Nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento del cáncer de tiroides de bajo riesgo. Experiencia con la lobectomía tiroidea en una cohorte de 114 pacientes / New perspectives in the management of low-risk thyroid cancer. Experience with thyroid lobectomy in a cohort of 114 patients

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el tratamiento del carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) de bajo riesgo es aún motivo de discusión. En las últimas décadas se observó una migración hacia tratamientos personalizados acordes con las características de cada paciente y de cada tumor. Las guías de práctica vigentes habilitan la lobectomía en pacientes seleccionados, con bajo riesgo de recurrencia. Objetivo: describir los resultados en una cohorte de pacientes con CDT de bajo riesgo de recurrencia tratados con lobectomía tiroidea. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de una revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de 114 pacientes con CDT tratados con lobectomía tiroidea entre enero de 2015 y abril de 2023. Resultados: fueron operados 114 pacientes, con media de edad de 44 años ± 12; 90 (79%) fueron mujeres. La mediana del tamaño tumoral fue de 9,4 mm, RIC (rango intercuartílico 25-75% 7-13 mm), y 103 de los nódulos (90%) fueron ecográficamente sólidos. Solo 2 pacientes con invasión vascular mayor de 4 vasos requirieron completar la tiroidectomía total. No se registraron complicaciones de importancia, salvo una parálisis recurrencial transitoria. Con un seguimiento promedio de 33,4 meses, no se observaron recurrencias locorregionales ni a distancia en la población analizada. Conclusión: la lobectomía tiroidea en el tratamiento del CDT de bajo riesgo tuvo una baja morbilidad sin recurrencias en la serie presentada. La selección rigurosa de los pacientes y la interacción de un equipo multidisciplinario se consideran esenciales para la implementación exitosa de esta metodología terapéutica.

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is still a matter of debate. Over the past few decades, there has been a shift towards a more personalized approach, tailored to the individual risks of each patient and tumor. The current practice guidelines recommend lobectomy in selected patients, with low risk of recurrence. Objective: To describe the results of thyroid lobectomy in a cohort of patients with DTC with low risk of recurrence. Material and methods: We conducted a descriptive and observational study. The medical records of patients with DTC who underwent thyroid lobectomy between January 2015 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 114 patients were operated on; mean age was 44 ± 12 years and 90 (79%) were women. The median tumor size was 9.4 mm (IQR 25-75% 7-13 mm), and 103 nodules (90%) were solid on ultrasound. Only 2 patients with vascular invasion involving > 4 vessels required completion thyroidectomy. There were no major complications and only one patient developed temporary recurrent laryngeal palsy. There were no locoregional or distant recurrences during mean follow-up of 33.4 months. Conclusion: Thyroid lobectomy for low-risk DTC had low morbidity and no recurrences in the series presented. The rigorous selection of patients and the interaction of a multidisciplinary team are considered essential for the successful implementation of this therapeutic approach.

Development, content validation and standardization of an adult patient prioritization tool for hospital clinical pharmacy services.

BACKGROUND: Patient prioritization is a effective strategy to identify high risk patients for targeted Clinical Pharmacy Service (CPS) in hospital pharmacy. However, there is a paucity of patient prioritization tool to use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: Describe the development, content validation and standardization of an adult patient prioritization tool for hospital CPS named, PrioFarClinH. METHODS: The tool was developed using a stepwise design multi: Scoping Review to identify prioritization criteria/sub-criteria; Delphi technique to obtain consensus under the identified criteria/sub-criteria; Survey with pharmacists evaluating applicability of the criteria/sub-criteria obtained from Delphi; Definition of criteria/sub-criteria to be included in PrioFarClinH attribution of scores. Content validation was performed by a panel of experts evaluating relevance, feasibility, clarity and adequacy of the score. Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated. Standardization occurred through a retrospective observational study carried out at 24 and 72 h and median of the patient's hospital stay. An intragroup norm was performed, determining percentile ranks of the instrument's total scores. Patients with a P90 score were classified with a high level of prioritization for CPS. RESULTS: PrioFarClinH is divided into three sections, with prioritization criteria for health issues; therapeutic classes; laboratory parameters. It comprises 51 criteria with specific scores with simple total calculation. None of the criteria presented CVI <0.78, maintaining the items from the initial version of PrioFarClinH. The scores were adjusted per suggestions from the panel of judges. Data were collected from 393 patients. The P90 percentile in the three hospitalization stages (24 h, 72 h, and median) was found, respectively, in the following scores: 18.0, 20.0, and 22.6. CONCLUSIONS: PrioFarClinH is a comprehensive tool to target and to prioritize adults patients most likely to benefit from CPS. Evidence for adequate content validity was provided. However, further validation of this tool is necessary to establish tool performance.

Resultados del aislamiento eléctrico de las venas pulmonares en pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años / Outcomes of pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients younger than and older than 70 years

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: Comparar las características clínicas y los resultados de cohortes contemporáneas de pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años que han sido sometidos a ablación de fibrilación auricular (FA) mediante catéter. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a ablación con catéter debido a la presencia de FA refractaria. Se realizó un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses por paciente. Resultados: En el estudio se incluyeron un total de 239 pacientes sometidos a ablación de FA, de los cuales 171 (71,5%) pertenecían al grupo de edad < 70 años y 68 (28,5%) al grupo de edad > 70 años. La edad promedio de la población estudiada fue de 62,4 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 10,87). El grupo < 70 años presentó una edad promedio de 58,03 años (DE = 9,71), mientras que el grupo > 70 años tuvo una edad promedio de 73,4 años (DE = 3,05). Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de FA paroxística en el grupo de pacientes menores de 70 años, mientras que en el grupo de pacientes mayores de 70 años se encontró una mayor prevalencia de FA persistente. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas en ambos casos. Las tasas de recurrencia después del primer procedimiento de ablación fueron similares entre los dos grupos (21,43% en el grupo menor de 70 años frente a 23,53% en el grupo mayor de 70 años, p = 0,79). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a complicaciones. El grupo menor de 70 años experimentó 18 complicaciones, mientras que el grupo mayor de 70 años tuvo 5 complicaciones, con un valor de p de 0,472. Conclusión: Los pacientes mayores de 70 años sometidos al primer procedimiento de ablación de FA por catéter presentan resultados clínicos similares a los pacientes menores de 70 años.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of contemporary cohorts of patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), stratified by age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent catheter ablation for refractory AF. The minimum follow-up duration per patient was 12 months. Results: A total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 171 (71.5%) in the < 70 years group and 68 (28.5%) in the ≥ 70 years group. The mean age of the study population was 62.4 years (SD 10.87). The < 70 years group had a mean age of 58.03 years (SD 9.71), while the ≥ 70 years group had a mean age of 73.4 years (SD 3.05). Furthermore, a higher proportion of paroxysmal AF was observed in patients < 70 years, whereas a higher proportion of persistent AF was found in patients ≥ 70 years. These differences were statistically significant. The recurrence rates after the initial ablation procedure were similar between the two groups (21.43% in the < 70 years group vs. 23.53% in the ≥ 70 years group, p = 0.79). Additionally, there were no significant differences in terms of complications. The < 70 years group experienced 18 complications, while the ≥ 70 years group had 5 complications (p = 0.472). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that patients aged 70 years and older who undergo their first catheter ablation procedure for AF demonstrate similar clinical outcomes compared to patients younger than 70 years.

[Outcomes of pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients younger than and older than 70 years]. / Resultados del aislamiento eléctrico de las venas pulmonares en pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años.

Introduction and Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of contemporary cohorts of patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), stratified by age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent catheter ablation for refractory AF. The minimum follow-up duration per patient was 12 months. Results: A total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 171 (71.5%) in the < 70 years group and 68 (28.5%) in the ≥ 70 years group. The mean age of the study population was 62.4 years (SD 10.87). The < 70 years group had a mean age of 58.03 years (SD 9.71), while the ≥ 70 years group had a mean age of 73.4 years (SD 3.05). Furthermore, a higher proportion of paroxysmal AF was observed in patients < 70 years, whereas a higher proportion of persistent AF was found in patients ≥ 70 years. These differences were statistically significant. The recurrence rates after the initial ablation procedure were similar between the two groups (21.43% in the < 7 0 years group vs. 23.53% in the ≥ 70 years group, p = 0.79). Additionally, there were no significant differences in terms of complications. The < 70 years group experienced 18 complications, while the ≥ 70 years group had 5 complications (p = 0.472). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that patients aged 70 years and older who undergo their first catheter ablation procedure for AF demonstrate similar clinical outcomes compared to patients younger than 70 years.

Introducción y objetivos: Comparar las características clínicas y los resultados de cohortes contemporáneas de pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años que han sido sometidos a ablación de fibrilación auricular (FA) mediante catéter. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a ablación con catéter debido a la presencia de FA refractaria. Se realizó un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses por paciente. Resultados: En el estudio se incluyeron un total de 239 pacientes sometidos a ablación de FA, de los cuales 171 (71,5%) pertenecían al grupo de edad <70 años y 68 (28,5%) al grupo de edad >70 años. La edad promedio de la población estudiada fue de 62,4 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 10,87). El grupo <70 años presentó una edad promedio de 58,03 años (DE = 9,71), mientras que el grupo >70 años tuvo una edad promedio de 73,4 años (DE = 3,05). Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de FA paroxística en el grupo de pacientes menores de 70 años, mientras que en el grupo de pacientes mayores de 70 años se encontró una mayor prevalencia de FA persistente. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas en ambos casos. Las tasas de recurrencia después del primer procedimiento de ablación fueron similares entre los dos grupos (21,43% en el grupo menor de 70 años frente a 23,53% en el grupo mayor de 70 años, p = 0,79). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a complicaciones. El grupo menor de 70 años experimentó 18 complicaciones, mientras que el grupo mayor de 70 años tuvo 5 complicaciones, con un valor de p de 0,472. Conclusión: Los pacientes mayores de 70 años sometidos al primer procedimiento de ablación de FA por catéter presentan resultados clínicos similares a los pacientes menores de 70 años.

Professionals' and Patients' Perspectives on Criteria for Referring Hypertensive Patients to Comprehensive Medication Management Services in Public Primary Health Care.

Patient prioritization in comprehensive medication management services allows coordinating care and guiding patients according to their clinical profile and their medication use. The aim of the study is to identify and describe factors that indicate the need for comprehensive medication management services among primary care hypertension patients within a public health system from the perspective of patients, pharmacists, nurses and physicians. A qualitative study was carried out with interviews with nurses, pharmacists and physicians (n = 20), and two focus groups with hypertensive patients (n = 12) at primary health care facilities and a public outdoor fitness area between January and February 2019 in Brazil. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Atlas.ti® software. The data analysis revealed the following factors indicative of the need to refer hypertension patients to a pharmacist: lifestyle habits, comorbidities, health care utilization and medication use. The issues identified and the information obtained from the qualitative research and compared with literature studies reviewed allowed defining dimensions that should be considered as an aid in the selection of uncontrolled hypertensive patients for comprehensive medication management services.

Impact of stereotactic body radiation therapy volume on surgical patient selection, short-term survival, and long-term survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is increasingly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyze relationships between facility SBRT utilization and surgical patient selection and survival after surgery. METHODS: Data on patients with TI/T2N0M0 lesions and treatment facility characteristics were abstracted from the National Cancer Database, 2008 to 2017. Facilities were stratified using an SBRT/surgery ratio previously associated with short-term survival benefit for patients treated surgically, and by a previously identified surgical volume threshold. Multiple regression analyses, Cox proportional-hazard regressions, and Kaplan-Meier log rank test were employed. RESULTS: In total, 182,610 patients were included. Proportion of high SBRT:surgery ratio (≥17%) facilities increased from 118 (11.5%) to 558 (48.4%) over the study period. Patients undergoing surgery at high-SBRT facilities had comparable comorbidity scores and tumor sizes to those at low-SBRT facilities, and nonclinically significant differences in age, race, and insurance status. Among low-volume surgical facilities, treatment at a high SBRT-using facility was associated with decreased 30-day mortality (1.8% vs 1.4%, P < .001) and 90-day mortality (3.3% vs 2.6%, P < .001). At high-volume surgical facilities, no difference was observed. At 5 years, a survival advantage was identified for patients undergoing resection at facilities with high surgical volumes (hazard ratio, 0.91; confidence interval, 0.90-0.93 P < .001) but not at high SBRT-utilizing facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in short-term survival following resection at facilities with high-SBRT utilization may be attributable to low surgical volume facilities. Patients treated at high volume surgical facilities do not demonstrate differences in short-term or long-term survival based on facility SBRT utilization.

Consensus on the criteria for patient prioritization in hospital clinical pharmacy services: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Hospital pharmacists cannot provide extensive clinical pharmacy service to every inpatient because the demand for these services can exceed pharmacists' available work time. A way to solve this issue is hospital pharmacists to prioritize their clinical tasks. Tool prioritization could determine which patients would benefit from clinical pharmacists' input. AIM: Establishing consensus on which criteria are relevant for prioritizing patients for clinical pharmacy services. METHOD: The Delphi method was performed with criteria identified from a previously published Scoping Review. The panel of experts included hospital pharmacists, who evaluated the clinical significance of criteria in a three-round Delphi panel from July to December 2020. They determined the need for sub-criteria and evaluated their clinical significance. The experts also analyzed the criteria/sub-criteria as to their applicability in clinical practice. Consensus criteria were defined as 70% or more participants scoring the criteria as critical and 15% or fewer scoring the criteria as unimportant. RESULTS: A total of 19 criteria and 230 sub-criteria were included for evaluation by panel experts based on scoping review. Twenty-nine, 22, and 17 experts participated per round, respectively. After completing the three rounds, experts suggested the inclusion of one criterion, the exclusion of one criterion, and the inclusion of 29 sub-criteria. The final list consisted of 18 criteria and 177 sub-criteria, divided into 28 groups. CONCLUSION: The result was comprehensive and coherent, potentially contributing to developing an instrument for prioritizing hospitalized patients for clinical pharmacy services.

Imaging Assessment of Prognostic Parameters in Cases of Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Integrative Review / Avaliação de fatores prognósticos por métodos de imagem em casos de hérnia diafragmática congênita isolada: Revisão integrativa

Abstract Objective Antenatal recognition of severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may aid decisions regarding the indication of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion. Methods An integrative review was performed. Searches in MEDLINE and EMBASE used terms related to CDH, diagnosis, MRI, and US. The inclusion criteria were reviews and guidelines approaching US and MRI markers of severity of CDH published in English in the past 10 years. Results The search retrieved 712 studies, out of which 17 publications were included. The US parameters were stomach and liver positions, lung-to-head ratio (LHR), observed/expected LHR (o/e LHR), and quantitative lung index. The MRI parameters were total fetal lung volume (TFLV), observed/expected TFLV, relative fetal or percent predicted lung volumes, liver intrathoracic ratio, and modified McGoon index. None of the parameters was reported to be superior to the others. Conclusion The most mentioned parameters were o/e LHR, LHR, liver position, o/e TFLV, and TFLV.

Resumo Objetivo A identificação pré-natal de casos graves de hérnia diafragmática congênita (HDC) por ultrassonografia (US) e ressonância magnética (RM) pode ajudar a decidir sobre a indicação de oclusão traqueal endoscópica fetal. Métodos Uma revisão integrativa foi realizada pesquisando nas bases MEDLINE e EMBASE comtermos relativos a HDC, diagnóstico, RM, e US. Os critérios de inclusão foram revisões e diretrizes abordando marcadores ultrassonográficos e de ressonância para a gravidade de HDC publicados em inglês nos últimos 10 anos. Resultados Foram obtidos 712 estudos, dos quais 17 foram incluídos. Os parâmetros de US foram posições do estômago e do fígado, relação pulmão-cabeça (LHR, na sigla em inglês), LHR observada/esperada (o/e LHR), e índice pulmonar quantitativo (QLI, na sigla em inglês). Os parâmetros de RM foram volume pulmonar fetal total (TFLV, na sigla em inglês), o/e TFLV, volume pulmonar fetal relativo e porcentagem predita, razão do fígado intratorácico (LiTR, na sigla em inglês) e índice de McGoon modificado. Nenhum dos parâmetros foi mencionado como superior aos demais. Conclusão Os parâmetros mais citados foram o/e LHR, LHR, posição do fígado, o/e TFLV, e TFLV.

The Influence of Angle Alpha, Angle Kappa, and Optical Aberrations on Visual Outcomes after the Implantation of a High-Addition Trifocal IOL.

The aim of our investigation was to examine the possible correlations between optical aberrations, angle kappa, angle alpha, and visual outcomes following cataract surgery. In total, 56 eyes of 28 patients were implanted with the Liberty 677MY trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Pre- and postoperative higher-order aberrations, coma, astigmatism, angle alpha, and angle kappa were registered, along with uncorrected and corrected visual acuities at multiple distances. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity defocus curves were plotted, and the areas under the curve were calculated 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Excellent visual outcomes were found at all distances. Patients reported low levels of dysphotopsia, and 96.4% of patients achieved complete spectacle independence. While angle kappa significantly decreased during cataract surgery (p = 0.0007), angle alpha remained unchanged (p = 0.5158). Angle alpha correlated with postoperative HOAs and had a negative impact on near vision (p = 0.0543). Preoperative corneal HOA and coma had a strong adverse effect on future intermediate and near vision. Residual astigmatism significantly affected postoperative intermediate vision (p = 0.0091). Our results suggest that angle kappa is not an optimal predictive factor for future visual outcomes, while angle alpha and the preoperative screening of optical aberrations might help patient selection prior to multifocal IOL implantation.

Predictive genetic biomarkers in immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors improved the overall survival of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and changed the treatment since the last decade. The duration of response is longer than what is seen with chemotherapy or targeted agents; however, some patients have no benefit or even a progressive disease as best response. Immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy combinations are a very useful strategy, but defining precisely who will benefit most from immunotherapy is still a main question. Therefore, understanding the genetics of the tumor microenvironment is a way to determine new predictive biomarkers to replace the only one currently accepted, PD-L1 expression, whose application is surrounded by uncertainties.

Plain language summary Currently, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a crucial tool in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, but not all patients have an adequate response to this therapy, which is not free of side effects and may be difficult to access due to the costs involved; therefore, understanding who will benefit most from this therapy is essential. The biomarker most available nowadays (PD-L1 expression) is surrounded by limitations. An understanding of tumor genetics, in turn, represents a path with great potential to assist in patient selection, which is possible through assessing genomic peculiarities of the tumor.

Recrutamento, retenção, presença e adesão de um ensaio clínico aleatorizado para avaliar os efeitos do treino específico da tarefa em indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico / Selección, retención, asistencia y adherencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para evaluar los efectos del entrenamiento específico de tareas en sujetos pos-accidente cerebrovascular / Recruitment, retention, attendance, and adherence of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of task-specific training with individuals post stroke

RESUMO Indivíduos acometidos pelo acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) se beneficiam de diferentes estratégias terapêuticas que apresentam comprovação da eficácia por meio da condução de ensaios clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) bem delineados. Compreender as etapas do estudo pode auxiliar os pesquisadores na realização de futuros ensaios clínicos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o processo de recrutamento, retenção, presença e adesão na condução de um ECA realizado com indivíduos pós-AVE na fase crônica na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil, com o propósito de investigar a eficácia do treino específico da tarefa para membros superiores e inferiores na melhora do nível de atividade física e mobilidade. Nos resultados, foi observado que dos 674 potenciais participantes, não foi possível contatar 240; 384 não foram avaliados por não atenderem aos critérios de elegibilidade. Participaram da avaliação presencial 50 indivíduos e 14 não fizeram parte do estudo pelo mesmo motivo. Apenas 36 indivíduos iniciaram as intervenções (taxa de recrutamento de 5,3%). Uma taxa de retenção de 80,6% foi observada. Sete indivíduos abandonaram o estudo, principalmente por desinteresse pelas atividades. A taxa de presença foi de 80,9%, e o principal motivo para ausência nas sessões foi incompatibilidade de horário com as consultas médicas. A taxa de adesão foi de 82,7%, com 180 interrupções durante as sessões, sendo sair mais cedo o motivo mais comum. Esses resultados indicam algumas dificuldades no processo de condução do ECA com indivíduos na fase crônica do AVE envolvendo treino específico da tarefa. Apesar dessas dificuldades, a intervenção proposta pode ser considerada viável.

RESUMEN Las personas afectadas por accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) tienen a su disposición diferentes estrategias terapéuticas que muestran evidencia de eficacia a través de la realización de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) bien diseñados. Conocer las etapas del estudio puede ayudar a los investigadores a realizar futuros ensayos clínicos. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue describir el proceso de selección, retención, asistencia y adherencia de un ECA realizado con individuos post-ACV en fase crónica en la ciudad de Belo Horizonte (Brasil), para investigar la efectividad del entrenamiento específico de tareas para las extremidades superiores e inferiores en la mejora del nivel de actividad física y la movilidad. En los resultados se observó que, de los 674 potenciales participantes, no fue posible contactar a 240; y 384 no fueron evaluados por no cumplir con los criterios de elegibilidad. Cincuenta personas participaron en la evaluación presencial y 14 no formaron parte del estudio por la misma razón. Solo 36 personas empezaron las intervenciones (tasa de selección del 5,3%). Se observó una tasa de retención del 80,6%. Siete personas abandonaron el estudio, principalmente por falta de interés en las actividades. La tasa de asistencia fue del 80,9%, y el principal motivo de ausencia a las sesiones fue la incompatibilidad de horario con las citas médicas. La tasa de adherencia fue del 82,7%, con 180 interrupciones durante las sesiones, y la salida anticipada fue la razón más frecuente. Los resultados apuntan algunas dificultades en el proceso de realización del ECA con individuos en fase crónica del ACV con relación al entrenamiento específico de tarea. A pesar de esto, la intervención propuesta puede considerarse viable.

ABSTRACT Individuals who suffered stroke benefit from different therapeutic strategies whose efficacy has been proved by well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Understanding study steps may assist researchers in conducting future RCTs. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the process of recruitment, retention, attendance, and adherence in conducting RCTs with individuals in the chronic phase of stroke in the municipality of Belo Horizonte/MG/Brazil, with the purpose of investigating the efficacy of specific task training for both lower and upper limbs in improving patients' physical activity and mobility. Results showed that, of the 674 potential participants, it was impossible to contact 240 individuals and 384 were excluded from our sample for failing to meet eligibility criteria. In total, 50 individuals participated in clinical evaluations and 14 were excluded from the study for the same reason. Overall, 36 individuals started the interventions, a 5.3% recruitment rate. An 80.6% retention rate was observed. In total, seven individuals left the study, mainly due to lack of interest in the activities. We found an 80.9% attendance rate, and the main reason for missing medical appointments was incompatibility with treatment schedule. We also observed an 82.7% adherence rate. Of these, 180 interrupted sessions were mainly due to patients leaving early. These results indicate some difficulties found in conducting RCTs with individuals in the chronic phase of stroke, especially regarding specific task training. Despite these difficulties, the proposed intervention can be considered feasible.

Prioritization, patient selection, and multimodal perioperative management of colorectal cancer facing health-care system saturation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to analyze the usefulness of pre-operative COVID-19 screening to detect asymptomatic patients, the capability of our patient selection algorithm to detect patients with more advanced tumors and the results of colorectal cancer surgery managed with a multimodal approach. We propose the use of a preoperative patient selection algorithm to prioritize the surgical treatment of patients with worse oncological prognosis and lower perioperative risk in situations of health system saturation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive study including 71 patients operated on for colorectal cancer during COVID-19's high incidence period. A division was made into two periods of time that were later compared with the aim of assessing whether the scale used identified those patients with lower surgical risk and higher oncological priority for their priority scheduling. RESULTS: Post-operative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection occurred in one patient (1.4%). Pre-operative polymerase chain reaction detected one asymptomatic patient (3%). Tumor stage was ≥ IIIA in 39% and node positive in 39% of patients in the first period, while 26% and 21% in the second period, respectively (p = 0.320; p = 0.179), without increasing the surgical stay or complications. Median hospital stay was 5 days. Grades III and IV morbidity were 4.4% and 1.4%. CONCLUSION: The use of an algorithm and Patient Selection Scale can detect patients with more advanced tumors to be operated before. Multimodal management/ERAS have a role in achieving short stay and low morbidity.

OBJETIVO: El retraso terapéutico derivado de la saturación del Sistema sanitario conlleva un peor pronóstico oncológico y un aumento de complicaciones en el cáncer colorrectal. Proponemos el usode un algoritmo de selección de pacientes de forma preoperatoria para priorizar el tratamiento quirúrgico de los pacientes con peor pronóstico oncológico y menor riesgo perioperatorio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio descriptivo prospectivo de 71 pacientes intervenidos por cáncer colorrectal durante el periodo de máxima incidencia por COVID. Se realizó una división en dos periodos de tiempo que fueron comparados posteriormente con el objetivo de valorar si la escala utilizada conseguía identificar aquellos pacientes con menor riesgo quirúrgico y mayor prioridad oncológica para su programación prioritaria. RESULTADOS: Utilizando la escala de priorización de pacientes (PSS) observamos que el estadio tumoral fue mayor de IIIA en un 39% de los pacientes con un 39% de ganglios positivos en un primer periodo, frente a un 26% y 21% en un segundo periodo (p = 0.320; p = 0.179) de tiempo, sin aumentar la estancia operatoria ni las complicaciones. Se realizaron dos métodos de cribado de COVID-19 en dos periodos de tiempo, detectando un 3% de pacientes asintomáticos de forma preoperatoria con PCR, y documentando un 1.4% de infección por COVID postoperatoria. CONCLUSIONES: Ante la saturación del sistema sanitario, la utilización de protocolos y algoritmos para selección de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal puede ayudar a dar preferencia quirúrgica a aquellos casos que no deben ser demorados.

Intensive Care Unit prioritization: The impact of ICU bed availability on mortality in critically ill patients who requested ICU admission in court in a Brazilian cohort.

PURPOSE: To assess hospital mortality in patients who requested ICU admission in court due to the scarcity of ICU beds in the Brazilian public health system and the consequences of these judicial litigations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that included adult patients from the public health system of the Federal District, Brazil, who claimed ICU admission in court from January 2017 to December 2019. RESULTS: Of the 1752 patients, 1031 were admitted to ICU (58.8%). Hospital mortality was 61.1% (1071/1752). Of the requests, 768 (43.8%) were made by patients with priority levels III or IV, resulting in the ICU admission of 33.9% of these patients. Denial of ICU admission (p < 0.001) increased mortality. ICU admission reduced hospital mortality in patients classified as priority level I (p < 0.001), priority level II (p < 0.001), and priority level III (p < 0.001), but not as priority level IV (p = 0.619). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients was denied ICU admission and it was associated with an increased mortality. A considerable portion of the ICU-admitted patients were classified as priority level III and IV, impairing the ICU admission of patients with priority level I which are the ones with the greatest benefit from it.

Referral to immediate postoperative care in an intensive care unit from the perspective of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensive care physicians: a cross-sectional questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the high cost and insufficient offer, the request for Intensive Care (ICU) beds for postoperative recovery needs adequate criteria. Therefore, we studied the characteristics of patients referred to postoperative care at an ICU from the perspective of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensive care physicians. METHODS: A questionnaire on referrals to postoperative intensive care was applied to physicians at congresses in Brazil. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensive care physicians who agreed to fill out the questionnaire were included. The questionnaire consisted of hypothetical clinical scenarios and cases for participants to choose which would be the priority for referral to the ICU. RESULTS: 360 physicians participated in the study, with median time of 10 (5-18) years after graduation. Of the interviewees, 36.4% were anesthesiologists, 30.0% surgeons, and 33.6% intensive care physicians. We found that anesthesiologists were more conservative, and surgeons less conservative in ICU referrals. As to patients with risk of bleeding, 75.0% of the surgeons would refer them to the ICU, in contrast with 52.1% of the intensive care physicians, and 43.5% of the anesthesiologists (p < 0.001). As to elderly persons with limited reserve, 62.0% of the surgeons would refer them to the ICU, in contrast with 47.1% of the intensive care physicians, and 22.1% of the anesthesiologists (p < 0.001). As to patients with risk of respiratory complications, 64.5% of the surgeons would recommend the ICU, versus 43.0% of the intensive care physicians, and 32.1% of the anesthesiologists (p < 0.001). Intensive care physicians classified priorities better in indicating ICU, and the main risk indicator was the ASA physical status in all specialties (p < 0.001). There was no agreement among the specialties and surgeries on prioritizing post-operative intensive care. CONCLUSION: Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensive care physicians presented different perspectives on postoperative referral to the ICU.

Patient profiles as an aim to optimize selection in the second line setting: the role of aflibercept.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, it is recommended, as first-line treatment, chemotherapy (CT) based on doublet cytotoxic combinations of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). In addition to CT, biological (targeted agents) are indicated in the first-line treatment, unless contraindicated. In this context, most of mCRC patients are likely to progress and to change from first line to second line treatment when they develop resistance to first-line treatment options. It is in this second line setting where Aflibercept offers an alternative and effective therapeutic option, thought its specific mechanism of action for different patient's profile: RAS mutant, RAS wild-type (wt), BRAF mutant, potentially resectable and elderly patients. In this paper, a panel of experienced oncologists specialized in the management of mCRC experts have reviewed and selected scientific evidence focused on Aflibercept as an alternative treatment.

Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria en un Servicio de Cirugía General: cinco años de experiencia / Five-year experience with major ambulatory surgery in a department of general surgery

RESUMEN Antecedentes: como Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (CMA) se designan procedimientos quirúrgicos te rapéuticos o diagnósticos, realizados con anestesia general, locorregional o local, con sedación o sin ella, que requieren cuidados posoperatorios de corta duración, por lo que no necesitan ingreso hos pitalario. Objetivo: analizar la experiencia de la Unidad de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria integrada al Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Avellaneda, de San Miguel de Tucumán, en el período enero 2014- diciembre 2018. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, de asociación cruzada. Pacientes entre 14 y 75 años. Los datos fueron recolectados de una base prospectiva implementada desde el inicio de una experiencia piloto. Resultados: se realizaron 3827 intervenciones quirúrgicas, de las cuales 2327 fueron procedimientos quirúrgicos bajo la modalidad de CMA; 1514 correspondieron al sexo femenino; prevaleció el rango de 45 a 54 años de edad. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados fueron: colecistectomía laparoscópi ca, patología de la pared abdominal, patologías orificiales, procedimientos combinados. Indicadores de calidad: la tasa de cancelación, valor atribuible a la ausencia del paciente el día de la cirugía, y de suspensión, debido a la modalidad selección del paciente y de infraestructura, ambas tasas mostraron una disminución estadísticamente significativas entre los años 2014 y 2018. La tasa de reintervención fue en el último año de 0,35%; los ingresos y reingresos disminuyeron a 1,6% y 1,07%, respectivamen te al año 2018. Se presentaron 52 complicaciones, 13 mayores y 39 menores. El grado de satisfacción fue elevado: un 99,5%. Conclusión: la CMA es un proceso seguro, con tasas de complicaciones bajas.

ABSTRACT Background: Major ambulatory surgery is defined as therapeutic or diagnostic surgical procedures, performed under general, regional or local anesthesia, with or without sedation, which require short-term postoperative care, and therefore do not require hospital admission Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the experience of the same day unit integrated to the Department of General Surgery and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Hospital de Clínicas Pte. Avellaneda in San Miguel de Tucumán between January 2014 and December 2018. Material and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients between 14 and 75 years were included. Data were collected from a prospective database implemented for the beginning of a pilot experience. Results: A total of 3827 surgeries were performed; 2327 corresponded to MAS procedures; 1514 patients were women, and aged ranged between 45 and 54 years. The surgical procedures corresponded to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, abdominal wall defects, perianal diseases and combined procedures. Quality indicators: the cancellation rate, which indicates the percentage of patients who did not attend the day surgery unit, and the rate of procedures suspended due to issues associated with patient selection and infrastructure, showed a statistically significant reduction between 2014 and 2018. Unplanned repeated surgery rate was 0.35% in 2018, and unplanned admissions and readmissions decreased to 1.6% and 1.07%, respectively, in 2018. Major complications occurred in 13 patients and 39 patients presented minor complications. Patient's satisfaction was 99.5%.. Conclusion: MAS is a safe process, with low rate of complications.

The imperative for an updated cirrhosis surgical risk score.

The burden of cirrhosis is increasing, as is the need for surgeries in patients with cirrhosis. These patients have increased surgical risk relative to non-cirrhotic patients. Unfortunately, currently available cirrhosis surgical risk prediction tools are non-specific, poorly calibrated, limited in scope, and/or outdated. The Mayo score is the only dedicated tool to provide discrete post-operative mortality predictions for patients with cirrhosis, however it has several limitations. First, its single-center nature does not reflect institution-specific practices that may impact surgical risk. Second, it pre-dates major surgical changes that have changed the landscape of patient selection and surgical risk. Third, it has been shown to overestimate risk in external validation. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the score does not account for differences in risk based on surgery type. The clinical consequences of inaccurate prediction and risk overestimation are significant, as patients with otherwise acceptable risk may be denied elective surgical procedures, thereby increasing their future need for higher-risk emergent procedures. Confident evaluation of the risks and benefits of surgery in this growing population requires an updated, generalizable, and accurate cirrhosis surgical risk calculator that incorporates the type of surgery under consideration.

Patient Characteristics and Surgical Start Time Affect Length of Stay Following Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no consensus exists for selection criteria of appropriate candidates for outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study evaluates patient characteristics associated with same-day discharge, examined surgical start time's effect on rates of same-day discharge, and compares readmission and reoperation rates between groups. METHODS: All patients who underwent a THA by one surgeon at a single quaternary care hospital between February 2016 and May 2018 were captured. All patients were given the option for same-day discharge. Patient characteristics and perioperative variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 429 patients met inclusion criteria, 153 (36%) were discharged on the day of surgery. In a multivariate analysis, age (P = .000), multiple comorbidities (P = .004), and start time remained statistically significant (P = .000). Patients with start times prior to 9 AM had odds ratio of 11.56 of being discharged same day when compared to those with start times after 12 PM. Patients discharged the day of surgery were less likely to have a 90-day emergency room visit (P = .010), a readmission within 30 days (P = .001) or 90 days (P = .000), or a reoperation (0 vs 14, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge following THA is safe and feasible. Patient's age and number of comorbidities should be considered when developing selection criteria for same-day discharge programs. Patients selected for same-day discharge should receive earlier operating room start times.

Patient selection protocols for endoscopic transforaminal, interlaminar, and translaminar decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The indications of different endoscopic and endoscopically assisted translaminar approaches for lumbar spinal stenosis are not well-defined, and validated protocols for the use of the transforaminal over the interlaminar approach are lacking. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study employing an image-based patient stratification protocol of stenosis location (type I-central canal, type II-lateral recess, type III-foraminal, type IV-extraforaminal) and clinical outcomes on 249 patients consisting of 137 (55%) men and 112 (45%) women with an average age of 56.03±16.8 years who underwent endoscopic surgery for symptomatic spinal stenosis from January 2013 to February 2019. The average follow-up of 38.27±27.9 months. The primary clinical outcome measures were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and modified Macnab criteria. RESULTS: The frequency of stenosis configuration in decreasing order was as follows: type I-121/249; 48.6%, type III-104/249; 41.8%, type II-15/249; 6%, and type IV-9/249; 3.6%. The transforaminal approach (137/249; 55.0%) was used in most type II to IV lesions followed by the interlaminar approach (78/249; 31.3%), and the full endoscopic approach (12/249; 4.8%), and the endoscopically assisted translaminar approach (8/249; 3.2%) which was exclusively used for type I lesions. Macnab outcomes analysis showed Excellent in 47 patients (18.9%), Good in 178 (71.5%), Fair in 18 (7.2%) and Poor in 6 (2.4%), respectively. Paired two-tailed t-test showed statistically significant VAS (5.46±2.1; P<0.0001) and ODI (37.1±16.9; P<0.0001) reductions as a result of the endoscopic decompression surgery. Cross-tabulation of the Macnab outcomes versus the endoscopic approach and surgical technique confirmed beneficial association of the approach selection with Excellent (P=0.001) and Good (P<0.0001) outcomes with statistically significance. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in the hands of skilled endoscopic spines surgeon use of an image-based stenosis location protocol may contribute to obtaining Excellent and Good clinical outcomes in a high percentage (93%) of patients suffering from lumbar stenosis related radiculopathy. Additional comparative studies should examine the prognostic value of choosing the endoscopic approach on the basis of the proposed four-type stenosis protocol by correlating its impact on outcomes with preoperative diagnostic injections and intraoperative direct visualization of symptomatic pain generators under local anesthesia and sedation.