Immunothrombosis and COVID-19 ‒ a nested post-hoc analysis from a 3186 patient cohort in a Latin American public reference hospital

Abstract Objective COVID-19 is associated with an elevated risk of thromboembolism and excess mortality. Difficulties with best anticoagulation practices and their implementation motivated the current analysis of COVID-19 patients who developed Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). Method This is a post-hoc analysis of a COVID-19 cohort, described in an economic study already published. The authors analyzed a subset of patients with confirmed VTE. We described the characteristics of the cohort, such as demographics, clinical status, and laboratory results. We tested differences amid two subgroups of patients, those with VTE or not, with the competitive risk Fine and Gray model. Results Out of 3186 adult patients with COVID-19, 245 (7.7%) were diagnosed with VTE, 174 (5.4%) of them during admission to the hospital. Four (2.3% of these 174) did not receive prophylactic anticoagulation and 19 (11%) discontinued anticoagulation for at least 3 days, resulting in 170 analyzed. During the first week of hospitalization, the laboratory most altered results were C-reactive protein and D-dimer. Patients with VTE were more critical, had a higher mortality rate, worse SOFA score, and, on average, 50% longer hospital stay. Conclusion Proven VTE incidence in this severe COVID-19 cohort was 7.7%, despite 87% of them complying completely with VTE prophylaxis. The clinician must be aware of the diagnosis of VTE in COVID-19, even in patients receiving proper prophylaxis.

Financial Impact of Deep Sternal Wound Infections After Coronary Surgery: A Microcosting Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are so serious and costly that hospital services continue to strive to control and prevent these outcomes. Microcosting is the more accurate approach in economic healthcare evaluation, but there are no studies in this field applying this method to compare DSWI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the incremental risk-adjusted costs of DSWI on isolated CABG. Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center observational cohort study with a propensity score matching for infected and non-infected patients to compare incremental risk-adjusted costs between groups. Data to homogeneity sample was obtained from a multicentric database, REPLICCAR II, and additional sources of information about costs were achieved with the electronic hospital system (Si3). Inflation variation and dollar quotation in the study period were corrected using the General Market Price Index. Groups were compared using analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the cost drivers related to the event. Results: As expected, infections were costly; deep infection increased the costs by 152% and mediastinitis by 188%. Groups differed among hospital stay, exams, medications, and multidisciplinary labor, and hospital stay costs were the most critical cost driver. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrate the incremental costs of a detailed microcosting evaluation of infections on CABG patients in São Paulo, Brazil. Hospital stay was an important cost driver identified, demonstrating the importance of evaluating patients' characteristics and managing risks for a faster, safer, and more effective discharge.

Use and misuse of biomarkers and the role of D-dimer and C-reactive protein in the management of COVID-19: A post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with high mortality among hospitalized patients and incurs high costs. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection can trigger both inflammatory and thrombotic processes, and these complications can lead to a poorer prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association and temporal trends of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), hospital mortality, and costs among inpatients with COVID-19. METHODS: Data were extracted from electronic patient records and laboratory databases. Crude and adjusted associations for age, sex, number of comorbidities, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at admission, and D-dimer or CRP logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Between March and June 2020, COVID-19 was documented in 3,254 inpatients. The D-dimer level ≥4,000 ng/mL fibrinogen equivalent unit (FEU) mortality odds ratio (OR) was 4.48 (adjusted OR: 1.97). The CRP level ≥220 mg/dL OR for death was 7.73 (adjusted OR: 3.93). The D-dimer level ≥4,000 ng/mL FEU VTE OR was 3.96 (adjusted OR: 3.26). The CRP level ≥220 mg/dL OR for VTE was 2.71 (adjusted OR: 1.92). All these analyses were statistically significant (p<0.001). Stratified hospital costs demonstrated a dose-response pattern. Adjusted D-dimer and CRP levels were associated with higher mortality and doubled hospital costs. In the first week, elevated D-dimer levels predicted VTE occurrence and systemic inflammatory harm, while CRP was a hospital mortality predictor. CONCLUSION: D-dimer and CRP levels were associated with higher hospital mortality and a higher incidence of VTE. D-dimer was more strongly associated with VTE, although its discriminative ability was poor, while CRP was a stronger predictor of hospital mortality. Their use outside the usual indications should not be modified and should be discouraged.

Quality of life in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy / Qualidade de vida nos pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare quality of life (according to the SF-12) in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy with controls paired by sex and age. Secondary objectives are to compare the groups according to the ASES and VAS scales. Methods: This cross-sectional study with controls paired by sex and age compared patients with rotator cuff arthropathy with surgical indication for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The groups were compared according to the SF-12, ASES, and VAS scales. Results: The groups consisted of 38 individuals, 28 women. The SF-12 demonstrated a significant difference in the physical component, with the cases scoring 31.61 ± 6.15 and the controls 49.39 ± 6.37 (p<0.001). For the mental component, the difference was not significant, with the cases scoring 44.82 ± 13.18 and the controls 48.96 ± 8.65 (p=0.109). The cases scored 7.34 ± 2.11 on the VAS and 31.26 ± 15.12 on the ASES, while the controls scored 0.55 ± 1.31 and 97.53 ± 6.22, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients with rotator cuff arthropathy had poorer results for the physical component of the SF-12 than the controls. They also had poorer functional results according to the ASES scale, and more pain according to the VAS. Level of Evidence III, Case Control Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a qualidade de vida, de acordo com o SF-12, entre pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador e controles pareados por sexo e idade. É objetivo secundário a comparação dos grupos de acordo com as escalas ASES e EVA. Métodos: Estudo transversal com controles pareados por sexo e idade, que comparou pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador e indicação de artroplastia reversa do ombro com indivíduos sadios. Os grupos foram comparados quanto às escalas SF-12, ASES e EVA. Resultados: Os grupos foram formados por 38 indivíduos, sendo 28 do sexo feminino. O SF-12 apresentou diferença significativa no componente físico, tendo os casos registrado 31,61 ± 6,15 e os controles 49,39 ± 6,37 (p < 0,001). Para o componente mental, a diferença não foi significativa, tendo os casos apresentado 44,82 ± 13,18 e os controles 48,96 ± 8,65 (p=0.109). Os casos apresentaram EVA de 7,34 ± 2,11 e ASES de 31,26 ± 15,12, enquanto os controles apresentaram 0,55 ± 1,31 e 97,53 ± 6,22, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Os pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador apresentam piores resultados no componente físico do SF-12 quando comparados aos controles. Têm, ainda, piores resultados funcionais pela escala da ASES e mais dor pela EVA. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de Caso-Controle.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: clinical results and quality of life evaluation / Artroplastia reversa do ombro: avaliação dos resultados clínicos e da qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results and the impact on quality of life of the reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Retrospective case series evaluating 13 patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty with at least two years of clinical follow-up. Clinical evaluation was performed before and after surgery with the ASES and VAS scales and hand-mouth, hand-neck, and hand-head functional tests. Quality of life was measured with the SF-12 questionnaire. The rate of complications and radiographic postoperative findings were recorded. RESULTS: The patients improved from 23.1 ± 15 to 82.7 ± 15 according to ASES scale (p < 0.001). The physical component of the SF-12 increased from 31.7 ± 6.9 to 47.1 ± 8.6 (p < 0.001), while the emotional increased from 48 ± 12.3 to 55.5 ± 7.5 (p = 0.061). The pain reduced from 7.9 to 1 according to the VAS (p = 0.002). The performance on the hand-mouth, hand-neck, and hand-head functional tests showed significant improvement (p = 0.039, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Complications occurred in 15% of patients and notching, in 31%. CONCLUSION: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty led to a significant clinical improvement according to the ASES and VAS scales. The quality of life has improved according to the physical aspect of the SF-12, and showed a trend of improvement in the emotional aspect. The complication rate was 15%, and notching occurred in 31%.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos e o impacto na qualidade de vida da artroplastia reversa do ombro. MÉTODOS: Série de casos retrospectiva que avaliou 13 pacientes submetidos à artroplastia reversa do ombro com seguimento clínico mínimo de dois anos. Foi feita avaliação clínica antes e após a cirurgia com as escalas da American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) e escala visual analógica (EVA) e as manobras funcionais mão-boca, mão-nuca e mão-cabeça. A qualidade de vida foi aferida com o questionário 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Registramos o índice de complicações e o aspecto radiográfico pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes evoluíram de 23,1 ± 15 para 82,7 ± 15 pela escala da ASES (p < 0,001). O componente físico do SF-12 passou de 31,7 ± 6,9 para 47,1 ± 8,6 (p < 0,001) enquanto o emocional de 48 ± 12,3 para 55,5 ± 7,5 (p = 0,061). A dor regrediu de 7,9 para 1 de acordo com a EVA (p = 0,002). As manobras funcionais mão-boca, mão-nuca e mão-cabeça apresentaram melhorias significativas (p = 0,039, p < 0,001 e p < 0,001, respectivamente). Complicações ocorreram em 15% dos pacientes e notching, em 31%. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes submetidos à artroplastia reversa do ombro tiveram melhoria significativa de acordo com as escalas da ASES e EVA. A qualidade de vida melhorou significativamente de acordo com o aspecto físico do SF-12 e demonstrou tendência de melhoria no aspecto emocional. O índice de complicações foi de 15% e notching ocorreu em 31%.

Cardiac Surgery Costs According to the Preoperative Risk in the Brazilian Public Health System / Custos das Cirurgias Cardíacas Segundo o Risco Pré-Operatório no Sistema Público de Saúde Brasileiro

AbstractBackground:Heart surgery has developed with increasing patient complexity.Objective:To assess the use of resources and real costs stratified by risk factors of patients submitted to surgical cardiac procedures and to compare them with the values reimbursed by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).Method:All cardiac surgery procedures performed between January and July 2013 in a tertiary referral center were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data allowed the calculation of the value reimbursed by the Brazilian SUS. Patients were stratified as low, intermediate and high-risk categories according to the EuroSCORE. Clinical outcomes, use of resources and costs (real costs versus SUS) were compared between established risk groups.Results:Postoperative mortality rates of low, intermediate and high-risk EuroSCORE risk strata showed a significant linear positive correlation (EuroSCORE: 3.8%, 10%, and 25%; p < 0.0001), as well as occurrence of any postoperative complication EuroSCORE: 13.7%, 20.7%, and 30.8%, respectively; p = 0.006). Accordingly, length-of-stay increased from 20.9 days to 24.8 and 29.2 days (p < 0.001). The real cost was parallel to increased resource use according to EuroSCORE risk strata (R$ 27.116,00 ± R$ 13.928,00 versus R$ 34.854,00 ± R$ 27.814,00 versus R$ 43.234,00 ± R$ 26.009,00, respectively; p < 0.001). SUS reimbursement also increased (R$ 14.306,00 ± R$ 4.571,00 versus R$ 16.217,00 ± R$ 7.298,00 versus R$ 19.548,00 ± R$935,00; p < 0.001). However, as the EuroSCORE increased, there was significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the real cost increasing slope and the SUS reimbursement elevation per EuroSCORE risk strata.Conclusion:Higher EuroSCORE was related to higher postoperative mortality, complications, length of stay, and costs. Although SUS reimbursement increased according to risk, it was not proportional to real costs.

ResumoFundamentos:A cirurgia cardíaca evoluiu progressivamente com o aumento da complexidade dos pacientes.Objetivo:Avaliar a utilização de recursos e o custo real segundo o grupo de risco dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca, e compará-los com o valor ressarcido pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).Método:Foram analisadas todas as cirurgias cardíacas realizadas entre janeiro e julho de 2013 em um centro terciário. Dados demográficos e clínicos permitiram o cálculo do valor ressarcido pelo SUS. Os pacientes foram estratificados em baixo, médio e alto risco pelo EuroSCORE. Os resultados clínicos, o uso de recursos e os custos (real versus SUS) foram comparados entre os grupos de risco estabelecidos.Resultados:Taxas de mortalidade pós-operatória de baixo, intermediário e alto risco apresentaram correlação linear positiva (EuroSCORE: 3,8%, 10% e 25%, respectivamente; p < 0,0001), assim como a ocorrência de alguma complicação pós-operatória (EuroSCORE: 13,7%, 20,7% e 30,8%, respectivamente; p = 0,006). O tempo de internação aumentou de 20,9 para 24,8 e 29,2 dias, respectivamente (p < 0,001). O custo real foi paralelo ao aumento da utilização de recursos, segundo o EuroSCORE (R$ 27.116,00 ± R$13.928,00 versus R$ 34.854,00 ± R$ 27.814,00 versus R$ 43.234,00 ± R$ 26.009,00, respectivamente; p < 0,001). O ressarcimento do SUS também aumentou (R$ 14.306,00 ± R$ 4.571,00 versus R$ 16.217,00 ± R$ 7.298,00 versus R$ 19.548,00 ± R$ 935,00; p < 0,001). Mesmo com aumento do EuroSCORE, houve diferença (p < 0,0001) progressiva entre o incremento do custo real e o ressarcimento do SUS.Conclusão:O aumento do EuroSCORE esteve relacionado a maiores morbimortalidade, tempo de internação e custos no pós-operatório. Embora o ressarcimento do SUS também aumente conforme o risco, ele não é proporcional ao custo real.

Evidences in the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus / Evidências no tratamento da hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática.

Summary Introduction: idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is characterized by gait apraxia, cognitive dysfunction and urinary incontinence. There are two main treatment options: ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). However, there are doubts about which modality is superior and what type of valve should be applied. We are summarizing the current evidence in INPH treatment. Methods: an electronic search of the literature was conducted on the Medline, Embase, Scielo and Lilacs databases from 1966 to the present to obtain data published about INPH treatment. Results: the treatment is based on three pillars: conservative, ETV and VPS. The conservative option has fallen into disuse after various studies showing good results after surgical intervention. ETV is an acceptable mode of treatment, but the superiority of VPS has made the latter the gold standard. Conclusion: well-designed studies with a high level of appropriate evidence are still scarce, but the current gold standard for treatment of INPH is conducted using VPS. .

Resumo Introdução: a hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática (HPNI) é caracterizada por apraxia da marcha, disfunção cognitiva e incontinência urinária. Existem duas principais opções terapêuticas: derivação ventriculoperitoneal (DVP) e terceiro ventriculostomia endoscópica (TVE). No entanto, há dúvidas sobre qual modalidade é superior e que tipo de válvula deve ser aplicada. Este artigo resume as evidências atuais no tratamento de HPNI. Métodos: uma busca eletrônica da literatura foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline, Embase, SciELO e Lilacs, de 1966 até o momento presente para revelar os dados publicados sobre o tratamento da HPNI. Resultados: o tratamento é baseado em três pilares: conservador isolado, TVE e DVP. A opção conservadora caiu em desuso depois de vários estudos revelarem bons resultados após a intervenção cirúrgica. A TVE é uma modalidade de tratamento aceitável, mas a superioridade da DVP torna-a o padrão-ouro. Conclusão: estudos com evidência de alto nível, adequados e bem desenhados, ainda são escassos. O tratamento padrão-ouro atual de HPNI é realizado com DVP. .

Efeito econômico do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea para suporte de pacientes adultos com insuficiência respiratória grave no Brasil: uma análise hipotética / The economic effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support adults with severe respiratory failure in Brazil: a hypothetical analysis

Objetivo: Analisar o custo-utilidade do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea para pacientes com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda grave no Brasil. Métodos: Com bancos de dados de estudos previamente publicados, foi construída uma árvore encadeada de decisões. Os custos foram extraídos da média de 3 meses do preço pago pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em 2011. Com 10 milhões de pacientes simulados com desfechos e custos predeterminados, uma análise da relação de incremento de custo e de anos de vida ganhos ajustados pela qualidade (custo-utilidade) foi realizada com sobrevida de 40 e 60% dos pacientes que usaram oxigenação extracorpórea. Resultados: A árvore de decisões resultou em 16 desfechos com técnicas diferentes de suporte à vida. Com a sobrevida de 40/60%, respectivamente, o incremento de custos foi de R$ -301,00/-14,00, com o preço pago de R$ -30.913,00/-1.752,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade para 6 meses e de R$ -2.386,00/-90,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade até o fim de vida, quando se analisaram todos os pacientes com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda grave. Analisando somente os pacientes com hipoxemia grave (relação da pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue sobre a fração inspirada de oxigênio <100mmHg), o incremento de custos foi de R$ -5.714,00/272,00, com preço por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade em 6 meses de R$ -9.521,00/293,00, e com o custo de R$ -280,00/7,00 por ano de vida ganho ajustado pela qualidade. Conclusão: A relação de custo-utilidade do uso da oxigenação extracorpórea no Brasil foi potencialmente aceitável neste estudo hipotético. .

Objective: To analyze the cost-utility of using extracorporeal oxygenation for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Brazil. Methods: A decision tree was constructed using databases from previously published studies. Costs were taken from the average price paid by the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde; SUS) over three months in 2011. Using the data of 10,000,000 simulated patients with predetermined outcomes and costs, an analysis was performed of the ratio between cost increase and years of life gained, adjusted for quality (cost-utility), with survival rates of 40 and 60% for patients using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: The decision tree resulted in 16 outcomes with different life support techniques. With survival rates of 40 and 60%, respectively, the increased costs were R$=-301.00/-14.00, with a cost of R$=-30,913.00/-1,752.00 paid per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained and R$=-2,386.00/-90.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained until the end of life, when all patients with severe ARDS were analyzed. Analyzing only patients with severe hypoxemia (i.e., a ratio of partial oxygen pressure in the blood to the fraction of inspired oxygen <100mmHg), the increased cost was R$=-5,714.00/272.00, with a cost per six-month quality-adjusted life-year gained of R$=-9,521.00/293.00 and a cost of R$=-280.00/7.00 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Conclusion: The cost-utility ratio associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Brazil is potentially acceptable according to this hypothetical study. .

Estratificação de risco cirúrgico como instrumento de inovação em programas de cirurgia cardíaca no Sistema Único de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo: ESTUDO SP-SCORE-SUS / Heart surgery programs innovation using surgical risk stratification at the São Paulo State Public Healthcare System: SP-SCORE-SUS STUDY

Doenças cardiovasculares representam a maior carga de morbimortalidade para o sistema de saúde e a cirurgia cardíaca desempenha importante impacto na sua resolutividade. O agrupamento das informações demográficas e clínicas relevantes dos pacientes acometidos, no nível de estratos específicos e em correlação com os conjuntos de recursos requeridos, representa a possibilidade de adaptar, aprimorar e inovar nos programas assistenciais. Este projeto tem por objetivo remodelar o escore de risco "InsCor" para formulação do SP-SCORE (São Paulo System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation), visando refletir melhor a complexidade da assistência cirúrgica cardíaca. Os hospitais participantes integram os Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo (NATSs/SES-SP). Para a elaboração do SP-SCORE, serão utilizadas as 10 variáveis do modelo InsCor e 8 outras com suposta influência no Brasil. Os desfechos primários consistem na morbidade e na mortalidade hospitalar. A técnica de bootstrap junto a procedimentos de seleção automatizada de variáveis "stepwise" será utilizada para desenvolver um modelo parcimonioso por meio da regressão logística múltipla. Este projeto visa subsidiar a sustentabilidade e o financiamento do SUS-SP para as Redes Regionalizadas de Atenção à Saúde (RRAS) de cirurgias de coronária e/ou valva, promovendo alocação equitativa, incremento do acesso e efetividade, bem como caracterizar a magnitude dos recursos disponíveis e seu impacto.

Cardiovascular diseases represent the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality for the health system and cardiac surgery has an important impact on their resolutivity. The association and correlation of patients' demographic and clinical relevant information with the resources required for each stratum represent the possibility to adapt, improve and innovate into the healthcare programs. This project aims to remodel the "InsCor" risk score for the formulation of the SP-SCORE (Sao Paulo System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) in order to better reflects the complexity of cardiac surgical care. The participating hospitals include the Health Technology Assessment Centers in of the Health Secretariat' HTA Network of São Paulo State (HTA-NATSs / SES-SP). The SP-SCORE will use 10 variables of the InsCor model and others 8 variables with presumed influence in Brazil. The primary endpoints are morbidity and mortality. Bootstrap technique besides automated selection of variables (stepwise) will be used to develop a parsimonious model by multiple logistic regression. This project will contribute for the SUS-SP regionalized health-care (RRAS) sustainability and financing of the CABG and/or heart valve surgery programs promoting equitable allocation, increasing access and effectiveness, as well as characterizing the magnitude of available resources and its impact.