COVID-19 Computed tomography patterns in renal replacement therapy patients / Padrões de tomografia computadorizada da COVID-19 em pacientes em terapia renal substitutiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lung diseases are common in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), making differential diagnosis with COVID-19 a challenge. This study describes pulmonary chest tomography (CT) findings in hospitalized ESKD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with clinical suspicion of COVID-19. Methods: ESKD individuals referred to emergency department older than 18 years with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 were recruited. Epidemiological baseline clinical information was extracted from electronic health records. Pulmonary CT was classified as typical, indeterminate, atypical or negative. We then compared the CT findings of positive and negative COVID-19 patients. Results: We recruited 109 patients (62.3% COVID-19-positive) between March and December 2020, mean age 60 ± 12.5 years, 43% female. The most common etiology of ESKD was diabetes. Median time on dialysis was 36 months, interquartile range = 12-84. The most common pulmonary lesion on CT was ground glass opacities. Typical CT pattern was more common in COVID-19 patients (40 (61%) vs 0 (0%) in non-COVID-19 patients, p < 0.001). Sensitivity was 60.61% (40/66) and specificity was 100% (40/40). Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 62.3%, respectively. Atypical CT pattern was more frequent in COVID-19-negative patients (9 (14%) vs 24 (56%) in COVID-19-positive, p < 0.001), while the indeterminate pattern was similar in both groups (13 (20%) vs 6 (14%), p = 0.606), and negative pattern was more common in COVID-19-negative patients (4 (6%) vs 12 (28%), p = 0.002). Conclusions: In hospitalized ESKD patients on RRT, atypical chest CT pattern cannot adequately rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19.

RESUMO Introdução: Doenças pulmonares são comuns em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET), dificultando o diagnóstico diferencial com COVID-19. Este estudo descreve achados de tomografia computadorizada de tórax (TC) em pacientes com DRET em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) hospitalizados com suspeita de COVID-19. Métodos: Indivíduos maiores de 18 anos com DRET, encaminhados ao pronto-socorro com suspeita de COVID-19 foram incluídos. Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram extraídos de registros eletrônicos de saúde. A TC foi classificada como típica, indeterminada, atípica, negativa. Comparamos achados tomográficos de pacientes com COVID-19 positivos e negativos. Resultados: Recrutamos 109 pacientes (62,3% COVID-19-positivos) entre março e dezembro de 2020, idade média de 60 ± 12,5 anos, 43% mulheres. A etiologia mais comum da DRET foi diabetes. Tempo médio em diálise foi 36 meses, intervalo interquartil = 12-84. A lesão pulmonar mais comum foi opacidades em vidro fosco. O padrão típico de TC foi mais comum em pacientes com COVID-19 (40 (61%) vs. 0 (0%) em pacientes sem COVID-19, p < 0,001). Sensibilidade 60,61% (40/66), especificidade 100% (40/40). Valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram 100% e 62,3%, respectivamente. Padrão atípico de TC foi mais frequente em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (9 (14%) vs. 24 (56%) em COVID-19-positivos, p < 0,001), enquanto padrão indeterminado foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (13 (20%) vs. 6 (14%), p = 0,606), e padrão negativo foi mais comum em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (4 (6%) vs. 12 (28%), p = 0,002). Conclusões: Em pacientes com DRET em TRS hospitalizados, um padrão atípico de TC de tórax não pode excluir adequadamente o diagnóstico de COVID-19.

Elimination diet in food allergy: friend or foe?

Abstract Objectives To review and discuss the role of an elimination diet in food-allergic children, emphasizing nutritional aspects for a better practical approach. Sources Non-systematic review of the literature. Findings Under an elimination diet, food-allergic patients may suffer from growth impairment or obesity and compromised quality of life. Disease phenotype, age, type, number of foods excluded, comorbidities, eating difficulties, economic status, and food availability must be considered for an appropriate diet prescription. Diet quality encompasses diversity and degree of food processing, which may alter immune regulation. Conclusions A friendly food elimination diet prescription depends on a multidisciplinary approach beyond macro and micronutrients.

Effects of Different Tidal Volumes and PEEPs on Cardiac Output in Pigs Measured by Pulmonary Artery Catheter， Pulse Contour Analysis and Transpulmonary Thermodilution / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of different tidal volumes and positive end expiratory pressures （PEEPs） during mechanical ventilation on the cardiac output of pigs measured by pulmonary artery catheter， transpulmonary thermodilution and pulse contour analysis， and to explore their consistency in cardiac output determination. MethodsTwelve experimental pigs were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups， with 4 pigs in each. Cardiac output was measured by different methods， control group by pulmonary artery catheter， group A by transpulmonary thermodilution and group B by pulse contour analysis. Then we compared the effects of different tidal volumes and PEEPs on the cardiac output of pigs and to explore the consistency. The correlation coefficient between pulse contour analysis and pulmonary artery catheter was r=0.754， and they were positively correlated. The correlation coefficient between transpulmonary thermodilution and pulmonary artery catheter was r=0.771， and they were positively correlated. In determining cardiac output， pulse contour analysis was consistent with pulmonary artery catheter， with a relative error of 13.5% between them； transpulmonary thermodilution was consistent with pulmonary artery catheter， with a relative error of 12.9% between them. The cardiac output decreased significantly along with the increase of tidal volumes or PEEPs and the differences were statistically significant （P<0.05） ConclusionPulmonary artery catheter， transpulmonary thermodilution and pulse contour analysis are well consistent with each other in measuring the cardiac output of pigs. The pigs’cardiac output gradually decreased along with the increase of tidal volumes or PEEPs during mechanical ventilation.

High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy in a Palliative Care Unit: Three Cases of Cancer Patients Suffering from Severe Dyspnea with Respiratory Failure

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) in palliative care is mentioned in several guidelines, however, the indication for this procedure has not been established yet. At our department, HFNC has increasingly been adopted for end-stage cancer patients when their dyspnea needs to be alleviated. This is a case report on three patients treated with this procedure at our department. Although they had severe dyspnea with respiratory failure, their daily activities, such as enjoying meals and conversation with their families, were improved with HFNC. It can be a treatment of choice to maintain and improve patients’ quality of life (QOL) in palliative setting, where benefits and risks should be considered for each patient.

Pulmonary rehabilitation protocols in urgent lung transplantation patients / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Prolonged invasive respiratory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients requiring urgent lung transplantation (ULTx) present significant challenges to clinical practice due to severe underlying diseases and complex conditions. The aim of the study was to report the clinical outcomes of patients who received ULTx and followed the perioperative rehabilitation protocol implemented in a lung transplant center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in ULTx patients who required preoperative invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and ECMO between January 2018 and January 2023. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records at our lung transplant center. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (mean age 57.43±10.97 years; 12 males, 2 females) underwent ULTx with bridging ECMO and IMV. The mean body mass index was 23.94±3.33 kg/m², and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 21.50±3.96. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scores were ≥3. ULTx was performed after an 8.5-day waiting period (interquartile interval [IQR] 5.0-26.5 d). Following the surgeries, the average lengths of ECMO and IMV were 1.0 (IQR 1.0-2.0) d and 5.0 (IQR 3.0-7.3) d, respectively. The total length of hospital stay was 60.1±30.8 d, with an average intensive care unit stay of 38.3±22.9 d and post-operative hospitalization stay of 45.8±26.1 d. Two patients died within 30 d after ULTx, with a 30-day survival rate of 85.71%. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving ULTx showed an acceptable short-term survival rate, validating the practicality and safety of the treatment protocols implemented in our center.

Regulation mechanism of macrophage transition in renal fibrosis / 器官移植

Renal fibrosis is a common pathological change from development to end-stage renal diseases in all progressive chronic kidney diseases. Renal fibrosis after kidney transplantation will severely affect the renal graft function. Macrophages are characterized with high heterogeneity and plasticity. During the process of kidney injury, macrophages are recruited, activated and polarized by local microenvironment, and participate in the process of renal tissue injury, repair and fibrosis through multiple mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that macrophages may transit into myofibroblasts and directly participate in the formation of renal fibrosis. This process is known as macrophage-myofibroblast transition. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. In this article, the role of macrophages in renal fibrosis, the characteristics of macrophage-myofibroblast transition and the possible regulatory mechanism were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for relevant research of renal fibrosis.

Hospice Care with Chinese Characteristics from the Perspective of Comparison between Chinese and Western Cultures / 中国医学伦理学

Due to the difference of cultural background, the psychological, social and spiritual needs of dying people are very different, so there are great differences in the care and nursing concept of dying people in different countries and nationalities. In order to construct the modern hospice care, we should actively learn from the western experience, but more important is to dig the local ideological resources from the traditional culture, build a set of caring care theory and practice rooted in China and originated from the concept of a good end of Chinese traditional culture, with the characteristics of the times and the cultural confidence of the Chinese nation, serving the Chinese people, and with Chinese characteristics.

Awareness of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order among Medical Students in Universiti Sains Malaysia

@#Introduction: Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a type of Advance Medical Directive (AMD) that documents a patient’s wishes or desire to refrain from Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), especially in the terminally ill patient. It is a sensitive issue in patient care and less is known on medical students awareness on the area. Aim: This study assessed the opinion, knowledge, awareness and familiarity toward Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order among undergraduate medical students from year 1 to 5 in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 undergraduate medical students using an online questionnaire on awareness towards DNR orders. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were applied to examine the distribution and association of DNR awareness among medical students with year of study, gender, race and religion. Results: The study indicated that most participants (84.4%) were familiar with DNR orders. There was no significant association between all 4 variables (year of study, gender, race and religion) with level of awareness among undergraduate medical students in HUSM. Conclusion: Undergraduate medical students have a good awareness on DNR orders. Despite having a multiracial and multi religion community, the medical students have similar patterns in their knowledge about DNR.

Research report of living donor kidney harvesting in Bama miniature pigs with six gene modified / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the experience and practical value of living donor kidney harvesting in Bama miniature pigs with six gene modified. Methods The left kidney of Bama miniature pigs with six gene modified was obtained by living donor kidney harvesting technique. First, the ureter was occluded, and then the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta were freed. During the harvesting process, the ureter, renal vein and renal artery were exposed and freed in sequence. The vascular forceps were used at the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava, and the renal artery and vein were immediately perfused with 4℃ renal preservation solution, and stored in ice normal saline for subsequent transplantation. Simultaneously, the donor abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava gap were sutured. The operation time, blood loss, warm and cold ischemia time, postoperative complications and the survival of donors and recipients were recorded. Results The left kidney of the genetically modified pig was successfully harvested. Intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL, warm ischemia time was 45 s, and cold ischemia time was 2.5 h. Neither donor nor recipient pig received blood transfusion, and urinary function of the kidney transplanted into the recipient was recovered. The donor survived for more than 8 months after the left kidney was resected. Conclusions Living donor kidney harvesting is safe and reliable in genetically modified pigs. Branch blood vessels could be processed during kidney harvesting, which shortens the process of kidney repair and the time of cold ischemia. Living donor kidney harvesting contributes to subsequent survival of donors and other scientific researches.

Liver transplantation for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis / 器官移植

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a common zoonotic endemic parasitic disease in western China. It lacks of typical clinical manifestations in the early stage, and symptoms become prominent during the end stage, with an alarmingly high mortality rate. Among the treatment of end-stage HAE (es-HAE), orthotopic liver transplantation is almost the only radical treatment due to insufficient remnant liver volume, uncontrollable bleeding and difficulty in vascular reconstruction in vivo. However, the shortage of donor liver and long-term postoperative use of immunosuppressants limit its application. The introduction of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) resolves this dilemma and significantly broadens the indications of es-HAE. In addition, multiple centers in China have optimized and modified ELRA to further improve the treatment system of es-HAE. At present, liver transplantation (including ELRA) of es-HAE remains a hot topic for clinicians. In this article, orthotopic liver transplantation, ELRA, auxiliary ELRA and other surgical treatment of es-HAE were reviewed, aiming to further enhance the diagnosis and treatment of es-HAE and improve clinical prognosis of the patients.

Comparison of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in renal transplantation recipients: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background: End-stage renal diseases patients have a high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), which is multifactorial and need acute attention after renal transplantation for a successful outcome in term of an uneventful postoperative period. The study was done to compare the efficacy of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing early and late-onset PONV in live donor renal transplantation recipients (LDRT). Methods: The prospective randomized double-blinded study was done on 112 consecutive patients planned for live donor renal transplantation. Patients of both sexes in the age group of 18-60 years were randomly divided into two groups: Group O (Ondansetron) and Group P (Palonosetron) with 56 patients in each group by computer-generated randomization. The study drug was administered intravenously (IV) slowly over 30 seconds, one hour before extubation. Postoperatively, the patients were accessed for PONV at 6, 24, and 72 hours using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) nausea score and PONV intensity scale. Results: The incidence of PONV in the study was found to be 30.35%. There was significant difference in incidence of PONV between Group P and Group O at 6 hours (12.5% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.013) and 72 hours (1.8% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.001), but insignificant difference at 24 hours (1.8% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.113). VAS-nausea score was significantly lower in Group P as compared to Group O at a time point of 24 hours (45.54 ± 12.64 vs. 51.96 ± 14.70, p = 0.015) and 72 hours (39.11 ± 10.32 vs. 45.7 ± 15.12, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Palonosetron is clinically superior to ondansetron in preventing early and delayed onset postoperative nausea and vomiting in live-related renal transplant recipients.

Garantizar el derecho a una muerte segura y culturalmente adecuada: el sentido de las ocupaciones en la tríada vida-muerte-renacimiento desde la visión indígena Colombiana / Garantindo o direito a uma morte segura e culturalmente apropriada: o significado das ocupações na tríade vida-morte-renascimento a partir da visão indígena colombiana / Guaranteeing the right to a safe and culturally appropriate death: the meaning of occupations in the life-death-rebirth triad from the Colombian indigenous perspective

Resumen El valor espiritual atribuido a la muerte, para los guardianes del corazón del mundo en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, como en otras culturas indígenas, integra una preparación social, física, ética, ecológica y emocional para hacer un acompañamiento saludable a la vida después de la muerte. Su importancia va mucho más allá de una visión relacionada con hechos espectaculares o la desmitificación de su cosmovisión como "pobre o vulnerable". A través de una reflexión situada de los procesos de salud, enfermedad y cuidado en el contexto indígena del final de la vida, proponemos considerar el sentido de las ocupaciones en la tríada vida - muerte - renacimiento, para garantizar el derecho a una muerte segura y culturalmente adecuada. La dimensión ocupacional, como agente de construcción e interpretación de los significados colectivos de las comunidades indígenas a través de la espiritugogía precedida por su ancestralidad, puede ofrecer otras perspectivas interculturales de cuidados paliativos milenarios y un seguimiento diferenciado y respetuoso por parte de los sistemas de salud.

Resumo O valor espiritual atribuído à morte, pelos guardiões do coração do mundo na Serra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colômbia, como em outras culturas indígenas, integra uma preparação social, física, ética, ecológica e emocional para fazer um acompanhamento saudável para a vida após a morte. Sua importância vai muito além de uma visão relacionada a eventos espetaculares ou a desmistificação de sua visão de mundo como "pobres ou vulneráveis". Por meio de uma reflexão situada dos processos de saúde, doença e cuidado no contexto indígena do final da vida, propomos considerar o significado das ocupações na tríade vida - morte - renascimento, para garantir o direito a uma morte segura e culturalmente apropriada. A dimensão ocupacional, como agente de criação e interpretação dos significados coletivos das comunidades indígenas por meio da espiritugogía precedida por sua ancestralidade, pode oferecer outras perspectivas interculturais de cuidados paliativos milenares e um acompanhamento diferenciado e respeitoso pelos sistemas de saúde.

Abstract The spiritual value attributed to death, by the guardians of the heart of the world in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, as in other indigenous cultures, integrates a social, physical, ethical, ecological, and emotional preparation to make a healthy accompaniment to life after death. Its importance goes far beyond a vision related to spectacular events or the demystification of the indigenous worldview as being considered "poor or vulnerable". Through a situated reflection of the health, illness and care processes within an indigenous context at the end of life, we propose to consider the meaning of occupations in the triad of life - death - rebirth, to ensure a compliance with the right of one that alludes to the meaning of a safe and culturally appropriate death. The occupational dimension, as an agent for creating and interpreting the collective meanings of indigenous communities through the espiritugogía preceded by their ancestry, can offer other intercultural perspectives of ancient palliative care and differentiated and respectful support by health systems.

Fim de emergências de saúde inacabadas e as redes de cuidados com a síndrome congênita do Zika vírus / The end of unfinished health emergencies and the Congenital Zika Syndrome

Resumo Entendendo que problemas de saúde sempre são inacabadas, este trabalho examina consequências da declaração do fim de uma emergência de saúde sobre práticas de diferentes redes de cuidado interconectadas. Parte da pesquisa "Etnografando Cuidados...", é um estudo de caso qualitativo de três documentos produzidos depois do anúncio do fim da epidemia da síndrome congênita de Zika vírus. Mostra contextos de produção de narrativas envolvendo redes de pesquisadores, gestores/prestadores de serviço, mães e famílias de acometidos e associações de mães e suas perspectivas diferentes sobre o que é cuidado. Análises de uma apresentação para pesquisadores e de um texto de discussão no IPEA questionam a narrativa técnica da celebração do fim da emergência com base em conhecimento e atendimento, sem tomar em conta a importância dos cuidados relacionais e afetivos e políticos (das redes de mães/familiares e de associações), deixando-os invisibilizados. Descreve o processo da elaboração da moção para o Fórum Zika na Pandemia, elencando e sistematizando propostas de ações através de um diálogo explícito entre integrante das diferentes redes para abordar questões inacabadas pós-emergenciais. Sugere que práticas semelhantes de diálogo entre redes possam promover maior inclusão e sensibilidade a cuidados que contribuem para diminuir sofrimento e defender direitos de pessoas que continuam a conviver cotidianamente com uma síndrome ou doença cujas consequências persistem.

Abstract Understanding health problems as always unfinished, this article examines consequences of the declaration of the end of a health emergency on the practice of different and interconnected care networks. As part of the "Action Ethnography on Care…" research project, this is a qualitative case study of three documents produced after the announcement of the end of the Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome epidemic. It shows the contexts of narrative production involving researchers, managers/ public service workers, mothers and families of the ill, and mothers' associations and their different perspectives about what care is. Analyses of a presentation for researchers and of a working paper for the Applied Economics Research Institute (IPEA) question the technical narrative celebrating the end of the emergency based on knowledge and health service without taking into account the relational, affective and political care (of mothers, families and associations), leaving the latter invisible. It describes the process of elaboration of a motion by the Zika Pandemic Forum, listing and systematizing action proposals produced in an explicit dialogue among participants in different care networks to approach unfinished post-emergency questions. It suggests that similar practices of dialogue between networks can promote greater inclusion and sensitivity to care that contribute to reducing suffering and defending the rights of people who continue to live daily with a syndrome or disease whose consequences persist.

Dimensão ética da alimentação e hidratação artificiais no doente terminal / Ethics, artificial nutrition, and hydration in terminal patients / Dimensión ética de la nutrición e hidratación artificial en los pacientes terminales

Resumo Dada a insuficiente evidência científica, decisões relativas à utilização de nutrição e hidratação artificiais em pacientes terminais configuram um importante dilema ético. Identifica-se um conflito entre as perspetivas de "tratar" e "cuidar", com variação quanto a sua utilização conforme o contexto legal e cultural de diferentes países. O intuito deste estudo é esclarecer se essa prática constitui uma medida de cuidado básico ou um tratamento fútil e desproporcionado. Procede-se a uma revisão das diretrizes e dos códigos deontológicos de diferentes países europeus. Em Portugal, na Itália e na Polônia, tal prática é vista como uma medida de cuidado básico; já em países como França, Inglaterra, Noruega, Irlanda, Alemanha, Finlândia, Holanda, Bélgica e Suíça, é considerada um tratamento fútil. Na Romênia, na Croácia e na Hungria, verifica-se um enquadramento ético e legal insuficiente. As diferenças de abordagem a doentes terminais podem ser reflexo das diferentes perspetivas culturais.

Abstract Given the lack of scientific evidence, decisions regarding the administration of artificial nutrition and hydration in terminally ill patients constitute an important ethical dilemma due to the conflict between "treat" and "care" perspectives and the varying usage depending on the legal and cultural background across countries. This study aims to explain whether this practice configures a basic care intervention or a futile medical treatment. Therefore, we review the national guidelines and codes of ethics from several European countries. Countries such as Portugal, Italy, and Poland view it as a basic care intervention, whereas France, England, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, as a medical treatment. Moreover, countries such as Romania, Croatia, and Hungary lack such legal framework. The different approaches regarding the care of terminally ill patients can reflect differences on cultural perspectives.

Resumen Dada la insuficiente evidencia científica, las decisiones sobre el uso de la nutrición e hidratación artificiales en los pacientes terminales constituyen un importante dilema ético. Se identifica un conflicto entre las perspectivas de "tratar" y "cuidar", con variaciones en su uso según el contexto legal y cultural de los diferentes países. El objetivo de este estudio es dilucidar si esta práctica constituye una medida de atención básica o un tratamiento fútil y desproporcionado. Se realiza una revisión de las directrices y códigos deontológicos de diferentes países europeos. En Portugal, Italia y Polonia, se considera esta práctica como una medida de atención básica; mientras que en países como Francia, Inglaterra, Noruega, Irlanda, Alemania, Finlandia, Holanda, Bélgica y Suiza, se considera un tratamiento fútil. En Rumanía, Croacia y Hungría, el marco ético y jurídico es insuficiente. Las diferencias en el tratamiento de los pacientes terminales pueden reflejar diferentes perspectivas culturales.

Ileostomy: early and late complications

Introduction: Ileostomy formation is performed for multiple purposes related to intestinal pathology, such as obstructive malignant or benign tumors, inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal ischemia, and, for the most part, as a protective stoma in high-risk anastomosis. The creation of this surgical opening, despite being considered a simple procedure, is undoubtedly followed by complications in certain cases. Materials and Methods: We conducted an electronic literature search in the MEDLINE database using the PubMed search engine. A total of 43 articles were included in the present review. Results/Discussion: Over the course of the present work, we were able to explore different types of complications that can arise in patients with an ileostomy. High-output stomas were found to be associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Skin-related morbidity was shown to be present in a great percentage of patients. More severe complications, such as peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum and necrosis, are less frequent and require urgent management. Several risk factors were identified in cases of retraction, obstruction, prolapse, and parastomal herniation. Conclusion: Even though ileostomies may present numerous benefits in certain patients, they are also associated with many complications, which should be avoided and quickly managed, because they can severely affect the quality of life of the patients. Surveillance and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable, bearing in mind that a good performance on the part of the responsible surgeon is also a key factor. (AU)

Portuguese Advance Directives-a twist against futility? A cross sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advance Directive documents allow citizens to choose the treatments they want for end-of-life care without considering therapeutic futility. OBJECTIVES: To analyze patients' and caregivers' answers to Advance Directives and understand their expectations regarding their decisions. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study analyzed participants' answers to a previously published trial, conceived to test the document's efficacy as a communication tool. METHODS: Sixty palliative patients and 60 caregivers (n = 120) registered their preferences in the Advance Directive document and expressed their expectations regarding whether to receive the chosen treatments. RESULTS: In the patient and caregiver groups, 30% and 23.3% wanted to receive cardiorespiratory resuscitation; 23.3% and 25% wanted to receive artificial organ support; and 40% and 35% chose to receive artificial feeding and hydration, respectively. The participants ignored the concept of therapeutic futility and expected to receive invasive treatments. The concept of therapeutic futility should be addressed and discussed with both the patients and caregivers. Legal Advanced Directive documents should be made clear to reduce misinterpretations and potential legal conflicts. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that all citizens should be clarified regarding the futility concept before filling out the Advance Directives and propose a grammatical change in the document, replacing the phrase "Health Care to Receive / Not to Receive" with the sentence "Health Care to Accept / Refuse" so that patients cannot demand treatments, but instead accept or refuse the proposed therapeutic plans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05090072 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05090072.

Advanced glycation end products consumption and the decline of functional capacity in patients with Parkinson's disease: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) are a diverse group of highly reactive molecules that play a vital role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), leading to a decline in functional and cognitive capacity. The objective of this study was to assess the intake and quantification of AGEs in individuals with PD and to correlate them with their functional and cognitive abilities. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 20 PD patients and 20 non-PD individuals as the Control group (C). The autofluorescence reader was used to evaluate skin AGEs, while food recall was used to quantify AGEs consumed for three different days. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and handgrip tests were used. PD patients demonstrated greater impairment in functional capacity compared to the control group. Results Dominant Handgrip (p = 0.02) and motor performance, in the sit and stand test (p = 0.01) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (p = 0.01) were inferior in PD patients than the control group. Although PD patients tended to consume less AGEs than the control group, AGE intake was negatively correlated with handgrip strength in individuals with PD (r = -0.59; p < 0.05). Conclusion PD patients had lower strength and functional capacity, suggesting that the effects of AGEs might be exacerbated during chronic diseases like Parkinson's.

The Association Between Ascending Aortic and Left Ventricular Dimensions in Patients After Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is often recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis or chronic aortic regurgitation. These conditions result in remodeling of the left ventricle, including increased interstitial fibrosis that may persist even after AVR. These structural changes impact left ventricular (LV) mechanics, causing compromised LV diameter to occur earlier than reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and its role in aortic expansion one year after AVR. Methods: Sixty-three patients who underwent AVR were evaluated. All patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography, which included measurements of the ascending aorta, aortic root, LVEF, and LVEDD before the surgery and one year postoperatively. Correlations between these variables were calculated. Results: All patients underwent AVR with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic aortic valve. Following AVR, there was a significant decrease in the dimensions of the ascending aorta and aortic root (both P=0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in LVEDD and LVEF. Correlations were found between the preoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.419, P=0.001 and r=0.320, P=0.314, respectively). Additionally, there was a correlation between the postoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.320, P=0.003 and r=0.136, P=0.335, respectively). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate a significant correlation between the size of the aortic root and ascending aorta, before and after AVR. Additionally, a notable correlation was observed between postoperative LVEDD and the size of the aortic root.

Variability in the perception of palliative care and end-of-life care among hematology professionals from the same reference center in Bahia, Brazil: A descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are several illness-specific cultural and system-based barriers to palliative care (PC) integration and end-of-life (EOL) care in the field of oncohematology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the variability in the perceptions of PC and EOL care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Division of our University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty physicians responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and an adaptation of clinical questionnaires used in previous studies from October to December 2022. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44 years, 80% of the participants identified as female, and 75% were hematologists. Participants faced a hypothetical scenario involving the treatment of a 65-year-old female with a poor prognosis acute myeloid leukemia refractory to first-line treatment. Sixty percent of the participants chose to follow other chemotherapy regimens, whereas 40% opted for PC. Next, participants considered case salvage for the patient who developed septic shock following chemotherapy and were prompted to choose their most probable conduct, and the conduct they thought would be better for the patient. Even though participants were from the same center, we found a divergence from the most probable conduct among 40% of the participants, which was due to personal convictions, legal aspects, and other physicians' reactions. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable differences in the perception of PC and EOL care among professionals, despite following the same protocols. The study also demonstrated variations between healthcare professionals' beliefs and practices and persistent historical tendencies to prioritize aggressive interventions.

Actitudes de los médicos de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel ante la muerte / Attitudes of physicians in a tertiary care children's hospital in the face of death

Introducción. La muerte involucra, para los médicos, un análisis complejo que determina su actitud hacia el paciente, principalmente los comportamientos en situaciones de diagnóstico, tratamiento y la relación médico-paciente. Objetivos. 1) Describir las actitudes del personal médico de un hospital pediátrico ante la muerte. 2) Explorar si existen factores asociados a esas actitudes. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal, por encuesta. Se invitó a los médicos de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, a completar el Cuestionario de actitud ante la muerte (CAM). Se investigaron variables sociodemográficas, categoría profesional y área laboral, haber presenciado la muerte de pacientes, autopercepción de actitud positiva ante la muerte y actitud ante la muerte según CAM. Resultados. Entre el 01 de junio de 2021 y el 01 de junio de 2022 se incluyeron 362 participantes, con edad media de 39,88 (± 11,56) años y experiencia médica asistencial de 14,06 (± 11,97) años. Presentaron actitud positiva 35 (9,67 %). Encontramos significancia estadística para mayor probabilidad de actitud positiva en edad ≥ 40 años (p = 0,02, IC95 % 1,1-3,9), experiencia médica asistencial ≥ 14 años (p = 0,042, IC95 % 1-4,1), creencia religiosa (p = 0,003, IC95 % 1,4-10,5), práctica religiosa activa (p <0,001, IC95 % 1,6-6,9) y autopercepción positiva ante la muerte (p = 0,002, IC95 % 1,7-30,8). Conclusiones. El 9,67 % de los encuestados presentó actitud positiva ante la muerte. Los factores asociados a ella fueron edad ≥ 40 años, experiencia médica asistencial ≥ 14 años, creencia religiosa, práctica religiosa activa y la autopercepción personal de actitud positiva ante la muerte.

Introduction. For physicians, death involves an intricate analysis that determines their attitude towards the patient. Objectives. 1) To describe the attitudes towards death among medical staff working at a children's hospital. 2) To explore factors associated with such attitudes. Population and methods. Cross-sectional, survey study. The physicians working at a tertiary care children's hospital completed the Questionnaire of attitudes towards death (QAD). Sociodemographic variables, professional category, work setting, having witnessed the death of patients, self-perception of a positive attitude towards death, and attitude towards death according to the QAD were studied. Results. Between June 1st, 2021 and June 1st, 2022, 362 participants were included; mean age: 39.88 years (± 11.56), health care experience: 14.06 years (± 11.97). A positive attitude was observed in 35 (9.67%). A statistical significance was observed for a greater probability of a positive attitude among those who were ≥ 40 years old (p = 0.02, 95% CI: 1.1­3.9), had health care experience for ≥ 14 years (p = 0.042, 95% CI: 1­4.1), had a religious belief (p = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.4­10.5), actively practiced their religion (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.6­6.9), and had a positive self-perception in the face of death (p = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.7­30.8). Conclusions. A positive attitude towards death was observed in 9.67% of surveyed participants. Associated factors were age ≥ 40 years, health care experience for ≥ 14 years, religious belief, active religious practice, and self-perception of a positive attitude towards death.