Early versus late sphenopalatine ganglion block with ropivacaine in postdural puncture headache: an observational study

Abstract Background Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication of neuraxial techniques which delays patients' discharge. Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) is a safe bedside technique with comparable efficacy to Epidural Blood Patch, the gold-standard treatment. There is no evidence on the ideal timing for SPGB performance. We aimed to evaluate the difference between early versus late SPGB concerning efficacy, symptom recurrence and hospital length of stay. Methods We present an observational study with 41 patients diagnosed with PDPH who were submitted to SPGB with ropivacaine 0,75%. The study sample (n = 41) was divided in two groups: an early (less than 24 hours after diagnosis) and a late (more than 24 hours after diagnosis) SPGB group. Pain was evaluated 15 minutes after the block and follow up occurred daily until patients were discharged. Patients' demographic characteristics, neuraxial technique, timing of SPGB, qualitative pain relief and post-SPGB length of stay were registered and analyzed with SPSS statistics (v26) software. Results Early SPGB resulted in a significant reduction in length of stay (p = 0,009) and symptom recurrence (p = 0,036), showing equally effective pain relief, compared to late SPGB. Conclusions SPGB was equally effective in both groups. Data showed that early SPGB reduces length of hospital stay and symptom recurrence, which potentially allows early resumption of daily activities and a reduction in total health costs.

The influence of preeclampsia, advanced maternal age and maternal obesity in neonatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes / A influência da pré-eclâmpsia, idade materna avançada e obesidade materna em desfechos neonatais entre mulheres com diabetes gestacional

Abstract Objective The present study aims to analyze adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes, including fetal death, preterm deliveries, birthweight, neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as the synergic effect of concomitant pregnancy risk factors and poor obstetric outcomes, as advanced maternal age, maternal obesity and pre-eclampsia in their worsening. Methods The present cohort retrospective study included all pregnant women with gestational diabetes, with surveillance and childbirth at the Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira during the years of 2017 and 2018. The data were collected from the medical electronic records registered in health informatic programs Sclinico and Obscare, and statistical simple and multivariate analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results The study participants included 301 pregnant women that contributed to 7.36% of the total institution childbirths of the same years, in a total of 300 live births. It was analyzed the influence of pre-eclampsia coexistence in neonatal morbidity (p = 0.004), in the occurrence of newborns of low and very low birthweight (p < 0.01) and in preterm deliveries (p < 0.01). The influence of maternal obesity (p = 0.270; p = 0.992; p = 0.684) and of advanced maternal age in these 3 outcomes was also analyzed (p = 0,806; p = 0.879; p = 0.985).Using a multivariate analysis, the only models with statistic significance to predict the three neonatal outcomes included only pre-eclampsia (p = 0.04; p < 0.01; p < 0.01). Conclusion Only coexistence of pre-eclampsia showed an association with adverse neonatal outcomes (neonatal morbidity, newborns of low and very low birthweight and preterm deliveries) and can be used as a predictor of them in women with gestational diabetes.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar desfechos fetais ou neonatais adversos em mulheres com diabetes gestacional, incluindo morte fetal, partos prematuros, peso ao nascimento, morbilidade neonatal e mortalidade, bem como o efeito sinérgico de fatores de risco e maus desfechos concomitantes da gravidez, como idade materna avançada, obesidade materna e pré-eclâmpsia no seu agravamento. Métodos O presente estudo retrospetivo de coorte incluiu todas as gestantes com diabetes gestacional, com vigilância e parto no Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira durante 2017 e 2018. Os dados foram obtidos dos registos clínicos eletrônicos dos programas informáticos de saúde Sclinico e Obscare, e a análise estatística simples e multivariada foi feita utilizando o IBM SPSS Statistics. Resultados Os participantes do estudo incluíram 301 gestantes que contribuíram para 7,36% do total de partos da instituição, num total de 300 nados vivos. Foi analisada a influência da coexistência de pré-eclâmpsia na morbilidade neonatal (p = 0,004), na ocorrência de recém-nascidos de baixo e muito baixo peso ao nascimento (p < 0,01) e em partos prematuros (p < 0,01). Também foi analisada a influência da obesidade materna (p = 0,270; p = 0,992; p = 0,684) e da idade materna avançada nesses 3 desfechos (p = 0,806; p = 0,879; p = 0.985).Usando uma análise multivariada, os únicos modelos com significância estatística para predizer os três desfechos neonatais incluíram apenas a pré-eclâmpsia (p = 0,04; p < 0,01; p < 0,01). Conclusão Apenas a coexistência de pré-eclâmpsia mostrou associação com desfechos neonatais adversos (morbilidade neonatal, recém-nascidos de baixo e muito baixo peso e partos prematuros) e pode ser utilizada como preditor destes em mulheres com diabetes gestacional.

Twin pregnancies, crown-rump length and birthweight discordancy: the influence of chorionicity / Gestações gemelares, comprimento craniocaudal e discordância de peso ao nascimento: a influência da corionicidade

Abstract Objective The purpose of the present study was to analyze the influence of chorionicity in the biometric parameters crown-rump length (CRL), birthweight (BW), crown-rump length discordancy (CRLD) and birthweight discordancy (BWD), determine the correlation between these latter two in cases of intertwin discordancy, and to analyze the influence of chronicity in the presence of these discordancies with clinical relevance (> 10% and > 15%, respectively). Methods The present study was a retrospective study based on the twin pregnancy database of the Centro Hospitalar S. João (2010-2015), including 486 fetuses among 66 monochorionic (MC) and 177 dichorionic gestations (DC). The inclusion criteria were multiple pregnancies with 2 fetuses and healthy twin gestations. The exclusion criteria were trichorionic gestations and pregnancies with inconclusive chorionicity, multiple pregnancy with ≥ 3 fetuses and pathological twin gestations. Results No statistically significant difference was found in BW (p = 0.09) and in its discordancy (p = 0.06) nor in CRL (p = 0.48) and its discordancy (p = 0.74) between MCs and DCs. Crown-rump length discordancy and birthweight discordancy were correlated by the regression line "BWD = 0.8864 x CRLD + 0.0743," with r2 = 0.1599. Crown-rump length discordancy > 10% was found in 7.58% of monochorionic and in 13.56% of dichorionic twins. Birthweight discordancy > 15% was detected in 16.67% of monochorionic and in 31.64% of dichorionic twins. Conclusion No statistically significant influence of chorionicity was identified in both birthweight and birthweight discordancy, as in crown-rump length and crown-rump length discordancy. Birthweight discordancy was correlated to crown-rump length discordancy in 20% of cases.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a influência da corionicidade nos parâmetros biométricos comprimento craniocaudal, peso ao nascimento, discordância de comprimento craniocaudal e discordância de peso ao nascimento, determinar a correlação entre estes dois últimos caso haja discordância intergemelar e analisar a influência da corionicidade na presença destas discordâncias com relevância clínica (> 10% e > 15%, respectivamente). Métodos O presente estudo foi um estudo retrospectivo baseado na base de dados de gestações gemelares do Centro Hospitalar S. João (2010-2015), incluindo 486 fetos de 66 gestações monocoriônicas e 177 dicoriônicas. Os critérios de inclusão foram gestações múltiplas de 2 fetos e gestações gemelares saudáveis. Os critérios de exclusão foram gestações tricoriônicas ou de corionicidade inconclusiva, gestações múltiplas com ≥ 3 fetos e gestações gemelares patológicas. Resultados Não se encontrou diferença estatisticamente significativa no peso ao nascimento (p =0,09) e sua discordância (p = 0,06) nem no comprimento craniocaudal (p = 0,48) e sua discordância (p = 0,74) entre gestações monocoriônicas e dicoriônicas. Considerando todas as gestações, as discordâncias de comprimento craniocaudal e peso ao nascimento foram correlacionadas pela reta de regressão "discordância de peso ao nascimento = 0.8864 x discordância de comprimento craniocaudal + 0.0743," com r2 = 0,1599. A discordância de comprimento craniocaudal > 10% descobriu-se em 7.58% das gestações monocoriônicas e em 13.56% das dicoriônicas. A discordância de peso ao nascimento > 15% detectou-se em 16.67% das gestações monocoriônicas e em 31.64% das dicoriônicas. Conclusão Não se identificou influência estatisticamente significativa no peso ao nascimento e sua discordância, bem como no comprimento craniocaudal e sua discordância. A discordância de peso ao nascimento correlacionou-se com a discordância de comprimento craniocaudal em 20% dos casos.

A prospective, randomized, blinded-endpoint, controlled study - continuous epidural infusion versus programmed intermittent epidural bolus in labor analgesia / Estudo prospectivo, randômico, controlado e de avaliação cega do desfecho - infusão peridural contínua versus bolus epidural intermitente programado em analgesia de parto

Abstract Background: There is evidence that administration of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) compared to continuous epidural infusion (CEI) leads to greater analgesia efficacy and maternal satisfaction with decreased anesthetic interventions. Methods: In this study, 166 women with viable pregnancies were included. After an epidural loading dose of 10 mL with Ropivacaine 0.16% plus Sufentanil 10 µg, parturient were randomly assigned to one of three regimens: A - Ropivacaine 0.15% plus Sufentanil 0.2 µg/mL solution as continuous epidural infusion (5 mL/h, beginning immediately after the initial bolus); B - Ropivacaine 0.1% plus Sufentanil 0.2 µg/mL as programmed intermittent epidural bolus and C - Same solution as group A as programmed intermittent epidural bolus. PIEB regimens were programmed as 10 mL/h starting 60 min after the initial bolus. Rescue boluses of 5 mL of the same solution were administered, with the infusion pump. We evaluated maternal satisfaction using a verbal numeric scale from 0 to 10. We also evaluated adverse, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: We analyzed 130 pregnants (A = 60; B = 33; C = 37). The median verbal numeric scale for maternal satisfaction was 8.8 in group A; 8.6 in group B and 8.6 in group C (p = 0.83). We found a higher caesarean delivery rate in group A (56.7%; p = 0.02). No differences in motor block, instrumental delivery rate and neonatal outcomes were observed. Conclusions: Maintenance of epidural analgesia with programmed intermittent epidural bolus is associated with a reduced incidence of caesarean delivery with equally high maternal satisfaction and no adverse outcomes.

Resumo Justificativa: Há evidências de que a administração de um bolus epidural intermitente programado (BEIP) comparada com a infusão epidural contínua (IEC) resulta em maior eficácia da analgesia e da satisfação materna, com redução das intervenções anestésicas. Métodos: Neste estudo, 166 mulheres com gravidezes viáveis foram incluídas. Após uma dose epidural de 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,16% e adição de 10 µg de sufentanil, as parturientes foram aleatoriamente designadas para um dos três regimes: A - ropivacaína a 0,15% mais solução de sufentanil (0,2 µg/mL) como infusão peridural contínua (5 mL/h, imediatamente após o bolus inicial); B - ropivacaína a 0,1% mais sufentanil (0,2 µg/mL) como bolus epidural intermitente programado; C - solução idêntica à do Grupo A com bolus epidural intermitente programado. Os regimes BEIP foram programados como 10 mL por hora, começaram 60 minutos após o bolus inicial. Bolus de resgate de 5 mL da mesma solução foi administrado com bomba de infusão. A satisfação materna foi avaliada com uma escala numérica verbal de 0 a 10. Também avaliamos os resultados adversos maternais e neonatais. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 130 gestantes (A = 60, B = 33; C = 37). A mediana na escala numérica verbal para a satisfação materna foi de 8,8 no grupo A; 8,6 no grupo B e 8,6 no grupo C (p = 0,83). Encontramos uma taxa mais elevada para parto cesário no grupo A (56,7%; p = 0,02). Não observamos diferenças no bloqueio motor, taxa de parto instrumental e resultados neonatais. Conclusões: A manutenção da analgesia peridural com bolus epidural intermitente programado está associada a uma redução da incidência de parto cesariano com satisfação materna igualmente elevada e sem resultados adversos.

Sex Differences in Mortality After CABG Surgery

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies have shown that women undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery present higher mortality rate during hospitalization, and often complications when compared to men. OBJECTIVE: To compare the mortality of men and women undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery and identify factors related to differences occasionally found. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted with 215 consecutive patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery. RESULTS: Women had a higher average age. Low body surface and dyslipidemia were more prevalent in women (1.65 vs . 1.85, P<0.001: 53% vs . 30%, P =0.001), whereas history of smoking and previous myocardial infarction were more prevalent in men (35% vs .14.7%, P =0.001; 20% vs . 2.7%, P =0.007). Regarding complications in the postoperative period, there was a higher rate of blood transfusions in women. The overall mortality rate was 5.6%, however there was no statistically significant difference in mortality between men and women. It was observed that among the patients who died, the average body surface area was lower than that of patients who did not have this complication. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in mortality between the sexes after coronary artery bypass graft in this service.

Impact of Cardiovascular Interventions on the Quality of Life in the Elderly

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is growing rapidly. Political and socio-economic changes led to the demographic transition in this population with the highest number of surgeries and as well as many comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular intervention on quality of life of elderly patients after three and six months. METHODS: Analytical prospective cohort study with elderly between 60 and 80 years of age, of both sexes, with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and underwent cardiovascular intervention during the period June 2010 to June 2011. Data were collected by individual interviews in the pre and postoperative periods (after three and six months) by telephone. We used the SF-36 to analyse quality of life in order to assess the physical and mental health of the study population. RESULTS: Of the 44 individuals evaluated, 59.1% were men, 75% in the range of 65 to 74 years, 38.6% were white and 38.6% were black, 31.8% were uneducated, 43.2% were married and 68.2% had less than a minimum wage. Prevailed patients: non-diabetics (68.2%), non-obese (81.8%), hypertensive (84.1%), non-alcoholic and non-smokers (68.2% and 61.4%, respectively). A significant increase in the average of the SF-36 scores between pre and post-surgical periods (three and six months) for the domains: functional capacity, pain, general health, vitality and emotional aspect. CONCLUSION: The elderly population undergoing intervention may have cardiovascular benefits and improvements of quality of life. Physical fitness improvement measures can be taken to resume that capability.

Depression after CABG: a prospective study / Depressão após revascularização do miocárdio: um estudo prospectivo

INTRODUCTION: Depression during or shortly after hospitalization elevated two to three times the risk of mortality or nonfatal cardiac events, significantly increasing the morbidity and mortality of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of revascularization on symptoms of depression in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 57 patients of both sexes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting between June 2010 and June 2011. We used the SF-36 to assess quality of life, and the Beck Depression Inventory to detect depressive symptoms, applied preoperatively and six months. RESULTS: The prevalence of patients aged 60-69 years was 22 patients (38.60%), 39 men (68.42%), 26 described themselves as mixed race (45.61%), 16 literate (28.07 %) and 30 married (52.63%). The beck depression inventory score demonstrated increased after revascularization: 15 patients mild (26.32%) at time zero to 17 (29.82%) after. And with moderate, seven patients (12.28%) before and 10 (17.54%) after. In the categories of individuals with decreased minimum degree of 32 (56.14%) to 28 (49.12%), and severe of three (5.26%) for two (3.51%) patients. Association was observed between beck depression inventory, gender, age, lifestyle, comorbidities and quality of life. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of elevated beck depression inventory scores, lowest scores of depressive symptoms among men and association between the improvement of quality of life scores and beck depression inventory.

INTRODUÇÃO: A depressão durante ou logo após a hospitalização, eleva duas a três vezes o risco de mortalidade ou eventos cardíacos não-fatais, aumentando sensivelmente a morbimortalidade desses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da revascularização do miocárdio nos sintomas de depressão de pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronariana. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo de 57 pacientes de ambos os sexos, submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio, entre junho de 2010 e junho de 2011. Foram utilizados os questionários SF-36 para avaliar a qualidade de vida, e o Inventário de Depressão Beck para detectar sintomas depressivos, aplicados no pré-operatório e após seis meses. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de pacientes na faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos foi de 22 (38,60%) pacientes, 39 (68,42%) homens, 26(45,61%) autodeclarados pardos, 16 (28,07%) alfabetizados e 30 (52,63%) casados. O escore Inventário de Depressão Beck demonstrou aumento após a revascularização de 15 (26,32%) pacientes em grau leve no momento zero para 17 (29,82%) após. E com grau moderado, sete (12,28%) pacientes antes e 10 (17,54%) após. Nas categorias de indivíduos com grau mínimo houve redução de 32 (56,14%) para 28 (49,12%) e grave de três (5,26%) para dois (3,51%) pacientes. Observou-se associação entre Inventário de Depressão Beck, sexo, idade, estilo de vida, comorbidades e a qualidade vida. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se elevada prevalência de escores elevados de inventário de depressão Beck, piores escores de sintomas depressivos entre homens e associação entre a melhoria dos escores de qualidade de vida e o Inventário de Depressão Beck.