Endothelial Microparticles: Markers of Inflammatory Response After Sutureless Valve Implantation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is related to increased circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP). Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the plasma concentration of EMP between patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with conventional bioprosthesis implantation and Perceval™ S (LivaNova) and to evaluate its impact on the inflammatory response in the short-term follow-up. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with 24 patients submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement divided into two groups: Perceval™ S (Group P) and conventional bioprostheses (Group C). Incidence of severe SIRS (three or more criteria) in the first 48 hours postoperatively, EMP release profile, interleukins (IL) 6 and 8, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were analyzed preand postoperatively at 24 hours and three months. Results: There were 24 patients (12 in each group), mean age was 69.92±5.17 years, 83.33% were female, the incidence of severe SIRS was 66.7% and 50% in groups C and P, respectively (P=0.68), and EMP showed a significant increase in the 24-hour postoperative period (P≤0.001) and subsequent decrease in the three-month postoperative period (P≤0.001), returning to baseline levels. For IL-6 and IL-8, there was a greater increase in group C at 24 hours postoperatively (P=.0.02 and P<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of severe SIRS was similar in both groups, with significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8, at the 24-hour postoperative period, in group C, however with higher levels of EMP in group P, and subsequent return to baseline levels at the three-month postoperative period in both groups.

Endothelial Microparticles: Markers of Inflammatory Response After Sutureless Valve Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is related to increased circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the plasma concentration of EMP between patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with conventional bioprosthesis implantation and Perceval™ S (LivaNova) and to evaluate its impact on the inflammatory response in the short-term follow-up. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial with 24 patients submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement divided into two groups: Perceval™ S (Group P) and conventional bioprostheses (Group C). Incidence of severe SIRS (three or more criteria) in the first 48 hours postoperatively, EMP release profile, interleukins (IL) 6 and 8, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were analyzed preand postoperatively at 24 hours and three months. RESULTS: There were 24 patients (12 in each group), mean age was 69.92±5.17 years, 83.33% were female, the incidence of severe SIRS was 66.7% and 50% in groups C and P, respectively (P=0.68), and EMP showed a significant increase in the 24-hour postoperative period (P≤0.001) and subsequent decrease in the three-month postoperative period (P≤0.001), returning to baseline levels. For IL-6 and IL-8, there was a greater increase in group C at 24 hours postoperatively (P=.0.02 and P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe SIRS was similar in both groups, with significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8, at the 24-hour postoperative period, in group C, however with higher levels of EMP in group P, and subsequent return to baseline levels at the three-month postoperative period in both groups.

Global political leaders during the COVID-19 vaccination: Between propaganda and fact-checking.

The advent of COVID-19 vaccination meant a moment of hope after months of crisis communication. However, the context of disinformation on social media threatened the success of this public health campaign. This study examines how heads of government and fact-checking organizations in four countries managed communications on Twitter about the vaccination. Specifically, we conduct a content analysis of their discourses through the observation of propaganda mechanisms. The research draws on a corpus of words related to the pandemic and vaccines in France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States (n = 2,800). The data were captured for a five-month period (January-May 2021), during which COVID-19 vaccines became available for elderly people. The results show a trend of clearly fallacious communication among the political leaders, based on the tools of emphasis and appeal to emotion. We argue that the political messages about the vaccination mainly used propaganda strategies. These tweets also set, to a certain extent, the agendas of the most relevant fact-checking initiatives in each country.

Impacto na qualidade de vida da fibrilação atrial de início no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica / Impact on quality of life of postoperative onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: Trabalhos recentes evidenciaram que fibrilação atrial de início no pós-operatório (FAPO) de cirurgia cardíaca está associada a um aumento de complicações, tempo de internação, mortalidade e, dessa forma, podendo influenciar na qualidade de vida (QV). Objetivos: Identificar a ocorrência de FAPO e seu impacto na QV após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) isolada. MÉTODOS: Coorte observacional, com avaliação de um banco de dados de um centro terciário de cardiologia. Foram selecionados pacientes submetidos à CRM isolada durante o período de julho de 2016 a julho de 2017, divididos em dois grupos: com e sem FAPO. Foi avaliada a QV por meio do questionário Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS), desenvolvido e validado no Brasil, direcionado para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular e aplicado por telefone, possui 21 questões, sendo cinco sobre qualidade de vida que recebem uma pontuação de 1 a 5. A pontuação final da QV foi calculada com a soma de pontos dessas 5 questões, variando de 5 a 25 pontos, quanto maior o valor, melhor a QV (figura 1). As demais questões envolvem perguntas sobre medicamentos, sintomas, procedimentos e internações. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste ANOVA não-paramétrico para medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: Foram 418 pacientes submetidos à CRM, 341 (81,6%) sem FAPO e 77 (18,4%) com FAPO, homens representavam 69,8% (n=238) do grupo sem FAPO e 75,3% (n=58) do grupo com FAPO. Dentre esses, 346 responderam o questionário em todos os períodos avaliados, 283 (81,8%) no grupo sem FAPO e 63 (18,2%) com FAPO. A média de idade foi de 62,16 (±9,063) e 66,04 (±7,349) anos nos grupos sem e com FAPO, respectivamente. O questionário de QV foi aplicado 01 mês, 06 e 12 meses após a cirurgia. Houve aumento da pontuação do questionário em ambos os grupos ao longo do tempo, porém sem diferença estatística de QV entre os dois grupos, com p-valor 0,208 (figura 2). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de FAPO está associada a um aumento de complicações, podendo influenciar na presença de sintomas e na QV, este estudo não evidenciou diferença na QV entre pacientes com e sem FAPO após CRM no acompanhamento de 01 ano. Palavras-chave: Fibrilação Atrial. Revascularização Miocárdica. Qualidade de Vida. (AU)

Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery: Elaboration and Initial Internal Validation of a Quality of Life Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Elaboration and internal validation of the Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS) questionnaire adapted to the reality of Brazilian cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: Cross-sectional pilot study of a prospective cohort included in the Documentation and Surgical Registry Center (CEDREC) for internal validation of the QLCS questionnaire. Four hundred forty-five patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery and who answered a QLCS questionnaire 30 days after hospital discharge were included. It was applied via telephone. To verify the questions' internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was used. The total QLCS score was calculated as the sum of 5 questions, ranging from 5 to 25 points. Mann-U-Whitney test was used to relate the symptoms with the quality of life (QoL). Level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: After 30 days of surgery, about 95% of the patients had already returned to normal routine and 19% of them were already performing physical activity. In the evaluation of the QLCS's internal consistency, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.74 was found, suggesting that this was probably an adequate questionnaire to evaluate QoL in this population. In the comparison between the presence and absence of symptoms and the median of QoL, the presence of pain at the incision (P=0.002), chest pain (P<0.001), shortness of breath (P<0.001), and return to physical activity (P<0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The process of elaboration and validation of questionnaires includes a series of steps. The QLCS questionnaire is probably an adequate tool for the evaluation of QoL in the postoperative patient of cardiovascular surgery, in this first stage of internal validation.

Utility of [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scan in Inflammatory Myopathies: Case Report and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myopathies are a rare group of diseases characterized by proximal weakness. Incidence ranges from 7.98/million/year and prevalence at 14/100,000. The utility of [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan is increasing for the complementary diagnosis of myopathies. CASE REPORT: An 84-year-old male was admitted with a history of difficulty rising from a chair and a fall. Laboratory results showed increased creatine kinase levels of more than 50 times the normal reference values. Electromyography (EMG) showed myopathic changes, and FDG-PET/CT scan showed increased FDG uptake in bilateral quadriceps. A biopsy was performed revealing lymphocytic predominant infiltrates and myonecrosis. Prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were administered with strength improvement. The patient was discharged for further follow-up. DISCUSSION: FDG-PET/CT in inflammatory diseases has proven useful as muscle fibers have increased FDG uptake. In some cases, FDG-PET/CT is also useful in determining associated neoplastic diseases.

Quality of life in cardiovascular surgery: elaboration and initial internal validation of a quality of life questionnaire

Abstract Objective: Elaboration and internal validation of the Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS) questionnaire adapted to the reality of Brazilian cardiovascular surgery. Methods: Cross-sectional pilot study of a prospective cohort included in the Documentation and Surgical Registry Center (CEDREC) for internal validation of the QLCS questionnaire. Four hundred forty-five patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery and who answered a QLCS questionnaire 30 days after hospital discharge were included. It was applied via telephone. To verify the questions' internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was used. The total QLCS score was calculated as the sum of 5 questions, ranging from 5 to 25 points. Mann-U-Whitney test was used to relate the symptoms with the quality of life (QoL). Level of significance was 5%. Results: After 30 days of surgery, about 95% of the patients had already returned to normal routine and 19% of them were already performing physical activity. In the evaluation of the QLCS's internal consistency, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.74 was found, suggesting that this was probably an adequate questionnaire to evaluate QoL in this population. In the comparison between the presence and absence of symptoms and the median of QoL, the presence of pain at the incision (P=0.002), chest pain (P<0.001), shortness of breath (P<0.001), and return to physical activity (P<0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The process of elaboration and validation of questionnaires includes a series of steps. The QLCS questionnaire is probably an adequate tool for the evaluation of QoL in the postoperative patient of cardiovascular surgery, in this first stage of internal validation.

Evolução da qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica ao longo do primeiro ano do pós-operatório / Evolution of quality of life of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery during the first postoperative year

INTRODUÇÃO: O impacto de qualquer evento na qualidade de vida (QV) de uma pessoa depende de seus projetos pessoais, desejos e história. A QV relacionada à doença cardiovascular, e seu impacto na vida de cada paciente, têm sido objetos de investigação, podendo contribuir para o processo de tomada de decisão clínica, além de proporcionar a melhora do atendimento e cuidado do paciente a longo prazo, visando uma abordagem mais integral da saúde (física, psíquica e social) OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução da QV no primeiro ano após a realização de cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM). MÉTODO: Estudo observacional prospectivo com pacientes submetidos à CRM de julho de 2016 a dezembro de 2017, que aceitaram e assinaram o termo de consentimento para participar do Centro de Documentação e Registro Cirúrgico (CEDREC), com seguimento pós-operatório de 30 dias, 6 meses e 1 ano, sendo aplicado o questionário Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Surgery (QLCS)...(AU)

Use of Doppler Ultrasound for Saphenous Vein Mapping to Obtain Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The great saphenous vein is widely used as a graft in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Complications due to saphenous vein harvesting can be minimized when using ultrasonography mapping and marking. OBJECTIVE: To analyze by clinical trial the use of vascular ultrasonography to map the saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass grafting to determine viability and dissection site. METHODS: A total of 151 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery with the use of the great saphenous vein as a graft were selected for this prospective study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 - 84 patients were submitted to ultrasonographic mapping and marking of the saphenous vein; Group 2 - 67 patients had saphenous vein harvested without any previous study. Both groups were coupled with follow-up on the 1st, 5th and 30th postoperative days. Primary endpoints were need for incision of the contralateral leg and wound complications within 30 days. RESULTS: Both legs had to be incised in 6 (8.95%) patients from Group 2 (P=0.0067). Wound complications occurred in 33 (23.4%) patients within 30 days, 21 (35%) from Group 2 e 12 (14.8%) from Group 1 (OR 3.095, 1.375-6.944, CI 95%, P=0.008). Within 30 days there were 4 (2.8%) deaths, all in Group 2 (P=0.036). CONCLUSION: The use of vascular ultrasonography for mapping of the great saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass surgery has properly identified and evaluated the saphenous vein, significantly reducing wound complications and unnecessary incisions. It would be advisable to use this noninvasive and easy to use method routinely in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Mortality Predictors in the Surgical Treatment of Active Infective Endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Active infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery is indicated in high-risk conditions, and the main determinants of mortality in surgical treatment should be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: This prospective observational study involved 88 consecutive patients diagnosed with active infective endocarditis, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and December 2015. Fifty-eight (65.9%) patients were male, the mean age was 50.87±16.15 years. A total of 31 (35.2%) patients had a history of rheumatic fever; 48 (54.5%) had had heart surgery with prosthetic valve implantation; 45 (93.8%) had biological prosthetic valve endocarditis and 3 (6.3%) mechanical prosthetic valve; 40 (45.5%) patients had the disease in their native valve. The mean EuroSCORE II was 8.9±6.5%, and the main surgical indication was refractory heart failure in 38 (43.2%) patients. A total of 68 bioprosthesis (36 aortic, 32 mitral) and 29 mechanical prostheses (12 aortic, 17 mitral) were implanted and three mitral valve plasties performed. A total of 25 (28.4%) patients underwent double or triple valve procedures. Aortic annulus reconstruction by abscess was performed in 18 (20.5%) and six (6.81%) patients had combined procedure. The mean surgery time was 359±97.6 minutes. RESULTS: The overall survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period was 79.5%. In the univariate analysis, the main mortality predictors were positive blood cultures (P=0.003), presence of typical microorganisms (P=0.008), most frequently Streptococcus viridans (12 cases; 25%); C-reactive protein (hazard ratio [HR] 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.070, P=0.04); creatinine clearance (HR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.993, P=0.005); length of surgery: every five minutes multiplies the chance of death 1.005-fold (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.009, P=0.0307); age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.026 to 1.096, P=0.001); and EuroSCORE II (HR 1.089, 95% CI 1.030 to 1.151, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: A positive blood culture with typical microorganism, C-reactive protein, age, EuroSCORE II, total surgical time and the presence of postoperative complications were the major predictors of mortality and significantly impacted survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period.

Quality of Life in Cardiac Surgery (QLCS): elaboração e validação interna de um questionário de qualidade de vida para a realidade da cirurgia cardíaca / Quality of Life in Cardiac Surgery (QLCS): elaboration and internal validation of a quality of life questionnaire for the reality of cardiac surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: A qualidade de vida (QV) é definida como a percepção do indivíduo de sua posição na vida no contexto da cultura e sistema de valores nos quais ele vive e em relação aos seus objetivos, expectativas, padrões e preocupações. Para avaliar a QV, pode optar por uso de questionários genéricos, que não especificam a doença em si, ou questionários específicos, desenvolvidos para determinada patologia. OBJETIVO: Elaborar e validar um questionário adaptado à realidade da cirurgia cardíaca brasileira e de fácil aplicação, que possa ser realizado por contato telefônico, tomando com base os principais questionários já existentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de uma coorte prospectiva incluída no Centro de Documentação e Registro Cirúrgico (CEDREC) de um hospital especializado em cardiologia. Foram incluídos 445 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca de julho de 2016 a outubro de 2017, que possuíam questionário de QV respondido 30 dias após alta hospitalar. Aplicou-se um questionário por contato telefônico composto de 21 questões, sendo 16 para avaliação da aderência medicamentosa, sintomas e complicações, e 5 para avaliação da qualidade de vida (QLCS). O questionário QLCS foi elaborado por um conjunto de médicos especialistas. Para verificar a consistência interna das questões foi utilizado o alfa de Crobanch. Foi calculado o escore total de QV sendo a soma das 5 questões da QV variando de 5 a 25 pontos. Para correlacionar os sintomas com a QV foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Após 30 dias da cirurgia 35% apresentavam dor na incisão, 17% infecção na ferida, 23% dor no peito, 22% falta de ar, 1% desmaio, 5% palpitação, 43% outros sintomas. Sendo que 95% dos pacientes já tinham retornado a rotina habitual e 19% já estavam realizando atividade física. Na avaliação na consistência interna do QLCS encontrou-se um alfa de Crobanch de 0,74, comprovando ser um bom questionário para avaliar QV nessa população. Na correlação dos sintomas com a QV, observou-se que a presença de dor na incisão (P=0,002), dor no peito... (AU)

Preditores de insucesso do tratamento cirúrgico da fibrilação atrial a curto e longo prazo / Predictors of short and long-term atrial fibrillation surgical treatment failure

INTRODUÇÃO: A ablação cirúrgica da fibrilação atrial (FA)em pacientes que serão submetidos a outras cirurgias cardíacas com a visualização direta das estruturas cardíacas e cateteres que facilitam a criação de lesões transmurais fazem desta técnica uma ferramenta vantajosa, no entanto com taxas de sucesso variáveis, associadas a fatores no pré-operatório, intraoperatório e pós-operatório. OBJETIVO: Identificar os preditores de recorrência de FA imediata e tardia após ablação com radiofrequência nos pacientes com FA persistente submetidos a cirurgia valvar mitral e/ou tricúspide. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo de 174 pacientes consecutivos com FA persistente e doença valvar, submetidos a ablação com radiofrequência monopolar irrigada e cirurgia valvar mitral e/ou tricúspide concomitante, de janeiro 2008 a dezembro 2015 com seguimento até agosto 2017. Foram avaliados os fatores associados com FA na alta hospitalar, e os preditores de recorrência de FA no seguimento tardio. 114 (65,52%) pacientes do sexo feminino, idade média 57,16±12,47 anos. A principal indicação cirúrgica foi por dupla lesão valvar mitral em 73(41,10%) pacientes. Foram implantadas 97 próteses biológicas (95 mitrais, 2 tricúspides), 65 metálicas (63mitrais, 2 tricúspides), e realizadas 15 plastias mitrais e 67 tricúspide, tempo de perfusão médio 111,02±35,92 min, tempo de anoxia médio 79,74±25,54 min. Análise da sobrevida com Kaplan-Meier, dos fatores associados com recorrência de FA, nas variáveis quantitativas o teste t-Student ou não paramétrico Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (se normalidade ou não respectivamente), ANOVA para medidas repetidas não paramétricas e nas variáveis qualitativas o teste exato de Fisher...(AU)

Use of doppler ultrasound for saphenous vein mapping to obtain grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Introduction: The great saphenous vein is widely used as a graft in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Complications due to saphenous vein harvesting can be minimized when using ultrasonography mapping and marking. Objective: To analyze by clinical trial the use of vascular ultrasonography to map the saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass grafting to determine viability and dissection site. Methods: A total of 151 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery with the use of the great saphenous vein as a graft were selected for this prospective study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 - 84 patients were submitted to ultrasonographic mapping and marking of the saphenous vein; Group 2 - 67 patients had saphenous vein harvested without any previous study. Both groups were coupled with follow-up on the 1st, 5th and 30th postoperative days. Primary endpoints were need for incision of the contralateral leg and wound complications within 30 days. Results: Both legs had to be incised in 6 (8.95%) patients from Group 2 (P=0.0067). Wound complications occurred in 33 (23.4%) patients within 30 days, 21 (35%) from Group 2 e 12 (14.8%) from Group 1 (OR 3.095, 1.375-6.944, CI 95%, P=0.008). Within 30 days there were 4 (2.8%) deaths, all in Group 2 (P=0.036). Conclusion: The use of vascular ultrasonography for mapping of the great saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass surgery has properly identified and evaluated the saphenous vein, significantly reducing wound complications and unnecessary incisions. It would be advisable to use this noninvasive and easy to use method routinely in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction: Active infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery is indicated in high-risk conditions, and the main determinants of mortality in surgical treatment should be evaluated. Objective: To identify mortality predictors in the surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis in a long-term follow-up. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 88 consecutive patients diagnosed with active infective endocarditis, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and December 2015. Fifty-eight (65.9%) patients were male, the mean age was 50.87±16.15 years. A total of 31 (35.2%) patients had a history of rheumatic fever; 48 (54.5%) had had heart surgery with prosthetic valve implantation; 45 (93.8%) had biological prosthetic valve endocarditis and 3 (6.3%) mechanical prosthetic valve; 40 (45.5%) patients had the disease in their native valve. The mean EuroSCORE II was 8.9±6.5%, and the main surgical indication was refractory heart failure in 38 (43.2%) patients. A total of 68 bioprosthesis (36 aortic, 32 mitral) and 29 mechanical prostheses (12 aortic, 17 mitral) were implanted and three mitral valve plasties performed. A total of 25 (28.4%) patients underwent double or triple valve procedures. Aortic annulus reconstruction by abscess was performed in 18 (20.5%) and six (6.81%) patients had combined procedure. The mean surgery time was 359±97.6 minutes. Results: The overall survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period was 79.5%. In the univariate analysis, the main mortality predictors were positive blood cultures (P=0.003), presence of typical microorganisms (P=0.008), most frequently Streptococcus viridans (12 cases; 25%); C-reactive protein (hazard ratio [HR] 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.070, P=0.04); creatinine clearance (HR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.993, P=0.005); length of surgery: every five minutes multiplies the chance of death 1.005-fold (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.009, P=0.0307); age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.026 to 1.096, P=0.001); and EuroSCORE II (HR 1.089, 95% CI 1.030 to 1.151, P=0.003). Conclusion: A positive blood culture with typical microorganism, C-reactive protein, age, EuroSCORE II, total surgical time and the presence of postoperative complications were the major predictors of mortality and significantly impacted survival in up to a 10-year follow-up period.

Anemia perniciosa en una paciente con artritis reumatoide y vitíligo / Pernicious anemia in a female patient with rheumatoid arthritis and vitiligo

Resumen: Comunicamos el caso de una mujer en la cuarta década de la vida con antecedentes personales de artritis reumatoide y vitíligo, quien acudió a consulta por síndrome anémico. En su abordaje diagnóstico encontramos concentraciones bajas de vitamina B12 y anticuerpos contra factor intrínseco positivos con lo que llegamos al diagnóstico de anemia perniciosa. Este caso apoya la definición del término de síndrome de poliautoinmunidad en el que existe asociación entre diferentes enfermedades autoinmunitarias sin relación comprobada previamente.

Abstract: We report the case of a woman in the fourth decade of life with previous medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and vitiligo who presented with anemic syndrome. In the diagnostic workup we found low levels of vitamin B12 and positive intrinsic factor antibodies that corroborate the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. This clinical case supports the definition of polyautoimmune syndrome in which there is a link between different autoimmune diseases without a previous known relation.

Long-term mortality predictors in patients with small aortic annulus undergoing aortic valve replacement with a 19- or 21-mm bioprosthesis

Abstract Introduction: Replacement of the aortic valve in patients with a small aortic annulus is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A prosthesis-patient mismatch is one of the main problems associated with failed valves in this patient population. Objective: To evaluate the long-term mortality predictors in patients with a small aortic annulus undergoing aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, a total of 101 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement from January 2000 to December 2010 were studied. There were 81 (80.19%) women with a mean age of 52.81±18.4 years. Severe aortic stenosis was the main indication for surgery in 54 (53.4%) patients. Posterior annulus enlargement was performed in 16 (15.8%) patients. Overall, 54 (53.41%) patients underwent concomitant surgery: 28 (27.5%) underwent mitral valve replacement, and 13 (12.7%) underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Results: Mean valve index was 0.82±0.08 cm2/m2. Overall, 17 (16.83%) patients had a valve index lower than 0.75 cm2/m2, without statistical significance for mortality (P=0.12). The overall 10-year survival rate was 83.17%. The rate for patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement was 91.3% and 73.1% (P=0.02) for patients who underwent concomitant surgery. In the univariate analysis, the main predictors of mortality were preoperative ejection fraction (P=0.02; HR 0.01) and EuroSCORE II results (P=0.00000042; HR 1.13). In the multivariate analysis, the main predictors of mortality were age (P=0.01, HR 1.04) and concomitant surgery (P=0.01, HR 5.04). Those relationships were statistically significant. Conclusion: A valve index of < 0.75 cm2/m2 did not affect 10-year survival. However, concomitant surgery and age significantly affected mortality.

Sumario ejecutivo de las recomendaciones SEPAR de diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas / Executive summary of the SEPAR recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

La Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR), a través de las áreas de Cirugía Torácica y de Oncología Torácica, ha promovido la realización de un manual de recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas. Las elevadas incidencia y mortalidad de esta patología hacen necesaria una constante actualización de las mejores evidencias científicas para su consulta por parte de los profesionales de la salud. Para su confección se ha contado con un amplio grupo de profesionales de distintas especialidades que han elaborado una revisión integral, que se ha concretado en 4 apartados principales. En el primero se ha estudiado la prevención y el cribado de la enfermedad, incluyendo los factores de riesgo, el papel de la deshabituación tabáquica y el diagnóstico precoz mediante programas de cribado. En un segundo apartado se ha analizado la presentación clínica, los estudios de imagen y el riesgo quirúrgico, incluyendo el cardiológico y la evaluación funcional respiratoria. Un tercero trata sobre los estudios de confirmación cito-histológica y de estadificación, con un análisis de las clasificaciones TNM e histológica, métodos no invasivos y mínimamente invasivos, así como las técnicas quirúrgicas para el diagnóstico y estadificación. En un cuarto y último capítulo se han abordado aspectos del tratamiento, como el papel de las técnicas quirúrgicas, la quimioterapia, la radioterapia, el abordaje multidisciplinar por estadios y otros tratamientos dirigidos frente a dianas específicas, terminando con recomendaciones acerca del seguimiento del cáncer de pulmón y los tratamientos paliativos quirúrgicos y endoscópicos en estadios avanzados

The Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology groups of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) have backed the publication of a handbook on recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Due to the high incidence and mortality of this disease, the best scientific evidence must be constantly updated and made available for consultation by healthcare professionals. To draw up these recommendations, we called on a wide-ranging group of experts from the different specialties, who have prepared a comprehensive review, divided into 4 main sections. The first addresses disease prevention and screening, including risk factors, the role of smoking cessation, and screening programs for early diagnosis. The second section analyzes clinical presentation, imaging studies, and surgical risk, including cardiological risk and the evaluation of respiratory function. The third section addresses cytohistological confirmation and staging studies, and scrutinizes the TNM and histological classifications, non-invasive and minimally invasive sampling methods, and surgical techniques for diagnosis and staging. The fourth and final section looks at different therapeutic aspects, such as the role of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a multidisciplinary approach according to disease stage, and other specifically targeted treatments, concluding with recommendations on the follow-up of lung cancer patients and surgical and endoscopic palliative interventions in advanced stages

Executive summary of the SEPAR recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. / Sumario ejecutivo de las recomendaciones SEPAR de diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas.

The Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology groups of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) have backed the publication of a handbook on recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Due to the high incidence and mortality of this disease, the best scientific evidence must be constantly updated and made available for consultation by healthcare professionals. To draw up these recommendations, we called on a wide-ranging group of experts from the different specialties, who have prepared a comprehensive review, divided into 4 main sections. The first addresses disease prevention and screening, including risk factors, the role of smoking cessation, and screening programs for early diagnosis. The second section analyzes clinical presentation, imaging studies, and surgical risk, including cardiological risk and the evaluation of respiratory function. The third section addresses cytohistological confirmation and staging studies, and scrutinizes the TNM and histological classifications, non-invasive and minimally invasive sampling methods, and surgical techniques for diagnosis and staging. The fourth and final section looks at different therapeutic aspects, such as the role of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a multidisciplinary approach according to disease stage, and other specifically targeted treatments, concluding with recommendations on the follow-up of lung cancer patients and surgical and endoscopic palliative interventions in advanced stages.

Recomendaciones SEPAR de diagnostico y tratamiento del cancer de pulmón de celulas no pequeñas / Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery on the diagnosis and treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

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