PET-CT has low specificity for mediastinal staging of non-small-cell lung cancer in an endemic area for tuberculosis: a diagnostic test study (LACOG 0114).

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to assess the performance of 18F-FDG PET-CT on mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a location with endemic granulomatous infectious disease. METHODS: Diagnostic test study including patients aged 18 years or older with operable stage I-III NSCLC and indication for a mediastinal lymph node biopsy. All patients underwent a 18F-FDG PET-scan before invasive mediastinal staging, either through mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy, which was considered the gold-standard. Surgeons and pathologists were blinded for scan results. Primary endpoint was to evaluate sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of PET-CT with images acquired in the 1st hour of the exam protocol, using predefined cutoffs of maximal SUV, on per-patient basis. RESULTS: Overall, 85 patients with operable NSCLC underwent PET-CT scan followed by invasive mediastinal staging. Mean age was 65 years, 49 patients were male and 68 were white. One patient presented with active tuberculosis and none had HIV infection. Using any SUV_max > 0 as qualitative criteria for positivity, sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 and 0.45, respectively. Nevertheless, even when the highest SUV cut-off was used (SUV_max ≥5), specificity remained low (0.79), with an estimated positive predictive value of 54%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are in line with the most recent publications and guidelines, which recommend that PET-CT must not be solely used as a tool to mediastinal staging, even in a region with high burden of tuberculosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The LACOG 0114 study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , before study initiation, under identifier NCT02664792.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibition in the Treatment of Preeclampsia: What Is New?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present study intends to review the possibility of using phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a treatment option for preeclampsia, addressing potential risks and benefits. RECENT FINDINGS: Preeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, often responsible for severe maternal and fetal complications, which can lead to early pregnancy termination and death. Despite the numerous studies, its pathophysiology is still unclear, although it seems to involve a multiplicity of complex factors related to angiogenesis, ineffective vasodilation, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial dysfunction. It has been hypothetically suggested that the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is capable of improving placental and fetal perfusion, contributing to gestational scenario, by decreasing the symptomatology and severity of this syndrome. In this literature review, it has been found that most of the studies were conducted in animal models, and there is still lack of evidence supporting its use in clinical practice. Research in human indicates conflicting findings; randomized controlled trials were scarce and did not demonstrate any benefit in morbidity or mortality. Data regarding to pathophysiological and interventional research are described and commented in this review. The use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of preeclampsia is controversial and should not be encouraged taking into account recent data.

Acesso vascular para hemodiálise / Hemodialysis vascular hemodialysis vascular access

Introdução: A Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) acomete um grande número de pacientes em todo o mundo, sendo a hemodiálise um dos recursos terapêuticos mais frequentes para as fases mais avançadas de falência renal. Uma vez que o acesso vascular é essencial para a terapia, o presente artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura relacionada às indicações, técnica e complicações dos acessos temporários e permanentes. Métodos: A busca nas bases de dados Pubmed e LILACS foi realizada através da combinação de termos relacionados à hemodiálise ou diálise renal, acesso vascular e vasos sanguíneos. Foram selecionados 20 artigos conforme os critérios de inclusão e de exclusão e adequação ao tema proposto. Resultados: Os acessos temporários são o cateter de Shilley e o permcath. O primeiro se destina a situações agudas, inserido preferencialmente na veia jugular direita e tem a infecção como principal complicação. O permcath proporciona um período mais longo de utilização, com implante subcutâneo preferencialmente em veia jugular interna direita, tendo como principal complicação a punção arterial inadvertida. A fístula representa o acesso vascular definitivo, sendo o acesso de primeira escolha para pacientes que serão submetidos à hemodiálise por longo prazo. Suas maiores complicações são infecção, sangramento e alteração de fluxo sanguíneo arterial. Conclusão: Acesso vascular para hemodiálise é fundamental para instituição e manutenção da terapia. Dentre as opções atuais, o tempo de permanência, as potenciais complicações e as condições do pacientes guiarão a escolha.

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects a large number of patients worldwide, with hemodialysis being one of the most frequent therapeutic resources for the more advanced phases of renal failure. As vascular access is paramount for this therapy, we aimed reviewing the literature regarding indications, technique and complications of temporary and permanent vascular accesses for hemodialysis. Methods: Pubmed and LILACS databases were searched combining terms refered to hemodialysis or renal dialysis, vascular access and blood vessels. It were selected 20 articles according inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as related to the proposed theme. Results: Temporary accesses are Shilley catheter and permcath. Shilley is indicated for acute situations, inserted preferably in the right jugular vein and the main complication is infection. Permcath allows a longer period of use, subcutaneously implanted preferably in the right internal jugular vein. The main complication is arterial puncture. Arteriovenous fistula represents the definitive vascular access, constituing the first choice for patients needing long term hemodialysis. The technique is based on the anastomosis between the artery and vein walls or between its extremities and the main complication is related to infection, bleeding and decreased artery blood flow. Conclusion: Hemodialysis vascular access is paramount in order to start and maintain the therapy. The option will be guided by therapy length, complications and clinical conditions.