Estado nutricional, força muscular e capacidade funcional em portadores de mieloma múltiplo / Nutritional status, muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple myeloma

O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia maligna caracterizada pela proliferação clonal de plasmócitos na medula óssea. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as possíveis associações entre o estado nutricional, força muscular e capacidade funcional de pacientes ambulatoriais portadores de mieloma múltiplo. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em amostra não probabilística de pacientes com mieloma múltiplo atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas, em Goiânia. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e dezembro de 2015, utilizando-se de entrevistas e informações dos prontuários. O estado nutricional foi avaliado aplicando-se a Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Próprio Paciente; a força muscular medida por meio da Força do Aperto de Mão e a capacidade funcional, pela Escala de Performance de Karnofsky. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do referido hospital. Foram avaliados 52 pacientes, em que 48,1% estavam desnutridos, 30,8% apresentavam baixa força muscular e 73,1%, comprometimento da capacidade funcional. A força muscular e a capacidade funcional foram menores nos desnutridos. Observou-se que aqueles que utilizavam corticoides apresentaram 18% menos chance de se tornarem desnutridos (OR=0,18; IC=0,05-0,62; p=0,011) porém, é importante considerar as possíveis causas de viés; por outro lado, os pacientes com baixa força muscular ou faziam quimioterapia apresentaram, aproximadamente, quatro vezes mais chances de desnutrição, respectivamente (OR=3,46; IC=0,99-12,08; p=0,047) (OR=3,64; IC=1,13-11,69; p=0,027). Concluiu-se que a desnutrição é comum nos pacientes portadores de mieloma múltiplo, indicando a necessidade premente de intervenção nutricional apropriada e precoce.

Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible associations between nutritional status, muscle strength and functional capacity of outpatients with multiple myeloma. This is a cross-sectional study carried out on a non-probabilistic sample of patients with multiple myeloma treated at Hospital das Clínicas, in Goiânia. Data were collected between August and December 2015, using interviews and information from medical records. Nutritional status was assessed using the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment; muscular strength measured using Hand Grip Strength and functional capacity, using the Karnofsky Performance Scale. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of that hospital. 52 patients were evaluated, of which 48.1% were malnourished, 30.8% had low muscle strength and 73.1% had impaired functional capacity. Muscle strength and functional capacity were lower in malnourished individuals. It was observed that those who used corticosteroids were 18% less likely to become malnourished (OR=0.18; CI=0.05-0.62; p=0.011), however, it is important to consider the possible causes of bias; on the other hand, patients with low muscle strength or undergoing chemotherapy were approximately four times more likely to be malnourished, respectively (OR=3.46; CI=0.99-12.08; p=0.047) (OR=3.64; CI=1.13-11.69; p=0.027). It was concluded that malnutrition is common in patients with multiple myeloma, indicating the pressing need for appropriate and early nutritional intervention.

Association between Karnofsky performance status and outcomes in cancer patients on home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The selection of appropriate criteria is essential to accurately identify cancer patients eligible for home parenteral nutrition (HPN). In this study, the association between Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) Scale scores and outcomes in cancer patients on HPN was evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective-observational-longitudinal-analytical study of a database of adult cancer patients on HPN. The variables analyzed were sex, age, cancer diagnosis, cancer location (digestive tract and genitourinary), nutritional status, including initial weight (IW), at the start of HPN), usual weight (UW) and IW/UW ratio, and body mass index (BMI) at the start of HPN. Performance status was assessed with the KPS scale. Type of catheter used, number of days on HPN and clinical progression of cancer patients were also studied. RESULTS: Data of 41 cancer patients (60.8% female) were evaluated. Mean age at the start of HPN was 60.45 years. Cancer location was digestive tract (n = 36; 87.8%); gynecologic (n = 4; 9.7%), urinary tract (n = 1; 2.4%). Median IW was 55 kg (45; 64) and BMI was 20 (17.58; 22.84). The IW/UW ratio was -15 kg (-20;-10). The catheters used were peripherally inserted central catheter (n = 30; 73.2%), tunneled (n = 9; 22%) and port (n = 2; 4.8%). The median duration of HPN was 72 days (30; 159). The KPS results showed that 16 cancer patients (39%) had KPS scores ≤50, 17 (41.5%) requiring HPN were discharged and 24 (58.5%) died. The association between disease progression and KPS scores ≤50 was significant (p = 0.025; OR (95% CI): 5.28 (1.07; 36.18). CONCLUSION: The KPS scale is a reliable tool to identify cancer patients eligible for HPN. Cancer patients with ≤50 scores had a five-fold increased risk of death than patients with >50 scores.

Current Medical Treatment for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease.

Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. It comprises a clinical-histologic spectrum of presentations, from steatosis, steatohepatitis, to different degrees of fibrosis, including cirrhosis and severe necroinflammatory disease, called alcohol-associated hepatitis. In this focused update, we aim to present specific therapeutic interventions and strategies for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease. Current evidence for management in all spectra of manifestations is derived from general chronic liver disease recommendations, but with a higher emphasis on abstinence and nutritional support. Abstinence should comprise the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as withdrawal syndrome. Nutritional assessment should also consider the presence of sarcopenia and its clinical manifestation, frailty. The degree of compensation of the disease should be evaluated, and complications, actively sought. The most severe acute form of this disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis, which has high mortality and morbidity. Current treatment is based on corticosteroids that act by reducing immune activation and blocking cytotoxicity and inflammation pathways. Other aspects of treatment include preventing and treating hepatorenal syndrome as well as preventing infections although there is no clear evidence as to the benefit of probiotics and antibiotics in prophylaxis. Novel therapies for alcohol-associated hepatitis include metadoxine, interleukin-22 analogs, and interleukin-1-beta antagonists. Finally, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, microbiota transplantation, and gut-liver axis modulation have shown promising results. We also discuss palliative care in advanced alcohol-associated liver disease.

Survival of cancer patients under treatment with the palliative care team in a Brazilian hospital in São Paulo.

Introduction: The Karnofsky Performance Status Scale is a relevant functional evaluation instrument that can be used to determine which patients should be followed by multidisciplinary palliative care teams. Objective: To analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with performance status lower than 70%, according to the Karnofsky Scale, who received care from a palliative care team compared to those who did not receive care from a palliative care team. Methods: In this retrospective cohort, follow-up of cancer patients by the palliative care team for 10 days was considered the exposure factor, while the dependent variable was patient survival. Data were extracted from medical records and descriptive and survival curve analyses were conducted. Results: Among 581 participants in the sample, 42.5% had metastasis, and the most prevalent medical diagnosis was gastrointestinal cancer (29.1%). Fifty-one (8.7%) were followed by the palliative care team. The mortality rate during the 10 days in the sample was 10.8%, and the rate was higher (15.7%) among patients followed by the palliative care team. Conclusion: Patients with a performance status below 70% who were followed by the palliative care team had poorer clinical conditions and a shorter survival than those who were not followed up by the team.

O desempenho físico funcional reduzido antes da hospitalização prediz limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em pacientes não cirúrgicos de unidade de terapia intensiva / Reduced physical functional performance before hospitalization predicts life support limitations and mortality in nonsurgical intensive care unit patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se as escalas de desempenho físico funcional e a pergunta surpresa ("Eu ficaria surpreso se esse paciente morresse em 6 meses?") predizem limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em pacientes críticos não cirúrgicos. Metódos: Participaram desta coorte prospectiva 114 pacientes admitidos do serviço de emergência em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. O desempenho físico funcional foi avaliado pelo Palliative Prognostic Score, pela Escala de Desempenho de Karnofsky e pela escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Katz. Dois intensivistas responderam à pergunta surpresa. Resultados: Os escores de desempenho físico funcional propostos foram significativamente menores em pacientes com limitações de suporte de vida e naqueles que vieram a óbito durante a hospitalização. A resposta negativa à pergunta surpresa foi mais frequente no mesmo subgrupo de pacientes. A análise univariada ajustada mostrou aumento da razão de chances para limitações de suporte de vida e morte em relação à escala de Atividades de Vida Diária (1,35 [1,01 - 1,78] e 1,34 [1,0 - 1,79], respectivamente) e uma resposta negativa para a pergunta surpresa (42,35 [11,62 - 154,43] e 47,79 [11,41 - 200,25], respectivamente), com p < 0,05 para todos os resultados. Conclusão: Todas as escalas de desempenho físico funcional apresentaram escores mais baixos em não sobreviventes e em pacientes com limitações de suporte de vida. A redução da capacidade funcional prévia à internação e a resposta negativa à pergunta surpresa aumentaram as chances de limitações de suporte de vida e mortalidade em nossa coorte de pacientes não cirúrgicos da unidade de terapia intensiva com entrada no serviço de emergência.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether scales of physical functional performance and the surprise question ("Would I be surprised if this patient died in 6 months?") predict life support limitations and mortality in critically ill nonsurgical patients. Methods: We included 114 patients admitted from the Emergency Department to an intensive care unit in this prospective cohort. Physical functional performance was assessed by the Palliative Prognostic Score, Karnofsky Performance Status, and the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale. Two intensivists responded to the surprise question. Results: The proposed physical functional performance scores were significantly lower in patients with life support limitations and those who died during the hospital stay. A negative response to the surprise question was more frequent in the same subset of patients. Adjusted univariable analysis showed an increased odds ratio for life support limitations and death regarding the activities of daily living scale (1.35 [1.01 - 1.78] and 1.34 [1.0 - 1.79], respectively) and a negative response for the surprise question (42.35 [11.62 - 154.43] and 47.79 [11.41 - 200.25], respectively); with a p < 0.05 for all results. Conclusion: All physical functional performance scales showed lower scores in nonsurvivors and patients with life support limitations. The activities of daily living score and the surprise question increased the odds of life support limitations and mortality in our cohort of nonsurgical intensive care unit patients admitted from the Emergency Department.

Sobrevida e funcionalidade em idosos na atenção domiciliar / Survival and functionality in elderly in home care

Com o envelhecimento ocorrem complicações que afetam a funcionalidade e a independência dos indivíduos, muitas vezes sendo necessário o acompanhamento contínuo por profissionais da saúde, entre eles o fisioterapeuta. Diante disso, objetivou-se verificar a sobrevida, a funcionalidade e a ocorrência de comorbidades em indivíduos idosos acompanhados pelo serviço de Fisioterapia domiciliar. Um estudo com delineamento transversal foi realizado com 121participantes de um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar, utilizando a Karnofsky Performance Scale para verificar a funcionalidade, e o Índice de Comorbidades de Charlson para avaliar as multimorbidades. Constatou-se que aproximadamente metade dos participantes apresentou cronicidade funcional, com condição potencialmente incapacitante, com piora dos índices de funcionalidade em indivíduos que sofreram alguma intercorrência. Os resultados demonstraram também que o acesso à Fisioterapia aumentou a taxa de sobrevida dos idosos e que o acompanhamento fisioterapêutico mais frequente possibilitou que a funcionalidade se mantivesse.

With aging, there are complications affecting the functionality and independence of individuals, often requiring continuous monitoring by health professionals, including the physical therapist. The objective was to analyze survival, functionality and the occurrence of comorbidities in elderly individuals monitored by the home physical therapy service. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 participants from a home care service, using the Karnofsky Performance Scale to check functionality, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index to assess multimorbidity. It was found that approximately half of the participants evaluated had functional chronicity, with potentially disabling condition, with worsening of functionality indices in individuals who have suffered some complication. The results also demonstrated that access to physical therapy increased the survival rate of the elderly and that the more frequent physical therapy follow-up enabled the functionality to be maintained.

The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire-Revised (MQOL-R). Psychometric properties and validation of a Brazilian version on palliative care patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the psychometric properties, including internal consistency, construct validity, criterion validity, criterion-group validity, and responsiveness, the Reviewed McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL-R), into Brazilian Portuguese-(BrP). Also, to analyze the relationship of the BrP-MQOL-R with the scores on the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and on the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS 0-10). METHODS: The BrP-MQOL-R was administered to a sample of 146 adults (men = 78). A team of experts translated the MQOL-R according to international guidelines. Convergent validity and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. RESULTS: The BrP-MQOL-R Cronbach's alpha was 0.85. CFA supported the original four-factor structure, with the following revised model fit-indices: PCLOSE = 0.131, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) rho 2 = 0.918, incremental fit index (IFI) delta 2 = 0.936. The convergence validity is supported by a significant correlation between BrP-MQOL-R total scores and their subscales with KPS and with the single item related to the quality of life. And by a converse correlation with the pain scores in the NPS (0-10). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis showed subjects with KPS equal to or lower than 30% could be discriminated from those with scores on KPS higher than 30% by an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.71, sensitivity = 97%, and specificity = 92%). CONCLUSION: The BrP-MQOL-R proves to be a reliable instrument for assessing the quality of life (QOL) in palliative care (PC), with primary evidence of validity. BrP-MQOL-R presented adequate discriminate properties to identify distinct conditions that impact the QOL in PC.

Factores pronóstico de supervivencia en adultos por gliomas de alto grado en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Prognostic Factors And Survival Study In High-Grade Glioma In A Hospital In Lima, Peru

Introducción: Los Gliomas son tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central. Son clasificados del I-IV grado, siendo los de alto grado el III y IV los más frecuentes y de pobre pronostico. Objetivo: Determinar los factores pronósticos de supervivencia en pacientes por gliomas de alto grado en un hospital de Lima, Perú. Métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas con glioma de alto grado del 2010-2014, se analizaron diez variables; con graficas de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meiery Long-rank y el modelo de regresión de Cox. Resultados: De un total de 278 pacientes con gliomas de alto grado 136 fueron varones y 142 mujeres. El análisis de la Supervivencia Libre de Progresión(SLP) tuvo un rango de 5,6-80,3 (mediana 22,7) y el análisis de supervivencia global (PS) tuvo un rango de 4-83,2 (mediana 26,2) meses. La supervivencia global para el tumor de IV grado fue 15,7 meses (IC95% 14,2-17,1); el III grado fue de 38,4 meses (IC 95% 35,8-40,9). El grado (PS: HR 15; SLP: HR 25,1); el tratamiento quirúrgico (PS: HR 0,6; SLP: HR 0,49), edad (PS: HR 1,47; SLP: HR 1,7), tratamiento adyuvante(PS: HR 0,6; SLP: HR 0,58) y karnofsky (PS: HR 0,7) tuvieron correlación; mientras el Karnofsky para SLP no (P=0,146). Conclusión: La edad, el estado funcional, el tratamiento quirúrgico, el tratamiento adyuvante y el grado del tumor son factores pronósticos de PS; en contraste, para SLP los factores pronósticos fueron la edad, tratamiento quirúrgico, tratamiento adyuvante y el grado del tumor.

Introduction: Gliomas are primary tumors of the central nervous system. They are classifiedfrom grade I-IV, with high grade III and IV being the most frequent and with poor prognosis. Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of survival in patients with high-gradegliomas in a hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods: The medical records with high-grade gliomafrom 2010-2014 were retrospectively reviewed, ten variables were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Log Rank survival graphs and the Cox regression model. Results: Out of a total of278 patients with high-grade gliomas, 136 were men and 142 women. The analysis of Progression-Free Survival (SLP) had a range of 5.6-80.3 (median 22.7) and the analysis ofoverall survival (PS) had a range of 4-83.2 (median 26, 2 months. The overall survival for theIV grade tumor was 15.7 months (95% CI 14.2-17.1); the III degree was 38.4 months (95%CI 35.8-40.9). The grade (PS: HR 15; SLP: HR 25.1); surgical treatment (PS: HR 0.6; SLP:HR 0.49), age (PS: HR 1.47; SLP: HR 1.7), adjuvant treatment (PS: HR 0.6; SLP: HR 0 , 58)and karnofsky (PS: HR 0.7) were correlated; while the Karnofsky for SLP does not (P =0.146). Conclusion: age, functional status, surgical treatment, adjuvant treatment, and tumorgrade are prognostic factors for PS. In contrast, for SLP the prognostic factors were age,surgical treatment, adjuvant treatment, and tumor grade.

Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Oncológicos em Cuidados Paliativos / Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Oncological Patients in Palliative Care / Evaluación de la Calidad de Vida de los Pacientes Oncológicos en Atención Paliativa

Introdução: Os cuidados paliativos para pacientes oncológicos têm por finalidade promover a qualidade de vida por meio do controle de sinais e sintomas, melhoria do bem-estar físico, emocional, social e espiritual. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 21 pacientes internados em uma unidade de cuidados paliativos. Foram coletados dados sobre aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos, e utilizada a escala do European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15 PAL) para avaliação da qualidade de vida. Resultados: A média de saúde global foi de 60,32, sendo a qualidade de vida considerada satisfatória. Na escala de sintomas, os domínios mais afetados foram dor (52,38), constipação (46,03) e fadiga (42,86). A função emocional (37,30) mostrou-se pior do que a avaliação da função física (59,79). Houve relação significativa do tempo de diagnóstico com a qualidade de vida geral e a dispneia do performance status de Karnofsky(KPS) com o funcionamento físico, bem como da presença de metástase com dispneia. Conclusão: A qualidade de vida deve ser avaliada diariamente, visto que os cuidados paliativos consideram, além dos sintomas, o conforto do próprio paciente durante o estado de doença que ameaça à vida e as intervenções efetivas de cuidados, permitindo assim o direcionamento da atuação da equipe multiprofissional.

Introduction: Palliative care for cancer patients aims to promote quality of life, by controlling signs and symptoms, improving physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative approach study, conducted with 21 patients admitted to a palliative care unit. Data on sociodemographic and clinical aspects were collected, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15) PAL scale to assess quality of life. Results: The average global health was 60.32, with quality of life considered satisfactory. In the symptom scale, the most affected domains were pain (52.38), constipation (46.03) and fatigue (42.86). Emotional function (37.30) was assessed worse than physical function (59.79). There was a significant relationship between the time of diagnosis with the general quality of life and dyspnea, of Karnofsky(KPS) performance status, with physical functioning, and presence of metastasis with dyspnea. Conclusion: Quality of life should be assessed daily, as palliative care considers, in addition to symptoms, the patient's own comfort during a life-threatening illness and effective care interventions, helping the multiprofessional team to focus their action.

Introducción: Los cuidados paliativos para pacientes con cáncer tienen como objetivo promover la calidad de vida, controlando los signos y síntomas, mejorando el bienestar físico, emocional, social y espiritual. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer en cuidados paliativos. Método: Este es un enfoque descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo, realizado con 21 pacientes ingresados en una unidad de cuidados paliativos. Se recopilaron datos sobre aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos, utilizando la escala del European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15 PAL) para evaluar la calidad de vida. Resultados: La salud global promedio fue de 60.32, con calidad de vida considerada satisfactoria, en la escala de síntomas los dominios más afectados fueron dolor (52.38), estreñimiento (46.03) y fatiga (42.86). La función emocional (37.30) se evaluó peor que la función física (59.79). Hubo una relación significativa entre el momento del diagnóstico y la calidad de vida general y la disnea, del performance status de Karnofsky(KPS) con el funcionamiento físico, así como la presencia de metástasis con disnea. Conclusión: La calidad de vida debe evaluarse diariamente, como lo consideran los cuidados paliativos, además de los síntomas, así como la propia comodidad del paciente durante una enfermedad potencialmente mortal e intervenciones de atención efectivas, lo que permite la dirección del desempeño del equipo multiprofesional.

Uso da Escala de Karnofsky e Escala de Piper na avaliação de pacientes hemato-oncológicos internados em um hospital de grande porte: correlação entre fadiga e performance / Use for Karnofski Scale and Piper Scale to evaluate haemato-oncological hospitalized patients in larger size hospital: correlation between fatigue and performance

Introdução: A Fadiga relacionada ao câncer (FRC) é um sintoma comum e tratável que interfere em diversos aspectos da qualidade de vida¹. Essa fadiga caracteriza-se por uma sensação difusa e persistente de cansaço não aliviado com o repouso e estima-se que 60 a 90% dos pacientes apresentam fadiga (6). A alta ocorrência de fadiga pode comprometer a performance dos pacientes, e uma forma de avaliação é através do índice de Karnofsky que descreve os níveis crescentes de atividade e independência. Objetivo: Correlacionar o índice de fadiga através da Escala de Piper-Revisada com o nível de performance funcional através da Escala de Karnofsky em paciente com doença oncológica Métodos: ​Estudo de coorte observacional descritivo quantitativo, do qual participaram 40 indivíduos. O estudo foi desenvolvido em 2 fases: (1) primeira avaliação na internação; (2) segunda avaliação na alta Hospitalar. Os indivíduos foram avaliados aplicando o índice de Karnofsky e Escala de Fadiga de Piper-revisada. Resultados: Observamos na amostra, um aumento da fadiga na alta hospitalar quando comparada com a avaliação da admissão. Já na comparação entre fadiga e performance foi encontrada relação inversamente proporcional moderada significante, ou seja, quanto menor a fadiga, maior a performance do paciente. Demais variáveis foram sem significância. Conclusão: O índice de fadiga afeta diretamente o grau de performance de indivíduos com doença oncológica.(AU)

Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico / Effectiveness of neurolytic sympathetic plexus block in a descriptive case series of patients with oncological pain / Efetividade do bloqueio neurolítico simpático abdominal em uma série descritiva de casos em pacientes com dor oncológica

Introducción. El dolor es el principal síntoma que se presenta en el 40% de los pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento y en entre el 80% y el 85% de pacientes con la enfermedad avanzada. Dentro de las herramientas farmacológicas, los opioides son una opción con los consecuentes efectos secundarios, momento en el cual los procedimientos intervencionistas adquieren su importancia. El objetivo del artículo es mostrar el impacto sobre el control del dolor y la calidad de vida en paciente con dolor oncológico abdominal sometido a bloqueo celíaco o hipogástrica en un periodo de 3 meses, con el fin de generar conocimiento del tema en el área de la salud. Metodología. Se realizó una serie descriptiva de casos en un período de 3 meses. Se incluyeron 34 pacientes adultos con dolor abdominal de origen oncológico, con propuesta de bloqueo neurolítico de plexos celíacos o hipogástrico superior como método de control del dolor y se realizó un análisis de las variables en el programa estadístico IBM SPSS Versión 19. Resultados. Se encontró alivio del dolor en el 79.4% de los pacientes intervenidos al poco tiempo del procedimiento y de 33.3% a los 3 meses. No se encontró significante mejoría en la calidad de vida evaluada con el cuestionario SF-36. Conclusiones. Se encontró en este estudio que pacientes con índice de Karnofsky <50 tuvieron alta tasa de mortalidad posterior al bloqueo. La técnica de fenolización más radiofrecuencia podrían tener mejor respuesta terapéutica. Son necesarios más estudios para evaluar posibles asociaciones. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Introduction. Pain is the main symptom that occurs in 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment and between 80% and 85% of patients with advanced cancer. Out of the pharmacological tools, opioids are an option with secondary effects, which makes interventional procedures important. The objective of the article is to demonstrate the impact of celiac or hypogastric plexus block in a three-month period on the pain control and quality of life of patients with abdominal oncological pain in order to generate knowledge of this topic in the healthcare sector. Methodology. A descriptive case series was conducted in a three-month period. Thirtyfour adult patients with oncological abdominal pain with proposed celiac or superior hypogastric plexus block as a method of pain control were included and an analysis was conducted of the variables in the statistical program IBM SPSS Version 19. Results. Pain relief was found in 79.4% of the treated patients shortly after the procedure and in 33.3% of the treated patients after 3 months. No significant improvement was evidenced in the quality of life evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire. Conclussions. The study found that patients with a Karnofsky performance score of < 50 had a high mortality rate after the block. The technique of phenolization and radiofrequency could have a better therapeutic response. More studies are needed to assess possible associations. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Introdução. A dor é o principal sintoma que ocorre em 40% dos pacientes oncológicos em tratamento e entre 80% e 85% dos pacientes com a doença avançada. Dentro das ferramentas farmacológicas, os opióides são uma opção com consequentes efeitos colaterais, momento em que os procedimentos intervencionistas se tornam importantes. Objetivo. O objetivo do artigo é mostrar o impacto no controle da dor e na qualidade de vida em pacientes com dor oncológica abdominal submetido a bloqueio celíaco ou do plexo hipogástrico em um período de 3 meses, a fim de gerar conhecimento sobre o assunto na área da saúde. Métodos. Foi feita uma série descritiva de casos durante um período de 3 meses. Foram incluídos 34 pacientes adultos com dor abdominal de origem oncológica, com proposta de bloqueio neurolítico do plexo celíaco ou hipogástrico superior como método de controle da dor e a análise das variáveis foi realizada no programa SPSS statistic 19 IBM. Resultados. Observou-se alívio da dor em 79.4% dos pacientes operados logo após o procedimento e em 33.3% 3 meses depois. Não houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida avaliada com o questionário SF-36. Discussão. Encontrou-se neste estudo que pacientes com índice de Karnofsky > 50 apresentaram alta taxa de mortalidade após o bloqueio. A técnica de fenolização e a radiofrequência poderiam ter melhor resposta terapêutica. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar possíveis associações. Cómo citar. Jaimes J, Leotau MA, Rangel GW, Miranda N, García-Salazar N, Rangel-Vera JA. Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico simpático abdominal en una serie de casos descriptiva en pacientes con dolor oncológico. MedUNAB. 2019;22(3):330-340. doi: 10.29375/01237047.3337

Uso da Escala de Karnofsky e Escala de Piper na avaliação de pacientes hemato-oncológicos internados em um hospital de grande porte: correlação entre fadiga e performance / Use for Karnofski Scale and Piper Scale to evaluate haemato-oncological hospitalized patients in larger size hospital: correlation between fatigue and performance

Introdução: A Fadiga relacionada ao câncer (FRC) é um sintoma comum e tratável que interfere em diversos aspectos da qualidade de vida¹. Essa fadiga caracteriza-se por uma sensação difusa e persistente de cansaço não aliviado com o repouso e estima-se que 60 a 90% dos pacientes apresentam fadiga (6). A alta ocorrência de fadiga pode comprometer a performance dos pacientes, e uma forma de avaliação é através do índice de Karnofsky que descreve os níveis crescentes de atividade e independência. Objetivo: Correlacionar o índice de fadiga através da Escala de Piper-Revisada com o nível de performance funcional através da Escala de Karnofsky em paciente com doença oncológica Métodos: ​Estudo de coorte observacional descritivo quantitativo, do qual participaram 40 indivíduos. O estudo foi desenvolvido em 2 fases: (1) primeira avaliação na internação; (2) segunda avaliação na alta Hospitalar. Os indivíduos foram avaliados aplicando o índice de Karnofsky e Escala de Fadiga de Piper-revisada. Resultados: Observamos na amostra, um aumento da fadiga na alta hospitalar quando comparada com a avaliação da admissão. Já na comparação entre fadiga e performance foi encontrada relação inversamente proporcional moderada significante, ou seja, quanto menor a fadiga, maior a performance do paciente. Demais variáveis foram sem significância. Conclusão: O índice de fadiga afeta diretamente o grau de performance de indivíduos com doença oncológica.(AU)

The Comparative Treatment of Intraventricular Chemotherapy by Ommaya Reservoir vs. Lumbar Puncture in Patients With Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis.

Object: Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (LCM) represents a state of systemic malignant disease with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study is to compare overall survival (OS) between intraventricular chemotherapy through Ommaya reservoir (OR) and chemotherapy through lumbar puncture (LP) in LCM. Patients and Methods: Forty adult patients with LCM were included. All patients underwent lumbar puncture and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty patients received chemotherapy through LP and 10 undergone colocation of Ommaya reservoir for intraventricular chemotherapy. Results: The most common symptom was headache (Present in 50%). The cranial nerves most affected were VI and VII. Leptomeningeal enhancement was the most frequent finding in MRI. The OS in the LP group was 4 months and Ommaya group was 9.2 months (p = 0.0006; CI:1.8-3), with statistical differences in favor to Intraventricular treatment. Proportional hazard regression showed that receiving chemotherapy through Ommaya reservoir was a protective factor (Hazard ratio = 0.258, Standard Error = 0.112, p = 0.002 and 95% CI 0.110-0.606). Using KPS as a factor did not affect the hazard ratio of Ommaya reservoir itself. Conclusions: OS was significantly higher in patients with Ommaya reservoir in spite of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) previous to chemotherapy. Therefore, intraventricular chemotherapy should be preferred over lumbar puncture chemotherapy administration if there are resources available.

Impact of the Karnofsky Performance Status on Survival and its Dynamics During the Terminal Year of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Simple and low-cost tools to monitor the risk profile of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) at high risk of complications and mortality are scarce. One of the tools available to monitor the variation in vitality and dependence levels is the Karnofsky performance status (KPS). This study analyzed the average trends and variation of KPS during the 12 months before death and its independent value in predicting patients' survival. METHODS: The data were compiled from the BRAZPD II multicenter study, performed in Brazil between 2004 and 2011. For the analysis of KPS dynamics, we included patients with at least 12 months of follow-up on PD and who had a fatal event during the follow-up. The following covariables were evaluated: age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and presence of diabetes. We used the linear regression model to present the results: the log (time) before death was represented by the regression variable and KPS was the response. We also analyzed the independent impact of baseline KPS on patients' survival. RESULTS: From the population of 9,905 patients enrolled in the BRAZPD study, 4,133 survived 12 months on PD and were included in the analysis. There was a gradual decline in the KPS scores, which accelerated in the last 2 months before death. These changes were similar irrespective of age, race, family income, gender, diabetes, PD modality, and education level. We observed 989 fatal events in this population during the observation period, and the KPS score was identified as an independent predictor for mortality in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the dynamics of KPS before death in PD patients, indicating a progressive and accelerated decline of KPS in the 12 months before patients died. In addition, KPS was an independent predictor of mortality in this population.

Influência do Tempo de Internamento sobre a Força Muscular Respiratória e Nível Funcional de Adultos com Leucemia e Linfoma / Influence of Hospitalization Time about Respiratory Muscle Strength and Functional Level of Adults with Leukemia and Lymphoma / Influencia del Tiempo de Internamiento sobre la Fuerza Muscular Respiratoria y Nivel Funcional de Adultos con Leucemia y Linfoma

Introdução: As neoplasias hematológicas, leucemias e linfomas são patologias que afetam o sangue ou tecidos formadores dele. Durante o período de hospitalização, os pacientes podem desenvolver redução da capacidade funcional que pode interferir na sua função respiratória. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do tempo de internamento sobre a força muscular respiratória e o nível funcional de adultos com leucemia e linfoma. Método: Estudo observacional, com delineamento longitudinal e abordagem quantitativa, realizado na enfermaria onco-hematológica do Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos (Hupes). A avaliação da força muscular respiratória foi mensurada pelo manovacuômetro e a capacidade funcional pela escala de desempenho de Karnofsky (KPS). Resultados: No decorrer do tempo de internamento dos pacientes, houve uma diminuição da pressão expiratória máxima (PEM) (p=0,000), porém não foi observada diferença significativa na pressão inspiratória máxima (PIM) (p>0,05). Em relação à KPS, os pacientes apresentaram nível de funcionalidade de 70%. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que a PEM foi alterada durante o internamento, porém não houve modificação da PIM e da funcionalidade dos pacientes.

Introduction: Hematologic neoplasms, leukemias and lymphomas are pathologies that affect the blood or tissues that form it. During the hospitalization period patients may develop functional capacity reduction, which may interfere with their respiratory function. Objective: Evaluate the influence of hospitalization time about respiratory muscle strength and functional level of adults with leukemia and lymphoma. Method: Observational study, with longitudinal design and quantitative approach, performed at the onco-hematological ward of the University Hospital Complex Professor Edgard Santos (Hupes). The assessment of respiratory muscle strength was measured using the manovacuometer and functional capacity using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Results: During the hospitalization time, there was a decrease in the maximum expiratory pressure (PEM) (p=0.000), but no significant difference was observed in the maximum inspiratory pressure (PIM) (p>0.05). In relation to KPS, the patients presented functional level of 70%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PEM was altered during hospitalization, but there was no modification of the PIM and the functionality of the patients.

Introducción: Las neoplasias hematológicas, leucemias y linfomas son patologías que afectan a la sangre o tejidos formadores de él. Durante el período de hospitalización los pacientes pueden desarrollar una reducción de la capacidad functional, que puede interferer en su función respiratoria. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del tiempo de internamiento sobre la fuerza muscular respiratoria y nivel funcional de adultos con leucemia y linfoma. Método: Estudio observacional, con delineamiento longitudinal y el enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en la enfermería onco-hematológica del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Profesor Edgard Santos (Hupes). La evaluación de la fuerza muscular respiratoria se midió utilizando el manovacuómetro y la capacidad funcional utilizando la escala de rendimiento de Karnofsky (KPS). Resultados: En el transcurso del tiempo de internamiento de los pacientes, hubo una disminución de la presión espiratoria máxima (PEM) (p=0,000), pero no se observó diferencia significativa en la presión inspiratoria máxima (PIM) (p>0,05). En relación a KPS, los pacientes presentaron un nivel de funcionalidad del 70%. Conclusión: Este estudio demostró que la PEM fue alterada durante el internamiento, pero no hubo modificación de la PIM y de la funcionalidad de los pacientes.

Association of nutritional status and functional capacity in gastrointestinal cancer patients. / Cáncer del tracto digestivo: asociación entre el estado nutricional y la capacidad funcional.

Objective: To determine the nutritional status and its association with functional capacity in patients with digestive tract cancer. Methods: We retrospectively studied all adult patients hospitalized who were diagnosed as having a cancer of the digestive tract. Nutritional status and functional capacity were assessed. Descriptive statistic and odds ratio were used to determine the association in SPSS 14.0. Results: 57 patients were included, 96% had weight loss. Using subjective global assessment (SGA) as a method of screening, 82.5% of the patients were found malnutrition and by biochemical and immunological test 82% and 65% respectively. Functional capacity was assessed by Karnofsky index, finding that 75.5% of the patients have some activity limitation. Results show an association between malnutrition by SGA and limitation in functional capacity (c2 = 1.56; p = 0.212; OR: 2.46; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.581-10.465). In addition, we observe an association between the total lymphocyte count and limitation in functional capacity (χ2 = 6.94; p = 0.008; OR: 5.23; 95% CI: 1.441-19.025). Conclusions: Malnutrition in patients with digestive tract cancer was associated with limitation in functional capacity.

Ultrasonography During Surgery to Approach Cerebral Metastases: Effect on Karnofsky Index Scores and Tumor Volume.

BACKGROUND: The goals of treating a cerebral metastasis (CM) are to achieve local control of the disease and to improve patient quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of conventional surgery supported by intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to approach a CM. To perform this analysis, we determined the postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) scores and tumor resection grades. METHODS: Patients with a CM diagnosis were included in this study. Surgical treatment was either supported or not by IOUS. Pre- and postoperative KPS scores were determined by the oncology team, and cerebral tumor volume was estimated through pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The surgical team determined whether it was possible to perform a total CM resection. RESULTS: There were 78 patients treated using surgical management (35 with and 43 without IOUS). In the IOUS group, the postoperative KPS scores were higher (80 vs. 70, respectively; P = 0.045) and the KPS evolution was superior (P = 0.036), especially in the following subgroups: difficulty of tumor resection ranking score <4 (P = 0.037), tumor in an eloquent area (P = 0.043), tumor not associated with vessels or nerves (P = 0.007), and solitary lesions (P = 0.038). The residual tumor volume was lower in the IOUS group (9.5% and 1.6 mm3 vs. 30.8% and 9 mm3, respectively; P = 0.05). In patients with a KPS score ≥70, 62% of them had <10% residual tumors (76% in the IOUS group and 45% in the non-IOUS group; P = 0.032; odds ratio, 3.8). CONCLUSIONS: IOUS may improve postoperative KPS scores and decrease residual tumor volumes in CM surgeries. These findings should be confirmed in future studies.

Admission handgrip strength predicts functional decline in hospitalized patients.

PROBLEM: Up to 35% of hospitalized patients may experience functional decline during or after hospitalization. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and handgrip strength at admission, have been proposed as simple and accessible tools to predict functional decline, but there are few studies in hospitalized patients to confirm these findings. OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of handgrip strength at hospital admission, on functional decline after 30 days. METHODS: 125 non-critical patients hospitalized for medical and surgical conditions, were studied in El Pino hospital in Santiago, Chile. Upon admission, nutritional status was assessed by SGA, functional status through the Karnofsky index (KI), and handgrip strength by dynamometry. Change in functionality was assessed by the difference between KI at admission and 30 days later. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish associations between the variables at hospital admission, and subsequent functional decline. RESULTS: Thirty days post-hospital admission, 28.8% of the sample showed functional decline. In a multivariate analysis, only handgrip strength was associated with this decline (ß = -0.025, OR = 0.974 (CI 0.956-0.992), p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Handgrip strength upon hospital admission can be a useful independent and early method to predict deterioration of functional status during hospitalization.

Gliomas cerebrales en el adulto: Descripción de los hallazgos clínicos, patológicos y sobrevida a dos años en el Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín / Cerebral gliomas in the adult: Description of the clinical, pathological findings and two-year survival at Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital

Introducción: Los gliomas son los tumores malignos primarios más frecuentes en el cerebro. Los gliomas representan el 5% de los tumores en nuestro servicio de oncología y se asocian con una alta mortalidad. El objetivo fue describir los hallazgos clínicos, patológicos y la mortalidad a dos años en pacientes diagnosticados con gliomas. Materiales y métodos: Presentamos la experiencia de nuestra institución con este tipo de tumores, durante el período de enero de 2012 a diciembre del 2013. Describimos las características clínicas y los reportes histopatológicos. Empleamos análisis de supervivencia, Resultados: Estudiamos 42 pacientes con un promedio (DE) de edad de 50 (±16.6) años. Las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes fueron: cefalea, crisis convulsivas y hemiparesia (39 pacientes, 89%). De acuerdo a la clasificación OMS tuvimos un paciente grado I (2%); veinte y cinco, grado II (60); doce, grado III (29%); y cuatro, grado IV (10%). La mortalidad global a los 2 años fue del 57%. Pacientes con edades superiores a 40 años tuvieron peor pronóstico (p= 0,0002). Discusión: Las características demográficas, clínicas y de mortalidad coinciden con los reportes de la literatura. El glioblastoma fue menos frecuente que lo esperado y el pronóstico sigue siendo ominoso.

Introduction: Gliomas are among the most common primary brain malignant tumors. They are relatively infrequent lesions compared with others neoplasms, though, they are associated with both, high mortality and morbidity. The main objective was to define the rate of mortality and describe clinical manifestation in patients with glioma newly diagnosed. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review that assessed clinical manifestations, treatment and mortality at Carlos Andrade Marín hospital, Quito Ecuador, over a period going from January 2012 to December 2013. The study design was a case series. Results: We reported 42 patients with glioma newly diagnosed. Mean (SD) age was 50(±16.6) year-old. The most common symptoms reported on admission were headache, seizures and headache and hemiparesia. According to the WHO classification, we ha done (2%) patient grade I, 25 (60%) patients grade II, 12 (29% mortality rate at two yearse was 57%. Patients older than 40 y.o had worse prognosis (p=0.0002). Discusion: Clinical features do not differ from other published studies and the mortality was higher in patients with low-grade glioma with poor Karnofsky Performance Status Scale.

Comparação entre Escala de Performance de Karnofsky e Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Edmonton como determinantes na assistência paliativa / Comparison of Karnofsky Performance Status Scale and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale as determinants in Palliative Assistance

Objetivo: Confrontar a baixa capacidade física do paciente com o número de sintomas apresentados, identificando o melhor momento para iniciar a intervenção paliativa. Métodos: Estudo de coorte em uma enfermaria geral de clínica médica com busca ativa por pacientes que necessitariam de assistência paliativa, aplicando a Escala de Performance de Karnofsky e a Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Edmonton. Foram avaliados 98 pacientes, com, no mínimo, 48 horas de internação, no período de 22 a 31 de julho de 2015. Resultados: Dentre os pacientes que necessitavam de cuidados paliativos, 21% apresentavam Escala de Perfomance de Karnofsky de 100% (sem sinais ou queixas e sem evidência de doença) e possuíam uma quantidade superior a cinco sintomas de graduações altas que necessitariam de abordagem. Porém, quando a dependência era acentuada, com Escala de Perfomance de Karnofsky de 30% (extremamente incapacitado, necessitando de hospitalização, mas sem iminência de morte), os pacientes apresentavam quantidade inferior a cinco sintomas na Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Edmonton. Conclusão: Quanto maior o grau de independência, maior a quantidade de sintomas e mais expressivas foram as queixas. Seria vantajoso, para o paciente e seus familiares, uma assistência paliativa precoce; pois, se estes sintomas forem corretamente controlados, seria possível viver de uma forma mais digna. Já quando a dependência física é alta, os sintomas tenderam a ser menos expressivos, diminuindo as opções para atingir uma melhor qualidade de vida, justificando também a realização de uma abordagem paliativa logo após o diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To confront the patient's low physical capacity with their symptoms, identifying the best moment to iniciate palliative intervention. METHODS: Cohort study in a general clinic infirmary with active search of patients that require palliative assistance, through the application of Karnofsky Performance Status Scale and Edmonton Symptoms Assessment Scale. Ninetyeight patients with at least 48 hours of hospitalization were analyzed from July 22 to 31, 2015. RESULTS : Of the patients in need for palliative assistance, 21% had a 100% score in the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (no signs or complaints; no evidence of disease) and had more than five high-ranking symptoms that would require palliative approach. Nevertheless, when the symptoms were severe, presenting a 30% score in the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (extremely incapacitated in need for hospitalization, but no imminence of death), patients showed less than five symptoms in Edmonton Symptoms Assessment Scale. CONCLUSI ON: The greater the independency, the more symptoms and more expressive the complaints. An early palliative assistance would be beneficial for the patients and their family, because if those symptoms were correctly controlled, that would allow the patients to live a more decent life. However, when physical dependency is high, the symptoms tend to be less expressive, reducing the options to achieve a better quality of life, what warrants a palliative approach right after the diagnosis.