Application of BAROS' questionnaire in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery with 2 years of evolution / Aplicação do questionário BAROS em pacientes obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica com 2 anos de evolução

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND -In recent decades, the high prevalence of obesity in the general population has brought serious concerns in terms of public health. Contrarily to conventional treatment involving dieting and physical exercising, often ineffective in generating long term results, bariatric opera­tions have been an effective method for sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is an objective and recognized system in the overall evaluation of results after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE To investigate results concerning a casuistic of morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery over a 2-year follow-up in terms of weight loss, related medical conditions, safety and changes in quality of life. METHODS A total of 120 obese (17 male and 103 female) patients, who underwent bariatric surgery, were assessed and investigated using the BAROS system after a 2- year follow-up. RESULTS Patients obtained a mean excess weight loss of 74.6 (±15.9) % and mean body mass index reduction of 15.6 (±4.4) Kg/m2. Pre-surgical comorbidities were present in 71 (59%) subjects and they were totally (86%) or partially (14%) resolved. Complications resulting specifically from the surgical procedure were observed in 4.2% of cases (two bowel obstructions requiring re-operation, and three stomal stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation). Sixteen subjects (13% of total number of patients) presented minor clinical complications managed through outpatient care. The final scores for the BAROS questionnaire showcased excellent to good results in 99% of cases (excellent 44%, very good 38%, good 23%, acceptable 1%). CONCLUSION According to the BAROS questionnaire, bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for managing obesity and associated clinical comorbidities, allowing for satisfactory results after a 2-year follow-up. Future studies should address other clinical and psychosocial variables that impact outcome as well as allow for longer follow-ups.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Nas últimas décadas, a alta prevalência de obesidade na população geral trouxe grandes preocupações para a saúde pública. Contrariamente ao tratamento convencional envolvendo dieta e atividade física, quase sempre inefetivo em gerar resultados a longo prazo, a cirurgia bariátrica vem se mostrando um método efetivo de perda de peso mantida em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida. O Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) é um sistema reconhecido e objetivo para a avaliação global de resultados depois de cirurgia bariátrica. OBJETIVO Investigar os resultados referentes à casuística de pacientes obesos mórbidos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um período de 2 anos em termos de perda de peso, condições clínicas relacionadas, segurança e qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS Um total de 120 pacientes obesos (17 masculinos e 103 femininos) admitidos consecutivamente durante período de 4 meses para cirurgia bariátrica foram avaliados e investigados usando o sistema BAROS após 2 anos de evolução. RESULTADOS Os pacientes apresentaram redução média percentual de excesso de peso de 74,6 (±15,9) % e redução média de índice de massa corporal de 15,6 (±4,4) Kg/m2. Comorbidades pré-cirúrgicas estavam presentes em 71 (59%) pacientes e em todos eles foram total (86%) ou parcialmente (14%) resolvidas. Complicações resultantes especificamente do procedimento cirúrgico foram observadas em 4,2% dos casos (duas obstruções intestinais exigindo reoperação e três estenoses anastomóticas resolvidas com dilatação endoscópica). Dezesseis (13%) pacientes apresentaram complicações clínicas menores resolvidas com manejo clínico ambulatorial. Os escores totais do BAROS classificaram os resultados como excelente até bom em 99% dos casos (44% excelente, 38% muito bom e 23% bom) e aceitável em 1% dos casos. CONCLUSÃO De acordo com o questionário BAROS, a cirurgia bariátrica se mostrou segura e efetiva no controle da obesidade e de comorbidades clínicas associadas, permitindo satisfação geral dos pacientes após 2 anos de seguimento. Estudos futuros deverão também investigar outras variáveis clínicas e psicossociais de possível impacto na evolução e por períodos de seguimento mais longos.

Mortality reduction with use of oral beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have revealed a relationship between beta-blocker use and worse prognosis in acute coronary syndrome, mainly due to a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock. However, the relevance of this relationship in the reperfusion era is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome that started oral beta-blockers within the first 24 hours of hospital admission (group I) compared to patients who did not use oral beta-blockers in this timeframe (group II). METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective and multicentric study with 2,553 patients (2,212 in group I and 341 in group II). Data regarding demographic characteristics, coronary treatment and medication use in the hospital were obtained. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The groups were compared by ANOVA and the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted by logistic regression and results were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, enoxaparin, and statins; creatinine levels; ejection fraction; tabagism; age; and previous coronary artery bypass graft. Significant differences were also observed between the groups in mortality (2.67% vs 9.09%, OR=0.35, p=0.02) and major adverse cardiovascular events (11% vs 29.5%, OR=4.55, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent early intervention with oral beta-blockers during the first 24 hours of hospital admission had a lower in-hospital death rate and experienced fewer major adverse cardiovascular events with no increase in cardiogenic shock or sustained ventricular arrhythmias compared to patients who did not receive oral beta-blockers within this timeframe.

Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Review.

Carcinoid tumors are rare malignancies able to spread and produce bioactive humoral products, mainly serotonin, which is responsible for the Carcinoid Syndrome (CS); its features are: flushing, diarrhea, bronchospasm and valvular heart disease. The Carcinoid Heart Disease (CHD) importantly worsens prognosis and it is found in up to 50% of patients with CS. After being produced by liver implants, serotonin finds its way straight into the right heart cavities, leading to valve tissue aggression and ventricular dysfunction. Early CHD diagnosis is still a challenge due to the asymptomatic initial stage, until right heart failure develops along with ascites, swelling and hepatomegaly. Echocardiography is still the main tool for diagnosis, especially due to its ability to appropriately evaluate ventricular and valve function, cardiac morphology and hemodynamics. Tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy are the main impairments found in CHD. Magnetic resonance imaging has also developed well in this field, and it is now believed to be essential, due to accurate right cavities evaluation and fibrosis detection. For better prognosis, early diagnosis must be pursued, which has impact on clinical management and valve repair surgical decision.