Primary extensive perianal cutaneous tuberculosis: A challenging diagnosis. Case report and a review of the literature

Abstract Rationale Perianal tuberculosis is extremely rare without previous or active pulmonary infection. Ulcerative skin lesion is a rare presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the oral, perianal, or genital mucosa and the adjacent skin. Case report A 71-year-old woman complained of pain during evacuation and fecal incontinence for two years. There was an ulcerated lesion in the perianal and intergluteal region and perianal fistulous tracts. A polymerase chain reaction test on blood and biopsies of perianal ulcers, perianal fistula, and the intergluteal area was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The pathological examination revealed a chronic epithelioid granulomatous inflammatory process with the presence of multinucleated giant cells. After the end of the tuberculosis drug regimen, there was marked improvement in the patient's clinical condition. Conclusion Even in the absence of an identifiable primary focus, tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative and fistulous lesions of the perianal area.

C-reactive protein levels and prevalence of leukopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine and/or mesalazine: a real-life study

ABSTRACT Objective To examine serum C-reactive protein levels and the prevalence of leukopenia in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis undergoing treatment with azathioprine and/or mesalazine. Methods Retrospective observational study based on clinical and laboratory data collected from medical records of 76 adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine, mesalazine or both. Sex, age, diagnosis, number of blood samples and elevated serum C-reactive protein levels during the follow-up period were recorded. The following variables were analyzed in terms of C-reactive protein levels and leukopenia episodes: sex, age, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and type of drug. Statistical analyses included multiple logistic regression and the Fisher's exact test for qualitative variables. Results Leukopenia was observed in 18.4% of patients and was associated with older age and higher doses of medication. In 44% of patients, C-reactive protein levels were high. However, symptoms were not associated with abnormal levels of this marker. Conclusion Regardless of symptoms, serum C-reactive protein levels were not a reliable indicator of controlled inflammatory bowel disease. Leukopenia was independently associated with older age and higher doses of medication and is a common side effect, which should be routinely monitored.

Epidemiological Pattern of Traumatic Brain Injury in Brazil between 2008 and 2019

Introduction Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a public health problem with high economic impact, as well as an important cause of death and sequela in polytrauma patients, affecting mainly young adults. Objective To analyze the temporal trend of TBI incidence in Brazil between 2008 and 2019, according to age group and gender. Methods An ecological study, based on secondary data from hospital admissions for TBI in all Brazilian states between 2008 and 2019. The numbers were collected using the hospital information systemof the Unified Health System in Brazil.We performed a descriptive analysis using the data obtained. Linear regression models were used to measure the incidence trend of TBI in the period adopted. Results The state of Piauí had the highest increase in the incidence of TBI in the country in the last 10 years (coefficient ß»63.43 e p»0.002). The main concern, though, is the increase in the incidence of TBI amongst children (0­4 years old) in the states of Ceará (ß»31.22 and p<0.001 for boys; ß»42.20 and p<0.001 for girls), Paraná (ß»37.26 and p»0.011 for boys; ß»25.90 and p»0.015 for girls), Pernambuco (ß»20.08 and p»0.016 for girls), Mato Grosso (ß»18.76 and p»0.005 for boys; ß»16.11 and p»0.035 for girls), and Distrito Federal (ß»48.87 and p»0.004 for girls; ß»48.28 and p»0.006 for boys). Conclusion The analysis of the results is able to point out improvements that can be made. Besides that, it is remarkably important to redirect public polices to preventive medicine sincemany of the TBI causes are avoidable through awareness and education of the population.

Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning: Systematic Review

Introduction Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) leasioning (DREZ-otomy) is considered an effective treatment for chronic pain due to spinal cord injuries, brachial and lumbosacral plexus injuries, postherpetic neuralgia, spasticity, and other conditions. The objective of the technique is to cause a selective destruction of the afferent pain fibers located in the dorsal region of the spinal cord. Objective To identify and review the effectiveness and the main aspects related to DREZ-otomy, as well as the etiologies that can be treated with it. Methods The PubMed, MEDLINE and LILACS databases were used as bases for this systematic review, having the impact factor as the selection criteria. The 23 selected publications, totalizing 1,099 patients, were organized in a table for systematic analysis. Results Satisfactory pain control was observed in 70.1% of the cases, with the best results being found in patients with brachial/lumbosacral plexus injury (70.8%) and the worst, in patients with trigeminal pain (40% to 67%). Discussion Most of the published articles observed excellent results in the control of chronic pain, especially in cases of plexus injuries. Complications are rare, and can be minimized with the use of new technologies for intraoperative monitoring and imaging. Conclusion DREZ-otomy can be considered a great alternative for the treatment of chronic pain, especially in patients who do not tolerate the side effects of the medications used in the clinical management or have refractory pain.

Safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic Y-en-Roux gastric bypass surgery in obese elderly patients

Abstract Purpose To analyze, in aged obese patients, the weight loss, comorbidity control, and safety postoperative complications of bariatric surgery by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique. Methods Twenty-seven patients who underwent laparoscopic weight-reducing gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to treat obesity were included. All patients were ≥ 60 years old at the time of surgery. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis, and a p-value ≤0.05it was considered significant. Results Ten (90.9%) patients with dyslipidemia were cured (p < 0.001). Nine (81.8%) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had total improvement and 2 (18.2%) had partial improvement (p = 0.003). In 23 patients with systemic arterial hypertension, 9 (39.1%) achieved total improvement and 14 (60.9%) partial improvement (p = 0.140). Five (71.4%) patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were cured (p = <0.001). For other comorbidities, no partial improvement or cure was shown. Conclusions Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in obese elderly patients can be performed safely and with low morbidity and mortality rates. The benefits of weight loss and reduced comorbidities are promising and like those of the younger population.