Ângulo de fase como preditor de massa muscular em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal / Phase angle as a predictor of muscle mass in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Malnutrition/sarcopenia is frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and results in muscle catabolism, impacting treatment response, postoperative complications, and quality of life. Objective: This study aims to assess whether the phase angle (PhA) is a parameter for predicting reduced muscle mass in patients with IBD. Methods: Adult patients with IBD were included in this cross-sectional study. For the estimation of muscle mass and the calculation of the PhA, we used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) activity scores were defined using the Harvey-Bradshaw index and partial Mayo score, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was calculated to identify the PhA cut-off point for reduced muscle mass. Results: The sample consisted of 145 patients, with 39 (26.9%) with IBD in the active phase. There was a correlation of the PhA with skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (rs 0.35, P<0.001) and with the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (rs 0.427, P<0.001), and the associations remained in the most active form (moderate or severe) of IBD. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the cut-offs points of the PhA ≤5.042 for female and PhA ≤6.079 for male can be used to predict muscle mass reduction. Conclusion: The PhA can be considered a predictor of muscle mass reduction in IBD patients, and we can use it for screening and monitoring the evolution of malnutrition.

RESUMO A desnutrição/sarcopenia é frequente em pacientes com doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), resultando em catabolismo muscular, com impacto nas respostas aos tratamentos, complicações cirúrgicas e na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo, avaliar se o ângulo de fase (AF) é um parâmetro para a predição de redução de massa muscular em pacientes com DII. Métodos: Pacientes adultos com DII foram incluídos neste estudo transversal. A estimativa da massa muscular e o cálculo do AF foram realizados a partir do exame de bioimpedância elétrica (BIA). As atividades da doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa foram definidas pelo índice Harvey-Bradshaw e escore parcial de Mayo, respectivamente. A área de curva ROC foi calculada para identificar o ponto de corte do AF para a massa muscular reduzida. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 145 pacientes, sendo 39 (26.9%) com DII em fase ativa. Houve correlação do AF com massa muscular esquelética (MME) (rs 0.35, P<0.001) e com o índice de massa muscular esquelética (IMME) (rs 0.427, P<0.001), mantendo-se as associações na forma mais ativa (moderada ou grave) da DII. A análise da curva ROC indicou que os pontos de corte de AF ≤5.042 para mulheres e ≤6.079 para homens podem ser usados para prever a redução da massa muscular. Conclusão: O AF pode ser considerado um preditor de redução de massa muscular nos pacientes com DII e ser utilizado para triagem e acompanhamento da evolução da desnutrição.

Long-term oncological and surgical outcomes after Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) in patients with penile cancer

ABSTRACT Objective: To report outcomes from the largest multicenter series of penile cancer patients undergoing video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL). Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter analysis. Authors of 21 centers from the Penile Cancer Collaborative Coalition-Latin America (PeC-LA) were included. All centers performed the procedure following the same previously described standardized technique. Inclusion criteria included penile cancer patients with no palpable lymph nodes and intermediate/high-risk disease and those with non-fixed palpable lymph nodes less than 4 cm in diameter. Categorical variables are shown as percentages and frequencies whereas continuous variables as mean and range. Results: From 2006 to 2020, 210 VEIL procedures were performed in 105 patients. Mean age was 58 (45-68) years old. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (60-120). Mean lymph node yield was 10 nodes (6-16). Complication rate was 15.7%, including severe complications in 1.9% of procedures. Lymphatic and skin complications were noted in 8.6 and 4.8% of patients, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed lymph node involvement in 26.7% of patients with non-palpable nodes. Inguinal recurrence was observed in 2.8% of patients. 10y- overall survival was 74.2% and 10-y cancer specific survival was 84.8%. CSS for pN0, pN1, pN2 and pN3 were 100%, 82.4%, 72.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: VEIL seems to offer appropriate long term oncological control with minimal morbidity. In the absence of non-invasive stratification measures such as dynamic sentinel node biopsy, VEIL emerged as the alternative for the management of non-bulky lymph nodes in penile cancer.

Pediatric incontinence questionnaire (PINQ): translation and transcultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract Objective Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect approximately 10% of children worldwide and are related to psychosocial manifestations and compromised quality of life, both for children and their families. The assessment of emotional conditions of LUTS in children is recommended by International Children's Continence Society; however, there is no specific instrument in the Brazilian Portuguese language. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and assess the internal consistency of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PINQ). Material and methods This cross-sectional study was performed at two referral centers for childhood voiding dysfunction. The 20-item PINQ was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted according to Beaton, 2000. His-standard methodology consists of 6 phases: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee, and pre-test. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results The PINQ-br version was developed, validated by a committee of experts, and pre-tested on 44 children diagnosed with lower urinary tract symptoms, 23 boys and 21 girls (mean age: 9.7 and 9.6 years old respectively), as well as on their parents. The internal consistency was considered satisfactory, reaching Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.74 when applied to children and 0.82 when applied to parents. Conclusions The PINQ was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese to assess the impact of LUTS on the health-related quality of life in Brazilian children and adolescents.

Lifestyle Intervention in Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Students with Dyslipidemia and Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Study

Abstract Background The long incubation periods of cardiovascular diseases offer opportunities for controlling risk factors. In addition, preventive interventions in childhood are more likely to succeed because lifestyle habits become ingrained as they are repeated. Objective To investigate the effects of recreational physical activities, in combination or not with a qualitative nutritional counseling, in cardiometabolic risk factors of students with dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity. Methods Students (8-14 years old) were randomly divided into three groups (n=23 each): i ) Control; ii ) PANC, students undergoing Physical Activity and Nutritional Counseling, and iii ) PA, students submitted to Physical Activity, only. Blood samples (12-h fasting) were collected for biochemical analysis and anthropometric markers were also assessed. Two-Way RM-ANOVA and Holm-Sidak's test, and Friedman ANOVA on Ranks and Dunn's test were applied. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Effect sizes were evaluated by Hedges' g and Cliff's δ for normal and non-Gaussian data, respectively. Results Compared to the control group and to baseline values, both interventions caused significant average reductions in total cholesterol (11%; p <0.001), LDL-c (19%; p=0.002), and non-HDL-c (19%; p=0.003). Furthermore, students in the PANC group also experienced a significant decrease in body fat compared to baseline (p=0.005) and to control (5.2%; g=0.541). Conclusions The proposed strategies were effective to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. The low cost of these interventions allows the implementation of health care programs in schools to improve the students' quality of life.

Salvage Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: the first brazilian experience

ABSTRACT Introduction: Salvage Radical Prostatectomy after radiation therapy is challenging and associated with high rates of serious complications (1, 2). The novel Retzius-Sparing RARP (RS-RARP) approach has shown excellent continence outcomes (3, 4). Purpose: To describe step-by-step our Salvage Retzius-Sparing RARP (sRS-RARP) operative technique and report feasibility, safety and the preliminary oncological and continence outcomes in the post-radiation scenario. Materials and Methods: Twelve males presenting local prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy that underwent sRS-RARP were included. All patients performed preoperative multiparametric MRI and PSMA-PET. Surgical technique: 7cm peritoneum opening at Douglas pouch, Recto-prostatic space development, Seminal vesicles and vas deferens isolation and section, Extra-fascial dissection through peri-prostatic fat, Neurovascular bundle control, Bladder neck total preservation and opening, Anterior dissection at Santorini plexus plane, Apex dissection with urethra preservation and section, Prostate release, Vesicouretral modified Van Velthoveen anastomosis, Rocco Stitch, Oncological and continence outcomes reported with minimum 1-year follow-up. Results: Ten patients had previously received external beam radiation (EBR) whereas two received previous brachytherapy plus EBR. At 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery, 25%, 75% and 91.6% of the men used one safety pad or less, respectively. No major complications or blood transfusions were reported. Final pathology reported pT2b 41.6%, pT2c 33.3% and pT3a 25%, positive surgical margins 25%, positive lymph nodes were not found, biochemical recurrence 16.6%. Conclusion: Salvage Retzius-Sparing Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy approach appears to be technically feasible and oncologically safe with potential to provide better continence outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 on education, health and lifestyle behaviour of Brazilian urology residents

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents. Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents' concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Results: Massive reductions in elective and emergency patient consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgeries were reported across the country, affecting PGY 3 to 5 alike. Most in-person educational activities were abolished. The median damage to the urological training expected for 2020 was 6.0 [3.4 - 7.7], on a scale from 0 to 10, with senior residents estimating a greater damage (P< 0.001). Educational interventions developed included online case-based discussions, subspeciality conferences and lectures, and grand rounds. Most senior residents favored extending residency to compensate for training loss and most younger residents favored no additional training (p< 0.001). Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (43.8%), reduced physical activity (68.6%), increased alcoholic intake (44.9%) and cigarette consumption (53.6%), worsening of sexual life (25.2%) and feelings of sadness or depression (48,2%). Almost half were summoned to work on the COVID-19 front-line and 24.4% had COVID-19. Most residents had inadequate training to deal with COVID-19 patients and most reported a shortage of PPE. Residents' concerns included the risk of contaminating family members, being away from residency program, developing severe COVID-19 and overloading colleagues. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a massive impact in Brazilian urology residents´ training, health and lifestyle behavior, which may reflect what happened in other medical specialties. Studies should confirm these findings to help developing strategies to mitigate residents' losses.

Role of salvage lymph node dissection in patients previously treated for prostate cancer: systematic review

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer is the most common invasive cancer in men. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a definitive treatment option, but biochemical recurrence can reach 40%. Salvage lymphadenectomy is a relatively recent approach to oligometasis and has been rapidly diffused primarily due to improvement in imaging diagnosis and results showing possibly promising therapy. A systematic literature review was performed in March 2020, according to the PRISMA statement. We excluded studies with patients with suspicion or confirmation of visceral and / or bone metastases. A total of 27 articles were included in the study. All studies evaluated were single arm, and there were no randomized studies in the literature. A total of 1,714 patients received salvage lymphadenectomy after previous treatment for localized prostate cancer. RP was the most used initial therapeutic approach, and relapses were based on PET / CT diagnosis, with Coline-11C being the most widely used radiopharmaceutical. Biochemical response rates ranged from 0% to 80%. The 5 years - Free Survival Biochemical recurrence was analyzed in 16 studies with rates of 0% up to 56.1%. The articles do not present high levels of evidence to draw strong conclusions. However, even if significant rates of biochemical recurrence are not evident in all studies, therapy directed to lymph node metastases may present good oncological results and postpone the onset of systemic therapy. The long-term impact in overall survival and quality of life, as well as the best strategies for case selection remains to be determined.

Robotic parastomal hernia repair

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: Annually, more than one hundred thousand new stomas are created in the United States and near 30-50% of those will develop parastomal hernia (1). Occasionally parastomal hernias may result in life threatening complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation requiring urgent surgical intervention (2). The minimally invasive surgery for these hernias are preferred, specially when the primary case was either laparoscopic or robot-assisted. Our objective is to demonstrate a step-by-step robotic approach with and without mesh placement and their outcomes in two different scenarios: elective and emergency. Materials and Methods: We present two cases, a 56-year-old male with three years prior robot-assisted radical cystectomy with ileal conduit and a 82-year-old male with five year post operation of laparoscopic radical cystectomy with bilateral ureterostomies. Both of them had parastomal hernia, the first case was an urgency due to bowel obstruction while the second case was an elective procedure. Using three portals, we choose the primary repair for the first case and placement of a biological mesh within the keyhole technique (3) for the second one. Results: In the first case we had an operative time of 110min, total blood loss of 40cc and for the second case an operative time of 140min with total blood loss of 20cc. Both patients were discharged within 24h and had a follow-up of 2 years with no recurrence. Conclusions: The capability for complex sutures and dissection of intracorporeal structures makes the robotic platform a powerful ally (4) and we believe in its superiority over conventional laparoscopy. Although further studies are required, our initial series suggests that the robotic parastomal hernia repair is feasible and reproducible, with or without mesh placement and could be demonstrated its use for either elective or emergency situations.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis of Transtrochanteric Fractures with Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) / Osteossíntese minimamente invasiva de fraturas transtrocantéricas com Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS)

Abstract The method presented here consists of a minimally invasive surgical technique for osteosynthesis of transtrochanteric fractures with Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) 135º. It is indicated in the treatment of 31-A1 and 31-A2 fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen Classification - AO) that meet the prerequisites required for using DHS. The surgery is performed, preferably, before 48 hours after the fracture. With the use of the same instruments as the traditional surgical technique and the aid of the C-arm, a closed reduction of the fracture and implantation of the DHS is performed by a 2-cm surgical incision, through dissection of the underlying tissues, with minimal bleeding and damage to the soft parts. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient is encouraged to orthostatism and walk with full load, which anticipates hospital discharge and favors early functional rehabilitation. Outpatient return is scheduled at 2, 6, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively, with radiographic evaluation to assess fracture healing.

Resumo O método aqui apresentado consiste em técnica cirúrgica minimamente invasiva para osteossíntese de fraturas transtrocantéricas com Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) 135º. Esta técnica é indicada no tratamento de fraturas 31-A1 e 31-A2 (Classificação Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen - AO) que cumpram os pré-requisitos exigidos para o uso do DHS. A cirurgia é realizada, preferencialmente, antes de 48 horas após o acometimento da fratura. Com a utilização do mesmo instrumental da técnica cirúrgica tradicional e auxílio do arco-C, realiza-se redução incruenta da fratura e implantação do DHS por incisão cirúrgica com 2 cm, através de dissecção dos tecidos subjacentes, com mínimo sangramento e agressão às partes moles. No pós-operatório imediato, o paciente é estimulado ao ortostatismo e à deambulação com carga total, o que antecipa a alta hospitalar e favorece a reabilitação funcional precoce. O retorno ambulatorial é agendado com 2, 6, 12 e 24 semanas de pós-operatório, com avaliação radiográfica, a fim de avaliar a consolidação da fratura.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients (≥75 years) with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data from the Latin American Renal Cancer Group

Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing globally due to an aging population and widespread use of imaging studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of RCC surgery in very elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years of age. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of 3656 patients who underwent the treatment for RCC from 1990 to 2015 in 28 centers from eight Latin American countries. We compared baseline characteristics as well as clinical and perioperative outcomes according to age groups (<75 vs.≥ 75 years). Surgical complications were classified with the Clavien-Dindo score. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative complications. Results: There were 410 VEP patients (11.2%). On bivariate analysis, VEP had a lower body mass index (p < 0.01) and higher ASA score (ASA >2 in 26.3% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in performance status and clinical stage between the study groups. There were no differences in surgical margins, estimated blood loss (EBL), complication, and mortality rates (1.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.17). On multivariate regression analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, p < 0.01), EBL ≥ 500 cc (OR 3.34, p < 0.01), and > pT2 stage (OR 1.63, p = 0.04) were independently associated with perioperative complications. Conclusions: Surgical resection of RCC was safe and successful in VEP. Age ≥75 years was independently associated with 30-day perioperative complications. However, the vast majority were low-grade complications. Age alone should not guide decision-making in these patients, and treatment must be tailored according to performance status and severity of comorbidities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):308-15)

Tendência de internação hospitalar por queimadura em Santa Catarina no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, no período entre 2008 e 2018 / Trend in hospitalization for burns in Santa Catarina in the Single Health System, Brazil, in the period 2008-2018

Introdução: Queimaduras são definidas como importantes lesões da pele ou tecido orgânico, causadas por eletricidade, agentes químicos, radioativos, atrito ou fricção, exposição ou contato com calor ou frio extremo. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais, com dados obtidos no estado de Santa Catarina, utilizando o banco de dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde, no período de 2008 a 2018. Para cada ano do período estudado, foram calculadas as taxas de internação por queimadura, bruta e específicas, de acordo com as variáveis dependentes de interesse: faixa etária e sexo. Para análise das tendências temporais, foram utilizados os coeficientes de morbidade padronizados e o método de regressão linear simples. Resultados: Ocorreram 9.158 internações no período estudado. A taxa de internação hospitalar no início do período, foi de 12,06/100.000 habitantes; finalizando o período com aumento para 17,07/100.000 habitantes. No sexo masculino, a taxa iniciou com 14,52/100.000, finalizando a série histórica com 22,51/100.000 habitantes. Já no sexo feminino, a taxa inicial foi de 9,52/100.000 e, ao final do período, aumentou para 11,72/100.000. A faixa etária mais acometida em ambos os sexos foi a de 0 a 4 anos. Conclusão: Houve aumento na taxa de internação geral. O sexo masculino apresentou taxas superiores no período, mas ambos os sexos tenderam ao aumento. Destacou-se a faixa etária dos 0 a 4 anos como a mais acometida no estado de Santa Catarina.

Introduction: Burns are defined as important lesions to the skin or organic tissue caused by electricity, chemical, radioactive agents, friction or friction, exposure, or contact with extreme heat or cold. Methods: Ecological study of time series, with data obtained in the state of Santa Catarina, using the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System database, from 2008 to 2018. For each year of the studied period, the hospitalization rates for burns were calculated, grossly and specifically, according to the dependent variables of interest: age group and sex. It was used the simple linear regression method for the analysis of temporal trends and standardized morbidity coefficients. Results: There were 9,158 hospitalizations in the studied period. At the beginning of the period, the hospital admission rate was 12.06/100,000 inhabitants, ending the period with an increase to 17.07/100,000 inhabitants. In males, the rate started with 14.52/100,000, ending the historical series with 22.51/100,000 inhabitants. For women, the initial rate was 9.52/100,000 and, at the end of the period, increased to 11.72/100,000. The age group most affected in both sexes was 0 to 4 years. Conclusion: There was an increase in the general hospitalization rate. The male sex presented higher rates in the period, but both sexes tended to increase. The age group from 0 to 4 years old stood out as the most affected in the state of Santa Catarina.

Brazilian consensus on vesicoureteral reflux-recommendations for clinical practice

ABSTRACT Introduction Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is characterized by a retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys. It is one of the most common urinary tract anomalies and the major cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first years of life. If not properly diagnosed and treated can lead to recurrent UTI, renal scar and, in severe cases, to end stage renal disease. Despite recent advances in scientific and technological knowledge, evaluation and treatment of VUR is still controversial and there is still considerable heterogeneity in evaluation methods and therapeutic approaches. The aim of the present consensus is to give a practical orientation on how to evaluate and treat VUR. Methods The board of Pediatric Urology of the Brazilian Society of Urology joined a group of experts and reviewed all important issues on Vesicoureteral Reflux evaluation and treatment and elaborated a draft of the document. On November 2017 the panel met to review, discuss and write a consensus document. Results and Discussion Vesicoureteral Reflux is a common and challenging problem in children. Children presenting with Vesicoureteral Reflux require careful evaluation and treatment to avoid future urinary tract infections and kidney scars. The panel addressed recommendations on up to date choice of diagnosis evaluation and therapies.

Initial experience of video endoscopic inguinal Lymphadenectomy in a center located at northeast brazilian region

ABSTRACT Introduction: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy - VEIL - has emerged as an alternative to reduce post-surgical complications (PSC) in patients with penile cancer submitted to inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL). In some series, these PSC are observed in more than 50% of patients. The objectives of the present study are to describe the initial experience of VEIL in a Hospital in Teresina, PI, Brazil, and to analyze PSC incidence. Material and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients submitted to VEIL from March 2014 to November 2015. Data were collected regarding surgical time, bleeding, complications, lymph node number, conversion, global complications, drainage time, cellulitis, lymphocele, cutaneous necrosis, miocutaneous necrosis and hospitalization time. Results: 20 lower limbs of 11 patients were operated. Mean age was 51.4 (24-72) years. Mean surgical time was 85 (60-120) minutes. No patient showed intrasurgical complications, bleeding > 50 mL or conversion. Three surgeries evolved with lower limb edema, 2 with lymphoceles and one patient had cutaneous necrosis and another bulging of surgical wound. Mean time of hospitalization was 4 (2-11) days. A mean of 5.8 (1-12) lymph nodes were dissected in each surgery. Conclusion: VEIL is a safe and easy technique with lower incidence of PSC that can be reproduced in small centers.

Influence of angulation and height of tooth preparation on the distribution of tensions in prosthetic crowns for upper central incisor: in silico analysis

Aim: it was to use tridimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to analyze the effect of height and angulation of prosthetic preparations on the distribution of stresses for lithium disilicate prosthetic crowns, the underlying resin cement, and the prosthetic preparation of a superior central incisor. Methods: a CAD modeling software, SolidWorks 2013, was used to generate three-dimensional virtual models comprising the dimensions of the preparation parameters. Three angles (6, 12 and 16 degrees) were simulated on the prepared walls and two wall heights were utilized (4 and 5 mm), for a total of six model groups according to the height and angulation of the walls. A vertical line in the Y-axis was used as a reference for determining the degrees of convergence (inclination of the preparations). The chamfer finish and preparation width were standardized for all groups. Results: the 4 mm preparations behaved more appropriately when the axial wall convergence was approximately 6 degrees. The 5 mm preparations required 12 degrees of angulation. In relation to resin cement, there was better stress distribution when the angle of incisal convergence was between 6 and 12 degrees. An increase to 16 degrees led to a considerable increase in peak stress at the preparation margin. Conclusion: it was concluded that the convergence of the axial walls of coronal preparations with 4 and 5 mm heights should be 6 and 12 degrees, respectively, to avoid high tension spikes in the underlying resin cement

Prevalence of HCV infection in a prison population of the greater Florianópolis area

Abstract INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a prison population. METHODS: A total of 147 individuals were interviewed and subjected to venipuncture for collection of blood sample. The study population consisted of male individuals who attended the health unit of the state penitentiary of Florianópolis. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV infection was 5.4%. Regarding behavioral variables, 95 (64.6%, p<0.0507) subjects reported consuming alcohol and 7 (4.8%, p<0.0476) reported having already used injectable drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HCV infection in the studied population was higher than that in the general populations.

Prospective evaluation of Chondroitin sulfate, Heparan sulfate and Hyaluronic acid in prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study evaluates chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) in the urine and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the plasma of patients with prostate cancer before and after treatment compared to a control group. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were used for HA dosage and urine for quantification of CS and HS from forty-four cancer patients and fourteen controls. Clinical, laboratory and radiological information were correlated with glycosaminoglycan quantification by statistical analysis. Results: Serum HA was significantly increased in cancer patients (39.68 ± 30.00 ng/ mL) compared to control group (15.04 ± 7.11 ng/mL; p=0.004) and was further increased in high-risk prostate cancer patients when compared to lower risk patients (p = 0.0214). Also, surgically treated individuals had a significant decrease in seric levels of heparan sulfate after surgical treatment, 31.05 ± 21.01 μg/mL (before surgery) and 23.14 ± 11.1 μg/mL (after surgery; p=0.029). There was no difference in the urinary CS and HS between prostate cancer patients and control group. Urinary CS in cancer patients was 27.32 ± 25.99 μg/mg creatinine while in the men unaffected by cancer it was 31.37 ± 28.37 μg/mg creatinine (p=0.4768). Urinary HS was 39.58 ± 32.81 μg/ mg creatinine and 35.29 ± 28.11 μg/mg creatinine, respectively, in cancer patients and control group (p=0.6252). Conclusions: Serum HA may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. However, urinary CS and HS did not altered in the present evaluation. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.

Synchronous abdominal tumors: is combined laparoscopic surgery in a single approach a safe option?

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Recent advances in cancer treatment have resulted in bet- ter prognosis with impact on patient's survival, allowing an increase in incidence of a second primary neoplasm. The development of minimally invasive surgery has provided similar outcomes in comparison to open surgery with potentially less mor- bidity. Consequently, this technique has been used as a safe option to simultaneously treat synchronous abdominal malignancies during a single operating room visit. The objective of this study is to describe the experience of two tertiary cancer hospitals in Brazil, in the minimally invasive treatment of synchronous abdominal neoplasms and to evaluate its feasibility and peri-operative results. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients who were submitted to combined laparoscopic procedures performed in two tertiary hospitals in Brazil from May 2009 to February 2015. Results: A total of 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 58.83 years (range: 33 to 76 years) underwent combined laparoscopic surgeries for the treatment of at least one urological disease. The total average duration of surgery was 339.8 minutes (range: 210 to 480 min). The average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 276.6mL (range: 70 to 550mL) and length of hospitalization was 5.08 days (range: 3 to 10 days). Two patients suffered minor complications regarding Clavien system during the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions: Combined laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of synchronous tumors is feasible, viable and safe. In our study, there was a low risk of postoperative morbidity.