Diagnosis in Bytes: Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Google and ChatGPT 3.5 as an Educational Support Tool.

BACKGROUND: Adopting advanced digital technologies as diagnostic support tools in healthcare is an unquestionable trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their accuracy in suggesting diagnoses remains controversial and needs to be explored. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two free accessible internet search tools: Google and ChatGPT 3.5. METHODS: To assess the effectiveness of both medical platforms, we conducted evaluations using a sample of 60 clinical cases related to urological pathologies. We organized the urological cases into two distinct categories for our analysis: (i) prevalent conditions, which were compiled using the most common symptoms, as outlined by EAU and UpToDate guidelines, and (ii) unusual disorders, identified through case reports published in the 'Urology Case Reports' journal from 2022 to 2023. The outcomes were meticulously classified into three categories to determine the accuracy of each platform: "correct diagnosis", "likely differential diagnosis", and "incorrect diagnosis". A group of experts evaluated the responses blindly and randomly. RESULTS: For commonly encountered urological conditions, Google's accuracy was 53.3%, with an additional 23.3% of its results falling within a plausible range of differential diagnoses, and the remaining outcomes were incorrect. ChatGPT 3.5 outperformed Google with an accuracy of 86.6%, provided a likely differential diagnosis in 13.3% of cases, and made no unsuitable diagnosis. In evaluating unusual disorders, Google failed to deliver any correct diagnoses but proposed a likely differential diagnosis in 20% of cases. ChatGPT 3.5 identified the proper diagnosis in 16.6% of rare cases and offered a reasonable differential diagnosis in half of the cases. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT 3.5 demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than Google in both contexts. The platform showed satisfactory accuracy when diagnosing common cases, yet its performance in identifying rare conditions remains limited.

Use of ChatGPT in Urology and its Relevance in Clinical Practice: Is it useful?

ABSTRACT Purpouse: One of the many artificial intelligence based tools that has gained popularity is the Chat-Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT). Due to its popularity, incorrect information provided by ChatGPT will have an impact on patient misinformation. Furthermore, it may cause misconduct as ChatGPT can mislead physicians on the decision-making pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT answers regarding urological diagnoses. Materials and Methods: ChatGPT 3.5 version was used. The questions asked for the program involved Primary Megaureter (pMU), Enuresis and Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR). There were three queries for each topic. The queries were inserted twice, and both responses were recorded to examine the reproducibility of ChatGPT's answers. Afterwards, both answers were combined. Finally, those rwere evaluated qualitatively by a board of three specialists. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results and Conclusion: ChatGPT simulated general knowledge on the researched topics. Regarding Enuresis, the provided definition was partially correct, as the generic response allowed for misinterpretation. For VUR, the response was considered appropriate. For pMU it was partially correct, lacking essential aspects of its definition such as the diameter of the dilatation of the ureter. Unnecessary exams were suggested, for Enuresis and pMU. Regarding the treatment of the conditions mentioned, it specified treatments for Enuresis that are ineffective, such as bladder training. Therefore, ChatGPT responses present a combination of accurate information, but also incomplete, ambiguous and, occasionally, misleading details.

The effectiveness of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of monosymptomatic enuresis in children and adolescents: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Parasacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PTENS) is a treatment used in enuresis refractory to first-line treatment. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PTENS in treating monosymptomatic enuresis (MNE) in children and adolescents. Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, SCOPUS, Central Cochrane Library and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The selected studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The "Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials" and the "Risk of Bias VISualization" were used to analyze the risk of bias. Results: Of the 624 studies selected, four RCTs were eligible. Three included 146 children and adolescents aged between six and 16.3 years and used similar PTENS protocols with a frequency of 10 Hz, pulse duration of 700 µs and 20 minutes three times/week. One study enrolled 52 patients aged seven to 14 years used PTENS at home, with a pulse duration of 200 µs and 20 to 60 minutes twice/day. Risk of bias was observed in three studies due to results' randomization and measurement. Two studies showed a partial response with a reduction in wet nights, one a complete response in 27% of patients, and one showed no improvement. Conclusion: PTENS reduces wet nights' frequency but does not cure them, except in 27% of patients in one study. Limited RCTs and data heterogeneity are limitations.

The landscape of biomedical research funding in Brazil: a current overview

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This study is based on the most recent edition of the course Funding for Research and Innovation in the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine which was a three-day course with 12 hours of instruction. The course brought together leading experts in the field to comprehensively discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. Each speaker provided a presentation on a specific topic related to research funding. After the workshop, speakers assembled relevant topics in this manuscript. Results: collaborative research is critical for securing research funding. It optimizes proposal competitiveness, amplifies societal impact, and manages risks effectively. As such, fostering and supporting these collaborations is paramount for both researchers and funding agencies. To maintain the highest integrity in research, investigators involved in these collaborations must disclose any relationships that could potentially influence the outcomes or interpretation of their projects. Conclusions: In Brazil, the mainstay of research funding stems from public entities, with agencies such as CNPq, CAPES, and state bodies like FAPESP, FAPERJ, FAPEMIG and others at the forefront. Concurrently, industry funding offers viable pathways, especially through industry-sponsored studies, investigator-led projects, and collaborative initiatives. The Brazilian funding landscape is further enriched by innovative platforms, including crowdfunding and the contributions of institutions like the Serrapilheira Institute. Internationally, esteemed organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stand out as potential funders.

Conformity of ChatGPT recommendations with the AUA/SUFU guideline on postprostatectomy urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) shows immense potential in medicine and Chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) has been used for different purposes in the field. However, it may not match the complexity and nuance of certain medical scenarios. This study evaluates the accuracy of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 in providing recommendations regarding the management of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI), considering The Incontinence After Prostate Treatment: AUA/SUFU Guideline as the best practice benchmark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A set of questions based on the AUA/SUFU Guideline was prepared. Queries included 10 conceptual questions and 10 case-based questions. All questions were open and entered into the ChatGPT with a recommendation to limit the answer to 200 words, for greater objectivity. Responses were graded as correct (1 point); partially correct (0.5 point), or incorrect (0 point). Performances of versions 3.5 and 4 of ChatGPT were analyzed overall and separately for the conceptual and the case-based questions. RESULTS: ChatGPT 3.5 scored 11.5 out of 20 points (57.5% accuracy), while ChatGPT 4 scored 18 (90.0%; p = 0.031). In the conceptual questions, ChatGPT 3.5 provided accurate answers to six questions along with one partially correct response and three incorrect answers, with a final score of 6.5. In contrast, ChatGPT 4 provided correct answers to eight questions and partially correct answers to two questions, scoring 9.0. In the case-based questions, ChatGPT 3.5 scored 5.0, while ChatGPT 4 scored 9.0. The domains where ChatGPT performed worst were evaluation, treatment options, surgical complications, and special situations. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT 4 demonstrated superior performance compared to ChatGPT 3.5 in providing recommendations for the management of PPUI, using the AUA/SUFU Guideline as a benchmark. Continuous monitoring is essential for evaluating the development and precision of AI-generated medical information.

Dynamic and static ultrasound features predictive of vesicoureteral reflux and renal damage in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic and static ultrasound (DSUS) in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring in a cohort of children with neurogenic bladder (NB). Materials and Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted using the Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies guideline. The DSUS (index test) data were compared with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic (reference tests). Overall performance for predicting VUR and renal scarring was assessed using renal pelvic diameter (RPD)/distal ureteral diameter and renal parenchymal thinning on DSUS, respectively. Results: A total of 107 patients (66 girls, median age 9.6 years) participated. Seventeen patients (15.9%) presented VUR, eight bilateral. For overall reflux grade, the AUC was 0.624 for RPD and 0.630 for distal ureteral diameter. The diagnostic performance for detecting high-grade VUR was slightly better for DSUS parameters. The AUC was 0.666 for RPD and 0.691 for distal ureteral diameter. The cut-offs of 5 mm for RPD and 6.5 mm for distal ureteral diameter presented the best diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to identify high-grade VUR. The increase of RPD during detrusor contractions showed an accuracy of 89.2%. The thinness of renal parenchyma presented an accuracy of 88% for renal scarring. Conclusion: DSUS predicts VUR and renal scarring in children with NB with fair to good accuracy, and all measurements exhibited a high negative predictive value (NPV). The increase in RPD during voiding or detrusor contractions proved to be the most accurate parameter for indicating the presence of VUR in this study.

Handgrip strength as a diagnostic tool for frailty risk in elderly patients with moderate to severe asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate handgrip strength (HGS) as a diagnostic tool for frailty risk in elderly patients with asthma, as well as to investigate the prevalence of frailty in this population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 96 patients ≥ 60 years of age diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma and treated at a tertiary referral center in Brazil. We measured HGS using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer. We used a frailty scale and the AUC to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the HGS test. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 67 years. Most (78%) were women and non-White (91%) of low socioeconomic status. HGS identified those at risk for frailty, with an AUC of 71.6% (61.5-80.4%; p < 0.002), as well as a sensitivity of 73.58% and a specificity of 67.53%, on the basis of a cutoff of ≤ 19 kgf. CONCLUSIONS: HGS appears to be a simple, reliable tool for clinicians to determine frailty risk in older asthma patients in a point-of-care setting.

Validation of the Vancouver Symptom Score Questionnaire for bladder and bowel dysfunction for Brazilian children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to translate, and perform a cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS) for bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) for Brazilian children and adolescents Materials and Methods: Six steps were performed for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation: (1) translation, (2) synthesis of translations, (3) back-translation, (4) pre-final version of the translated instrument, (5) pilot test and degree of comprehensibility and (6) elaboration of the Brazilian version of the VSS. For validation, the Brazilian Dysfunctional Voiding Score (DVSS) questionnaire was used. Results: Validation was performed on a sample of 107 children and adolescents with a mean age of 9.2 ± 2.84 years, presenting BBD and 107 without BBD (control group-CG). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93, p < 0.0001) between total VSS score and total DVSS score. VSS was higher in patients with BBD (p < 0.0001). The internal consistency estimated by Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 for patients with BBD. The VSS showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting cases, with an area under the ROC curve of 98% (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99, p < 0.001). A cut-off value of >11 points produced a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 96.4% to 100%) and a specificity of 91.8% (95% CI 85.1% to 95.6%). Conclusion: The translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated VSS for the Brazilian population is a reliable and valid tool to identify symptoms of BBD in children and adolescents aged five to 16 years, whose first language is Brazilian Portuguese.

Exercise Capacity and Biomarkers Among Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic hemoglobinopathy globally and systemically affects body functioning, decreasing exercise capacity. OBJECTIVE: To assess exercise capacity through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and biomarkers in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 20 children and adolescents from Brazil. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained. Baseline measurements included biomarkers (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelets, reticulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and fetal hemoglobin). The following data were obtained before, during, and after the 6MWT: heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation. RESULTS: Eighteen children and adolescents ages 5-14 years old were analyzed, 61.1% boys, 100% black or brown, and 61.1% in primary education, with low household income. The average distance walked in 6MWT was 463.8 (137.7) m, significantly less than the predicted value (P < .001). The distance of 6MWT was associated positively with age (P = .042) and inversely with reticulocyte count (P = .42) and interleukin 6 (P = .00). Age modified the effect of interleukin 6 in younger children (P = .038). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest increased baseline levels of biomarkers of hemolysis and inflammation impact on 6MWT performance.

Desempenho do Escore Pediátrico de Alerta (EPA) de deterioração clínica / Desempeño del Sistema de Alerta Precoz Infantil (SAPI) de deterioración clínica / Pediatric Alert Score (EPA) performance in clinical deterioration

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a acurácia, utilidade, reprodutibilidade e aplicabilidade do Escore Pediátrico de Alerta (EPA) na identificação da deterioração clínica em crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados. Métodos Estudo de teste diagnóstico, prospectivo, realizado entre outubro/2018 a outubro/2019, para medir a acurácia diagnóstica do EPA em uma amostra de 240 crianças, e sua reprodutibilidade e aplicabilidade em uma amostra de 60 crianças. Os dados foram processados e analisados no MedCalc e VassarStats.net. Resultados No ponto de corte ≥ 3, o escore apresentou sensibilidade de 73,6%, especificidade de 95,7%, valor preditivo positivo de 83%, valor preditivo negativo de 92,7, área sob a curva ROC de 93,6%, prevalência estimada pelo teste de 19,6%, razão de probabilidade positiva 17,1, probabilidade pós-teste positivo de 77,8%, kappa simples de 0,946. Conclusão O estudo fornece evidências sobre a elevada acurácia, utilidade e reprodutibilidade do EPA na identificação da deterioração clínica em um cenário hospitalar pediátrico brasileiro, e considerou o instrumento aplicável no contexto da pesquisa.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la precisión, utilidad, reproducibilidad y aplicabilidad del Sistema de Alerta Precoz Infantil (SAPI) en la identificación del deterioro clínico en niños y adolescentes hospitalizados. Métodos Estudio de prueba diagnóstica, prospectiva, realizada entre octubre de 2018 y octubre de 2019, para medir la precisión diagnóstica del SAPI en una muestra de 240 niños y su reproducibilidad y aplicabilidad en una muestra de 60 niños. Los datos fueron procesados y analizados en MedCalc y VassarStats.net. Resultados En el punto de corte ≥ 3, el puntaje presentó una sensibilidad del 73,6 %, especificidad del 95,7 %, valor predictivo positivo del 83 %, valor predictivo negativo de 92,7, área bajo la curva ROC del 93,6 %, prevalencia estimada por la prueba del 19,6 %, razón de probabilidad positiva 17,1, probabilidad posprueba positiva del 77,8 %, kappa simple de 0,946. Conclusión El estudio presenta evidencias sobre la elevada precisión, utilidad y reproducibilidad del SAPI en la identificación del deterioro clínico en un escenario hospitalario pediátrico brasileño, por lo que el instrumento se consideró aplicable en el contexto de la investigación.

Abstract Objective To assess the Pediatric Alert Score (EPA) accuracy, usefulness, reproducibility and applicability in identifying clinical deterioration in hospitalized children and adolescents. Methods This is a prospective diagnostic test study, carried out between October/2018 and October/2019, to measure EPA diagnostic accuracy in a sample of 240 children, and its reproducibility and applicability in a sample of 60 children. Data were processed and analyzed on MedCalc and VassarStats.net. Results At cut-off point ≥ 3, the score had a sensitivity of 73.6%, specificity of 95.7%, positive predictive value of 83%, negative predictive value of 92.7, area under the ROC curve of 93.6%, estimated prevalence of 19.6%, positive probability ratio of 17.1, positive post-test probability of 77.8%, simple Kappa of 0.946. Conclusion The study provides evidence on EPA high accuracy, usefulness and reproducibility in identifying clinical deterioration in a Brazilian pediatric hospital setting, and considered the instrument applicable in the context of the research.

Handgrip strength as a diagnostic tool for frailty risk in elderly patients with moderate to severe asthma / Força de preensão manual como ferramenta diagnóstica de risco de fragilidade em pacientes idosos com asma moderada a grave

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate handgrip strength (HGS) as a diagnostic tool for frailty risk in elderly patients with asthma, as well as to investigate the prevalence of frailty in this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 96 patients ≥ 60 years of age diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma and treated at a tertiary referral center in Brazil. We measured HGS using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer. We used a frailty scale and the AUC to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the HGS test. Results: The median age of participants was 67 years. Most (78%) were women and non-White (91%) of low socioeconomic status. HGS identified those at risk for frailty, with an AUC of 71.6% (61.5-80.4%; p < 0.002), as well as a sensitivity of 73.58% and a specificity of 67.53%, on the basis of a cutoff of ≤ 19 kgf. Conclusions: HGS appears to be a simple, reliable tool for clinicians to determine frailty risk in older asthma patients in a point-of-care setting.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a força de preensão manual (FPM) como ferramenta diagnóstica de risco de fragilidade em pacientes idosos com asma e investigar a prevalência de fragilidade nessa população. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 96 pacientes com idade ≥ 60 anos e diagnóstico de asma moderada a grave, atendidos em um centro terciário de referência no Brasil. Medimos a FPM com um dinamômetro hidráulico manual calibrado. Usamos uma escala de fragilidade e a ASC para avaliar a precisão diagnóstica do teste de FPM. Resultados: A mediana da idade dos participantes foi de 67 anos. A maioria eram mulheres (78%) não brancas (91%) cujo nível socioeconômico era baixo. O ponto de corte de FPM ≤ 19 kgf identificou os participantes que apresentavam risco de fragilidade, com ASC = 71,6% (61,5-80,4%; p < 0,002), sensibilidade = 73,58% e especificidade = 67,53%. Conclusões: A FPM parece ser uma ferramenta simples e confiável para determinar, no próprio local de atendimento médico, o risco de fragilidade em pacientes idosos com asma.

Relationship between primary monosymptomatic enuresis and process toilet training: a case-control

ABSTRACT Objective: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a prevalent condition in childhood, and the pathophysiology is multifactorial. This study investigated the relationship between the toilet training process (TT) and PMNE in children and adolescents. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was carried out from 2015 to 2020. The presence of PMNE was identified according to International Children's Continence Society criteria. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to assess TT. Results: The study included 103 children and adolescents with PMNE and 269 participants with normal psychomotor development without PMNE (control group [CG]). Readiness signals were more remembered and less frequent in participants with PMNE (p=0.001) when compared to control group. No differences were found between the groups regarding the onset age of the daytime TT (p= 0.10), the nocturnal TT (p=0.08), the acquisition of daytime continence (p=0.06), and the type of equipment used for the TT (p=0.99). The use of Child-Oriented approach in group of children with enuresis was lower than in controls [87.4% (90/103) versus 94% (250/266)], respectively (OR= 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.94, p = 0.039). Conclusions: The age of onset of TT, acquisition of daytime continence, and the type of equipment were not associated with higher occurrence of PMNE. On the other hand, the Child-Oriented approach was a protective factor for the occurrence of PMNE.

Agreement between the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the dysfunctional voiding scoring system (DVSS) in the post-treatment evaluation of electrical nerve stimulation in children and adolescents with overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Electrical nerve stimulation is one of the most commonly used and well-tolerated treatments for overactive bladder (OAB); however, different studies have used different instruments to assess patients' response to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze agreement between use of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) for assessing improvement in urinary symptoms following electrical nerve stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with OAB. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analytical study including children and adolescents of 4-17 years of age diagnosed with OAB who underwent 20 sessions of transcutaneous (TENS) or percutaneous (PENS) electrical nerve stimulation. The DVSS and the VAS were used to assess daytime urinary symptoms before and following treatment. While the DVSS was always applied by a physician, the VAS was applied separately by a physiotherapist and then by a physician. Treatment was considered successful when the DVSS score was zero and the VAS score was ≥90%. Correlations between post-treatment VAS and DVSS scores were evaluated using the kappa coefficient. The VAS scores evaluated by the different professionals were compared for agreement using intraclass correlation and the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: Data from 49 cases were available for analysis. Of these, 27 (55.1%) were girls. Mean age was 7.1 ± 2.6 years. There was agreement between the two instruments used, the DVSS and the VAS, in 36/49 patients (73.5%), with a moderate Kappa of 0.44. There was moderate agreement between the VAS scores applied by the two different professionals. DISCUSSION: imitations of the present study include the small sample size and the fact that the inter-observer evaluation was conducted following a single sequence, i.e. all the patients were first evaluated by the physiotherapist and then by the physician, which may have biased answers and the post-treatment VAS scores. Furthermore, although the child participated actively in completing the questionnaires, in cases of divergent answers, the questions were redirected to the responsible adult, and the final answer may not fully represent the patient's true situation. CONCLUSION: The present study found moderate agreement between the DVSS and the VAS, and moderate agreement between VAS scores when the instrument was applied by two different professionals. Although both tools appear to be important, and possibly complementary, a DVSS score of zero precludes the need to apply the VAS.

Relationship between toilet training process and primary nocturnal enuresis in children and adolescents - A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) affects the quality of life of children and families and may lead to low self-esteem and social isolation. The pathophysiology of enuresis is multifactorial. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between toilet training (TT) and PNE in children and adolescents. METHODS: We searched for articles about TT and PNE in MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS and WEB of SCIENCE databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement was used to guide the systematic review. Prior to the study, the review protocol was registered and approved in PROSPERO under the protocol CRD42021270976. The Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) was used to analyze the biases of the select studies. RESULTS: A total of 570 studies were initially selected. Of these, eight articles were included in this systematic review, with a total number of 5990 participants aged between 5 and 18 years diagnosed with PNE. Seven of the eight articles reported that prolonged use of disposable diapers for more than one-year, late initiation of the TT process or non-acceptance of the Assisted Infant TT or Elimination Communication approach, use of coercive approaches, and complete of TT after 24 months of age increase the risk of enuresis. Only one of the selected studies did not find an association between the start of TT after 24 months of age and the presence of isolated PNE. Three studies did not mention the approach used in the TT process. CONCLUSION: Most of the articles reviewed showed that prolonged diaper use, delay in the start or completion of the TT and use of coercive approaches increase the risk of enuresis. On the other hand, one study showed no relationship between the start of TT after 24 months of age and the presence of isolated enuresis.

Impact of frailty in elderly patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Frailty assessment has been identified as critical approach in chronic respiratory diseases with substantial impact in the health status and functionality in later life. Aging modifies the immune response leading to a chronic pro-inflammatory state and increased susceptibility to airway infections. Since epigenetic changes, airway epithelium dysfunction and inflammatory cytokine activity seem to be more pronounced in the immunosenescence, elderly asthmatics are at higher risk of poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, we hypothesize that frailty would be associated with the degree of asthma control in elderly patients with moderate to severe asthma. The aims of this study are to investigate association between frailty and asthma control in patients over 60 years old to estimate the prevalence of frailty in this study population. We plan to conduct a cross-sectional study with at least 120 patients above 60 years old with diagnostic of moderate to severe asthma according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, treated at a referral outpatient clinic. We defined asthma control by the six-domain Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6) and frailty phenotype in accordance with Fried scale and visual scale of frailty (VS-Frailty). We hope to analyze the multidimensional relationships between frailty and asthma and contribute to innovative therapeutic plans in geriatric asthma.

Histopathological Criteria for Paediatric Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is diagnosed in paediatric patients at 5 months after symptom onset on average, and 38% die during the first 2.5 years of follow-up. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of Weiss, Van Slooten, and Wieneke histopathological ACC classifications for predicting follow-up prognosis in a paediatric population. METHODS: Data were retrieved from medical records of 57 patients aged <18 years who underwent surgical treatment for ACC with surgical follow-up over 6 months or death due to ACC. They were classified into either good (without recurrence/death due to ACC) or poor (with recurrence/death due to ACC) prognosis group. Two expert pathologists classified the ACC surgical specimens according to the Weiss, Van Slooten, and Wieneke criteria. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 126 (18-225) months in 38 males (66.7%) and 19 females (33.3%) (median age: 3 [1-6.5] years). The good prognosis group was younger than the poor prognosis group (median age: 3 [1.5-6.2] years vs. 5 [2-10] years). Seventeen (29.8%) patients in the poor prognosis group died due to ACC within the first 50 months of surgical follow-up; the earliest death occurred in the fourth follow-up month, and the majority of deaths occurred within 24 months of follow-up. The accuracies of Weiss, Van Slooten, and Wieneke classification systems were 40%, 47%, and 77%, respectively. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Wieneke classification showed the best accuracy but was not sufficiently precise to establish reliable prognosis for ACC in the paediatric population. The Wieneke classification had approximately 95% sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Evaluating TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 as a predictive tool for kidney injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ABSTRACT A major challenge in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) indicate renal cell stress and are associated with cell cycle arrest. The [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] ratio (Nephrocheck®) has been recently applied in patients in intensive care units patients to predict the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these biomarkers performance to distinguishing obstructive hydronephrosis (HN) from non-obstructive HN. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with UPJO were enrolled in this study. Urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] and clinical characteristics (hydronephrosis grade, differential renal function, and drainage half-time) were measured in the following groups: 26 children with obstructive HN at initial diagnosis (group 1A) and after six months of dismembered pyeloplasty (group 1B); 22 children with non-obstructive HN (group 2), and 26 children without any urinary tract condition, as the control group (group 3). Results: Comparing the initial samples, [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] had higher levels in the HN groups and lower levels in the control group; however, no difference was observed between the HN groups (obstructive vs. non-obstructive). After six months of follow-up, patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty showed stability in the urinary concentration of [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7]. All patients with [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] higher than 1.0 (ng/mL)2/1000 had diffuse cortical atrophy on ultrasonography. Conclusions: We showed that urinary levels of urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] are higher in children with HN than controls. Nephrocheck® is not reliable in predicting the need for surgical intervention for pediatric patients with UPJO.

Calf circumference is an independent predictor of postoperative complications in the surgical treatment of head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of malnutrition is high among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and negatively impacts their quality of life, treatment, and survival rates. OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative nutritional variables capable of predicting postoperative complications in surgically treated HNC patients. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of HNC patients referred for surgery as initial treatment. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the study; they had a median age of 65.5 years, were mostly me n (85%), and most had low education levels (90%) and low household income (78.3%). The incidence rate of severe postoperative complications (grades II, III, IV, and V according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system) was found to be 50%. The nutritional variables under investigation, namely calf circumference (CC), triceps skinfold, body mass index, and adductor pollicis muscle thickness were shown to predict postoperative complications in HNC patients, especially CC, which was found to be an independent predictor of complications (OR=0.8; 95%CI: 0.65­0.96). Each 1-cm increase in calf circumference was associated with a 20% decrease in the risk of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Our findings show the nutritional variables studied are useful in the prognostic assessment of HNC surgery.