Pregnancy after kidney transplantation: 40 years single-center experience / Gestação após transplante renal: 40 anos de experiência em centro único

Abstract Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) improves quality of life, including fertility recovery. Objective: to describe outcomes of post-KT pregnancy and long-term patient and graft survival compared to a matched control group of female KT recipients who did not conceive. Methods: retrospective single-center case-control study with female KT recipients from 1977 to 2016, followed-up until 2019. Results: there were 1,253 female KT patients of childbearing age in the study period: 78 (6.2%) pregnant women (cases), with a total of 97 gestations. The median time from KT to conception was 53.0 (21.5 - 91.0) months. Abortion rate was 41% (spontaneous 21.6%, therapeutic 19.6%), preterm delivery, 32%, and at term delivery, 24%. Pre-eclampsia (PE) occurred in 42% of pregnancies that reached at least 20 weeks. The presence of 2 or more risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes was significantly associated with abortions [OR 3.33 (95%CI 1.43 - 7.75), p = 0.007] and with kidney graft loss in 2 years. The matched control group of 78 female KT patients was comparable on baseline creatinine [1.2 (1.0 - 1.5) mg/dL in both groups, p = 0.95] and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) [0.27 (0.15 - 0.44) vs. 0.24 (0.02 - 0.30), p = 0.06]. Graft survival was higher in cases than in controls in 5 years (85.6% vs 71.5%, p = 0.012) and 10 years (71.9% vs 55.0%, p = 0.012) of follow-up. Conclusion: pregnancy can be successful after KT, but there are high rates of abortions and preterm deliveries. Pre-conception counseling is necessary, and should include ethical aspects.

Resumo Histórico: Transplante renal (TR) melhora qualidade de vida, incluindo recuperação da fertilidade. Objetivo: descrever desfechos gestacionais pós-TR e sobrevida de longo prazo da paciente e do enxerto renal comparada a um grupo controle pareado de receptoras de TR que não conceberam. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com receptoras de TR de 1977 a 2016, acompanhadas até 2019. Resultados: foram identificadas 1.253 receptoras de TR em idade fértil no período do estudo: 78 (6,2%) gestantes (casos), total de 97 gestações. Tempo mediano entre TR até concepção foi 53,0 (21,5 - 91,0) meses. Taxa de aborto foi 41% (espontâneo 21,6%, terapêutico 19,6%), parto prematuro, 32%, e a termo, 24%. Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) ocorreu em 42% das gestações que alcançaram pelo menos 20 semanas. Presença de 2 ou mais fatores de risco para desfechos gestacionais desfavoráveis foi significativamente associada a abortos [OR 3,33 (IC95% 1,43 - 7,75), p = 0,007] e perda de enxerto renal em 2 anos. O grupo controle de 78 mulheres com TR foi comparável na creatinina basal [1,2 (1,0 - 1,5) mg/dL nos dois grupos, p = 0,95] e na relação proteína/creatinina urinária (RPCU) [0,27 (0,15 - 0,44) vs. 0,24 (0,02 - 0,30), p = 0,06]. Sobrevida do enxerto foi maior nos casos que nos controles em 5 anos (85,6% vs. 71,5%, p = 0,012) e 10 anos (71,9% vs. 55,0%, p = 0,012) de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a gestação pode ser bem-sucedida após TR, mas existem altas taxas de abortos e partos prematuros. Aconselhamento pré-concepção é necessário e deve incluir aspectos éticos.

Renal osteodystrophy and clinical outcomes: a prospective cohort study / Osteodistrofia renal e desfechos clínicos: um estudo de coorte prospectivo

Abstract Introduction: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) refers to a group of bone morphological patterns that derive from distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Whether the ROD subtypes influence long-term outcomes is unknown. Our objective was to explore the relationship between ROD and clinical outcomes. Methods: This study is a subanalysis of the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsies (REBRABO). Samples from individual patients were classified as having osteitis fibrosa (OF), mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), adynamic bone disease (ABD), osteomalacia (OM), normal/minor alterations, and according to turnover/mineralization/volume (TMV) system. Patients were followed for 3.4 yrs. Clinical outcomes were: bone fractures, hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and death. Results: We enrolled 275 participants, of which 248 (90%) were on dialysis. At follow-up, 28 bone fractures, 97 hospitalizations, 44 MACE, and 70 deaths were recorded. ROD subtypes were not related to outcomes. Conclusion: The incidence of clinical outcomes did not differ between the types of ROD.

Resumo Introdução: Osteodistrofia renal (OR) refere-se a um grupo de padrões morfológicos ósseos que decorrem de mecanismos fisiopatológicos distintos. É desconhecido se os subtipos de OR influenciam desfechos em longo prazo. Nosso objetivo foi explorar as relações entre OR e desfechos. Métodos: Este estudo é uma subanálise do Registro Brasileiro de Biópsias Ósseas (REBRABO). As amostras de cada paciente foram classificadas em osteíte fibrosa (OF), osteodistrofia urêmica mista (MUO), doença óssea adinâmica (ABD), osteomalácia (OM), alterações normais/menores, e pelo sistema Remodelação / Mineralização / Volume (RMV). Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3,4 anos. Os eventos clínicos foram: fraturas ósseas, hospitalizações, eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (MACE), e óbito. Resultados: Analisamos 275 indivíduos, 248 (90%) deles estavam em diálise. No acompanhamento, 28 fraturas ósseas, 97 hospitalizações, 44 MACE e 70 óbitos foram registrados. Os subtipos de OR não foram relacionados aos desfechos clínicos. Conclusão: A incidência de desfechos clínicos não diferiu entre os tipos de OR.

Prevalence of early neonatal sepsis and positive maternal culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in pregnant women with a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in a middle-income city in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving singleton low- and high-risk pregnancies in whom group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures were evaluated between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and anal swabs. A specific medium (Todd-Hewitt) was used for culturing. The pregnant women were divided into two groups based on positive (n==201) and negative (n==420) cultures for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. RESULTS: The maternal colonization rate by group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 32.3%. The prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was 1.0% (2/201) among patients with a positive group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus culture and 1.9% (8/420) among patients with a negative culture. Among the patients who underwent adequate prophylaxis, crystalline penicillin G was used in 51.9% (54/104), followed by cefazolin in 43.3% (45/104), ampicillin in 3.8% (4/104), and clindamycin in 1.0% (1/104). A model that included prematurity (p==0.001) proved to be an independent risk predictor of early neonatal sepsis [χ2 (1)==15.0, odds ratio: 16.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.7-61.6, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2==0.157]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was high. However, the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was low in pregnant women with both positive and negative group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures and in pregnant women with a positive culture who underwent both adequate and inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Prematurity proved to be an independent predictor of early neonatal sepsis, considering the entire study population.

Enhancing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with Down syndrome: An integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a non-rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 800 live births worldwide. Further, it is associated with comorbidities, anatomical alterations of the respiratory tract, and immunological dysfunctions that make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the current scientific knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among individuals with DS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This integrative review was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This review was conducted in the following databases: the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS), PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH descriptors. The search included English or Portuguese studies published between January 1, 2020, and October 14, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles from 24 countries were selected, comprising 21 case-control or cohort studies, 23 case reports or series, and 11 narrative reviews or opinion studies. The articles were grouped into five categories: previous comorbidities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features and evolution, cytokine storm and interleukins, living in institutions as a risk factor, and behavioral actions as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to variables such as previous comorbidities, immunological factors, and their habitable environments. These aspects confer a higher risk of infection and an unfavorable clinical course. The precise pathways involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in individuals with DS are not clear, thus requiring further studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The Open Science Framework registered the research protocol (https://osf.io/jyb97/).

Bone reconstruction in the treatment of tibial hemimelia: an alternative to amputation? / Reconstrução óssea no tratamento da hemimelia tibial: uma alternativa para amputação?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of bone reconstruction and lengthening compared to amputation in the treatment of tibial hemimelia for patients and their families. Methods: Systematic review of articles published in English and Portuguese between 1982 and 2022 in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane and SciELO databases. The variables of interest were: year of publication, sample characteristics, classification of tibial hemimelia according to Jones, treatment outcome and follow-up time. Results: A total of eleven articles were included in the scope of this review. The studies involved 131 patients, 53.4% male and 46.6% female. The age of the patients who underwent a surgical procedure ranged from 1 year and 10 months to 15 years. The most common type was Jones' I (40.9%). The most recurrent complications in the reconstruction treatment were: infection of the external fixator path, flexion contracture (mainly of the knee), reduction in the range of motion of the knee and ankle. Conclusion: We did not find enough relevant studies in the literature to prove the superiority of reconstruction. Amputation remains the gold standard treatment for tibial hemimelia to this day. Level of Evidence III, systematic review of level III studies

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as vantagens e desvantagens da reconstrução óssea e alongamento comparada à amputação no tratamento da hemimelia tibial para pacientes e familiares. Métodos: Revisão sistemática, com análise de artigos publicados nas línguas inglesa e portuguesa entre 1982 e 2022, nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane e SciELO. As variáveis de interesse foram: ano de publicação, característica da amostra, classificação da hemimelia tibial segundo Jones, desfecho do tratamento e tempo de seguimento. Resultados: Fizeram parte do escopo desta revisão onze artigos. Os estudos envolveram 131 pacientes, 53,4% do sexo masculino e 46,6% do feminino. A idade dos pacientes submetidos a algum procedimento cirúrgico variou de 1 ano e 10 meses a 15 anos. O tipo mais comum foi o I de Jones (40,9%). As complicações mais recorrentes no tratamento pela reconstrução foram: infecção do trajeto de pinos do fixador externo, contratura em flexão (principalmente do joelho), redução do arco de movimento de joelho e tornozelo. Conclusão: Não encontramos na literatura estudos suficientemente relevantes para comprovar a superioridade da reconstrução. A amputação se mantém até os dias de hoje o tratamento padrão-ouro para hemimelia tibial. Nível de evidência III; revisão sistemática de estudos de nível III.

Evaluation of the RAPID score as a predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing pulmonary decortication for stage III pleural empyema

Abstract Objective: This study aims to correlate the RAPID score with the 3-month survival and surgical results of patients undergoing lung decortication with stage III pleural empyema. Methods: This was a retrospective study with the population of patients with pleural empyema who underwent pulmonary decortication between January 2019 and June 2022. Data were collected from the institution's database, and patients were classified as low, medium, and high risk according to the RAPID score. The primary outcome was 3-month mortality. Secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, readmission rate, and the need for pleural re-intervention. Results: Of the 34 patients with pleural empyema, according to the RAPID score, patients were stratified into low risk (23.5 %), medium risk (47.1 %), and high risk (29.4 %). The high-risk group had a 3-month mortality of 40 %, while the moderate-risk group hada 6.25 % and the low-risk group had no deaths within 90days, confirmingagood correlation with the RAPID score (p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity for the primary outcome in the high-risk score were 80.0 % and 79.3%, respectively. The secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: In this retrospective series, the RAPID score had a good correlation with 3-month mortality in patients undergoing lung decortication. The morbidity indicators did not reach statistical significance. The present data justifies further studies to explore the capacity of the RAPID score to be used as a selection tool for treatment modality in patients with stage III pleural empyema.

Alternative approaches to analyzing ventilator-free days, mortality and duration of ventilation in critical care research / Abordagens alternativas para analisar dias livres de ventilador, mortalidade e duração da ventilação em estudos de cuidados intensivos

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the strengths and limitations of ventilator-free days and to provide a comprehensive discussion of the different analytic methods for analyzing and interpreting this outcome. Methods: Using simulations, the power of different analytical methods was assessed, namely: quantile (median) regression, cumulative logistic regression, generalized pairwise comparison, conditional approach and truncated approach. Overall, 3,000 simulations of a two-arm trial with n = 300 per arm were computed using a two-sided alternative hypothesis and a type I error rate of α = 0.05. Results: When considering power, median regression did not perform well in studies where the treatment effect was mainly driven by mortality. Median regression performed better in situations with a weak effect on mortality but a strong effect on duration, duration only, and moderate mortality and duration. Cumulative logistic regression was found to produce similar power to the Wilcoxon rank-sum test across all scenarios, being the best strategy for the scenarios of moderate mortality and duration, weak mortality and strong duration, and duration only. Conclusion: In this study, we describe the relative power of new methods for analyzing ventilator-free days in critical care research. Our data provide validation and guidance for the use of the cumulative logistic model, median regression, generalized pairwise comparisons, and the conditional and truncated approach in specific scenarios.

RESUMO Objetivo: Discutir os pontos fortes e as limitações dos dias livres de ventilador e fornecer uma discussão abrangente dos diferentes métodos analíticos para analisar e interpretar esse desfecho. Métodos: Por meio de simulações, avaliou-se o poder de diferentes métodos analíticos, a saber: regressão quantílica (mediana), regressão logística cumulativa, comparação generalizada entre pares, abordagem condicional e abordagem truncada. No total, foram computadas 3.000 simulações de um estudo de dois braços com n = 300 por braço, usando uma hipótese alternativa bilateral e uma taxa de erro tipo I de α = 0,05. Resultados: Ao considerar o poder, a regressão mediana não teve bom desempenho em estudos em que o efeito do tratamento foi impulsionado principalmente pela mortalidade. A regressão mediana teve desempenho melhor em situações com efeito fraco na mortalidade, mas forte na duração, somente na duração e na mortalidade e duração moderadas. Verificou-se que a regressão logística cumulativa produziu um poder semelhante ao do teste de soma de postos de Wilcoxon em todos os cenários, sendo a melhor estratégia nos cenários de mortalidade e duração moderadas, mortalidade fraca e duração forte, e apenas duração. Conclusão: Neste estudo, descrevemos o poder relativo de novos métodos para analisar os dias livres de ventilador em estudos de cuidados intensivos. Nossos dados fornecem validação e orientação quanto ao uso do modelo logístico cumulativo, regressão mediana, comparações generalizadas entre pares e a abordagem condicional e truncada em cenários específicos.

Comparison of Sociodemographic and Radiographic Features in Distal Radio Fracture Treatment: Hand Surgeons versus Non-specialists / Comparação de características sociodemográficas e radiográficas no tratamento de fratura de rádio distal: Cirurgiões de mão versus não especialistas

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated sociodemographic and radiographic features of patients with distal radial fractures treated at a trauma hospital in southern Brazil, comparing those treated by hand surgery specialists (group 1) and non-specialists (group 2). Methods: This study consists of a retrospective cohort of 200 patients treated in 2020. After reviewing medical records and radiographs, the following parameters were analyzed: age, gender, trauma mechanism, laterality, associated comorbidities and fractures, fracture classification (AO), radial height, radial inclination, and volar inclination. Comparison of the two groups used the Student t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test. Results: Most subjects were women (54%), sustained low-energy traumas (58%), and were left-handed (53%). Group 1 had a lower mean age (50.2 years); most of their subjects sustained high-energy trauma (54%) and had type C fractures (73%); type A fractures prevailed in group 2 (72%). Radiographs showed a significant difference regarding the mean radial inclination (21.5° in group 1 and 16.5° in group 2 [p < 0.001] in women, and 21.3° in group 1 and 17° in group 2 [p < 0.001] in men) and volar inclination (10.1° and 12.8° in groups 1 and 2, respectively [p < 0.001]). In addition, the absolute number of cases with reestablished anatomical parameters per the three evaluated variables was also significantly different; all parameters were better in group 1. Conclusion: Hand surgeons treated the most severe fractures and had the best radiographic outcomes.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as características sociodemográficas e radiográficas dos pacientes com fratura de rádio distal tratados em um hospital de trauma no sul do Brasil, comparando os casos tratados pelos especialistas em cirurgia da mão (grupo 1) com aqueles tratados por não especialistas (grupo 2). Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva realizada com 200 pacientes, no ano de 2020. Por meio da revisão de prontuários e radiografias, analisaram-se: idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, lateralidade, presença de comorbidades e fraturas associadas, classificação da fratura (AO), altura radial, inclinação radial e, inclinação volar. Comparou-se os dois grupos por meio do teste t de Student, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Resultados: A maioria era de pacientes do sexo feminino (54%), traumas de baixa energia (58%) e lateralidade esquerda (53%). O grupo 1 apresentou média de idade menor (50,2 anos), traumas de alta energia (54%), e fraturas tipo C (73%), enquanto no grupo 2 fraturas tipo A prevaleceram (72%). As radiografias apresentaram diferença significativa quanto à média de valores de inclinação radial (21,5° no grupo 1 e 16,5° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nas mulheres e, 21,3° no grupo 1 e 17° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nos homens) e inclinação volar (10,1° e 12,8° no grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente [p < 0,001]), bem como no número absoluto de casos que reestabeleceram os parâmetros anatômicos nas três variáveis avaliadas, sendo todos melhores no grupo 1. Conclusão: Os cirurgiões de mão trataram as fraturas mais graves e apresentaram os melhores resultados radiográficos.

Justicia reproductiva en Uruguay: resultados materno perinatales en el Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud

Introducción: la justicia reproductiva es la capacidad de las personas y las sociedades de poder concretar los derechos sexuales y reproductivos. Por el contrario, la injusticia reproductiva (IR) expone la presencia de riesgos para el proceso de desarrollo durante el embarazo y la primera infancia. Objetivo: describir la evolución de un conjunto de indicadores vinculados a la justicia reproductiva en el Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud (SNIS) de Uruguay en los últimos 12 años y comparar las tendencias entre el subsector público y el subsector privado. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de un conjunto de indicadores incluidos en los objetivos de desarrollo sostenibles (ODS) y de los objetivos sanitarios nacionales. Se analizaron razón de mortalidad materna (MM), incidencia de parto pretérmino (PPT), bajo peso al nacer (BPN) y sífilis congénita (SC), en el subsector público y privado del SNIS, durante los últimos 12 años. Resultados: la razón de MM en el período de tiempo analizado ha sido siempre superior en el subsector público, salvo en el año 2015. La incidencia de PPT en el período de tiempo ha oscilado entre 8,6% y 10%. Ésta es superior en el subsector público, salvo en algunos períodos donde es mayor en el subsector privado. La incidencia de BPN es superior siempre en el subsector público, con su mayor incidencia en 2022, de 9,3. La SC siempre fue superior en el subsector público desde 1,3 a 7,1, mientras que en el subsector privado los valores van de 0,2 a 0,6. Conclusiones: la diferencia en estos indicadores de salud perinatal entre los dos subsectores de atención de nuestro país refleja que a pesar de contar con un SNIS, existe una disparidad que impacta sobre los resultados de indicadores finales e intermedios, determinando así la existencia de una IR.

Introduction: Reproductive justice is the ability of individuals and societies to realize sexual and reproductive rights. On the contrary, reproductive injustice (RI) exposes the presence of risks to the developmental process during pregnancy and early childhood. Objective: To describe the evolution of a set of indicators related to reproductive justice in the Integrated National Health System (SNIS) of Uruguay over the last 12 years and compare trends between the public and private subsectors. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective study of a set of indicators included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national health objectives was conducted. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR), incidence of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and congenital syphilis (CS) were analyzed in the public and private subsectors of the SNIS over the past 12 years. Results: During the analyzed period the maternal mortality ratio has always been higher in the public subsector, except in the year 2015. The incidence of preterm birth during the period has ranged between 8.6% and 10%. It is higher in the public subsector, except in some periods where it is higher in the private subsector. The incidence of low birth weight is always higher in the public subsector, with its highest incidence in 2022 at 9.3. Congenital syphilis has always been higher in the public subsector, ranging from 1.3 to 7.1, while in the private subsector, the values range from 0.2 to 0.6. Conclusions: The difference in these perinatal health indicators between the two healthcare subsectors in our country reflects that despite having an Integrated National Health System, there is a disparity that impacts the results of final and intermediate indicators, thus determining the existence of reproductive injustice.

Introdução: A justiça reprodutiva é a capacidade dos indivíduos e das sociedades de poderem realizar seus direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. A injustiça reprodutiva (IR), por outro lado, expõe a presença de riscos ao processo de desenvolvimento durante a gravidez e a primeira infância. Objetivo: descrever a evolução de um conjunto de indicadores relacionados à justiça reprodutiva no Sistema Nacional Integrado de Saúde (SNIS) do Uruguai nos últimos 12 anos e comparar as tendências entre os subsetores público e privado. Metodologia: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de um conjunto de indicadores incluídos nos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (SDGs) e nas metas nacionais de saúde. A taxa de mortalidade materna (MM), a incidência de parto prematuro (PTB), baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) e sífilis congênita (SC) foram analisadas no subsetor público e privado do SNIS nos últimos 12 anos. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade materna foi maior no subsetor público durante o período analisado, exceto em 2015. A incidência de nascimento pré-termo no período variou entre 8,6 e 10%. Ela é maior no subsetor público, exceto em alguns períodos em que é maior no subsetor privado. A incidência de baixo peso ao nascer é sempre maior no subsetor público, com sua maior incidência em 2022, com 9,3. A sífilis congênita sempre foi mais alta no subsetor público, de 1,3 a 7,1, enquanto no subsetor privado os valores variam de 0,2 a 0,6. Conclusões: A diferença nesses indicadores de saúde perinatal entre os dois subsetores de atendimento em nosso país reflete que, apesar da existência de um Sistema Nacional de Saúde Integrado, há uma disparidade que impacta nos resultados dos indicadores finais e intermediários, determinando assim a existência de uma injustiça reprodutiva.

Razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada: limites e potencialidades do indicador para a avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil / Hospital standardized mortality ratio: limits and potential of the indicator for assessing hospital performance in the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada: límites y potencialidades del indicador para la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el Sistema Único de Salud, Brasil

Resumo: Análises comparativas, baseadas em indicadores de desempenho clínico, para monitorar a qualidade da assistência hospitalar vêm sendo realizadas há décadas em vários países, com destaque para a razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada (RMHP). No Brasil, ainda são escassos os estudos e a adoção de instrumentos metodológicos que permitam análises regulares do desempenho das instituições. O objetivo deste artigo foi explorar o uso da RMHP para a comparação do desempenho dos hospitais remunerados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O Sistema de Informações Hospitalares foi a fonte de dados sobre as internações de adultos realizadas no Brasil entre 2017 e 2019. A abordagem metodológica para estimar a RMHP foi adaptada aos dados disponíveis e incluiu as causas de internação (diagnóstico principal) responsáveis por 80% dos óbitos. O número de óbitos esperados foi estimado por um modelo de regressão logística que incluiu variáveis preditoras amplamente descritas na literatura. A análise foi realizada em duas etapas: (i) nível da internação e (ii) nível do hospital. O modelo final de ajuste de risco apresentou estatística C de 0,774, valor considerado adequado. Foi observada grande variação da RMHP, especialmente entre os hospitais com pior desempenho (1,54 a 6,77). Houve melhor desempenho dos hospitais privados em relação aos hospitais públicos. Apesar de limites nos dados disponíveis e desafios ainda vislumbrados para a sua utilização mais refinada, a RMHP é aplicável e tem potencial para se tornar um elemento importante na avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no SUS.

Abstract: Comparative analyses based on clinical performance indicators to monitor the quality of hospital care have been carried out for decades in several countries, most notably the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR). In Brazil, studies and the adoption of methodological tools that allow regular analysis of the performance of institutions are still scarce. This study aimed to assess the use of HSMR to compare the performance of hospitals funded by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The Hospital Information System was the source of data on adult hospitalizations in Brazil from 2017 to 2019. The methodological approach to estimate HSMR was adapted to the available data and included the causes of hospitalization (main diagnosis) responsible for 80% of deaths. The number of expected deaths was estimated using a logistic regression model that included predictor variables widely described in the literature. The analysis was conducted in two stages: (i) hospitalization level and (ii) hospital level. The final risk adjustment model showed a C-statistic of 0.774, which is considered adequate. The variation in HSMR was wide, especially among the worst-performing hospitals (1.54 to 6.77). Private hospitals performed better than public hospitals. Although the limits of the available data and the challenges still face its more refined use, HSMR is applicable and has the potential to become an important tool for assessing hospital performance in the SUS.

Resumen: Durante décadas se han realizado en varios países análisis comparativos basados en indicadores de desempeño clínico para monitorear la calidad de la atención hospitalaria, con énfasis en la razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada (RMHE). En Brasil, aún son escasos los estudios y la adopción de instrumentos metodológicos que permitan análisis regulares del desempeño de las instituciones. El objetivo fue explorar el uso de la RMHE para comparar el desempeño de los hospitales remunerados por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El Sistema de Información Hospitalaria fue la fuente de datos sobre las hospitalizaciones de adultos realizadas en Brasil entre el 2017 y el 2019. El enfoque metodológico para estimar la RMHE se adaptó a los datos disponibles e incluyó las causas de hospitalización (diagnóstico principal) responsables del 80% de las muertes. El número de muertes esperadas se estimó mediante un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó variables predictoras ampliamente descritas en la literatura. El análisis se realizó en dos etapas: (i) nivel de la hospitalización y (ii) nivel del hospital. El modelo final de ajuste de riesgo presentó una estadística C de 0,774, valor considerado adecuado. Se observó una gran variación en la RMHE, especialmente entre los hospitales con peor desempeño (1,54 a 6,77). Hubo un mejor desempeño de los hospitales privados en comparación con los hospitales públicos. A pesar de las limitaciones de los datos disponibles y de los desafíos aún previstos para su uso más refinado, la RMHE es aplicable y tiene el potencial de convertirse en un elemento importante en la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el SUS.

Long-term outcomes for epidemic viral pneumonia survivors after discharge from the intensive care unit: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective To review the long-term outcomes (functional status and psychological sequelae) of survivors of critical illnesses due to epidemic viral pneumonia before the COVID-19 pandemic and to establish a benchmark for comparison of the COVID-19 long-term outcomes. Methods This systematic review of clinical studies reported the long-term outcomes in adults admitted to intensive care units who were diagnosed with viral epidemic pneumonia. An electronic search was performed using databases: MEDLINE®, Web of Science™, LILACS/IBECS, and EMBASE. Additionally, complementary searches were conducted on the reference lists of eligible studies. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The results were grouped into tables and textual descriptions. Results The final analysis included 15 studies from a total of 243 studies. This review included 771 patients with Influenza A, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It analyzed the quality of life, functionality, lung function, mortality, rate of return to work, rehospitalization, and psychiatric symptoms. The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 144 months. We found that the quality of life, functional capacity, and pulmonary function were below expected standards. Conclusion This review revealed great heterogeneity between studies attributed to different scales, follow-up time points, and methodologies. However, this systematic review identified negative long-term effects on patient outcomes. Given the possibility of future pandemics, it is essential to identify the long-term effects of viral pneumonia outbreaks. This review was not funded. Prospero database registration: (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under registration ID CRD42021190296.

Risk factors for osteoporotic hip fracture among community-dwelling older adults: a real-world evidence study

Abstract Background Hip fractures in the older adults lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Although a low bone mineral density is considered the leading risk factor, it is essential to recognize other factors that could affect the risk of hip fractures. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, and muscle and aerobic capacity for hip fractures in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study with real world-data from subjects ≥ 60 years old attending an outpatient clinic in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from May 1, 2019, to August 22, 2022. Data about clinical characteristics (multimorbidity, medications of long-term use, sedative and or tricyclic medications, number of falls), patient-reported outcomes (self-perception of health, self-report of difficulty walking, self-report of vision problems, and self-report of falls) and muscle and aerobic capacity (calf circumference, body mass index, and gait speed) were retrieved from an electronic health record. The association of each potential risk factor and hip fracture was investigated by a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex. Results A total of 7,836 older adults were included with a median age of 80 years (IQR 72-86) and 5,702 (72.7%) were female. Hip fractures occurred in 121 (1.54%) patients. Multimorbidity was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (OR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.06-1.18) and each episode of fall increased the chance of hip fracture by 1.7-fold (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.52-1.80). Patient-reported outcomes associated with increased fracture risk were regular or poor self-perception of health (OR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.06-2.37), self-report of walking difficulty (OR = 3.06, 95%CI 1.93-4.84), and self-report of falls (OR = 2.23, 95%CI 1.47-3.40). Body mass index and calf circumference were inversely associated with hip fractures (OR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.87-0.96 and OR = 0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.97, respectively), while slow gait speed increased the chance of hip fractures by almost two-fold (OR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.22-2.66). Conclusion Our study reinforces the importance of identified risk factors for hip fracture in community-dwelling older adults beyond bone mineral density and available fracture risk assessment tools. Data obtained in primary care can help physicians, other health professionals, and public health policies to identify patients at increased risk of hip fractures.

Systemic Hormonal Unloading (SHU) in secondary hypertension: Addressing the long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes

@#Excess hormone production from adrenal tumors caused by primary hyperaldosteronism or pheochromocytoma are common etiologies for secondary hypertension. Studies have shown that sustained long-term circulating hormones in excess affect the blood vessels and cardiac structures. Inflammation of cardiomyocytes leads to fibrosis and eventual cardiomyopathy and is clinically presented as arrhythmia, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure, or even death. The tissue changes and/or impaired cardiac function are reversible if early diagnosis and removal of the adrenal tumor by unilateral adrenalectomy is done. However, the condition becomes challenging if the adrenal lesions are bilateral. This article introduces the concept of systemic hormonal unloading and will discuss the philosophy of quality of life in managing bilateral adrenal disease.

Retinoblastoma in the Southern Philippines: Clinical outcomes of retinoblastoma patients in a Davao Tertiary Hospital

Background@#Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer in childhood in the Philippines. Most data though on demographics, clinical profile, treatment options, and outcomes in the country are from the National Capital Region. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the demographics, clinical profile, treatment done, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients seen in a public tertiary referral center in Davao from 2011-2020 to make available literature more representative of the status of retinoblastoma in the Philippines. @*Methods@#An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the records of retinoblastoma patients seen in a tertiary government hospital located in Davao Region from January 2011 to December 2020. @*Results@#There were 157 patients included in the analysis. Seventy-three (46%) were female with 44% coming from the Davao Region. One hundred seven (69%) patients had unilateral disease. Median age at initial consultation for patients with unilateral disease was significantly older than those with bilateral disease (p<0.003). Tumors were extraocular in 82 (40%) eyes. In the intraocular group, 36% of the eyes belonged to International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) Groups D and E. Enucleation was the most commonly performed treatment. Survival rate was 28%. This is the first report to provide epidemiologic and clinical data on retinoblastoma in the literature, including survival data, from Mindanao. Advanced stages and extraocular cases of retinoblastoma remain high. Delay of consultation contributed to the prognosis and clinical outcome of the disease.@*@#Conclusion. Advanced stages and extraocular cases of retinoblastoma remain significantly high in the country, even in Mindanao.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances for maxillary molar distalization in adult patients / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances without brackets for the distal movement of maxillary molars to improve the ability of orthodontists to predict treatment outcomes.@*Methods@#Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang Database, CNKI Database, and VIP Database were searched for studies investigating the efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances for distal movement of maxillary molars in adult patients and published from database inception to August 1, 2023. A total of three researchers screened the studies and evaluated their quality and conducted a meta-analysis of those that met quality standards.@*Results@#This study included 13 pre- and postcontrol trials with a total sample size of 281 patients. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in the sagittal or vertical parameters of the jawbone after treatment when compared with those before treatment (P>0.05). The displacement of the first molar was MD=-2.34, 95% CI (-2.83, -1.85); the displacement was MD=-0.95, 95% CI (-1.34, -0.56); and the inclination was MD=-2.51, 95% CI (-3.56, -1.46). There was a statistically significant difference in the change in sagittal, vertical, and axial tilt of the first molar before and after treatment. After treatment, the average adduction distance of the incisors was MD=-0.82, 95% CI (-1.54, -0.09), and the decrease in lip inclination was MD=-1.61, 95% CI (-2.86, -0.36); these values were significantly different from those before treatment (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Invisible orthodontic appliances can effectively move the upper molars in a distal direction and control the vertical position of the molars. When the molars move further away, there is some degree of compression and distal tilt movement, which is beneficial for patients with high angles. The sagittal movement of incisors is beneficial for improving the patient's profile.

Low BMI is Associated with Poor OI-IUI Outcomes in Patients with Unexplained Primary Infertility / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of women's body mass index （BMI） on pregnancy outcomes of ovulation induction intrauterine insemination （OI-IUI） in patients with unexplained primary infertility. MethodsThe study included 764 OI-IUI cycles from January 2016 to December 2022 in reproductive center of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. According to BMI，patients were divided into three groups：low BMI （BMI<18.5 kg/m2）， normal BMI （18.5 kg/m2 ≤BMI＜23.0 kg/m2）， and high BMI （BMI≥23.0 kg/m2）. Comparison of clinical data and pregnancy outcomes was performed between the groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between BMI and live birth rate. ResultsFrom the low BMI group to the high BMI group， the HCG positive rate （7.08%，9.74%， 13.19%）， clinical pregnancy rate（5.51%， 7.91%， 13.19%）， and live birth rate （4.72%， 6.90%， 12.50%） increased. Among them， the live birth rate of the high BMI group was significantly higher than that of the low BMI group and the normal BMI group， with a statistically significant difference （P=0.034）. While the early miscarriage rate （14.28%， 10.26%， 5.26%） decreased from the low BMI group to the high BMI group. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI was an independent factor in live birth， and high BMI resulted in a better live birth rate than low BMI （OR=3.15，95%CI=1.191-8.329，P=0.021）. ConclusionLow BMI is associated with poor OI-IUI outcomes in patients with unexplained primary infertility. These patients are encouraged to gain weight in a healthy manner.

Research progress on metabolic function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome / 公共卫生与预防医学

The incidence of infertility disorders is increasing year by year, affecting about 12-15% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common causes of infertility. In recent years, the incidence rate of PCOS has increased year by year, but the improvement of endocrine and metabolic dysfunction and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PCOS are not satisfactory. There is a consensus both domestically and internationally that improving metabolic function and endocrine abnormalities in PCOS patients can increase their pregnancy rate. Therefore, it is important to explore the improvement of metabolic function in patients with PCOS. This article reviews the progress of basic research on improving metabolic function in patients with PCOS.

Early clinical outcomes of the domestic KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair system for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation: A single-arm, prospective, single-group target value clinical trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To summarize and analyze the preliminary clinical outcomes of the KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair system for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). Methods This study was a single-arm, prospective, single-group target value clinical trial that enrolled patients who underwent the KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for DMR in the Department of Heart Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute from June 2022 to January 2023. Differences in the grade of mitral regurgitation (MR) during the perioperative and follow-up periods were compared, and the incidences of adverse events such as all-cause death, thoracotomy conversion, reoperation, and severe recurrence of MR during the study period were investigated. Results The enrolled patient population consisted of 14 (50.0%) females with a mean age of 70.9±5.4 years. Twenty-eight (100.0%) patients were preoperatively diagnosed with typeⅡ DMR, with a prolapse width of 12.5 (11.0, 16.1) mm, a degree of regurgitation 4+ leading to pulmonary venous reflux, and a New York Heart Association cardiac function class≥Ⅲ. All patients completed the TEER procedure successfully, with immediate postoperative improvement of MR to 0, 1+, and 2+ grade in 2 (7.1%), 21 (75.0%), and 5 (17.9%) patients, respectively. Mitral valve gradient was 2.5 (2.0, 3.0) mm Hg. Deaths, thoracotomy conversion, or device complications such as unileaflet clamping, clip dislodgement, or leaflet injury were negative. Twenty-eight (100.0%) patients completed at least 3-month postoperative follow-up with a median follow-up time of 5.9 (3.6, 6.8) months, during which patients had a mean MR grade of 1.0+ (1.0+, 2.0+) grade and a significant improvement from preoperative values (P<0.001). There was no recurrence of ≥3+ regurgitation, pulmonary venous reflux, reoperation, new-onset mitral stenosis, or major adverse cardiovascular events. Twenty-two (78.6%) patients’ cardiac function improved to classⅠorⅡ. Conclusion The domestic KokaclipTM TEER system has shown excellent preliminary clinical results in selected DMR patients with a high safety profile and significant improvement in MR. Additional large sample volume, prospective, multicenter studies, and long-term follow-up are expected to validate the effectiveness of this system in the future.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 176 patients with acute necrotizing mediastinitis: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To investigate the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of acute necrotizing mediastinitis (ANM) in order to guide future diagnosis and treatment of ANM. Methods The clinical data of patients with ANM referred to West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March 2012 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology, clinical manifestations, demographic characteristics, bacterial culture results, surgical approach and prognostic factors of these patients were summarized. Results A total of 176 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 60 ( 0-84) years. There were 124 (70.5%) males and 52 (29.5%) females. The most common origin of infection was neck (n=66, 37.5%). The most common symptom was fever (n=85, 48.3%). Streptococcus constellatus represented the most common pathogens in secretion culture. Surgical treatment was administered to 119 (67.6%) patients through different approaches, including 54 (30.7%) patients of cervical approach, 9 (5.1%) patients of thoracotomy, 18 (10.2%) patients of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), 7 (4.0%) patients of cervical combined with thoracotomy, 30 (17.0%) patients of cervical combined with VATS, and 1 (0.6%) patient of subxiphoid approach. Among this cohort, 144 (81.8%) patients were cured, while 32 (18.1%) patients died. Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR=2.95, P=0.022), perioperative sepsis (OR=2.84, P=0.024), and non-surgical treatment (OR=2.41, P=0.043) were identified as independent predictors of poor outcomes. Conclusion For patients with corresponding history and manifestations of ANM, it is crucial to go through imaging examination to confirm the presence of an abscess and guide the selection of surgical approach. Once the diagnosis of ANM is made, it is imperative to promptly perform surgical intervention for effective drainage. Our study highlights the significance of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, perioperative sepsis and surgical treatment in predicting patients’ outcomes.