors that are linked to the pre-analytical phase, as well as the impacts that these errors may cause. The types of pre-analytical errors were reviewed in the literature between 2011 and 2020. The results showed that the main pre-analytical errors are associated with the time of collection of biological samples. This shows the need to generate improvements in the collection sectors, through training for phlebotomy teams, in order to improve this process and decrease the rates of errors caused in this phase.

Hematologic parameters of captive Bothrops atrox (Squamata: viperidae)

The breeding of venomous snakes in captivity for research purposes and mainly as a source of pharmaceutical products highlights the need to determine hematological parameters for monitoring and ensuring a healthy breeding populationThe complete blood count is used to help diagnose alterations such as anemia, inflammatory diseases, parasitemia, hematopoietic disorders, hemostatic and toxicological changes, as well as bacterial and viral inclusions. Thus, the objective of this study was to define reference parameters for complete blood count in Bothrops atrox snakes. Blood samples were collected from 20 specimens of B. atrox from the Pentapharm do Brasil commercial breeding facility for laboratory examination. Mean values and standard deviation were: hematocrit 33.6 ± 5.47%, hemoglobin 10.81 ± 2.07g/dL, total number of erythrocytes 0.59 ± 0.1 x 106/mm3, leukocytes 11387.5 ± 3279.2/mm3 and thrombocytes 28175 ± 6320/mm3. No significant difference was observed between males and females and heterophils were the predominant leukocyte cell type.

Profil clinique, biologique et traitement des drépanocytaires régulièrement suivis au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville / Clinical, biological and treatment profile of sickle cell patients regularly followed at Libreville University Hospital Center

Introduction: La mise en place depuis Septembre 2016 au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHUL) d'une consultation d'hématologie dédiée aux adultes drépanocytaires a été l'occasion de mener cette étude dont le but principal était d'établir les profils clinique et paraclinique de l'adulte drépanocytaire régulièrement suivi.Patients et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective. La population d'étude était constituée de patients drépanocytaires homozygotes de 18 ans et plus, qui avaient effectués au moins trois consultations d'hématologie sur une année. Les informations recueillies, après étude du dossier médical et entretien téléphonique avec le patient, concernaient les données socio-démographiques, l'histoire de la drépanocytose, les antécédents, les complications de la maladie, les examens biologiques et radiologiques et le traitement.Résultats : Au total 88 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur les 233 drépanocytaires vus durant la période de l'étude. L'âge moyen était de 30,4 ± 7,8 ans. L'interrogatoire révélait que la crise vaso-occlusive (CVO) était la principale complication aiguë et la lithiase vésiculaire (36,3%) la première complication chronique. L'hémoglobine moyenne était de 7,8 g/dl et pour 49,3% des patients elle se situait entre 7 et 9 g/dl. Les leucocytes étaient augmentés dans 65,7%. L'échographie cardiaque réalisée chez 35 patients retrouvait 11,1% d'hypertension artérielle pulmonaire et 22,8% d'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche. L'intensité de la crise douloureuse motivait une consultation au service des urgences du CHU dans 81,6% des cas dont plus de 62% déploraient un retard dans l'exécution de cette prise en charge bien qu'ils en aient été satisfaits dans 54,9% des cas.Conclusion : Les drépanocytaires adultes régulièrement suivis au CHUL sont peu nombreux. La transition entre le suivi pédiatrique et adulte doit se faire avec une transmission des informations du dossier médical sur l'histoire de la drépanocytose.

Introduction: The establishment since September 2016 at the University Hospital Center (CHUL) of a hematology consultation dedicated to adults with sickle cell disease was an opportunity to conduct this study, the main purpose of which was to establish the clinical and paraclinical profiles of the adults with sickle cell disease regularly monitored. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study. The study population consisted of homozygous sickle cell patients aged 18 and over, who had performed at least three hematology consultations over a year. The information collected, after studying the medical file and telephone interview with the patient, concerned socio-demographic data, history of sickle cell disease, history, complications of the disease, biological and radiological examinations and treatment. Results: A total of 88 patients met the inclusion criteria out of the 233 sickle cell patients seen during the study period. The mean age was 30.4 ± 7.8 years. The questioning revealed that vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) was the main acute complication and cholelithiasis (36.3%) the first chronic complication. The average hemoglobin was 7.8 g/dl and for 49.3% of the patients it was between 7 and 9 g/dl. Leukocytes were increased in 65.7%. Cardiac ultrasound performed in 35 patients found 11.1% pulmonary arterial hypertension and 22.8% left ventricular hypertrophy. The intensity of the painful crisis motivated a consultation in the emergency department of the CHU in 81.6% of cases, of which more than 62% complained of a delay in the execution of this care although they were satisfied with it in 54 .9% of cases.Conclusion: Few adult sickle cell sufferers are regularly monitored at the CHUL. The transition between pediatric and adult follow-up must be made with a transmission of information from the medical file on the history of sickle cell disease

Profil clinique de la surdité de l'enfant à Yaoundé / Clinical profile of child deafness in Yaounde

In Cameroon, the prevalence of deafness in children is 3.6%. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile of these hearing impaired children at the time of diagnosis. Patients and methods.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place between November 2020 and June 2021 and involved 127 hearing impaired children. Results.The mean age of these children was 9.2 ± 3.9 years, with extreme values of 1 and 15 years. The sex ratio was 1.3. The average number of children in the siblings was 3.5 ± 1.8 children and 30.7% occupied the 1st rank in their siblings. The average birth weight was 3269 ± 0.685g. The neonatal history was found in 11.81% of the cases while the postnatal history related to 32.28% of the cases. Maternal alcoholism and parental genital infections were found during pregnancy. Familial deafness was found in one of the mothers (0.4%) and in the siblings in 3.1% (n=4). At the time of diagnosis, the median age was between 0 and 24 months, the mode of onset was old and 96.9% of children had bilateral deafness. The absence of reaction to noise and the delay of language were the most found modes of revelation. Moderate and severe deafness were the most represented and were mostly sensory or mixed. Among these deaf children, 4%presented a handicap or an associated pathology. Conclusion.The causes of child deafness in Yaoundé are acquired in perinatal period. This deafness is diagnosed in the perilingual period and remains dominated by bilateral deafness, whether severe or profound

Knowledge and practice related to the pap smear test among cytopathologists

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer amongst women, compared to other neoplasms, with a higher potential for prevention, slow evolution, and has a simple and effective screening test in its detection, cure when diagnosed early. The routine examination in Brazil for the prevention of this type of cancer is the Pap smear test. This study aimed to reveal the knowledge and practice regarding the Pap smear test among cytopathologists. A descriptive and exploratory research, a qualitative approach, performed with 21 cytopathologists, by e-mailing a data collection instrument, from March to April 2018. Data were treated using the Hierarchical Descending Classification in IraMuTeQ software and analyzed by the Discourse of the Collective Subject. The construction of the results was carried out based on aspects of the knowledge of the cytopathologists about the Pap smear, related to the importance of the completion of the post-graduation for its accomplishment, and aspects of cytopathologists practice regarding the relevance of performing the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. We conclude on the need to reorganize the activities in the work process of the health professionals involved in the Pap smear.

Patología y salud pública: Oportunidades para el avance / Pathology and public health: opportunities for progress

La patología y la salud pública son disciplinas que se complementan en múltiples formas, desde la información que aportan mutuamente a niveles individual y poblacional, hasta la elaboración de políticas públicas en salud y la gestión de la información en los biobancos, así como la articulación para respuesta en emergencias y brotes. En revisión no sistemática resaltamos que los dos campos de mayor colaboración con la salud pública son la patología forense (comprendiendo muertes violentas y no violentas) y la patología molecular, realizando aportes significativos a la planeación de los servicios de salud, la calidad de la información epidemiológica, la salud pública basada en la evidencia que permite una mejor toma de decisiones, y la gestión de la salud comunitaria y poblacional. A partir de la revisión realizada se identificaron como puntos de mejora el uso de los sistemas de información, la necesidad de un enfoque interdisciplinario más tangible, y la urgente transformación educativa que subyace a esta colaboración.

Pathology and public health are disciplines that complement each other in many ways, from the information they provide to each other at the individual and population levels, to the development of public health policies and the management of information in biobanks, as well as articulation in responding to emergencies and outbreaks. Our non-systematic review highlights that the two most relevant fields which collaborate with public health are forensic pathology (including violent and non-violent deaths) and molecular pathology, making significant contributions to health care planning, the quality of epidemiological information, evidence-based public health that enables better decision-making, and community and population health management. This review identified the use of information systems, the need for a more tangible interdisciplinary approach, and the urgent educational transformation that underlies this collaboration, as areas for improvement.

Carl von Rokitansky, el Linneo de la anatomía patológica / Carl von Rokitansky, the Linné of pathological anatomy

Resumen Carl von Rokitansky fue una de las figuras más importantes en la anatomía patológica y el responsable, en parte, del renacimiento de Viena como centro de la medicina a mediados del siglo XIX. Nació en la actual Hradec Králové, estudió medicina en Praga y Viena y se graduó en 1828. Tuvo gran influencia de los estudios de anatomía, embriología y patología de Andral, Lobstein y Meckel. En la escuela de Viena fue asistente de anatomía patológica de Johann Wagner y se convirtió en profesor de anatomía patológica, donde permaneció hasta cuatro años antes de su muerte. Rokitansky hizo énfasis en correlacionar la sintomatología del enfermo con los cambios post mortem. Es posible que haya tenido acceso a entre 1500 y 1800 cadáveres al año para que pudiera realizar 30 000 necropsias; además, revisó varios miles más de autopsias. En Handbuch der Pathologischen Anatomie, publicado entre 1842 y 1846, realizó numerosas descripciones: de la neumonía lobular y lobular, endocarditis, enfermedades de las arterias, quistes en varias vísceras, diversas neoplasias y de la atrofia aguda amarilla del hígado. Con su brillante labor de patología macroscópica, Rokitansky estableció la clasificación nosológica de las enfermedades, por lo cual Virchow lo llamó “el Linneo de la anatomía patológica”.

Abstract Carl von Rokitansky was one of the most important figures in pathological anatomy, and was largely responsible for the resurgence of Vienna as the great medical center of the world in the mid-19th century. He was born in current Hradec Králové, studied medicine in Prague and Vienna and was graduated in 1828. He was greatly influenced by the anatomy, embryology and pathology studies of Andral, Lobstein and Meckel. At the Vienna School, he was Johann Wagner pathological anatomy assistant and became a pathology professor, where he remained until four years before his death. Rokitansky emphasized the importance of correlating patient symptoms with postmortem changes. It is possible that he had access to between 1,500 and 1,800 cadavers annually to be able to perform 30,000 necropsies; in addition, he reviewed several thousand more autopsies. In Handbuch der pathologischen Anatomie, published between 1842 and 1846, he made numerous descriptions: lobar and lobular pneumonia, endocarditis, diseases of the arteries, cysts in several viscera, various neoplasms and acute yellow atrophy of the liver. With his brilliant work on gross pathology, Rokitansky established the nosological classification of diseases, for which Virchow named him “the Linné of pathological anatomy”.

Ependimoma intracraneal: apuntes clínicos, moleculares y anatomopatológicos / Intracranial ependymoma: clinical, molecular and pathological notes

RESUMEN Los ependimomas surgen de las células ependimarias que revisten los ventrículos y los pasajes en el encéfalo y el centro de la médula espinal. Las células ependimarias producen líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se decidió la realización de una revisión acerca del ependimoma intracraneal teniendo en cuenta que no existe artículo nacional que trate este tema, siendo la mayoría de los trabajos consultados referentes a la misma variante histológica pero en localización espinal, cuyo objetivo es describir la características clínicas, moleculares y anatomopatológicas del ependimoma intracraneal. Se realizó la búsqueda de artículos en revistas de las bases de datos: PubMed, Scielo y EBSCO. La búsqueda se limitó a artículos con el texto completo, publicados fundamentalmente en los últimos cinco años. El ependimoma intracraneal es un tumor frecuente en la edad pediátrica, sus manifestaciones clínicas dependen de su localización, presenta una gran diversidad molecular y anatomoptológica (AU).

SUMMARY Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells that line the ventricles and passages in the brain and center of the spinal cord. Ependymal cells produce cerebrospinal fluid. It was decided to conduct a review about intracranial ependymoma taking into account that there is no national article dealing with this issue, with most of the works consulted referring to the same histological variant but in spinal location, whose objective is to describe the clinical characteristics, Molecular and pathological pathways of intracranial ependymoma. We searched articles in journals of the databases: PubMed, Scielo and EBSCO. The search was limited to articles with the full text, published mainly in the last five years. Intracranial ependymoma is a frequent tumor in the pediatric age, its clinical manifestations depend on its location, it has a great molecular and anatomoptological diversity (AU).

Determinantes sociales en la propagación del virus del Zika en las Américas / Social determinants in the propagation of Zika virus in the Americas

RESUMEN El virus del Zika es transmitido por mosquitos Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus, se caracteriza por exantema, cefalea y fiebre y otras complicaciones. El primer caso del virus del Zika fue detectado en Cuba en febrero de 2016 y aunque está controlada la epidemia se mantiene el riesgo por existir presencia del vector. Con todos estos elementos los autores deciden realizar este estudio con el objetivo de determinar la influencia de las determinantes sociales en el comportamiento y la propagación de la enfermedad en América Latina. La declaración por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como una emergencia sanitaria hace necesario el desarrollo de un programa integral, para la erradicación del vector, la preparación de los profesionales actuantes y la información a la población que controle la propagación de la enfermedad (AU).

SUMMARY The Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes; it is characterized by exanthema, headache, fever and other complications. The first Zika virus case in Cuba was detected in February 2016, and although the epidemic is controlled the risk still exists because of the presence of the vector. With all these elements the authors decided to carry out this study with the objective of determining the influence of social determiners in the behavior and propagation of the disease in Latin America. Its declaration by the WHO as a health emergency makes it necessary the development of a comprehensive program to eradicate the vector, to prepare the officiating professionals and to inform the population for controlling the disease spreading (AU).

Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D revisited: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC)

ABSTRACT Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition with a negative impact on health. This statement, prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, includes methodological aspects and limitations of the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] for identification of vitamin D status, and identifies individuals at increased risk for deficiency of this vitamin in whom 25(OH)D measurement is recommended. For the general population, 25(OH)D levels between 20 and 60 ng/mL are considered normal, while individuals with levels below 20 ng/mL are considered to be vitamin D deficient. This statement identifies potential benefits of maintaining 25(OH)D levels > 30 ng/mL in specific conditions, including patients aged > 65 years or pregnant, those with recurrent falls, fragility fractures, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or cancer, and individuals using drugs with the potential to affect the vitamin D metabolism. This statement also calls attention to the risk of vitamin D intoxication, a life-threatening condition that occurs at 25(OH)D levels above 100 ng/mL

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the soft palate: a review of literature review

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC), also known as clear cell carcinoma, not otherwise specified [CCC, (NOS)], is a rare minor salivary gland tumor characterized by proliferation of clear cells, organized in trabecular cords, or solid nests within loose to densely hyalinized stroma. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion by the World Health Organization (WHO) because other salivary tumors may also have a clear cell component. Hence, there is a wide differential diagnosis. EWSR1-ATF1 gene rearrangements are fairly specific for this tumor, however, one of the recent studies have described its presence in clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) one of its histologic mimickers. EWSR1 and CREM fusions have recently been described in these tumors but its importance is still not well described. Here we present a case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with a recurrent lesion of the soft palate. Her initial lesion was resected and diagnosed as low-grade myoepithelial tumor. Surgical margins at the time of initial resection were positive and the re-excision was recommended but the patient did not undergo surgery. Two years later, local recurrence at the same site was found and an excision was performed yielding negative margins. Histopathologic examination revealed features consistent with hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. The patient remains disease free 1 year after the re-excision. The pathology, clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis and treatment of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma are reviewed.

Panorama atual do ensino da Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial nas escolas médicas do Brasil / Current overview of the teaching of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine in medical schools in Brazil

Introdução: Os testes laboratoriais exercem papel fundamental no atendimento médico de uma maneira geral há muitos anos. Além disso, o gasto com exames laboratoriais representa menos de 3% do custo total em saúde, tornando a relação custo-benefício altamente favorável ao uso dessa ferramenta. A despeito dessa enorme importância, a educação médica em relação a testes laboratoriais no Brasil ainda é incerta não existindo dados concretos sobre o ensino da Patologia Clínca/Medicina Laboratorial até a data do estudo (2019). Objetivo: Pretende-se traçar um panorama atual do ensino da Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial na graduação das escolas médicas do Brasil, comparando com o ensino da Patologia Geral. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa de levantamento ou um inquérito de dados das matrizes curriculares das escolas médicas do Brasil, por meio do acesso ao seu portal eletrônico. A relação de todas as instituições de ensino médico foi obtida junto ao site do Ministério da Educação no ano de 2019. Resultados: No Brasil há um predomínio de escolas privadas sobre públicas, sendo método de ensino tradicional (59%) mais comum em relação ao Problem-Based Learning (39%). Somente 23% das escolas médicas do Brasil possuem a disciplina de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial em suas matrizes curriculares. Em contrapartida, a Patologia Geral está presente em 57% das escolas. A região Centro-Oeste possui a menor prevalência (14,24%) quanto ao ensino de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial, enquanto que a região Sudeste mostrou a maior prevalência (28,57%). Conclusão: Apenas 23% das escolas médicas no Brasil possuem o ensino da Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial em suas grades curriculares. (AU)

Introduction: Laboratory tests play, in general, a fundamental role in medical care for many years. In addition, the cost of laboratory tests represents less than 3% of the total spent on the health system, making the cost-benefit ratio highly favorable to its use. Despite this enormous importance, medical education regarding those tests in Brazil is still uncertain, with no concrete data about the teaching of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine found until the date of the study (2019). Objective: To draw a current overview of the teaching of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine in undergraduate medical schools in the country, comparing with the teaching of General Pathology. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted by a data collection from curricular matrices of medical schools in Brazil, by the access to their websites. The list of the medical education institutions was obtained by the website of the Ministério da Educação in 2019. Results: In Brazil there is a predominance of private over public schools, the traditional teaching method (59%) is more common in relation to Problem-Based Learning (39%). Only 23% of medical schools in Brazil have the subject of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine in their curriculum matrix. In contrast, General Pathology subject is present in 57% of the schools. The Midwest region has the lowest prevalence (14,24%) regarding the teaching of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, while the Southeast region showed the highest prevalence (28,57%) .Conclusion: Only 23% of medical schools in Brazil have the teaching of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine in their curriculum.

Mejora de la calidad en el preanálisis de la Unidad Técnica de Patología Clínica / Improvement of quality processes in the preanalysis of the Clinical Pathology Technical Unit

INTRODUCCIÓN. El preanálisis es un proceso en el que se presenta el 71,0% de errores en el laboratorio clínico, por la presencia de factores como: la falta de automatización y la intervención de personal propio y ajeno al servicio, que lo convierte en vulnerable. OBJETIVO. Identificar, definir y estandarizar sub procesos preanalíticos en base a la norma ISO 15189:2012, identificar y realizar pilotaje de la aplicación de indicadores armonizados como elementos de mejora continua de la calidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo en el que se identificó el proceso preanalítico actual y sus sub procesos; se los estandarizó previo a un pilotaje, definiendo los indicadores para su aplicación en la Unidad Técnica de Patología Clínica del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín de la ciudad de Quito, Ecuador en el periodo junio a diciembre de 2018. RESULTADOS. Los subprocesos preanalíticos estandarizados fueron: Atención al Usuario, Identificación y generación de códigos, Toma de muestras, Transporte, preservación interna, separación y distribución de muestras; y, Referencia y contra referencia con sus procedimientos correspondientes y el tablero de indicadores. CONCLUSIÓN. Utilizar la norma de acreditación ISO15189:2012 para identificar y estandarizar sub procesos del proceso preanalítico, permitirá la mejora continua de la gestión de la calidad del laboratorio hospitalario de alta complejidad en su nivel de productividad.

INTRODUCTION. Pre-analysis is a process where 71,0% of errors made in the clinical laboratory, due to the existence of factors such as: lack of automation and in tervention of own personnel and other personnel non-related to the service, which render the process vulnerable. OBJECTIVE: To identify, define and standardize preanalytic sub processes, based on ISO 15189:2012 standard, identify and pilot the application of harmonized indicators as elements of continuous quality improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational-descriptive study where the current preanalytical process and its sub processes were identified; they were standardized prior to piloting, defining the indicators in the Clinical Pathology Technical Unit of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín of the city Quito, Ecuador in the period from June to December 2018. RESULTS. The standardized pre-analytic processes were: Customer service, Identification and generation of codes, Sampling, Transportation Internal preservation, separation and distribution of samples; and, Reference and counter reference with their corresponding procedures and the indicator board. CONCLUSION. To use the accreditation standard ISO15189:2012 to identify and standardize pre-analytic sub-processes, will allow the continuous improvement of the quality management of the hospital laboratory of high complexity in its level or productivity.

Caracterización clínico-patológica de la esofagitis eosinofílica en niños y adolescentes en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá / Clinical Pathology Characterization of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children and Adolescents at Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá

Resumen Introducción: la esofagitis eosinofílica (EEo) es una enfermedad emergente, crónica e inmunomediada. Clínicamente se caracteriza por síntomas asociados con disfunción esofágica e histológicamente por infiltrado inflamatorio predominante de eosinófilos. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, endoscópicas e histopatológicas de niños y adolescentes con diagnóstico de EEo en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá entre 2007 y 2017. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal que incluyó pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico histopatológico de EEo. Resultados: se incluyeron 46 pacientes, 31 de sexo masculino, con una edad promedio de 11,8 años (rango: 11 meses-18 años). El 70 % presentó dolor abdominal, el 37 % pirosis, 28 % emesis y el 22 % náuseas y disfagia. Los antecedentes más referidos fueron asma (41 %), rinitis alérgica (37 %), enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (22 %) y dermatitis atópica (15 %). El hallazgo endoscópico más frecuente fue los exudados blanquecinos, descritos en el 35 %. La sospecha endoscópica de EEo se describió en el 50 % de los casos. El estudio histopatológico mostró de 15 a 40 eosinófilos por campo de alto poder (CAP) en el 52 %, 41-60 en el 19,5 % y 61-80 en el 15,2 %. Se encontró hiperplasia de la lámina basal en el 95,6 % de los casos. Conclusiones: los pacientes en su mayoría eran adolescentes (69 %), el síntoma más frecuente fue el dolor abdominal (70 %) y el 40 % de los casos tenía antecedente de atopia. Solamente el 50 % tenía hallazgos endoscópicos sugestivos de EEo. El presente trabajo corresponde al primer análisis clínico y patológico de casos de EEo en niños y adolescentes en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging, chronic and immune-mediated disease. Clinically it is characterized by symptoms associated with esophageal dysfunction, and histologically by predominantly inflammatory eosinophil infiltrate. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, endoscopic and histopathological characteristics of children and adolescents diagnosed with EoE at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá between 2007 and 2017. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study that included patients under 18 years of age with histopathological diagnoses of EoE. Results: Forty-six patients were included, 31 were male, and the average age was 11.8 years (range 11 months - 18 years). Seventy percent presented abdominal pain, 37% presented heartburn, 28% suffered vomiting, 22% had nausea and dysphagia. The most common antecedents were asthma (41%), allergic rhinitis (37%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (22%) and atopic dermatitis (15%). The most frequent endoscopic finding consisted of whitish exudates found in 35% of the cases. Endoscopic suspicion of EoE was described in 50% of the cases. The histopathological study showed 15 to 40 eosinophils per high power field (HPF) in 52%, 41-60/HPF in 19.5%, and 61-80/HPF in 15.2%. Hyperplasia of the basal lamina was found in 95.6% of the cases. Conclusions: The majority of patients were adolescents (69%), the most frequent symptom was abdominal pain (70%), and 40% of cases had histories of atopy. Only 50% had endoscopic findings suggestive of EoE. This study is the first clinical and pathological analysis of EoE cases in children and adolescents in Colombia.

Effects of Academic Relationships on Academic Burnout in Health Professions Students / 의학교육논단

There are several dimensions of academic burnout experienced by medical and health science college students. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of academic relationships on academic burnout. Data was collected from 476 Eulji University students using an online survey over 4 days in April of 2018. Of the 264 respondents, 111 studied medicine (42.0%), 105 studied nursing (39.8%), and 48 studied clinical pathology (18.1%). The questionnaire was composed of the following sections: demographics (four questions), general life characteristics (seven questions), academic enthusiasm (eight questions), academic relationships (15 questions), and academic burnout sub-dimensions (partially revised Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey Scale) (11 questions). T-tests and one-way analysis of variance were performed to illustrate the differences among the three departments. The effects of academic relationships and academic enthusiasm on academic burnout were analyzed using linear regression. Comparing the three departments, academic burnout was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.296). However, medical students' academic enthusiasm was significantly lower (p<0.001) and academic relationships were significantly higher (p<0.001) than nursing and clinical pathology students. The difference in academic burnout among the three departments was not significant. However, medical students have stronger academic relationships, while nursing and clinical pathology students were more focused on academics. Relationships and academic enthusiasm contribute to reducing academic burnout. Therefore, strategies need to be developed to deal with academic burnout considering relationship factors.

The outcome evaluation between two different curriculum: students' retention capacity based on comparative study in Indonesia / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of two different curriculum in clinical pathology using students' retention capacity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2017. There were two groups of students enrolled in clinical pathology course. A retention test therefore was conducted 5 months after the course had finished using 25 multiple choice questions-single best answer. Comparisons of means are determined by Mann-Whitney U-test using SPSS version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). RESULTS: A total of 280 students participated in the study of a 5-month post-course evaluation, and the average for the first group (n=138) is 10.93±3.57 while the second group (n=142) average is 8.56±3.19. The difference between the first and the second group are statistically significant (p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: The group with longer duration and more number of parallel courses had a higher retention score. Further research using retention test in different courses should be conducted to analyze which curriculum that promotes students' understanding of medical knowledge.

Clinical and histopathological study of actinic cheilitis / Estudo clínico e histopatológico das queilites actínicas

Abstract Introduction Actinic cheilitis is a inflammatory condition affecting mainly the lower lip and it is caused by chronic and excessive exposure of the lips to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Objective Identifying clinical and histopathologic characteristics in 40 cases histopathologically diagnosed as actinic cheilitis. In addition, to investigate possible associations between these aspects. Method Defined as an observational, transversal, retrospective and descriptive study, it registered data regarding age, gender, occupation, symptomatology, records of sun exposure, frequency of sunblock use, tabagism, skin color, clinical aspect and histopathological classification. The data was submitted to the chi square test of Pearson (p<0.05). Result There was a predominance of male gender, leucodermia, and ages ranging between 50 and 60 years. The most common occupation was farming. From our sample, 85% had history of chronic sun exposure, in which 50% reported the use of some type of sunblock and only 25% were smokers. The main clinical condition was non-ulcerated leukoplakia and in the histopathological study, the hyperkeratosis were more common. A correlation between the degree of tissue alteration verified in the histopathological diagnosis and the studied clinical variables was not established (p=0.112). Conclusion The clinical aspect of the wound can conceal tissue alterations in different stages, emphasizing the importance of a premature diagnosis.

Resumo Introdução A queilite actínica e uma condição de natureza inflamatória que acomete o lábio inferior, e é causada pela exposição prolongada e crônica dos lábios à radiação ultravioleta proveniente dos raios solares. Objetivo Identificar as características clínicas e histopatológicas em uma série de 40 casos diagnosticados histopatologicamente como queilite actínica. Além disso, investigar possíveis associações entre estes aspectos. Método Caracterizado como um estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo. Foram registrados dados a respeito da idade, gênero, ocupação, sintomatologia, histórico de exposição ao sol, uso de proteção solar, tabagismo, cor da pele, aspecto clínico e classificação histopatológica. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Qui-Quadrado de Pearson (p<0,05). Resultado Houve uma prevalência do gênero masculino, leucodermas, com faixa etária entre 50 e 60 anos e a ocupação mais presente foi a de agricultor. Da amostra, 85% apresentou histórico de exposição crônica ao sol, onde 50% relatou uso de algum tipo de proteção solar e apenas 25% era tabagista. A principal apresentação clínica foi leucoplasia não ulcerada, e no estudo histopatológico as hiperceratoses foram as mais presentes. Não foi possível correlacionar o grau de alteração tecidual verificada no diagnóstico histopatológico com as variáveis clínicas estudadas (p=0,112). Conclusão Não foi possível correlacionar o grau de alteração tecidual verificada no diagnóstico histopatológico com os aspectos clínicos observados. O aspecto clínico da lesão pode mascarar alterações teciduais em diversos estágios, o que enaltece a importância do diagnóstico precoce.