Differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease patients / Diferenças entre pacientes com lesão renal aguda induzida por COVID-19 e pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract Introduction: This article describes the main differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI-COVID19) in patients with previous normal renal function (AKI-NRF) and those with chronic kidney disease (AKI-CKD) treated in a high complexity clinic in Barranquilla (Colombia). Material and Methods: The patients included in this study (n: 572) were those with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by detection of a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Of these patients, 188 developed AKI during their hospital stay. Patients' epidemiological data, serum parameters, and clinical frailty status were recorded. Statistical analysis and comparison among AKI-NRF, AKI-CKD, and non-AKI patients were performed. Results: The incidence of COVID-19-induced AKI was 33%, with the majority classified as AKIN 1, 16% requiring renal replacement therapy, and AKI-COVID19 mortality of 68%. A significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, cardiac disease, and serum reactive C-protein and lower albumin values in AKI-CKD patients was recorded. Mortality rate, invasive ventilation requirement, and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in AKI-NRF patients: Conclusion: Different clinical patterns between AKI-NRF and AKI-CKD were documented.

Resumo Introdução: Este artigo descreve as principais diferenças entre a lesão renal aguda induzida por COVID-19 (LRA-COVID19) em pacientes com função renal normal prévia (LRA-FRN) e aqueles com doença renal crônica (LRA-DRC) atendidos em uma clínica de alta complexidade em Barranquilla (Colômbia). Material e Métodos: Os pacientes incluídos neste estudo (n: 572) foram aqueles com um diagnóstico positivo de COVID-19 confirmado pela detecção de PCR positivo para SARS-CoV-2. Destes pacientes, 188 desenvolveram LRA durante sua internação. Foram registrados os dados epidemiológicos, os parâmetros séricos e o estado de fragilidade clínica dos pacientes. Foram feitas a análise estatística e a comparação entre pacientes com LRA-FRN, LRA-DRC, e pacientes sem LRA. Resultados: A incidência de LRA induzida por COVID-19 foi de 33%, com a maioria classificada como AKIN 1, 16% exigindo terapia renal substitutiva, e a mortalidade por LRA-COVID19 foi de 68%. Foi registrada uma prevalência significativamente mais alta de hipertensão, doença cardíaca e proteína C reativa sérica e valores mais baixos de albumina em pacientes com LRA-DRC. A taxa de mortalidade, a necessidade de ventilação invasiva e os níveis de dímero-D foram significativamente mais altos em pacientes com LRA-FRN. Conclusão: Foram documentados padrões clínicos diferentes entre LRA-FRN e LRA-DRC.

Tasa de filtración glomerular conservada en personas mayores. Un estudio de base poblacional en el Cono Sur de América Latina

Introduction: Kidneys are affected by the aging process, usually suffering a progressive glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction of around 1 ml/year as of 30 years of age. Nevertheless, few older subjects show a stable GFR over time. This phenomenon has not been exhaustively studied, and even less in the Southern Cone. Aim: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of preserved GFR in a representative sample of older adults and explore the association between cardiovascular risk factors and preserved GFR in older individuals. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 1571 participants aged 65-74 years from 4 cities of the Southern Cone. We describe the prevalence of eGFR ≥80 ml/min/1.73 m2 and sociodemographic, biological, behavioral risk factors and medication use. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to study the effect of cardiovascular risk factors on eGFR ≥80 ml/min. Results: In this study, 962 had an eGFR >80 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 154 were healthy adults (Prevalence= 17.01% (95%CI 14.5%; 19.9%)). The median eGFR in the full sample was 85.53 ml/min/1.73 m² (IQR: 73.12-91.26). The prevalence of eGFR >80 ml/min/1.73 m2 was higher among men. Overall, older adults with no cardiovascular risk factors and eGFR >80 ml/min/1.73 m2 were predominantly men and showed a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The present study documented that 17% of healthy older individuals have preserved glomerular filtration rate (eGFR>80 ml/min/1.73 m2) despite their advanced age.

Introducción: Los riñones se ven afectados por el proceso de envejecimiento, sufriendo habitualmente una reducción progresiva de la tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG) de alrededor de 1 ml/año a partir de los 30 años de edad. Sin embargo, son pocos los sujetos de edad avanzada que muestran una TFG estable a lo largo del tiempo. Este fenómeno no ha sido estudiado exhaustivamente, y menos aún en el Cono Sur. Objetivo: El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de la TFG conservada en una muestra representativa de adultos mayores y explorar la asociación entre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y la TFG conservada en individuos de edad avanzada. Métodos: Utilizamos datos de una encuesta transversal de una muestra aleatoria de 1571 participantes de 65-74 años de edad de 4 ciudades del Cono Sur. Describimos la prevalencia de FGe ≥80 ml/min/1,73 m2 y los factores de riesgo sociodemográficos, biológicos y conductuales y el uso de medicamentos. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión logística por pasos hacia atrás para estudiar el efecto de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular sobre la TFGe ≥80 ml/min. Resultados: En este estudio, 962 tenían una TFGe >80 ml/min/1,73 m2 y 154 eran adultos sanos (Prevalencia= 17,01% (IC 95% 14,5%; 19,9%)). La mediana de la TFGe en la muestra completa fue de 85,53 ml/min/1,73 m² (IQR: 73,12-91,26). La prevalencia de la TFGe >80 ml/min/1,73 m2 fue mayor entre los hombres. En general, los adultos mayores sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular y con una TFGe >80 ml/min/1,73 m2 eran predominantemente hombres y mostraban una menor prevalencia de dislipidemia. Conclusiones: El presente estudio documentó que el 17% de los individuos mayores sanos tienen una tasa de filtración glomerular preservada (TFGe>80 ml/min/1,73 m2) a pesar de su avanzada edad.

Cranberry dosed extract: an effective therapy for recurrent Escherichia coli cystitis in elderly patients. The GerHogar Cysticlean® study / Extracto dosificado de arándano rojo: una terapia eficaz para la cistitis recurrente por Escherichia coli en pacientes de la tercera edad. El estudio GerHogar Cysticlean®

Abstract Introduction: Cystitis is the most prevalent urinary tract infection (UTI), and antibiotics are its conventional therapy. However, the prevalence rate of antibiotic resistance to uropathogens is significantly increased. Cranberry treatment has been associated with the inhibition of Escherichia coli (Ec) adherence to uroepithelial cells due to the anti-adhesive property related to its proanthocyanidins content, and cysticlean® (CYS) is a cranberry extract which contains 240 mg PACs per capsule. Since elderly people is one of the populations mostly exposed to cystitis and bacteria antibiotic resistance, it was decided to originally study the efficacy and safety of CYS, to treat cystitis instead of antibiotic, in elderly individuals. Material & Methods: Two groups were studied: Group 1 (G1): first cystitis episode was recorded within the last 3 months before the study initiation. Group 2 (G2): frequent cystitis recurrent episodes (1-2/month or more) within the last 3 months before the study initiation. G1 patients were treated with 1 capsule of CYS every 12 h for 1 month, while G2 patients were treated up to 12 months. Comparative evaluation was performed using Student test. Results: 160 elderly ambulatory and nursing home patients suffering from recurrent cystitis were treated with CYS. G1 and G2 had 38 and 122 subjects, respectively. Cranberry-based cystitis treatment was successful in 81.57 % and 81.96 % in G1 and G2 patients, respectively. Conclusion: CYS showed to be an effective alternative therapy to antibiotics to treat cystitis recurrences caused by Ec. Neither side effects nor adverse reactions have been reported.

Resumen Introducción: la cistitis es la infección del tracto urinario más común a nivel mundial y los antibióticos son su terapia convencional; sin embargo, la tasa de prevalencia de la resistencia de los uropatógenos a los antibióticos ha aumentado significativamente en los últimos tiempos. El tratamiento con arándano rojo se ha asociado con la inhibición de la adherencia de la Escherichia coli a las células uroepiteliales debido a la propiedad antiadherente relacionada con su contenido de proantocianidinas. La cysticlean® (CYS) es un extracto de arándano rojo que contiene 240 mg de PAC por cápsula. Objetivo: estudiar la eficacia y seguridad de la CYS en el tratamiento de la cistitis como reemplazo de los antibióticos en personas adultas mayores. Material y métodos: se estudiaron dos grupos, uno (G1) en el que el primer episodio de cistitis se registró dentro de los últimos 3 meses antes del inicio del estudio y otro (G2) en el que se registraron episodios recurrentes de cistitis frecuentes (≥1-2 al mes) en los últimos 3 meses antes del inicio del estudio. Los pacientes del G1 fueron tratados con 1 cápsula de CYS cada 12 horas durante 1 mes, mientras que los del G2 fueron tratados por 12 meses con el mismo esquema. La evaluación comparativa se realizó mediante la prueba de Student. Resultados: en el estudio participaron 160 pacientes ambulatorios de la tercera edad residentes de hogares de ancianos y con diagnóstico de cistitis recurrente. De estos, 38 se incluyeron en G1 y 122, en G2. El tratamiento de la cistitis a base de arándano rojo tuvo éxito en el 81,57 % y el 81,96 % de los pacientes de G1 y G2, respectivamente. Conclusión: la CYS demostró ser una terapia alternativa eficaz a los antibióticos para tratar las recurrencias de cistitis causadas por E. coli al no presentarse efectos secundarios ni reacciones adversas.

Sexually transmitted infections among women living with HIV in a Brazilian city

ABSTRACT Background: Clinical improvements following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may increase high-risk behaviors resulting in sexually transmitted infections (STI). Optimism related to the success of HAART in slowing disease progression, reducing viral load, and improving health status might be important factors for increasing sexual risk behaviors such as less use of condoms. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, high-risk HPV, and cervical cytological abnormalities among women living with HIV (WLHIV) who attended a Reference Center for STI/AIDS in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 WLHIV attending an STI Clinic in Vitória city, Brazil. A structured questionnaire, including demographic, behavioral, and clinical information, was used for data collection. Serological tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C and B, CD4 counts, and viral load determination were performed. Cervical samples were collected for cytology and real-time PCR for HPV, Chlamydia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results: In this study, 59% of women had at least one diagnosed STI at the time of the first clinic visit; 31% had clinical forms of anogenital HPV, 10% syphilis, 8%Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 5.0% trichomoniasis, 3% Chlamydia trachomatis, 1% hepatitis B, and 1% hepatitis C; 6.7% of the women presented with cervical cytological abnormalities. Furthermore, 46.3% of women had HR-HPV, and 17.6% had HPV 16/18. Only 5% of the women had a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3, 61.6% had undetectable HIV viral load, and 81.3% were currently on HAART. Conclusion: A high prevalence of STI and HR-HPV infections were observed among HIV-infected women in this investigation. Prevention programs need to focus on counseling WLHIV and their regular partners with focused interventions such as couples counseling and education programs.

Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em mulheres afrodescendentes de comunidades quilombolas no Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Sexually transmissible infections in African-descendant women in maroon communities in Brazil: prevalence and associated factors / Enfermedades de transmisión sexual en mujeres afrodescendientes de comunidades quilombolas en Brasil: prevalencia y factores asociados

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) e fatores associados sobre mulheres quilombolas no Brasil. Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional com mulheres quilombolas no período de março de 2017 a janeiro de 2019. Utilizou-se um questionário com informações sociodemográficas, comportamentais e clínicas. Foi realizado exame ginecológico para coleta de células cervicais para citologia oncótica e para detecção de Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis e papilomavírus humano (HPV), por meio de teste de reação em cadeia pela polimerase. Foi realizado teste rápido para HIV e sífilis. O desfecho principal foi definido como a infecção por um ou mais agentes infecciosos de transmissão sexual. Para a análise, utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado e regressão logística hierárquica. De um total de 380 mulheres, 352 (92,6%) foram incluídas no estudo. A prevalência de, pelo menos, uma IST foi de 18,5% (IC95%: 14,76-22,85). A maior prevalência foi de 11,1% por HPV, seguido de 6,3% por T. vaginalis e de 4,3% por C. trachomatis. Não houve nenhum caso de N. gonorrhoeae. Para o HIV, a prevalência foi de 0,3%, e de sífilis foi de 4,3%. A citologia cervicovaginal estava alterada em 7,7%. A detecção de uma ou mais IST foi significativamente associada a idade entre 25 e 44 anos (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,05-5,18), a consumo de álcool (OR = 1,96; IC95%: 1,06-3,64), a resultado alterado da citologia (OR = 3,96; IC95%: 1,65-9,48) e a vaginose bacteriana (OR = 3,61; IC95%: 2,01-6,47). Em mulheres quilombolas houve elevada prevalência de uma ou mais IST, o que torna importante a elaboração de estratégias de prevenção direcionadas a essas mulheres.

Abstract: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and associated factors in women in quilombola (maroon) communities in Brazil. This was a population-based cross-sectional study of quilombola women from March 2017 to January 2019. A questionnaire was used with sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical information. A gynecological examination was performed for the collection of uterine cervical cells for oncotic cytology and the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) via polymerase chain reaction. Rapid tests for HIV and syphilis were performed. The main outcome was defined as infection with one or more sexually transmissible pathogens. The analysis used chi-square test and hierarchical logistic regression. From a total of 380 women, 352 (92.6%) were included in the study. Prevalence of at least one STI was 18.5% (95%CI: 14.76-22.85). The highest prevalence was for HPV, with 11.1%, followed by 6.3% for T. vaginalis and 4.3% for C. trachomatis. There were no cases of N. gonorrhoeae. Prevalence was 0.3% for HIV and 4.3% for syphilis. Cervical-vaginal cytology was altered in 7.7% of the women. Detection of one or more STIs was significantly associated with age 25 to 44 years (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.05-5.18), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.06-3.64), altered cervical cytology (OR = 3.96; 95%CI: 1.65-9.48), and bacterial vaginosis (OR = 3.61; 95%CI: 2.01-6.47). Quilombola women showed high prevalence of one or more STIs, emphasizing the importance of organizing prevention strategies targeted to these women.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) y sus factores asociados en mujeres quilombolas en Brasil. Estudio transversal de base poblacional con mujeres quilombolas durante el período de marzo de 2017 a enero de 2019. Se utilizó un cuestionario con información sociodemográfica, comportamental y clínica. Se realizó un examen ginecológico, a fin de recoger células cervicales para la citología oncótica, así como para la detección de Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, y virus del papiloma humano (VPH) mediante un test de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se realizó un test rápido para VIH y sífilis. El resultado principal, se definió como infección por uno o más agentes infecciosos de transmisión sexual. Para el análisis, se utilizó el test de chi-cuadrado y regresión logística jerárquica. De un total de 380 mujeres, 352 (92,6%) se incluyeron en el estudio. La prevalencia de por lo menos una ETS fue de 18,5% (IC95%: 14,76-22,85). La mayor prevalencia fue por VPH 11,1%, seguida de 6,3% por T. vaginalis y 4,3% por C. trachomatis. No hubo casos de N. gonorrhoeae. Para el VIH, la prevalencia fue de 0,3% y de sífilis fue de 4,3%. La citología cérvico-vaginal estaba alterada en un 7,7%. La detección de una o más ETS estuvo significativamente asociada con la edad entre 25 a 44 años (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,05-5,18), el consumo de alcohol (OR = 1,96; IC95%: 1,06-3,64), resultado alterado de la citología (OR = 3,96; IC95%: 1,65-9,48) y vaginosis bacteriana (OR = 3,61; IC95%: 2,01-6,47). Las mujeres quilombolas presentaron una elevada prevalencia por una o más ETS, por lo que es importante la elaboración de estrategias de prevención dirigidas a estas mujeres.

Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones informadas en la evidencia para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el manejo de la lesión renal aguda por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 / Colombian consensus of experts on recommendations informed in the evidence for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury by SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in patients with COVID-19 and its occurrence is a potential indicator of multi-organ dysfunction and disease severity. Objective: Develop, through an expert consensus, evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute kidney injury in patients with SARS CoV2 / COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods: Based on a rapid systematic review in Embase and Pubmed databases and documents from scientific societies, we made preliminary recommendations and consulted with an expert group through an online tool. Then we defined agreement after at least 70 % consensus approval. Quality evidence was evaluated according to the type of document included. The strength of the recommendations was graded as strong or weak. Results: Fifty clinical experts declared their conflict of interest; the consultation took place between May 2 and 29, 2020. The range of agreement ranged from 75.5 % to 100 %. Recommendations for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury in patients with SARS CoV2 infection are presented. Conclusions: Although the good quality information available regarding acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19 is scarce, the recommendations of clinical experts will guide clinical decision-making and strategies around patients with this complication, guaranteeing care focused on the people, with high quality standards, and the generation of safety, health and wellness policies for multidisciplinary care teams.

Medicina biosemiótica: de una medicina de efectos a una medicina de procesos / Biosemiotic medicine: From an effect-based medicine to a process-based medicine

La medicina contemporánea se caracteriza por una creciente subespecialización, así como por la adquisición de un mayor conocimiento respecto de la interacción entre las distintas estructuras del organismo (biosemiótica) tanto en estado de salud como de enfermedad. Se propone, en este artículo, una nueva conceptualización del organismo basada en la perspectiva de considerarlo conformado por un espacio biológico (células, tejidos y órganos) y un espacio biosemiótico (intercambio de señales entre ellos). Su desarrollo daría lugar a una nueva subespecialidad dedicada al estudio e interferencia de la biosemiótica de la enfermedad (medicina biosemiótica), lo que propiciaría el desarrollo de una medicina de procesos, tendiente al diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de las enfermedades

Contemporary medicine is characterized by an increasing subspecialization and the acquisition of a greater knowledge about the interaction among the different body structures (biosemiotics), both in health and disease. This article proposes a new conceptualization of the body based on considering it as a biological space (cells, tissues, and organs) and a biosemiotic space (exchange of signs among them). Its development would lead to a new subspecialty focused on the study and interference of disease biosemiotics (biosemiotic medicine), which would trigger a process-based medicine centered on early diagnosis and management of disease.

Pulmonary artery aneurysm rupture

Pulmonary artery aneurysm is a disorder of varying etiology and should be diagnosed early for appropriate interventions. A 45-year-old man was hospitalized for chest pain, dyspnea, cough, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting, which had started 3 weeks before admission. Physical examination indicated a reduced vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax. A chest x-ray performed indicated a pneumothorax and pulmonary abscess in the right hemithorax. Thoracostomy released abundant purulent and fetid fluid. Direct examination of the pleural fluid using saline revealed structures similar to Trichomonas. Non-contrast chest computed tomography revealed right pneumothorax along with an irregular cavitation located at the pleuropulmonary interface of the posterior margin of the right lower lobe. A pleurostomy was performed. On the second postoperative day, the patient suffered a sudden major hemorrhage through the surgical wound and died on the way to the operating room. The autopsy revealed an abscess and ruptured aneurysm of the lower lobar artery in the lower right lung. Microscopic examination revealed extensive liquefactive necrosis associated with purulent inflammation and the presence of filamentous fungi and spores. This case can be characterized as a severe disorder that requires early diagnosis to achieve a good therapeutic response and to avoid fatal outcomes.

Impacto de la cirugía bariátrica en pacientes con obesidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 1 / Impact of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introducción: la obesidad es un problema médico serio y en crecimiento en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). El tratamiento de reemplazo con insulina es la única terapia disponible y los principales efectos adversos asociados son la hipoglucemia y la ganancia de peso. La cirugía bariátrica (CB) mostró mejoría en el control glucémico en los pacientes con DM2 pero se han reportados pocos casos en DM1. Objetivos: evaluar los cambios en los parámetros metabólicos en pacientes con obesidad y DM1 a quienes se les realizó una CB. Materiales y métodos: en forma retrospectiva se evaluaron las historias clínicas de siete pacientes con DM1 y obesidad que fueron tratados con CB. Se utilizó el test de Wilcoxon para muestras apareadas a fin de evaluar la diferencia entre los datos pre cirugía y al año de la misma. Resultados: se evaluaron siete pacientes con DM1. La media de edad fue de 48 años (IQR 45 a 49). La media de índice de masa corporal basal y al año fue 39,6 Kg/m2 (IQR 35 a 42) y 24,9 Kg/m2 (IQR 24,7 a 29,5) respectivamente. La media de hemoglobina glicosilada basal y al año de seguimiento fue de 9,3% (IQR 8,3 a 10,5) y 7,2% (IQR 6,7 a 8,8). La media del requerimiento de insulina antes y después de la CB fue de 110 UI (IQR 70 a 120) y 24 UI (IQR 16 a 30). Todas las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05). Conclusiones: los hallazgos de este estudio alientan a considerar a la CB como una herramienta en los pacientes con DM1 y obesidad con el objetivo de mejorar el control glucémico y el peso corporal

Introduction: obesity is a serious growing medical problem in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Insulin replacement is the only available therapy for these patients with DM1 and the main problems associated with it are hypoglycemia and weight gain. Bariatric surgery (BS) showed improvement in glycemic control in type 2 but only few cases of DM1 have been reported. Objectives: to evaluate changes in metabolic parameters in obese DM1 patients who underwent BS. Materials and methods: retrospectively, the clinical histories of seven patients with DM1 and obesity who were treated with CB were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test was used for paired samples in order to assess the difference between the pre-surgery data and one year after it. Results: seven patients DM1 were evaluated. The median age was 48 years (IQR 45 to 49). The median body mass index at baseline and at follow-up were 39.6 Kg/m (IQR 35 to 42) and 24.9 Kg/m2 (IQR 24.7 to 29.5) respectively. The median glycated hemoglobin at baseline and at follow-up were 9.3% (IQR 8.3 to 10.5) and 7.2% (IQR 6.7 to 8.8) respectively. The median insulin requirements before and after BS were 110 UI (IQR 70 a 120) and 24 UI (IQR 16 a 30). All differences were statistically significant (p value<0.05). Conclusions: our findings encourage considering BS as a tool in type 1 obese diabetic patients in terms to improve management of glycemic control and body weight

Aplicación del arte a la investigación científica: fundamentos de un método original para su utilización / Applying art to scientific research: Reasons for using an original method

El arte en virtud de su poder simbólico puede funcionar como instrumento cognitivo y contribuir, incluso, al proceso de investigación científica, sobre todo, en sus etapas de generación de hipótesis y discusión de datos, debido a su capacidad inductora del pensamiento intuitivo y creativo. En el presente artículo, se propone un método para llevar a la práctica esta concepción, basado en la exposición de los científicos a actividades artísticas colectivas en ambientes protegidos, metodología diseñada a partir de experiencias relatadas por destacados artistas y científicos.

Art, by virtue of its symbolic power, may function as a cognitive instrument and even as an aid in the scientific research process, especially in the phase of hypothesis generation and data analysis given its ability to induce creative and intuitive thinking. In this article, we propose a method to put such concept into practice based on the exposure of scientists to collective artistic activities in protected settings, a methodology developed from the experiences described by renowned artists and scientists.

Carcinoma bem diferenciado de tireoide: perfil epidemiológico, resultados cirúrgicos e resposta oncológica / Well-differentiated tireoid carcinoma: epidemiological profile, surgical results and oncological response

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia do carcinoma bem diferenciado da tireoide no Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio Moraes da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, assim como os resultados oncológicos e as principais complicações pós-operatórias. Métodos: estudo transversal e retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de carcinoma bem diferenciado da tireoide operados no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2015. Resultados: no período do estudo, dos 353 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico da glândula tireoide, 95 eram portadores de CBDT. O carcinoma papilífero da tireoide foi o mais frequente (91,57%). A tireoidectomia total não associada a esvaziamento cervical foi o procedimento cirúrgico mais frequente (65,26%). As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 6,31% dos pacientes, sendo o hematoma a mais frequente. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 36,9 meses. A recidiva ocorreu em quatro pacientes (4,21%), sendo locorregional em todos os casos. Os fatores prognósticos analisados, como sexo, idade, tamanho do tumor, acometimento linfonodal, estadiamento, tipo de cirurgia, histologia e iodoterapia complementar não demonstraram significância estatística. Conclusão: o carcinoma papilífero da tireoide foi a neoplasia maligna mais frequente, acometendo o sexo feminino na faixa etária dos 49 anos mais frequentemente. A recidiva locorregional ocorreu em quatro pacientes. O hematoma foi a complicação mais frequente.

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing surgery for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma at the Cassiano Antônio Moraes University Hospital of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, as well as the oncological results and the main postoperative complications. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) operated from January 2008 to December 2015. Results: During the study period, 95 of the 353 patients undergoing surgical treatment of the thyroid gland had WDTC. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequent (91.57%). Total thyroidectomy not associated with cervical emptying was the most frequent surgical procedure (65.26%). Postoperative complications occurred in 6.31% of patients, hematoma being the most frequent. The mean follow-up time was 36.9 months. Relapse occurred in four patients (4.21%), being locoregional in all cases. The prognostic factors analyzed, such as gender, age, tumor size, lymph node involvement, staging, type of surgery, histology and complementary iodine therapy did not show statistical significance. Conclusion: papillary carcinoma was the most common thyroid malignant neoplasm, affecting women in the 49-year-old age group more frequently. Loco-regional recurrence occurred in four patients. Hematoma was the most frequent complication.