Computerization of risk prediction scale: strategy for safety and quality of care / Informatización escala de predicción de riesgo: estrategia para la seguridad y calidad de la atención / Informatização de escalas de predição de risco: estratégia à segurança e qualidade assistencial

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the development of computerization of risk prediction scales used by nursing in the AGHUse® system. Method: An experience report of technological production at a university hospital, which followed the phases of conception, detailing, construction and prototyping. Results: Different scales were computerized, with emphasis on the Braden and Braden Q, which assess the risk of pressure injuries, and the Severo-Almeida-Kuchenbecker, which assesses the risk of falls. The process of computerization and implementation took place through registration of the scales in the software, application of them in care practice, integration and visualization of their scores with the other functionalities of the electronic medical record. Final considerations: The functionalities developed in the computerization of risk prediction scales favored its operation, reflecting positively on nursing practice and patient safety.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir el desarrollo de la informatización de las escalas de predicción de riesgo utilizadas por la enfermería en la historia clínica electrónica, en el sistema AGHUse®. Método: Relato de experiencia de producción tecnológica en un hospital universitario, que siguió las fases de concepción, detalle, construcción y prototipado. Resultados: Se computarizaron diferentes escalas, con énfasis en la Braden y Braden Q, que evalúa el riesgo de lesiones por presión, y la Severo-Almeida-Kuchenbecker, que evalúan el riesgo de caídas. El proceso de informatización e implementación pasó por el registro de las escalas en el software, aplicación de las mismas en la práctica asistencial, integración y visualización de sus puntuaciones con las demás funcionalidades de la historia clínica electrónica. Consideraciones finales: Las funcionalidades desarrolladas en la informatización de las escalas de predicción de riesgo favorecieron su operacionalización, repercutiendo positivamente en la práctica de enfermería y la seguridad del paciente.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento da informatização de escalas de predição de risco, utilizadas pela enfermagem no prontuário eletrônico, no sistema AGHUse®. Método: Relato de experiência de produção tecnológica em um hospital universitário, que seguiu as fases de concepção, detalhamento, construção e prototipagem. Resultados: Foram informatizadas diferentes escalas, destacando-se as de Braden e de Braden Q, que avaliam risco de lesão por pressão, e a de Severo-Almeida-Kuchenbecker, que avalia risco de quedas. O processo de informatização e implantação ocorreu por meio do cadastro das escalas no software, aplicação delas na prática assistencial, integração e visualização de seus escores em relação às demais funcionalidades do prontuário eletrônico. Considerações finais: As funcionalidades desenvolvidas na informatização das escalas de predição de risco favoreceram a sua operacionalização, refletindo-se positivamente na prática do enfermeiro e na segurança do paciente.

Impact of the updated TNM staging criteria on prediction of persistent disease in a differentiated thyroid carcinoma cohort

ABSTRACT Objective: The 8th TNM system edition (TNM-8) released in 2018 presents significant changes when compared to the 7th edition (TNM-7). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changing the TNM staging criteria on the outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Subjects and methods: DTC patients, attending a tertiary, University-based hospital, were classified by TNM-7 and TNM-8. Prediction of disease outcomes status of the two systems was compared in a retrospective cohort study design. Results: Four hundred and nineteen DTC patients were evaluated, comprised by 82% (345/419) women, with mean age at diagnosis of 46.4 ± 15.6 years, 89% (372/419) papillary thyroid carcinoma, with a median tumor size of 2.3 cm (P25-P75, 1.3-3.5). One hundred and sixty patients (38%) had lymph node metastases and 47 (11%) distant metastases at diagnosis. Using the TNM-7 criteria, 236 (56%) patients were classified as Stage I, 50 (12%) as Stage II, 75 (18%) as Stage III and 58 (14%) as Stage IV. When evaluated by the TNM-8, 339 (81%) patients were classified as Stage I, 64 (15%) as Stage II, 2 (0.5%) as Stage III and 14(3%) as Stage IV. After a median follow-up of 4.4years (P25-P75 2.6-6.6), the rate of incomplete biochemical and/or structural response was 54% vs. 92% (P = 0.004) and incomplete structural response was 42% vs. 86% (P = 0.009) for patients classified as stage IV by TNM-7 vs TNM-8, respectively. Only 4 (1%) disease-related deaths were recorded. Conclusions: In our cohort, 37% of DTC patients were down staged with the application of TNM-8 (vs. TNM-7). Additionally, TNM-8 seems to better stratify the risk of structural incomplete response at follow-up.

Pituitary gland metastasis from renal cell carcinoma presented as a non-functioning macroadenoma / Metástase de carcinoma de células renais para hipófise simulando macroadenoma não funcionante

Metastatic tumors involving the pituitary gland are an uncommon finding and occur in up to 1 percent of all pituitary tumor resections. A 74-year-old man had progressive vision deterioration, over the 30 days prior to consultation. He did not complain of headache or polyuria, but referred to intestinal constipation. Five years ago, he underwent a right radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy for lung and parotid metastases. On ophthalmologic examination, there was a left abducens nerve palsy and bitemporal hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sellar mass with suprasellar cistern extension compressing the optic chiasm. Endocrinological evaluation revealed central adrenal and gonadal insufficiencies. The patient underwent a transsphenoidal tumor resection that revealed renal cell carcinoma. This case illustrates that metastatic pituitary lesions can mimic typical symptoms and signs of pituitary macroadenoma. Furthermore, clinical diabetes insipidus, a common finding of pituitary metastases, can be absent.

Metástases de neoplasias para hipófise são incomuns e ocorrem em até 1 por cento dos tumores de hipófise. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 74 anos de idade com progressiva deterioração visual nos 30 dias que antecederam seu atendimento. Ele negava cefaleia ou poliúria e queixava-se de constipação intestinal. O paciente havia sido submetido à nefrectomia radical para carcinoma de células renais cinco anos antes, seguida de quimioterapia e radioterapia por metástases pulmonares e parotídea. Ao exame oftalmológico, apresentava paralisia do nervo abducente esquerdo e hemianopsia bitemporal. A ressonância magnética demonstrou uma massa selar com extensão suprasselar comprimindo o quiasma óptico. Na avaliação endocrinológica apresentava insuficiência adrenal e gonadal centrais. O paciente foi submetido à ressecção transesfenoidal da lesão que, ao exame anatomopatológico, se revelou como carcinoma de células renais. Esse caso demonstra que a presença de lesões metastáticas na hipófise pode mimetizar sinais e sintomas de macroadenoma não funcionante e que o diabetes insípido central, comum nas lesões metastáticas para hipófise, pode estar ausente.

Diagnosis of disseminated toxoplasmosis by polymerase chain reaction in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a patient with aids / Diagnóstico de toxoplasmose disseminada através de técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase realizada no lavado bronco-alveolar de paciente com sida

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis is a challenging diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with nonspecific clinical picture and radiologic findings. We present a case of pneumonia due to Toxoplasma gondii diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Coinfection with Pneumocystis jirovecii was found in the same specimen. Direct examination and culture for bacteria, mycobacteria and other fungus were negative. Despite the intensive management, respiratory compromise evolved rapidly, with the need for ventilatory support. Acute respiratory distress syndrome developed, and the patient died of multiple organ failure. This case illustrates that a high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis, a potentially fatal condition. Due to high diagnostic performance, PCR in BAL fluid should be included in the evaluation of immunosuppressed patients with nonspecific pulmonary diseases.

O diagnóstico de toxoplasmose pulmonar em pacientes imunossuprimidos é difícil, devido ao quadro clínico e aos achados radiológicos inespecíficos. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de uma paciente com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (SIDA), que apresentou pneumonia por Toxoplasma gondii diagnosticada através de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no lavado bronco-alveolar (LBA). A paciente apresentava co-infecção com Pneumocystis jirovecii. Os demais exames microbiológicos, como bacterioscópico, cultural para bactérias, micobactérias e fungos, foram negativos. Apesar do manejo intensivo, a paciente evoluiu com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo e óbito por falência múltipla dos órgãos. Este caso demonstra que um alto índice de suspeita clínica é necessário para o diagnóstico de pneumonia por Toxoplasma gondii. Devido ao seu desempenho diagnóstico, o PCR para Toxoplasma gondii no LBA deve ser incluído na avaliação de pacientes imunossuprimidos com quadros pulmonares inespecíficos.

Pancreatitis as the first manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A / Pancreatite como primeira manifestação de neoplasia endócrina múltipla do tipo 2

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is an autosomal dominant inherited condition that predisposes to the triad of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), pheochromocytoma (Pheo), and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHT). Nearly 100 percent of MEN2A are associated with germ line mutation of the RET proto-oncogene (RET), and DNA-based RET genotype analysis is now considered essential for earlier diagnosis. The first manifestation of MEN2A is most often due to MTC, and less frequently to Pheo. Rarely, MEN2A is recognized during the search for PHT associated conditions. Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are asymptomatic, and the focus of the presentation may be the side effects of chronic hypercalcemia, osteoporosis, renal lithiasis, peptic ulcer disease, and hypertension. Hypercalcemic pancreatitis is rare, being an uncommon first manifestation of PHT. Here, we report on a patient who presented recurrent pancreatitis as the first manifestation of MEN2A. In the present case, prompt sequential dosage of calcium, diagnosis of PHT, and genetic analysis would have resulted in pancreatitis prevention and early MEN2A management.

Neoplasia endócrina múltipla do tipo 2 (NEM2A) é uma síndrome genética com herança autossômica dominante, que predispõe à tríade de carcinoma medular de tireóide (CMT), feocromocitoma (Feo) e hiperparatireoidismo primário (HPP). Aproximadamente 100 por cento dos casos de NEM2A estão associados a mutações germinativas do protooncogene RET (RET), e a análise molecular do RET é atualmente considerada essencial para diagnóstico precoce. A primeira manifestação da NEM2A é geralmente em decorrência de CMT, e menos freqüentemente devido ao Feo. Raramente, a NEM2A é descoberta durante investigação para condições associadas ao HPP. A maioria dos pacientes com HPP é oligossintomática e a apresentação ocorre devido a sintomas relacionados à hipercalcemia, à osteoporose, à dispepsia, à hipertensão ou à litíase renal. A pancreatite hipercalcêmica é rara, sendo uma manifestação incomum do HPP. Este artigo relata um caso de paciente que apresentou pancreatite recorrente como primeira manifestação de NEM2A. Neste caso, abordagem seqüencial com determinação do cálcio sérico, diagnóstico de HPP e análise genética poderiam ter resultado prevenção de pancreatite e manejo precoce da NEM2A.

Polymerase chain reaction as a useful and simple tool for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital

Meningitis is a severe and potentially fatal form of tuberculosis. The diagnostic workup involves detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by microscopy or culture, however, the difficulty in detecting the organism poses a challenge to diagnosis. The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnostic approach to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) meningitis has been reported as a fast and accurate method, with several commercial kits available. As an alternative, some institutions have been developing inexpensive in house assays. In our institution, we use an in house PCR for tuberculosis. We analyzed the performance of our PCR for the diagnosis of MTB meningitis in 148 consecutive patients, using MTB culture as gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of CSF PCR for the diagnosis of MTB meningitis was 50 percent and 98.6 percent respectively with a concordance with CSF mycobacterial culture of 96 percent (Kappa=0.52). In contrast to CSF cultures for MTB, our PCR test is a fast, simple and inexpensive tool to diagnose tuberculous meningitis with a performance similar to that obtained with the available commercial kits.

Insuficiência adrenal primária como primeira manifestação de câncer pulmonar metastático / Primary adrenal insufficiency as first manifestation of metastatic lung cancer

A insuficiência adrenal primária é, na maioria das vezes, causada por infecções e adrenalite auto-imune. Metástases adrenais são relativamente comuns em neoplasias de pulmão, mas usualmente são assintomáticas, mesmo quando bilaterais. Há poucos relatos de metástases adrenais levando à insuficiência adrenal. Descrevemos aqui um caso de insuficiência adrenal primária como primeira manifestação clínica de neoplasia pulmonar metastática. Paciente de 59 anos, feminina, branca, tabagista, queixava-se de dor em flanco direito associada a náuseas e emagrecimento. Exames laboratoriais confirmaram o diagnóstico de insuficiência adrenal primária. Iniciou tratamento com prednisona e fludrocortisona, com melhora progressiva dos sintomas. Na investigação da etiologia, tomografia computadorizada (TC) de abdômen mostrou aumento bilateral das adrenais. Foi submetida à biopsia de adrenal, com citopatológico positivo para células malignas. Linfonodo supraclavicular esquerdo foi biopsiado, com anátomo-patológico (AP) confirmando adenocarcinoma metastático, com imunohistoquímica sugerindo pulmão como sítio primário. Atentar para o diagnóstico de insuficiência adrenal nesse contexto é importante, porque os sintomas iniciais são inespecíficos, podendo ser atribuídos à neoplasia

Primary adrenal insufficiency is, in most cases, caused by infections and autoimmune adrenalitis. Adrenal metastasis are relatively common in lung cancer, but they are usually asymptomatic, even when bilateral. There are few reports of adrenal metastasis as a cause of adrenal insufficiency. We describe a case of primary adrenal insufficiency presenting as the first clinical manifestation of metastatic lung cancer. A 59 year-old, white, smoker woman, complaining of right flank pain associated with nausea and weight loss. Laboratory exams confirmed the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency. It was started treatment with prednisone and fludrocortisones with progressive improvement. At the etiologic investigation, abdominal computadorized tomography (CT) showed bilateral increase of the adrenal glands. It was performed an adrenal biopsy and the cytologic study was positive for malignant cells. It was made another biopsy, of a supraclavicular lymph node, and the histopathologic study revealed a metastatic adenocarcinoma, immunohistochemistry study suggested lung as the primary site. Awareness of this diagnosis is important because initial symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are unspecific and may misguidedly be attributed to the neoplasm