Internal Audit to Monitor the Injected Activity in PET/CT Using Control Charts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In an effort to limit the risks associated with medical radiation exposure, the last century witnessed the development of dose control mechanisms, recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. This organization recommends the optimization of radiation protection to provide the highest level of safety that may reasonably be achievable. Adhering to the "as low as reasonably achievable" principle, the purpose of this study was to monitor the 18F-FDG injected activity in PET and optimize the radiation protection through an internal audit process. This monitoring allows the identification of opportunities for improvement in patient care and safety, as well as to establish a periodic review of the medical unit reference levels. METHODS: The methodology is based on short run Quesenberry (Q) statistics and normalized nonconstant sample size (Z-chart) control charts. Anonymized data from 512 patients were selected from a set of 18F-FDG PET/CT (Siemens, Biograph 6) examinations performed during 10 months. The analyzed variable was the ratio between the 18F-FDG injected activity (MBq) and patient weight (kg). RESULTS: Mean injected 18F-FDG activity was 347.811 ± 64.967 MBq corresponding to a mean effective dose of 6.608 ± 1.234 mSv. The ratio between the 18F-FDG injected activity and the body mass of patients was reduced from 5.243 ± 0.716 to 5.171 ± 0.672 MBq/kg during the statistical data analysis. The study demonstrates that control charts can be a useful tool to signal situations where patients receive an activity significantly different from the standard practice in a medical unit. CONCLUSION: The use of joint control charts is a suitable tool for detecting nonoptimized radiopharmaceutical administration. This analysis provides opportunities to evaluate and improve the quality of practice in nuclear medicine. This methodology constitutes an internal audit that may help health care professionals to make appropriate decisions to ensure all patients receive the safest and most appropriate care.

Comparison of immunological and molecular methods for laboratory diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis in blood, serum and tears in Brazil.

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is caused by protozoan T. gondii. Ophthalmological examination is considered the gold standard for OT diagnosis, and laboratory tests are used for diagnostic confirmation. However, these tests can present different results, which change depending on their basis, on sample type and on patients' clinical alteration. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess immunodiagnostic and molecular techniques applied in blood, serum and tear fluid to diagnose T. gondii infection in patients seen at an Ophthalmology Clinic. In total, 160 patients were included in the study, 40 of them had OT with active lesions (G1); 40 had OT with healed lesions (G2), 40 had non-toxoplasmic uveitis (G3) and 40 had no ocular alterations (G4). Serum samples were subjected to Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA) and to Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) to search for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. Tear fluid samples were analyzed through ELISA for IgA research. All blood and tear fluid samples were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and in a Nested PCR model for T. gondii DNA amplification with targets B1, GRA7 and REP 529. IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii was detected in serum samples from 106 and 15 patients, respectively, when combining ELISA and IFAT results. Anti-T.gondii IgA antibodies were detected in 9.2% of the tear material. Nested PCR with GRA7 target showed higher positivity in blood samples (24.4%); Nested PCR with B1 target showed a higher frequency of positivity in tears (15%). Biological samples of patients with active lesions showed the highest positivity frequencies in all immunodiagnostic assays, as well as in most PCR models. The present results highlighted the need of associating techniques with different fundamentals to confirm OT diagnosis. Furthermore, further tear fluid analyses should be performed to validate this biological material as lesser invasive alternative for the more accurate OT diagnosis.

Influence of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors genes on the recurrence rate of ocular toxoplasmosis in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence is a hallmark of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), and conditions that influence its occurrence remain a challenge. Natural killer cells (NK) are effectors cells whose primary is cytotoxic function against many parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii. Among the NK cell receptors, immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) deserve attention due to their high polymorphism. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the influence of KIR gene polymorphism in the course of OT infection and its association with recurrences after an active episode. METHODS: Ninety-six patients from the Ophthalmologic Clinic of the National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas were followed for up to five years. After DNA extraction, genotyping of the patients was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) utilising Luminex equipment for reading. During follow-up, 60.4% had a recurrence. FINDINGS: We identified 25 KIR genotypes and found a higher frequency of genotype 1 (31.7%) with worldwide distribution. We note that the KIR2DL2 inhibitor gene and the gene activator KIR2DS2 were more frequent in patients without recurrence. Additionally, we observed that individuals who carry these genes progressed recurrence episodes slowly compared to individuals who do not carry these genes. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 are associated as possible protection markers against ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence (OTR).

Ocular Manifestations of Sporotrichosis in a Hyperendemic Region in Brazil: Description of a Series of 120 Cases.

PURPOSE: To describe 120 cases of ocular sporotrichosis. METHODS: Review of medical records of patients with culture-proven (from eye specimen) ocular sporotrichosis, in Rio de Janeiro, from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: Women were more affected (61.7%) and median age was 24 years. The isolated ocular form was more frequent (75.8%). Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis was the most commonly associated form (48.3%). Hypersensitivity reactions were observed in 10% of patients. Ocular involvement was unilateral in 98.3% of the cases, and the most frequent clinical presentation was granulomatous conjunctivitis (86.7%), followed by eyelid lesion (25%). Dacryocystitis represented 7.5% of the cases, predominantly in children (55.6%). Itraconazole was the first choice treatment (95.8%). Sequelae were observed in 23 patients (22.5%), and surgical treatment was required for most of them. CONCLUSION: Ocular sporotrichosis can be considered a characteristic form of the zoonotic transmission, with high morbidity. Delay in initiating specific treatment is likely to increase the risk of progression to more severe forms of the disease, and development of ocular sequelae.

Manejo da coroidite interna punctata complicada por membrana neovascular sub-retiniana / Management of punctate inner choroidopathy complicated by subretinal neovascular membrane

RESUMO Este trabalho visou evidenciar a importância da detecção precoce da coroidite interna punctata e destacar sua fisiopatologia inflamatória e possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais dentro das white dot syndromes. O destaque foi dado principalmente à coroidite multifocal e à panuveíte, ao se demonstrar sua epidemiologia peculiar em mulheres jovens, caracterizar sua apresentação clínica típica na fundoscopia e explorar as vantagens e as desvantagens de realizar os exames complementares que fazem parte da análise multimodal útil para o diagnóstico (especialmente a angiografia fluoresceínica, a tomografia de coerência óptica e a indocianina verde). Descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 28 anos diagnosticada com coroidite interna punctata com membrana neovascular coroidal em olho direito. O tratamento foi realizado com injeção intravítrea de aflibercepte e corticoterapia sistêmica 1mg/kg ao dia. Este relato é importante por permitir debater o manejo da coroidite interna punctata durante a gestação e a decisão de realizar o tratamento mediante uma diversidade de opções terapêuticas.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to demonstrate the importance of early detection of punctate inner choroidopathy, highlighting the pathophysiology of inflammation and the differential diagnoses among white dot syndromes. Special attention was given to multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis, by demonstrating the peculiar epidemiology in young women, characterizing the typical clinical presentation in ophthalmoscopy, and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of performing the complementary examinations, which are part of the multimodal analysis useful for diagnosis (particularly fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green). We report the case of a 28-year-old female, diagnosed as punctate inner choroidopathy with choroidal [N.T. no título aparece subretinal = subrretiniana] neovascular membrane in the right eye. She was treated with intravitreal injection of aflibercept and systemic corticosteroid 1 mg/kg/day. This case report is important for addressing the management of punctate inner choroidopathy during pregnancy, and the decision to carry out treatment considering diverse therapeutic options.

Ocular Sporotrichosis: 26 Cases with Bulbar Involvement in a Hyperendemic Area of Zoonotic Transmission.

PURPOSE: To describe 26 cases of bulbar conjunctival sporotrichosis. METHODS: Review of clinical records of patients with bulbar conjunctivitis due to culture-proven Sporothrix spp. infection, in Rio de Janeiro, from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified. Median age was 25 years. Adults were more affected (53.8%), followed by adolescents (26.9%). There was a predominance of women (73.1%). Twenty-four patients (96%) reported contact with cats with sporotrichosis. Twenty-one patients (80.8%) presented a primary ocular sporotrichosis. Five patients presented associated eyelid lesions, and 21 (80.8%) tarsal conjunctivitis. Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome was observed in 17 (81%) patients. Eight patients (36.4%) reported the use of steroid drops before diagnosis was made. All patients but one were treated with oral itraconazole. Twenty-three patients (88.5%) were completely cured and three (11.5%) were lost to follow-up. Eight patients (34.8%) developed ocular sequelae. CONCLUSION: Bulbar conjunctivitis is an important clinical presentation of ocular sporotrichosis. It can lead to ocular sequelae. Sporotrichosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ophthalmic external diseases, especially in patients with cat contact history.

Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis: The influence of age, number of retinochoroidal lesions and genetic polymorphism for IFN-γ +874 T/A as risk factors for recurrence in a survival analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze risk factors for recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. DESIGN: Single center prospective case series. POPULATION AND METHODS: A total of 230 patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were prospectively followed to assess recurrences. All patients were treated with a specific drug regime for toxoplasmosis in each episode of active retinochoroiditis. Individuals with chronic diseases and pregnant women were excluded. Survival analysis by extended Cox regression model (Prentice-Williams-Peterson counting process model) was performed to evaluate the time between recurrences according to some potential risk factors: age, number of retinochoroidal lesions at initial evaluation, sex and interferon gamma +874 T/A gene polymorphism. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were provided to interpret the risk effects. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two recurrence episodes were observed in 104 (45.2%) patients during follow-up that lasted from 269 to 1976 days. Mean age at presentation was 32.8 years (Standard deviation = 11.38). The risk of recurrence during follow up was influenced by age (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04) and number of retinochoroidal lesions at the beginning of the study (HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.07-2.40). Heterozygosis for IFN-γ gene polymorphism at position +874 T/A was also associated with recurrence (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04-2.14). CONCLUSION: The risk of ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence after an active episode increased with age and was significantly higher in individuals with primary lesions, which suggests that individuals with this characteristic and the elderly could benefit from recurrence prophylactic strategies with antimicrobials. Results suggest an association between IFN-γ gene polymorphism at position +874T/A and recurrence.

Advantages of a prospective multidisciplinary approach in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Eight years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent type of valvular disease in Europe. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the standard therapy, while transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative in patients at unacceptably high surgical risk. Assessment by a heart team is recommended by the guidelines but there is little published evidence on this subject. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of a multidisciplinary TAVI program that began in 2008. METHODS: The heart team prospectively assessed 473 patients using a standardized approach. A total of 214 patients were selected for TAVI and 80 for SAVR. Demographic, clinical and procedural characteristics and long-term success rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: TAVI patients were older than the SAVR group (median 83 vs. 81 years), and had higher surgical risk scores (median EuroSCORE II 5.3 vs. 3.6% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5.1 vs. 3.1%), as did the patients under medical treatment only. These scores were unable to assess multiple comorbidities. Patients' outcomes were different between the three groups (mortality with SAVR 25% vs. TAVI 37.6% vs. conservative therapy 57.6%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The heart team program was able to select candidates appropriately for TAVI, SAVR and conservative treatment, taking into account the risk of both invasive treatments. The use of a prospective standardized heart team approach is recommended, but requires continuous monitoring to ensure effectiveness in a timely manner.

Changes in albumin-to-creatinine ratio at 12-month follow-up in patients undergoing renal denervation.

INTRODUCTION: Sympathetic renal denervation (RDN) was developed as a treatment for the management of patients with resistant hypertension. This procedure may have a positive impact on hypertension-related target organ damage, particularly renal disease, but the evidence is still limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of RDN on the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) at 12-month follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a single-center prospective registry including 65 patients with resistant hypertension undergoing renal denervation, 31 patients with complete baseline and 12-month follow-up blood pressure (BP) measurements (both office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring [ABPM]) and ACR were included in the present study. Mean age was 65±7 years, 52% were female, most (90%) had been diagnosed with hypertension for more than 10 years, 71% had type 2 diabetes and 33% had vascular disease in at least one territory. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 73.6±25.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 15 patients (48%) had an ACR >30 mg/g. After 12 months, 22 patients were considered BP responders (73%). ACR decreased significantly from a median of 25.8 mg/g (interquartile range [IQR] 9.0-574.0 mg/g) to 14.8 mg/g (IQR 4.5-61.0 mg/g, p=0.007). When the results were split according to systolic BP responder status on ABPM, we found a significant reduction in responders (from 25.6 mg/g [IQR 8.7-382.8 mg/g] to 15.9 mg/g [IQR 4.4-55.0 mg/g], p=0.009), and a numerical decrease in the non-responder subgroup (from 165.0 mg/g [IQR 8.8-1423.5 mg/g] to 13.6 mg/dl [IQR 5.7-1417.0 mg/g], p=0.345). CONCLUSIONS: Besides significant reductions in blood pressure (both office and 24-h ABPM), renal denervation was associated with a significant reduction in ACR, a recognized marker of target organ damage.

Da tradição em psicossomática às considerações da daseinsanálise / From psychosomatic tradition to considerations on daseinsanalysis / De la tradición en psicosomática a las consideraciones del daseinanalyse

Resumo Este artigo busca refletir sobre a dualidade entre soma e psique, que tende a obscurecer a unidade originária a partir da qual esses dois entes podem aparecer e serem compreendidos. Em seguida, conduz o leitor para uma compreensão crítica, lidando com aspectos da tradição em psicossomática e com base na fenomenologia-hermenêutica de Martin Heidegger e na Daseinsanalyse de Medard Boss. Tanto o filósofo alemão quanto o psiquiatra suíço operam não somente a desconstrução da ótica tradicional, mas também do próprio conceito de psicossomática. Mostram que o modo de acesso ao fenômeno produz a dicotomia, sendo, portanto, necessário modificá-lo a fim de apreender o que está em jogo no problema do corpo e do adoecer, isto é, a própria existência do homem que se revela todo o tempo através do corporar (Leiben), que é sempre gesto. Este último significa, em Heidegger, toda expressão do homem, indissociável de seu existir no mundo como Dasein. Este estudo tem a expectativa de contribuir na busca de outros fundamentos para a prática do cuidado psicológico em saúde.(AU)

Abstract The article presents aspects of the psychosomatic tradition and attempts to reflect on the duality generated between soma and psyche, which tends to overshadow the original unity from which these two entities can appear and be understood. Subsequently, it leads the reader to a critical comprehension based on Martin Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology and Medard Boss’ dasensanalysis. Both the German philosopher and the Swiss psychiatrist dismantle not only the traditional view but also the concept of psychosomatics. They argue that the route of access to the phenomenon produces a dichotomy, which therefore proves itself necessary to be modified so that one can perceive what is at stake in terms of the body and of getting ill, i.e., the human existence which at all times reveals itself through bodying (Leiben), which is always gesture. The former means, in Heidegger, each human expression which is indistinguishable from their existence in the world as Dasein. Thus, this article contributes to the search of other fundamentals for the psychological practice in healthcare.(AU)

Resumen El artículo presenta los aspectos de la tradición en psicosomática y reflexiona sobre la dualidad engendrada entre soma y psique, que tiende a ocultar la unidad originaria desde la que estos dos entes pueden aparecer y ser comprendidas. Luego, conduce al lector a una comprensión crítica basada en la fenomenología- hermenéutica de Martin Heidegger y el Daseinanalyse de Medard Boss. Tanto el filósofo alemán como el psiquiatra suizo hacen no solo la deconstrucción de la óptica tradicional, sino también del propio concepto de psicosomática. Ellos enseñan que el modo de acceso al fenómeno produce dicotomía y por lo tanto, es necesario modificarlo para captar lo que está en juego en el problema del cuerpo y del enfermar, es decir, la existencia misma del hombre se revela todo el tiempo por medio de la corporalidad (Leiben), que siempre es gesto. Gesto para Heidegger significa toda expresión del hombre, inseparable de su existencia en el mundo como Dasein. Se cree que con esto se está contribuyendo a la búsqueda de otros fundamentos para la práctica del cuidado psicológico en las instituciones que cuidan de la salud.(AU)

Da tradição em Psicossomática às Considerações da Daseinsanálise / From Psychosomatic tradition to considerations on Daseinsanalysis / De la tradición en Psicosomática a las consideraciones del Daseinanalyse

Resumo Este artigo busca refletir sobre a dualidade entre soma e psique, que tende a obscurecer a unidade originária a partir da qual esses dois entes podem aparecer e serem compreendidos. Em seguida, conduz o leitor para uma compreensão crítica, lidando com aspectos da tradição em psicossomática e com base na fenomenologia-hermenêutica de Martin Heidegger e na Daseinsanalyse de Medard Boss. Tanto o filósofo alemão quanto o psiquiatra suíço operam não somente a desconstrução da ótica tradicional, mas também do próprio conceito de psicossomática. Mostram que o modo de acesso ao fenômeno produz a dicotomia, sendo, portanto, necessário modificá-lo a fim de apreender o que está em jogo no problema do corpo e do adoecer, isto é, a própria existência do homem que se revela todo o tempo através do corporar (Leiben), que é sempre gesto. Este último significa, em Heidegger, toda expressão do homem, indissociável de seu existir no mundo como Dasein. Este estudo tem a expectativa de contribuir na busca de outros fundamentos para a prática do cuidado psicológico em saúde....(AU)

Abstract The article presents aspects of the psychosomatic tradition and attempts to reflect on the duality generated between soma and psyche, which tends to overshadow the original unity from which these two entities can appear and be understood. Subsequently, it leads the reader to a critical comprehension based on Martin Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology and Medard Boss’ dasensanalysis. Both the German philosopher and the Swiss psychiatrist dismantle not only the traditional view but also the concept of psychosomatics. They argue that the route of access to the phenomenon produces a dichotomy, which therefore proves itself necessary to be modified so that one can perceive what is at stake in terms of the body and of getting ill, i.e., the human existence which at all times reveals itself through bodying (Leiben), which is always gesture. The former means, in Heidegger, each human expression which is indistinguishable from their existence in the world as Dasein. Thus, this article contributes to the search of other fundamentals for the psychological practice in healthcare....(AU)

Resumen El artículo presenta los aspectos de la tradición en psicosomática y reflexiona sobre la dualidad engendrada entre soma y psique, que tiende a ocultar la unidad originaria desde la que estos dos entes pueden aparecer y ser comprendidas. Luego, conduce al lector a una comprensión crítica basada en la fenomenología- hermenéutica de Martin Heidegger y el Daseinanalyse de Medard Boss. Tanto el filósofo alemán como el psiquiatra suizo hacen no solo la deconstrucción de la óptica tradicional, sino también del propio concepto de psicosomática. Ellos enseñan que el modo de acceso al fenómeno produce dicotomía y por lo tanto, es necesario modificarlo para captar lo que está en juego en el problema del cuerpo y del enfermar, es decir, la existencia misma del hombre se revela todo el tiempo por medio de la corporalidad (Leiben), que siempre es gesto. Gesto para Heidegger significa toda expresión del hombre, inseparable de su existencia en el mundo como Dasein. Se cree que con esto se está contribuyendo a la búsqueda de otros fundamentos para la práctica del cuidado psicológico en las instituciones que cuidan de la salud....(AU)

Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis: Clinical Characteristics and Visual Outcome in a Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the clinical features and visual outcome of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in a large series of cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty subjects diagnosed with active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis were prospectively followed for periods ranging from 269 to 1976 days. All patients presented with active retinochoroiditis and positive IgG T. gondii serology at the beginning of the study and received a standardized drug treatment for toxoplasmosis, both in the first episode and in the subsequent recurrences. RESULTS: The group involved 118 (51.3%) men and 112 (48.7%) women, with ages ranging from 14 to 77 years, mean of 32.4 years (SD = 11.38). Primary retinochoroidal lesions were observed in 52 (22.6%) cases and active retinochoroiditis combined with old scars in 178 (77.4%) subjects at the beginning of the study. A hundred sixty-two recurrent episodes in 104 (45.2%) patients were observed during follow-up. New subclinical retinochoroidal lesions were detected in 23 of 162 (14.2%) recurrences episodes during the follow-up. Posterior segment complications were observed in 73 (31.7%) subjects. Retinochoroidal lesions adjacent to the optic nerve and in the macular area were observed in 27 of 40 (67.5%) cases of severe visual impairment (VA = 20/200 or worse). CONCLUSION: Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in this population had a high recurrence rate after an active episode. Severe visual impairment was associated with location of the retinochoroidal scar, recurrences and posterior segment complications. It is crucial to consider the location of the lesion in studies analyzing visual prognosis as a measure for treatment effectiveness and prevention strategies.

Impact of Renal Sympathetic Denervation on Left Ventricular Structure and Function at 1-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-based sympathetic renal denervation (RDN) is a recent therapeutic option for patients with resistant hypertension. However, the impact of RDN in left ventricular (LV) mass and function is not completely established. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of RDN on LV structure and function (systolic and diastolic) in patients with resistant hypertension (HTN). METHODS AND RESULTS: From a single centre prospective registry including 65 consecutive patients with resistant HTN submitted to RDN between July-2011 and April-2015, 31 patients with baseline and 1-year follow-up echocardiogram were included in this analysis. Mean age was 65 ± 7 years, 48% were males, 71% had type 2 diabetes. Most had hypertension lasting for more than 10 years (90%), and were being treated with a median number of 6 anti-hypertensive drugs, including 74% on spironolactone. At 1-year, there was a significant decrease both on office SBP (176 ± 24 to 149 ± 13 mmHg, p<0.001) and DBP (90 ± 14 to 79 ± 11 mmHg, p<0.001), and also in 24h ABPM SBP (150 ± 20 to 132 ± 14 mmhg, p<0.001) and DBP (83 ± 10 to 74 ± 9 mmHg, p<0.001). There was also a significant decrease in LV mass from 152 ± 32 to 136 ± 34 g/m(2) (p<0.001), an increase in LV end diastolic volume (93 ± 18 to 111 ± 27 mL, p = 0.004), an increase in LV ejection fraction (65 ± 9 to 68 ± 9%, p = 0.001) and mitral valve E deceleration time (225 ± 49 to 247 ± 51 ms, p = 0.015) at 1-year follow up. There were no significant changes in left atrium volume index or in the distribution of patients among the different left ventricle geometric patterns and diastolic function subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In this single centre registry of patients with resistant hypertension, renal denervation was associated with significant reduction in both office and ABPM blood pressure and a significant decrease in left ventricle mass evaluated by transthoracic echocardiogram at 1 year follow-up.

A avaliação dos estilos de aprendizagem dos enfermeiros nos contextos de trabalho: Um trilho para a construção de um instrumento / The assessment of nurses' learning styles in work contexts: A trail for the construction of an instrument

Os contextos clínicos devem ser considerados, não só como geradores de cuidados, mas como espaços formativos de eleição, essenciais para o desenvolvimento profissional dos enfermeiros (Eraut, 2007; Marsick, Watkins, Callahan & Volpe, 2009; Menoita, 2011). Uma forma de melhorar a sua aprendizagem nestes contextos é torná-los conscientes dos seus estilos de aprendizagem. Contudo, não existem instrumentos válidos disponíveis que permitam avaliar os mesmos nos contextos de trabalho (Berings, 2006). De forma a contribuir para a construção futura de um instrumento e partindo da definição de estilos de aprendizagem nos contextos de trabalho de Berings, procurou-se identificar quais as atividades de aprendizagem dos enfermeiros nos contextos de trabalho nos domínios da enfermagem definidos por Benner (2001). Foi desenvolvido um estudo multi-caso em 4 (quatro) serviços do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. A colheita de dados envolveu um Questionário de Caracterização Sociodemográfica e Profissional; Entrevistas Informais; e 4 (quatro) Grupos Focais, com um total de 19 (dezanove) participantes. Foram identificadas 18 (dezoito) atividades de aprendizagem, que se podem agrupar em três categorias, à semelhança de Walden & Bryan (2011). Aprendizagens através de processos colaborativos, onde se inclui: aprendizagem através do/a questionamento aos colegas; partilha/discussão com os colegas; feedback dos colegas; questionamento a outros profissionais de saúde e partilha/discussão com outros profissionais de saúde. As aprendizagens através da execução do trabalho, onde se inclui: a aprendizagem através da/o interação com os doentes e com a família; experiência; erro; reflexão; vivência de situações significativas; transferência de conhecimentos para a prática; observação de colegas e/ou médicos; processo supervisivo com estudantes de enfermagem; repetição; e experimento de situações e observação dos resultados. As aprendizagens através de fontes de conhecimento, onde se inclui: a aprendizagem através da participação em formações não formais e formais; utilização de normas e protocolos do serviço/hospital; e pesquisa bibliográfica. As atividades de aprendizagem são, na grande maioria, atividades expostas, passíveis de serem observadas. A única atividade mental mencionada é a reflexão. A aprendizagem que se desenvolve através do questionamento e da partilha/discussão com os colegas é transversal em todos os domínios da enfermagem. Contudo, outras atividades surgem apenas num domínio como a aprendizagem através da reflexão, no Domínio "Função de Ajuda"; e a aprendizagem através de processos supervisivos com estudantes de enfermagem no Domínio "Educação e Orientação". Os Domínios onde foram mencionadas mais atividades de aprendizagem, num total de 10 (dez) atividades, foram respetivamente "Função de Ajuda", "Educação e Orientação", "Diagnóstico Acompanhamento e Monitorização do Doente" e "Administração e Vigilância dos Protocolos Terapêuticos". O Domínio onde foram mencionadas menos atividades, num total de 4 (quatro), foi o da "Organização e Distribuição de Tarefas". O conhecimento destas atividades poderá tornar as instituições mais despertas para as aprendizagens desenvolvidas pelos enfermeiros nos contextos de trabalho, podendo contribuir para o desenvolvimento de métodos estruturados que permitam melhorar as mesmas e servir de base para a construção de um instrumento que permita avaliar os estilos de aprendizagem dos enfermeiros nos contextos de trabalho.

Body mass index as a predictor of the presence but not the severity of coronary artery disease evaluated by cardiac computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The relation between body mass index (BMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) extension remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between BMI and CAD extension documented by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective registry including 1706 consecutive stable patients that performed CCTA (dual source scanner) for the evaluation of CAD. The population was stratified by BMI: normal 530 (31.1%), overweight 802 (47.0%) and obesity 374 (21.9%). BMI was significantly higher in patients with CAD (27.7 ± 4.3 vs 26.8 ± 4.3 kg/m(2), p < 0.001); these patients were also older, more often male and had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. By multivariate analysis (logistic regression) BMI remains an independent predictor of CAD (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.06; p = 0.012). Regarding the severity of CAD, BMI was not significantly different among patients with and without obstructive CAD (27.7 ± 4.3 vs 27.2 ± 4.3 kg/m(2), p = 0.120). In 319 patients (4516 segments; 4077 evaluable), a detailed atherosclerotic burden was evaluated and compared among BMI classes, defined according to the presence of plaque and the degree of stenosis. Obstructive CAD was identified in 16.9% of the patients and 45.1% had non-obstructive CAD. The discriminative threshold for high burden, established by the segment involvement score (SIS), was >5 segments with plaque (15.4% patients). The prevalence of SIS >5 among the BMI classes was: 18.7%, 13.7% and 13.6% for normal, overweight and obesity respectively (p values for the specific classes versus all other patients: 0.241, 0.450 and 0.663). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of stable patients undergoing CCTA for suspected CAD, BMI was an independent predictor of its presence, but was not correlated with the coronary disease severity.

[Relationship between smoking and anxiety and depression in primary care]. / Relação do tabagismo com ansiedade e depressão nos cuidados de saúde primários.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking prevalence in Portugal is estimated to be 19.7% (2005). Smoking is prevalent in anxiety disorders. Studies report that 60% of smokers have a history of depression. The Fagerström scale can be used to assess smoke dependence. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale allows an estimate of anxiety and depression. Our goal was to find whether there is a relationship between smoking and anxiety / depression in eight clinics within primary care practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study. Anonymous survey. We considered as inclusion criteria the over 18 years of age and literate clinic users and as exclusion criteria the under 18 years old users or incomplete surveys. We defined as variables: Fagerström, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, age, marital status, gender, profession, schooling. RESULTS: We obtained a total of 608 valid surveys of which there were 64% women and 21% smokers. We found no differences in the prevalence of anxiety or depression when comparing non-smokers, ex-smokers and smokers. We found that the degree of nicotine addiction varies directly with anxiety and depression, however, the only statistically significant relationship observed was in women, even after correcting the effect of age. DISCUSSION: There is a relationship between nicotine dependence and the severity of symptoms of anxiety and depression, most relevant in women. LIMITATION: selection bias. CONCLUSION: This study supplies information regarding psychological factors associated with tobacco consumption, allowing for its inclusion in treatment options for nicotine dependence.

Introdução: A prevalência de tabagismo em Portugal é estimada em 19,7% (2005). O tabagismo é prevalente nas perturbações da ansiedade. Alguns estudos referem que 60% dos fumadores tem história de depressão. A dependência tabágica pode ser avaliada pela escala de Fagerström. A Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar permite estimar a ansiedade e depressão. O objectivo deste trabalho foi procurar a existência de relação entre tabagismo e ansiedade/depressão em utentes de oito unidades de cuidados primários.Material e Métodos: Foi desenhado um estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal, analítico. Inquérito anónimo. Foram considerados como critérios de inclusão os utilizadores das unidades, maiores de 18 anos e alfabetizados e de exclusão os menores de 18 anos ou erros no preenchimento dos inquéritos. As variáveis consideradas foram: Fagerström, Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar, idade, estado civil, género, profissão, escolaridade.Resultados: Foram considerados no estudo um total de 608 indivíduos, sendo 64% do género feminino e 21% de fumadores. Não verificámos diferenças em termos de ansiedade ou depressão na comparação entre não fumadores, ex-fumadores e fumadores. Verificámos que o grau de dependência da nicotina varia directamente com a ansiedade e depressão embora só se encontre relação estatisticamente significativa no género feminino, mesmo após correcção do efeito da idade.Discussão: Existe relação entre dependência da nicotina e gravidade de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, sobretudo no género feminino. Limitação: viés de selecção.Conclusão: Este estudo fornece informação relativa aos factores psicológicos associados ao consumo de tabaco, podendo ser útil no tratamento da dependência de nicotina.

Experiência clínica simulada: Ganhos em conhecimento e autoconfiança pelos enfermeiros no cuidar do doente crítico / Simulated clinical experience: Gains in knowledge and self-confidence by nurses in caring for the critically ill

Num mundo em mudança, a melhor preparação dos enfermeiros para a prestação de cuidados de qualidade, em contexto hospitalar, tem sido alvo de preocupação. A simulação surge, nesta linha, como uma estratégia de ensino e aprendizagem que demonstrou, em investigação científica, conduzir a ganhos para os enfermeiros em termos de conhecimento e de autoconfiança na sua prática profissional. De forma a permitir uma análise desta problemática foi efetuada uma revisão sistemática da literatura com o objetivo de ?conhecer de que modo a prática simulada interfere na autoconfiança e conhecimento dos enfermeiros em contexto hospitalar?. Verificou-se, através desta metodologia, que as evidências científicas apresentam benefícios para os enfermeiros em termos de conhecimento e de autoconfiança, quando sujeitos a experiências clínicas simuladas. Acrescenta-se que apesar das mais-valias percebidas pela análise dos documentos, existe uma carência de estudos que integrem enfermeiros, como amostra, bem como também de estudos portugueses, que integrem a aplicação desta estratégia. Tendo em conta esta realidade, planeou-se um estudo com o objetivo avaliar o impacto da prática simulada na autoconfiança e no conhecimento dos enfermeiros para intervenção em situação de urgência. Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, com um desenho de séries temporais interrompidas simples. Foram aplicados vários instrumentos de colheita de dados: Questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e profissional; Teste de avaliação de conhecimentos teóricos; Escala de autoconfiança (Martins et al., 2013); Escala de ganhos percebidos pelos formandos com a simulação, (Baptista, Martins e Pereira., 2013). A amostra do estudo foi constituída por 21 enfermeiros. Os resultados demonstraram benefícios em termos de conhecimento e de autoconfiança significativamente superiores após a participação na sessão de simulação. Observou-se que o facto de existirem duas sessões teóricas, em diferentes dias, não resultou em diferenças estatisticamente significativas, em termos de aquisição de conhecimento e de autoconfiança. Foi possível também inferir que existem ganhos percebidos pelos formandos com a sessão de simulação e que os enfermeiros reconhecem os contributos da simulação para o seu desempenho profissional na prática clínica.

[Non-obstructive coronary artery disease documented by cardiac computed tomography: Discrepancy between atherosclerotic burden and cardiovascular risk]. / Doença coronária não obstrutiva documentada por tomografia computorizada cardíaca: contraste entre a carga aterosclerótica e o risco cardiovascular.

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) documents the presence of coronary artery disease, regardless of the degree of stenosis. The prognostic value of non-obstructive coronary artery disease documented by cardiac CT has recently been validated. However, there are still no clear guidelines on the management of such patients, particularly concerning initiation of more aggressive pharmacological measures for primary prevention. The approach to these patients remains controversial, especially in cases in which there is a discrepancy between cardiovascular risk and the atherosclerotic burden as documented by cardiac CT. The authors describe the case of a patient with a discrepancy between the extent of documented coronary atherosclerosis and that estimated according to pretest probability and cardiovascular risk scores. As this individual had more severe coronary atherosclerosis than expected (calcium score above the 90th percentile and non-obstructive coronary artery disease on cardiac CT) but was a competitive athlete and otherwise asymptomatic and without risk factors or cardiovascular history, with a very low estimated cardiovascular risk, it was difficult to decide on the risks and benefits of pharmacological primary prevention.

Prevalence and predictors of coronary artery disease in patients with a calcium score of zero.

The absence of coronary calcification is associated with an excellent prognosis. However, a calcium score of zero does not exclude the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) or the possibility of future cardiovascular events. Our aim was to study the prevalence and predictors of coronary artery disease in patients with a calcium score of zero. Prospective registry consisted of 3,012 consecutive patients that underwent cardiac CT (dual source CT). Stable patients referred for evaluation of possible CAD that had a calcium score of zero (n = 864) were selected for this analysis. The variables that were statistically significant were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. From 864 patients with a calcium score of zero, 107 (12.4%) had coronary plaques on the contrast CT (10.8%, n = 93 with nonobstructive CAD and 1.6%, n = 14 with obstructive CAD). By logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of CAD in this population were age >55 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.63 (1.05-2.52)], hypertension [OR 1.64 (1.05-2.56)] and dyslipidemia [OR 1.54 (1.00-2.36)]. In the presence of these 3 variables, the probability of having coronary plaques was 21%. The absence of coronary artery calcification does not exclude the presence of coronary artery disease, but the prevalence of obstructive disease is very low. In this population, the independent predictors of CAD in the setting of a calcium score of zero were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and age above 55 years. In the presence of these 3 predictors, the probability of having CAD was almost 2 times higher than in the general population.

Coronary computed tomography angiography-adapted Leaman score as a tool to noninvasively quantify total coronary atherosclerotic burden.

To describe a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc) as a tool to quantify total coronary atherosclerotic burden with information regarding localization, type of plaque and degree of stenosis and to identify clinical predictors of a high coronary atherosclerotic burden as assessed by the CT-LeSc. Single center prospective registry including a total of 772 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA (Dual-source CT) from April 2011 to March 2012. For the purpose of this study, 581 stable patients referred for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) without previous myocardial infarction or revascularization procedures were included. Pre-test CAD probability was determined using both the Diamond-Forrester extended CAD consortium method (DF-CAD consortium model) and the Morise score. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the HeartScore. The cut-off for the 3rd tercile (CT-LeSc ≥8.3) was used to define a population with a high coronary atherosclerotic burden. The median CT-LeSc in this population (n = 581, 8,136 coronary segments evaluated; mean age 57.6 ± 11.1; 55.8 % males; 14.6 % with diabetes) was 2.2 (IQR 0-6.8). In patients with CAD (n = 341), the median CT-LeSc was 5.8 (IQR 3.2-9.6). Among patients with nonobstructive CAD, most were classified in the lowest terciles (T1, 43.0 %; T2, 36.1 %), but 20.9 % were in the highest tercile (T3). The majority of the patients with obstructive CAD were classified in T3 (78.2 %), but 21.8 % had a CT-LeSc in lower terciles (T1 or T2). The independent predictors of a high CT-LeSc were: Male sex (OR 1.73; 95 % CI 1.04-2.90) diabetes (OR 2.91; 95 % CI 1.61-5.23), hypertension (OR 2.54; 95 % CI 1.40-4.63), Morise score ≥ 16 (OR 1.97; 95 % CI 1.06-3.67) and HeartScore ≥ 5 (OR 2.42; 95 % CI 1.41-4.14). We described a cardiac CT adapted Leaman score as a tool to quantify total (obstructive and nonobstructive) coronary atherosclerotic burden, reflecting the comprehensive information about localization, degree of stenosis and type of plaque provided by CCTA. Male sex, hypertension, diabetes, a HeartScore ≥5 % and a Morise score ≥ 16 were associated with a high coronary atherosclerotic burden, as assessed by the CT-LeSc. About one fifth of the patients with nonobstructive CAD had a CT-LeSc in the highest tercile, and this could potentially lead to a reclassification of the risk profile of this subset of patients identified by CCTA, once the prognostic value of the CT-LeSc is validated.