A novel scale for suspicion of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: development and accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: The differential diagnosis between epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is challenging, yet suspicion of PNES is crucial to rethink treatment strategies and select patients for diagnostic confirmation through video EEG (VEEG). We developed a novel scale to prospectively suspect PNES. METHODS: First, we developed a 51-item scale in two steps, based upon literature review and panel expert opinion. A pilot study verified the applicability of the instrument, followed by a prospective evaluation of 158 patients (66.5% women, mean age 33 years) who were diagnosed for prolonged VEEG. Only epileptic seizures were recorded in 103 patients, and the other 55 had either isolated PNES or both types of seizures. Statistical procedures identified 15 items scored between 0 and 3 that best discriminated patients with and without PNES, with a high degree of consistency. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability of the scale for suspicion of PNES was 0.77 with Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient and 0.95 with Rasch Item Reliability Index, and performance did not differ according to the patient's gender. For a cut-off score of 20 (of 45) points, area under the curve was 0.92 (95% IC: 0.87-0.96), with an accuracy of 87%, sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 85%, positive predictive value of 77%, and negative predictive value of 94% (95% IC) for a diagnosis of PNES. CONCLUSIONS: The scale for suspicion of PNES (SS-PNES) has high accuracy to a reliable suspicion of PNES, helping with the interpretation of apparent seizure refractoriness, reframing treatment strategies, and streamlining referral for prolonged VEEG.

Neuropsychiatric features of the coexistence of epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate demographic, epidemiologic and psychiatric features suggestive of the coexistence epilepsy (ES) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) that may contribute to precocious suspicion of the association. METHODS: In this exploratory study, all patients older than 16 years admitted to prolonged video-electroencephalogram monitoring were evaluated about demographic, epileptological and psychiatric features. Detailed psychiatric assessment using M.I.N.I.-plus 5.0, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was performed. Data were collected previous to the final diagnosis and patients with ES-only, PNES-only or coexistence of ES/PNES were compared. RESULTS: Of 122 patients admitted to epilepsy monitoring unit, 86 patients were included and 25 (29%) had PNES. Twelve (14%) had PNES-only, 13 (15%) had ES/PNES and the remaining 61 (71%) had only ES. A coexistence of ES and PNES was associated with clinical report of more than one seizure type (p˂0.001), nonspecific white matter hyperintensities on MRI (p < .001) and a past of psychotic disorder (p = .005). In addition, these patients had significantly more emotional abuse and neglect (p < .002 and 0.001, respectively). Somatization (including conversion disorder) was the most common diagnosis in patients with PNES- only (83%) and co-existing of PNES and ES (69.2%), differentiating both from ES-only patients (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of this coexistence ES/PNES in this study reinforces a need to properly investigate PNES, especially in patients with confirmed ES who become refractory to medical treatment with antiepileptic drugs. The neuropsychiatric assessment may help to diagnostic suspicion and in the planning of therapeutic interventions.

Doença trofoblástica gestacional: diagnóstico e tratamento / Gestational trophoblastic disease: diagnosis and treatment

Objetivos: A doença trofoblástica gestacional (DTG) é um conjunto de doenças heterogêneas do trofoblasto com potencial de se transformar em doença maligna e, por isso, é um importante diagnóstico diferencial nos casos de sangramento na primeira metade da gestação. Essa revisão tem como objetivo fazer uma abordagem atual sobre o tema e esclarecer sobre os principais aspectos da DTG com vistas à aplicabilidade clínica. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura utilizando a base de dados do PubMed dos últimos 20 anos. Resultados: A mola hidatiforme (MH) decorre de uma aberração na fertilização e pode ser do tipo completa, quando apenas existe material genético paterno, ou incompleta, quando origina um embrião triploide com material genético materno, paterno e fetal. Essa diferenciação é importante na medida em que orienta o tratamento. A investigação inicial inclui exame físico e história clínica. Ultrassonografia (USG) transvaginal e gonadotrofina coriônica humana (ß-hCG) devem ser solicitados para todos os casos. Na suspeita de metástases à distância, exames de imagem devem ser solicitados. O tratamento de DTG é feito com vácuo-aspiração e análise histológica. No caso de neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG), a complementação do tratamento requer mono ou poliquimioterapia e o seguimento é realizado com dosagens quantitativas seriadas de ß-hCG. Conclusões: Essa revisão reúne os principais aspectos da DTG, seus achados clínicos, diagnóstico, manejo e seguimento. Algumas questões sobre o tema ainda são controversas e necessitam de mais estudos consistentes.

Objectives: Gestational trophoblastic disease (DTG) is a group of heterogeneous diseases from the trophoblastic tissue with the potential to become malignant. This should be suspected as a potential diagnosis in the first trimester bleeding. The clinical aspects and the current approach of this condition are the purpose of this review. Methods: A literature review of the last 20 years was performed in the PubMed databases. Results: Hydatiform mole (HM) came from an aberration in fertilization and it is named complete when there is only paternal genetic material and incomplete when a triploid embryo is originated and it contains maternal, paternal and fetal genetic material. This is important because it guides the treatment. The initial investigation includes a physical examination and medical history. Transvaginal ultrasound and human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) should be always requested for all cases. If metastasis is suspected, other imaging exams should be requested. The treatment of DTG is the vacuum aspiration and the histological analysis of the tissue is mandatory. In case of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (NTG), the complementary treatment includes mono or multi-chemotherapy and the follow-up is performed with serial quantitative ß-hCG dosages. Conclusions: This review describes the main aspects of the gestational trophoblastic disease, such as its clinical findings, diagnosis, management and follow-up. Some questions related to this disorder are still controversial and require more consistent studies.

Abortamento de repetição: diagnóstico, investigação e manejo inicial / Recurrent pregnancy loss: diagnosis, investigation and initial conduct

Objetivos: O aborto de repetição acomete 1% a 2% dos casais. Tendo em vista a relevância do assunto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo abordar o seu melhor manejo clínico. Para isso, critérios diagnósticos, métodos de investigação e tratamentos, além de uma visão geral sobre suas principais causas foram abordados. Métodos: Os artigos foram pesquisados na base de dados PubMed, em maio de 2018, utilizando os termos descritores miscarriage, recurrent; recurrent miscarriage; recurrent miscarriages; abortion, recurrent; recurrent abortion; recurrent abortions; recurrent pregnancy loss. Como critérios de inclusão, foram considerados artigos publicados nos últimos 5 anos, no período de maio de 2014 a maio de 2018, artigos que abordassem pesquisas apenas com humanos, guidelines e aqueles publicados em língua portuguesa, inglesa ou espanhola. Artigos de revisão foram excluídos da seleção. Resultados: Na pesquisa inicial, utilizando os termos descritores, foram encontrados 4492 artigos; restringindo aos últimos 5 anos, restaram 1429 artigos; desses, foram selecionados apenas aqueles com pesquisas em seres humanos, restaram 1004 artigos e desses selecionamos 962 que estão nos idiomas escolhidos. Os artigos de revisão foram excluídos da seleção. Vinte artigos foram incluídos para a elaboração desta revisão da literatura. Conclusões: Através deste artigo foi possível revisar evidências atuais referentes a diagnóstico e a manejo clínico nos casos de abortamento de repetição. Além de proporcionar conhecimento e orientação a estudantes e profissionais, o artigo levanta questões que ainda não estão bem estabelecidas na prática clínica e que ainda necessitam de maiores estudos.

Objective: The recurrent pregnancy loss affects approximately 1% to 2% of couples. Due to its importance, the present revision aims to approach the best clinical management. To do that, diagnosis criteria, research and treatments methods, as well as the general vision of the main causes, were discussed. Methods: The articles were searched in the PUBmed database, in May 2018, using keywords: miscarriage, recurrent; recurrent miscarriage; recurrent miscarriages; abortion, recurrent; recurrent abortion; recurrent abortions; recurrent pregnancy loss. As inclusion criteria, articles published in the past 5 years were chosen, from May 2014 to May 2018, articles that deal with researches in humans, guidelines and publications in portuguese, spanish or english. Revision articles were excluded. Results: In the initial search, using the terms descriptors, we found 4492 articles; restricting to the last 5 years, 1429 papers were found; selecting only those in humans, there were 1004 articles remaining and of those 962 selected in the chosen languages. Review articles were excluded from the selection. Twenty articles were selected for this review. Conclusions: Through this article it was possible to review current evidence regarding diagnosis and clinical management in recurrent pregnancy loss. In addition to provide knowledge and guidance to students and professionals, the article raises questions that are not well established in clinical practice yet and that still require further study.

Indicação de testagem genética para câncer de mama e ovário hereditários no Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS / The indication of genetic counselling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome at Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS

Introdução: O câncer de mama e ovário hereditário ("hereditary breast and ovarian cancer", HBOC) associa-se a mutações herdadas nos genes BRCA1/2. Nesses casos, o aconselhamento genético é mandatório, e a investigação do indivíduo tem como base características pessoais, a história familiar e as características da neoplasia. Uma vez que o diagnóstico HBOC é estabelecido através de testagem genética, existem protocolos bem estabelecidos para manejo do paciente e familiares em risco com objetivo de reduzir risco de câncer nos indivíduos não afetados e personalizar o tratamento nos pacientes já com diagnóstico de neoplasia. Métodos: Esse é um estudo observacional, transversal, de prevalência. Foi realizada uma revisão pelo banco de dados do "Projeto Amazona III" em todas pacientes incluídas do Hospital São Lucas de Porto Alegre. O objetivo do atual estudo foi avaliar as pacientes com critérios de indicação de testagem genética para HBOC através de 2 critérios. Para discussão, foram pesquisados artigos científicos dos últimos 12 anos. Resultados: Dentre os 112 participantes do estudo, 23% preenchiam critérios para testagem genética da Síndrome HBOC. Conclusão: Esse estudo revelou que um expressivo número (23%) de pacientes incluídas no Projeto Amazona III no Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS apresenta critérios para testagem da síndrome HBOC, considerando apenas 2 critérios indicadores de testagem. Além disso, 27% das pacientes apresentavam história familiar de até terceiro grau de câncer de mamãe/ ou ovário, necessitando de aconselhamento genético. A não identificação dessas pacientes significa em diagnósticos de câncer evitáveis.

Objectives: The primary objective is to examine the necessity of genetic testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome as a preventive measure. Basically, HBOC genetically inherited disorder arising out of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The HBOC diagnosis can be conducted through genetic testing. The investigation in these cases is carried out on the basis of individual characteristics, family history and features of the cancer. There are well-established protocols to manage patients and family members whom carry these mutations and to personalize the treatment for the patients already diagnosed with cancer. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and prevalence study. We conducted a review applying the database of the "Projeto Amazona III" on patients enrolled at the Hospital São Lucas de Porto Alegre (HSL-PUCRS). The purpose of the study was to evaluate patients that fall within the criteria for HBOC genetic testing. We considered only two criteria. We also analyzed the relevant scientific articles of the past 12 years to discuss the subject. Results: 23% of the 112 participants of the study met with the criteria for HBOC genetic testing. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant number (23%) of the patients enrolled in the "Projeto Amazona III" at the HSL-PUCRS have the two criteria for HBOC genetic testing. Furthermore, 27% of the patients required genetic testing since they had a third-degree family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The failure to identify these patients leads to the absence of the diagnosis of preventable cancer.

O papel da videolaparoscopia nas emergências ginecológicas e obstétricas / The role of videolaparoscopy in gynecological and obstetric emergencies

Introdução: A videolaparoscopia (VLP) tem sido cada vez mais empregada na prática clínica uma vez que auxilia, tanto no diagnóstico, quanto no manejo de diversas condições ginecológicas. Essa revisão tem como objetivo esclarecer a importância da VLP nas principais emergências ginecológicas. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura no mês de maio de 2018 nos bancos de dados Pubmed, Medline e Portal Periódico Capes. Foram incluídos no estudo os artigos que abordavam o uso de VLP no manejo de emergências e foram excluídos os relatos de caso. Resultados: A VLP é importante na medida em que permite a visualização direta das condições que constituem emergências ginecológicas, contribuindo dessa forma para o seu diagnóstico definitivo e precoce. A abordagem VLP frequentemente está relacionada a uma menor morbidade nesses casos. Na torção ovariana a VLP é útil tanto para identificar a viabilidade do ovário acometido quanto para desfazer a torção. No abscesso tubo ovariano, entretanto, estudos indicam que não há superioridade da técnica laparoscópica em relação à laparotomia no manejo cirúrgico desses pacientes. Na rotura de cisto ovariano, a VLP é o método preferencial nas patologias benignas, enquanto a laparotomia é o método de escolha na suspeita de lesões malignas. Na gestação ectópica, a VLP pode ser empregada nos casos de instabilidade hemodinâmica, gravidez tubária rota e quando há ascensão dos títulos de ß-hCG nas dosagens séricas associada à massa de 5 cm. Conclusão: A combinação entre o conhecimento adequado das patologias ginecológicas, a correta indicação do método VLP e a habilidade do cirurgião são fatores determinantes no sucesso terapêutico desse método.

Introduction: Video-laparoscopy (VLP) has been increasingly used in clinical practice since it assists in the diagnosis and management of various gynecological conditions. This review aims to clarify the importance of VLP in major gynecological emergencies. Methods: A literature review was performed in the month of May, 2018 in Pubmed, Medline and Capes Periodical Portal databases. The articles that addressed the use of VLP in emergency management were included in the study and the case reports were excluded. Results: VLP is important because it allows direct visualization of conditions that constitute gynecological emergencies, thus contributing to its definitive and early diagnosis. The VLP approach is often related to lower morbidity in these cases. In ovarian torsion the VLP is useful both to identify the viability of the affected ovary and to undo the torsion. In the ovarian tube abscess, however, studies indicate that there is no superiority of the laparoscopic technique in relation to laparotomy in the surgical management of these patients. In ruptured ovarian cyst, VLP is the preferred method in benign pathologies, while laparotomy is the method of choice in the suspicion of malignant lesions. In ectopic pregnancy, VLP may be used in cases of hemodynamic instability, tubal rupture, and when there is a rise in ß-hCG serum levelst associated with a 5 cm mass. Conclusion: The combination of adequate knowledge of the gynecological pathologies, the correct indication of VLP and the surgeon's ability are determining factors in the therapeutic success of this method. Keywords: videolaparoscopy,

Variables associated with co-existing epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Epileptic seizures (ES) have many mimickers, perhaps the most relevant being psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The picture is even more challenging when PNES are associated with ES in a given patient. The aim of this research paper was to delineate the demographic, epileptological and psychiatric profile of that specific population. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out from 2000 to 2015 for articles in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese in PUBMED and EMBASE. Cohort or case-control studies reporting prospective or retrospective original data comparing patients with co-existing ES and PNES with those who had PNES only and ES only have been included. In retained studies, the presence of PNES was confirmed by video-electroencephalography (V-EEG). Forty-eight abstracts were identified. RESULTS: Nine studies were retained. Most showed that female gender predominated in both groups with PNES. Patients with co-existing ES and PNES take higher number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) than PNES alone. Two studies showed association of concomitant ES and PNES with earlier age of seizure onset. Localizing EEG features and ES type were evaluated in only two studies and their association with either group was inconclusive. Somatoform, conversion or cluster B personality disorders were more frequent in subjects with PNES than with ES. DISCUSSION: Patients with concomitant ES and PNES are highly heterogeneous, challenging differentiation on clinical grounds. A diagnosis of conversion or somatoform, anxiety disorders, and the use of a higher number of AEDs than psychiatric medications may have an association with co-existing ES and PNES. Further studies are warranted to differentiate patients who only have PNES from those with co-existing ES and PNES.