A machine learning approach identifies unresolving secondary pneumonia as a contributor to mortality in patients with severe pneumonia, including COVID-19

BackgroundPatients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia experience longer durations of critical illness yet similar mortality rates compared to patients with severe pneumonia secondary to other etiologies. As secondary bacterial infection is common in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, we hypothesized that unresolving ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) drives the apparent disconnect between length-of-stay and mortality rate among these patients. MethodsWe analyzed VAP in a prospective single-center observational study of 585 mechanically ventilated patients with suspected pneumonia, including 190 patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. We developed CarpeDiem, a novel machine learning approach based on the practice of daily ICU team rounds to identify clinical states for each of the 12,495 ICU patient-days in the cohort. We used the CarpeDiem approach to evaluate the effect of VAP and its resolution on clinical trajectories. FindingsPatients underwent a median [IQR] of 4 [2,7] transitions between 14 clinical states during their ICU stays. Clinical states were associated with differential hospital mortality. The long length-of-stay among patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was associated with prolonged stays in clinical states defined by severe respiratory failure and with a lower frequency of transitions between clinical states. In all patients, including those with COVID-19, unresolving VAP episodes were associated with transitions to unfavorable states and hospital mortality. InterpretationCarpeDiem offers a machine learning approach to examine the effect of VAP on clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest an underappreciated contribution of unresolving secondary bacterial pneumonia to outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia, including due to SARS-CoV-2. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=110 SRC="FIGDIR/small/22280118v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (13K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@27a00eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@17d2a80org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@716d8dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cf83ce_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG Graphical abstract Disentangling the contributions of ICU complications and interventions to ICU outcomes. (A) Traditional approaches evaluate the ICU stay as a black box with severity of illness measured on presentation and dichotomized survival at an arbitrary time point (e.g., day 28) or on ICU or hospital discharge. Hence, the effect of intercurrent complications and interventions cannot be easily measured, a problem that is compounded when ICU stays are long or significantly differ between groups. (B) Defining the ICU course by clinical features during each day in the ICU permits the association of a complication or intervention with transitions toward clinical states associated with favorable or unfavorable outcomes. C_FIG

The effect of eviction moratoriums on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Massive unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic could result in an eviction crisis in US cities. Here we model the effect of evictions on SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, simulating viral transmission within and among households in a theoretical metropolitan area. We recreate a range of urban epidemic trajectories and project the course of the epidemic under two counterfactual scenarios, one in which a strict moratorium on evictions is in place and enforced, and another in which evictions are allowed to resume at baseline or increased rates. We find, across scenarios, that evictions lead to significant increases in infections. Applying our model to Philadelphia using locally-specific parameters shows that the increase is especially profound in models that consider realistically heterogenous cities in which both evictions and contacts occur more frequently in poorer neighborhoods. Our results provide a basis to assess municipal eviction moratoria and show that policies to stem evictions are a warranted and important component of COVID-19 control.

Alveolitis in severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is driven by self-sustaining circuits between infected alveolar macrophages and T cells

Some patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) develop severe pneumonia and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [1]. Distinct clinical features in these patients have led to speculation that the immune response to virus in the SARS-CoV-2-infected alveolus differs from other types of pneumonia [2]. We collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 86 patients with SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory failure and 252 patients with known or suspected pneumonia from other pathogens and subjected them to flow cytometry and bulk transcriptomic profiling. We performed single cell RNA-Seq in 5 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples collected from patients with severe COVID-19 within 48 hours of intubation. In the majority of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at the onset of mechanical ventilation, the alveolar space is persistently enriched in alveolar macrophages and T cells without neutrophilia. Bulk and single cell transcriptomic profiling suggest SARS-CoV-2 infects alveolar macrophages that respond by recruiting T cells. These T cells release interferon-gamma to induce inflammatory cytokine release from alveolar macrophages and further promote T cell recruitment. Our results suggest SARS-CoV-2 causes a slowly unfolding, spatially-limited alveolitis in which alveolar macrophages harboring SARS-CoV-2 transcripts and T cells form a positive feedback loop that drives progressive alveolar inflammation. This manuscript is accompanied by an online resource: https://www.nupulmonary.org/covid-19/ One sentence summarySARS-CoV-2-infected alveolar macrophages form positive feedback loops with T cells in patients with severe COVID-19.

Reconstruction of Radioscaphocapitate Ligament in Treatment of Ulnar Translation.

Background This article measures the life quality, clinical, and functional outcomes of a patient who had undergone reconstruction of the radioscaphocapitate ligament (RSL), using brachioradialis tendon in the treatment of ulnar translation of the carpus. Case Description We present a 36-year-old man with ulnar translation in his left, nondominant wrist, after fall accident. Reconstruction of the RSL was performed. One year later, the patient experienced good evaluation. Wrist flexion was 70 degrees, extension was 60 degrees, radial deviation was 20 degrees, and ulnar deviation was 30 degrees. Forearm pronation was 85 degrees and supination was 90 degrees and digit motion was full. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 5, Visual Analog Scale of 0, and grip strength of 82% were obtained compared with the unaffected side. Wrist radiographic aspects showed radiocarpal joint congruency. The period of fixator treatment was 8 weeks. Good stability and joint congruency of the radiocarpal joint were obtained. Good radiographic, clinical, and functional results were obtained improving the quality of life of the patient. Literature Review The treatment of ulnar translation is difficult and complicated. There is no consensus to the overall management. As there is still a lack of long-term results, the indications for surgery, various surgical options, and the type of intervention have been a matter of controversy in the literature. Would radiocarpal joint be stable when reconstruction of the RSL using brachioradialis tendon was obtained? Is it possible to reduce an ulnar translation with this technique? Clinical Relevance We would like to suggest that the radiocarpal ligament reconstruction will improve the outcome. We believe that this technique will make the wrist more stable and functional. We agree that the best time to perform the corrections is early. The authors prefer to first reconstruct the RSL and then the radiocarpal ligament suture or radioscapholunate arthrodesis.

Arthroplasty of the distal ulna distal in managing patients with post-traumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint: measurement of quality of life / Artroplastia de ulna distal no manejo dos pacientes com distúrbios pós-traumáticos da articulação radioulnar distal: mensuração da qualidade de vida

To measure the quality of life and clinical-functional results from patients diagnosed with osteoarthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint who underwent surgical treatment using the technique of total arthroplasty of the ulna, with a total or partial Ascension(r) prosthesis of the distal ulna.METHODS:Ten patients were evaluated after 12 months of follow-up subsequent to total or partial arthroplasty of the distal ulna. All of them presented post-traumatic osteoarthrosis and/or chronic symptomatic instability of the distal radioulnar joint. The study was prospective. Seven patients had previously undergone wrist procedures (two cases with Darrach, three with Sauvé-Kapandji and two with ligament reconstruction of the fibrocartilage complex) and three presented fractures of the distal ulna that evolved with pain, instability and osteoarthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint. The following were assessed: quality of life (DASH scale); percentage degree of palm grip strength (kgf) and pronosupination range of motion in relation to the unaffected side; pain (VAS); return to work; subjective evaluation of radiography; and complications...

Mensurar a qualidade de vida e os resultados clínico-funcionais dos pacientes com diagnóstico de osteoartrose da radioulnar distal submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica de artroplastia total da ulna com a prótese total ou parcial Ascension(r)da ulna distal. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 10 pacientes com 12 meses de seguimento de artroplastia total ou parcial de ulna distal. Todos apresentavam osteoartrose pós-traumática e ou instabilidade crônica e sintomática da articulação radioulnar distal. O estudo foi prospectivo. Sete pacientes tinham procedimentos prévios no punho (2-darrach, 3-Sauvé-kapandji, 2-reconstruções ligamentares do complexo da fibrocartilagem) e três apresentaram fraturas da ulna distal que evoluíram com dor, instabilidade e osteoartrose da radioulnar distal. Foram analisados a qualidade de vida (DASH), a porcentagem do grau de força de preensão palmar (kgf) e o arco de movimento de pronossupinação em relação ao lado não afetado, a dor (VAS), o retorno ao trabalho e a avaliação subjetiva da radiografia e das complicações...

Experimental trial on surgical treatment for transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx: technique using intramedullary conical compression screw versus lateral compression plate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical parameters between two methods for stabilization through compression: 1.5 mm axial compression plate versus conical compression screw used as an intramedullary tutor. METHODS: Polyurethane models (Sawbone(®)) that simulated transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx were used. The models were divided into three groups: lateral plate, conical screw and no implant. RESULTS: Greater force was needed to result in fatigue in the synthesis using an intramedullary plate. Thus, this model was proven to be mechanically superior to the model with the lateral plate. CONCLUSION: Stabilization using the Acutrak(®) screw for treating fractures in the model used in this trial presents mechanical results that are statistically significantly superior to those from the axial compression technique using the lateral plate (Aptus Hand(®)).

OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros mecânicos entre dois métodos de estabilização por compressão: placa de compressão axial de 1,5 mm com o parafuso cônico de compressão usado como tutor intramedular. MÉTODOS: Foram usados modelos de poliuretano (Sawbone®) que simulam a fratura da falange proximal transversa, divididos em três grupos (placa lateral, parafuso cônico, sem implante). RESULTADOS: Há necessidade de uma maior força para resultar na fadiga da síntese com parafuso intramedular. Comprova-se, assim, a supremacia mecânica desse sobre o modelo com a placa lateral. CONCLUSÃO: A estabilização com o parafuso Acutrak®, no tratamento das fraturas no modelo adotado neste ensaio, apresenta resultados mecânicos superiores e estatisticamente significativos em comparação com a técnica de compressão axial com o uso da placa lateral (Aptus Hand ®).

Ensaio experimental para tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas transversas da falange proximal - Técnica com parafuso intramedular cônico de compressão versus placa de compressão lateral / Experimental trial on surgical treatment for transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx: technique using intramedullary conical compression screw versus lateral compression plate

Comparar os parâmetros mecânicos entre dois métodos de estabilização por com pressão: placa de compressão axial de 1,5 mm com o parafuso cônico de compressão usado como tutor intramedular. Métodos: Foram usados modelos de poliuretano (Sawbone(r)) que simulam a fratura da falange proximal transversa, divididos em três grupos (placa lateral, parafuso cônico, sem implante). Resultados: Há necessidade de uma maior força para resultar na fadiga da síntese com para fuso intramedular. Comprova-se, assim, a supremacia mecânica desse sobre o modelo com a placa lateral. Conclusão: A estabilização com o parafuso Acutrak(r), no tratamento das fraturas no modelo adotado neste ensaio, apresenta resultados mecânicos superiores e estatisticamente sig nificativos em comparacão com a técnica de compressão axial com o uso da placa lateral (Aptus Hand (r)).

To compare the mechanical parameters between two methods for stabilization through compression: 1.5 mm axial compression plate versus conical compression screw used as an intramedullary tutor. METHODS: Polyurethane models (Sawbone(r)) that simulated transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx were used. The models were divided into three groups: lateral plate, conical screw and no implant. RESULTS: Greater force was needed to result in fatigue in the synthesis using an intramedullary plate. Thus, this model was proven to be mechanically superior to the model with the lateral plate. CONCLUSION: Stabilization using the Acutrak(r) screw for treating fractures in the model used in this trial presents mechanical results that are statistically significantly superior to those from the axial compression technique using the lateral plate (Aptus Hand(r)).

Arthroplasty of the distal ulna distal in managing patients with post-traumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint: measurement of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the quality of life and clinical-functional results from patients diagnosed with osteoarthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint who underwent surgical treatment using the technique of total arthroplasty of the ulna, with a total or partial Ascension(®) prosthesis of the distal ulna. METHODS: Ten patients were evaluated after 12 months of follow-up subsequent to total or partial arthroplasty of the distal ulna. All of them presented post-traumatic osteoarthrosis and/or chronic symptomatic instability of the distal radioulnar joint. The study was prospective. Seven patients had previously undergone wrist procedures (two cases with Darrach, three with Sauvé-Kapandji and two with ligament reconstruction of the fibrocartilage complex) and three presented fractures of the distal ulna that evolved with pain, instability and osteoarthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint. The following were assessed: quality of life (DASH scale); percentage degree of palm grip strength (kgf) and pronosupination range of motion in relation to the unaffected side; pain (VAS); return to work; subjective evaluation of radiography; and complications. RESULTS: The patients presented a mean range of motion of 174.5° (normal side: 180°). Quality of life was analyzed by applying the DASH questionnaire and the mean value found was 5.9. The mean pain score using the VAS was 2.3. The mean degree of palm grip strength (kgf) was 50.7, which represented 90.7% of the strength on the unaffected side. The complication rate was 10%: this patient presented slight dorsal instability of the ulna and persistent pain, and did not return to work. This patient is still being followed up in the outpatient clinic and occupational therapy sector, with little improvement. He does not wish to undergo a new procedure. The mean length of follow-up was 16.8 months, with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 36 months. CONCLUSION: This concept is subject to the test of time. Implantation of a prosthesis is a very interesting addition to the surgical arsenal for those who are specialists in hand surgery. Arthroplasty of the distal ulna is a safe and effective method with clinical-functional and quality-of-life improvements for patients and presents a low complication rate.

OBJETIVO: Mensurar a qualidade de vida e os resultados clínico-funcionais dos pacientes com diagnóstico de osteoartrose da radioulnar distal submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica de artroplastia total da ulna com a prótese total ou parcial Ascension® da ulna distal. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 10 pacientes com 12 meses de seguimento de artroplastia total ou parcial de ulna distal. Todos apresentavam osteoartrose pós-traumática e ou instabilidade crônica e sintomática da articulação radioulnar distal. O estudo foi prospectivo. Sete pacientes tinham procedimentos prévios no punho (2-darrach, 3-Sauvé-kapandji, 2-reconstruções ligamentares do complexo da fibrocartilagem) e três apresentaram fraturas da ulna distal que evoluíram com dor, instabilidade e osteoartrose da radioulnar distal. Foram analisados a qualidade de vida (DASH), a porcentagem do grau de força de preensão palmar (kgf) e o arco de movimento de pronossupinação em relação ao lado não afetado, a dor (VAS), o retorno ao trabalho e a avaliação subjetiva da radiografia e das complicações. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram, em média, o arco de movimento de 174,5° e o lado normal 180°. A qualidade de vida foi analisada pela aplicação do questionário DASH e o valor médio encontrado foi 5,9. A avaliação da dor, com o uso da escala VAS, foi de 2,3, em média. O grau de força de preensão palmar (kgf) foi de 50,7, em média, o que representa 90,7% da força do lado não acometido. A taxa de complicações foi de 10%. Esse paciente apresentou discreta instabilidade dorsal da ulna, dor persistente e não retornou ao trabalho. Esse paciente segue no ambulatório e no setor de terapia ocupacional, com pouca melhoria. Não deseja fazer novo procedimento. O tempo de seguimento, em média, foi de 16,8 meses, com mínimo de 10 e máximo de 36 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Esse conceito está a teste do tempo. A implantação de uma prótese é uma adição muito interessante ao arsenal cirúrgico para aqueles que são especializados em cirurgia da mão. A artroplastia de ulna distal é um método seguro, eficaz, com melhoria clínico-funcional e da qualidade de vida dos pacientes e apresenta baixo índice de complicações.

Randomized clinical trial on percutaneous minimally invasive osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal extremity of the radius / Ensaio clínico randomizado de osteossíntese percutânea e minimamente invasiva das fraturas da extremidade distal do rádio

OBJECTIVES: the purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes with minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis using three implants: volar locking plate, intramedullary nail system and nonbridging external fixator for distal radius fractures. METHODS: forty-eight patients (A group, 16; B group 16; C group 16) underwent minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis of reductible and unstable displaced (Type IIB by Rayhack Classification) distal radius fractures. In B group intramedullary nail system was used, in A group the patients were treated with volar locking plate and in C group the patients were treated by nonbridging external fixator from January 2011 to December 2012. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. Radiologic parameters, range of motion, grip strength, and disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score were evaluated at each examination (3rd and 6th week, and 12th months). The visual analog scale of wrist pain and complications were assessed at the final follow-up. RESULTS: the groups did not differ significantly in radiological outcomes after 12 months, but the clinical results, VAS scale and dash score in group A (volar locking plate) and B (nail intramedullary) were statistically significantly better than that of C group (nonbridging external fixator). One patient underwent an osteosynthesis with nail intramedullary and another with external fixator (C group) developed persistent pain near the site of the superficial radial nerve because of the distal's screw and pins, respectively. CONCLUSION: in clinical parameters, significant differences in outcomes were found between groups A and B after six weeks versus C group...

OBJETIVOS: comparar o resultado clínico funcional dos pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura com desvio, redutível e instável da extremidade distal do rádio submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica de osteossíntese percutânea e minimamente invasiva com o uso de três tipos de implante: placa volar bloqueada, haste intramedular bloqueada e fixador externo. Comparar os resultados quanto à melhoria da qualidade de vida pelo questionário Dash e ao tempo de retorno ao trabalho. MÉTODOS: divididos em três grupos (A, placa - 16; B, haste - 16; C, fixador externo - 16), 48 pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da fratura da extremidade distal do rádio, redutível e instável, classificação Rayhack (Tipo IIB), pelo método minimamente invasivo, com três tipos de implante: haste intramedular bloqueada, placa volar bloqueada e fixador externo radio-radial. Estudo feito de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2012. O tempo de seguimento foi de 12 meses. Parâmetros radiográficos, dor (escala VAS), medida do arco de movimento, força de preensão palmar e o questionário Dash foram avaliados na terceira e sexta semana e no sexto mês de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: numa análise vertical dos valores apresentados, observamos uma melhoria estatística significativa em todos os parâmetros clínicos analisados no estudo, nos três grupos. Em relação à análise horizontal, ou seja, na comparação dos grupos entre si, não houve diferenças estatísticas significativas quanto aos parâmetros radiográficos após o 12° mês de seguimento. O grau de força de preensão palmar, a medida do arco de movimento, VAS e Dash apresentaram, na terceira e sexta semana de pós-operatório, valores estatísticos...

Diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler sonographic study of the ureteric jets in evaluation of hydronephrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Hydronephrosis (HN) and obstruction are closely associated, but upper urinary tract dilatation can occur without significant obstruction. Despite some pitfalls, conventional ultrasonography and diuretic renography (DR) are the main means of evaluation of HN in children. Recent reports have demonstrated color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) to reliably identify ureteric jets in the bladder. The aim of this study was to evaluate this method as a diagnostic tool to distinguish obstructive from non-obstructive dilatations of the upper tract. METHODS: We evaluated 51 patients (37 boys and 14 girls), aged 3 months to 14 years (median 4 years), who presented with unilateral grade III and IV hydronephrosis with suspicion of pyeloureteral junction obstruction. All patients underwent DR and evaluation of ureteric jets by transverse CDSG of the bladder within a maximum of 2 weeks. Obstruction was considered in the DR when the hydronephrotic unit showed a differential renal function of less than 40%, or when symptomatic intermittent renal colic was present in older children. The number of ureteric jets was counted over a 5-min period and the frequency calculated for each ureteral orifice. Relative jet frequency (RJF) was defined as frequency of the hydronephrotic side divided by total ureteric jet frequency. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plots were constructed to determine the best cut-off for RJF, in order to identify renal units with obstructive hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Twenty-three (45.1%) hydronephrotic units were considered obstructed. The mean RJF differed between obstructive (0.09+/-0.15) and non-obstructive hydronephrosis (0.42+/-0.11) (p<0.001). ROC analysis revealed that RJF <0.25 was the best threshold, and correctly discriminated obstruction in 91.2% of the children with a sensitivity of 87% (95% CI 78.6-98.2%) and specificity of 96.4% (95% CI 87.8-99%). The positive likelihood ratio was 24.3 and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: RJF <25% was found to be a good indicator of obstruction in children with unilateral hydronephrosis. CDUS evaluation of ureteric jets is an easy and non-invasive method that can be used as an initial diagnostic tool, and in follow-up cases, to differentiate obstructed from non-obstructed hydronephrosis in the pediatric population.

Quantificação digital da imunoexpressão de receptores adrenérgicos e terminações nervosas no detrusor de portadores da síndrome de prune belly / Digital quantification of the imunoexpression of adrenergic receptors and nervous terminations in the detrusor of patients with prune belly syndrome

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de prune belly (PBS) é caracterizada por uma tríade com flacidez da parede abdominal, criptorquidia bilateral e malformações do trato urinário que compreende bexiga de capacidade aumentada, com complacência elevada, hipossensibilidade, hipocontratilidade, com divertículo ou fístula uracal e resíduo pós-miccional elevado. Alguns autores recomendam tratamento clínico, porém outros propõe correção cirúrgica, com reconstrução da via urinária incluindo ureteroplastia e cistoplastia redutoras, orquidopexia e abdominoplastia. Mesmo após a cirurgia, alguns doentes necessitam de cateterismo limpo intermitente. A inervação vesical determina seu funcionamento, mediado por neuroreceptores na junção neuromuscular. Os adrenoreceptores a1 estão relacionados à contratilidade detrusora e o b3 ao seu relaxamento, e certas condições como obstrução infravesical levam à hiperexpressão de receptores a1. O objetivo da presente pesquisa é verificar se no detrusor de doentes com PBS há alteração na densidade de terminações nervosas, hiper ou hipoexpressão de receptores adrenérgicos a1a, a1b, a1d e b3 e proporção anormal dos tecidos muscular e conectivo. MÉTODO Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo de caso-controle que envolveu 14 espécimes de detrusor de doentes com PBS operados entre 1985 a 2005 no Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP. Dois grupos foram constituídos como controle: 13 fragmentos de bexiga de doentes submetidos à prostatectomia radical no Departamento de Urologia da Universidade de Mainz, com urodinâmica pré-operatória normal (GC1), e cinco fragmentos de bexiga de crianças submetidas à necrópsia no SVOC-USP, sem anomalias neurológicas e de trato urinário. A coloração de van Gieson foi realizada para análise da proporção músculo/tecido conectivo, e a reação imunohistoquímica para os anticorpos policlonais anti-proteína S100 e antiadrenoreceptores a1a, a1b, a1d e b3. A coloração castanho foi considerada evidência da expressão do adrenoreceptor...

INTRODUCTION: Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is charactherized by a triad of abdominal wall flaccidity, bilateral criptorchidism and urinary tract malformation, that includes a large-capacity bladder, with high detrusor compliance, low sensibility and contractility, associated to urachal diverticulum or fistula and elevated post void residual volumes. Some autors recommend clinical treatment, but others propose surgery correction, with urinary tract reconstruction, including reductive ureteroplasty and cystoplasty, orchidopexy and abdominoplasty. Even after surgery, some patients need intermittent catheterism. The detrusor innervation determines its function, mediated by neuroceptors at the neuromuscular junction. The a1 adrenoceptors are related to detrusor contractility and b3 to relaxation, and some conditions, like infravesical obstruction, lead to a1 adrenoceptor up-regulation. The objective of this work is to verify whether, in the detrusor from patients with PBS, there is altered nerve density, up or down-regulation of a1a, a1b, a1d and b3 adrenergic receptors and if there is an abnormal proportion between muscle and connective tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective case-control study was performed involving 14 detrusor specimens from patients with PBS, who underwent surgical treatment between 1985 an 2005 at University of São Paulo, Medical School Hospital. Two groups were taken as control: 13 bladder fragments from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Department of Urology of Mainz University, with normal urodynamic study prior to the surgery (GC1) and 5 bladder fragments from children submitted to autopsy at SVOC-USP, with no neurological or urinary tract malformation (GC2). Staining was performed using the van Gieson dye to analyse the proportion between muscle and connective tissue, and immunohistochemical reaction was employed, with polyclonal antibodies against S100 protein, as well as a1a, a1b, a1d and b3 adrenoceptors. Brown...